Summer Swatch Tag

Hello everyone!  Our challenge at Joy's Life this week was to create a swatch tag.  I was quite frightened when I saw this challenge because I didn't even know what that was!  :)  But after doing some research, I discovered that it's kind of like a mini album made with paint swatches...  So...  I went down to Wal-Mart and picked out some FREE paint swatches in different shades of yellow and orange and made this little album!  It's pretty inexpensive, and I think it's cute...

Joy's Life Stamps- Pun in the Sun

Paint swatches from any store
Bind-it-All 1/2 inch wire
K & Company stickers

There it is!  Have a great day!  :)

Joy's Life Create Blog Hop!

Hello and welcome to the Joy's Life DT Create Blog Hop!  If you just came here from the very talented Nina, you are in the right place!  To start from the beginning click HERE. 

This is an exciting blog hop because we are featuring Joy's Life stamps AND Cri-Kit pens!!!  :)  I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to pull off using the pens, but I really LOVE them!  I used them last week on some Halloween cards that I will hand out to my friends and family.  They're sooo easy to use!  Here's what I made with them today...

A2 sized card

Doodlecharms- popsicle drawn at 3.71"

Joy's Life Stamps- Sweet Popsicle Puns

Cri-Kit Pens- metallic

Stickles- star dust

Twine

***How about a little blog candy????  I will be giving away a Joy's Life stamp set of your choice!!!  For a chance to win, just become a follower and leave a comment here.  For an extra chance to win, follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment here.

Okay, you're next stop on this hop is the awesome Jennie!  :)

Here's the order:

Joy: http://joyslife.com

Lori: http://got2bcrafting.blogspot.com

Laura: http://www.laurascraftsandmore.com

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

Jeannie: http://www.polkacabana.wordpress.com

Nina: http://waffleflower.com

Amy: http://redheadedcrafter.blogspot.com

Jennie: http://earthyscrap.blogspot.com

Patty: http://craftykitten1.blogspot.com

Maria: http://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com

Ashley: http://marklandandmain.blogspot.com

Cyndy: http://arcyscraps.blogspot.com

Megan: http://thoughtsoftraveling.blogspot.com

Stacey: http://staceyscreativecorner.blogspot.com

Berry Best Strawberry Card

Hello out there!  Well, the first few days of school have gone pretty well!  I am so thankful that there were no major catastrophes the first day (especially at dismissal time)...  I didn't have any clingy parents, no crying students, and everyone made it home safely after school!  :)  WHEW!  I am also really having fun with my niece in my class!  She is so dang smart, it actually shocks me from time to time!  :)  Anywho, this week at Joy's Life we were asked to use an "oldie but goodie" stamp set.  I LOVE Yummy Puns, so I knew I wanted to use it on my project...

Country Life- strawberry cut at 4.88"
Tags, Bags, Boxes and More- tag cut at 2.41"
Joy's Life Stamps- Yummy Puns
Eyelet
Twine

I wish you the "berry best" day, and thanks for stopping by!  :)

Happy TIDEings Card

Hello everyone!  Today is another challenge over at Fantabulous Cricut!!!  The challenge this week is:  Jump in and Cool Off- water theme (pool, beach, waterpark, etc.)  I instantly thought of the beach when I saw this challenge!  I LOVE going to the beach!  This summer I was lucky enough to go camping there, and it was amazing!!!  This card features some snorkeling...  I have to admit, I have never been scuba diving or snorkeling before...  It sounds like fun, but I have just never tried it!  Every time I have goggles on they fill up with water, so it makes a bit nervous to take the plunge and go diving!  :)

Pack Your Bags- underwater scene and layers cut at 5.71"
Joy's Life Stamps- Pun in the Sun (love it!)

