May Arts / Lawn Fawn Blog Hop

May Arts and Lawn Fawn are celebrating another week of fun inspiration and giveaways.

Summer's in full swing but it will be back to school time before we know it!

I started thinking ahead with a cute pencil box for those brand new pencils.  Going back to school is much more fun when the munchkins have fun things to take to school with them.

Isn't this fun?  I think I'm addicted to this May Arts Orange Wired Chevron.  I just love the bright color and how easy it is to work with.   I used a cut file from the Cutting Café (it comes in PDF form if you don't have an electronic cutter) for the box. 

After that, it was all fun with pretty papers from Lawn Fawn's Dewey Decimal Collection and Lucky Stars Stamp set.

 

The paper didn't have any stars on it, so I just grabbed my favorite Hero Arts Chalk Ink pads and added some using the star stamps in the Lucky Stars set.

 

 

To create my shooting stars, I stapled three pieces of May Arts Wired Chevron together, then wound them around a pencil.  I die cut some stars with Spellbinders dies then covered them with Stickles.  A bit hot glue holds them securely to the ribbon.

 

 

A strip of the May Arts Wired Chevron atttached with Scor-Tape adds bold color and texture to the box sides and top.

I hope you've enjoyed my project. 

Supplies:

May Arts Ribbon - Wired Chevron 443-58-28
Lawn Fawn - Dewey Decimal Paper Collection and Lucky Stars Stamps

Partners in Craft - Hero Arts Chalk Ink; Spellbinders Stars dies; Scor-Tape

Other - Cardstock - Papertrey Ink; Stampin'Up, The Cutting Café (pencil box cut file)

There will be 2 Giveaways for this hop...one between Monday and Friday and another between Friday - Monday.

Each giveaway will be for 3 spools of  May Arts ribbon (your choice) and a Lawn Fawn stamp and die set!!  Now that's worth hopping for!!

Be sure to hop each day to be eligible.   I have a full list below in case you missed someone along the way. 

Monday

VirginiaFynes

SandyAllnock

 
Tuesday

Lalo IK

Karen Baker
Christina Colon

 Wednesday

Jenifer Cowles

Jen Shears

Gini Williams Cagle

 Thursday

Erin Thiem

Emily Lanham

LeahFarrar-White

Friday

DeeDee Catron

Charlene Driggs  (That's Me!)

The Kindness Club

This week's Teapot Tuesday Challenge on SplitcoastStampers is honoring a very special teacher named Barb Bratvold.  Mrs. Bratvold started a special club in 1995 called "The Kindness Club".  The boys and girls in the club learn about the "Golden Rule" and being kind to others.  Part of that learning is making and sending cards to people who are ill or need cheering up.

The Teapotters are going to surprise Mrs. Bratvold with some cards of her own.  We were challenged to bring thank yous, apples, school bells or other school themed cards.

Here's my card for Mrs. Bratvold:

If you'd like to send Mrs. Bratvold a card, you can find the challenge information HERE.

Supplies:
Cut file - The Cutting Café
Stamps - Stampin'Up Bugs & Kisses (retired); Papertrey Ink Teacher's Apple
Cardstock - Stampin'Up; Papertrey; Neenah
Ink - Top Boss; Versafine
Other - White embossing powder; Papertrey Banner die; scalloped circle punch
Ribbon - May Arts Large leaves

Lucky to have a friend like you....

Sorry, I've been awol the past few days.  I came down with a bug that just zapped my energy.  Starting to feel a bit better today...

Some of the SNS (Sparkle N Sprinkle) DT members created some darlin' St. Patrick's Day cards in honor of owner, Margaret.  I didn't have any SNS St. Patty's images so I used what I had!  This darling image (Becca with Tulips) is from SNS Daddy's Little Princess Set.   I dressed her all in green and popped her on a 4 leaf clover shaped card from The Cutting Cafe. 


                             

I sparkled her up with SNS Shamrock Glitter...right down to her shoes!

BTW...Don't forget about my blog candy drawing for followers...I've been busy adding goodies, including more ribbon, window dies from the Poppy Stamp die, paper and more.   I love surprises....so will the  lucky winner on St. Patrick's Day! 

