Oh Baby... Cutting Files!

I've been in a Baby mood lately... NO NO NO not pregnant  (that would be a miracle lol) and I really don't have any desire to have one for an extended period of time at my house (I love my sleep too much!) BUT... I do love all things baby related :)  I love the smell of baby powder, the adorable outfits (especially for girls)  and well... babies are just plain ol' cute!!!

I was so excited when I saw these cutting files from Regina at The Cutting Cafe! I knew just the feel I wanted them to have... oh-so-sweet and girly ♥

The envelope (which is included in the Bottle Shaped Card Set) holds not only the Bottle Shaped Card, but also a Gift Card Holder I created separately...

Here's the sweet Baby Bottle Shaped Card and easy to assemble envelope :)

The inside of the Baby Gift Card Holder is the perfect size for gift cards (although I don't have one yet). Simply embellished with a bit of lace and ribbon.

Isn't this an adorable set? Will someone please have a little girl so I can send this out to you? Actually, I know someone who just had a little boy... do you think I could have made this blue and boy-ish? Oh well lol!

I hope you've enjoyed your peek at what I've been busy creating lately. Do come back soon to see my next Baby Boy + Silhouette tutorial I'll have up in a few days :)

Have a wonderful, crafty week, my friends ♥

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

It's a Cupcake Kind of Birthday!

Hello everyone! I'm back with a cute li'l card for this week's challenge at The Paper Shelter. This time, we'd like to see your Shaped or Easel Cards! I knew just the card I wanted to make for this challenge, as it was just my dear friend's birthday :) I took the Birthday Cupcake image and turned it into a print and cut - I really LOVE doing that lately, as you've probably noticed lol.

From the print and cut image, I created this li'l card:

Doesn't it look yummy?  It's colored with copics and accented of course with Stardust Stickles.

I'm entering the following challenges:
Simon Says - Anything Goes
Sister Act - Anything Goes
Great Impressions - Celebrations
Whimsy Stamps - Anything Goes
Wags 'n Whiskers - Anything Goes
Love To Scrap! - Color My World (pastels)

Won't you join in this week's fun? Here's what you could win:

Anyone playing along using a TPS image will be eligible to win a $30 Gift Voucher! You can also play using another image, and you will be eligible to win 3 images of your choice!

How fun is that? Put on your thinking caps and link up your card HERE.

In case you've been wondering what's in the background of my card, it's a 6x6 tile I created for my friend's birthday. It's not only there to make you guess, it's actually propping up the card (otherwise it wobbles AND falls down!). Here's a full view...

I've created two of these so far... and still not one for myself. I want one lol!
I first saw a version of this type of monogram at Debbie's Paper Pulse. She created a video showing how she made hers. Very cool!

I've used Silhouette Vinyl and a tile I purchased at Lowe's. The thing that took the longest is setting up the design, but soooo worth it!

That's it from me today... Oh I can't wait to show you what's coming up for BABY :) Sooooo adorable!!!

See you soon, my sweet friends ♥

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Silhouette Giveaway and Print 'n Cut Fabric Tutorial

OK... first things first. I do not have the Silhouette Giveaway, but wanted to direct you to the Scrap Girls Blog where you can enter to WIN a Silhouette Portrait!!!

HERE

If you already own a Silhouette, you might be interested in the May Fabric Bundle Promotion going on right now! You have until May 31... Ready, Set, Go!!!

HERE

Here's my finished project using Silhouette Fabric Interfacing and the following Scrap Girls Digital Scrapbooking Supplies: Sew Much More digital kit.

If you'd like more details on how I printed on fabric and cut with my Silhouette, head on over to the Scrap Girls Blog where I have the full tutorial!

ALSO... The Cutting Cafe is having a wonderful SALE today on cutting files!

CYBER MONDAY SALE FOR MAY 27TH 2013 ANY 5 SETS FOR $5.00 DOLLARS OR 10 SETS FOR $10.00.

Wow!!! That's a great deal!!!

Thank you for stopping by today :)

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Hand Over the Chocolate!

Can you believe that I created this card WITHOUT eating chocolate? I know!!! Shock huh? Chocolate and I used to be the best of friends...until...I discovered that my so called friend had been sabotaging my weight loss goals! Well, to be perfectly honest, my lack of weight loss goals...

