Monday, February 28, 2011

Clean and Simple Monday

Life is slowly returning to some semblence of whatever "normal" used to be...is there really such a thing?  What is "normal" anyway?  If you know...please tell me.

At any rate, DH is out of town so that means I can eat when I'm hungry, shop with a friend without an eye on the clock, and not worry about preparing dinner daily.  I actually enjoy that part but a break now and then is delightful too.

I told you that I love the colors in the Jones Design Company giveaway post.  So when I saw the Featured Stamper challenge on SCS this week honoring Corie Foster, I knew right away what colors I wanted to use.  Here's the card I cased from Corie's gallery

                                        
Supplies:
Stamps - Papertrey Damask Designs, Simple Somethings
Paper - Neenah, SU
Ribbon - grosgrain


               

The SCS Clean and Simple Challenge is "Outdoors" .  Now there's a wide open field of ideas for you.  I always need card for guys and they're so hard sometimes. 

I decided to go one layer and grabbed a Fabriano notecard, some unmounted rubber and a Memento Tuxedo brown ink pad and done...I got those images in a grab bag years ago from Cornish Heritage Farms so I have no idea who made them.



Thanks much for dropping by...is your life "normal"?


                                                   
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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Let's Go for a Ride!

It's spring time here in the South...finally!  Warm sunshine, ocean breezes and growing things put me in a bicycle riding mood.  Perfect timing for this awesome set from The Cutting Cafe called "Let's go for a Ride"!  I chose a summery paper from DCWV Citrus Stack.  All of the saffron colored flowers have a just a bit of glitter on them.  Perfect match for the sun, the sea and things that grow.  

The cute set has tricycles, bicycles, unicycles, street scene, sentiments...everything you need for a sunny day!


Happy Sunday!

Supply List:
Paper - SU So Saffron, Turquoise, DCWV Citrus Pack
Ink - Copic markers
Accessories - Stickles, dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Ribbon


                                                           
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Friday, February 25, 2011

Jones Company

                                          

Lovely yumminess, right?  It's all being given away at the Jones Company.  Looks like some awesome stamping inspiration too. 
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Foodie Friday - Wish Big it's Red Velvet

 I promised you my recipe for the Red Velvet Cupcakes I made for DH to take to work last week.  I combined several recipes to come up with my own version which is light and delicious!  Some red velvet recipes I tested were too heavy for our tastes.  Just be sure not to over beat the batter after the flour is added or your cupcakes will be tough.  That's a good rule for any cake or muffin.

Edited to add:  I had a few questions about the cupcake in the jar.  Will try to answer them here. 

1.  Bake the cupcake with cupcake liners in muffin pans.  Baking w/o a liner can result in a too dark, too dry cupcake. 

2.  To place in the jar, just peel off the liner and split the cupcake across the middle - horizontally.  Fill and     frost as you would a cake.  Be sure the frosting is low enough so that it doesn't stick to the lid for a nicer presentation when opened.  I sprinkle on some fun decorations as well.

3.  Yes, I freeze the cupcakes in the jars.  When ready to give locally, thaw, then pop on your decorated lid.
    For mailing, I leave the cakes frozen.  Just pop on your decorated lid and wrap securely in bubble wrap.  
    Ship Priority Mail.  They will stay fresh in the jar for several days!


Red Velvet Cupcakes

2 c. sugar
8 oz. butter (1/2 lb.) room temperature
2 extra large eggs
4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
2 ounces red food color
2 1/2 c. cake flour
1/2 t. salt
1 c. buttermilk
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. baking soda
1 Tablespoon vinegar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line approx. 18 baking cups with paper liners.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.  Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.  Mix cocoa powder and food coloring together in a small bowl.  Add to sugar mixture; beat well.  

Sift flour and salt together.  (I use a large wire strainer)  Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.  Blend in the vanilla.  

In a small bowl, combine baking soda and vinegar.  Add to the batter. 

Using an ice cream scoop, scoop batter into the baking cups.  This should fill them about 3/4 full.  Bake 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Enjoy!!

 
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

There's No Time Like the Present....

This week's Featured Stamper on SCS is the awesome StampGroover.  I'm late to her party but hope there's still some cookies left.    I chose this card to CASE.  The rules say you need to change at least 3 things so here we go...I changed the colors, the border, I used bling instead of buttons and added another layer.  This card is for my DH who's leaving on a business trip soon.  I always hide a little love note in his suitcase.  ;-)   He said once that those little notes keep him coming home.  



I used the Cutting Cafe's Clock Background and a sentiment from the HUGE (77 stamps!) It's About Time printable stamp set. 

