Crafting & Rambling

SALE-A-BRATE!!

2012-01-30T11:18:00.000-08:00

I realize it's been a little lonely here around the old blogeroo.

Remember this post here? What was ONE day off from school, turned into a whole WEEK!! No craftin' that week, let me tell ya. :) It was really nice though...playing in the snow, playing games in the house, stayin' in our jammies a little longer in the mornings...spending time with my girls.

At the end of that week, I forced myself into stamping (ya gotta do whatcha gotta do - wink), and started working on my Sale-A-Bration party scheduled for the next Thursday (26th). Making new samples EVERY day, figuring out the free M&T's, the workshop "wows", etc.

What's Sale-A-Bration, you ask? Only the best time of the year to order Stampin' Up. ;-)

Click on the picture to go to the promotion page. :)

Did you know you can order online from me ANYTIME? 24/7?? Yup. Go HERE to stock up on your products and earn your freebies! :)

I hope to be back soon with a project to share. I made a few (um, 27) during that week...a few which I can share here. :) I *might* just have to share the punny card-in-the-works mentioned HERE first though. ;-)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

SNOW DAY!

2012-01-17T10:47:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share the finished card with you today, but yesterday school was off for MLK Day, and we got lots of snow, too! :) The girls were outside nearly all day and I took the chance to catch up on some bookwork, as well as do some shoveling outside. ;-) Thus...no crafting took place, thus...no finished card.

More snow overnight, and we woke to this sight this morning:

No school today...SNOW DAY!!

With MORE expected, along with winds, I have a feeling we'll be at home again tomorrow.

Sooooo...we shall see about crafting.

I see more shoveling in my future, for sure. You'd think I could manage to fit in a little crafting somewhere, right? I sure hope so! :-)

But first, a little sustenance....

It's been a LONG time since I've made waffles...mom suggested it on the phone (and the girls must've overheard)...

It's what's for breakfast. ;-)
(Oh, and scrambled eggs for protein - can't forget that!)

The delight from my kids was worth it.

What's your favorite thing to do on a SNOW DAY?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Just My "Type"

2012-01-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

YAY! I finally got to make a card last week. Sooooo glad! :)
It's very simple and to-the-point. Very punny, actually. ;-)

I used a new set from the Occasions Mini catalog (started on 1/4/2012)!
It's called "You're My Type," and it was love at first sight. :)

I stamped the typewriter on our Whisper White cardstock with Black Stazon ink. Due to the solid nature of the image, it took me..ahem...a few tries to get it just right. ;-)

Then, I inked up the sentiment with Basic Grey ink, because I wanted it to be slightly lighter than the black of the typewriter.

The heart is punched out of Cherry Cobbler cardstock with our Heart to Heart punch, and up on dimensional for a little something extra. :)

I'm adding it to my Etsy Shop today...so be sure to stop by if you're needing a card for someone - I've got Valentine's cards, as well as many other occasions too! :)

Feels good to be creating again, and I hope to be back tomorrow with another "punny" card (from a different set). It's halfway done - hoping to finish it today - yay! :)

Oh, by the way...you can go here to see the Occasions Mini catalog. Ordering through me online is available 24-7!

Well, what do you think? I'd love to hear from ya. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

So Here I Sit...

2012-01-12T16:11:00.000-08:00

Anyone ever have trouble getting back into the swing of things?
That's me.

Don't get me wrong...everything else is going just fine...but the crafting mojo?
Nope. Nada. Zilch.
Until today.

The crafting bug hit me. I was excited to craft!
Unfortunately, I was in a quandry.
Clean the kitchen or stamp?

**sigh**

I knew if I crafted first, the cleaning most likely wouldn't get done. We're moving this Summer, so I have this goal of organizing room by room - one a week. Since it's Thursday, I don't have much time left to accomplish this week's goal. Sooo...I made the "right" choice, and picked up messes around here. Kitchen stuff, clutter stuff. Baby steps. I *did* get a room done last week, and there's still tomorrow! ;-)

Nevermind the fact that the crafting bug hasn't hit in...what feels like forever.

After cleaning, lunch, and snuggling with my daughter while watching a few stampin' videos, naptime came (a little late)...and my I found my crafting bug had disappeared!

So here I sit, mounting stamp sets. Hoping to feel inspiration, but knowing I have no time left today to create.

What about you??

Do you have something you enjoy, but have trouble fitting into your schedule or feeling the "mojo" with? I'd love to hear from you! Suggestions are welcome, too! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Multi Occasion Thanks

2012-01-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

I've been procrastinating.

I wonder if any other cardmakers suffer from this affliction. Since my birthday is a few days before Christmas, I like to send out thank you cards for both my birthday and Christmas at the same time. Sooo...I waited until Christmas was over. :)

I had the girls make and write in theirs...they finished last week.

I, on the other hand...I put too much pressure on myself to create this fabulous card that's simple enough to make multiple copies of, yet is still nice. COULD NOT get going on it. Since everyone knows I make my own cards, I have high expectations of myself and get overwhelmed trying to create this great card. Is that weird? Anyways, it makes the process take much longer than it should. Sometimes (shhhh...don't tell), I wish I could just buy a set of thank-you's. It would be MUCH easier. But I just can't. ;-)

Well, after trying a few things, I finally figured out one I liked. It's simple, to-the-point, yet a little elegant too. Love that it could work for multiple occasions!

Warning: Poor picture quality - took in the evening before running to the Post Office. ;-)

It's a smaller sized card...3.5" x 4.25". I think. :)

Simple, yet stated.

I embossed the whisper white cardstock with the Manhattan Flower embossing folder and my Big Shot. Stamped the "thank you" from an old Hostess set (LOVE this thank you!)...and that's it! :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Recharging Batteries

2011-12-31T12:36:00.000-08:00

I have a quick announcement from Stampin' Up today, so I thought I'd share that, along with some ramblings. :)

I have soooo been enjoying time with my family during our Christmas Break from school. Most all of December has been super busy days and nights, but this last week has been WONDERFUL. Much slower pace, doing what we feel like doing, taking it easy (I mean the girls and I when I talk about this, lol). It was much needed. A recharging of batteries, if you will. :)

My hubby's a dairy farmer, so he doesn't have weekends/holidays off like some do, but he did TAKE a vacation day this week and ahhhh...that was so nice. We went out to breakfast as a family, meandered downtown for awhile, went roller skating as a family (something the girls have been begging to do for awhile now)... Even better, we only paid $10 for the whole 4 of us to go. :) We had a FREE pass for one daughter (won it at Library Summer Reading program), and a BOGO coupon for my hubby and I's entrance. Love getting a good deal. :)

Anywho...just wanted to explain why it's been a little quiet around here on the little blogeroo. Been taking and making time for family. Slowing down. This morning, we reorganized our game closet, and my daughter's desk is next (ehhh). MAYBE if we have time, we'll take down the Christmas decor. ;-)

Here's to a Happy, Healthy 2012!!! :)

Ooops. Almost forgot the announcement from SU. lol!

Stampin' Up News:
December 30, 2011

Due to overwhelming demand for the Early Espresso 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon, we have run out of stock. This item from the Holiday Mini is no longer available for purchase. We apologize for this inconvenience.

**Remember, Holiday Mini is done after January 3, and Build A Stocking punch will be unavailable after that date**

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day, and a Happy New Year! :)
Crystal

Sneak Peek!!

2011-12-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

BEFORE I get to my ~~regularly~~ irregularly sheduled program (wink), I bring you this announcement:

"We have decided not to carry over the Stocking Builder Punch (item 124095) from the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog into the next Idea Book & Catalog. Once the current inventory of this punch has been depleted, it will no longer be available for purchase."

Get yours now before it's too late! The Holiday Mini ends January 3, 2012.

And now...back to the program. ;-)

I FINALLY made something with some new goodies!! It was my sister-in-law's birthday, and I just had to use new stuffas. :) I can't show you the actual product or pictures of the product itself, but I can show you what I made! :)

Be nice now...it's the first time in quite some time that I've created from scratch. ;-)

Let's see...I'll count how many new things I used on this card...ummm.... FIVE!

First of all, let me just say I *love* the new Sale-A-Bration designer paper. LOVE IT!!

I also used a new flower punch...twice. On the front flower, I cut the petals inward a little more and curled a bit for some lift. Sounds like I'm talking hair, lol!

See the center? It's a stamp from the set that coordinates with the flower punch. (I used a 3/4" circle punch on it, but the whole stamped image would fit nicely inside our 1" circle). Then, added dazzling diamonds. Ahhh...glittah!! :)

The lovely cut border...oohhhh, baby! Let's just say...TWO items on that alone! Something to cut the edge, something to emboss it with the lovely line! :)

Here's a little closeup:

Don't look too closely at the inward edges of the flower...I grabbed the closest scissors to me. Aye. Much oversized household scissors and not sharp. Learned my lesson. Next time, my SU paper snips!!!

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2011-12-27T14:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realize it's 2 days past, but to my credit...I had this scheduled for the 25th. Instead, I just saw it was still in draft mode. ;)

*******************************************************************************

A couple of Saturdays ago, the girls had been awake for a bit already when I got out of bed.

This is the scene that greeted me as I stepped into the kitchen:

Grabbed my heart, it did. Do you see it?

Everyone's lined up around the manger - even the animals who don't actually "belong" with the nativity set.

You see, even the children are aware that ALL eyes should be on Jesus. :)

May the beauty of God's greatest gift be yours today and the rest of your years, too.

Merry CHRISTmas!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a beautiful day!
Crystal

Simply Christmas

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

A quick post today...just wanted to share a simple little card I made earlier this month for a Christmas Gift.

I really like the stamp I used from the set Easy Events...it's definitely one of my most favorite clean and simple images. Love how you can make it cutesy OR elegant. Sometimes, simple is best. :)

I simplly stamped the image with black Stazon ink, colored it in with my SU markers, and added a tiny bit of silver ribbon (non SU) to match the gift.

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!
Crystal

Three Projects!

2011-12-23T17:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry, this post is late today...gone all morning, then wrote this while making blackberry jam this afternoon. Requires some concentration. ;-)

Wednesday was my BIRTHDAY (yay - I love birthdays!), so I didn't make it to the computer all that day! Thursday was last minute preparations for Christmas. Thought maybe I should make up for it with three projects today - one for each day since I last posted? How bout that...sound good?

Two of the items are treat holders, and one is for a different kind of treat...you'll see. ;-)

All three items use the designer paper "Frostwood Lodge" - available only until Jan 3!!

FIRST up, is a container called a "sour cream container".

Also used: Marina Mist grosgrain ribbon, ink, and cardstock, Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White cardstock. Stamped snowflake from Season of Joy and added a bit of bling in the center with our clear rhinestone.

SECOND, a little "purse" of sorts, made using the Top Note Die and Big Shot.

Also used: Marina Mist grosgrain ribbon and cardstock, Cherry Cobbler cardstock, clear rhinestone, and Triple Layer Bouquet Punch. Oh, and our small cello bag. :)

LAST but not least, our THIRD project for today...

What IS inside that holder, you ask???

A different sort of treat. ;-)

Besides the Frostwood Lodge designer as used in the other two projects, I used the stamp set Season of Joy again, and some punches - scalloped circle, 1 3/8" circle, and lace ribbon border (?)...the red you see in the center of the white lace is actually the Cherry Cobbler quilted ribbon.

WHEW!! Took me several hours to finish, but finally here's the THREE projects I promised today. :) Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Chocolate Tub??

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hee hee...NOPE, I do not have a chocolate bathtub.
I just can't think of a proper name for this little treat, lol!

Here's another of the samples I mentioned before...
Actually, this doubles as a sample AND one of the items I sold here!

"All you need in life is a friend who has chocolate."

I made some of these that were "friendsy," as well as some with a Merry Christmas greeting.

INSIDE: Hershey Kisses. :)

"TUB": Baby food container! :)
Stamp Set: Eat Chocolate
Colors: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

Perfect for a sweet little gift!
Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Two For Tea?

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Remember the crazy 24+ samples in one week?

This is one of them, a nifty little treat holder. :)

LOVE the colors.
Cherry Cobbler cardstock base.
See the texture? It's Cherry Cobbler cardstock embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, then sponged with Early Espresso ink.

The scallop circle is our large scallop circle punch in Early Espresso, and the stamped image on Very Vanilla cardstock is from the stamp set Easy Events.

See the brown ribbon between layers? It's the new quilted Early Espresso ribbon in the Holiday Mini! LOVE it.

Would you like to see what's inside? I'm guessing you have a clue, but...OK. :)

Tea...for TWO! :)

A neat little gift for secret pal, someone at the office, or just because...

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Thank You Treat

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Quick post today...

Thought I'd share the Open House thank you's I made to include in the gals' order bags.

Soft Suede and Very Vanilla cardstock
Spice Cake Designer Paper
Easy Events stamp set
Aquapainter & Ink pad lids
Pool Party ruffled ribbon

Would you like to see the inside??

OK. :)

I always like to include some kind of little treat. :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

CLEARANCE RACK BLITZ!!!!

2011-12-15T22:19:00.000-08:00

Oh. My GOODNESS!!!
Do you love a good deal? You DO?? (so do I!)

Head on over...I mean RUN (however you can do that by clicking your mouse, lol)!!! to my online store...items up to 80% off!!! We're talking GREAT deals!!