It's now been about 6 weeks since I've started eating 'clean.' That's what they call it these days...no processed foods filled with sugar and words I can not pronounce. I NEVER thought I'd be able to give up my sweetest, most treasured friend - er - chocolate. BIG change!!! Ya know...I feel tons better :) Thank you for empowering me, God ♥

Today's project is a shaped card using Regina's Keep Calm and...Word Shaped Card Template - Cutting File. Of course the chocolate sentiment that comes with the file stood out to me, and I remembered I had this adorable digi from Mo, HERE - perfect!

Challenges Entered:
Joanna Sheen Challenge - Girls Girls Girls
The Squirrel and the Fox - Here Come the Girls

The image is colored with copics: Hair - E37 E35 E34 YR21 YR20; Skin - E11 E00 E000; Overalls - B97 B95 B93 B91 B0000; Pinks - R85 R83 R81 RV00; Chocolate - E18 E17 E15 E13.

I designed this card in my Silhouette Software which works out so well for sizing and previewing before cutting out! The word "Calm" has a pattern overlay which I then covered with Glossy Accents. The burlap is also a pattern in the Silhouette Software.

If you haven't already, go check out The Cutting Cafe! Regina has tons of cute cutting files at very reasonable prices :)

So happy you've stopped by... I hope to see you again soon!!!

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Anything Goes at The Paper Shelter

Well, bit by bit I'm learning to let go... There are some things in life that honestly don't matter that much. It may seem like the end of the world at the moment, but in the greater scheme of things, it is just a moment. Don't get me wrong, there are things that we need to stand up for. Be bold and strong about... but let me have discernment what is important and what is not :)

Relationships for example - these are very important! I want to be the very best child of God, wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt, friend I can be. Without love, we are simply noise makers lol. I admit, I have a lot to learn, but praise God, He's given me that desire.

Which reminds me of school :) For some reason, I just love anything to do with school. The colors, the images... you name it, I love it! So when I realized that I could create a school themed card for this week's Anything Goes Challenge at The Paper Shelter, I was doing the happy dance :)

This is based on Regina's 'Wheels on the Bus' card at The Cutting Cafe HERE. My card features a cute digi from The Paper Shelter, 'Learning is Fun.'

I've used the Thanks Teacher ABC 123 Background Printable Stamp as well as the apple image from the I Love School Stamp Set by TPC Studio. I created the 'writing paper' in my Silhouette Software and cut out the layers to the card front with my Silhouette as well.  Can you tell I am in  L - O - V - E  with my Silhouette?

I ALSO used my Silhouette to cut out Learning is Fun digi image and colored her up with the following copics:  Y38 Y15 Y13 Y11 Y00; E37 E35 E34 YR21; E11 E00 E000; RV04 RV02; B18 B16 B14 B12; E33 E31 E30; C9 C7 C5 C3 C1; R39 R29 R27 R24 R22.

I pulled out my trusty Diamond Glaze to create an easy glass look for her lenses, and gave her a bit of bling using Stardust Stickles.

As always, my cards are adhered with Best Glue Ever : ) I love this stuff...

Please join us for this week's EASY Anything Goes Challenge at The Paper Shelter, but not all of you cuz I won't be able to do anything else but comment all week (just kidding!!!).  Here's what you could win:

Anyone who plays along using a TPS image will be eligible to win a $30 Gift Voucher - yay!!! If you use another image, you can still win 3 images of your choice!

Is it just me, or is this week already flying by??? Just wondering lol.

Have a wonderful crafty week, sweet friends ♥

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

I Like You a Latte

Hello my friends ♥  Can I just say that I am sooooo appreciative of you and your love and support? You know 'those' days that pop up sometimes? Well, I've been having a couple of them in a row!!! I'm tired of the hassle and frustration that goes along with it - grrrrr... So when I can come and talk with you awhile it helps :) I'll just have to stay in my HAPPY place from now on lol!

Today I'd like to share a 'double card' with you. It didn't start out as a 'double' but kinda evolved into one! I began with Regina's Got Coffee Printable Stamp Set @ The Cutting Cafe. She's got the BEST files and very reasonably priced with Cyber Monday deals each week. If you love cutting files with coordinating images (like I do!) The Cutting Cafe is worth your while to check out!!!

This is one of the coffee cups from the printable stamp set which I turned into a 'card' by itself (using Silhouette Software) and then adhering it onto a card base :)

I also took the heart that originally was in the right corner of the coffee cup and turned it into a cut out so I could bling it up. The circle sentiment is included in the Got Coffee Printable Stamp Set, and the tag sentiment is from the Coffee Cup Holder Set.

