Get your craft on!

Mojo Monday Week 181 - Best Wishes

2011-03-08T16:03:00.003-05:00

Here's my submission for this week's Mojo Monday challenge. Hope you like it!

Scrapbook Page - ADORE * able

2011-03-07T13:46:00.001-05:00

Scrapbook Page - Having a Ball!

2011-03-07T13:41:00.003-05:00

Scrapbook Page - I Love You, Man!

2011-03-07T13:38:00.002-05:00

Masculine B-day Card

2011-03-01T20:32:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! Just wanted to pop in to post a quick pic for you to check out. A manly card for a manly man - haha! Made this card for my dad's upcoming birthday & I think he's going to love it! I used a really easy little origami pattern for the shirt found HERE.

Kind Thank You

2011-02-21T18:35:00.002-05:00

Here's another flowery card I whipped up today using punches & a little sponging technique. Enjoy!

Handwritten Thank-You

2011-02-21T12:59:00.001-05:00

I often see cards where the sentiment is handwritten. I'm not all that jazzed about my own handwriting; however, I didn't have a sentiment stamp just the right size, so I decided to give it a go! What do you think? I'll be submitting this for the Mojo Monday Challenge, which you can find here.

Cure for the common creative mental block...

2011-02-08T11:12:00.001-05:00

For me, the more often I create something, the less trouble I have coming up with something to create! However, this has not been the case as of late... The last few days, I've been having a creative mental block.

I decided I'd go to one of my favorite blogs & participate in a challenge. Challenges are great because they act as sort of a "jumping off point". A nudge in the right direction, if you will. This cute little alien card is what I came up with. Why not play along? I'd love to see what you come up with! You can find the link to this particular challenge here.

Have fun & get those creative juices flowing!

Southwest Pasta Salad

2011-01-26T18:12:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:

1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 c. milk
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 lb. penne pasta
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 T. Goya Adobo All Purpose Seasoning
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp & crumbled
1 can corn, drained
1 can black olives, drained & sliced
1 large tomato, diced
3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 T. ground cumin
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing mix, milk, mayonnaise & sour cream. Refrigerate overnight, or until thickened.

2. Season both sides of chicken breasts with Adobo seasoning & grill; cool completely. Cut into bite sized pieces.

3. Boil pasta until al dente; drain. Plunge pasta into an ice water bath to stop the cooking process & cool; drain.

4. Combine pasta, chicken, bacon & all vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Pour ranch dressing over the top; mix well to combine. Season with cumin & salt & pepper to taste.

*Note: You can also add diced bell pepper, jalapenos, black beans, green chilies, shredded cheeses, etc. Whatever you like!

Serves 4 as an entree, 6-8 as a side dish.

Sneak Peek #1

2011-01-26T10:59:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! I wanted to stop in to share a couple of cards we'll be making at our Valentine's workshop next week.

One suitable for a girl...

I used the new Filled with Love stamp set for this simple & feminine card. This card is great for Valentine's Day, but also could be used for an anniversary or just to say "I love you"!

...& one suitable for a boy!

I used the Greetings Earthling! set on this one. So whimsical & fun for a boy. And NOT your typical Valentine's Day card!

Be sure to check back later in the week for more sneak peeks! Enjoy!

Birthday Train Invitation

2011-01-12T15:54:00.001-05:00

How adorable is this birthday train invitation? My son is all about trains & he's going to love them! I've gotta give a big shout out to my crafty friend, Karen, who's always on the lookout for cool stuff. She picked up this train punch from Martha Stewart for me & surprised me with it this past week. Thanks so much, Karen!

Best Wishes

2011-01-12T09:45:00.001-05:00

Just popping in to post a card I made recently for a magazine submission. The theme was "Brides & Babies". I thought this would make a nice card to give a bride & groom on their wedding day, or even to give to the bride for her bridal shower. Something blue & all... The card was made using the faux silk technique. If you have questions about faux silk, just comment here or drop me an email!