There's a a bunch of our "retired" style punches in there! If you don't care what style they are, or prefer the previous style...you'd better go check it out for that and MORE (as in, they added over 200 items! :)

RUN!

Ohhh, I *heart* a good deal! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Open House Treat!

2011-12-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

So, a week after I debuted at my first Craft Show, I held my Annual (Stampin' Up) Holiday Open House at my home. Crazy? YES.

Funny thing though...usually I stress out about the Annual Open House. It's interesting what insane craft mode for 3 weeks straight will do to your psyche. After that, I thought...Open House? Bahhh...no biggie! :)

So where I'm usually making tons and tons of new samples, this year I limited myself to 24-ish, combined with "older" samples that were still legit (not retired product). Kind of nice...however, 24-ish samples (cards AND gifty stuff) done in a week...still a little crazy. ;-)

I always enjoy my time with the ladies who come...some of them I don't see but 1-2 times a year, so it's exciting to see them again and catch up.

In the past, I've offered a couple of free make n takes, and this year was no exception.

I had the card figured out, but had the gifty-item narrowed down to three items. The first, I'm just WAY too embarrassed to show you, lol. It was one of those things that you have this idea, and when it comes to fruition - yeah, not as lovely as you pictured it. ;-)

Here's the runner up (didn't make the cut):
Keep in mind the Open House was on NOVEMBER 19th (wink)

I really liked it, but yet...it just wasn't quite right. It's a rather large scallop die for the Big Shot. It needed two pieces cut, scored at a certain point, and adhered together - I felt it wasn't very easy to line up the two at the bottom.

Instead, I wanted to make something which maybe had more uses, and came up with THIS:

First, it uses the Sizzix Two Tags Die. You get two different cut outs from one die - more for your money! :) Anywho...whereas the above project is DEFINITELY pumpkin-y, I felt like this one could be changed up to reflect different holidays/birthdays/baby shower/wedding shower, etc. So that's why I chose this project...plus it was a little easier to put together. :)

See the texture? It's the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. And the leaves? Little Leaves sizzlit.

Yes, we used a lot of BIG SHOT. :)

The ribbon is our 5/8" chocolate satin ribbon, tied with our hemp twine. The stamped sentiment is from Grateful Greetings, which I punched out with the large oval, and backed with the scallop oval punch.

Wanna see what's in it?? OK. :)

What ELSE could it be in November? ;-)

Stampin' Up's small cello bags held the treat nicely. :)

Well, what do you think? Try to look beyond the fact that it is now December. ;-)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Craft Fair Pictures!

2011-12-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm still around. :)

If I'm being honest...it's been kind of a nice break. Things have been rather hectic in my life, and I just *had* to cut something out or I think I may have gone crazy! It's been good to slow down and focus on my family, and myself too. Taking time to be still. In many ways.

Things are much better now, and I'm looking forward to a quiet, reflective Christmas season. :)

There were a few of you that asked to see pictures of the Craft Fair stuff when I got around to it...so I'm finally getting around to it. Thank you for being patient with me as I sort out stuff. :)

Here's a view of my "shop" head on. Not the easiest to see what's going on...lots of distracting things in the background. :)

I had kind of a "kids" area set up, with notebook sets, bookmarks, tooth fairy tins, playdoh fun, etc.

Something new I tried was homemade decor "wipeboards" - more fun than the standard white kind Included a dry erase marker w/ velcro, and wrapped in cello. :)

A few different things pictured here...my tile coaster sets, magnets, gift card holders, etc...

Since I sell my signature cupcake toppers on my Etsy site, I decided to have a few (ahem) of those on hand as well...(I need to update the listings on Etsy, but there are a few listed there).

We're full circle now..

Here's another little "gifty" section...this one a little more "food-related". Chocolate tins, Snowman kisses, Snowman Soup mug sets, M&M sticks, and more.

The items on the Christmas Tree are hanging gift card holders, also available in my Etsy shop Christmas Section. :)

WHEW!! Can I just say I'm a *little* glad to be done with that, my very first Craft Fair?? (wink) Especially considering I signed up 3 weeks before the event....and made everything in that time?? lol

Overall, it was a good experience...one in which I learned many things, and met many great people! :)

Stay tuned for Stampin' Up Open House pics and projects next time...

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Holiday Online Extravaganza!!

2011-11-22T15:51:00.000-08:00

Oh. My. GOODNESS!!!

Who loves a good deal? I do, I do! ;-)

You can order online through me, and have it shipped directly to you! :)
Available for a LIMITED time!

Clicking on the picture will show you the flyer with all the items and prices,

Clicking HERE will bring you to my online store where you can purchase the deals. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

WHEW!!

2011-11-19T20:27:00.000-08:00

DONE with the Craft Fair,
DONE with the Annual Open House (Stampin' Up).

Can I say I'm ready to crash??
Cuz I am. :)
Goin' to bed early tonight.

Because sometimes, ya just gotta take care of yourself...and SLEEP is what I need right now, lol!

I'm hoping to recover over this weekend (maybe even Monday too b/c technically it's still Saturday, the day of my Open House - wink). THEN, tackle the old blogeroo. ;-) I have made oodles of stuff in the last month, some of which I can share with ya! :)
Thanks for stickin' with me, hope to share with you soon! :)
Crystal

Craft Mode & Pumpkin!

2011-10-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

HI there! :)
Yup, I'm still here...just busy.

I'm preparing to be in a local Craft Show...trying to get the "business" needs (bags, business cards, etc) done as well as crafting. Sometimes feels like not a whole lot is getting done, though, as I've had other commitments keeping me busy as well.

Anywho...last week (when I wasn't as busy), I made some yummy cookies, and shared the picture and link to recipie with my FB friends...but didn't think to do it here!

It's Fall. That means pumpkins. Oh, and chocolate chips too, right? ;-)

They were a hit. :)
(pardon the bad quality phone pic)

So now I s'pose you want the recipe for these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Go to my super-talented friend's blogpost here. You'll want to take a look-see around the place while enjoying your cookies & milk. She not only has the gift of creativity, but a great gift of words, too. :)

Enjoy! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Mending & A Gift

2011-10-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

I have to tell you...this week is starting off *much* better than last, and it feels oh, so GOOD. :)

You see, last week was umm....a bummer of a week (to put it mildly). Our Bible Study prayed for me Friday night (& beyond), and I started to feel a healing in my heart through the weekend.

This morning, as the girls are off to school and I am sorting laundry, I find myself prayerful and reflective. My daughter's new shirt (accidentally torn yesterday), begs mending. It wasn't part of my plan today, but it was a part of God's plan. ;-) Since I always wash the darks first, it means a quick mending before washing. I see now that it was God's timing, His prompting. (I never get around to mending that quickly - it usually sits waiting for um...an embarrassing amount of time, lol)

So, I hauled out the sewing machine and respective supplies, and popped a CD into the player. I start the mending, and after some time, as my heart is soaring, I realize:

While my daughter's shirt is being mended by my hands, my heart is being mended by God's hands!

The music is speaking to my soul, and this beautiful word picture is speaking to me. It is a gift from God, and I am so grateful. Are those problems still there? Yes, some of them are...but with this newly mended heart I feel like He & I can deal with them better now. :)

Soooo....God has given me a gift this morning and I wanted to share that with you. :)

Speaking of gifts, I have another gift to share...one that I made for someone a few weeks ago:

Simple, yet stated. Would you like to see closeups of what the gifts are? Ok. :)

This is a Post-It holder, and I just love the texture on the cover! I acheived this look by running the cardstock through my Big Shot, with our new (Holiday Mini) embossing folder, SnowBurst.

The personalized "L" part was created with our stamp set Lovely Letters, and mounted on our circle and scallop circle punches. Finished it off wth our Pear Pizzazz Stitched-Poly ribbon!

Yes, another nugget box. ;-) As you can see, I am loving to use the set "It's A Wrap Occasions" on Hershey Nuggets. :) The belly band (which stays on the sleeve) is created with our Lace Ribbon Border punch, Postage Stamp punch, and 1" Square punch. The stamp set used for the "Thank U" part is from a retired Hostess set, called Cute By The Inch.

Well, what do you think?

PS - The issues last week are not marital - hubby and I are great! :)
PPS - The CD I was speaking of is THIS one...22 songs in all (most are medleys, so you only see the name of the first song of the medley)

Thank you for letting me share with you today, and....
Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Spice Cake, Anyone?

2011-10-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

If you're here for a peek at Spice Cake, you're in the right place!
If you're here for Spice Cake that goes in the oven...sorry. ;-)

I'm talking about a gift set I recently made with our "Spice Cake" designer paper! :)
Hee hee

I've been wanting to share this for a LONG time, but had to wait until the recipient received it! :)

Sorry bout the shiny glare on the pic. Kinda hard to get a good pic with this plastic case.

What plastic case, you say? Well, it's our Clear-mount Storage Case!! I've prettied it up with the Spice Cake designer paper (Holiday Mini), punches, and purrrty Pool Party ribbon. :)

I made a matching pen (see bottom), magnet (Fun Flowers die), a little box with treat inside, and matching thank you card.

Want to see inside the case? Ok. :)

It's a mini legal pad cut down a bit and a bit of pizzazz added with Spice Cake designer paper at the top! :)

Want to see inside the little gift box? Ok. :)

I made the gift box with our Soft Suede cardstock & Spice Cake designer paper!

Stamp sets used:
Inside - It's A Wrap Occasions
Tag - Cute By The Inch

I made the tag by coloring the stamp with my markers, stamping onto Very Vanilla cardstock, then punching it out with our new 1" square punch (Holiday Mini)! I added a layer of Pool Party cardstock behind that, and a final layer of Soft Suede cardstock punched with our Postage Stamp punch. Tied it to the box sleeve with our new Early Espresso Baker's Twine.

Finally, the magnet is made by cutting layers of Spice Cake dp and Soft Suede cardstock with our Fun Flowers die and my Sizzix Big Shot. The middle is one of our Neutrals Buttons with the Early Espresso Baker's Twine tied to it. :)

On the thank you card, I used the set Easy Events, and continued the theme of Soft Suede and Spice Cake. :)

Well, what do you think? I'd love to hear from you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Cookies and FREE Stuff?!!

2011-10-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

I have SOOOO much good to share with you today! :)

FIRST:
What could be better than stamping and cookies? How about Stamping on cookies? :)

Brand NEW starting Oct 1st (yesterday), Stampin'Up! has these adorable cookie stamps!
Click HERE to view and order yours today!

**(The cookie stamps come with the wooden handle and 3 different designs of stamps PLUS 2 cookie recipes~ for $16.95 + S&H).**
______________________________________________

Cookies stamps not enough? Well, how about FREE STAMPS?

Starting Oct 1st, when you purchase (2) Simply Sent Kits (pgs 192-193 in Big Idea Book & catalog) you get a Coordinating Stamp set for FREE!

The Coordinating Stamp set/s are listed below each Simply Sent kits

Click HERE for flyer.

________________________________________________

Cookie stamps & FREE STAMPS not enough? Well...what about a...

FREE BIG SHOT!!

Oye. I *heart* my Big Shot. Wish I could've gotten it for FREE! lol

Starting today Oct 1, 2011 through Oct 31, 2011 anyone who signs up to be a Stampin'Up! Demonstrator will get a FREE Big Shot or You can pick $100.00 worth of products from Stampin'Up!

Click HERE for flyer.

Click HERE for more details on joining the Stampin'Up! Family.

Please contact me if you have any questions...there's a list of information I should have you look over before signing up. :)

Okay, and if all that weren't enough...SU has added products to the CLEARANCE RACK (including some Holiday product)!!

WOW. October's a GREAT month! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crysta

Matchy-Matchy Gift

2011-09-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

I've had the privilege of a friendship with a super-sweet gal since 7th grade (about 20 years - yes, I'll let you do the math - wink). Much to my dismay, she moved across the country after we graduated High School. :( We have kept up the friendship over the years, and to say I am grateful is a bit of an understatement. ;-) Sometimes we're good about staying in touch, sometimes not. But we always know that friendship is there. Through thick and thin. :)

I had purchased a little something for her birthday...a little pick me up for each day. But that just didn't seem like enough. So, I made an ensemble out of it. A few little "extra" things to add to the gift I purchased. I love dressing up ordinary things to make them more fun (matchy-matchy). Hee hee...

I was thrilled to find a retired designer paper in my hoarded supply (wink) which matched nicely - Raspberry Suite! I covered a mini comp book with it, added some retired cardstock to the edge (Apricot Appeal), and then some white taffeta ribbon to top it off. Made a pen to match, and...wait...what's in that little box??

