Retirement Cards!

Hello everyone!  Well, another school year is about to come to an end (only 18 school days left), and with it there are sometimes many changes.  Our school is "losing" two awesome teachers, as they begin their journey into retirement!  Now... I love my job... but, I can't help but feel a bit envious over their new freedom!  On another note one of the retiring teachers, Jan, is the one who sold me her "barely used" Cricut Explore Air!!!!  I am in love with the possibilities of this new machine, but also overwhelmed with how to use Design Space, etc.  I was so used to my Gypsy and my Cricut Expression that now it seems to take me forever to cut anything.  I know I'll get used to it, and I do love what this baby can do!  :)  Anywho, I was asked to make their retirement cards and these little beauties are what I came up with...  Hope you enjoy!

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge- anything goes
Pile it On- garden creatures
Fantabulous Cricut Challenge- things with wings
PDE Linky Party- anything goes
Through the Craft Room Door- anything goes
Crafty Calendar Challenge- things with wings

A7 sized card (went with this one because so many people needed to sign it)
Country Life- strawberry, flowers
Walk in My Garden- stems
Create a Critter- bee
Cuttlebug- swiss dots, wood grain
Peachy Keen Stamps- The Moodies Face Assortment
My Craft Spot stamps- Jar Basics (mason jar)
Scrappy Mom Stamps- Filled With Love
Stickles- star dust
Embossing powder/VersaMark Ink
Transparency film (for an overhead projector)

Everyone seems to really be enjoying these cards, and we can't wait to show them to our two retiring friends!  They will be missed, but we're excited for them!  :)  Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Card for Dad!

Hello everyone, and Happy Friday!!!!  I'm so glad that the weekend is finally here!  The arrival of May has brought some pretty HOT weather our direction...  It was over 90 degrees today!  But the arrival of May also brings my dad's birthday!  Today is officially his day and grandma calls him her "little May basket".  I always thought that was cute!  :)  Dad loves getting a homemade card from me, so I went to town on creating this little ol' thing!  I have a harder time making masculine cards, but I'm pretty pleased with this one.  :) 

Freshly Made Sketches- use the sketch, keep it fresh and clean
Seize the Birthday- birthday card, "extra toppings" create your own background
Through the Craft Room Door- Anything Goes

 

 

 

Jillibean Soup stamps- Birthday (sentiment and tag)

ColorBox ink- chestnut

Stamp n Stuff embossing powder- red tinsel

A la Mode sparkle embossing powder

Versamark Ink

Twine

Foam tape

Hope you enjoy!  Happy Birthday Dad!!!  :)

Thank You Card

Hey everyone!  Well I am officially on summer break now!  Woo hoo!!!!!!  It doesn't quite feel like it yet because I'm taking a class for the next two weeks, but it still feels nice!  :)  I am in desperate need of some thank you cards right now because I have had a lot of people helping me out lately...  I have decided to make the move from teaching 1st Grade to 2nd Grade!!!!  *biting off fingernails*  My principal was practically begging me, and I really love that grade level, so... I'm taking a leap of faith!  It was definitely not an easy decision, and it was quite bittersweet...  I'm ready for the change, but I didn't want to leave my comfort zone!  I shed a little tear when I left my old room for the last time...  Anywho, my friend Sarah will be the recipient of this card because she helped me pack up my old classroom, put everything away in my new room, and she's going to help me decorate the walls!  :)  AND this card meets the requirements of the new Krafty Girls challenge!  The challenge this week is:  Pinterest Inspired.  Make a card you were inspired to make by something you saw on Pinterest.  I think we can all safely say that Pinterest is addicting, and when I saw this card I knew I just had to make it myself!  Here we go...

Here was my inspiration... so cute!  I love the bakers twine wrapped around the letters!  This is from Weekly Scrapper.

Okay, here's what I came up with...

A2 sized card

Mini Monograms- scalloped circle cut at 5"

Doodletype- "thank" bold cut at 1.35", "you" cut at 1.24"

Bakers twine

A la Mode- sparkle embossing powder

Rhinestones

THANK YOU for stopping by, and I hope you'll join us over at Krafty Girls for the Pinterest inspired challenge!  :)

P.S.  Mom and Dad you will be getting a thank you card for all of your help too!