That's it!  This was a super simple card to put together...  Now head over to Fantabulous Cricut and show us your water themed project!!!!  :)

Yummy Sundae Card

Hello!  Well, my leg is still in pain and it's developing a humongous bruise under the scrapes!  I'm just trying to take it easy and not aggravate it any more than I have to (guess the housework will have to wait... hee hee)!  :)  Today is another challenge over at Fantabulous Cricut!!!  The challenge this week is:  Yummy Yummy- make a project with any type of summer dessert.  Everyone knows that ice cream is one of my favorite foods on this planet!  I will eat this stuff in the summer, in the winter, for breakfast, for dinner, etc....  So, naturally, I chose ice cream for my card!  :)

A2 sized card
Birthday Bash- sundae cut at 4.18"
Joy's Life Stamps- Yummy Puns
Action Wobble (these are so fun!)

Head on over to Fantabulous Cricut and link up your yummy creations!  :)

Have a Fintastic Day Card

Hey there everyone!  I have been so busy that I haven't been at home much at all!  Yesterday we had a very interesting day at the lake...  My dad and I fell into a concrete hole (the concrete collapsed like a sink hole while we were standing on it) and it scratched my leg up VERY badly!  Luckily, there was a very nice, cute park ranger that was able to help me with some first aid, but I'm tellin' ya my leg looks really bad!  It didn't really hurt when it happened, but now that the adrenaline has worn off... YIKES!  It was a really freaky accident, and I'm just happy that no one was hurt worse than they were!  :)  Well enough about that...  Today is another Joy's Life DT day and we were asked to use her new stamp set: Pun in the Sun.  I love puns, so this stamp set offers me lots of giggles and inspiration. 

Disney Princess Dreams Come True- Flounder cut at 4.09"
Create a Critter- flag cut at 3.25"
Joy's Life Stamps- Pun in the Sun

Well everyone, I hope your summer has been "fintastic" so far and that you are staying injury free!  Thanks for stopping by!

Super Cool Summer Card

Hello!  Hope everyone is enjoying this summer heat (I'm trying)!  The weekend here was actually quite enjoyable, but I know more yucky heat is heading this way!  I just try to stay inside of air conditioned dwellings during this time... :)  Sunday I went to the theater (one of my favorite places in the summer) and watched the movie "Brave" and today I am going to have lunch with some friends.  YAY!  This week at Joy's Life we were asked to make a project that uses summer colors: orange, yellow, and turquoise.  I just can't get mixed drinks out of my head right now...  Not sure why!  :)  I guess this could also be lemonade... Between yesterday's card and today's, I need to have a BBQ really soon!

 

A2 sized card

Pack Your Bags- drink cut at 5.82"

Cuttlebug- d'vine swirls

Joy's Life Stamps- Sweet Popsicle Puns

Patterned paper (I think mine is from Wal-Mart)

Ribbon

Puffy ball ribbon (not sure what to call it!)

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you're finding ways to stay "super cool" this summer!  :)

Well Done Steak Card

Hello!  I am loving my summer vacation!  I spent almost all of last week in Las Vegas!  I love going down to Fremont St. and watching the light show & free concerts (we even saw a bearded woman in a wedding dress)!  You really never know what's going to happen in Vegas!  :)  We also went to the Hoover Dam and walked across the bridge that spans the river...  It was really scary to look down from that high up, but I'm glad that I did it...  Of course, there was gambling involved too, among other things!  :)  It was a really great time and my parents are the best!  :)  Anywho, today is another challenge day over at Fantabulous Cricut!!!  The theme this week is: BBQ Time- create a project with a hamburger, hot dog, etc.  I don't know about you, but my favorite thing to have grilled is a juicy steak!  There is almost nothing better than a good ribeye steak cooked medium!  I'm getting very hungry just thinking about it!  So... when I saw this challenge, I had to include a steak on my card...  Here it is...  Try not to bite the screen!  :)

A2 sized card

Block Party- tongs cut at 5.12", steak cut at 3"

Joy's Life Stamps- Yummy Puns (they're back in stock)!!!