CHOCOLATE, of course! What's a gift without chocolate?? ;-)

I used the same retired dp and cardstock on this little gift, but I also used some NEW items!! :) The birthday tag is a stamp from the Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess) set. I *heart* that set! :) On the inside, you'll see some Hershey's Nuggets with a stamped wrapper! When I saw the catalog for the first time, I labeled this It's A Wrap Occasions stamp set a must-have. :) Oh, and guess what?! They've came out with another label set, the one in the mini catalog is called It's A Wrap Holidays! What fun! :)

Last on my agenda was a matching card...and I'm not that excited about how this one turned out. I was just having trouble, for some reason. But I used a new stamp set (Easy Events), AND it matches (cue singing angels)! lol :)

If you look closely, there's a bit of *sparkle* on the frosting - NEW - Dazzling Details (Holiday Mini)! Oh, and the cherry on top? A CropADile punch, with crystal effects added to make it shiny. Stem and leaf were handdrawn. :)

Also used in these projects: Whisper White cardstock, Scallop Circle punch, 1 3/8" & 1 1/4" Circle punches, Scallop Edge punch, White grosgrain ribbon, Ink pad lids, Aquapainter

WHEW! Well, I think that's all...what do you think? Would *love* to hear from you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

All The Little Things

2011-09-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

I completed a challenge!!! WOO HOO!!
Do you know how long it's been since I've participated in a stamping challenge??
Me either. ;-)

It's great for gettin' those juices flowing again. :)

The challenge at SCS is called Free For All, and the title was "Acknowledgement." Think on the last 5 days...is there someone you could thank? Make a card for them and give it to them within 48 hours of making the card!

This is such a great challenge for me! I often think of making people a card, to say thank you, or hello, or whatever...but then I get busy, time goes by, and the moment has passed. :(

I knew I wanted to use a certain stamp and a certain designer paper, and I really really like how it turned out! Thinking about making more to sell on Etsy! :)

I used the new designer paper Spice Cake from the Holiday mini!! LOVE that stuff - perfect for Autumn, or really...any time of the year! :)

I inked the stamp from Full of Life with my More Mustard and Soft Suede markers.

Also used are Soft Suede, More Mustard, Pool Party, and Very Vanilla cardstock! The Soft Suede taffeta ribbon was the perfect final touch, don't you think? ;-)

The sentiment panel is up on dimensionals, of course. ;-)

Well, what do you think? Would *love* to hear from you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Lost & Found

2011-09-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

Ever lost something and found it years later?
Back when I was about 14, I lost my wallet.

I was as devastated as a 14 year old can be. The wallet itself was an 8th Grade Graduation gift, and I mean...who knows if there was money in there or not...but what about everything else? You know, all those pics I traded with classmates??? I mean, THAT is important, lol! ;-)

Well, nearly 20 years later...my parents were cleaning out the attic and found this:

What was once was lost...now is FOUND! :)

They put it in a box with a bunch of other stuff that was supposedly mine (wink), didn't tell me it was in there, and one day as I waded through each and every item...there it was!

Boy, was it a blast from the past!! lol

Yup, classmate pics were there, as well as 2 group pics of my friends and I taken in 8th Grade...I'm trying to figure out a way to share it with those friends on Facebook, without the whole world seeing it (in a private message) - anyone know how to do that?

Anyways...back to the subject at hand. I found other little treasures, too:

Shall we play "I Spy?" in this pile of stuff? lol

I wonder what DQ would do if I walked up to the counter with one of those tokens? lol

Oh, and there WAS a $10 bill, and a bunch of change too - score! :)

Have you lost something and found it years later? If you haven't....you might want to go search your attic! ;-)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a great day! :)
Crystal

Ten Tiny Toes

2011-09-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes...

My mom, SILs, & I are going to be hosting a baby shower for a cousin-in-law of mine, who recently had a baby boy. Guess who was on invitation duty? ;-)

I thought on it for awhile, and came up with something I liked...assembly was the "easy" part. It was all the cutting, stamping, embossing, etc...that took all my time! :)

Ready for the end result?

OK. :)

Everything is SU except for the baby feet stamp. I got that AGES ago (10 years??) when I started stamping, and it's one of my non-SU stamps I've kept for such an occasion. ;-)

Supplies: Bashful Blue & Whisper White cardstock, Big Shot, Polka dot embossing folder, Bashful Blue gingham ribbon

Well, what do you think? I'd love to hear from you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Polka Dots, Polka Dots!

2011-09-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

So, my girls and I were thinkin' on a party theme for my youngest, about to turn 5. Finally narrowed down to two possibilities. Butterflies, or POLKA DOTS!!

I'm sure you've guessed what we chose. ;-)

Yup. We had a great idea, now we had to come up with an invitation.

Why not buy some? Oye. Good question! I was sooo tempted - multiple times - especially knee-deep into it. Would've been much easier, but you know me. I can't buy what I can make, especially when we have a good idea and are excited about it. Gotta see it through to completion. :)

Soo...we set to work. Made a pattern, then set to work repeating over and over.
5 year old punching
7 year old adding adhesive
Mom (me) putting all the polka dots on in the set pattern.

Oh, now that's the short of it.

Here's a few pics of how it went down.

Yes, we put them on the cardstock.

But then, as you see, the polka dots need to be cut off all the edges.

Like this.

Then, some computer work was needed...

Printed onto vellum....

And now....the finishing touch...

Hole punches at the top, then added ribbon!

Colors used:

Retired: Green Galore, Lavendar Lace (I think? It's been too long, lol!)

Current: Whisper White, So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise, Melon Mambo

Well, what do you think?

COMPUTER UPDATE: Yup. My laptop has FINALLY arrived !!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

SU Update, and STILL no computer!

2011-09-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

Yup. Still no laptop back from Dell.

Boy, I am going to be SOOO glad to see that thing when it is back in my hands!

I'll probably kiss it! lol :)

I did fire up the dinosaur (old computer that takes 25+ min. on button to being able to type something in a search bar online)....and I've updated the SU catalogs tab - the new HOLIDAY MINI came out on Sept. 1st! yay!! :)

Here's a little a teaser of sorts...you'll have to click on SU Catalog tab for more. ;-)

Well, that's all for now...crossing my fingers that the laptop will be shipped today??

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

Technical Difficulties

2011-08-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

We're experiencing technical difficulties over here. :(

I haven't had the use of my laptop since last week, and expect to not have it at least for another week. :( We think it's just the adapter, but Dell wants us to send the whole computer in to figure it out. Thankfully we're still under warranty...but it's a pain to be without my laptop!

Just wanted to let you know (man...I was on a roll with posting, too!) that things may look a little spotty for a bit. We DO have an older computer we call "the dinosaur"...which I finally gave in and turned on yesterday. Oh, MY. From turning it on to being able to actually type online...over 25 minutes! Not the best speed when using programs and online, either.

Hence, I use it sparingly.

Just wanted you to know that I really want to be here, and hopefully I can...it'll just be a bit spotty. :)

Thanks for your patience and stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Last Hurrahs

2011-08-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

This week has been a bit sad for me.
Why?
Because it is the last week before school starts.

Now, some of you may be laughing. Why on earth would that make a momma SAD? Honestly, I'm not ready to send them off just yet. Maybe it's because it seems like the Summer took FOREVER to get here, lol!

Yesterday, we spent a LOT of the day making my daughter's 5yr. Bday party invites. I'm really excited with how they turned out! You'll see them...someday. ;-) Just not sure if I'll show them before party happens, or on an after-party post. :)

EDITED TO ADD: Here are the finished invites. :)

Anyways...being indoors for most of a REALLY nice day...a little depressing.

Today, it's supposed to get up to 90*, which I believe is the hottest yet this Summer...so...since it's supposed to be nice, AND it's the last Friday before Fridays are school days...I think I'll try to do something fun outside with them.

One last hurrah, if you will. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Flower Garden Thank You

2011-08-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Quick post today...I'm in the middle of making 5th B'day party invitations for my daughter. :)

Judging from the title, you probably pictured today's project as something full of color and flowers, maybe? Well, it's completely opposite of "full of color," but there IS a reason I titled it that way. :)

I used my Big Shot for this card...along with an embossing folder called "Flower Garden," which premiered in the Summer Mini catalog (6 days left!). :)

A clean & simple card...soft, serene...could maybe be used for wedding??

Not a whole lot more to say about this one...again, I used the Big Shot and Flower Garden embossing folder.

Ran a length of white taffeta ribbon along the side, and stamped "thank you" from the set Short & Sweet with Crumb Cake ink. Punched it out with our Large Oval punch, and adhered with dimensionals (of course - wink). :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Splish, Splash!

2011-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the THIRD card I made last week in an afternoon of stamping (read more here)!

I really like this one...and I love that it could work for so many occasions! :)

Again...I used Just Add Cake designer paper and the lovely Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch! :) Can you tell I like those two products? Yup, totally do - check out Monday's and Tuesday's posts! :)

This time, I used a stamp set from the Summer Mini called Touch of Kindness. Only SEVEN days left to get this set! It's cute, no?

The cardbase is Crumb Cake, separated by the Just Add Cake designer paper with a white border (Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch)!

I stamped the image on Whisper White cardstock with black Stazon ink, then colored in with my Watercolor Wonder Crayons and blender pen. Mounted it on Soft Suede cardstock, and popped it up on dimensionals (of course - wink). :) The Crumb Cake taffeta ribbon sets it off nicely, don't you think? :)

Well, what DO you think? It's awfully quiet around here, lol! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Poppy Field Flowers

2011-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so yesterday's post was a warm-up card...and this one I like a little better. :)

Again, I used the Just Add Cake designer paper, and Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch as a cute lacy edge. LOVE that punch! :)

This time, I inked up a new stamp set called Field Flowers, a 2-step stamping set (images perfect for layering).

Are you ready to see it? OK...here goes!
The base is Early Espresso cardstock.

I stamped the flowers and stems (outline stamps - there are more images) with Poppy Parade and Wild Wasabi ink on Whisper White cardstock.

The sentiment is stamped in Early Espresso ink, and punched out with the Large Oval Punch. See the dark shadow behind it? It's a matching punch in Early Espresso!

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Friend to Friend

2011-08-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Soooo excited that I FINALLY had the chance to create! In fact...I made 3 (count 'em), THREE cards in one afternoon! WOOO HOOOO! However, in order entice you back, I'm not going to share all three today. ;-)

Here's the first one I made - consider it a warm-up, if you will. I really wanted to make a card for a friend of mine whom I haven't chatted with in awhile, and wanted use this stamp because I know she likes it. :)

I'm kinda disappointed in how it turned out. I mean, I like it...but liked it better before I looked at the picture of it, lol. Sound familiar? Like a card you've made, but the picture of it doesn't really do it justice?? Well, hopefully she likes it anyways, because this one was definitely a labor of love, with MUCH time spent, lol! :)

The image is from the stamp set On The Grow from the Summer Mini Catalog - available only until the end of August - that's only 9 more days, people!

Want to see more made with the set On The Grow? Go here, and here (scroll down to the flowers on the 2nd one).

Don't forget August's promo - buy 3, get 1 FREE designer paper! I used a new dp called "Just Add Cake".

Details (All Items Stampin' Up): On The Grow scooter stamped with black Stazon ink onto watercolor paper, then colored in with markers and aquapainter. The card base is crumb cake, and the designer paper is "Just Add Cake." The sweet lil' scalloped border you see is the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch. I stamped the sentiment "friend to friend" from the stamp set Teeny Tiny Wishes, and made a double bow out of linen thread, to match the crumb cake cardstock.

Well, what do you think (dare I ask)? :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Come Sail Away

2011-08-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

I have a card to share with you today - yay! :)

It's a very CAS (Clean & Simple) birthday card for a guy friend of the family, and I used a few "new" things, I'm happy to say. :)

I used the new In Color Island Indigo, and a new stamp from the Summer Mini catalog, Sail Away. It's one that I've actually been meaning to use for awhile, but like I've said before...I just haven't had much time to stamp this Summer! So I was thrilled to finally put it to use. Remember the Summer Mini is done at the end of August!

Sorry 'bout the picture quality...I forgot to take it at home, so I had to make do with where I was and take it with my phone. :)

It's kinda funny...I tend to go monochromatic when making guy cards. I wonder why that is...

Details: Card base is Not Quite Navy, Sailboat image and sentiment are stamped in Not Quite Navy ink onto Naturals White cardstock, then layered onto Island Indigo cardstock. The sentiment is punched out with the Word Window punch, and layered on the Modern Label punch.

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Loads of Birthday Fun!

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY AUGUST! The Summer is flying by, and I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted (1 post in a month???!!)! Wow. I haven't had many chances to create, that's for sure! Mojo? Pretty much on hold. At times, I thought maybe indefinitely. :-( Didn't even get to check in on my favorite blogs much in the last month! :-(

Well...I'm happy to say...I'm back! :)

I had a great reason to create...my dad's birthday (which is actually tomorrow), and I'm ~~pleased~~ okay with how things turned out. :) Considering it's one of my first cards made in a long time (made 1-2 others, maybe CASED? - wink), I'm happy. A few things bug me, but other than that, pretty happy. :) This was completely my own, and it felt SO GOOD to get back in the saddle again. :)

Enough rambling...on to the project! :)

I used Old, Current, and New Stampin' Up products for this card - yay! :)
An old favorite of mine (still current), is the stamp set Loads of Love.

Old - "Hawaii Papaya" Designer paper, Kiwi Kiss cardstock
Current - Chocolate Chip cardstock, Watercolor paper, Stazon ink, Watercolor crayons, Aquapainter, Dimensionals, Circle punch
New - Baker's Twine! Made it's debut in the Summer mini catalog, then continued it's journey in the new Idea Book & Catalog - you can view either one by clicking on the SU Catalog tab above! :)

WHEW!
Well, what do you think?

That's all for today...thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

It's HERE, It's HERE!!!