The inside is for his eyes only.  ;-D

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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Teapot Tuesday - Elegant?

Happy Teapot Tuesday!  Our assignment today was to create an "elegant" card for Lauren, an aspiring young actor who's had to put her career on hold due to some serious health issues.  You can find Lauren's info here if you'd like to send her a card. 

Our assignment today had "extra cookies" attached.  It's time for the "A Card A Me Awards"!!!  There's extra cookies for the Best and Worst Dressed.  Hmmmm.....I think I'm a shoo in for the Best Dressed award.  What do you think?  ;-D



Elegant, don't cha think?  Fancy Nancy has bling in her hair, on her dress, her shoes, her gloves, and her bag.
She's trying to catch the eye of Clancey who's doing the A Card A Me Award pickin'.  She even brought her own flowers so she'd be prepared to accept the award.

Here's the teapot my card was based on:


Happy Teapot Tuesday...come with us to the awards...you never know, extra cookies might be yours!!



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Monday, February 21, 2011

May Arts/Graphic 45 Week Sneak Peek

It's going to be a fun week of giveaways and great projects on the May Arts and Graphic 45 blogs!  Here's a
sneak peek at my project....so see the "rest of the story", head on over to the May Arts blog to see my Paris Album.  I'd love to know what you think!


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Sunday, February 20, 2011

Cutting Cafe Green Giveaway Winner

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

13

Timestamp: 2011-02-21 01:10:15 UTC


KSD Creations said...


Your image and coloring are fantastic. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful bit of inspiration.

                                                           February 18, 2011 9:19 AM


Thanks to everyone who played along...stayed tuned for another giveaway soon.


                                                          
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Sweet Nothings from May Arts

                                

Be still my heart...have you ever seen such a lovely group of romantic ribbon?  Wouldn't you love to HAVE it all?   Well, maybe you can...just head to the May Arts blog  and tell 'em what you want to see.  That's it!  Someone has to win it, right? 
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Friday, February 18, 2011

Foodie Friday - Cupcakes!!!

My DH won some major awards within his company so he's having a celebration for his employees.  They are a wonderful group of people.  He asked if I could make cupcakes...I said sure then asked how many...he said, "Oh, about a 100"!!   I should have asked the question first, huh?

I did this over 3 days...first the frostings  5 batches of Cream Cheese Frosting, 2 batches of Peanut Butter Frosting.  Yesterday, I baked all the cupcakes.  This morning, I did all the frosting since I don't have room to refrigerate that many cupcakes!

Here's the result:

Artwork on my wall compliments of my grandchildren.  :-)

Here's what I made,

Coconut Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

These are sooooo fabulous!  I will publish the recipe if anyone wants it.  (I thought I already did but couldn't find it.on my blog..geesh!)




Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting

I couldn't find my recipe so used Paula Deen's.  I was a tiny bit disappointed as they were a bit heavy for my taste but still good.  Of course, I found my recipe last night!


Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This is my own recipe.  I combined several to come up with my own which our family and friends love.  Will post the recipe later.


Chocolate Chocolate Chip with Peanut Butter Cream Frosting

This frosting is sooooo yummy I could eat it with a spoon!  (ok, I already have) 

Here they are all packaged up to go.  DH bought some containers from our local grocery store bakery.  They were perfect because the domed lids saved the frosting from being smooshed. 



Finally,  Happy Anniversary to our dear friends Renee and Russ!!  I made their card early, then didn't get it in the mail!   I used the Featured Stamper Challenge on SCS.  Willow01 aka Charlene (!) has a fabulous gallery.  Here's my case



Don't forget to stop by The Cutting Cafe today.  Regina has challenged the DT to create something Green and she's letting you reap the rewards at the end of the rainbow

Thanks for stopping by today...off to clean up the kitchen!

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Thursday, February 17, 2011

May Arts Ribbon Topiary

Happy Thursday everyone!  I have a super cute, quick and easy project for you over at the May Arts Blog
You can make this beautiful table centerpiece in under an hour...now where did you put those May Arts Ribbon scraps?
 
This project has been featured on Craft Gossip DIY Weddings.   Thanks, Kimberly!!


See you tomorrow...I've got  100 cupcakes to make for DH to take to work!  I made all the frosting today.  YUM!

                                                           
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

WOYWW? A Baby Shower Thank you!