P.P.S.  Because of this challenge title, I can't get Chicago's "You're the Inspiration" out of my head now!  :)

Blast Off Rocket Card

Hello everyone!  This is my 200th post!  I can't believe I took such a long break from my blog, then I come back with two posts in a row, and one of them is the big 200!  :)  I have been very busy ever since school started back again...  I also met a nice guy, but the timing is not ideal!  I actually ended up meeting him 4 days before he left the country to go teach English!  We have been emailing back and forth, but I'm not sure if it will end up going anywhere...  Would be nice if it did!  :)  Anywho, it's another challenge day over at Fantabulous Cricut!  The challenge this week is:  Trains, Plains, and Automobiles- make a project with some sort of transportation. 

*I tried to get a picture that shows the shimmery background...

Everyday Paper Dolls- rocket cut at 4.29", UFO cut at 1.35"

Recollections- Robots stamp set

Stickles- star dust, orange peel

Glossy Accents

Embossing powder

MS ink

Glimmer mist



For this card I made my own background paper.  That is so fun to do!  :)  Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you'll join in the fun over at Fantabulous Cricut!

Mother's Day Butterfly Card

For the Teacher Gifts Blog Hop click HERE!

For the Fantabulous Cricut post click HERE!

Hello there everyone!  I am so excited that it's time for another challenge at Krafty Girls!  Yahoo!  The challenge this week is to create something for Mother's Day.  Believe it or not, I did not use the Cricut on this project!!!!!!  I know, I know...  It's shocking!  I like making my own patterned paper by stamping the image, embossing it, and then rubbing ink over the entire paper...  It's really fun, and I like the effect that it gives!  :) 

5" square card
Joy's Life Stamps- Everyday Occasions "happy", Holiday Occasions "Mother's Day"
Martha Stewart Butterfly Stamps
A la Mode- sparkle embossing powder
ColorBox Ink Pad- moss green
Black beading wire (for the antennas)
Prismacolor Pencils

That's it!  This card was super simple to make, and I hope you like it!  Be sure to stop by Krafty Girls and link up your beautiful Mother's Day projects!  :)

Teacher Gifts Blog Hop!!!!

Woo hoo!!!!  Welcome to the Joy's Life DT Teacher Gifts Blog Hop!!!!  If you just hopped here from the very talented Ashley, you're in the right place!

I am so excited about this blog hop because I am a teacher!!  I love seeing all of the little school themed goodies, and also love getting ideas for my co-workers!  Super fun!   I can't believe that the school year is almost over, and it's that time to start wrapping things up....  It's bittersweet!

I filled it with things I think are essential:  Post-It's, Anti-bacterial gel (oh yeah!), "clicky" pencils, and CHOCOLATE!!!!  :)  The teacher can also use the bucket to hold misc. items after the goodies are gone!

George and Basic Shapes- chalkboard: kraft layer cut at 2.88", black layer cut at 2.53"

Doodlecharms- apple cut at 1"

Joy's Life Stamps- Everyday Occasions (I LOVE this set!)

Glossy Accents

Polka dot ribbon

Twine

White embossing powder

***Okay, how about a little blog hop candy?!?!?!  I will be giving away a bunch of little school themed goodies/embellishments.  For a chance to win, just become a follower and leave a comment on this post...  Easy peasy lemon squeezy!!!

You're last stop on the hop is to head back over to Joy!  Hope you got some great ideas for the special teachers in your lives!  :)  Thanks for stopping by!!!  :)

Here's the order if you need it:

Joy: http://joyslife.com
Julie: http://www.cricutchick.com
Nina: http://waffleflower.com

Jennie: http://earthyscrap.blogspot.com

Patty: http://craftykitten1.blogspot.com
Sarabeth: http://www.chroniclesofsarita.blogspot.com

Stacey: http://staceyscreativecorner.blogspot.com

Susie: http://www.thedieshaveit.com
Laura: http://www.laurascraftsandmore.com

Lori: http://got2bcrafting.blogspot.com

Megan: http://thoughtsoftraveling.blogspot.com

Ashley: http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com

Amy: http://redheadedcrafter.blogspot.com

Joy: http://joyslife.com

St. Patrick's Day Blog Hop!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day & Top o' the mornin' to everyone!!!!  Welcome to the Joy's Life Design Team St. Patrick's Day Blog Hop (wow, that's a mouthfull)!!!!  :)  If you just hopped here from Ashley, then you are on the right track! 