2011-07-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

July 1st has arrived, and that means The New 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!! :)

I've just updated the SU Catalog tab, and added a few links to my RH sidebar. Go ahead, take a look! :)

Ohhhh, I am soooo excited!!
Would you like to see what some of my faves are? ok. :)

Oh...I just realized something - pretty sure all the numbers listed for stamp sets are the clear mount numbers. If you were to order the wood mount, you need a different #. You'll see it in the catalog under the item.

Pg    Item #    Name
10   122617 Happiest Birthday Wishes (H) --- you can never have too many birthday stamps!

16   122872 Turtle & Co.

35   122562   Snow Much Fun ---- love snowmen!

42   122685   Tidings of Joy

45   122682   Beautiful Season ---- ohhhhhh...gorgeous. Love this.

55   123087 Not So Seriously ---- finally, some funny quips!

57 123225   Easy Events ---- reminds me of Pun Fun, Nice & Easy Notes, etc...

59   123592   It's A Wrap Occasions ---- yay! How fun!

63 122757 Up, Up & Away ---- ditto

65   122512 Sweets for the Sweet ---- ditto

71   122737 Button Buddies  ---- ditto

92   122542 Barnyard Buddies ---- we're dairy farmers...couldn't resist

93   122537   Dinoroar ---- yes, we have girls. But sometimes I need boy cards! :)

93   122722   I Dig You ---- ditto. ;-)

155 123432   Party Time

158 122862 Sweetly Said

161 123052   Blessings from Heaven ---- niiice. We need more of these type!

162 122612   Creatively Yours

164 122497   Petite Pairs

167 122652   Delightful Dozen

171 123598   Occasions Alphabet

194 125054 Denim Jean Ribbon (Artichoke)

194 125053 Denim Jean Ribbon (Blue)

198 122942 Mini Clothespins ---- this is SO going on my order

199 122941 Mini Brads ---- ditto!

218 123130   Designer Frames Embossing Set

218 123128   Stripes Embossing Folder

WHEW!! Okay...just so you know...I have a LOT of work ahead of me to pare down this list to a manageable size. ;-) I don't plan on getting all of these at once, lol! These are just the things that jumped out at me.

Well...what about you? Do you have any favorites?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

LAST DAY (and a peek)!

2011-06-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

A friendly reminder...THIS IS THE LAST DAY YOU CAN ORDER RETIRING PRODUCTS FROM STAMPIN' UP's 2010-2011 catalog!!! :)

Yes, I'm yelling. ;-) Hurry, RUN!! (click on SU logo in RH sidebar)

Here's a recent project I made using a set that's going to retire (Paradise):

It's a gift certificate holder...for a local nursery (plants). :) I used the Lots of Tags die for the Big Shot for the label background...the wide oval punch for the label.

And what ARE those colors I'm using??? Anyone care to take a guess? Yup. One of them is already retired. ;-) If you guessed Mellow Moss & Always Artichoke...you're correct. It's still one of my fave combos. ;-)

And now for the promised sneak peek project...
Actually no. I've just decided I'm going to show you TWO more projects today. As a thank you for sticking around even while I had to take a bloggy-vacation. Imagine that - THREE projects in one day! :)

I had some thank you cards to make...

So, here are two different cards using TWO sets from the current mini catalog (Summer Mini).....AND some new colors from the upcoming catalog! (Releases on 7/1/11) :)

This 4.25" square card features the On The Grow stamp set (Summer Mini) stamped with Black Stazon ink onto Watercolor cardstock, and colored in with the new colors Wisteria Wonder & Lucky Limeade. :)

The next card (which I love the CAS-ness of, btw) uses Swirls & Curls Verses. The Swirls & Curls is actually a Hostess stamp set you can earn from the mini catalog...don't worry...you still have until August 31 to get it and On The Grow - include them with your first purchase from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! :)

I inked up the stamp with the new color Lucky Limeade, took the ink off the flower with my blender pen, then colored the flower with my new Calypso Coral marker. Clear as mud? ;-)

Well, what do you think? I'm glad to be back to share with you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

One More

2011-06-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

I'm here today with ONE MORE Graduation item. :)
This time...it's not necessarily a card.

It's a gift card holder! Many people give gift cards for gifts, so I decided to make a one to sell on Etsy. Oh, and I'll share it with you here, too. ;-)

I used the same set as yesterday, Go Graduate! I also used the Square Lattice embossing folder and same colors yet again (Black, Grey, White)! Also used the watercolor crayons and blender pen yet again! :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

It's A Bittersweet Thing...

2011-06-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

...this last of the school year stuff.

This morning was the last time I sent my daughter off on the bus to 1st Grade. I'm a sentimental gal...so yes, I did get a little choked up this morning while praying at breakfast. Did pretty well though - I don't think my daughters had a clue. ;-)

She loves school, so although we're DEFINITELY excited for Summer (ALL of us! )...we're a little sad too. She had a great teacher, a great time learning and playing with her friends, a great year.

Sooo...she's "graduating" to 2nd Grade. At least I'm pretty sure...I keep teasing her that we really don't technically know yet, and is she sure she's moving up to 2nd grade? Her answer? The drawn-out "Mo-om...." :)

In keeping with the graduation theme, I have another card for you today!

I used (another) old set from last year's Summer Mini catalog, called Go, Graduate. I used the Square Lattice Embossing Folder again, used same colors again (Basic Black, Basic Grey, White) too. Colored the gowns and feet with my Watercolor Crayons and Blender pens, then topped it off with a black satin ribbon, and Voila! :) (The coloring part actually took awhile, lol!)

FYI: This card (and others) can be purchased in my Etsy Shop! :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Graduation

2011-06-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again.

The time when young (yes, you're young) Senior Highschoolers everywhere are celebrating. I can still hear the notes of Pomp & Circumstance...dah, dah dah dah dahhhh, dahhhhhh....

Anywho...A cousin of mine is graduating from high school, and we were invited to a party to celebrate. I knew exactly what I wanted to do for his card. Then changed it. Lol!

It might look familiar if you've been following me long enough...see here

I decided to add a few more layers...and it became THIS:

The texture on the card is from SU's Square Lattice embossing folder. The stamp is (sadly) retired...never made it to the big catalog (it's from last year's Summer Mini)...but I'm gonna use it anyways! :)

Did you notice the other texture in this picture? lol Not my usual background, lol. What can I say, we were in a hurry to get out the door, and I was desperate to find something white for a backdrop, my usual wasn't nearby. My hubby says, "do you REALLY have to take a picture of every card you make?"

Ummmmm. YES. :)
Therefore the unfolded cheap white napkin. ;-)

Well, what do you think? Which version of this card do you prefer?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Back With A Butterfly

2011-06-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hello out there to all my cyber-friends! It's been awhile, I know. :)

I had to let at least one juggling ball drop...and so the "blog ball" was dropped. Believe me, I *wanted* to be here, but just couldn't. :)
No time to stamp (except - oh, I need a card - quick!) :)
+ No time to take pic, edit pic, post pic, think of something clever to say, and hope *someone* out there thought it was fun and clever and might just leave me some love in comments. ;-)
= No mojo

Anyways...I'm here!! :) Slowly creeping back into this...baby steps. :) I have SO MUCH fun to show you, and I'm hoping to figure out a "new" summertime balance/schedule that includes time to stamp...cause stamping makes momma happy, and you know the saying..."if momma ain't happy..." :)

I *AM* going to share something with you today (other than rambling). :)

A good friend of mine recently had a birthday, and I've had her card in the works for awhile now. Started it long ago. At the time, I die cut two butterflies and stamped them. Made the card for one friend (hi J!), and got another one ready to go for the other friend I had in mind (hi B!). Had everything done except for coloring in the butterfly and adding the string body, then mounting onto the card.

Ya wanna know something funny? The butterfly (Sizzix die) is borrowed from the 1st friend, the stamp set is borrowed from the second friend! Both of those items borrowed to make THIS card for each of them! lol

Anyways, I think it's kind of funny. ;-)

I hand embossed the edges of this very vanilla cardbase. Nope, not with the easy peasy Big Shot (I wish!). This was old school - I moved a brass template from side to side, lining up & embossing by hand! :)

The stamp sets used were Wonderful Favorites and Elements of Style. Colored the flowers on the butterfly with my ink pad lids and aquapainter.

WHEW. It feels good to be back!

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Last Chance...Time To Say Goodbye

2011-06-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

No, not goodbye to me. Well, it may feel like that around here lately, and I wouldn't blame you! I've just been CRAZY busy and hoping things will change for the better once school is done - I wanna share some fun stuff with you! :)

In the meantime, click on the pic above to get to my website where the Last Chance Lists (retiring items) are updated every Mon-Fri at 4pm MT. You can also order from me at that link ANYTIME (24/7)!

The stamp sets are available until June 30, but the accessories/Decorative lists are while supplies last (and some items are 25-40% off!!!), so I'd move as quickly as you can and get both at the same time! :)

Whew! Gooooo---- run! Get them while you can!! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Wasabi Florets

2011-05-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hi all!
I finally have something to share with you...but don't get too excited - when you haven't stamped in awhile, it's hard to get back in the groove! lol

{{I'm hoping to do a TON of stamping today & get my groove back!}}

In the meantime...I'll share a recent creation using a NEW set called "Fabulous Florets" from the new Summer Mini! WOOO HOOO! Seriously. It's been so long...I feel like rejoicing when I can actually take time to stamp! lol :)

I started with a whisper white cardbase (4x3.5)? Sorry...it's already been sent out & I can't remember, lol. Stamped it repeatedly with the larger outline flower from Fabulous Florets in Wild Wasabi Ink.

Hence the title "Wasabi Florets" - original, I know. ;-)

I stamped out the thank you from "Thank You Kindly" in matching Wasabi ink, then punched it out with our wide oval punch. What's the layer behind it? I cut the design using Wild Wasabi cardstock, "Lots of Tags" sizzlit and the Big Shot!

Ahhh...just the simpleness of it makes me smile. I like the crisp freshness of the green and white. Yes, it takes a little time stamping all the flowers out, but really...not too bad.

Thank you SOOOO much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

May's Promos!

2011-05-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

If you're a scrapbooker (or love to use scrapbooking stuff for cards & gifts), May is the month for you! Save 30% off on select merchandise!

There's also a promo for a set from the new Summer Mini...

Stampin' Up! is proud to partner with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF) in the Strength & Hope Campaign.

From May 1-August 31, 2011, Stampin' Up! will donate $2 from the sale of each Strength & Hope Set and Digital Kit to BCRF*.

Strength & Hope
118100 (wood mount) $17.95
123660 (clear mount) $13.95

A Strength & Hope Digital Kit (item 124475) is also available that includes a four-piece stamp brush set, 12 Designer Series Papers, and 10 embellishment pieces for $9.95.

Contact me today to order this beautiful set and support BCRF as they work find a cure for breast cancer! Or shop now in my Online Store.

*The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. BCRF is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide. For more information about BCRF, visit http://www.bcrf.cure/

That's all for today, folks! I really wish I could be on here with creative juices, but I just can't right now. Too much going on around here...hopefully soon! :) In the meantime, have a look around! I've updated the sidebar...it now holds the current promos, and the NEW Summer Mini ---- fun, fun, fun!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Lookee What I Got!

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last week, we had sunshine!

One of those lovely days,

my daughters came running to me from the backyard.

Grinning, they proudly stretched out their arms to me in love,

giving me a gift from their hearts.

I oohed and ahhed,

then promptly went to the cupboard and pulled out a vase -

one just perfect for this bouquet.

Yes, they're dandelions.

Bits of sunshine from the loves of my life. :)

As I filled the vase with water, they came and added more in just the right spots.

(I've since had to throw them all out, but needn't have worried.)

While defrosting our freezer in the garage today, I received a few more from my youngest.

She said "here's some more flowers, mom...cuz I love you."

Tucking away these moments in my heart and mind,

I realize all too soon these bouquets from my little girls will disappear.

Makes me tear up to even think about it.

Okay, so the tears are filling my eyes.

Yup...there goes one down my cheek.

Yeesh.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!

Crystal

5 Days Left for Cake!

2011-04-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Did you know there are only 5 days left to order from the Occasions Mini catalog?
That's right, only 5 more days to get your hands on Nature Walk, Take A Spin, Build A Blossom, Easter Blossoms, Blessed Mother, Eat Chocolate, Create a Cupcake, and more!!

And one of my personal favorites...Bring On the Cake.
Here's a little project I made awhile back (when I had my SAB party) using that stamp set and a color that is *slowly* growing on me...

Here's a closeup of the lovely cake...in all it's glittery gloriousness! :)

Just in case you're wondering, the color is Poppy Parade. ;-)

The dotted DSP is paper from the Hostess Paper Pack, and I used markers to ink and color in the stamp. Oh, and don't forget the matching ribbon! ;-)

Did you know you can order online from me, 24-7? Yup. Totally.
Just click here to get started (then click shop now)!

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

New Video Tutorial

2011-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

By ME! :)
It's only my 3rd one ever...and the last one was over a year ago! Yikes!

This time was a *little* easier (with my laptop!), with a newer video editing program (good, same, but different...still figuring out the bugs)...but I *may* just keep trying to do more! lol

FYI: This is using an "old" stampa-ma-jig...Stampin' Up now has a lovely black one. :)

Be nice! ;-)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

So Pretty Pizzazz Peek!

