School Days Winner Re-Draw

The winner of the drawing here on my school days post did not respond soooo.....

I drew another number

Here are your random numbers : 6

Timestamp-08-16-2009 036:16 0UTC

VICKIE AUST said...
This is such a cute card and perfect for grandchildren going back to school or for their teacher.
August 7, 2009 2:20 PM

Congratulations, Vicki!! Please send me your email address.

Hey, Cupcake!!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment on the blogaversary post. I read every one and from what I can determine, you want to see more gift type things. I ADORE making gift sets..not sure what it is but one thing seems to lead to another and gets my creative juices running.

Today's creation started life looking like the picture to the left. I picked up several of these sets right after Christmas last year when Target had them for 75% off...that made each one about $5. Inside is a mug, a container of tea bags, a package of flavored coffee (enough for a full pot) and a package of hot cocoa mix. A very nice gift....unless you're a paper crafter!!

Simon Says Stamp has an "Anything but a Card Challenge" here along with some awesome inspiration from their designers. My anything buts...a basket, altered box, tag, and recipe card!

My first thought was to recover the container but it had too many odd angles so.....
I decided to make my own container! I printed out Lauren Meader's Pack a Picnic in the large size on SU blush cardstock. I had just two pieces of my favorite DP from Basic Grey's Two Scoops Collection left and knew they would be perfect for a basket.

The border is SU white cut with the Martha Stewart lace edge border punch. See my tag? I got some Bass shorts at the outlet mall this summer and they had a really nice, heavy chipboard tag on them...so I covered it in the same DP. The coffee cup is stamped with Papertrey's Everyday Classics, covered with Crystal Effects and a tiny strip of the DP was added at the rim, then attached with a dimensional.

(You can download a template for a recipe card for Word here.)

Now for what's on the inside...my mug's not empty! It has the dry ingredients for a microwave mug cupcake! I printed the recipe using the template above then set my printer to print on 4x6 cardstock. The cupcake on my recipe card is also from PTI's Everyday Classics. The base is stamped in Leaf, the icing in Berry Sorbet then covered in Crystal Effects. The green half pearl was in a pack that was a 50% off K & Co. find at Michael's.

Do you recognize the box the coffee came in? No? That's Good!!

I took it apart, traced it, then scored it on my Scor-Pal following the same lines. I changed the closure to fit my paper (you can see what I did in the second photo...basically just cut it straight across. I added Scor-Tape to the ends and the bottom flap. Before assembling, I added my DP and then sewed my box on the front and back.
I used a Magnetic Snap for the closure because I thought the recipient might want to re-use or ahem...re-gift the box. :-)












Just so you know the recipe actually works....I had to try it out, right??
A nice big cupcake! Not gourmet, but very good and when it's warm, who needs frosting?! Best of all....I got to eat it all by myself. Do not breathe a word to my DH. Promise?


Love to know what you think!



Charlene

Somebody pick me up off the floor!!!

I just opened my blog to post and saw a post that someone won the BIG LUCKY DUCK CHA SOMETHING ABOUT SIMON Giveaway

.

Guess what, it's me!

Me, who never wins anything. I always joke that I wouldn't win even if I was the only one entered.

What an absolute blessing! I'm doing the Happy Dance (my dog thinks I'm nuts..it's usually the other way around) Gosh.

Somebody pinch me and then be sure to check out all the new CHA goodies arriving at Simon says Stamp. While you're there, check out their blog. They have some neat challenges for you to play along and stretch imaginations along with their super talented design team.

Hey, you can be a winner too...one more day until I pick the winner for my Blogaversary giveaway. So head back and sign up!!

Blogaversary Presents...for YOU!

Comments are now closed. 5 pm Saturday. Good luck everybody!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers: 19

Timestamp: 2009-08-15 21:16:47 UTC

Sue from Oregon that would be you!!

First of all, thank you to each and every one of you for taking your valuable time to visit my blog and leave a comment. A blogger lives on comments. :-) It's the only way we know if anyone is out there. If my humble creations have inspired you in any way, I am grateful. Thanks to all the wonderful crafters and friends who've encouraged me along the way as well.