Supplies:

Soft Suede textured cardstock
Very Vanilla cardstock
Tissue paper
Soft Suede ink pad
Marina Mist ink pad

Marine Mist 5/8" satin ribbon

Antique brads

SU Basic Pearls

SU Scallop edge border punch

Medallion background stamp

Sincere Salutations stamp

* All supplies by Stampin' Up! except tissue paper

{heart} U

2011-01-11T11:16:00.001-05:00

Here's another super simple V-day card using scraps. No muss, no fuss...just a single stamp set & a handful of scraps. What could be easier? :)

Supplies:

You & Moi stamp set (retired)
Poppy Parade cardstock
Whisper White cardstock
Poppy Parade ink pad
Early Espresso ink pad
SU scallop trim border punch
SU Basic Pearls
Paper piercing tool
Crochet thread

* All supplies from SU except crochet thread.

Love Love Love

2011-01-11T11:06:00.001-05:00

Here's a little Valentine's Day card I made using scraps off my desk! So quick & simple! The heart stamp is an incentive stamp I had laying around & the sentiment is from the "You & Moi" set (retired). You could modify this card using any small sentiment & heart stamp you have.

Card recipe:

Early Espresso cardstock
Whisper White cardstock
Pretty in Pink 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
Crochet thread
Early Espresso ink pad
Pretty in Pink ink pad
Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker
Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write marker
SU Basic Rhinestone
Paper piercing tool
Signo white gel pen
SU scallop edge border punch

* All materials are SU except crochet thread.

Filled with Love

2011-01-09T21:57:00.000-05:00

Promotion dates: December 17, 2010 - January 24, 2011

Details: Valentine's Day is the second biggest holiday for sending cards, and during the Filled with Love promotion from Stampin' Up!, you can get an exclusive package of Designer Series Paper perfect for creating cards for family, friends, classmates, and more!

From December 17, 2010 through January 24, 2011, get a FREE package of Bitty Buttons--a $4.95 value--when you purchase an exclusive Filled with Love Bundle.

See full color images & details here.

Item #124380 Filled with Love Bundle (W) - $32.90
*Includes Filled with Love Wood-Mount Set and exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper

Item #124381 Filled with Love Bundle (C) - $26.90
*Includes Filled with Love Clear-Mount Set and exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper

Item #124156 Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack - $9.95
*12 sheets total: three 12" x 12" sheets of two double-sided designs in Real Red and Pretty in Pink

I'm back!

2011-01-09T20:11:00.003-05:00

Wow...I can't believe it's been over a year since I've posted on my blog! So much has happened over the past 12+ months, beginning with the construction of our new home. A home that, although is a long-awaited dream come true, is situated in an area so rural that no fast-access internet can find us...until now. Allow me to clarify. I have been without internet access FOR OVER ONE YEAR, people! If I've learned anything it's that I can overcome life's obstacles - even a biggie like no internet. Haha!

In any event, I am back & I've been crafting. I hope that you'll rejoin my little blog & see what I've been up to this past year. I'll be posting frequently in an effort to catch up. I've missed you!

The stranger it is, the better I like it!

2009-10-07T18:10:00.003-04:00

Ok, so this is one of those random posts... You know, the ones that have absolutely nothing to do with the topic that you started this whole blog about? Anyway, here's a strangely delicious recipe that I just couldn't resist sharing. I think it came from my friend Lynn's recipe file & Lord only knows where she got it. Try it....you'll like it!

DINNER PANCAKES
Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. water
2 c. pancake mix
4 strips bacon, fried crisp & crumbled
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
2 T. grated or finely minced onion

Combine all ingredients; mix well. Spoon mixture onto a hot griddle & cook as you would normal pancakes.

Garnish with sour cream & fresh chives. (You could also use dried chives, just mix them into the sour cream & let sit in the fridge overnight).

Serves 4.

De-lish, I promise!

Great Deals on Stampin' Up!