I have no earthly idea what I'm going to do with this darling baby shower card from The Cutting Cafe's Baby Shower Thank you set but it was so adorable (and so quick and easy!!) that I couldn't resist.  Regina has designed it so that you can print out 2 cards per sheet of paper...with no coloring to do and only a quick cut and fold, a new mom can send out dozens of these economically and in no time flat.   I added just a bit of elegant May Arts silk ribbon (EA34), sewed on a cute button and finished.



 Now for a peek into my studio for  The Stamping Ground's What's on Your Workdesk #89 .  My work area isn't fit for human consumption so  I thought I'd give you a peek at my button storage.  I found the shelving unit at HomeGoods.  Love it.  In addition to the shelves, it has 3 nice drawers at the base.



Most of those little jars came from IKEA....great price and perfect for the buttons.  I had seen similar jars online for almost $5 EACH!!

Don't forget to comment here for the 4 Leaf Clover template from The Cutting Cafe and be sure to stop by the Cafe on Friday for the big Giveaway!!


                                                   
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Teapot Tuesday and May Arts Giveaway Winner!!

First up is Teapot Tuesday.  I'm so pumped!!  My card has been featured on the SCS Facebook Page.  Thanks so much!  I used a fun image from My Owl Barn.  Lots of fun owl inspiration there for you owl lovers.

I hope Marie (sister of SCSer PhilsMom) likes these high steppers dancin' under the spotlights.  You can read Marie's story here.  If you have time to send her a card, owl or not, I know she'd appreciate it.


Supplies: 
Image - My Owl Barn
Stamps - PTI
Paper - SU
Accessories -  printer, May Arts Glitter Ribbon, dimensionals, stick on gems, corner rounder


I had to share the Valentine my sweet DH made for me.  I will never cease to be amazed how he can go into my studio and come out 15 minutes later with sweetly adorable creations.  It takes me FOREVER.


And Now....drumroll please....the winner of my May Arts Ribbon Giveaway!

There were two lovely commenters who made the same guess that is closest to the amount.  I only have one prize so I have to give it the one who made the first closest guess.  There are 23 yards of gorgeous May Arts ribbons!  Congratulations to.......


 Darlene said...

Well I'm going to try 22.5. Thanks for your generosity.
Praying each day is better than the last for you.
January 27, 2011 9:22 AM

If I'm not contacted by Friday, Feb. 18th, then the next closest guess by Lorene will be awarded the ribbon.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to participate and leave a comment.  Don't forget to click the link on the right sidebar for your chance to win The Cutting Cafe Giveaway!


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Sunday, February 13, 2011

It's so easy being Green..

Poor Kermit, he would realize how easy is being green if you're this sweet little girl perched on a lucky green 4 Leaf Clover Shaped Card from The Cutting Cafe. 



He also doesn't know how easy it is to win this 4 Leaf Clover Shaped Card Template!!   Regina, at The Cutting Cafe  has said I can give this set away to one lucky winner. All you have to do is leave me a comment before Sunday, February 20th at 6:00 p.m.  

In addition, be sure to check out the Cafe site on the Friday, February 18th.  Regina will be giving away 3 of her awesome digi stamp sets just for leaving a comment...visit the rest of team member blogs featured on the 18th and you can win the sets the designers used as well.  


Someone tell Kermit, OK?

Supplies:
Card Template - The Cutting Cafe 4 Leaf Clover
Stamp - Pure Innocence 020 digi stamp
Ink - Copic markers
Accessories - embroidery floss, stick on gems, dimensionals, paper flower, Glue Arts adhesive squares,
Sakura glitter pen
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Saturday, February 12, 2011

It's ANOTHER May Arts/Glue Arts Weekend Giveaway!!

May Arts/ Glue Arts Blog Week is winding down.  We've had so much fun!   But, wait...the fun isn't over!

We've got another fun giveaway for you!    This.....


AND this:


What do you have to do to win these yummy prizes? Comment, comment, comment!

We have shown you a lovely bundle of Valentine projects! Now, we want to hear from you. What kind of projects have you been making for Valentine's Day?

We don't need pictures (though they are always welcome)! Just post a comment on the May Arts blog and on our Facebook Page!


A winner will be posted on Monday....Valentine's Day of course! ;)
Have a very Crafty Weekend & Good luck!
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Thursday, February 10, 2011

Spin the Bottle Cutting Cafe Style and Shortbread Hearts

A quick and special treat just in time for Valentine's Day.  Just a few ingredients from your pantry will reward you with lots of hugs and kisses...guaranteed!


I wish you could bite into one of these melt in your mouth delicious little treats.  Creamy shortbread with just the slightest bit of crunch, dipped in dark chocolate...mmmmm.  Recipe at the end of this post.  You've got time...they're super easy!!