DCWV Photo Real Stack 3 (woodgrain paper)

Okay, now that I have made you all hungry, head on over to Fantabulous Cricut and link up your awesome BBQ projects!  :)

Bottoms Up Card

Hello everyone!  Today is another challenge over at Krafty Girls!  This week the challenge is:  Fun in the Sun- anything that reminds you of summer.  I've mentioned in a previous post that summer is not my favorite season, but it does have some things to offer...  I like the longer days, the BBQs, swimming, my vacation time, AND mixed drinks!  I do love a good margarita or pina colada every now and then!  That is what inspired my card today...  This drink just looks so good and so refreshing!  :) 

Pack Your Bags-  coconut drink cut at 5.71", Bottoms Up cut at 1.59"
Cuttlebug- forest branches

Easy peasy lemon squeezy!  :)  Hope you will head over to Krafty Girls and show us what summer inspires you to make! 

Fun in the Sun Blog Hop



Hello everyone and welcome to the Joy's Life DT Fun in the Sun Blog Hop!  If you just hopped here from Ashley you're in the right place!  If you want to start at the beginning click HERE... 

I have to admit that summer is not my favorite season...  I know, how could I say that!?!?!  The area where I live gets REALLY HOT during the summer and a lot of our days reach over 100 degrees!  However, I do love BBQs!  It is so fun to have people over and just eat, drink, and enjoy each other's company...  I have a really nice back yard and it does lend itself well to outside gatherings!  :)  I also really love to cook, and a BBQ is a nice way to have everyone over so I can do just that!

I decided that for my project I would make a BBQ invitation using one of Joy's new stamps!  This set will be available very soon, and I love it!  It's very punny (which is my fave), and it's all about summertime!  :)

Father's Day Cartridge- BBQ cut at 2.65"
Everyday Paper Dolls- grass cut at .79" (I welded it to a rectangle)
Cuttlebug- forest branches
Joy's Life Stamps- Pun in the Sun (coming soon!)
Twine

Okay, one last thing before you enjoy the rest of the hop!  I thought it would be great to share with you one of my favorite summertime recipes...  I make this salsa/dip/relish stuff for every BBQ, it's just so stinkin' good!  Trust me, you must make this at your next summertime gathering!  :)

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

(Combine all of these ingredients, stir together, and serve with tortilla chips)

2 cans drained black beans

1 bag frozen corn

1/2 c. olive oil

1/2 c. vegetable oil

1 c. vinegar (I use a combo of seasoned rice vinegar & white)

1 bunch of cilantro, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

Salt & pepper to taste

Avocado, diced  

Okay everyone,  you're next stop on the hop is Maria!  :)

Here's the line-up:
Joy: www.joyslife.com/
Laura: www.laurascraftsandmore.com/
Jennie: www.earthyscrap.blogspot.com/
Cyndy: www.arcyscraps.blogspot.com/
Megan: www.thoughtsoftraveling.blogspot.com/
Lori: www.got2bcrafting.blogspot.com/
Jeannie: www.polkacabana.wordpress.com/
Sarabeth: www.chroniclesofsarita.blogspot.com/
Stacey: www.staceyscreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Ashley: www.marklandandmain.blogspot.com/
Amy: www.redheadedcrafter.blogspot.com/
Maria: www.joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/
Nina: www.waffleflower.com/
Patty: www.craftykitten1.blogspot.com/

Here's what the new stamp set looks like!

Memorial Day Card

Hello and Happy Memorial Day!  I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend so far...  I have had a good weekend.  One thing that my family did was go to a local farm and pick blueberries (a ton of blueberries to be exact) and now I'm going to make some homemade blueberry scones!  Yummmmm....  I will post pictures and the recipe soon.  :)
It is my DT week over at Fantabulous Cricut!  Our challenge this week is Memorial Day:  Make a project using the color red plus anything that makes you think of Memorial Day (ie. a flag, military symbol, or poppy).  I love making patriotic projects!  I love this country, and I appreciate all of the military members and their families who have made so many sacrifices for our freedom!!!!  I haven't made any cards for Memorial Day in the past, but I just went in the direction that I would for any patriotic holiday.  This week I was lucky enough to be chosen to use some wonderful products from our sponsor, Wild Orchid Crafts.  They have amazing products, and I have already used them on another project which you can see HERE.