Supplies:

Stamps - SNS Becca with Tulips (3318-413)

Ink - Memento; Copics, SU marker

Other - 4 leaf clover shaped card/sentiment (The Cutting Cafe), SNS Shamrock Glitter, Recollections bling

Rubbernecker Sisterhood Sunday SS13 & Blog Hop Winner

It's Sunday and that means it's time for another Rubbernecker Sisterhood Sunday challenge.  This week our challenge is to create a round card.

Here's my take on the challenge...

Supplies:
Stamps - Rubbernecker Bud Set (505), Sentiment - Garden Phrase Set (508)
Paper - K & Co. Classic; Neenah cream
Ink - Tim Holtz Walnut
Other - Circle template - The Cutting Cafe; Ribbon - May Arts; Spellbinders Scalloped Rectangle, Circle dies; pearls; paper roses; Martha Stewart Butterfly punch

WINNER DETAILS:
1. One Rubbernecker friend will be chosen to win their choice of ONE SINGLE STAMP.
2.That winner will be named our "SUNDAY SISTER" and will be announced on WEDNESDAY.
3.Our "SUNDAY SISTER" will  receive a badge to display on her blog.
4.At the end of EACH month, all the "SUNDAY SISTERS" will be entered into a random drawing for the GRAND PRIZE, a Stamp SET of your choice.

Be sure to head to the Stampin' Sisterhood Blog to congratulate our Blog Hop winner "The Wired Angel".

 

Demolition Derby & a Moxie Fab Challenge

I've got some master bath "before" photos for you but first:

This is for the Moxie Fab Treat Yourself Tuesday Trigger this week.  It's a good thing it's only a photo because if I had a spoon.....

I was smitten with those warm colors, the lacy ironwork of the table and the apple garnish.  Now, where's that spoon?!
Supplies:
Card base - The Cutting Cafe Apple Card
Cardstock - Papertrey Kraft, Dark Chocolate; Graphic 45 On the Boardwalk Collection
Stamps - Papertrey Fall Jar Fillers
Ink - Versacolor Jumbo Java, Gingerbread
Other - sewing machine, doily, hand cut leaves, Papertrey Ink die

I don't have a Foodie Friday post but I do have some eye candy for you.  Look what my sweet DH brought home

18 beauties..I think I love him.

Now the bathroom! Here are a few before shots.

My side 2 days ago - we have NEVER used that giant pink tub.

His side- that glass door is the shower.

My side yesteday - good bye pink tub, pink tile. I won't miss you.

                                    His side yesterday - good bye pink shower, I won't miss you either!

The drama continues..........

I Got You Babe and a Winner

Yah!  They're finished...all 50 baby shower invites.  I'm thankful the new grandmother said that the new mama likes things simple.  She requested pink/white polka dots so here we go.........

A super BIG PINK THANK YOU to Regina, at The Cutting Cafe, who customized the template for me.  I needed to get 2 per sheet of paper instead of one AND she personalized the insert with the baby's name!! 

These need to be mailed so the embellishments had to be simple.  I couldn't resist the sweet little lacy pearls though...and they don't cause a big "bump" in the envelope.  Each card has been sponged around the edges on the outside and the inside template to add some warmth and depth.  I hand cut the banner.

Head on over to Really Reasonable Ribbon....they've got an "I Got You Babe" challenge going on. 

Supplies: 

Template - The Cutting Cafe Baby Onsesie Shaped Card

Paper - Neenah, The Paper Studio Sweet Pea Polka Pink

Ink - Versafine Pink Grapefruit

Stamps - PTI Baby Button Bits

Other - computer, pearled lace ribbon

Now....drumroll please! 

Research Randomizer Results

1 Set of 1 Unique Numbers Per Set

Range: From 1 to 28 -- Unsorted

Job Status:

Set #1:

8

That person is....

Sue from Oregon said...

The story of my life...late for almost everything LOL! Congrats on your blogoversary Charlene! My the time does fly! I am so very happy to have become your friend!
August 30, 2011 10:29 PM

Congratulations, Sue!!  Thanks for posting my candy on your blog and for being a faithful follower!

Teapot Tuesday - Hugs and Hope

I'm just going to let Cindy tell you about our Teapot Tuesday Destination Station this week:

This week's destination is various locations across many many miles. If you would like a destination for your card this week, how about sending it to one of the kids of Hugs and Hope Club for Sick Kids. Hugs and Hope is an internet-based group of caring people who are devoted to providing smiles for kids with serious illnesses, injuries or handicaps.The Club was created by Marsha Jordan in October 2000, as a ministry of encouragement for children battling critical illness. Visitors to the site pray for, encourage, and send these children cheerful, special, handmade cards (a.k.a."happy mail").