When you finish your cookie, you can play a little game of  Spin the Bottle, Cutting Cafe Style.  I didn't get to go to this kind of party as a teen (thanks, Mom!) but I've got a feeling this game from The Cutting Cafe's Fun with Valentine's Day is going to be alot more fun to play with DH. (more options! ;-D)



I used the Scalloped Circle Shaped Card as my base.  I also cut a circle using Words of Love Colored Set for the fun pink dotted circle base.  I printed the game dial on transparency.  It's not glued down so it spins as well as the dial.  Makes the game more interesting.  ;-D

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Hearts (I doubled this successfully)
(adapted from joy of baking)

2 c. all purpose flour
1/4 t. salt
1 c. unsalted butter at room temperature
1/2 c. confectioner's sugar
1 t. pure vanilla extract

8 oz. melting chocolate or chocolate chips (optional)

Whisk flour with the salt.  Set aside.

In bowl of electric mixer, beat the butter until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute).

Add the sugar and beat until smooth (about 2 minutes).

Beat in vanilla extract.  Gently stir in the flour mixture just until incorporated.  Flatten the dough into a round shape, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper (I use Silpat liners).

On a lightly floured surface roll dough into 1/4" thick circle.  Cut with desired cutters.  Place on baking sheet and chill for 15 minutes.  (this helps cookies hold shape when baked)

Cool completely on wire racks.  Melt chocolate and dip cookies, if desired. (oh yes!)  Place in refrigerator after dipped for about 10 minutes to firm chocolate.

Will keep in airtight container for about a week (not in my house) or they can be frozen (frozen cookies are good, too.)

Enjoy!

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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Happy Birthday Chrissie

Do you have a friend that no matter how long it's been since you've seen them or how far away you are, you can pick up the conversation as if you just talked yesterday?  That's how I feel about my friend, Chrissie.  We were next door neighbors for 8 wonderful years. We shared all those wonderful BFF times that come only when there is trust, respect and love between two good friends.  Times spent giggling when we got caught in a horrible downpour while training for a mini marathon...picking new puppies, one for each of us...encouraging each other during tough times...shopping, oh yes, the shopping.  Chrissie is the queen of shopping.  I'm a terrible shopper; but Chrissie...she's the best.  She knows just how long to leave a new dress in the closet before she wears it so that when her husband asks she can say, "I've had this thing forever".
 ;-D 

Her birthday is the day after Valentine's Day so when I saw this challenge at Off the Wall Craftiness Challenge #44 ( OTWC44) and the Make it Monday Go To Sentiment Challenge on Papertrey Ink, I knew immediately what I wanted to create.



Here's Kim's challenge photo:

Is this not luscious inspiraton?

Thanks so much for stopping by...I so appreciate your visits!


Supplies:

Stamps - Papertrey Ink Enjoy the Ride
                Everyday Classics
                Just the Ticket
                Up, up and away
                Simple Little Things
Ink - Pigment white, Versafine, Versamark
Accessories - Martha Stewart flowers, corner rounder
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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

WOYWW & A Blog Award

Well, it's Wednesday and that means that Julia over at the Stamping Ground wants to peek at what's on our workdesks. (WOYWW)  I've got a DT project on the creating table so thought I show you my cutting/embossing/storage unit this week.

This is the unit from IKEA (Varde) that nearly caused my poor DH to have a nervous breakdown.  It took 3 trips back to the store to get straight boards!  I do love this unit though!  Lots of storage as those drawers are both deep from front to back as well as a nice depth from top to bottom.  Wish it always looked this neat.

I alsojust received this sweet blog award from Beth at My Serendipity.  Beth is a talented scrapbooker as well as a crafty cardmaker.  She's pretty handy with a paint brush too as you can see in this post and she's pretty handy with her Cricut as you can see from this gorgeous Vintage Window creation.



I'm supposed to tell you 7 things about myself and then pass this award on to 15 other deserving bloggers.  That will be the hard part as you are all so talented!

Here we go:

1.  I LOVE Oreos with Double Stuff   (Yes, I know they're bad for you but I only buy them once a year.)
2.  I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers who are younger than I.
3.  I have been married for 41 (!) years and I still love my guy "like new".
4.  I love to grow things, particulary herbs and vegetables.
5.  Paper crafting and baking are my most favorite things to do. 
6.  I enjoy pulling weeds.  I know, it's sick but I don't have to think while I do it and the results are instant.
7.  Dessert is my favorite meal.  ;-)

Now for some awesome creative bloggers in no particular order:

  5.  Inking in Red

How's that for eye candy!?
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