2011-04-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm finally back. It was a lovely Spring Break and I'm kinda sad it's over. It was a perfect mix of lazy downtime and fun sprinkled throughout - no wonder I'm sad! lol Yes, it's officially been over since Monday, but I've been busy around here with a certain someone's 7th birthday coming up. ;-)

I dunno about you, but for me...the longer I've been away from stamping, the harder it is to get back into it. Am I the only one who has this problem?

So last night, with kids in bed and hubby late at work, I sat down, determined to make something. Got back in the stamping saddle again, so to speak. ;-)

I surfed for awhile...putting it off a little longer...then found something that sparked my interest. A color challenge! I knew I wanted to use something "new," and I set about putting my thinking cap on...feels pretty good to stamp again, but boy do I feel rusty, and my work shows it! lol

Here's the color challenge (hence the title of this post - plus peak meaning Sneak Peek)!
So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Pear Pizzazz

And here's what I made. YES, there's Saffron on there - in the center of the flowers! :)

The stamp set I used is called "On The Grow" and it'll soon be available to you...in the Summer Mini! (May 1). I'll probably add a little tiny tag or two hanging from the ribbon with sentiment once I figure out what it's for. ;-)

Base - Very Vanilla / 2nd Layer - Pear Pizzazz / 3rd Layer - Very Vanilla (embossed with Big Shot & polka dot embossing folder) / 4th Layer - Pear Pizzazz / 5th Layer - Watercolor paper. Stamped with image in Stazon Black ink & colored in with my markers and aquapainter. / Ribbon - Pear Pizzazz

Yes, pretty simple and basic...but it's calming, and I'm glad to have stamped! lol :)

Well, what do YOU think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Spring Break...and a Card

2011-04-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well, it's April...and that means Spring Break at school this week.
So far, it's only Tuesday...but I have to say...it's been nice. :)

My eldest daughter is home and it's been nice to have her around...all three of us just hanging out. She's growing up way too quickly, and I feel like I don't spend much time with her, now that she's full time in 1st Grade. Taking our time with things, not having to rush about...it's been nice. I even have a few surprises planned for the week. :)

Today...we're going to the Railway Museum. I really don't know much about it, except that someone told me about it, and my youngest LOVES trains. :) We shall see. :)

I've been pretty busy during March, and April will be as well...
One thing I've been doing is making cards for my Etsy shop....
This one (and many others) have been added! :)

This card uses an old favorite of mine...Almost Amethyst. A sweet, soft purple. I even bought a pkg. of the cardstock when it retired. :)

The beautiful roses outline you see is the Manhattan Flower embossing folder on vellum. :) Made it with my Big Shot (yesss....I FINALLY have a Big Shot - oh boy has that been nice!)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Grab Bag and Sneak Peek!

2011-04-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Well hello, April....I'm glad you're here. :)

Does that mean we'll get some more sun? I certainly hope the "April Showers Bring May Flowers" ditty won't be applicable this year...I think we've had enough rain for awhile. ;-)

Here's a bit of SUNSHINE to warm my stampin' friends! :)
Stampin' Up has some fun promos going on...after looking at these promos, if you see something you'd like...head on over to my website 24-7 to order!

***FIRST***

Grab a Bag of Stampin' Up! Products!

Beginning today, April 1, and continuing while supplies last, you will be able to purchase special "grab bags" in the Online Store. These grab bags will come in three sizes: the $5, the $10, and the $15 grab bag. Each bag will contain a variety of discontinued products that could include a combination of any of the following: ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Papers, and Simply Sent kit components. Grab bags will not contain stamp sets or tools.

Please keep the following in mind:
•Grab bag orders can only be placed on demonstrator orders or in the Online Store.

•There is no minimum purchase required to participate in the grab bag special offer.

•There is no limit to the number of grab bags a customer may purchase; however, grab bag items are only available while supplies last.
•All grab bag sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges.

•Not all grab bags will be unique.

•You should use the following item numbers when ordering grab bags:

Item

125873 -

$5 Grab Bag (containing at least $20 worth of products!)

125874-
$10 Grab Bag (containing at least $40 worth of products!)

125875-

$15 Grab Bag (containing at least $60 worth of products!)

****SECOND****

Promotion dates: April 1-30, 2011

Promotion details: Spring is Blossoming with Sneak Peek products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. You can get these brand-new products in one of two ways:

•Spend $20* on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.

•Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!

Four Frames Stamp Set

Wood: item 123440 $20.95

Clear: item 123442 $15.95

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

Item 122367 $9.95

Please use the following bundle item numbers when entering the free stamp set and Designer Series Paper into OEX as a workshop reward:

125735
Four Frames Wood-Mount Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper FREE with qualifying workshop!

125736
Four Frames Clear-Mount Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper FREE with qualifying workshop!

Things to Remember:
Customer order option
•Orders may be placed online, in person or at a workshop.
•Customers must spend $20 to be eligible to purchase the Four Frames stamp set and/or Paisley Prints Designer Series Paper from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.
•Both items can be purchased once the $20 minimum is met; there is a limit of five per product once the $20 minimum is met. Ordering another $20 of Stampin' Up! products resets the limit and allows the customer to purchase another five Designer Series Papers and/or stamp sets.

Hostess option
•Orders must be placed on a workshop, customer, or demonstrator order to qualify. Online orders are not eligible for this part of the promotion. But ...you are welcome to contact me and I'll place the order for you.
•Customers will receive the Four Frames and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper FREE if they host a $350 workshop (net sales before tax and shipping).
•You must use the special bundle item numbers above when ordering the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper as a reward for hosting a qualifying workshop.
•There is a limit of one Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper per workshop.
•Workshop must meet $350 minimum to be eligible for sneak peek products. Reward is for reaching the $350 level and is not incremental.
•Hostess may choose either the wood-mount or clear-mount set. Clear blocks are not included in the clear mount set.

WHEW! I *think* that's all...
Did you know you can order online from me 24-7?
Yup. Here's the link! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Winter Welcome?

2011-03-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

I figured something out this week.

No WONDER Winter's cold weather is still sticking around!!

No WONDER Spring is having a hard time arriving!!

If our front door welcome weren't enough...take a gander at THIS, as you walk in the door!

Ummm...hello.

Time to change out the decor. ;-)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT Spring day! :)

Crystal

Happy Polka Dots

2011-03-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Weird title, I suppose.
Except that it reminds me of my friend (and her birthday gift).
Polka dots. She likes them. Happy. She is.

She's a fun-lovin', bubbly, chipper, spitfire, full of energy kinda gal.
She would probably try to dispell that - or at least blame her creamerized coffee. ;-) And yes, I know...she's a normal person and probably isn't happy 24-7...but she's got a great outlook on life and it shows.
It makes me happy just to be in her company. :)
She has a great sense of humor.
She's uber-talented, a creative genious!

Greets with a hug (I love hugs!), and has a beautiful smile that lights up the room.

She listens. Advises.
We enjoy chatting/commiserating over creamerized coffee. :)
Did I mention she loves chocolate like I do? Yay!

As if all this weren't enough, there's something more - she's got depth too.
Did you know she's my sistah?
Well, not flesh and blood...we are Sisters in the Lord! :)

Here's what I made for her Bday - Happy Birthday, Polka Dot Style (see - multi-functional title!) ;-)

Want to know a little more?
OK.

What IS that little box?? You know, the one that has a chocolate on top and says "All you need in life is a friend who has chocolate."

It's one of those items in my collection in the garage (much to hubby's dismay) for a someday I'll find a way to use this project. ;-) YAY - I've used one! Now I only have 20 billion more of them to use (jk)...it's a little gerber baby food container, and I can't wait to show hubby this pic. ;-)

And what does that card look like on the inside?

It's actually a gift card holder and card all in one! :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day (and weekend)! :)
Crystal

Sweet Thanks

2011-03-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Awhile back, you may remember me ~~talking~~ writing about having a SAB (Sale-A-Bration) party at my home. LOTS of work as a demo, but oh so fun that night as we gathered! :)

Every once in awhile, I like to put a little 'thank you' treat with my stampin' friends' orders. It's usually when I have an Open House, but I decided to this time also. :)

Here's what I did for that party (Mar 1):

Easy-peasy.

SU's small cello bags, filled with sour watermelons (YUM!), added white satin ribbon, added tag.

Tag - "thank you" stamped from Because I Care (Hostess set) in Regal Rose ink on Whisper White cardstock. Punched with lg. oval punch, scallop oval in Pear Pizzazz behind it.

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

A Special Moment

2011-03-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

In yesterday's post, I was telling you about how busy our March has been...mostly with birthdays, but other special occasions as well. One of those special occasions was a baptism for my niece. What a sweet, tender, special moment that is.

I made a card for her/her parents to commemorate the moment.
I have made this type before, but this time I did it a little differently.
First, I'll show you the most recent card (made for my niece).

The design is made with the Big Shot & the Manhattan Flower (?) embossing folder. The ribbon is from my stash...I have no idea where originally from. :-b

I was kind of bummed when I figured out that I was out of the tiny ribbon used on my last ones (see below)...but I really like how this one turned out with the bigger ribbon, too! :)

Here are the two I got my inspiration from:

These were made in May 2009 - funny thing is, one of them was for her sister! :)

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Birthdays Galore!

2011-03-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

March has been such a busy month for our family.
Many of those days have been birthday-related.
A few I've already shared (Mom's Birthday, Sister-in-Law's Birthday)
Some friend birthdays (will share at later date)...
A baptism (will share soon)...
Today I'll share a couple of niece birthdays!

They both turned 2 (one on hubby's side, one on mine) this month.

Soooo...I know I've shared before that I've scaled back on the kiddo cards. I have. But for some ~~strange~~ unknown reason, I got carried away the other day while making a birthday card for my 2 year old niece.

What can I say? I got inspired!

After that event, I said 'never again'! It received a brief glance at gift opening...then I saw it later, torn and crumpled ((sigh)). Exactly the reason why I shouldn't (and haven't been) spend too much time on kiddo cards. You'd think I'd have learned my lesson, no?

Welllll...days later, I was inspired again, this time with a butterfly theme for another neice. I will say that this one was probably a little less work than the first one, but it still took time. She loved it. Tried to take the butterfly off, even. ;-) Thankfully momma grabbed it before she could, lol!

I still think I'll return to my previous assessment that not spending too much time on kiddo cards is a good thing, lol. I can only hope inspiration doesn't strike again! lol

Well, what do you think?

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Trying Something New

2011-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm pretty excited about this one. I'll admit it. :)

Today I'll be showing you the card I made for my sister-in-law.
She's such a sweetheart, a gem of a gal and I'm so glad she married my brother (over 6 years ago). It was her birthday this weekend and I was determined to make her card using her favorite color, green. :)

It came together nicely, and I had fun doing something I hadn't done before.

No, silly...not that. If you've been to my blog, you know I've made a card before. ;-)

The thing I hadn't done before was this:

I'm actually not sure exactly what to call it, since I've heard it a few different ways. lol

Tissue flower? Puffy flower? Fluffy flower?

I like tissue flower. Sounds a little less made-up. lol!

Ready to see the whole card?

To make the tissue flower, I layered the tissue (for giftwrapping) several layers thick, punched out with my scallop circle punch. Scrunched it up, then poked a brad through to hold it all together. I then attached a faux button (NEW Sweet Buttons Embosslit - Occasions Mini) on top of the brad with glue dot! Fluff up the flower, and you're good to go! :)

That's about all! Easy-peasy...don't know why I waited so long to try! I'll definitely be doing more of these!! :)

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Early Espresso

Paper/Cardstock: Jolly Holiday DSP, Early Espresso, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Whisper White

Accessories: 5/8" Early Espresso satin ribbon, Scallop circle punch, Decorative Label punch, Word Window punch, Little Leaves sizzlit, Sweet Buttons embosslit, Big Shot, Brad

Other: Tissue paper

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Slow down!!

2011-03-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

You know when the week is taking forever & you're wishing Friday to arrive?

This is NOT one of those weeks for me, lol.

Is it REALLY Friday already??!!

Wondering what I've been up to this week? Why I haven't posted as much?

I'll give you a glimpse of a portion:

Wondering what all this means?

Well, for one...no extra time to stamp for fun. ;-)

First pic - making raspberry jam

Second pic - making banana bread (2 times, separate days!)

Third pic - working on a custom Etsy order

Fourth pic - laundry. A revolving door of sorts. ;-)

Oh, and helping in my daughter's class. So fun. Seriously, I soooo enjoy it and look forward to more! :)

Soooo....hopefully I'll have more to share next week.

No, I KNOW I do. I can think of three things right off the top of my head! :) Wahoo!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

Stylish, again

2011-03-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

Who knew I was so stylish?! lol

During my bloggy ~~hiatus~~ vacation, I was awarded with the Stylish Blogger award for a second time! Wow, I am so deeply honored...wow. Seriously. Thank you soooo much, Jamie!

Since I can't seem to think of 8 additional random things about myself,

please follow the my link to the original 8 random things (and people I awarded)

...it's a good read, I promise! lol.

Please go check out Jamie's blog Unique Ink too - wow, what talent!