If you'd like to participate, you can find the information here.

I kept my cards simple as I didn't know if they would be going to boys or girls.  Of course, I made one blinged up and I got all boys.  Back to the drawing board unless one of the teapotters wants to switch.

I used the adorable Teapot Template from The Cutting Cafe. 

Teapot Tuesday - Dodge Balls and Buttons

Sometimes life throws us curve balls and sometimes, big ole' Dodge balls.  That's the case with this week's Teapot Tuesday Destination - MMTPT151.  Sandy Vadas is a friend of a friend.  I've never met this brave lady but she's already had to face more in a few years than most of us will in our entire lives. 

Here's a bit of Sandy's story as told by her friend, and mine, Susan:

Sandy Vadas is a nurse and works in the Cath Lab. She was married in April of 1991 and in Dec.1991 her husband was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s. They were told they would be unable to have children but Sandy had 2 boys . Between 1992 and 2007, Sandy’s husband had been in and out of remission a number of times, became blind, had a stem cell transplant, had 2 heart attacks and 10 stents. In 2007 he passed away leaving Sandy and the 2 boys.

Sandy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, had a bilateral mastectomy and went into remission 06/09 until now. The cancer returned this year in February and she is now receiving Chemo every week. She continues to work full time and loves helping people no matter what the issue! Every year since her husband’s death she has had a fundraiser called Dodge for the Cure. This is a Dodge Ball tournament to help raise money for the Oncology floor at the hospital because she wants to give back to the community.


The challenge this week is to make round cards for Sandy in honor of her fundraiser dodge ball tournament. 

based on this teapot

I love the clean shiny white base of this pot and the bright colored buttons so I used SU Glossy white CS for the circle base card, then put the scallop behind the base.  I've got a few buttons to straighten, I see!

If you'd like to send a card to Sandy, here's the address:

Sandy Vadas

C/O Susan Kujawa
5501 SE Meadow Springs Blvd.
Stuart, Fl . 34997

Supplies:

Cardstock - Stampin Up

Stamps - Papertrey Ink

Card Template - Scallop & Circle Base - The Cutting Cafe

Ink - Versafine

Accessories - buttons, glue dots, twine, PTI banner die, flower punches

Foodie Friday - Going to the Dogs Treats Recipe

I meant what I said about "Going to the Dogs"!  :-)  This week's Foodie Friday is FOR the dogs in honor of our little Bentley graduating from Beginner's Obedience Classes.  He had the best trainer in the world...Allison, owner of Dogs Gone Wild.  Don't you just love that name? 

This is Bentley with Allison at the end of class... he had a ball!  She's the best trainer for teaching dogs and their owners what I call "life skills"...not just sitting, staying, and coming but things that may save their lives as well.  She's got a great easy going personality that relaxes both the dogs and their owners.

Here's Bentley and me (love the knee brace!) going through his heeling and sitting routine at class.  His tail looks like a little flag, doesn't it?  LOL

We made these yummy treats to share with the class...and they are yummy!  DH actually munched on one on the way to class...they smell as good as they taste and they're gluten-free!  Yes, I ate one (or two) as well.

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Bacon Treats

I found the recipe online but can't remember where...as soon as I remember I will link it up.  Super quick and easy to make.

1 c. oat flour (I made mine using the food processor)

1 c. brown rice flour (I milled mine in the elec. grain mill but it took a long time)  You may also use reg. or whole wheat flour if you're not worried about them being gluten free.

1/2 c. peanut butter

1 T. honey

1 egg

1/2 c. water

2 pieces crisply cooked bacon, crumbled very well

1 carrot, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except for the flours, mix until well blended.  Add oat and brown rice flours and mix again until all the flour is incorporated.

Roll out between two pieces of parchment or waxed paper or on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4" thickness.

Cut into squares or use a dog bone shaped cookie cutter as above.

Bake until crisp...Now here you will have to use your judgement.  The original recipe said to bake 20-25 minutes but I baked them a bit longer.  Cool in oven, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Store about a week's worth in a tightly sealed container and freeze the rest until needed.  (you can also share them with your doggie friends.  They will love you for it!)