Here are my gifts to you....so far:

Justrite Stampers Christmas Stamp Ensemble

Justrite Stampers 3-1/4" Classic Stamper III

Stampin Up Yummy Unmounted Set

American Crafts Thickers Chipboard Stickers

A set of matching tags, brads and ribbon

Marcella K Sparkly Chipboard Alphabet

Basic Grey Scarlet's Letter 6 X 6 paper pad

Hero Arts Wish Prints stamp set

Making Memories Sheer Frames

Martha Stewart Ivory pearl stickers

Clear stamps birthday set

Papertrey Spring Moss ink pad (my fav color)

What you need to do: leave me a comment telling me what you'd most like to see in the next year on my blog AND sign up as a follower. ONLY 1 POST PER PERSON PLEASE.

I will draw a winner on Saturday...and will add something new each day as a surprise.

Thanks again!!

Cutting Cafe Pencil Box Winner

Sorry for the late post, ladies. I had a meeting and so did my DH so just got a chance to get on the computer. If you posted twice, I skipped your second post to count.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:14

Timestamp: 2009-08-13 02:18:27 UTC

Jessica G. said...

I'm a huge fan of gift boxes -- this one HAS to be filled with brand new pencils in coordinating colors. I'd adhere some fun DPs for a perfect back to school set! Although I have to say I love your idea of chocolate, too!!

Jessica, please send me your email address at cookiebaker57@gmail.com so we can get your template to you.

Thanks to everyone who played and visited. I read every post and appreciate each one of you.

Be sure to check out the Blogaversary candy!!

The winner of this giveaway is Scholaro24. Please contact me by Friday. I will draw another winner (from those already posted) if I don't hear from you.

Thanks everybody!!

Raspberry Suite Gift Set

Today is the big day...IT'S MY 1 YEAR BLOGAVERSARY and I've passed 20,000 visitors and hit 50 followers....thanks to all of you!! So...happy day to you. Stay tuned because since so many milestones happened at once, I have lots of surprises to thank you.

Right now, though, I thought I'd post the rest of the gift set for Dawn's Raspberry Suite 14 challenge. Holy Toledo...while you're there, check out all the samples she has for the new Scattered Showers addition!! This is also for the Simon Says Stamp - Anything but a card challenge...mine is more like anything AND a card!

The little basket is the small template from Lauren Meader's Timeless Templates Pack a Picnic. I know...my jam topper is white but I already had them printed out on my computer and didn't want to waste it. Below is a closer shot of the basket and jam topper.

Thanks for stopping and be sure and stay tuned. I'll also be choosing the winner of the Cutting Cafe Pencil box this evening so you still have time to leave a post here on my blog.

As always, I appreciate you and your comments!!

Raspberry Suite MMSC13

Aren't these colors just beautiful?!! I've never had the nerve to play with a Papertrey challenge before and almost didn't do this one because I don't have anything in Scarlet Jewel, but I promised Dawn McVey I'd give it a try. I met Dawn at CHA. She and Nicole greeted every person waiting in line to shop and yes, they are as nice as you think they are!




I also wanted to play the MMSC13 sketch challenge. Wow...talk about a challenge!! All those tiny squares! I used my magnetic board though. Love that tool!! I kept the image panel simple because I wanted these flowers to take center stage. What do you think? I actually made them!! It's my first attempt at making paper flowers using multiple punches. My centers weren't quite dry but had to get this posted in time (I hope)! I used all Papertrey papers which is a bit thick but I think they worked.

The instructions are in a book called "The Paper Garden" by Susan Tierney Cockburn. What talent!! The book is clearly written and the illustrations make it easy to follow.
I got mine at The Punch Bunch.

I made a gift to go with this card. I'll add it in the next post.
I don't have anything in Scarlet Jewel so I used Bravo Burgundy and played it down by using it as the layer under the squares and beneath the Vintage Cream layer on the image.

Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Scattered Showers
Paper: Papertrey Raspberry Suite, Vintage Cream, Plum Pudding, , Leaf Green, SU Bravo Burgundy
Ink: Papertrey Plum Pudding, SU marker (flowers)
Accessories: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder, various punches, Spellbinders circle and scalloped circle dies

Cutting Cafe Pencil Box #2

Those of you who know children well, know it's hard to give something to one without giving something to the other. The Back to School Pencil Box here is for our granddaughter who will be in the first grade this year. Her brother is 4 and is being home schooled for pre-school. I thought he needed his very own pencil box, boy style. I'll fill it with colored pencils and M&M's.


I used some of my favorite kid paper from DCWV called "Nana's Kids". Our grands call me "Nana"...think that's why I like it? hmmm..


At any rate, here's a close up of the image panel. I stamped the D in Justrite Stampers Brayton font. The lower case is the Times New Roman lower case front. I've noticed they've changed the rubber and I got a better image with the Times New Roman even though I sanded and erased that big D like crazy. The ovals were cut and embossed with Spellbinders oval dies. I left the white oval in the die, then sponged around David's name for an airbrushed effect. (much less expensive!!)


I cut an airplane from the paper, added some stickles, then popped it on with dimensionals along with some stars I picked up last year on clearance at JoAnn's. While on that subject, I had a friend over who said she buys things when she needs them for a specific project. I'm a clearance shopper so if I see a good buy, even though I may not need it right then, if I love it, I will eventually use it. Save lots of $$ and time that way.

Don't forget to post for the template giveaway for this box. I'll draw a number tomorrow evening.


Supplies:
Template: The Cutting Cafe Pencil Box
Stamps: Justrite Stampers Brayton and Times New Roman fonts
Paper: SU Ballet Blue, Neenah Classic White, Nana's Kids DCWV
Ink: Versafine black, SU Ballet Blue
Accessories: Spellbinders Oval dies, dimensionals, Scor-Tape, Stickles, glue on stars (JoAnn's)

Simon Says Stamp Giveaway!

If you haven't taken a trip through the virtual store at Simon Says Stamp store lately, then ladies, (and gentlemen too, of course!) then you just haven't shopped!! This store has everything from Copics to all the latest and most popular stamps, papers, and embellishments. We're talking over 100,000 products! My favorite addictions are stamps and paper and they have it all!!

If that isn't enough to have your fingers racing to hit that link check out the Simon Says Stamp blog for a chance to win $100 worth of brand new merchandise fresh from CHA. Just follow the blog link and the directions posted there.

Good luck and don't forget to check this post for your chance to win the new Pencil Box template from the awesome Cutting Cafe. Just follow the directions and that awesome template could be yours.

Be sure to stay tuned because Wednesday is my 1 year blogaversary and I will be giving away some neat gifts to celebrate. Something new will be added daily.

Have fun!! Happy stamping .....and shopping! ;-)

Cutting Cafe - Another Giveaway!!

This giveaway is closed. Thanks for playing!!

Regina Easter is not only a talented creator and designer, (I'm beginning to think the woman never sleeps!), she's also one of the most generous people I am honored to know. She allows her team to give away a copy of the new designs she creates if we choose to use them. How awesome is that?

My creation today is her new Pencil Box Template. This is so easy to print, cut and decorate. I chose to stick with my apple theme and send this cute box with the apple card to my soon-to-be a first grade granddaughter. I'll have to make one for her little brother too. :-) This generous box will hold up to 18 pencils or......

...look at what else you can use it for!! Depending on the occasion, it will hold several chocolate bars, stacks of Hershey nuggets, several small bags of M & M's, or small travel sizes of cosmetics. I bet you can think of other great uses for this box too!!

Now if you''d like a chance to win this template, just leave me a comment telling me what you'd put in the box and sign up to follow my blog. I will draw a winner on Wednesday evening. This is also my 1 year anniversary week so be watching for some blog candy. ;-D

Supplies:
Stamps: The Cutting Cafe "School Days", Pencil Box Template
Paper: SU Real Red, Tart and Tangy DP (discontinued)
Accessories: Scor-Pal, Scalloped Circle punch, 1-3/8" punch, sewing machine, button, Crystal Effects, dimensionals

School Days Winner!!

Here are your random numbers:5
Timestamp: 2009-08-09 23:51:51 UTC

Sholaro24 said...

I absolutely love this apple. I am a teacher and have been trying to complete my own back to school gifts for my co-workers and others teachers. This is so adorable. Do you know if this can be cut on a Cricut??