Thanks again, Jamie!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

Chocolate To-Do List

2011-03-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

I thought maybe today I'd break away from the soft, pretty, Spring cards I've been sharing this week, and share something else. Dark colors, yes...but perfect for the project! :)

Do you make to-do lists?
I do.
Can't say I've ever written this on my list, though:

Ha ha ha ha! As a chocoholic, I'm sure I'd love to be able to cross that off my list each day, lol! ;-)

Here's the inside...

It's one of the sets that I *had* to have when I saw it in the Occasions Mini. Called...get this...Eat Chocolate. LOL! :) Wouldn't you love to make this little gift for that chocolate-lover you know? I'm thinking I'll be keeping an eye open for Ghiradelli chocolates to go on sale for that very reason! ;-)

Did you know you can purchase this set through me? Yup, sure can. It'll even be delivered to you! Go ahead, click on the Stampin' Up logo at the top RH of sidebar, and it'll lead you to my SU page. And remember, it's Sale-A-Bration time, which means for every $50 you spend, you can get something for FREE! :)

The Small Print: Eat Chocolate, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

Tulip Framed Flowers

2011-03-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Hmm...yes, it's an interesting title. ;-)

Today's card is one that I made for display at a recent party. It uses something NEW out of the Occasions Mini, and a few things that have been around for awhile...almost a year! lol

It also uses one of my favorite color combos...Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, and Very Vanilla.

I stamped the flower (from Elements of Style) with Black Stazon ink so that I could easily color it in without the ink smearing. I used my aquapainter and ink pad lid to color in the flowers and leaves, and markers to highlight areas I wanted darker (including yellow centers).

The ribbon is our Early Espresso 5/8" satin, and the whole shebang is framed with tulips! Do you see them?? Look closely...it's the raised design along the edges. How did I do it?? Well, I used the new tulip frame embossing folder and the Big Shot. Fun, huh? I love how it gives a little something extra.

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Springtime Vintage Sympathy

2011-03-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

Today's post is a quick one. Mostly because it's a quick and easy card to make!

Awhile back, I was asked to make some Sympathy, or Thinking of You type cards.
One of the very easiest ones I made is what I'm sharing with you today.

It uses 1 stamp, 2 colors of cardstock, 1 ink pad, a strip of designer paper, and some ribbon. Oh, and a panel of dry embossed (Big Shot) polka dots, and 3 punches. :)

Ha ha..now that I type it all out it looks like a lot, doesn't it? Well, when you see the card you'll understand just how easy it really is. :)

I do need to give you one warning, however. The weather here is SUPER-gray and dark, so I just couldn't manage to get a good picture taken. Even after playing with it a bit, it still looks funny to me.

I love the soft muted colors of the designer paper...it's the new one in the Occasions Mini, called Springtime Vintage. I also like that this layout could be used for many occasions...in fact, I may just get started on making a bunch! lol

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers/ Ink: Pear Pizazz/ Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz/ Paper: Springtime Vintage DSP/ Accessories: Pear Pizzazz seam binding ribbon, Scalloped Oval punch, Lg Oval punch, Eyelet Border punch, Dimensionals, Polka Dots EF, Big Shot

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Create A Cupcake Birthday

2011-03-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

Hello again!
I know....2 posts in one week! ;-) Hopefully it'll be more...it feels good to be back!

No, we're not making cupcakes today. Well, actually we are.
But we won't be putting them in the oven. ;-)

I knew when I saw the Create A Cupcake stamp set in the Occasions mini catalog, it was on my list of must-haves. Then I saw the matching Build A Cupcake punch. SERIOUSLY?!!! Okay, this duo is a must-have! :)

I had so much fun playing with these new items while prepping for my Sale-A-Bration party. In fact, I decided to make it one of the free Make & Takes. :) Wanna see?? OK.

What I love about this (other than the colors, etc) was that you could change the layout so many different ways, but still keep the same elements!

The DSP is called Elegant Soiree, the ribbon is Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon. The cupcake colors are Soft Suede and Baja Breeze. The cherry on top is a stamp colored with SU markers, stamped, then punched out. After attaching the cherry to the frosting with a glue dot, I had the ladies add some dazzling diamonds to it for a little extra somethin'. :)

I had the ladies choose between Soft Suede and Crumb Cake for the scallop circle behind main image.

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

My Momma

2011-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Pretty simple and to-the-point title, isn't it? How do you sum everything up and make it sound catchy? Doesn't always work - I'm no poet, and I know it! lol Okay, so that rhymed, but that was an easy one. ;-) You know who's a good writer? My momma. She has a gift of words, something I can only admire.

There are actually many things I admire about her.

She is giving - in so many ways.
Kind. An encourager.
A good listener - oye, I can sure talk her ear off at times - lol!

A great cook/baker. She can just throw things together and make great "something" --- famous for whipping together cookies by just adding things from the cupboard, lol. Ask her for a recipe and oftentimes, she'll say "I don't know, I just threw it together."

She loves God's nature and spending time outside...
She gives great hugs.
She's a wonderful grandmother to my girls.
She's always willing to help.

My hubby says she's the BEST mother-in-law anyone could have. :)

She's fun-loving.
She's not afraid of a little hard work.
She's a faithful, godly woman.
She is wise.
She is my FRIEND.

I am so thankful for her, for our relationship. I only hope that when my daughters grow up, we have the kind of relationship that I have with my mom now. I really could go on and on...but I've done enough of that already. :)

Happy Birthday to my mother, my friend.
Proverbs 31:28

This is her birthday card...In fact, I bought this set because it reminded me of her. :) It's a new set, called Nature Walk.

Well, what do you think?
I took the pic on the run...sorry it's not the best quality.

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Nature Walk, Well Scripted, Pear Pizzaz, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Perfect Plum, Color Spritzer, Sponges, Paper snips, Aquapainter, Seam binding ribbon

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Vacation

2011-02-25T00:54:00.000-08:00

Ha! I wish! :)
I realize I haven't been around for about a week...

I'm here to say it'll probably be one more week yet before I'm able to post something here.
I'm actually thinking (hoping) it'll be sooner, but I figure I'd better say a week to be on the safe side. ;-)

Among many other deadlines, I am also having a Sale-A-Bration workshop/party at my house on Tuesday, sooooo...that means a lot of work (including MANY samples to make).

Therefore, I'm taking a vacation from blogging for a week. It's the kind of vacation I'm actually sad to take, but just have to. Too much going on around here.

Please stick around and check in...I'll have lots to show you when I come back! :)

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Chocolate Friend

2011-02-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

Do you like chocolate? I do. (Remember, I told you in this post?)
Do you have friends that like chocolate? I do.
Thus, the need for the new set, "Eat Chocolate". ;-)

Here's what I made with it to give to a friend recently, just because:

Want to see the backside? Ok. :)
Ha ha ha - love it! :)

Here's the info:

Line up 3 Hershey's Miniatures in bottom of SU (small) cello bag, fold over extra cello, adhering into place.
Make a belly band out of satin ribbon.
Make a tag: Stamped "All you need in life is a friend who has chocolate", then punched it out with the decorative label punch, punched out (2) additional pieces in Cherry Cobbler. I adhered them on back of the white label, to "frame" it a bit. It's hardly noticeable in the pic...much easier IRL. :)
On the backside is the sentiment "I'm that friend", punched with our word window punch.

That's it! Easy-peasy!

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2011-02-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

Hey all!

Happy Monday, and Happy Valentine's Day to ya! :)

It's been a busy weekend around here, and a busy day so far today too!

Would you like a peek at some of what's been going on? Ok. :)

Click on each pic if you'd like to see a little closer up. :)

First, my 1st grader's project:

Little sis was so excited to help...daddy lent helping hands for a few difficult punches. ;-)

So excited when she'd get one done with her own strength, lol!

Next, mom's job was to stamp the backsides while 1st Grader & lil' sis filled bags with candy.

1st Grader then wrote all the names on the backsides, and mom twisted them to the package:

DONE! :)

AND NOW...for the Pre-K treats (don't worry, less steps - wink):

She stamped and punched the tags on her own...

Then mom stamped to/from, and she filled in the names:

We then put them into bags, and added the tags! :)

DONE! :)
Among other projects, here's what I started yesterday, then finished this morning...was a little worried I wouldn't get enough cut out of the pan! lol Sorry about pic quality on the 2nd one...it's those lovely florescent kitchen lights, lol! They looked really YUMMO in real life. ;-)

Well, that's all for today...more projects to complete! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Birthday Trio!

2011-02-11T14:26:00.000-08:00

When I saw yesterday's challenge (WT) was to create something using birthday stamps/supplies - oh boy was I excited!! :) You remember, I've been really looking forward to that new birthday set from the Occasions Mini catalog (see sidebar)??!! Well, I have it now and I was able to use it for this challenge - yahoo! :)

I actually started this yesterday, but was having so much fun that 1 card turned into 3 totally different (yet the same) cards!! Triple yahoo! :) I definitely have my fave (middle), but what is yours?

The name of the new Birthday set is called Bring On The Cake, and the lovely striped DSP you see is from a retired pack called Flowers For You. I know, there aren't flowers on this piece, but it's a great little grouping of papers that I fell in love with a couple of years ago, when my girls were even younger. :) I took the theme of the DSP and complimented it with shades of Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, and Whisper White. I added dimension to the framed sentiments (of course), and glitter on those two as well. On the other, I added a ruffle of retired satin ribbon for interest.

I've added all 3 to my Etsy site, where I have different angles and closeups of fun stuff like the glitter & such...go check it out! :)

Well, what do you think? Which one is your fave?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Welcome, Baby Boy!

2011-02-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

No, I did not have a baby boy, nor am I expecting.
No, my SIL did not have a baby boy (she's due Sat - don't know if girl/boy - can't wait to meet the little one!!!!)
My FRIEND had a baby boy! :)

I had a little gift I wanted to send her, and of course I wanted to make a matchy-matchy card. However, I was trying to get the card done before getting to the post office on time, so it may not be as 'neat' as some of my other cards (by the way, I didn't make it in time and had to wait until the following Monday). :(

Anyways, that's to explain the not-so-good quality pics I am about to show you. The background is not my usual...this time, it is the tissue for wrapping the gift, lol! :)

I got to use one of my NEW stamp sets, called "A Slice of Life" - it's a Hostess one from the mini catalog. Ready? OK!

A bit simple, perhaps. But like I said, I was in a bit of a hurry to get this out on time, and baby cards don't need to be complicated, right? I am drawn more and more to the CAS type of card. I know she knows that love and thought went into it, even if it isn't some big wonderful card. It's cute! :)

The next picture shows where I got my color scheme from...wish I could've shown all of it (there was a blue/blue striped onsie in there as well), but like I said...just tried to get a snapshot quick before running to the post office...

The colors I used are Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, and Night of Navy. I kinda like it! I like that the onsie matches one of the onsies I gave her, too. :) I'm just that way, lol.

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: A Slice of Life, A Word for You
Ink: Black Stazon, Night of Navy
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Night of Navy, Whisper White
Accessories: Scallop edge punch, 1/4" bashful blue gg ribbon, Ink pad lids, Blender pens

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Valentine Ideas - Day 4

2011-02-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hello, and welcome to Day 4 in my series of Valentine Ideas!
Be sure to check out the past days, too! :)

Today's project is pretty much the same as one from last year, but I felt that I should share the idea again, just decorated differently! I have more readers than last year at this time, so maybe some of you haven't seen it! :)

Someone asked me for the dimensions awhile back, but I was so sad to tell her that I couldn't find the original! Seriously, couldn't find it - STILL can't. :( However, I found another one decorated for a birthday, so I was able to at least take the outside dimensions & scoring from that.

Ready? OK

Here's a few more views:

Want to know what I did?
Okay, I'll tell ya - it's real simple! :)

3.25" x 8.5" pc. cardstock
Score at 1" and 5"
Fold on score lines.
Staple candy under bottom flap.
Decorate with ribbon to cover staple.
Decorate as desired, and slip top flap into botttom - voila! :)

FYI: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White cardstock. The whisper White cardstock is embossed with our elegant lines embossing folder. I originally stamped the heart from "Filled With Love" onto the red cardstock & punched it out...but thought it looked too busy against the embossing, so I turned it over, and was much happier. :)

That's IT!!

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

Valentine Ideas - Day 3

2011-02-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

Hello, and welcome to Day 3! :)

Today will be a short one...I've been in town most of the day, and visiting time with my momma in the afternoon. :)

I've got two projects for you today, and then it's time to hit this house before hubby comes home, lol!

Day 3

Want more info?
OK! :)

4pc. Hershey's Nugget pkg:
4 nuggets tucked into our small cello bag, folded over,wrapped the red satin ribbon around and up, tying off with our hemp twine. The image is a heart stamped from the set "Filled With Love", then punched with our wide heart punch, and up on dimensionals.

Peppermint Patty Sandwich:

Lots of punches used here! :) I stamped the image from "Filled With Love," punched out with our 1 1/4" circle punch, layered with a Pretty in Pink 1 3/8" punch, and Real Red scallop punch. Attach to peppermint patty with sticky strip, attach another red scallop to the bottom side, making a "sandwich." There are actually a few images from this set that would work in the center! :)

Well, what do you think?
Be sure to come back tomorrow for more ideas! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Valentine Ideas - Day 2

2011-02-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, so you'll definitely get your ~~money's~~ viewing's worth today! :)

I've included THREE projects!!