2009-10-01T11:40:00.013-04:00

Hello! I apologize for the long delay since my last post! Between the kids going back to school & the construction of our new house, the blog-o sort of fell to the back burner. I have LOTS of new projects to post, so look for that in the next couple of days. But today I want to let you know about a couple of super deals going on at Stampin' Up!

First up - the new CLEARANCE RACK:

This fantastic selection of surplus merchandise is being offered at up to 80% OFF REGULAR PRICES!

All items are retired or discontinued - no current catalog merchandise. Available while supplies last. All sales final. No returns or exchanges, except where defective.

Just click on the following link to see a complete list of available merchandise & drop me an email if you want to place an order!

STAMPIN' UP! CLEARANCE RACK

Next - the "DEAL OF THE WEEK" promotion:

During the month of October, Stampin' Up! is offering a "Deal of the Week". No limits & no minimum purchase necessary. THIS DEAL ENDS 10/12/09 AT 9:50am MT. Just drop me an email if you want to place an order!

#109183 Trio Flower Punch Reg. 15.95 Sale 10.99

#109041 5-Petal Flower Punch Reg. 15.95 Sale 10.99

#110709 My Way Punch Reg. 15.95 Sale 11.99

FOR SALE

2009-08-04T11:14:00.004-04:00

FOR SALE -

Paper storage cube from Hobby Lobby. Measures 43"x14"x14". Includes: 23 acid-free dividers, multiple connectors to customize to your needs, casters & black cloth dust cover. Unit is fully adjustable to accomodate paper, albums, etc. Can also be connected to additional units to expand storage capability. Retails for $49.99.

I'm selling this unit for $25.00 plus shipping (if you're outside my area). If you're interested, please email me! Thanks!

**EDITED TO ADD: ITEM IS SOLD. THANKS, KAREN!**

SU! Deal of the Week

2009-07-28T08:40:00.010-04:00

Want to pick up a super cute punch on the cheap??? Then grab the Heart to Heart punch (item #113694) from Stampin' Up! It's the Deal of the Week & at only $10.99 it's more than 30% off the regular price of $15.95!

Order it today! Offer valid through July 31, 2009.

Don't forget - there's one more week left for the Idea Book & Catalog FREE with on-line purchase. Just click on the link in the sidebar to place your order. Don't miss out! Offer valid through July 31, 2009.

SU Deal of the Week - 7/13 thru 7/19

2009-07-13T23:17:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone!

I'm so excited about this week's Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week! Brads are a fun addition to any project, and these rhinestone brads add extra fun & sparkle. And, they coordinate with Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors, so there's no need to guess about what colors to use your brads with.

Square Fire Rhinestone Brads (item #109112) contain approximately 80 brads per package - 4 colors in 2 sizes. Colors are Pink, Red, Pumpkin & Yellow.

These brads normally retail for $10.95, but now through July 19, they're just $6.99 - over 30% off the regular price!

It's easy to order. Just click on the catalog link in the sidebar, place your on-line order & receive a FREE catalog during the month of July!

2009-07-07T21:37:00.002-04:00

It's time for another Deal of the Week from Stampin' Up! Every week during the month of July, Stampin' Up! is offering a different item at a SIGNIFICANT discount.

This week's deal is the Sizzix Big Shot Doctor's Bag (item #113474). You'll feel like a big shot carrying around the Big Shot Doctor's Bag! July 6-12, get the Big Shot Doctor's Bag for $49.99. That's nearly 30% OFF the regular price of $69.95! This bag features Stampin' Up!'s logo and is sized to hold the Big Shot die-cut machine, cutting pad, and dies for convenient storage and transport.

Pricing is only for a limited time, so place your order today! No minimum order, no limit! Place your order on line & receive a 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (a $9.95 value) ABSOLUTELY FREE! Just click on the link in the side bar.