Our dogs loved them!!  Here's Bentley waiting for them to come from the oven.  He could smell the bacon and peanut butter and it was almost more then he could bear.

That's how It felt like when Blogger decided to break down on everybody.   I stayed up late last night to make a card for Off the Wall Craftiness' Color Challenge OTWC#52 then couldn't get it posted or linked...bummer. Sorry, Kim...I tried.

Here's my card anyway . I thought those great nautical colors needed to have a boat to go with them! I hand stitched around the sails and boat for more definition. Love this Sailboat shaped card from the Cutting Cafe, it's one of my favorites!

Supplies:
Card Template/Sentiment - The Cutting Cafe Sailboat Shaped Card
Paper - Papertrey Ink
Accessories - needle/heavy duty thread

Have a great weekend!

Enjoy the Journey!

My friend, Gretchen, has a friend who's father, Frank, will be celebrating his 90th birthday this coming week.  Her friend would love to have him receive 90 cards for the momentus occasion.

I think that we forget how blessed we are that those who came before us enable us to live as free and as comfortably as we do.  If you'd like to help celebrate his birthday, here's his address:     

                                                  Frank Klackle

                                                  119 Lime St., NE

                                                  Lake Placid, FL  33852

Here's my card for Frank. 

The hot air balloon is a new template from The Cutting Cafe...I just love it!  If you've never ridden in a hot air balloon, you really should put it on your "bucket list".  It's just the most serene and peaceful way to travel across the sky.  They're so beautiful, tool .

The DP is from a really cool, really BIG pack of adhesive backed paper from DCWV called Pattern Stack.  It's 12" x 24" and works PERFECTLY in die cutting machines.  One of the things I like best is that you don't have to worry about how to glue or stick down small areas. 

Happy Birthday, Frank!

Supply List:

Paper - Neenah Classic, DCWV

Template/Sentiment - The Cutting Cafe

Numbers - Papertrey Ink dies

Accessories - sewing machine, Spellbinders circle dies



Monthly Inspiration and Giveaway Time at the Cutting Cafe

Ok, ladies...there is a treat in store for you at The Cutting Cafe this weekend.  The DT challenge was to use Shaped cards and the samples are super spectacular!! 

You can win your choice of 3 shaped card templates just for leaving a comment and Regina is also offering a a BOGO (buy one, get one free)...with no limit!!  How cool is that?

Just click here to see all the DT samples!!

May Arts/Bella Blvd. Blog Week & a Tutorial

Today is the last day of May Arts Blog Week with Bella Blvd. and what an exciting and beautiful week it's been!  If you haven't checked out the wonderful DT projects and giveaways yet, be sure to head over to the May Arts and Bella Blvd. blog before you miss out.

I'm so excited to be winding up the weekend with a fun project that I hope you will love as much as I do.
Here's a little sneak peek and a hint (I used one of the templates from the Cutting Cafe for our Shaped Card inspiration challenge this month...can you guess which one?)

I've got a tutorial for you at May Arts Ribbon blog so be sure to head over to see the whole project.



                                           

Foodie Friday for "'One Spring Day"

Remember when you were a kid and you just wanted to cut and paste?  No coloring, no drawing, just the satisfaction of scissors in hand and the smell of Elmer's School paste, that white stuff in the little jar with the floppy red spreader that you just had to taste once in awhile.  (Yes, you did, fess up.  ;-)  

Well, that's what I did today (no, not eat paste!).  The Cutting Cafe has just come out with the most adorable new set called One Spring Day. 90 images!  Some colored, some ready for you to print and color.  I don't have all the new programs for my computer yet, (grrr..it's a conspiracy..new computer, have to buy all new stuff) so I couldn't transfer the images individually...no problem.  I just printed out some of the fun colored images and then I cut and pasted.  Pure fun, no stressing about coloring out of the lines.  A little sponging on the background is all the ink I added by hand.

I popped the ladybug, kite and birdhouse on the right up on dimensionals, added the buttons and called it done.  Super fun, super easy for when you need a quick card or you have little ones who just want to "cut and paste".
Supply List:
Paper - SU Real Red, Ballet Blue
Ink - Bliss Blue
Stamps - The Cutting Cafe One Spring Day 
Accessories - dimensionals, buttons, May Arts burlap twine

Here's a super easy recipe for One Spring Day...bursting with color, flavor and crunch this is almost a meal in itself yet not at all heavy.  A nice light cornbread and grilled chicken paired perfectly with it.   Thanks Paula Deen!