Today I have a lucky, little Leprechaun card to share with you!  I used the Joy's Life "You're So Punny" Stamp set...  I LOVE this stamp set!!!  All of her stamp sets are amazing, but I have a soft spot for puns!  :)

 

 

Simply Charmed- pot of gold cut at 2.88", leprechaun cut at 3.35"

Joy's Life Stamps- You're So Punny

Peachy Keen Stamps- Retro Paper Doll Face Assortment

Stickles- star dust

Green embossing powder

****  Now, what would a blog hop be without some CANDY?!?!?!  I will be giving away a bit of treasure on this beautiful St. Patrick's Day...  Let's do a Michael's gift card!!!  For a chance to win, all you have to do is become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment on this post!  Easy enough, huh?!?! 

Okay, you're next stop on the hop is Jennie!  Thanks for stopping by!!!!  :)

Here's the blog hop order, in case you need it! 

Joy: http://joyslife.com/
Ashley: http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/
Amy: http://redheadedcrafter.blogspot.com/  <--------  You are here!  :)
Jennie: http://earthyscrap.blogspot.com/
Julie: http://www.cricutchick.com/
Laura: http://www.laurascraftsandmore.com/
Lori: http://got2bcrafting.blogspot.com/
Megan: http://thoughtsoftraveling.blogspot.com/
Nina: http://waffleflower.com/
Patty: http://craftykitten1.blogspot.com/
Sarabeth: http://www.chroniclesofsarita.blogspot.com/
Stacey: http://staceyscreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Susie: http://www.thedieshaveit.com/

Joy: http://joyslife.com/

Flower Box, Krafty Girls Challenge #3

Hello there everyone!  Today is a new challenge over at Krafty Girls!  I'm so excited to be on this Design Team, the challenges are so fun!  This week the challenge is Get Growing- create a project with a handmade flower on it...  I just bought the Flower Shoppe cartridge and I couldn't wait to use it on this project.  I was a bit confused as to how to size this flower, and how to put it together, but I think I figured it out...  :)  I would put candies in this box, or you could put a cupcake in there...  It's a pretty versatile box!  :)

Flower Shoppe- flower cut at 4.10"
Sweet Tooth Boxes- box and scalloped lid cut at 10.5"
Cuttlebug- birds and swirls
Hero Arts- Trees, Birds, & Messages Stamp Set (sentiment)
Stampendous- April Shower Flowers Stamp Set (flowers)
Clear embossing powder
Martha Stewart Ink- ocean
Prima Flower
Blingy brad
Ribbon
Twine

***I created my own paper for the box by stamping and heat embossing the flowers, then I rubbed the MS ink on it. 

Enjoy, and I hope to see you link up over at Krafty Girls!  :)

Snowman Birthday Card

Hello and Happy Wednesday everyone!  I am so excited that the work week is halfway over!  :)  I had a really difficult time making a snowman birthday card (not sure why)...  I actually like the way the card turned out, so I was glad that I challenged myself...  Making birthday cards makes me think about all of the birthdays that are coming up: my sister's, my niece's, and my *gulp* 30th birthday next month!!!  I am actually excited about turning 30, well...  we'll see how I feel about it next month!  Hee hee...  :)  Anywho, here is my take on a winter birthday card.

FCCB- use snowflake or snowman
My Craft Spot- "snow much fun" use a snowflake or snowman
Cuttlebug Spot- winter
Perfect Sentiments- birthday card using embossing resist
The Paper Variety- use a fan fold embellishment (I think these wrappers count)
She's a Sassy Lady- birthday card
Getting Cricky- let it snow, use embossing
Crafting for All Seasons- snowflake or snowman
Birthday Sundaes- use the photo for inspiration

A2 sized card

Winter Frolic- all snowmen cut at 2.29"

Sweet Treats- cupcake wrappers cut at 2.06"

Cuttlebug- seeing spots

Peachy Keen Stamps- winter face assortment

Sentiment, computer generated:  Curlz MT font at size 20

A la Mode- sparkle embossing powder
Cupcake and snowflake stamps

MS ink- ocean

Prismacolor pencils for the noses and cheeks

*I accordion folded the cupcake wrappers by scoring them on my MS scoring board and then folding them.  I attached tabs to them on my Gypsy by using a rectangle from George and Basic Shapes.  I was then able to fold the tabs behind the snowmen to keep them in their wrappers.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your week!  Bye y'all!!!  :)