New Stampin' Up! Catalog

2009-07-01T22:40:00.003-04:00

The new Stampin' Up! 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog is here! You cannot believe all the fantastic goodies in there! As an added bonus, every week in the month of July, Stampin' Up! will be offering one (1) discounted product as the "Deal of the Week". This week's deal is the Scallop Edge punch for $10.99 - UNBELIEVABLE! I happen to own this punch & I can tell you that I use it all the time! You'll love it, too. Just click on the catalog in the sidebar & order one today!

Happy Shopping!

Because Nice Matters

2009-06-22T20:07:00.006-04:00

Hi all! My little guys & I spent the day at a local water park. We had a ton of fun, but I'm pooped tonight! Even so, I couldn't resist having a go at Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge. You can check it out here. When I saw the sketch, I immediately envisioned a patchwork/quilted kinda thing. More importantly, I thought I could use up some scraps - something I'm obsessed with these days. It's such a happy little card! I couldn't decided if it needed a little something more or not. Maybe some ink around the edges? I'm not sure. I'm relatively happy with it, so I'm not going to let it bug me.

Thanks for taking a look this evening. Have a happy Monday!

Combo Challenge, again!

2009-06-15T10:50:00.006-04:00

Hi all! Today I'll be combining a couple of challenges - Dawn's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge & Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge. What I loved about this card is that I got a chance to pull out my old fav Wild Wasabi. Love, love, love that color! I hope you all enjoy the rest of your Monday, and the card!

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #21

2009-06-07T21:19:00.006-04:00

Hey everyone! First, I have to apologize for the terrible photo quality in this post. This is possibly the worst picture I've ever taken. Seriously. No natural light.

Just to clarify, this card was made using Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip & So Saffron from SU. Strange combo, right? But I think it works! I made this card for Karen Giron's sketch challenge this week. I loved the symetry of the sketch but I felt like everyone's card would probably turn out basically the same. So, I decided to go with a little different interpretation of the squares by using ribbon as a divider instead of just punching squares & leaving a space between each one. I used my Martha Stewart butterfly punch again...mostly because it was already out on my desk, but also because I love it & I think it's perfect for a Spring card.

I hope you like the card. If you do, please leave me a comment & tell me - I love the feedback!

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #8

2009-06-04T18:13:00.006-04:00

Hi everyone! I hope you're all having a fantastic Thursday! Today was my son's last day of kindergarten. I can't believe I have a 1st grader on my hands now. I get a little emotional thinking about it. Apparently, I'm the only one who's getting emotional about it. This was never more obvious than this morning as I was practically chasing him down the sidewalk for a hug before school. Yes, I've become THAT mom. So very unfortunate for everyone involved...

Anyhoo...I wanted to share the card I'm submitting for the Raspberry Suite Color Inspiration Challenge this week over at Dawn McVey's blog. I'll come back & brag a little about the recipient of this card once I'm sure she's received it in the mail. I don't want to spoil the surprise!

Enjoy!

**EDITED TO ADD: Now that I'm sure she's received it, I can tell you that this card was for my fantastic SU up-line, Shari. She has been such an inspiration to me, so it is my pleasure to be able to brag on her a little bit! Her work is beautiful - full of details without being "fussy". What a gift she has!

Shari, thank you for helping & encouraging me along the way & for introducing me to this wonderful hobby I've grown to love!

Love Story meets Viva la Vida

2009-05-26T16:34:00.001-04:00

Have you seen this video on YouTube? Incredible! What an amazing arrangement!!! Definately worth the 8 minutes to check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3d6SFcDys

Enjoy!

Kristina's Color Inspiration Challenge #52

2009-05-20T20:57:00.007-04:00

Hi everyone! No chit-chat this evening. I'm just barely going to squeak this one in on time for Kristina's challenge. Enjoy!

Mojo Monday Week 87

2009-05-18T13:05:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone! Happy Monday to you!

I recently discovered the Mojo Monday Sketch Blog. They have some terrific sketches, so I decided to play along this week. I had planned on following the sketch exactly; however, once I started making my card, I kind of headed off in a little different direction. Oh well! Sketches are supposed to be a spring board, right? As a bonus, I had been holding on to this paper from American Crafts (Girlfriend collection) for a while & I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to break it out. It pairs really well with Stampin' Up! Kiwi Kiss ink which is one of my favs! Enjoy!