Broccoli Salad

1 large bunch of broccoli (my bunches usually have 3 heads and I use them all)
6 - 8 slices of crisply cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2  cup roughly chopped red onion
1/2 raisins, optional but so good
4 ounces sharp Cheddar shredded in large shreds or cut into small chunks
1 c. real mayonnaise
2 T. white vinegar
1/4 c. sugar
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
handful of toasted walnuts (optional)

Trim off large leaves and tough stalks from the broccoli.  Wash thoroughly.  Cut flowerets and peeled stems into bite sized pieces.  Place in a large bowl.

Add crumbled bacon, onion, raisins, and cheese.  In a small bowl, combine maonnaise, vinegar and sugar.  Stir well or use a whisk until well combined.  Add to large bowl, toss.  Add tomatoes, toss gently.  Sprinkle with toasted walnuts, if desired.  Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Have an awesome Spring Day!

Teapot Tues., WOYWW, Cutting Cafe DT Challenge Giveaway

So sorry I've been AWOL for a few days.   My thumb joint has decided to act up again so this is what's on my workdesk for WOYWW (What's on your Workdesk Wednesday93) at Julia's Stamping Ground .

Back into the brace.  It's so annoying and oh so not attractive, but it helps keep the pain to a minimum.  What we do when we're young, comes back to haunt us when we're old....er. 

Once the pain subsided somewhat, I was able to complete a couple of small projects.  First up is the Background Challenge from The Cutting Cafe.  Regina challenged the DT to use her awesome background stamps this month. 

I decided to use the fun Assorted Colored Birthday Celebration Background Set to create a Chocolate Book.  You can find more details on the Chocolate Book here.

 I also used the Everyday Greetings Set 1 for the sentiment.   The sweet little girl is from Pure Innocence.  Her balloon is covered with Crystal Effects.  

                                      

If you've read this far, there's another treat in store!  In addition to all the lovely DT projects, 

this month not only can you win ANY 3 SETS from The Cutting Cafe by leaving a comment, but also for every BACKGROUND PRINTABLE STAMP you order from today until Friday at midnight (Pacific standard time) March 18th, you can choose a background set of equal or lessor value for free...NO LIMIT...

You have to go to the link to leave the comment.

This week's Teapot Tuesday Destination is a sweet little 6th grade girl named Haeli who is undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.  If you have a minute, please read Haeli's story here.   Haeli loves art so our challenge was to make our creations "framed". 

The challenge teapots featured a variety of cute little critters and flowers in teapots.  I had these wooden frames I picked up at Michael's on clearance a while ago so thought I'd literally frame Haeli's card.  I have no idea where the image stamp came from because I purchased a set of 4 years ago in unmounted form. 

That's it for me...typing cramps up the hand and our computer fan is making strange noises so I have to take it into the shop for repair so I may be awol for a few more days.

Thanks for stopping by!  I love your comments.

May Arts, Cutting Cafe and and WOYWW

A jam packed blog post today...first, I have a tutorial for you over at the May Arts blog.  Here's a little sneak peek.  ;-)   Any guesses what this is?  Oh, go ahead and peek!

 

We have several friends who have purchased new homes recently.  I used the colors from the Off the Wall Craftiness challenge #48 to create a card for one of them.

                                                  

The scalloped base, circles, house and sentiment (Welcome Home) are from The Cutting Cafe. Be sure to pop over to see all the new Easter sets Regina has designed for this year.  The colors look off here but they're much better IRL...I took this late at night...too late!

Finally, here's a peek at my workdesk for WOYWW over at Julia's Stamping Ground.  I printed out a cool background from the Cutting Cafe.  It's next up on my list of things to do.  Those Hershey bars are for a Chocolate Book...not for eating.  Good thing I'm not crazy about chocolate or they couldn't stay there too long.   My friend, Sabrina, sent me those gorgeous pearl accents a while ago and I've been hoarding them.  I thought maybe if I put them ON the desk, I might get the courage to use them.  Those yummy dots are Martha Stewart that were on clearance at Walmart a while ago.  I got a couple of sets...hmmm, maybe one will turn up in a blog candy.  The unmounted stamps arrived to day from Impression Obsession.  I love that they have so many options for purchasing to save $$