Independence Day- card base cut at 4.65", I *heart* USA cut at 2.76"
Paper poppies from Wild Orchid Crafts
White gel pen

Hope you enjoy my card and the rest of your holiday weekend!  Be sure to head over to Fantabulous Cricut and link up your awesome projects!  :)

That Bites Popsicle Card

Hello and Happy Mother's Day everyone!  I spent yesterday with all the special ladies in my life...  We did our celebrating a day early, but it doesn't matter!  :)  I have been a busy lady lately, and I can't wait until my summer vacation starts!!!  I went bowling again, and I had so much fun staying late and playing with a cute, nice guy!  :)  The only problem is, I can't read him at all...  I would love to hang out more, but bowling is over now, so....  Anywho, I made this card for my Joy's Life DT post.  The challenge was to create something with a sweet treat and glitter on it!  Well, I love sweets and I love glitter!!!  I didn't use the Cricut on this project either!!!!!!  I know...  I've lost my mind!  I do like how it has a CAS feel to it...

A2 sized card
Cuttlebug- polka dots
Joy's Life Stamps- Sweet Popsicle Puns (the popsicles and the sentiment)
MS crystal fine glitter
Foam tape

Well, that's it everyone!  Hope you are enjoying your weekend!  :)

Happy Trails Camper Card

Hello there!!!  I am so glad that you decided to stop by!  :)  Today is another challenge over at Fantabulous Cricut!!!  The challenge this week is On the Go- create a project with some sort of transportation (bike, car, scooter, etc.).  I was "on the go" on Saturday night!  My friend, her sister, and I went to Buck Owen's Crystal Palace, which is about an hour from where I live.  It was soooo fun!  This is the same place that I went to for my 30th birthday in February.  Let me tell ya, it's my kind of place!  They have dancing, a live band playing country music (all my favorite songs), and yummy food!  It is just a great time!  I can't really line dance very well (despite my stint as a "professional" line dancing kid), but it's still fun to get out on the floor and try!  :)  Oh, and one of the band members kept blinding us with his guitar shine on purpose (and he would giggle each time), so...  I told the girls "Let's put our sunglasses on the next time he does that", and we did and he couldn't stop laughing on that stage!  I'll post some pictures at the bottom of this post, take a peek if you'd like!  hee hee...

Birthday Bash- card base cut at 4.41", square cut at 4.76"

Pack Your Bags- car/camper cut at 1.47"

Scrappy Moms Stamps- Happy Camper

Foam tape (I popped up the square and the camper) 

**Now, as promised, here are the pictures of my little adventure...  Try as I may, I could not get rid of the red-eye on these pictures!!!!  Grrr.....

Me and my friend's sister, Rebekah.  That car (I think it's a Cadillac) is over the bar, and it's signed by a TON of famous country singers and such!  :)

 Look, he's such a gentleman, he's holding my purse!  :) 

My friend, Sarah, and I posing with Merle Haggard...

Me and George Strait!!!!  He's my favorite country singer....  I've always loved him!

Another one with George...  I just couldn't get enough of him!  :)

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you'll join us at Fantabulous Cricut!  :)

Use it Tuesday Guest Designer!!! :)

Hey everyone!  I am so excited that I was asked to be a Guest Designer over at Use it Tuesday!!!!  This is a really fun blog that challenges you to use hoarded crafting items you have in your stash...  I know I am notorious for buying paper packs, ribbon, bling, etc. and never using them!  This card uses a lot of hoarded items that I had never used before:  a new Cricut cartridge, DCWV paper, stamp, and ribbon!  I bought this DCWV paper pack because I love that it uses real photos, but it got pushed into the "paper pack pile" and never used....  I love the way the cartoonish die cut looks against the real horizon...  Anywho, here's the card...

Use it Tuesday- Indian summer & use a hoarded item
Cricut 360- refreshing
Paper Playtime- water
Scrappy Moms Stamps- Pack Your Bags cartridge

A2 sized card
Pack Your Bags cartridge- girl cut at 3"
Making Memories Passport stamp set
DCWV The Photo Real Stack 3
Ribbon
Corner rounder

I kept this card very simple... Hope you enjoy!  :)