The Adventures of Stickerman

2009-05-14T20:26:00.003-04:00

My two boys couldn't possibly be more different if they'd been born into two different families, yet they are equally wonderful in their own unique ways.

My oldest, Justin, is fiercely independent, strong-willed & a little guarded with his feelings. He's handsome, he loves sports & he's way too cool for his own good. He made me a mother & the love I feel for him is indescribable.

But, Stickerman here...this is my Lucas. My baby. He is the lover of the two. He's sweet & sensitive. He's friendly, outgoing & precocious. And he's always up for a snuggle or a big fat kiss. He'll do anything for a laugh, hence the stickers on the face.

Together, these two boys fill every inch of my heart with joy. I love you Cool Dude. I love you, too, Stickerman.

Welcome, baby!

2009-05-13T10:16:00.006-04:00

My husband's niece had a baby girl on Monday. The first great-grandchild in the family! Here's the card I'm sending her. You can find the tutorial by Lauren Meader here.

I hope you all have a terrific Wednesday!

Ashley

Birthday Balloons for a Boy

2009-05-12T18:11:00.007-04:00

Wow...3 posts in one day! I'm on a roll!

Here's a fun card I made for my best friend's son. Can you tell I love this stamp set? Anyway, I totally cased this card. You can check it out here. I just loved how the designs on the outside & inside worked together to make a complete picture. I was also in the mood to do a little paper piecing & this fit the bill. I hope you like it!

Ashley

Pink-a-licious Birthday!

2009-05-12T17:07:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone! Here's a pink-a-licious birthday card I made for a certain sweet little girly girl I know who's birthday is this month, and who happens to love all things PINK!!! I hope she likes it!

Ashley

Happy Anniversary, Sam & Karri!

2009-05-12T10:49:00.004-04:00

My brother & his wife are celebrating their 4th wedding anniversary this week. Sam is more than just my brother - he's also my friend. We've shared fantastic, fun times together over the years & I just love him to pieces! Karri has added so many wonderful things to his life & I'm so happy that they found each other. I whipped up this card for them - so quick & easy, but really pretty nonetheless!

Enjoy!

Mother's Day Thoughts

2009-05-11T11:34:00.003-04:00

My friend Angela writes on her blog, "I'm trying to do it all, enjoy it all, & remember it all." What a powerful & accurate statement for moms everywhere!

Right now, I'm stuck at trying to do it all. As a stay-at-home mom, I find myself struggling sometimes under the weight of my daily responsibilities. I devote so much of my time & energy to the children in my life that there's not a lot left over for the laundry, the housework, the grocery shopping, or ME! That being said, I'm still so wonderfully blessed - far more than I deserve to be. I have a husband who works incredibly hard, I have children who are healthy, I have parents who love & support me unconditionally & I have friends that I cherish.

So, my wish for you this Mother's Day is that you not worry so much about trying to do it all, but that you focus more on enjoying & remembering it all! It's the time you spend with your family that's important!

Happy Mother's Day!

Ashley

Color Inspiration #50

2009-04-29T11:07:00.006-04:00

Hi everyone! Sorry to leave you hangin' for so long! Whew...it's crazy around here! So, without further delay, here's a super cute card I put together for Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration Challenge #50. It took me a little while to get going on this one (so many colors!), but once I got rolling, it all came together pretty quickly. Hope you like it!

When you snooze, you lose.

2009-04-23T15:51:00.003-04:00

Have you ever put something off, even though you really wanted to do it, only to realize when you're ready to do it that it's too late? Don't you just hate that? Well, that's exactly what I did this week. I really wanted to participate in the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge over at Karen Giron's blog, except I realized that today at 2pm was the deadline. Bummer! I put off making something so that I could wait on my order from Stampin' Up! to arrive on Wednesday (sooo many fun things to play with) & the rest is history. Anyhow, here's a list of just a few of the goodies that came in my order. You'll be seeing a lot of this stuff in my upcoming posts!