CUTE!!! Here's a closeup of the sweet digi paper from the Spring Whimsy Paper Mini collection from Scrap Girls. I thought it was the perfect base for the adorable sentiment :)

I printed this tag on one of the digi papers from Lori Whitlock's Sweet Memories paper pack which is layered on another digi paper from Scrap Girls Spring Whimsy Paper Mini. The heart (from the coffee cup) was added to the tag.

This would be cute with a little pocket inside the coffee cup... maybe to hold a gift card for someone special!

I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:

Paper Crafting Journey - Anything Goes

Bearly-Mine Challenge - Lucky Dip (lace, die cuts, gems)

Thanks for stopping by!!! Come back tomorrow when I'll show you a fun School Theme card using a cute image from The Paper Shelter :)

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

For the Love of Music AND Some Exciting News!!!

Hi lovely friends ♥  It's been a little while since my last post!  Lots going on here as usual... Last Saturday we enjoyed a day retreat with the girls :)  I love my guys, but there's nothing like spending some quality girl time!!!

This Saturday we are holding a Women of Faith simulcast at church.  It's been quite a few years since I've attended one of these events.  I am soooo excited to see what God might do throughout this day!!!  My sweet hubby is gonna be our Chef - he cooks up a mean bbq chicken :)

Please think about us as we gather together for the entire day... Worship will be with Matthew West ♥.

So... speaking about music... what kind of music do you like?  I'm actually not sure that I have a particular style I prefer, but I do love all kinds of Christian music.  There's nothing like lifting up praises to our LORD ♥.

My post today is two-fold:  Music Maestro is the theme of this week's challenge at The Paper Shelter, and I have very exciting news to share with you about the cutting file I used on today's card.  So let's get started!!!

This is the sweet image I used for my card. She's called Cecilia. I couldn't resist adding Stickles on her eyelids :)  I cut her out using my Silhouette!!!

Isn't this a great MUSIC shaped card?  When I saw it at The Cutting Cafe, I knew it was perfect for this challenge!  It comes with the notes as well :)  I just adore Regina's cutting files.  More about that later...

I'd like to enter the following Challenges:
Stamp and Create - Use at least one die cut
Simon Says - Anything Goes
The Sisterhood - Free for All
Paper Crafting Journey - Use a Sentiment
Bearly-Mine - Anything Goes
Stampin' for the Weekend - Die cuts and/or punches
Die Cuttin' Divas - Anything Goes

The beautiful patterned paper is from Scrap Girls.  I LOVE my SG digi papers and embellishments! There is so much FUN to choose from in the Boutique :)  I'll have a fun project coming up with Silhouette and Scrap Girls soon... Be on the lookout for that cuz there will be some special promotions happening!!!

Please join us for our Music Maestro theme at The Paper Shelter Challenge this week.  Here's what's up for grabs:

Anyone who plays along using a TPS image will be eligible to win a $30 Gift Voucher - yay!!! If you use another image, you can win 3 images of your choice!

And now... my exciting news (which you may have guessed) is that I am now a designer for The Cutting Cafe - yippeee!!!  This card will be on The Cutting Cafe's Blog next week.  I kinda cheated by doing a two-for-one with the timing of my project... but it was just too perfect to wait LOL!

Here's my supply list:

Cecilia Digital Image

Music Shaped Card

Shabby Chic Digital Paper

Rose Paper Pen for Pearls

Stardust Stickles

Best Glue Ever

Cupcake Doodle Twine - Doodle Bug

White Gelly Roll Pen - Sakura

Tag Punch - Martha Stewart

Papertrey Ink Sentiment

Copic Markers Used: R85 R83 R81 RV00; C2 C1; Hair - E57 E53 E51 E50; Skin - E11 E00 E000; Cello - E19 E17 E15 E13 E11; Colorless Blender

Thanks for visiting!!!  Come back again soon : )

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

$50 Gift Voucher and a Freebie!!!

Oh do I have some good news today!  In honor of The Paper Shelter reaching 1,000 followers, we are celebrating with TWO prizes instead of just one!  Yay!!!

This week's challenge is "Make it Bloom."  Won't you join in with the super talented DT at The Paper Shelter Challenge?  Remember there are TWO prizes this week!!!

Here's what you can win

PLUS

a $20 Gift Voucher!!!

Anyone who plays along in this week's challenge, using a TPS image or not, will be eligible to win the usual $30 Gift Voucher PLUS another $20 Gift Voucher... I'm not a math whiz, but that adds up to a whopping $50!!!

Now I want to play... lol!

