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? 

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!)

Quick Italian Cream with Cream Cheese Frosting/Toasted Pecans

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!



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!

                                                           

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!!


                                                   

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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:

  1.  Jen Spears Designs

  2.  Sue's Stamping Stuff

  3.  Bouncyflouncyfunfunfun

  4.  Corgi Creations

  5.  Inking in Red

  6.  Isn't that Sweet?

  7.  Kreative Korner by Kelly

  8.  Lori Hariston

  9.  Lorraine's Loft

10.  Off the Wall Craftiness

11.  PinkBonBons

12.  Pocket Full of Pink

13.  SJButteflyDreams

14.  TsurutaDesigns

15.  Where M&M's Gather

How's that for eye candy!?

Teapot Tuesday - Flyin' High to Kearney, Nebraska

This week's Teapot Tuesday teapot is a solid blue pot.  We were wondering what the "Mudder" could have been thinking!  We should have known she had a plan. 

This week's destination is Kearney, Nebraska. We are sending our cards to Sean, the young son of  Kathe, a friend and fellow co-worker of Judy (StampingQueenJar) who unfortunately and sadly is battling cancer. Sean is 23 years old. He has stage 3C testicular cancer. He has had initial surgery and four rounds of chemo.  Sean also has additional spots on his lungs and abdomen. 

He loves video games, model airplanes that fly, kites and Coca-Cola!  Our challenge was to make Sean cards with flying things.

If you'd like to send Sean a card, you can find his address and more information here in the Destination Station.

Supply List:

Paper - Neenah, SU

Stamps - Papertrey Ink Flying High, Scattered Showers Additions, Simple Little Things

Ink - Versamark, Copic markers, Glitter pen, SU Craft White, Papertrey Chai

Accessories - Black embossing poweder, May Arts Burlap String, button, Crystal Effects, sewing machine

May Arts/Glue Arts Blog Week and a Giveaway!

Woo, Hoo...it's time for another Blog Week with May Arts and Glue Arts and May Arts is celebrating by giving away some yummy (and I do mean YUMMY!) ribbon. 

Wanna see what you can win just for leaving a comment on the May Arts Blog?

Wait, wait...there's more!!

Can you believe it?   Head on over to the May Arts blog and leave a comment!  While you're there, check out the "sweet" Valentine projects the DT has made using Glue Arts and May Arts Ribbon.  Then head over to the Glue Arts blog....they have some cool projects and giveaways too!! 

Sweet!!

Papertrey Ink Tag Challenge

Super short post today....

Papertrey Ink has a free tag download available here.  The tags are designed by the DT and are absolutely adorable.  We are to use one of the designs and then submit it for a challenge.
.
I chose this birthday tag.  I need more masculine birthday cards and this great tag was perfect!

All supplies Papertrey Ink except for SU HodgePodge Hardware.

Cardstock - White, Dark Chocolate, Ocean Tides

DP - Bitty Dots Ocean Tides

Accessories - Ribbon, hardware, sewing machine

My dear friend, Gloria's, birthday is Valentine's Day.  I couldn't resist the sweet little heart tag.  I used the sketch from Create with Connie and Mary (CCMC136) Thursday Challenge.  Entering in the Simon Says Stamp "Love is in the Air" Challenge as well.

Paper - Papertrey Ink

Tag - Papertrey free download (I printed two then cut out the hearts and popped up on dimensionals)

Stamps - Papertrey Just the Ticket

Ink - Copic markers

Accessories - May Arts crochet ribbon (361-78-01), white with red NX01, Crystal Effects, glitter, stick on pearls, dimensionals, sewing machine, Spellbinders embossing folder

Thanks for stopping by....

PaperCubed February Challenge - It's All About Love

Our sweet moderator, Kim, challenged the PaperCubed (P3) team to create some 3D Valentine projects to inspire you to get creating for the loved ones in your life...your honey, your kids...even your dog!  

I had just a tiny bit of healthy time to get my project ready so I headed to a quick purse template from PTI to get started.  A bit of glitter on some alphabet Thickers, a vellum butterfly, some sweet May Arts ribbon and of course, some M&M's to match, all put together with some Glue Arts Adhesive Squares Minis and done!

Be sure to head over to the PaperCubed blog to see what "love"lies the rest of the design team has created to inspire you!

On a sadder note, this will be our last P3 project for a little while.  Kim has had several close family members pass away in the last couple of months and needs time to grieve and care for her family.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers. 

Party Time with May Arts and WOYWW87

Once in every little girl's life (even if she's all grown up!) she deserves a party fit for a princess.   Thanks to May Arts ribbon, you can transform items from clearance and discount stores into a fairy land.  Everything on this beautiful table came from stores like Big Lots, Walmart/Sam's Club or Bed/Bath and Beyond.  Some items even came from my stash closet (read: "I never throw anything away!")

May Arts Ribbon helped us pull it all together to surprise some very worthy young ladies at Place of Hope in Florida.

Here's a little sneak peek...for a closer look and a tutorial on how to do make this elegant yet super easy napkin fold, head over to the May Arts blog for all the details.  Valentine's Day is coming...isn't there someone in your life that would love a little surprise party?  :-D

After you're finished taking in all the details on the May Arts blog, head on over to Julia's Stamping Ground to see what's going on all over the stamping world on this What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday 87!!

Here's a sneak peek at what I'm working on now....can't share any details yet!

Clean and Simple Monday meets Teapot Tuesday

This little puppy is cramping my stamping style.  He's adorable except when he chewed two perfectly good cards and their envelopes, pulled out 3 rolls of ribbon and trailed them all over my room.  I forgot, I forgot...How did I ever get talked into another ball of fluffy, sweet puppy?  I guess puppy kisses make up for alot.

I've missed the CAS challenges...they stretch me and make me think which at my advanced age is quite a feat!  This week's challenge is Rock and Roll as in music although you can interpret it any way you choose.  I've had this "Rock Star" set from Inkadinkadoo in my stash....perfect to send to Places of Hope. 

The guitar and sentiment are heat embossed.  The guitar is cut out and popped on dimensionals. 

Supplies:
Paper - PTI. Making Memories Sabrina
Stamps - Inkadinkadoo Rock Star
Ink - Versamark
Accessories - Black EP, dimensionals

Now for Teapot Tuesday.  Our destination this week is Cindy Mothermark's niece, Shari, who is facing 20 weeks of cancer chemo.  You can see the challenge teapot here.

                                      
My cherries are still wet (crystal effects) so I will trim them a bit better before mailing...I was determined to get it posted on time this week!  The cherries are popped on dimensionals so I can trim a tiny bit.  I made the cherry blossom using various punches.  

If you have time to send Shari a card, I know she'd appreciate it.

Thanks for hanging in while I try to get back in gear.  Don't forget the ribbon giveaway! 

Supplies:
Paper - Neenah, Bazzill, PTI
Stamps - Tart and Tangy (SU)
Ink - SU markers
Accessories -  punches, dimensionals, EK Success border punch, fine line pen