Congratulations!! The answer to your question regarding cutting on the Cricut is, yes, if you have the SCAL software. Regina includes both PDF and WFC formats. She's pretty awesome.

Please send me your email address at: cookiebaker57@gmail.com so we can get your files to you.

Thanks to everyone who played. Stay tuned because I have another giveaway for you right after this one!!

School Days, School Days...I'm Given Away School Days

My DIL is a teacher and I bet she has more apple themed "stuff" than she cares to; but I think ANY teacher or back to school munchkin would appreciate this adorable Apple Shaped Card from The Cutting Cafe !

Regina has made creating this darling card sooo simple. Just print and cut. The sentiment circle is also a Cutting Cafe original from the set called, "School Days", of course!

I traced the stem onto PTI Dark Chocolate CS then glued it to the card stem and free handed the leaves. My little worm is from SU's Bugs and Kisses. The "bite" was made using SU's scalloped circle punch. I sponged the edges of the card for depth, stamped circles using the single dot from SU's Simple Shapes, then traced my "bite" in SU Chocolate Chip marker. Worm is heat embossed in clear EP and popped up on dimensionals as is the sentiment.

If you've read this far...I have a treat for you!

Just leave a comment below AND sign up as a follower on my blog ( remember you must do both) and you'll get BOTH of these sets. How cool is that?! I will draw a name using the random number generator on Sunday evening so you'll have to hurry. If you're already a follower, that counts too. ;-D

Be sure to stay posted because I have a Blogaversary coming up in just 11 days! There are sure to be surprises!!

Stamps: The Cutting Cafe, Stampin Up Bugs & Kisses, Simple Shapes
Paper: PTI Pure Poppy, Kraft, SU Old Olive
Ink: Versafine black, SU Chocolate Chip marker, Sakura white gel pen
Accessories: Scor-Pal, computer, printer, SU Scalloped Circle punch, 1-3/8" circle punch, ribbon (JoAnn's), sticky dots (for the ribbon), dimensionals

Snail Mail Surprise

Oh my goodness, I was so surprised to open my mailbox and find a package from my online stamper friend, Sabrina. I happened to comment that I loved the beautiful scrolled pearls she used on this beauty (scroll down) and the lace she used here and look what arrived along with that stunningly beautiful card. I just adore black and white and this one is a standout. I have to ask her about those distressed panels...they seem thicker than CS and the distressing is spectacular.

If you haven't taken a stroll through her sjbutterflydreams
blog yet, you're missing a real treat. Sabrina has an elegant style that will knock your socks off.

Enjoy the Journey

Where does the time go?! I just realized our oldest son's birthday has crept up so I pulled out this awesome Vintage Cars set from Tim Holtz once again.

Every once in a while I pop into Big Lots to see what bargains they might have scored. Sometimes I come up empty handed but yesterday I scored this luscious 12 x 12 metallic cardstock from DCWV in a pack of assorted colors @ 20 sheets for $5.00. What caught me first was this gorgeous copper color. I opened the package to feel it and the weight is just right for use as a card base or layering. The beautiful linen texture is a bonus!

I used SC150 as my starting point. Roxie has posted all the Sketch Challenges with a sample card here ready to print and keep as a reference. This is an awesome resource!!

Overall card size is 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" . Image is stamped in Encore Copper then heat embossed with copper EP on Cream CS. The streaks under the truck were added with Prismacolor marker in Light Tan for depth.

Blogger seems to be working better now. Not sure what was wrong yesterday unless I just had too many photos in one post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Tim Holtz Vintage Cars
Paper: DCWV Metallic Penny & Metallic Blue, PTI Dark Chocolate & Cream
Ink: Encore Copper, Prismacolor marker Light Tan
Accessories: SU corner punch, copper brads, Crop-a-dile

Three Challenges Cupcake!

Uh, oh, I should be in bed...we're leaving for CHA early in the a.m. but I wanted to get this double challenge card posted for you.

The three challenges are CCEE Stampers to use Floral DP and a brad and the Clean and Simple Challenge CAS25 to case this darling card by Kristie Lee as well as the Whatchadoin Wednesday inspiration on the SUink Blog . Love that deep orange chaise!

I don't have any really big floral DP in the colors used in the CCEE sample but I did have some Crate Paper Carnival paper that came close. I chose the smaller pattern because I wanted to use this darling cupcake from the "All About Cupcakes" digi stamp set from The Cutting Cafe.

This is a HUGE set with so many darling imges it was hard to choose just one.

This picture shows a side view so you can see how I popped up both the cupcake and the panel on dimensionals. I frosted the cupcake with Liquid Pearls....yummy and added a touch of Sakura glitter pen to the flower and the cupcake liner. Now I'm off to bed...I'm the driver!

Supplies:

Stamps: The Cutting Cafe, Inkadinkadoo

Paper: Crate Paper, Papertrey dark chocolate

Ink: Stazon Timber Brown

Accessories: Computer, ribbon, Liquid pearls, brad

Lily is Certainly an Appealing Pixie!

This will be my last post for a few days as I'm heading off to CHA in Orlando with a few of my stamping BGF's. You should hear my DH...you'd think I was 5 sometimes. :-D He loves me, I know and worries but if I'm a big girl...uh, right?

My pictures were just awful today...not sure if it's the camera or the operator but one of us isn't in a good mood.

I must have taken 15 shots of Lily and not one decent one...my apologies in advance this one will have to do.

This color combo is for SCS Color Challenge (CC229) Certainly Pixie Appeal. We were to use Certainly Celery, Pixie Pink and Apricot Appeal. I've had this DP from Paper Loft in my stash for quite awhile. The colors are perfect for this challenge.

A perfect opportunity to use these adorable Bubble Phrases from The Cutting Cafe. Perfect for my little granddaughter who LOVES pink and the more blingy sparkles, the better. I'm a plain kinda girl who raised boys so it took me awhile to get it.

Wish my camera could capture all of Lily's bling. She's got glittery hairbands, earrings, bracelets, shoe bling, flower bling, a sparkly belt, glitter on her dress...goodness, just what every girly girl needs!

Don't forget to hop on over to The Cutting Cafe and download the Free stamp set, I have Faith in You. Regina is offering this fantastic download absolutely free until the end of August. Details at the Cafe link above.

Supplies:

Stamps: The Cutting Cafe, Pink Cat Studio
Paper: SU Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Pixie Pink, Paper Loft DP
Ink: SU markers, Versafine black, Prismacolor pencils (hair), Prismacolor markers (skin)
Accessories: computer, Martha Stewart border punch, Spellbinders Scalloped Rectangle dies, Art Institute glitter, pink bling (Michael's), paper flowers and heart brad from my stash

Cutting Cafe Sweet Summer Winner

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:11
Timestamp: 2009-07-27 01:00:52 UTCjaymack said...
I just love these digital stamps, flip flops are my favorite shoes and peaches are my favorite fruit.
July 26, 2009 3:08 PM Congratulations, Janet! I will send your email address to The Cutting Cafe! Thanks to every one who took the time to comment. I read and appreciate every one. Stay tuned as there will be more drawings to come.

Sweet Summer Peaches and a Double Giveaway

My guys were sleeping yesterday afternoon after a big, very early morning of fishing sooooo...I got playtime!

I just LOVE this new 99 cent stamp from The Cutting Cafe. I printed it out again on Papertrey's Rustic Cream cardstock (printing this way gives you two cards ready to embellish). Don't forget, if you'd like to win this stamp, just leave a comment on this post. I will draw a winner this evening.

I used the Card Sketch (SC238) again because it was so much fun. The colors are from the Inspiration Challenge (IC190) and Sharon Johnson's Fruit of the Vine (ssntimoe97) challenge to use fruit on your creation.

The sweet peaches are from Papertrey's Fruitful set stamped using the Rock n' Roll technique. I covered them with Crystal Effects but couldn't capture the shine with my camera.

Be sure to hop on over to The Cutting Cafe to get your free set of stamps. Just follow the directions on the post there.