Sizzix Textured Impressions Manhattan Flower - so beautiful!
Sizzix Bigz - Top Note, Scallop Circles, Scallop Circles #2
Sizzix Originals - Ovals
Sizzix Sizzlits - Button #5, Little Leaves, 4 pk. Lots of Tags

Be sure to check back to see what I create!

Fancy Flops

2009-04-20T10:46:00.005-04:00

Hi everybody! I have a friend who's getting married on the beach pretty soon. It was also her birthday last week. So, I made this pair of wedding flip flops for her & I think they turned out soooo cute! It was a project that was definately out of my comfort zone, but I figured my glue gun & I could do just about anything together! Thought you might enjoy taking a peek. Have a great Monday!

A Year in Cards - April

2009-04-16T10:06:00.005-04:00

Happy Thursday, everyone! This morning, I want to share a trio of cards I made for Kristina Werner's class over at Two Peas in a Bucket called "A Year in Cards". Each month, Kristina gives a video tutorial along with detailed instructions, templates, etc., for the featured project. This month I used the Delicate Dots DSP from Stampin' Up!'s Sale-a-Bration promotion. It's one of my current favorites & I think it's perfect for Spring! Enjoy!

Easter Bunny Funny

2009-04-15T08:17:00.002-04:00

I think I've discovered where the Easter Bunny lives these days. Check out Lucas' smile...do you see those 2 little teeth in front? I'm telling ya, that Easter Bunny sure is a cutie!

Subscribe, please!

2009-04-14T15:18:00.002-04:00

I hope that you've enjoyed my posts so far & I hope that you'll continue coming back often! Simply click on the "Follow" button in the left sidebar to subscribe to this blog & receive automatic notifications of new posts. Also, please feel free to comment on any post. I wecome your feedback! Thanks!

So Glad We're Friends

2009-04-14T13:52:00.008-04:00

Hey everybody! I'm having a terrific afternoon! It's absolutely pouring outside, so I'm staying dry inside & playing with paper & stamps. What could be better than that? Anyhoo...here's a card I submitted for the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge at Karen Giron's blog, The Sweetest Thing. I just love her clean, unfussy style! Take a minute to check out her designs...they are terrific! In the meantime, enjoy the card! Please excuse the poor photo quality. No natural light = not so great pictures. Sorry!

Raspberry Tart for Easter

2009-04-12T23:13:00.007-04:00

Hi everyone! Just a quick post tonight - a card I made for the Card Positioning Systems weekly sketch challenge. I simply changed the page orientation to suit my card. This is a GREAT layout for using up scraps. I happen to be on a mission to use up the mountains of scraps I have! I just can't stand the thought of wasting even one speck of all that yummy patterned paper. Love, love, love this Raspberry Tart DSP by Stampin' Up! Enjoy!

Supply List:

Raspberry Tart DSP

Pink Pirouette & Whisper White cardstock

Sweet Stems stamp set

Rose Red grosgrain ribbon

*All supplies from Stampin' Up!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T07:22:00.001-04:00

We're off to church this morning. The Easter bunny will be hard at work while we're there because we're hunting eggs when we get home! I hope you all have a blessed day & that you take a moment to remember what today is really all about. Happy Easter, everyone! Jesus is alive!

Kristina's Color Inspiration Challenge #49

2009-04-10T10:07:00.011-04:00

Hi everyone! Just a quick post this morning. This is the card I submitted for Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration Challenge #49. If you've never played along with her challenge, you should definately give it a try! It will get your creative juices flowing! Enjoy!

Hello? Is anyone out there?

2009-04-09T18:18:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! It's me, Ashley. I hope you'll join me on my journey as I dive into the world of blogging. I'll be blogging about all the joy & craziness of life with kids, pets & a serious crafting addiction! Come on....it'll be fun!