I have a confession to make... it totally slipped my mind that this week was MY week to post :(  However, I am hoping to join in with my 'sister' team at TPS for next week.  It's really gonna be a challenge for me... just wait until you see :)

I've been thinking of you, my lovely friends in bloggie world.  You make creating such FUN!!!  I have a few deadlines to meet which have been dominating my brain (hence my more than normal forgetfulness...) but I haven't forgotten about you.  I know I've skipped my April Giveaway, but May is fast approaching.  My Giveaway box is filling up :)

Here's a cut file I created a few weeks ago.  It's FREE for your personal use :) Enjoy!

Download 

HERE

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

It's Camera Time!!!

Hello friends!  It's a fabulous Friday here in California.  The wind seems to have died down a bit, after a few days of pollen flying everywhere!  I tend to stay inside when it's windy like that...just gives me a headache :(

Also... (I know I've said this before...BUT) I have been eating properly and started a new workout program.  I've been going to the gym for the past 3 years, but I just wasn't seeing much change.  I know that a BIG part of that was my eating habits, but I wasn't willing to give up my chocolate addiction!

Although it's still early in the learning process, I've been exercising with kettlebells. I have a trainer for the first time ever... boy does she do a good job!  She holds me accountable with what I'm eating which is HUGE for me!!!  The funny thing is that because I'm eating lots of veggies and a lot more protein, I don't feel the need for snacking.  I know... weird!  Now if you put a piece of chocolate cake in front of me, I'm gonna have a hard time saying no - but for the most part, I don't miss it.

It's really important to learn the proper way to swing the kettlebell cuz you can injure yourself easily.  If you are curious about it, please don't just pick one up and start swinging!  Find someone who is trained to teach you first - it's well worth it!!!

So now I have some fun news!  I'm posting today as a GDT for Fussy and Fancy :)  Once upon a time, in a land far far away...lol...I was one of the first dt members for Fussy and Fancy!  Funny how things sometimes come full circle.

The Challenge this week is to use a faux technique.  I chose to use faux emboss resist.  Here's my card featuring Photographer from Alicia's Little Shop.  I do love her with her cute camera :)  I'm also entering this in Alicia's Challenge HERE.

To create my background, I followed a tutorial by Gina K. on Stamp TV.  You can find it HERE. She calls it Waxed Paper Background.  This is as easy as can be!  I decided I wanted the background to be very colorful, so I inked it up with Picked Raspberry and Peacock Feathers Distress Ink. I love this color combo!

Don't you LOVE that adorable little die cut camera?  I found it at the Silhouette Online Store by Loni Stevens.  If you have a Silhouette, search for cameras and this one will pop up!  The center of the lens is a heart which I covered in glitter.

The Smile sentiment is from PTI, and the cute li'l butterfly is a wood piece I picked up at Michael's.  I inked it up with the Picked Raspberry, then covered it with Stardust Stickles.  I discovered the black & white twine by doodlebug designs at Amazon.  I'm so glad I ordered it, cuz it was just what I needed for this card!

If you're wondering what's under the card, it's a large, card-size version of the camera with a label.  I added Happy Birthday inside the label - shhhhhhh!  Don't tell, but I think I'm gonna use it for my son's girlfriend whose birthday is coming up :)  I'll share that with you as soon as it's done.

I guess I had a lot of words to get out today LOL!!!

See ya next time ♥

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Adorable Cowgirl - YeeHaw!

Now this cowgirl is supercute!!!  I noticed that two of my teamies on The Paper Shelter DT used her this week as well... She's definitely in the 'cool group' lol!  : D
Hop on over to the Challenge Blog and see the great inspiration for this week's 'Use at Least One Doily' Challenge!

The image is Adorable Cowgirl digi stamp HERE.  The papers are also digital HERE, but I created a kind of quilt look by taking one of the papers in the pack, making it smaller and duplicating it and turning it to fit into this 5"x5" square in Photoshop Elements.  I think it's pretty cool : D

Challenges Entered:
Oozak - Anything Goes w/Pearls Lace & Ribbon
A Little Bit Crafty - Anything Goes

A BIG thank you to Veronica and Pedro from The Paper Shelter for continuing to sponsor the most generous prize for each week's Challenge which is this awesome voucher!!!

If you use a Paper Shelter image for the Challenge, you will be in the draw to win a $30 voucher! And that's not all... Even if you don't have a TPS image, you can still enter the Challenge and you might win 3 images of your choice!  Now that's super generous!

Thank you for stopping by today.  I do pray you are well and at peace!!!

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~