Supplies:

Stamps: The Cutting Cafe, Papertrey Ink

Paper: Papertrey - Rustic Cream, Lemon Tart, Stampin Up Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, Making Memories Chloe's Closet

Accessories: computer, Martha Stewart border punch, buttons and ribbon from stash, Crystal

Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Cutting Cafe Sweet Summer and a Double Giveaway

I thought I'd better let you all know that my posts may be a bit sporadic for a few more days. Our youngest son...single, good looking, has a job...:-) is visiting from Kentucky. Next Friday, I will heading to CHA in Orlando...can you say "cha ching?! We are having the best time..truly a "Sweet Summer".

A perfect way to transition you into this SPECTACULAR offer from The Cutting Cafe. Regina is offering several stamps at just 99 cents, including this versatile beauty.

And guess what!!! Regina just said I can give this stamp to you absolutely FREE!!! All you have to do is leave a comment right here. I will draw a winner on Sunday evening after 6:00 p.m.

If that isn't enough, Regina's giving away a full stamp set called "I have faith in you". I said, "giving away", abosolutely FREE, no money...nada!!! Here are Regina's own words describing why she created this set and why it's free, "why is it free...well to make a long story short, a few Sundays ago in church the pastor was talking about just this subject..forgiving others, giving more of yourself..and what I took from the service is plenty, but one thing that I wanted to give is a free set to all the cafe customers pertaining to the service." Is she not just precious for following the leading of the Lord? I wish I acted every time He prompted me.

This set will be FREE until the end of August. All you have to to is follow the directions here at The Cutting Cafe.

This card is for the Sketch Challenge 238 and CT0709 at SplitcoastStampers.

Supplies:

Stamps - The Cutting Cafe digi
Paper - Neenah Classic white, Bazzill textured, Fresh Paints (Marcella) DP, SU black
Accessories: computer, flip-flops (JoAnn's), colored dots (Michael's candle dept.)

Blessings and Happy Stamping!

Fudge Surprise Key Lime.....

Pie!!!

You definitely need to click that photo for a close up. :-) Yes, I have a card for you (keep reading) but my motto has always been - "Life's short, eat dessert first"!

And when dessert is this Fudge Surprise Key Lime Pie...who needs a main course??? I found this recipe in a magazine years ago and it instantly replaced our old standby Key Lime Pie.

Grab a napkin because you are definitely going to drool....First, Perfect Pie Crust replaces a graham cracker crust. On top of the cooled baked pie crust goes 1/2 c. Hot Fudge Topping (I use Smuckers Special Recipe) sprinkled with 2/3 c. finely chopped macadamia nuts, pressed into the topping. Then comes this DIVINE filling...are you ready?

Lime Filling
1 c. sugar
1 t. unflavored gelatin (like Knox)
1/4 c. cornstarch
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 c. milk (I use 2%)
1/4 c. butter flavor shortening
1/3 c. Key lime or reg. lime juice
8 oz. sour cream (lowfat is ok)

In 2 qt. saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch, and gelatin. In small bowl, beat egg yolks with milk using a wire whisk or fork. Stir into gelatin mixture. Let stand 1 minute. Cook over med. low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil 1 minute. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in butter flavor shortening, then gradually stir in lime juice. Pour custard into a large bowl and refrigerate 1-1 1/2 hours or until mixture mounds when dropped from a spoon. Fold in sour cream. When thickened and cool pour into crust over fudge/macadamia layer.

Whip 1 c. heavy whipping cream (organic) with 1/4 c. confectioner's sugar. Top pie. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or longer before serving. Garnish w/ shaved chocolate and additional macadamia nuts, if desired.

YUM!!


Oh, yeah.. .the card. Sorry, I'm eyeing that piece of pie.
Easy, peasy.
Fruitful. Stamped on Neenah Classic white CS in Versamark Chalk Ink (Lime Peel for the center, Tea Leaves for the rind)

Clear heat embossed. I traced around each lime with my Prismacolor marker in 20% Warm Gray to give them some dimension.

Sentiment is from Papertrey Limitless labels. Cardstock base layer is PTI Smokey Shadow, layered with SU Old Olive. Lime 1/4" grosgrain. Overall card size is 4.25" square.


Let me know if you try the pie...perfect for summer!

Blessings, Happy Stamping and Baking!!