White Snowflake Card

Hello everyone!  Hope you are all enjoying the new year so far!  :)  I have been so busy on my Christmas vacation that I have actually enjoyed the last two days of doing nothing!  This is my last week off and I just plan on relaxing, going to lunch a couple of days, hanging out, etc...  Last week I went to Disneyland and it was so packed that they were actually not selling tickets anymore!!!  I have never seen the park that busy!!!  Luckily we were able to get in because we had already gone in earlier that day and we had the "magical" hand stamp for re-entry....  Anywho, here is a card that I made to enter into some challenges...  YAY!  :)

My Craft Spot- Winter Wonderland & use glitter
Go Fish Challenge Blog- white on white (this was tough for me)
BBTB2- Winter Woodland ice skate
Victorine Stamps- use a punch
A Muse Studio Challenge Blog- use heat embossing
Exploring Cricut- winter scene or activity
Pile it On- anything goes
Ladybug Crafts- anything goes, use your new stash (my rhinestones)
Fresh Brewed Blog- use something new
Jellypark Challenges- use something new (rhinestones) and something old (MS punch)
Creative Cutter Room- use glitter/Stickles

Wild Card- scalloped card base cut at 4.88"
Winter Woodland- ice skate cut at 3.35"
Cuttlebug- swiss dots, snowflakes
Scrappy Moms Stamps- Winter Wishes
MS snowflake punch
a la mode sparkle embossing powder (used on the snowflakes & ice skate bow)
a la mode detail silver embossing powder (used on ice skate and sentiment)
MS glitter- crystal fine (I added this to the embossed snowflake background with a Zig glue pen)
Silver ink pad (I inked the edges of the ice skate)
Rhinestones
Pearl

Hope you enjoy and hope you have a wonderful day!  Thanks for stopping by!  :)

Halloween Greetings Card

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Hello and happy Saturday everyone!  I am so glad that it is the weekend!!!!  Woo hoo!!!!  This next week is going to be super busy for me because of Parent/Teacher conferences...  I would really like to start crafting and posting more, so hopefully I can after conferences are over!  :)  For today I have made a Halloween card to enter into a few challenges.  I have already mentioned that I love Halloween, so this card was very fun for me to make!  Hope you enjoy!

My Sheri Crafts- use stitching (real or faux)
Card Patterns- use the sketch
Lily Pad Cards- use bling
Crazy 4 Challenges- Halloween
Creative Cutter Room- Halloween- faux stitching, sticker (the bling is a sticker), ribbon (I used twine)

This is an A6 size card- 9" x 6 1/4" folded in half

Mini Monsters- monsters cut at 1.71"

My Creative Time stamps- All Around Halloween

K & Company paper- orange piece 3 1/2" x 4 1/2", green piece 4 1/4" x 6"

Martha Stewart border punch

1.5" Circle punch

Rhinestones

Twine from The Twinery

White embossing powder (a la mode)

White gel pen

Hope you have a SPOOK-tacular day!!!  :)

Hello Kitty Air Mail

Hello everyone!  The last few days have been really busy for me!  Yesterday my in-laws came over and it was really fun!  I hadn't seen them in a while, and it was nice to visit with them, see my niece and nephew, etc....  Today I went shopping at the teacher store and spent more money on my classroom!  There never seems to be a school year where I am not spending a lot of money on  my class!  Oh well, I really love it, so it's okay!  :)  Anywho I made this simple card to enter into a couple of challenges and I was just feeling the red, white, and blue vibes.....  I am also excited because I received my twine from My Craft Spot and I just had to use it!!!!  :)

M.A.G. Challenge by the Page- Hello Kitty pg. 65 only
Cricut 360- transportation
Woodware USA- stamped background
Getting Cricky- for the troops
Cricut Cardz- anything goes
Party Time Tuesdays- anything goes

A2 sized card
Hello Kitty Greetings cartridge- Kitty and her plane cut at 3.47"
Making Memories- Passport Stamp Set (used on background too)
A la Mode sparkle embossing powder
Versamark Ink
Twine
Stickles- Christmas red, yellow
White gel pen

There it is!  Hope you enjoy it!  :)  I also want to thank everyone for all of the nice comments you leave for me....  I read every single one of them and they make me so happy!  :)