FYI: I didn't think about making this a series until today, but yesterday's post could definitely be part of the series, so we'll just pretend it is, even though it's not titled that way, lol! :)

Boy, I tell ya what...it felt SO good to create today! I've got some things I'm really excited to show you today, so I'll just dig right in! :)

Day 1

A 3x3 card, candy packet, and valentine slider.

Want to see some closeup and more details? OK! :)

First, the 3x3 card:

Here, I used the set "Filled with Love," carefully coloring the images with my Real Red & Old Olive ink pads. This is actually a single stamp (heart with stem), that I've stamped 3 times. Created my own "love" tag with a random SU stamp to complete the tied linen thread.

Now, the candy treat:

For this idea, I folded a piece of Real Red cardstock over one of our cello bags filled with cinnamon disks. The sentiment is from the same set ("Filled With Love"), stamped in white craft ink. The hearts are from the set "I {Heart} Hearts." With the flourish one, I inked it in red, stamped off once, then inked the edges again and stamped onto whisper white cardstock - just gives it a little variance instead of a solid image. The other heart is inked & stamped full strength onto white cardstock as well.

Finally, the Valentine Slider:

And an open view (pulled out):

Our Real Red cardstock cut, scored, and stamped with "Confetti" in white craft ink. The layers behind the sentiment (from "Filled With Love") are Pretty in Pink, and Pink Pirouette. The heart circle in the middle of the "O" is punched with our 3/4" punch, a pink brad in the center, and up on a dimensional. The "you" is handwritten. The ribbon is Pretty in Pink taffeta. It took me awhile to figure out the dimensions/scoring based on an old example from my stash...hopefully I've got it figured out now, lol! Would you like to see a tutorial on my blog? Let me know! :)

Well, what do you think? Would LOVE to hear from you! :)

Be sure to stop by tomorrow, too!

Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

A Valentine Treat

2011-02-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Helloooo! (do I hear an echo?)
Wouldn't be surprised! lol
Sorry it's taken me a bit to get back on here - you know how that goes, dontcha? Life is busy right now, and I just haven't had time to stamp/create.

I'm here today to show ya somethin', though! YAY!
I think it's been 1-2 years since I've made this little treat holder, but I thought it would be fun to make it Valentine themed this time around. :)

It stands just over 3.5" tall.

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print
Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White
Paper: Sending Love DSP (last year's)
Accessories: Scallop circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, Heart to Heart punch, Real Red taffeta ribbon, Crop-A-Dile, Sticky strip
Other: Acetate

Thanks soooo much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Checking In

2011-01-28T10:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realize it has been quiet around here this week.
It's been busy. Really busy.

I'm hoping to come back later with a project because I *have* to stamp today. I'll go crazy if I don't! lol...well, that and I have two cards that I need to make. ;-)

I received my Sale-A-Bration order yesterday....drool...I can't wait to PLAY! :)

What is Sale-A-Bration? It's a fun way to get FREE stuff! :) I've updated my RH sidebar and Catalog Tab to include the SAB mini catalog...

And here's more info (you can click on it to see better):

Okey Dokey....I need to be off...but hope to be back soon! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

Passing Time...

2011-01-24T23:37:00.000-08:00

Written Monday the 24th, LATE at night. ;-)

Today I tried to take a nap. It didn't happen. I read my book, tossed and turned and worried about oversleeping/missing picking up my daughter from PreK (though I had set an alarm). I haven't been sleeping well for about a week or two, thus the need for a nap. ;-) That and the fact that I knew tonight's sleep would be interrupted/cut short.

I'm sitting here on my couch, trying to patiently wait for the clock to chime the late hour. The hour in which I can FINALLY order from SU! Oh, it's been hard to hold back, once I had a look-see at the Occasions Mini catalog...but I made myself wait. Until Sale-A-Bration!

Do you know what Sale-A-Bration is?
It's the time when you earn FREEbies! Who doesn't love free stuff? For every $50 you spend, you can pick something out of the SAB brochure for FREE!

Did you know you can order thru me online, and have it shipped directly to YOU? 24/7. Maybe you already know, and are waiting up with me. ;-) Here's the link for ya.

I've been saving some of my b'day/C'mas money for this occasion. :) Well, truth is, I haven't spent any of it yet but...yes, I AM limiting myself and won't spend it all on stamping. As much as I love my hobby, I am also a frugal person by nature, and save my gift money for when I really want something that I feel is not a necessity - for me, or our home. In fact, when 2010's B'day/C'mas rolled around, I still had a little bit left from 2009 from being so careful, lol! :)

Sorry. Rambling. Remember the title of this post? ;-)

Eek! My eyes just found the time and my heart skipped a beat. My palms are starting to sweat! lol! My list is ready, and I'm ready to type in those numbers as fast as I can!

Yes, I'm crazy. A crazy stamping lady. Sometimes I think my UPS guy thinks that, lol!

Okay, so I'll be back later to post more info & links to the SAB mini & such (or you can follow the link to my SU website right now & find it there under promotions...

Hoping to have time to create and post on Tuesday. This last weekend and today, I've been working on updating my craftincrystal Etsy shop with new items. :)

ETA: I'm back! WOo hoo! That has got to be a record for me - 18 minutes entering a SAB order from start to finish. Usually I am hmming & hawwing over things, back and forth, back and forth. Maybe it's a good thing to wait this long! :)

Okay..time for bed and much needed sleep.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

An Award & Randomness

2011-01-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

A fellow blogger friend recently awarded me with this and I'm so honored - thanks so much, Holley!

As part of receiving this award you are to share 8 things about yourself and then pass it along to 8 other bloggers!

8 Random Things About Me:

1. I love to read. I have to read before falling asleep at night - it helps me turn my brain off, lol! Christian Fiction is my choice...preferably with some romance involved. What can I say, I'm a sucker for romance. :)

2. I'm a sucker for chocolate, too. In a pinch, chocolate chips will do. ;-)

3. Back in my school days (Jr. High thru High?)...if I felt my notes were too messy, I rewrote them. Yup, I did. And I wasn't the only one, hee hee - my best friend was the same way! We were even jealous of each other's handwriting, lol! ;-)

4. I enjoy filling out forms...especially if they're the carbonless multiple copies of the same thing type of form - something about that soft paper and a good pen, lol!

5. I *dislike* weeding. It usually takes prompting from my grandma, who comes over to help. ;-) On the other hand, clipping my roses is a relaxing thing for me. :)

6. I *love* baking. Oh, that I could have the time and resources (and willpower against the results) to bake all the time!

7. I *love* organizing - I'll help you organize your kitchen cupboards! (((contented sigh))) I love the feeling at the end. I love the thoughts of before/after. I used to DRAG mom/dad/hubby/whomever to the project, and show them afterwards! lol Ironically, though I'm organized, it's really easy for me to accumulate clutter...and when someone (ahem) asks for help with their mess, I get overwhelmed with all the projects awaiting me at my own home, that I tend to put it off (sorry mom, will help you soon!), thinking I should probably tackle my own first, lol! :)

8. I once thought I could manage riding a bike down concrete stairs. Ha ha ha ha ha! I still chuckle over that one. Luckily, as a pre-teen/teen (??don't remember exactly), I didn't get hurt too badly, but a little embarrassed towards the man in the speedo I narrowly missed! lol!!! I wonder if the friend with me at the time still remembers this...

Well, I think that's all for now...and now you know some random things about me! lol. Sorry it took me so long, Holley! I had the hardest time with the 8 Random Things!

Now here are 8 Great Bloggers (what a tough thing...I have so many more I enjoy!)
Ruth (Living Well, Spending Less)
Amanda (Vintage Dutch Girl)
Dianne (For The Love of Stamping)
Patty (Patty Creates)
Ashlee (Muse My World)
Dale (What's Up With Dale)
Kim (Jenkins Journal)
Shari (Southern California Stamper)

Be sure to check out Holley's blog too...but not before commenting here - 'cause you know how much I love to hear from you! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Beautiful Things

2011-01-20T15:41:00.000-08:00

WHEW! It's been quite a day! I didn't even get to sit down and LOOK for a stamping challenge until about 2:30pm. Good news, I've gotten much accomplished today. :)

Including stamping!! YAY!!

The challenge: (Ways To) Use Gradient!
What does this mean? Apply multiple colors or shades of ink to the same stamp, by swiping the color onto it.

I've NEVER done this before.

I could do it again....and probably will because it was kinda fun! :) I really like how it turned out, except for where I messed up a little with the green and blue. But ya know what? I decided that it will be just fine...I have too many other things to do today without taking the time to redo it.

So, ya in the mood for rainbows and hearts? lol
Well, that's what I'm giving ya. ;-)

You're wondering WHAT stamp set this is from, aren't you? Well, I'm sorry to say it's not Stampin' Up. I don't remember where I got it or how long ago (it's been years)...I just know it's never seen ink (I know), and I thought it would be fun with this technique. :)

The colors I swiped: Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Pacific Point

I then punched out a Real Red heart with my SU Heart to Heart punch and popped it up with a dimensional, then added red stickles to make it sparkle. It's been a LONG time since I've used stickles, lol!

Well, what do you think? I'd love to hear from ya!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Birthday Butterfly

2011-01-19T11:52:00.000-08:00

I was determined to take part in another challenge, today. What I love about joining these is that they challenge me, make me think outside my boring box, lol. Prime example of that is yesterday's post. Still not completely happy with it, but kinda like it in a "weird, funky, not really me but it's totally different" way. You know, the kind where you say, "do I really want to show people this?"

I followed this sketch from Clean & Simple (FTL123):

Would you like to see what I came up with? Ok. :)

The sentiment is from a retired set called "It's Your Birthday"...one that is often my go-to Birthday set! However, I am sooo excited to get the new birthday set in the mini catalog...next week, I'm putting my order in! :)

I ended up using a combo of old and current products on this card, and I just love it! Reminds me of a little girl's birthday card (even though it could work for any age).

Old: So Saffron gg ribbon, It's Your Birthday
Current: Circle, Scallop Circle, and Butterfly punches, Punch Potpourri stamp set (Hostess), Pawsitively Prints DSP, Basic Pearl jewels, Poppy Parade ink

Well, what do you think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Bravo Breeze For All!

2011-01-18T16:17:00.000-08:00

I know, the corny titles are getting a little old. At least it keeps ya guessing, right? ;-)

Sorry I was MIA yesterday...with my oldest off from school, I decided it was time to go to B'ham (nearest "big" city) for some miscellaneous shopping. We ended up being gone most all of the day! Back in time for Pre-K for youngest, stop at a friend's, back home to read with 1st grader, pick up Pre-K'er, then back to the grocery store and a couple of other stops...yeah. Gone all day = no stamping.

So, you're wondering what today's post is about, aren'tcha?

I followed a color challenge today...and let me just say, it was completely opposite of this post, where I wasn't sure of the colors, but once I got going, LOVED them! lol This time, I thought it was a fun & unique combo, but had trouble working with it! lol

I *think* I'm okay with it now, but by the time I finished, it's too late in the (rainy & dreary) day to get a decent pic...so color might be a bit off, even if I tried to fix it. Sorry bout that. It actually looks decent IRL, in fact, the difference is really bothering me, now! lol Maybe I'll retake it tomorrow and change it here...we'll see how ~~lazy~~ ambitious I am. ;-)

You ready?
Color Challenge: Bravo Burgundy, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizazz
Stamps - I used two different (but similar sets here) can you guess which ones?

If you had trouble guessing, here's the info:
Flowers & stems - "For All You Do"
Sentiment - "Great Friend"

How did I get more than one color on the flowers? It's called the "Rock 'n Roll" technique. Ink up your stamp in the lighter shade, then rock and roll the edges in the darker shade. Make sense, or shall I make a video tutorial? :)

I might just add some dazzling diamonds glitter to the centers of the flowers...couldn't decide.

What do YOU think?

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Is Your Coffee Cozy?

2011-01-12T21:56:00.000-08:00

An interesting question, isn't it?

Remember this crazy sewing post? You know, the one where I decided to make a coffee cozy for my daughter's teacher, finished it at midnight, then decided it wasn't good enough so I kept it for myself? I even made it to match her favorite color. ((sigh))...It was my first attempt, and I'm not sure if I'll try again or not.

At any rate, I decided now was as good a time as any to show it to you. :) Be kind, I didn't really know what I was doing...other than following a tutorial for the whole sewing post buttons and making loops with bead n stretch (which I made too tight) so that it expands to fit whatever the size of your cup.

Okay...deep breath...

I sewed a "sleeve" of sorts, with warm & natural batting in between. The trick was getting a nice finished edge, so I possibly made it more difficult than it needed to be, lol!

Well, what do you think?
No stamping in today's post, can you believe it? --- aack! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Elegant Celebration

2011-01-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

Well, the occasion wasn't necessarily elegant, but it was a celebration of achievement, and I used an elegant design. ;-) Sometimes, a CAS design just speaks for itself. :)

Just in case you can't read the tag, it says "Someone like you should be celebrated every day."

I embossed the bashful blue cardstock with Elegant Lines embossing folder, wrapped the Early Espresso ribbon around & tied, and added the tag. Though the sentiment is from the set "It's Your Birthday," I love that this specific one doesn't have to be for a birthday.

Speaking of birthday sets, I am (not-so-patiently) waiting to get the newest one in the mini catalog - I knew I wanted that as soon as I saw it. Go ahead and take a look-see (RH sidebar mini catalog)...you might want it, too! :)

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: It's Your Birthday
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Elegant Lines EF, Big Shot, Early Espresso satin ribbon, Circle Punch
Technique: Embossing

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Pretty Cherry Mambo!

2011-01-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

Oh, I'm quite excited to show you today's project, and it's a 2-Fer! :)
Which means...you get to see 2 projects from one challenge! :)

I'll admit, when I first saw the Color Challenge at SCS, I was a little hesitant. I didn't really like it. It seemed like it would be "off"....but it wasn't, and I SO love it! :)

And that, my friends, is why you get to see 2 projects today. Cause I was havin' so much fun! I can't even decide which one to share first!!! lol

Oh wait. I forgot to tell you the colors.
Pretty in Pink
Cherry Cobbler
Melon Mambo
White/Vanilla

Card #1 - Pretty Cherry Truck

This one is used a set I've had for-EVAH, called "Loads of Love"! It used to be my go-to set for masculine cards, but I haven't used it in way too long. The main image is, of course, popped up on dimensionals. ;-) I used shimmery white cs on this one, whisper white on the next.

Card #2 - Pretty Cherry Love

This card was made with the set "Love You Much", and I had fun with this one, too, but couldn't decide whether to place the main image like this, or turn the card horizontal and do something different than the norm...I'm so boring that way, lol. Maybe I'll just make another one and do both! :) (Main image is, of course, up on dimensionals)

Well, what do you think? Do you have a favorite?

The Small Print (Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Loads of Love, Love You Much
Ink: Black Stazon
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Shimmery White
Accessories: Watercolor Wonder crayons, Aquapainter, SU markers, Ink pad lids, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Polka Dots EF, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, Melon Mambo gg ribbon
Technique: Watercoloring

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Thinking Tree

2011-01-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday to ya!!

I was in the middle of making this "Thinking of You" card, and realized it looked vaguely familiar. I looked it up out of curiosity, and sure enough, it had a vague resemblance - ha! :)

Since I was halfway through, I decided NOT to do exactly the same thing. I mean, I had already decided to keep it monochromatic, and had used a different vanilla, so at least it differed that way. I had a piece of cardstock that didn't go all the way around the main image, and thought "that's ok! I'll keep it that way!" Since I had already punched the sentiment with the wide oval punch (same as old card), I decided to cut the sides off to make it a little different.

Well, here's today's card:

Sorry about the ribbon...it IS artichoke, the right color, but it shows up funny.

And here's the post I was talking about. Look a little similar, don't they? lol Deep down, I must think this is the perfect designer paper for this stamp or something! lol

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Confetti Ivory
Paper: To The Nines DP
Accessories: Wide oval punch, Always Artichoke gg ribbon, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Olive Gardens

2011-01-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, I just realized how that title sounds.

As much as I Olive Garden, this post is not in any relation to the restaurant...though now that I'm thinking about it, their breadsticks, Pasta Fagioli, and Chicken Alfredo sound really good right now...sigh...finances being what they are, that's not happening any time soon, lol!

I digress. Sorry, I'm awful good at that, aren't I? ;-)

Anyways, today's card is interesting.

No challenges to follow, just a stamped image leftover from yesterday's post. So, I have this image to color, and I start coloring it with bright (not me) colors, and I like it. But then...I can't decide how to finish it into a card! Do you ever suffer from such problems? Ugh...I messed around a bit too much with this, and I'm OK with how it turned out. Not elated, but not downtrodden, either. ;-)

Curious yet?
I will rectify that. Remember, you've been warned. ;-)

To me, it obviously needs a sentiment stamped in brown. Nothing I thought of looked quite right, and I wasn't about to ruin the whole thing (and all my time) by stamping something just to stamp something.

I'm thinking a very small 'happy birthday' or something...either directly on the cardstock, or on a punched piece of vanilla cardstock. We shall see.

The ribbon is behind the vanilla cardstock, wrapped around the back of the chocolate chip layer, and tied together at the punched-out portion. This goes directly against my grain of 'saving' ribbon/$. How? I never waste ribbon that you can't see, but I decided this time, for the look I wanted, that's what I was going to do (eek).

Okay, so how did I come up with the post name?
Simple: The designer paper is an old one (yay!) called Petal Prints & Paisley or something like that. The color of this specific piece is Old Olive. The flowers, they remind me of a flower garden. Hence, Olive Gardens (not to be confused with the restaurant - partly why I added an 's'). ;-)

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Fast & Fabulous
Ink: Stazon brown
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla
Paper: Petal Prints & Paisley
Accessories: Chocolate Chip taffeta, Dimensionals, Ink pad lids, Aquapainter

Off to frost some chocolate cupcakes...and hope that this killer headache goes AWAY!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Fabulous Baja Soiree

2011-01-06T14:52:00.000-08:00

Am I going to a fabulous dinner party in California?
Nope, it would be more than an evening if I were going to Cali, as it is a couple states away, hee hee. ;-)

I'm pretty excited to show you today's project. For ONE thing, it counts towards TWO challenges!!
1 - The WT (Ways to Use It) challenge was to use twine.
2 - This week's sketch challenge

For ANOTHER, I used some fun things I haven't used much/shown you yet!

A bit of an explanation on the title:
Fabulous - used the stamp set Fast & Fabulous (you can earn it free as a Hostess!)
Baja - one of the main colors I used (Baja Breeze)
Soiree - name of the DP I used (Elegant Soiree)

Okay, I know you're dyin' to see what I came up with. Personally, I think it looks better IRL...and I love how it could be used for many different occasions. :)

Here's the sketch I followed:

I originally didn't have the kraft layer all around the white base, and then the layers looked more true to sketch, but the kraft matting around the main image stood out too much, so I added the other...I guess I have quite a few layers on here, but at least it follows the sketch! lol

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Fast & Fabulous
Ink: Stazon Brown, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzaz
Paper: Elegant Soiree
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Kraft, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Aquapainter, Chantilly lace, Linen thread, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

It's Your Birthday!

2011-01-05T16:17:00.000-08:00

I had these great plans for today...most of which included making a TON of cards. Ha! Apparently that only happens in my dreamworld, where life doesn't interrupt. ;-) I *DID* finally get a chance to make one card, at least.

One of my cardmaking goals this year includes using up my stashes (remember, I'm a paper hoarder). Here's a card that uses up some of that retired paper (Good Morning Sunshine).
A bit brighter than my normal taste...but that's ok, right?

I set out to make a masculine card, but after I finished it, I realized it could work for anyone! :)

Well, what do you think? Honestly, it's not my fave...but I had forces working against me today, so I'm just glad I was even able to create something! lol

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: It's Your Birthday
Ink: Pacific Point
Paper: Good Morning Sunshine
Cardstock: Pacific Point, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Whisper White
Accessories: Star punches, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Occasions Mini LIVE!

2011-01-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

Shooooooot, I thought I'd be able to stamp today. :-(
Well, I DID get lots more cleaning and laundry done, and recess duty at my daughter's school...so I DID get something done. ;-) Good news is that I've got so much done, that I *should* be able to stamp tomorrow!

I DO have something to show you...

It's a new year and and time for a brand new mini catalog - yay - lots of yummy stuff in there!!

I've updated my blog, and there are several ways you can view it:

Click on the pic to your left, or see RH sidebar, or go to my Stampin' Up Catalog tab (at top)...they'll all bring you to the same place. :)

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

So Long, Farewell...

2011-01-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

Auf Wiedersehen, Good night...Good bye, Good bye, Good bye....
Yes, I love that movie. ;-)

Today's post has to be a quick one, because I wasted all my "alone time" (both girls at school right now), running to the PO, grocery store, and a couple other places. :-( I am seriously sad about this, because if I was at home during the 2 hours my daughter was at Pre-K, I could've made a card, took a pic, uploaded, edited, watermarked, blogged about, and copied to SCS and SC! (yup, it can take some time!)

However, now that I only have an hour left, I've decided I'd better do some bookwork (I'd rather stamp, lol).

Here's another thing that makes me sad, and the reason for writing this post:

It's ALL GONE!!! (sniff, sniff)

I found my favorite Holiday creamer this year, and I'm sure wish I had bought more than one bottle...just so I could taste the goodness for that much longer! At least it lasted me the whole "season"....but it'd better be back next year, lol! :)

You know, there are two ways of looking at this post today...and even though I'm obviously sad about a few things, I'm choosing to look at the glass half full. :)

1) Getting stuff done in town sans kiddos, therefore no stamping time today means - I can spend more "real quality" time with the kiddos once they're home, instead of in town running errands with them, or being glued to the computer trying to do all that was listed above. ;-)

2) My fave creamer running out means - it's that much easier to "be good." :)

See now, it's a good thing those things happened, so that my Resolutions meet with success! (see here)

Hope to be back tomorrow with something crafty!
Aacck! Only 25 minutes left for bookwork now!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Resolutions...

2010-12-31T15:28:00.000-08:00

With the year coming to a close, I've been in a reflective mood. Looking ahead to 2011, I contemplated what changes I'd like to make in my life.

The list got pretty long.
Either I'm pretty hard on myself, or I have A LOT to work on, lol! :)

Though all of this has been going on in my head, today's "Free For All Friday" challenge at SCS was to make a card based on one of your resolutions - it gave me the push I needed to post something. :)

Here are some bits and pieces...in no particular order.

Be a better mom. That's a loaded generic statement. ;-) There are many ways I'd like to improve, but a big one is this: I get so focused on what it is that I'm trying to accomplish at the moment, that sometimes I tend to do the "uh huh" nod my head thing and not truly pay attention. I know I'm not the only one out there, right?

Be a better wife. I resolve to be more selfless. My hubby is SO good at this.

Be a better homemaker. Yup, that means doing better at planning meals (that is the root of making good meals. I can cook, no problem. I need to PLAN.) Better housecleaning - once upon a time, I followed a system that worked really well, but I got lax. Time to pick that up again.

Be a better friend. Take more time and foster relationships. I get so busy (and stressed) over all that's going on, that I don't shove that aside and just invite anyways - the house doesn't need to be perfect to have someone over for coffee, right? ;-)

Be a better blogger/stamper. This means being more consistent! (thought you might like that one - wink) It also means that I'd like to use up my stashes, and stamp more often - including taking part in challenges frequently again! This also means following God's prompting when I feel the push to send someone a card. :)

Be a better PERSON. This means better time management & less being late, better diet/exercise, and most importantly, this means making more time for devotions and plugging into God's Word.

Sometimes I look at this list and think "How on earth will I have time for ALL of this??" Well, it all needs to start with the last one. Taking more time studying God's Word - it is the best instruction book there is, right? :)

That's it in a {small} nutshell. ;-)

So, you're wondering how in the WORLD will she make all this into a card? I thought the same thing, lol! But then I realized something...
Most all of my resolutions are based on bettering relationships with all whom I love.

LOVE....HEARTS...hmmm...oh! I just thought of another challenge I could use! Thursday's "Ways To Use It" challenge was to use silver!

After gazing at a few of my 'heart' stamp sets and drinking some creamerized coffee, the idea came to me. A clean and simple (my fave kind!) card using hearts and silver.

Do you have ANY idea how difficult it is to capture embossed silver on cards?? Ugh. I won't tell you how many different angles I took the pic from. ;-)

Here's a closeup of the embossing:

I may just keep this card setting up to remind me of my resolutions:

Keep your life clean & simple, and remember to foster the relationships, Crystal. :)

Wellllll.....what do you think? Do you have any resolutions you'd like to share?

The Small Print (All Stampin Up)

Stamps: Love You Much

Cardstock: Whisper White

Ink: Encore Silver

Accessories: Silver EP, Heat tool, Paper snips, Dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

Crystal

Birthday/Christmas Thanks

2010-12-29T13:32:00.000-08:00

So, I have to be honest with you.
Yesterday's post came pretty easily to me...and I'll tell ya why. ;-)

You see, I had made up some thank you cards to send for my Birthday/Christmas gifts (remember, my b'day was the 21st). A clean and simple card that looked nice, that I could make multiples of, without spending a ton of time on.

When the CAS challenge came and I saw the colors included, I knew I could make a card for the challenge, just by changing a few things from my original design. So that's what I did. Essentially, they're the same card...but not. lol! :)

Here's the card I originally made for thank yous (aka my inspiration for yesterday's card):

A great little thank you! A 4.25" square card, one layer, generation stamping, and a simple sentiment.

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Watercolor Trio, Warmest Regards
Ink: Pear Pizazz, Basic Black
Cardstock: Whisper White
Technique: Generation Stamping

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Wild & Krafty Thanks

2010-12-28T13:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it's not exactly "wild," but there IS a reason I named this post as such. I took part in a CAS (Clean & Simple) challenge on SCS, and the challenge (not only to be CAS) was to follow a specific color palette:

Wild Wasabi
Kraft (Crumb Cake)
Chocolate Chip
White

Are you ready to see what I came up with? ok. :)

To me, it feels like something's missing on this 4.25" square card...what do YOU think?

The Small Print (all Stampin Up)
Stamps: Watercolor Trio, Warmest Regards
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Accessories: Dimensionals (of course - wink)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal