tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38787918116856058442024-03-15T21:09:23.283-04:00Creative OrganizationCarla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.comBlogger440125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-62488873560844019242011-06-06T15:11:00.000-04:002011-06-06T15:11:42.127-04:00Finishing Up<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are finishing up the school year down here in Florida. Only 1 1/2 days left until the girls are home again for the summer - the best!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a kindergarten teacher summon me last week asking for some ideas for an end of the year treat for her little ones. We were going for simple and quick! She mentioned having sidewalk chalk in her closet so we decided to go with a theme of "Fun in the Sun" and activities the children could use on their summer break.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was kind enough to go that night and purchase some of the supplies we needed, including Miracle Bubbles and CD envelopes in bright colors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I packaged everything up I decided to make some colorful pinwheels to use as a clip-on for the bag decoration. (No sticks on these pinwheels so the kids are less likely to poke their eyes out.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what my bags looked like....although you can't see the goodies inside - they were too cute!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhVmL8mM0MB2j9aFuUvZ-pULoUGzqMy4nBpjrvxFAIkTle-hVXCwvwmSmOWd4teVAe62nOdcnmBwN-hbUIGriQWYn277BRFuuVaGyeEVUhwbMGC9878tQCqjB8tVtrI1AY3IpY1nj2AA/s1600/Pinwheels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhVmL8mM0MB2j9aFuUvZ-pULoUGzqMy4nBpjrvxFAIkTle-hVXCwvwmSmOWd4teVAe62nOdcnmBwN-hbUIGriQWYn277BRFuuVaGyeEVUhwbMGC9878tQCqjB8tVtrI1AY3IpY1nj2AA/s640/Pinwheels.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used the CD envelopes as the template for the pinwheel and followed the basic instructions for cutting and connecting the "flags" of the pinwheel together with a brad.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Vze8U3GUkehiNwQbfDyVi49-mzGlWID2SAHAz5NtmNS7wxoBwLivqn-tf4Y2xOmaQseVq8ZXDR2v0S9FI8gtCI62PeAzqGWtj8XjReu73Qq-AQmzsa_XPuEiDYlZbC3mkBKtzbFjpAQ/s1600/Pinwheel+Bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Vze8U3GUkehiNwQbfDyVi49-mzGlWID2SAHAz5NtmNS7wxoBwLivqn-tf4Y2xOmaQseVq8ZXDR2v0S9FI8gtCI62PeAzqGWtj8XjReu73Qq-AQmzsa_XPuEiDYlZbC3mkBKtzbFjpAQ/s640/Pinwheel+Bags.jpg" t8="true" width="492" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the back of the treat bag showing the clothespin clip which attaches the pinwheel using a medium-sized glue dot:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9oDHCdgn_uT_b2X8HrLXeuCpha3OPWOCaBz0t0V7Dv_p_fc5qDhFHlPCyx8DotfckHYaM4tKruH9GgcyFrVt6fEELx7E3gMFcPebEKk4y2DUEMP_aWem6UsNxlGXCsYTHJN2CyCBrX0/s1600/Pinwheel+Behind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9oDHCdgn_uT_b2X8HrLXeuCpha3OPWOCaBz0t0V7Dv_p_fc5qDhFHlPCyx8DotfckHYaM4tKruH9GgcyFrVt6fEELx7E3gMFcPebEKk4y2DUEMP_aWem6UsNxlGXCsYTHJN2CyCBrX0/s640/Pinwheel+Behind.jpg" t8="true" width="492" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These were really simple and quick - just like we wanted!! Happy Summer!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-12809540129513129212011-05-27T13:34:00.001-04:002011-05-27T13:36:04.225-04:00Printables Make it Fun<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a few projects in the works for some of my teacher friends and classmates at school. I knew what I wanted to make, but I wasn't sure about the tagging....but then, I found some really awesome printables for FREE and they were just what I was looking for...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First up is a teacher's gift for my daughter's 3rd grade teacher:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pbnz5KfdmMQ9Ap0rJ8ITH9dFqh4Hxsf3gN1JLOnVnm51UJO5Hl11z-kW3RXzAdy2h0XMO5Kyk8z-64ALJ7rDapj5bSc-Qr7D4dnUvXiPdF95EuaZ2JVUF7QDfHsjjrwMskjYRZNCQf8/s1600/Decorated+Teachers+Cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pbnz5KfdmMQ9Ap0rJ8ITH9dFqh4Hxsf3gN1JLOnVnm51UJO5Hl11z-kW3RXzAdy2h0XMO5Kyk8z-64ALJ7rDapj5bSc-Qr7D4dnUvXiPdF95EuaZ2JVUF7QDfHsjjrwMskjYRZNCQf8/s640/Decorated+Teachers+Cup.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a really simple gift using an eco-friendly drink cup and some yummy lemonade single to-go packets. I also used a little bit of scrapbook paper and a stamp set from Papertrey Ink. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found the idea </span><a href="http://lisastorms.typepad.com/lisa-storms/2011/05/teacher-appreciation-week-part-3.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and knew I had to make one. Lisa's idea and printable made it so easy to put together really quickly. I found my cup at Walmart and the to-go singles can be found just about anywhere. In fact, these were on sale, so I decided to get two boxes, one for now and one for later. I wrapped the second box up in a glassine bag and decorated it with a sewn on topper. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E_TfnY_nuIuvm2PWCly4JNtbAIu_dymQnkoYSJkpUzQGDUyAjx1JAFetjQwfMCNswZs8aF8IpugcrjTntaEzkZWfL4D5giz-PaQMA6EvcAFiEoo-J42w_rF5mHeTQ7iMsimnP-PUGp8/s1600/Decorated+Teachers+Cup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9E_TfnY_nuIuvm2PWCly4JNtbAIu_dymQnkoYSJkpUzQGDUyAjx1JAFetjQwfMCNswZs8aF8IpugcrjTntaEzkZWfL4D5giz-PaQMA6EvcAFiEoo-J42w_rF5mHeTQ7iMsimnP-PUGp8/s640/Decorated+Teachers+Cup2.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next is a simple end of the year gift for my daughter's 3rd grade classmates. It did involve a little pre-planning to purchase the cello bags from <a href="http://www.gtbag.com/polyproliptape.html">here</a>. They are a 1x8 size and fit regular-sized gumballs perfectly. (Mine are Carousel brand.)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurIyprBzhcVaXBF6sVGsGtaHsDqJQO2pRwS4W0XIPuFDb8yFb-A_xf9rPCA7dJARcShn4qN208BDi92okPVI-S3yDHikysW15xX9ceR5-WiC7Ag1tcNV-I6h9OnD9M5WE3vISEFwWKoI/s1600/Classroom+Gumball+Treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurIyprBzhcVaXBF6sVGsGtaHsDqJQO2pRwS4W0XIPuFDb8yFb-A_xf9rPCA7dJARcShn4qN208BDi92okPVI-S3yDHikysW15xX9ceR5-WiC7Ag1tcNV-I6h9OnD9M5WE3vISEFwWKoI/s640/Classroom+Gumball+Treats.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To top off the gumballs bags, I used my scalloped die with </span><a href="http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2011/05/freebie-summer-time-celebrations.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">printable. Amanda has some AMAZING printables and I've just recently found her blog....where have I been? It was the perfect topper for my treats.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqo_Xxc3L_01y0baex0AtqRVOe8Rbdwblt2djZ-BsPywf4Ner6XugQZMGdTYgG7DZH18riTROBgIAV8RN8Ip5WdtdteIJ-hbSQbncDephcEuQZr4R-yDZjrLMH-vuHfgFdtII5LzmKHA/s1600/Classroom+Gumball+Treats2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqo_Xxc3L_01y0baex0AtqRVOe8Rbdwblt2djZ-BsPywf4Ner6XugQZMGdTYgG7DZH18riTROBgIAV8RN8Ip5WdtdteIJ-hbSQbncDephcEuQZr4R-yDZjrLMH-vuHfgFdtII5LzmKHA/s640/Classroom+Gumball+Treats2.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">20 down and 16 more to go....this is definitely an easy, and enjoyable treat to put together. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnf3xWqxdpXIYHWYPeXe0oBXJbDwIRrpVvxGyqyjlFSR5Z02FSFySHXEa71ryT8rpX3B1ZufwBjKFWXqTbwun-kS5qs1g4HIopRoOoUzqsQiRP-NAUyVonoiZUeqpdy3BMLNVFrsNDDQw/s1600/Classroom+Gumball+Treats3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnf3xWqxdpXIYHWYPeXe0oBXJbDwIRrpVvxGyqyjlFSR5Z02FSFySHXEa71ryT8rpX3B1ZufwBjKFWXqTbwun-kS5qs1g4HIopRoOoUzqsQiRP-NAUyVonoiZUeqpdy3BMLNVFrsNDDQw/s640/Classroom+Gumball+Treats3.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, if you have any questions just give me a shout! I wish you all a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! Have fun!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-52268097930584485052011-05-02T11:31:00.001-04:002011-05-02T11:39:25.055-04:00We're Going Nuts<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're going nuts over here celebrating our teachers this week! I have a few small things planned, including this:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6pRWqdR3Hmd16VFeWicRLNTin1DLLmqCTxSnMEVqR0R6UQQ3Nre5GmFUSAJBykEDwYbyCTV5FI-E7tyNeOs9PNHNCcz1jqU6bpl8ch0sGF0k-Ood5ORNddR07_9-kDd-YZRqeNK4mNU/s1600/Nuts+gift+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6pRWqdR3Hmd16VFeWicRLNTin1DLLmqCTxSnMEVqR0R6UQQ3Nre5GmFUSAJBykEDwYbyCTV5FI-E7tyNeOs9PNHNCcz1jqU6bpl8ch0sGF0k-Ood5ORNddR07_9-kDd-YZRqeNK4mNU/s640/Nuts+gift+bag.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had this idea in my notebook for a while now, I think the original idea was posted in "Papercrafts" magazine some time back....here's my interpretation:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Begin with some basic supplies, including cello bags, scrapbook paper, pencil, adhesive and peanuts.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTSOkrjCiJU5kBIplM2gKz9-_tn8aD-X9YnRefAxW9LiqEl1EArRbiUtiZxrZWA5BNgZOP3bKXyOqAAb3UHtIWyTnSV79s_2sZ6H08gpdM5ZrujlETuUFeHUxaBUD-7KoKOCAnR4KQcM/s1600/Nuts+bag+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZTSOkrjCiJU5kBIplM2gKz9-_tn8aD-X9YnRefAxW9LiqEl1EArRbiUtiZxrZWA5BNgZOP3bKXyOqAAb3UHtIWyTnSV79s_2sZ6H08gpdM5ZrujlETuUFeHUxaBUD-7KoKOCAnR4KQcM/s640/Nuts+bag+supplies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, I cut my solid colored paper to fit the outside of my cello bag and then I used a square-shaped die to cut a "window" out of the front of the cardstock.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO-5Pob0xglG4Fk_-3cD4yNnloNJZWYGbyS56doPa1XDHfjEeUfB3zZoU8RCFornErSB1vYq_LjcQU3lqK3WfV4_XdSjagdQJfNf6iwApN78vm6MIMhEEy3CL00r7i9t-VcUdliCZ_Wg/s1600/Nuts+bag+sizzix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO-5Pob0xglG4Fk_-3cD4yNnloNJZWYGbyS56doPa1XDHfjEeUfB3zZoU8RCFornErSB1vYq_LjcQU3lqK3WfV4_XdSjagdQJfNf6iwApN78vm6MIMhEEy3CL00r7i9t-VcUdliCZ_Wg/s640/Nuts+bag+sizzix.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To apply some adhesive, I </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ran it through my Xyron. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MMEifKU7zd_uwBorjOBY__HKjljTlCKxts6cyNID54P9UuERuHnaE3D8As2hbr-iyA9YyFhtHvRqjgt0bzG-DsWmSAhLezRaXcIDolFiBcNixn7kZbcqwgkgByivOUx8OFOCC06H4fc/s1600/Nuts+bag+xyron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MMEifKU7zd_uwBorjOBY__HKjljTlCKxts6cyNID54P9UuERuHnaE3D8As2hbr-iyA9YyFhtHvRqjgt0bzG-DsWmSAhLezRaXcIDolFiBcNixn7kZbcqwgkgByivOUx8OFOCC06H4fc/s640/Nuts+bag+xyron.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I applied the cardstock to the cello bag and began decorating it with die cut letters and alphabet stickers. I also used a die cut scallop strip and some fun glossy stickers.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhfFlr8_R6xjcjOCmSjnfmdt9LxLaejHeuBCxslqr0uVMDB1bCvT-CfXjmzE2ChhXGBqDYCk92jC7Q_t7ZKNzFC1c-IJCX4bdYFvJ_mrvE7azDmgFM8pRekypOawXDe0cozBo3LpHSZc/s1600/Nuts+bag+with+letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhfFlr8_R6xjcjOCmSjnfmdt9LxLaejHeuBCxslqr0uVMDB1bCvT-CfXjmzE2ChhXGBqDYCk92jC7Q_t7ZKNzFC1c-IJCX4bdYFvJ_mrvE7azDmgFM8pRekypOawXDe0cozBo3LpHSZc/s1600/Nuts+bag+with+letters.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I filled it with peanuts (after sampling a few) and stapled it shut using my <a href="http://store.scrapbook.com/ch-th92800.html">Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher</a> (love that tool). And, just for fun, I added a colorful paperclip and a snippet of ribbon. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuytAiNY-_0cnqs3RkK6PClR9pDv3KOWKmzOPwA7TVfzQiOvPC2q5juwWAxVuJuV9ya7jL-McP7j45DdtbHzHYoiTOcY1_oPbHiqJpYEwrjdx5MH6mWrGtsCA3p464nluBmRYwqF6jXyM/s1600/Nuts+gift+bag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuytAiNY-_0cnqs3RkK6PClR9pDv3KOWKmzOPwA7TVfzQiOvPC2q5juwWAxVuJuV9ya7jL-McP7j45DdtbHzHYoiTOcY1_oPbHiqJpYEwrjdx5MH6mWrGtsCA3p464nluBmRYwqF6jXyM/s640/Nuts+gift+bag2.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These will be fun to pass out and hopefully will provide the teachers with a yummy, unpredictable treat. Who doesn't like peanuts?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">ETA: I'm linking over at <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/05/02/made-by-you-monday-48/">Skip to My Lou</a> today - first time!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-46010415655038971142011-04-29T17:25:00.000-04:002011-04-29T17:25:25.748-04:00Creating with Cosmo Cricket<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've mentioned </span><a href="http://evidenceofagoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/04/pub-opportunity.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lulu</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> on my blog before, but I'm mentioning her here again because she is offering up an awesome challenge in conjunction with her new design team gig at Cosmo Cricket. Be sure to check the challenge out by clicking </span><a href="http://cosmocricket.typepad.com/cosmo_cricket/2011/04/first-scrapbook-trends-now-cards-magazine.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Well, I decided to play along by creating this card:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprL4DcwAPF8quUeSYIleirn8uRGLWPseeOW6CniJIkqM63aQTYROJcfDammqoMrOOm-uk8CkUaocH4M-gWHMrUbyQRSxu-XZdIblOGl-tNuC7oXQqmZmzlXO1_VQKgRDq_zIh0KOHkmk/s1600/hi+Cosmo+Cricket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprL4DcwAPF8quUeSYIleirn8uRGLWPseeOW6CniJIkqM63aQTYROJcfDammqoMrOOm-uk8CkUaocH4M-gWHMrUbyQRSxu-XZdIblOGl-tNuC7oXQqmZmzlXO1_VQKgRDq_zIh0KOHkmk/s640/hi+Cosmo+Cricket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went to my stash and grabbed my favorite sheets of <a href="http://cosmocricket.blogspot.com/2009/01/card-has-spoken.html">"Girl Friday"</a> patterned papers. I absolutely love all the designs in this line and have hoarded many of these pages for quite some time. I put it to use with some solid cardstock from Stampin' Up and Papertrey Ink along with a Spellbinders die, Papertrey's <a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/stamps_bannerbuilder.html">Banner Builder</a> dies, Martha Stewart's butterfly punch and some Twinery twine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here is a picture of the card sketch I followed:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmqQJr75akZ8HsSj3nH0T2R5Azjcpm2ocjILUAlJbfxnf3sFguO1uMyW3GAfkJ72isdY5VwD3zrftRvzg-L-cJtL-zi8UCIyP7kbyGqKSWe9eIvhVc-rsUTrgrEAgZt_bn1YAkwynJ88/s1600/Cosmo+Cricket+card+sketch.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmqQJr75akZ8HsSj3nH0T2R5Azjcpm2ocjILUAlJbfxnf3sFguO1uMyW3GAfkJ72isdY5VwD3zrftRvzg-L-cJtL-zi8UCIyP7kbyGqKSWe9eIvhVc-rsUTrgrEAgZt_bn1YAkwynJ88/s640/Cosmo+Cricket+card+sketch.bmp" width="534" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a fun challenge and I thought this card would make a cute mailbox stuffer to brighten someone's day. I hope you like it!!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-38813508920929022452011-04-27T15:53:00.000-04:002011-04-27T15:53:54.520-04:00Enjoying<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">some card making time lately...and I had a few to catch up on so that's always good when you can get two things accomplished at once!! I'm all about multi-tasking!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what I put together:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7wkI1r7wkNYZTLeQ9TMa4FH8lY9ah7PToinIFF4yJHA03d9rQxdfVLzrjvq9Dhrm1UeodekpWFKvjOmHTwWDLDRC5VUPCcs7pDEQuInm-BZxCCWfbbovKqCG4MFKtdD2zA6dmMVvfTo/s1600/Friendship+Buttons+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7wkI1r7wkNYZTLeQ9TMa4FH8lY9ah7PToinIFF4yJHA03d9rQxdfVLzrjvq9Dhrm1UeodekpWFKvjOmHTwWDLDRC5VUPCcs7pDEQuInm-BZxCCWfbbovKqCG4MFKtdD2zA6dmMVvfTo/s640/Friendship+Buttons+Card.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This card was made using a stamp set from Close to My Heart that I purchased while attending the Orlando scrapbook convention a few weeks ago. I had an idea in my head when I started the card, however I'm not sure this is exactly what I envisioned. Can you tell the circles are buttons? I'm not sure they "scream" buttons the way I had hoped they would. This stamp set is called, "Buttoned Together." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Next is a card I made using some Crate Paper die cuts. This is actually a thank you card, but the "Hello" sentiment from Papertrey Ink fit perfectly so I used it instead. I love that ledger paper background stamp from Jenni Bowlin.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB2WuXM2ryckH_yi2uvjmLICCDvC2PBdXE-IanHnOnSOTpEzLDOkEiPgfEZRCdzpANJ3vtf7_HaliQ3g0poB3WaI5Hx16U4FUNKISdOWZDJ7KO6ICw376evygxC7fRLtddQB-EPatHX8/s1600/Hello+Squirrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB2WuXM2ryckH_yi2uvjmLICCDvC2PBdXE-IanHnOnSOTpEzLDOkEiPgfEZRCdzpANJ3vtf7_HaliQ3g0poB3WaI5Hx16U4FUNKISdOWZDJ7KO6ICw376evygxC7fRLtddQB-EPatHX8/s640/Hello+Squirrel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And last is a simple card I put together for a group of ladies at my Mom's church. I attended a really nice class on canning and preserving food and they did such a wonderful job with the presentation and the food afterwards I wanted to make sure they knew how much I appreciated their efforts. I found this Mason jar stamp a long time ago at a garage sale (for $1.00) and was excited to put it to good use. I wanted to take a really simple approach (no distressing on this one) because I know what my Mom's taste is like and I thought the other ladies would have the same point of view. After I finished it I thought that maybe next time I might try masking the jar and stamping a pretty background of some kind. Isn't it funny what you think about when you <span style="font-size: large;">finish</span> something? If there were only more hours in the day...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWkH81oWJerDfAr3LZKRvnv0d57W1ZImLaQ1Db_vJlPxfODQjHYpwtITg4jmmkeMtPAUJ3lBMLhstL1Fceh2J8J17gjD3Fw2JAMrwhMp7w_159OqSH6EPp3eMEkoDScAmDlkVSvX0XxY/s1600/Thanks+Canning+Jar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWkH81oWJerDfAr3LZKRvnv0d57W1ZImLaQ1Db_vJlPxfODQjHYpwtITg4jmmkeMtPAUJ3lBMLhstL1Fceh2J8J17gjD3Fw2JAMrwhMp7w_159OqSH6EPp3eMEkoDScAmDlkVSvX0XxY/s640/Thanks+Canning+Jar.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The little tag says, "thanks so much."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's it....I'll see you guys later!!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-29309698448271215522011-04-23T18:04:00.000-04:002011-04-23T18:04:51.199-04:00Easter Happenings<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took me a long time to "get into" Easter this year. I don't know why, maybe because both of my girls decided they didn't want to hunt eggs this year, or maybe because lately I've either been working or volunteering at school and our weekends have been busy....not much free time = not much time for holiday crafting and decorating around the house. We all know the drill, but I did manage to sneek some time in for a few things: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyR2QLTATbk7QUUepoq670otceNY_sH20LMISnKPbj5_NoeXUY2vVFmR0kdBBbDPVnYfKdXpiP84lxPDIuIiazcjDfvjFUrreZvz4cDEuX9cGlK8UjJLJvyCElf_3jaaADZOI2RRCMd0M/s1600/Easter+Card+Scalloped+Egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyR2QLTATbk7QUUepoq670otceNY_sH20LMISnKPbj5_NoeXUY2vVFmR0kdBBbDPVnYfKdXpiP84lxPDIuIiazcjDfvjFUrreZvz4cDEuX9cGlK8UjJLJvyCElf_3jaaADZOI2RRCMd0M/s640/Easter+Card+Scalloped+Egg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the "one and only" Easter card I made for a special friend. I had the idea floating around in my head for a while and one night when I couldn't sleep I got up and quietly put this together in my craft room while everyone slept. I made an egg-shaped template and die cut a bunch of scalloped strips using my Big Shot. I layered and adhered the strips on the egg template until it was covered and then simply flipped it over to the back and cut along the outside. Other cardstock includes Stampin' Up's Very Vanilla and patterned paper from a scrap stash that I bought at a garage sale for $1.00. The sentiment stamp is from Kitchen Sink stamps (another garage sale purchase).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Next is a little treat that I found on the internet somewhere....it was something so different I had to make a few of them to pass out:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKY8kbHjkfdFfBc_glbvav5UEX7LfWnJCeQ3BCwClrTJO7kde7RxdD_SdhmK08PInZgDZbJpvC8p1jch4JEO_wZJgkq5geGVWlEOmfuoTK_4trrLCjnlIsv8LINXAX0efzr2tQ95aqWE/s1600/Easter+Hop+Pop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKY8kbHjkfdFfBc_glbvav5UEX7LfWnJCeQ3BCwClrTJO7kde7RxdD_SdhmK08PInZgDZbJpvC8p1jch4JEO_wZJgkq5geGVWlEOmfuoTK_4trrLCjnlIsv8LINXAX0efzr2tQ95aqWE/s640/Easter+Hop+Pop.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is called "Bunny Hop Pop" and when I saw it, it was one of those times when I thought, <em>"How did they think of that?" </em>It just goes to show that there are so many talented and creative people in this big old world of ours. Anyways, it is made using an orange soda and simply covering the outside with decorative paper, adding a green top to the lid using hot glue and finishing it off with a ribbon and tag. I will definitely be making more of those for next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I also made 20 more of these little critters for my 3rd grade class:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE04Ytlvoq8eEpJDCxFhkJ4-jzcWamcTfZeVUFa9cvvQR2YEyUYI3DjVNdSZJaC9habFd89S6WqC5xKtq329o47xaD_nLXDwShXyrwdaWp0A1DeJeb6L1wlPUm_svh-0I5OIHkMQQSivM/s1600/Easter+Paper+Egg+Tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE04Ytlvoq8eEpJDCxFhkJ4-jzcWamcTfZeVUFa9cvvQR2YEyUYI3DjVNdSZJaC9habFd89S6WqC5xKtq329o47xaD_nLXDwShXyrwdaWp0A1DeJeb6L1wlPUm_svh-0I5OIHkMQQSivM/s640/Easter+Paper+Egg+Tote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although we kept it gender generic by not adding the beauty mark and bow they turned out super cute! I was so excited to get them boxed up and delivered I forgot to snap a finishing picture. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I may check out some submission calls and get myself geared up for a few days off and maybe some creative time squeezed into my busy schedule. I also have a Mother's Day craft that I want to share as soon as I get some cute pictures. Another idea I'm <em>borrowing</em> and it's a cute one too!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-70423444696129693142011-04-14T05:01:00.001-04:002011-04-14T05:01:00.871-04:00Just a few...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...cards that I've made recently. No reason for these particular cards, just felt like being creative.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First up is a birthday card I'm sure I'll put to good use one day:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsTIlA8_ty_IhfjFPFPQ297GFhF1L4eK9uquyNcu_1J9WqEGQDD4_fIGcUA-Hm8_mMPnOQnPbfn4BdHAGNXFexJ6HC7Hzumj-lEi701KeCB3lbWC2NGF2ERW4mMsiCo8LrruOGiVmyM4/s1600/Happy+Everything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsTIlA8_ty_IhfjFPFPQ297GFhF1L4eK9uquyNcu_1J9WqEGQDD4_fIGcUA-Hm8_mMPnOQnPbfn4BdHAGNXFexJ6HC7Hzumj-lEi701KeCB3lbWC2NGF2ERW4mMsiCo8LrruOGiVmyM4/s640/Happy+Everything.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This card was made using some of my favorites by Stampin' Up including Melon Mambo and Real Red cardstock. I also added some jewels and a strip of patterned paper from my scrap stash.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up is a wedding card I made during to donate to our school's card stash. I was using a stash of scraps and loved how the colors went together.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJq5-P4_Pn49_L1hNG1wj_FiYiQJQFTTJWNh6nVViZsx0PmY9Kb5-Gs4EtWoVJ2gtA8WkEmsG7UdRPPz-DoGYymkNsxEQui6noyaGmxCmcQsOfsv4XE4VCAIwVqnQKAFLvFeLTZno5Ew/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJq5-P4_Pn49_L1hNG1wj_FiYiQJQFTTJWNh6nVViZsx0PmY9Kb5-Gs4EtWoVJ2gtA8WkEmsG7UdRPPz-DoGYymkNsxEQui6noyaGmxCmcQsOfsv4XE4VCAIwVqnQKAFLvFeLTZno5Ew/s640/wedding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also added a mixture of Spellbinders dies along with a sentiment stamp from Papertrey and my scalloped edge punch. This one was really out of my norm as far as colors go, but I was pleased with how it turned out.</span><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-70613586206557638182011-04-13T17:00:00.000-04:002011-04-13T17:00:49.262-04:00Convention Shopping<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My family headed to Orlando this past weekend to hang out and for me to attend the Scrapbook Expo convention being held at the Gaylord Palms Resort. I arrived on Friday (early) and shopped until the late afternoon. Although I heard mixed reviews about the Expo I had a good time, even with going by myself. There were lots of ladies to talk with and I even made a few new (fast) friends. The show floor was crowded, the demo lines were long and the checkout areas very slow, so you really had to bring your patience to the arena.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought I would share a few of my favorite finds. I really didn't buy that much, I mainly went for the experience and just to spend the day in the crafting environment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few of my goodies:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7PNcsopw86Ki9l6tR_zUp_u5sWnCv6hpX9mMJkEEEaKo75jf4HxN2FzbNxqKTMg99SI0YTihEQVAmTrDF6t1dJaQV5hOnKywnt-HCfmcvqHbxPreOeBEM7H02Ag4uawljjCkGDWqwMw/s1600/pennant+die.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7PNcsopw86Ki9l6tR_zUp_u5sWnCv6hpX9mMJkEEEaKo75jf4HxN2FzbNxqKTMg99SI0YTihEQVAmTrDF6t1dJaQV5hOnKywnt-HCfmcvqHbxPreOeBEM7H02Ag4uawljjCkGDWqwMw/s640/pennant+die.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This pennant die was the first thing I saw that I knew, instantly, that I wanted to purchase. It is made by Lifestyle Crafts which I think is designed very similar to the QuicKutz dies because they look identical. I haven't used it yet, but intend to get it cranking this weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up are some stamps from Jenni Bowlin. These were sold in a booth from Scrap Yard.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRpZZuK8DnZS1stoHA3q84G-UgJFR8871t-cQNexYjKDAqJsGJGjv5LJVTje4lgqGC7aW4IsJEYiZ9PrMz9wT4zNMQvuZ9Q_wQ4SrU8HGX3FoipJ8VvukRHOP-0jH-vJy_0ZpQDS1Mjo/s1600/jenni+bowlin+stamps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRpZZuK8DnZS1stoHA3q84G-UgJFR8871t-cQNexYjKDAqJsGJGjv5LJVTje4lgqGC7aW4IsJEYiZ9PrMz9wT4zNMQvuZ9Q_wQ4SrU8HGX3FoipJ8VvukRHOP-0jH-vJy_0ZpQDS1Mjo/s640/jenni+bowlin+stamps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last stamp is a "receipt" stamp which I thought would make a great background stamp. I used it on this card yesterday:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpDoxRbGw9wkdECwSeEzWpmDtmLNOD3tqRXb2EqrpUwMn_EjIIzY6KwQfIapRYzT8oxf2QglSztw5j01E12smdzm_Ne5HnuI_fMkP_qokQrK1KTZnLkAT0SmIp-VpZRVpAdxLO2lEs7k/s1600/thanks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpDoxRbGw9wkdECwSeEzWpmDtmLNOD3tqRXb2EqrpUwMn_EjIIzY6KwQfIapRYzT8oxf2QglSztw5j01E12smdzm_Ne5HnuI_fMkP_qokQrK1KTZnLkAT0SmIp-VpZRVpAdxLO2lEs7k/s640/thanks3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also hit a booth called the "Dollar Depot" at the end of the day. I browsed around and found these great assortment of stickers by Creative Imaginations. Their booth was sooooo crowded, I think I stood in line for about 30 minutes just to check out, but we always love having cute stickers around to attach to tags and such.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P-mS0p3grkBjMo6ODWSxSviJpdKXHqwi3Rw0pGvtCSSW4nOFmlbwsKr7g_kdMKWiyzV2FJBxhy3ne_Ug9J5ppOOdirsmPMTdVX2SJqhwU8UqGjwwMNnzX3tyWwdH9gj1OlOKEH7FT68/s1600/dollar+stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4P-mS0p3grkBjMo6ODWSxSviJpdKXHqwi3Rw0pGvtCSSW4nOFmlbwsKr7g_kdMKWiyzV2FJBxhy3ne_Ug9J5ppOOdirsmPMTdVX2SJqhwU8UqGjwwMNnzX3tyWwdH9gj1OlOKEH7FT68/s640/dollar+stickers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I'll be using those Easter stickers tomorrow to make a few crafty things for the holiday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care and I'll see you later!!</span><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-64942333478292759602011-04-07T02:23:00.000-04:002011-04-07T02:23:00.478-04:00We are headed...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to this gorgeous place for a few days!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iT861w41UKfVGSiM0PjvAn54Mrv8LrHBihXqIaZNCC1lazAdRvmxA67Y5DQ303uIKns7Yh7mv3CZmvpd0_w1GAZYTHJSpH0DNz1p8Ax6O7yudtmF3wTk5sRXdSZGANE7kZH7KMwZG08/s1600/Gaylord+Palms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iT861w41UKfVGSiM0PjvAn54Mrv8LrHBihXqIaZNCC1lazAdRvmxA67Y5DQ303uIKns7Yh7mv3CZmvpd0_w1GAZYTHJSpH0DNz1p8Ax6O7yudtmF3wTk5sRXdSZGANE7kZH7KMwZG08/s640/Gaylord+Palms.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The girls have an extra day off from school, so we thought we would head out of town and have some fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found out that the Scrapbook Expo is being held in Orlando this weekend also (beginning Friday), so we thought we would make it a family affair. My hubby will keep the girls busy while I am checking out the convention.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait to see what's new and what's going on down in Mickey Mouse land. I'll keep you updated!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1NG0r1Q8h1Mlq68luPukm8njeQ7l2u4KEOW1tsxizKhpUp79Vy_FJqaUREbJPRBRYs7ZxsoRHZcpRTJ8-dWhcY0WbIeLxLyQRVNp8GrrfizwSYcPjAQ6rRu1jTY17galJS-pTs7u0ss/s1600/Expo+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1NG0r1Q8h1Mlq68luPukm8njeQ7l2u4KEOW1tsxizKhpUp79Vy_FJqaUREbJPRBRYs7ZxsoRHZcpRTJ8-dWhcY0WbIeLxLyQRVNp8GrrfizwSYcPjAQ6rRu1jTY17galJS-pTs7u0ss/s400/Expo+logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-67827443243821969082011-04-06T14:22:00.000-04:002011-04-06T14:22:19.112-04:00Where do I begin? A bunch o' stuff...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know, once in a while I get a little down...I start thinking about this blog and I wonder, <em>"Does anyone really care if I post or not?"</em> I think we all have "visions" when we start a blog, and sometimes the visions become a reality and sometimes they do not. I don't know where I'm going with all of this, I usually don't get this "philosphical" on my blog, and I don't mean to sound like a downer....just letting you know what my thoughts have been. Anyways, I understand and totally get that to become a famous blogger it requires a lot of time, a lot of skill (great photos are a huge bonus) and a lot of dedication. Some days I have it and some days I don't. Some days I want to focus on the fun stuff and some days I want to focus on the required stuff....chores, paying bills, grocery shopping, homework -- you get it. So, that is basically my "excuse" for where I have been and what I've been up to. But, in a positive light, a few weeks ago I got the sweetest e-mail from someone I admire and have admired for a long time....I've never met her, but I think she's super talented, super sweet and I deeply appreciate the fact that she reached out to me during a time when I was thinking, <em>"does it matter?"</em> If you've never been to <a href="http://www.evidenceofagoodlife.blogspot.com/">Laura Craigie's blog</a>, you MUST check it out....she's been on a roll lately and has many accomplishments attached to her sweet name. I would love to be half as talented...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's some of what I've been busy with lately:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32XzwyrPYiXjrl14vQqawlZPnlSbpqMd9yh1T9CN0Z71p92FZQQ88iGIoDgp7ZKDqsX-le27fr0Xvojt4QV9PqjIADpIubekggHrBU3DwTtrjodhDhoZ7-6TTfmM_67o2rqUhOcxoMlk/s1600/a+Spring+hello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32XzwyrPYiXjrl14vQqawlZPnlSbpqMd9yh1T9CN0Z71p92FZQQ88iGIoDgp7ZKDqsX-le27fr0Xvojt4QV9PqjIADpIubekggHrBU3DwTtrjodhDhoZ7-6TTfmM_67o2rqUhOcxoMlk/s640/a+Spring+hello.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a card I made for a friend using some scraps, SU cardstock, the Teeny Tags stamp set, scallop border punch, Fiskars edge punch, the Outlines alphabet stamp set from Papertrey Ink and a Martha Stewart butterfly punch. Can you tell that punches are my favorite tools to use?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up a little card I made for my sister:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnD2WAPWWn_RRva7npPDmC2yYs4HUGhu1DKXIrATxCpsBIF7P15EUpVMEJqO_1DoZTvv-KFvbSAh3ZYMfB5UuRnC2luZj6VqghL-fGZ6YMGj97Bs4aCAI05jWdR4vKFlLqagHwgl1jMYs/s1600/Bicycle+thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnD2WAPWWn_RRva7npPDmC2yYs4HUGhu1DKXIrATxCpsBIF7P15EUpVMEJqO_1DoZTvv-KFvbSAh3ZYMfB5UuRnC2luZj6VqghL-fGZ6YMGj97Bs4aCAI05jWdR4vKFlLqagHwgl1jMYs/s640/Bicycle+thanks.jpg" width="472" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a quick card I made using a Hero Arts bicycle stamp. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(My sister gave my daughter a bike and I wanted to send a thank-you card.)</span> The patterned paper was from my stash, but I think it's from Hobby Lobby's brand. I also used the Apron Lace border punch and the Teeny Tags stamp set. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also been working on a few Easter treat samples. I'm not sure what I'm going to go with yet so I just make one or two of something and then I decide.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I3lv3hsObPYl-81OdV6i5FZqwYqf-Wk2VPmgUaHWt_vAjkbWhgJLYix1xkAIpF_iULIHX3c0gLs0JCKnLz8oPGUvMLkOnxAIY1U6Pf7fAz5v0wHNtO28eB4K89QGV7uPzYxpy4KVENk/s1600/Easter+Paper+Egg+Tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2I3lv3hsObPYl-81OdV6i5FZqwYqf-Wk2VPmgUaHWt_vAjkbWhgJLYix1xkAIpF_iULIHX3c0gLs0JCKnLz8oPGUvMLkOnxAIY1U6Pf7fAz5v0wHNtO28eB4K89QGV7uPzYxpy4KVENk/s640/Easter+Paper+Egg+Tote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a fun egg-shaped tote that is just small enough to make with one piece of 8x11 paper but big enough to fill with some fun treats. (I actually made these last year.)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdLBnGfzaMDfJrXYXFofC8cpoOGjayr4RH8KNB6ttcziCNeL_kgvBcqRysbPo5lsfMFcMcko5Vr-DE7OHnQHLpbuTma5YroGlFfnwquCiLUANw3tqBeDyV2RZT5j7ZcEOBd5YgD6ASFY/s1600/Easter+Vinyl+Egg+Purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdLBnGfzaMDfJrXYXFofC8cpoOGjayr4RH8KNB6ttcziCNeL_kgvBcqRysbPo5lsfMFcMcko5Vr-DE7OHnQHLpbuTma5YroGlFfnwquCiLUANw3tqBeDyV2RZT5j7ZcEOBd5YgD6ASFY/s640/Easter+Vinyl+Egg+Purple.jpg" width="610" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was an easy craft using a piece of cardstock and a piece of vinyl. I punched the holes using my Crop-a-Dile and then cinched it together using purple organza ribbon. I also made another version using clear vinyl on both sides and stitched it together using pink thread and my sewing machine. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sorry the photo isn't the best quality.)</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15x1w0vRJBZRA-f7HIPHi52iFTi3FBJIfwtNls_phVGqMo04cwGG5wFFf4RwjgxOmKrm4teVBAuYKYKjiFGMVqAWEKFwctwhQu3odAfqT6XBWZ4LPajNzejCzBgfK3kIvIuhENSeg-p0/s1600/Easter+Vinyl+Egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15x1w0vRJBZRA-f7HIPHi52iFTi3FBJIfwtNls_phVGqMo04cwGG5wFFf4RwjgxOmKrm4teVBAuYKYKjiFGMVqAWEKFwctwhQu3odAfqT6XBWZ4LPajNzejCzBgfK3kIvIuhENSeg-p0/s640/Easter+Vinyl+Egg.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think both of these would work much better using flat M&M's (the plain version) but for Easter, the plain version is made in an egg shape. Who would have thunk such a thing? <em>(is thunk a word???)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And, one of my favorite Easter treats is a non-sweet treat....I shared these last year but thought I would re-post a picture:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgtX7L2jot2LagaTjQspcXqyNbHVaJsL0HiPTku-1YXfYpuHZyHwcxUllHYq9hUqOPXuIjz81fasSTAcndujjyPsPMrhvuHd8y7Xg6u2DClXb-N1sUTLCVF6ggvOF_1kiS18uPr3_8v4/s1600/Cheetos+Carrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgtX7L2jot2LagaTjQspcXqyNbHVaJsL0HiPTku-1YXfYpuHZyHwcxUllHYq9hUqOPXuIjz81fasSTAcndujjyPsPMrhvuHd8y7Xg6u2DClXb-N1sUTLCVF6ggvOF_1kiS18uPr3_8v4/s640/Cheetos+Carrots.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Easter "carrots" made using Cheetos (or you could use Goldfish crackers) and piping bags from Wilton. These were a huge hit in my 2nd grade class.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And, just in case you're interested, here are a few things I've done in the last few days (things that I've actually managed to take pictures of):</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmEL_RmWnDOY_pXYil6owHYuFDswgqnAgNLPR8qkTMTcOiDhRVBadMGVFYLHfKJ1ZzONpDBolBKeD4ySeIFYP4uopm111MRiN4PCZSDGN46HgA6VSWtusJYtUK5KLSPYm5Zug9Uwwo7I/s1600/Turquoise+Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmEL_RmWnDOY_pXYil6owHYuFDswgqnAgNLPR8qkTMTcOiDhRVBadMGVFYLHfKJ1ZzONpDBolBKeD4ySeIFYP4uopm111MRiN4PCZSDGN46HgA6VSWtusJYtUK5KLSPYm5Zug9Uwwo7I/s1600/Turquoise+Necklace.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">I've long admired a turquoise and red necklace worn by another blogger (that I visit daily) and I've never been able to find one like it....so, yesterday I gathered the supplies and made one all by myself!! I was shocked that it took less than 15 minutes and turned out just the right length and exactly how I envisioned it. Yahoo!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Next up, I thought I would share a fabulous bread that we've been making lately. I got the recipe from another blog <em>(what we would do without blogs?)</em> and it's fantastic! In my quest to get my family on a healthier eating path this <a href="http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/2011/03/oatmeal-whole-wheat-quick-bread.html">Oatmeal Bread</a> will be making an appearance quite often at my dinner table.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUej8HAd951_rbEH21bbo4Bs_Zf0g3whE4_CKIcxr-CKdnUF3QrhIDIeJAMHd8emSe2IkfvB4-XPgpEsEP3_rWTnBONbBtmlCZwIgSBT2zQRD-0X8BJxkuMG3Cm9ZiEpJ9pYK8eQwHscs/s1600/Oatmeal+Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUej8HAd951_rbEH21bbo4Bs_Zf0g3whE4_CKIcxr-CKdnUF3QrhIDIeJAMHd8emSe2IkfvB4-XPgpEsEP3_rWTnBONbBtmlCZwIgSBT2zQRD-0X8BJxkuMG3Cm9ZiEpJ9pYK8eQwHscs/s640/Oatmeal+Bread.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's it for now...I promise to be a better blogger, but thanks in advance for your patience and understanding! Bloggers and blog readers are the best!!</span><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-45207988284322918512011-02-09T17:15:00.000-05:002011-02-09T17:15:25.964-05:00Papertrey - Color Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9lOj8VEmkAvEgXgma9KsJBPtfikG4wUeQplnVKTCC_a_okp3tZ83IFpfp_Q8IGPXD6HSe5xd11JuDp51JEPINofKU9d1Tc4VbEqnpCJBGzsJ48zyErujJthN-4NIsT4hU1G8S6IQUAs/s1600/Make+a+Wish+-+Challenge+Card+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9lOj8VEmkAvEgXgma9KsJBPtfikG4wUeQplnVKTCC_a_okp3tZ83IFpfp_Q8IGPXD6HSe5xd11JuDp51JEPINofKU9d1Tc4VbEqnpCJBGzsJ48zyErujJthN-4NIsT4hU1G8S6IQUAs/s640/Make+a+Wish+-+Challenge+Card+2.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's challenge on the </span><a href="http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2011/02/year-of-free-stamps-new-pti-rewards-cha-color.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Papertrey blog</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was to pick a color combo from a favorite designer and create your own project using those combinations. I loved the colors chosen by Lisa Johnson, and I had the same cardstock and ribbon to match.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The colors I chose were Pure Poppy, Kraft, Spring Rain and Vintage Cream. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also went to my Bitty Boxes paper pad and used a Spring Rain paper from that selection. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stamp sets I used include the <a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/stamps_makeawish.html">Make a Wish</a> sentiment set along with Heather's <a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/stamps_miniscrapbookseries_libraryledger.html">Library Ledger</a> set which I used to create a background design. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The focal point for my card is a "Wish" bingo card from a <a href="http://www.jennibowlin.com/eco/wstore.asp?SID=1&Item=843">Jenni Bowlin</a> pack I've had in my stash for quite a while. I loved how the colors popped on the main background. I hope you liked it!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfAzAdjOW0V6C-ECKNqhW8vPY3KNonNUNPhDdZgDoGFO4j8qDR_pEcWvLRiCzvHr1ShBNWdFZ3em7DJ16Byf1gNAYtrUd1UJehPxT4hC-HH9x1yKd78lkUhs7byojSXI4xBDlp11NsfA/s1600/Make+a+Wish+-+Challenge+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfAzAdjOW0V6C-ECKNqhW8vPY3KNonNUNPhDdZgDoGFO4j8qDR_pEcWvLRiCzvHr1ShBNWdFZ3em7DJ16Byf1gNAYtrUd1UJehPxT4hC-HH9x1yKd78lkUhs7byojSXI4xBDlp11NsfA/s640/Make+a+Wish+-+Challenge+Card.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-47388866873873131542011-02-05T15:23:00.000-05:002011-02-05T15:23:42.916-05:00My Favorite from 2010<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite cards from 2010 was this card made for one of <a href="http://scrapbookgirl.typepad.com/paper_scissors_and_superh/">Betsy Veldman's</a> color challenges:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0YYW1AgNDc8RYY-WajW0KKWK0Uc0DXrw-G_9bBQNUmz9XOB8hUuuO4IwREW133EygQ9JFArPvdBF8NGr5APwOeq1V4Ve3z9oHnynOOYmMkGGZp7oAJ8S4-hHUJ5BflCF2tC5pNt6vZM/s1600/Celebrate+Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0YYW1AgNDc8RYY-WajW0KKWK0Uc0DXrw-G_9bBQNUmz9XOB8hUuuO4IwREW133EygQ9JFArPvdBF8NGr5APwOeq1V4Ve3z9oHnynOOYmMkGGZp7oAJ8S4-hHUJ5BflCF2tC5pNt6vZM/s640/Celebrate+Dad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It uses some of my most favorite Papertrey products, including the </span><a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/acc_pti_impressionplates.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Woodgrain</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> impression plate and </span><a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/stamps_sayitwithstyle.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Say it with Style</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> stamp set. It was an "out of the box" color combination for me, but I was so glad Betsy issued it. This was one of the cards that just fell together. And, I love it when that happens!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be sure to check out Papertrey's </span><a href="http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">site</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> today....there is an amazing giveaway going on in celebration of their anniversary!! Happy Anniversary Papertrey Ink!! I can only imagine what they have in store for us this month! Whatever it is you know it's going to be awesome!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-86129567260805077822011-02-04T05:50:00.002-05:002011-02-04T08:55:28.922-05:00Adding a Little Chicken Wire<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the moment I saw this </span><a href="http://www.marcypenner.com/?p=4053"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">photo</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I knew I had to have one. It literally yelled out at me...."Make one just like me!!!" So last weekend, with my hubby's help, I did!! Don't know what I'm talking about? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my take on Marcy Penner's fabulous wire frame:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCrqI9-RA_kMkl5aTKPpA33zGhKAYNF26mXKlpKGq0B6gm_5KPvzGp4Gv_Y96Ormb48NHKPGVI6h0-_J8bcciE-L6zaAH5CSGhVoRuqL2RMQhm43MRDJnBsfxV_z2xsyftvaVipMrLgM/s1600/Chicken+Wire+Frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCrqI9-RA_kMkl5aTKPpA33zGhKAYNF26mXKlpKGq0B6gm_5KPvzGp4Gv_Y96Ormb48NHKPGVI6h0-_J8bcciE-L6zaAH5CSGhVoRuqL2RMQhm43MRDJnBsfxV_z2xsyftvaVipMrLgM/s640/Chicken+Wire+Frame.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used what I had on hand, an old frame, chicken wire and staples. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first step was to remove the picture, glass and wire prongs. I found that using an old spoon worked the best for this.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9PCK3B6TbTbAZ6uQ3rVBG8h5vvt6PIIU2iQ3E7uxUMur41XiBcX3FTsRR0TyBqhkql1tZYdu2Y3Ky3nBc-vyg3WTIIET1UYtkw4aqJpIr05S7S6JS-yt2kNtSnFFqeZMOEXVvPBVvAM/s1600/Chicken+Wire+Frame+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9PCK3B6TbTbAZ6uQ3rVBG8h5vvt6PIIU2iQ3E7uxUMur41XiBcX3FTsRR0TyBqhkql1tZYdu2Y3Ky3nBc-vyg3WTIIET1UYtkw4aqJpIr05S7S6JS-yt2kNtSnFFqeZMOEXVvPBVvAM/s640/Chicken+Wire+Frame+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up was to cut and staple in the chicken wire. My hubby was kind enough to tackle this and did it so quickly I didn't get any pictures. But, I'm sure you get the idea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what it looked like with the wire installed:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVbjNW_cnLwCPXXIWMqDJfD7k3oZ7ZbUyrftbarZMb34b402KwkobZ5Hx4g4q6yMvOAeAPpWz_g083jUi_DvuqUMKxhExc6Frh2yPL7M_pI5eys2IhzpcVjGMy5A43E_bAZj1xrfbXxw/s1600/Chicken+Wire+Frame+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVbjNW_cnLwCPXXIWMqDJfD7k3oZ7ZbUyrftbarZMb34b402KwkobZ5Hx4g4q6yMvOAeAPpWz_g083jUi_DvuqUMKxhExc6Frh2yPL7M_pI5eys2IhzpcVjGMy5A43E_bAZj1xrfbXxw/s640/Chicken+Wire+Frame+2.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to use this board as a way to display the many cards I receive from friends and relatives, and I was thinking I would use small clothespins to hang up everything, until I spotted these at JoAnn's:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwgMIn8kZ_y7ECiAgyldYacnqiKMme_Z1J8BFBkO47asc-b84oON1oRJ1nY-gwU0tSLxbAuACsi5hz3TgVITQzHfzE_nA_WArbDoiNg42c_bfkh88Q54xU7p9ZpQnFN5krs4X3delTPs/s1600/Chicken+Wire+Frame+Clips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwgMIn8kZ_y7ECiAgyldYacnqiKMme_Z1J8BFBkO47asc-b84oON1oRJ1nY-gwU0tSLxbAuACsi5hz3TgVITQzHfzE_nA_WArbDoiNg42c_bfkh88Q54xU7p9ZpQnFN5krs4X3delTPs/s640/Chicken+Wire+Frame+Clips.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They were perfect and at a great price, $1.99 with 40% off! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up is to get the frame hung in a convenient spot. Right now it is sitting on the back of my sewing desk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I love <a href="http://www.marcypenner.com/?p=4053">Marcy's studio</a> and encourage you to check it out. It makes my heart smile everytime I look at it. Thanks Marcy!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-65157404866442467502011-02-03T11:31:00.001-05:002011-02-03T11:35:24.190-05:00Make a Wish - Birthday Wishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-0Qsk2X2bj26YL0JDNWgaK6A6JhbdYxnjQHeOtZ8OYfmuVcTGaDkyZJm067sWTFAXYkUsy6aDL6vfvP597EEICPOlV8U9KU-uwEEEt_N7azBaEvI9-bz94Lcjdc2ci-RfVgF0eTyL5o/s1600/birthday+wishes+-+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-0Qsk2X2bj26YL0JDNWgaK6A6JhbdYxnjQHeOtZ8OYfmuVcTGaDkyZJm067sWTFAXYkUsy6aDL6vfvP597EEICPOlV8U9KU-uwEEEt_N7azBaEvI9-bz94Lcjdc2ci-RfVgF0eTyL5o/s640/birthday+wishes+-+pink.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sending out some special "pre-birthday" wishes to a great friend today!! Her birthday is tomorrow....<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday Jennifer!!</span> I hope you have a fun and fantastic day!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The inside of the card reads: "Don't despair about the number of candles on your cake. The more candles, the bigger the wish that you can make." I love the <a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/stamps_makeawish.html">Make a Wish</a> stamp set from Papertrey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">By the way....your card (which is up above) will be a teensy tiny bit late.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">**I forgot to mention that the layout for this card design was borrowed from Lisa Johnson's feature in this month's CARDS magazine. I loved her card on page 129.</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-74281335247234161382011-01-27T16:37:00.000-05:002011-01-27T16:37:51.773-05:00Cutie Pie Keychain Clutch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8EScfhuWPT0GZVEWawAQd_UiIkU75rtL_-JYUVZCd4pP86MRrs5m8lCl8gNC7pUTq8Y9bqypSTiMQJ1UG3nNsIOWZJ4P481wHsXHixuwjaklb5tQbch4mWBrzIEoH-wmMW5iMGYr1Ug/s1600/Keychain+clutch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8EScfhuWPT0GZVEWawAQd_UiIkU75rtL_-JYUVZCd4pP86MRrs5m8lCl8gNC7pUTq8Y9bqypSTiMQJ1UG3nNsIOWZJ4P481wHsXHixuwjaklb5tQbch4mWBrzIEoH-wmMW5iMGYr1Ug/s640/Keychain+clutch2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has to be the cutest sewing project I've ever completed....and better yet, I finished it in one afternoon, in a few hours to be exact. It's called a "Keychain Clutch" and the pattern can be purchased </span><a href="http://www.keykaloupatterns.com/product/keychain-clutch-pdf-sewing-pattern"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was my first pattern purchased through <a href="http://www.keykaloupatterns.com/">Keyka Lou Patterns</a> and I'll have to say that I will be purchasing many more! Her patterns are very detailed and take you through a step-by-step process complete with pictures of each step. I am a visual person so the pictures help tremendously.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a shot of the inside of my clutch:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyglvPZXKaWcmPkiXUf4SKie_5ucEU7BKLICnNETs_anClAQH5NhorA9bAY7mK0tOI4o1Yn_YywbqZgTF4F7ucucJ9onLX68YCOQNe13Hro_BjzZE7H2HLs6930aWgE5oAEQforEp1_o/s1600/Keychain+clutch+open2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyglvPZXKaWcmPkiXUf4SKie_5ucEU7BKLICnNETs_anClAQH5NhorA9bAY7mK0tOI4o1Yn_YywbqZgTF4F7ucucJ9onLX68YCOQNe13Hro_BjzZE7H2HLs6930aWgE5oAEQforEp1_o/s640/Keychain+clutch+open2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The clutch is lined and also supported with a layer of interfacing. I need to do a little bit of ironing, but it's finished and I can't wait to use it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I grabbed my organic lip balm and took this shot:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkayW-cBguZFHvIjPsC-cVJNRAVnkv-doHdXGq2807pKy0fjn55eZSqkiPXLenctD4GEUYihPennyP-iC5GCvLTWYudcb2G7ckLmpN54XdDsxW7qd-NxXgu7SfiD_3DIN5zbJB9_Q6V5Y/s1600/Keychain+clutch+open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkayW-cBguZFHvIjPsC-cVJNRAVnkv-doHdXGq2807pKy0fjn55eZSqkiPXLenctD4GEUYihPennyP-iC5GCvLTWYudcb2G7ckLmpN54XdDsxW7qd-NxXgu7SfiD_3DIN5zbJB9_Q6V5Y/s640/Keychain+clutch+open.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wouldn't these make great girlfriend gifts? teacher gifts? thinking of you gifts? and what a great little treat to stick in the mailbox for someone special!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think about making one today. Before I began, I e-mailed Michelle and told her I was a semi-newbie at the sewing machine, but honesly, I didn't have one single problem with this pattern. I also learned how to make and sew darts - a first for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm off to check out her other <a href="http://www.keykaloupatterns.com/">patterns</a>. Take care!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-34227233907372708392011-01-25T12:37:00.000-05:002011-01-25T12:37:34.925-05:00January Blog Hop - Papertrey Style<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi and Welcome to my blog!! I am so excited to be a participant in this month's Papertrey "Blog Hop."</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAnh6EaVCPUGRs2sCYwJbC8mznNMTg58lBcVGKZd8mbkH2EPfxUWS4owmXO67yq_UQ7H2CYZvQDpXDsCgu4Zde1t9SU5To8utfPdoweTIR_sEKE7GEhhJwoZcLB4U55ipnum0eerVyak/s1600/bloghoplogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAnh6EaVCPUGRs2sCYwJbC8mznNMTg58lBcVGKZd8mbkH2EPfxUWS4owmXO67yq_UQ7H2CYZvQDpXDsCgu4Zde1t9SU5To8utfPdoweTIR_sEKE7GEhhJwoZcLB4U55ipnum0eerVyak/s400/bloghoplogo.gif" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A dear friend of mine recently purchased a new car and, once I heard the news, I knew exactly what stamp set I wanted to use to help her celebrate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went to my Papertrey stamp collection and got to work using the <a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/stamps_enjoytheride.html">"Enjoy the Ride"</a> stamp set. I've loved this set since the moment I saw it released, but have actually waited quite a while before using it. Why? I am not sure, because it is so much fun! It was also a perfect match for this month's theme which is to use a stamp set that has seen little or no ink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the card I created using lots of Papertrey goodies:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3orOnMO2wngyUpKLsP4x8N-JfekZ7tdYNosPjuY9VndN0BeJEG04uvv00Q5IaDbH3CsLDjSiqOjNhu1Zba2VGMSZwi3iOlZ7LzVMlFdv21rN4GgPlbWvgUeeG7GaNF0l2QIuFulfFPAQ/s1600/Enjoy+the+Ride+-+Happy+for+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3orOnMO2wngyUpKLsP4x8N-JfekZ7tdYNosPjuY9VndN0BeJEG04uvv00Q5IaDbH3CsLDjSiqOjNhu1Zba2VGMSZwi3iOlZ7LzVMlFdv21rN4GgPlbWvgUeeG7GaNF0l2QIuFulfFPAQ/s640/Enjoy+the+Ride+-+Happy+for+you.jpg" width="526" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I began with Papertrey's white and kraft cardstock, along with a Spellbinders die cut using Hawaiin Shores cardstock which I embossed with a <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7ADBS_en&q=Quickutz+Polka+Dot+Embossing+Folder&wrapid=tlif129597694653410&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=7634444236578880202&ei=8Ak_Tb7wDJLfgQeV5sXOCA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CD0Q8wIwAw#">QuicKutz embossing folder</a>. I also found this really cute patterned paper in my stash, and sorry....I don't know who the manufacturer is....it is something I found on clearance at my local scrapbook store. I paired the patterned paper with Papertrey's <a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/pp_distresseddots.html">Distressed Dots</a> paper and <a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/pp_dottybiscotti.html">Dotty Biscotti</a> paper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other dies I used include the Enjoy the Ride <a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/stamps_enjoytheride.html">car die</a>, along with the <a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/stamps_bannerbuilder.html">double-ended banner die</a> which I love!! Inks I used include Papertrey's Dark Chocolate and Pure Poppy. Other ink colors include Stampin Up's Gable Green and a Marvy turquoise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I also paired this card with a scented air freshener for her car from Bath & Body Works. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you enjoyed your visit and be sure to come back soon!!</span><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-28101914620607976262011-01-23T15:13:00.000-05:002011-01-23T15:13:54.689-05:00So stinkin' cute!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found </span><a href="http://www.livinglocurto.com/2011/01/iphone-valentine-free-printable/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> fantastic download last week and nearly jumped out of my chair!!! I was looking for something fun for my 3rd grader to share with her class for Valentine's Day and this was IT!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB27_csoEqUeTzovaR5GIXOJjRqOq0O8L8V2QvQhkAOy2t-PKD728GiK-4amkMTcaXsmoUYnA_JWZ4v_tsWoJhm5_VEeawUhfG0l4NN3Wo91iPEDA3ng7lELVtJYyskcEpMU-gTcocLZk/s1600/Valentine+ipod+covers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB27_csoEqUeTzovaR5GIXOJjRqOq0O8L8V2QvQhkAOy2t-PKD728GiK-4amkMTcaXsmoUYnA_JWZ4v_tsWoJhm5_VEeawUhfG0l4NN3Wo91iPEDA3ng7lELVtJYyskcEpMU-gTcocLZk/s640/Valentine+ipod+covers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aren't these iphone candy covers just the cutest thing??? After I got permission from my 3rd grader to proceed, I ran and hopped in the car to Target to buy the Brach's candy boxes. I chose the tart & tangy variety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here they are all covered and wrapped in their cozy covers:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiYFOcmE4IDZxVd-818iWXKjpQJK2hfyDOefIqR3tKWup7ZM2j00Mgz5bOECCyIU6tVK0jgr6xuKnz3LptX9EfX4wA_ufwiqiD8xeO3HC68VorWz81HchN_T-QsV0rcKBwoJ0OQIFMW8/s1600/Valentine+ipod+boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiYFOcmE4IDZxVd-818iWXKjpQJK2hfyDOefIqR3tKWup7ZM2j00Mgz5bOECCyIU6tVK0jgr6xuKnz3LptX9EfX4wA_ufwiqiD8xeO3HC68VorWz81HchN_T-QsV0rcKBwoJ0OQIFMW8/s640/Valentine+ipod+boxes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A big shout out to </span><a href="http://www.livinglocurto.com/about-me/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amy Locurto</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for her amazing talent and most of all, for sharing this fun download with all of her blog viewers!!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-45807406632795954052011-01-15T10:17:00.000-05:002011-01-15T10:17:39.638-05:00Upcycling Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0bezW4ZiPmc3-yxiVqbOBayUxW4M3AihrEkDfGK_UaRXWNy5tRAHaoTVJwNy_phF9aQkXKNo73kmNj1uXhRytPEN1kVd0BR8d1F5GM-F8uIagPR3iF1cnGNV-E6TOKGYEm78kz40tlo/s1600/T-shirt+scarf+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0bezW4ZiPmc3-yxiVqbOBayUxW4M3AihrEkDfGK_UaRXWNy5tRAHaoTVJwNy_phF9aQkXKNo73kmNj1uXhRytPEN1kVd0BR8d1F5GM-F8uIagPR3iF1cnGNV-E6TOKGYEm78kz40tlo/s640/T-shirt+scarf+5.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How many times have you seen a project, decided to make the project, bought the materials for the project and then everything just <em>s-i-t-s</em> for a while? a long while? Maybe because you have other crafty things to do, maybe because you enjoy just staring at it everyday? Or maybe because you slowly start talking yourself out of beginning another project that you are not sure about. That's what happened with this project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw a tutorial <span style="font-size: x-small;">(somewhere out there in blog land)</span> for an upcycled t-shirt scarf and fell in love with the design, not to mention the easiness of it (at least that was my first impression). But after I made the trip to the Salvation Army store to get the t-shirts, I talked myself out of sitting down at my sewing machine for fear that they wouldn't turn out because this technique was something I had never tried before.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, for some reason, yesterday afternoon I was feeling ambitious and decided to just go for it!! I am so glad I did because they were so easy, so quick and really fun to make. Let me show you just what I'm talking about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Take a trip to your t-shirt drawer, or in my case, the nearest Salvation Army store (on half-price day) and get a large or extra-large sized t-shirt, plain with no design. Next, lay out your shirt and cut two large strips off of the bottom (get rid of the original hem first). I made mine 6 inches wide.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO_1diXt8O2vFe6i4-6RsQPT70IGgWvslbu2kmWFff0G4ski-KiYb48XuXfj7AjqjryiKU7BxRGI14dz5TNRSQbIWJjQIU_fgAI77FOikxp-Am8lsq3ZLoKKcYXkEhWn1XB6bkRI-nxA/s1600/T-shirt+scarf+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO_1diXt8O2vFe6i4-6RsQPT70IGgWvslbu2kmWFff0G4ski-KiYb48XuXfj7AjqjryiKU7BxRGI14dz5TNRSQbIWJjQIU_fgAI77FOikxp-Am8lsq3ZLoKKcYXkEhWn1XB6bkRI-nxA/s640/T-shirt+scarf+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Once this is done, cut your strips open (this red shirt had inside seams, but the other one I used did not). If your shirt has an inside seam or serged line, be sure to cut those off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are my strips once I cut them open:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4v9JPaauaHO8Mry8eNSQ2zprM-0qYORg3uLd7D5n3aohRxTfJiVgmUWvZdIhGXs_dEOemyoY_xPm9gVQigqTlk_mGSvBvohT139quhwjX5avb0LwjJlH7wB7nxYYmnk2OIB7dO5yiRg/s1600/T-shirt+scarf+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4v9JPaauaHO8Mry8eNSQ2zprM-0qYORg3uLd7D5n3aohRxTfJiVgmUWvZdIhGXs_dEOemyoY_xPm9gVQigqTlk_mGSvBvohT139quhwjX5avb0LwjJlH7wB7nxYYmnk2OIB7dO5yiRg/s640/T-shirt+scarf+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">The next step is to match up your strips (on the short ends), pin and sew them together to make one continuous long piece of t-shirt material. Remember we are making a scarf so this will actually be your scarf. Use the regular straight stitch setting on your sewing machine. (I don't have a picture of this.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now this is where it gets really fun!! And you will be able to see how excited I got because I didn't take a picture mid-way through, but on the finishing end....<em>sorry.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Once you have your t-shirt strips all sewn together (check that all your front sides match and that you didn't get one strip facing backwards) -- <span style="font-size: x-small;">I wouldn't know anything about that of course</span> -- you are going to change the settings on your sewing machine. You may need to get your machine's manual for this or not, I needed to. <strong>(1)</strong>Set your straight stitch setting to its highest (or longest) number, mine was set at "5.0" and <strong>(2)</strong>Set your tension level to its highest number, mine was set at "9". And now you are ready to finish your scarf.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Measure the width of your t-shirt strip and decide where you want your gathers to be. I just eyeballed mine and spaced the stitch lines one inch apart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Begin sewing and sew a straight line all the way down the length of your scarf. Your machine should automatically gather your material to create the prettiest ruffled look.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMf239We06aOisrCls1xx5w-RlzjPfAKJLq77eunlu6-kGDM_0sEMLdV_utCACr0iqE7xwHD3Fa5o2XsCTwtvAtjjkSBod-KrLQG1ApeF8nCuIx-EDj4Xx8oruGT4hHKYUcEqwyl-MpA/s1600/T-shirt+scarf+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMf239We06aOisrCls1xx5w-RlzjPfAKJLq77eunlu6-kGDM_0sEMLdV_utCACr0iqE7xwHD3Fa5o2XsCTwtvAtjjkSBod-KrLQG1ApeF8nCuIx-EDj4Xx8oruGT4hHKYUcEqwyl-MpA/s640/T-shirt+scarf+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">After you get to the bottom of your scarf you are going to begin again at the top, move your scarf over (I had about an inch of space between my stitch lines) and repeat using the same settings on your sewing machine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To finish, I returned my machine back to its original straight stitch settings and sewed a small hem on the two short ends of my scarf.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had so much fun with the first scarf I grabbed another shirt and made a second one.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVsIOxoNNgdYa1_jt1Jq3ik7o8t37i5NxaOdsdcyx0ynDEV-IXx90kmUaMxblhyphenhyphencvKqYXEYClv_aVeEGZrsga6xTlzw0-BXPgBhwzl6KhnmnjmcCyK38A9eNvakYGGceiFLeAWOAYUc8/s1600/T-shirt+scarf+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVsIOxoNNgdYa1_jt1Jq3ik7o8t37i5NxaOdsdcyx0ynDEV-IXx90kmUaMxblhyphenhyphencvKqYXEYClv_aVeEGZrsga6xTlzw0-BXPgBhwzl6KhnmnjmcCyK38A9eNvakYGGceiFLeAWOAYUc8/s640/T-shirt+scarf+6.jpg" width="324" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">I literally had these two made in less than 30 minutes. They were, by far, the easiest sewing project I've ever tried. So glad I finally jumped in and gave it a go!!</span><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-12479861474577643602011-01-10T11:01:00.000-05:002011-01-10T11:01:37.076-05:00Working on a few things...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spending some time this morning working on a few upcoming projects for the next holiday...always thinking ahead <span style="font-size: x-small;">although one of my goals for this year is to "live" in the moment....</span>here's what I put together for my 5th grader to take to school:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDPkY_sa0PganqQnt4HtB8cqlvpbW5NaImaLgtvI3jJ_GCJ2FUgNco1-mCADszWZu5vUt6wnESuCi4nZzbGmEg1na0NIXc5uJHGUDZA6lXA7qq5YRgHm03bLqoXk8wgVXYcZ8x64P6Xc/s1600/Valentines+Day+Sour+Cream+Containers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDPkY_sa0PganqQnt4HtB8cqlvpbW5NaImaLgtvI3jJ_GCJ2FUgNco1-mCADszWZu5vUt6wnESuCi4nZzbGmEg1na0NIXc5uJHGUDZA6lXA7qq5YRgHm03bLqoXk8wgVXYcZ8x64P6Xc/s640/Valentines+Day+Sour+Cream+Containers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you seen the sour cream containers you can make with a piece of paper cut to 4.25 x 5.5 inches? I'm not ready to fill mine, but </span><a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/sour_cream_container/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here's </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a great tutorial. They make the cutest little packages to hide yummy treats.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also gathering a few of these for an upcoming project:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jxWxqTXgTig4qpBUr_fUw7PZH9xJkGAzHIKfuchKaH5cS-HcGxwld_emjk5pq1dNDWqU654YDOhzkWe7vTDDGisQjR8VeYHAsotv2fkQSU7zvhkz_yEygDZV_1qJxlOb0TW2sfl2IWM/s1600/Sundae+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jxWxqTXgTig4qpBUr_fUw7PZH9xJkGAzHIKfuchKaH5cS-HcGxwld_emjk5pq1dNDWqU654YDOhzkWe7vTDDGisQjR8VeYHAsotv2fkQSU7zvhkz_yEygDZV_1qJxlOb0TW2sfl2IWM/s640/Sundae+glasses.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Actually, we have a few girls getting together for a fun afternoon of crafting </span><a href="http://jessekatedesigns.blogspot.com/2009/02/make-this-valentine-centerpiece-this.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Valentine Sundae Cup Centerpieces. </span></a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need to get busy finding all the pretty candy to fill the glasses for my sweeties. This is going to be fun! And, I'm having the best time hunting through my local thrift stores to find the glasses for everyone. There's nothing like a good hunt! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care and stay safe!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-37519210722702609072011-01-08T11:27:00.000-05:002011-01-08T11:27:25.000-05:00Sculpey Bug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My youngest daughter, Abby, has caught the crafting/Sculpey bug. I don't know how she got started on it, but she has had the best time this holiday season making all kinds of different food items with Sculpey clay. She's made a variety of things and has also filmed a few of her tutorial sessions using her new video camera. Here's a shot from a session this morning:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5kUvySGftwWs_m_i6DSpjctknY9dzEtauxEUzm_icLaLVKFSfN9UD0B3x2G0CQ4Mi6JI2-7ZYGIAYJZgtL-mIZOTGrjyUgzAQyQVDm4QF03cTEHP2B40IV9VZt-449i0Po9-_0gMSPs/s1600/Abby+in+process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5kUvySGftwWs_m_i6DSpjctknY9dzEtauxEUzm_icLaLVKFSfN9UD0B3x2G0CQ4Mi6JI2-7ZYGIAYJZgtL-mIZOTGrjyUgzAQyQVDm4QF03cTEHP2B40IV9VZt-449i0Po9-_0gMSPs/s640/Abby+in+process.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of the items she has made include this hamburger and waffle which are this morning's projects:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNbSVWgib9XxDyj1149u2HSeKQpnwZiJGF8XZfPySMKXQEb41Z3dICLpjzZ8-y5WmOYnombWvw_BqB_hjj-AuuQDP6C86z5j720sAcfuKK0c-_lh_sgkVwPev_6z5Xqb3GV2aadEmpHw/s1600/Hamburger+Waffle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNbSVWgib9XxDyj1149u2HSeKQpnwZiJGF8XZfPySMKXQEb41Z3dICLpjzZ8-y5WmOYnombWvw_BqB_hjj-AuuQDP6C86z5j720sAcfuKK0c-_lh_sgkVwPev_6z5Xqb3GV2aadEmpHw/s640/Hamburger+Waffle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She's also made ice cream cones, pop tarts, pizza slices, hot chocolate drinks, rainbow cakes, donuts and popsicles.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh-wdYLlXAG7yhjt3EYwLlpseLA65DskoGrzh6vdyr1R10Ig4UaGbATwcZmkMzT4i_dJ9fJ4IfGslF8m-s2cm-bOUHnXjYe7i0SEmuf_M12rhdn3m_g6uOpcsEXHvseShN057RXTdOsY/s1600/Grouping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh-wdYLlXAG7yhjt3EYwLlpseLA65DskoGrzh6vdyr1R10Ig4UaGbATwcZmkMzT4i_dJ9fJ4IfGslF8m-s2cm-bOUHnXjYe7i0SEmuf_M12rhdn3m_g6uOpcsEXHvseShN057RXTdOsY/s640/Grouping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few have been turned into pendants and put on strands of ribbon to make necklaces. I told her with a little time we might actually invest in a few purchases from etsy of actual ribbon necklaces so that she can give them away to friends.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLIDUDXIgjRkm3jEuUI57t6Xkw9_puSn_hok7coDujfMnvtDrN-lTkDyGWB7OIyIU9klj2FVYjpxzv8U47gukaOBv316cXHEMUDBRzAllr6e-5vv1uHza0E5hZ5PwETn_8C6PivJr8wU/s1600/Necklaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLIDUDXIgjRkm3jEuUI57t6Xkw9_puSn_hok7coDujfMnvtDrN-lTkDyGWB7OIyIU9klj2FVYjpxzv8U47gukaOBv316cXHEMUDBRzAllr6e-5vv1uHza0E5hZ5PwETn_8C6PivJr8wU/s640/Necklaces.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm working on getting my Valentine inspiration basket put together as well as organizing a few projects for the future. See you in a little bit!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-88891237679720390192011-01-01T10:43:00.000-05:002011-01-01T10:43:48.731-05:00Christmas Thank You Cards<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days ago I sat down and had the best time making a big ole' batch of Christmas Thank You cards. I began with an inspirational card sketch and I also knew I wanted to use my new Papertrey felt and Christmas tree die...I fell in love with that thing the minute I saw it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what I came up with, a few different designs:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ7-PbvGk3hn3BO8zrfgizRF38ngkqeFpO2s9pPYy2pYHbIJ86Wfyc1lMATKENdsCowd5aXJhDLNcC24jx2WCYdLyGIGhsqIyTcp6IiMEr7dBGgW8yo3LiX5KQSjHqJG9jpZwI0fVwvc/s1600/Christmas+Thank+You+-+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ7-PbvGk3hn3BO8zrfgizRF38ngkqeFpO2s9pPYy2pYHbIJ86Wfyc1lMATKENdsCowd5aXJhDLNcC24jx2WCYdLyGIGhsqIyTcp6IiMEr7dBGgW8yo3LiX5KQSjHqJG9jpZwI0fVwvc/s640/Christmas+Thank+You+-+Tree.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots of Papertrey and Stampin' Up cardstock, a Fiskars border punch, a Cuttlebug embossing folder, a Spellbinders tag die, Papertrey stamps and as I mentioned, Papertrey felt and their fabulous tree die. I made two variations of this card, one with red buttons and one with blue buttons....a certain friend of mine has a fondness for blue and green.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInCsrcQFBo5hsbytKTqh4s62sOkJbvz6taTJeUsM5q7jr1R7SFzGAhNPWOokmTN1o_UVV8NJ7L2pWgWK76wVta5aOJBhyphenhyphenUTNC40rUDwAAApf44NQlGFpkTNWwJJATswTvzg3wlH-VL-4/s1600/Christmas+Thank+You+-+Tree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInCsrcQFBo5hsbytKTqh4s62sOkJbvz6taTJeUsM5q7jr1R7SFzGAhNPWOokmTN1o_UVV8NJ7L2pWgWK76wVta5aOJBhyphenhyphenUTNC40rUDwAAApf44NQlGFpkTNWwJJATswTvzg3wlH-VL-4/s640/Christmas+Thank+You+-+Tree2.jpg" width="538" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, to round the bunch out, I reached into my "felt goodies" basket and found these snowflakes from a few years back. They were the perfect touch to finish these cards. Same supplies, I just added a different felt embellishment.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUO7O6AHhoq03PVIwSqq2GDvsOzSDX10gDc2AEcz-Nv3GpI9NHp2tp8ze9rBdd9kVDEjqnhlG22pBd5L0EH5SMqiMD5So6DP4TpO_bg4OqyLv-r468vUNrykKz4XctMIoIhv7De8ONDyA/s1600/Christmas+Thank+You+-+Snowflakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUO7O6AHhoq03PVIwSqq2GDvsOzSDX10gDc2AEcz-Nv3GpI9NHp2tp8ze9rBdd9kVDEjqnhlG22pBd5L0EH5SMqiMD5So6DP4TpO_bg4OqyLv-r468vUNrykKz4XctMIoIhv7De8ONDyA/s640/Christmas+Thank+You+-+Snowflakes.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">I still needed a few more cards, but decided to go with something a little easier and something that would take less time to make in a large quantity....after looking at the latest CARDS magazine, I borrowed this design from the featured designer, Amy Heller. Amy's card design can be found on page 117 of this month's issue. Here's my interpretation:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuE194VdDVAiPW83HPHdmJKmJR8AAeLME8Sw6BQO3zabyXsTdZWaB_ZlJj6aFM-0RycN4aFeI8-cuJXryBWGt-mWR5HPD8prlepEObZv0MoucS8gf0vRZM7cccUW-X-S3shxwbVsjhRug/s1600/Thank+You+-+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuE194VdDVAiPW83HPHdmJKmJR8AAeLME8Sw6BQO3zabyXsTdZWaB_ZlJj6aFM-0RycN4aFeI8-cuJXryBWGt-mWR5HPD8prlepEObZv0MoucS8gf0vRZM7cccUW-X-S3shxwbVsjhRug/s640/Thank+You+-+Christmas.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">The die cut sentiment is from Stampin' Up, the patterned paper from DCWV and the stamped stitches are from Sandylion (I've had this set for years).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now I need to get busy writing my messages and letting everyone know just how much we enjoyed our holiday! Take care until next time!!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-10855308870710987132010-12-07T16:06:00.000-05:002010-12-07T16:06:48.040-05:00A Look at My Tuesday<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what I've been looking at today....pretty stuff for this time of year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First up is a picture of the prettiest ice crystal my oldest found on the ground this morning. I was glad this brought a smile to her face after a disappointing trip to the bird bath revealed a leak in our miniature ice skating pond.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptgNUzJESCV2bfCTaFMJ_1T4MZggrLFGiQf5Yj-ZGl-furUDvrUI9yWT-BfQA-gA1kIV0uVRetuaHi5oOLC_t3fcbkoTJ3pg06FMobWHwTTczGy9BMW2OMdAeDWsBIpWUmmW9fEwt_50/s1600/Ice+Crystal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptgNUzJESCV2bfCTaFMJ_1T4MZggrLFGiQf5Yj-ZGl-furUDvrUI9yWT-BfQA-gA1kIV0uVRetuaHi5oOLC_t3fcbkoTJ3pg06FMobWHwTTczGy9BMW2OMdAeDWsBIpWUmmW9fEwt_50/s640/Ice+Crystal.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next is a package that came in the mail from a Scrapbook Trends giveaway I won last week. I opened the box to find this fabulous nested tower of treats with a gorgeous red and green felted bow. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMSAGuKoW2zM7NcfgLISZgwCT-SUmgLsdgSVDLZ8-hO2IKvrQGkTblQIhGOe0bLJvu4zRZQUorjOSvoI-h9QCSegeNDe6g7WlwBD9xoEsufRGulFoioRLAZDMqEAcdT3iC_TLfG3dt4Y/s1600/Canvas+Corp+Goodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMSAGuKoW2zM7NcfgLISZgwCT-SUmgLsdgSVDLZ8-hO2IKvrQGkTblQIhGOe0bLJvu4zRZQUorjOSvoI-h9QCSegeNDe6g7WlwBD9xoEsufRGulFoioRLAZDMqEAcdT3iC_TLfG3dt4Y/s640/Canvas+Corp+Goodies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And last is a picture of one of my krafty wrapped gifts that I am giving away this year. When I am doing something in multiples I like to keep things simple but I also like to add a few touches of sparkle. I thought this color combo of brown, gold and green was just what I was looking for. The ribbon is from Michael's and the glittered snowflake tag is from Target.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxjEojFPYQJaQNjWvev9UCCx1kxreAb9fpcb0HG7W0Mgwkha7ggzPcNTv6_MNDfv5wGn-mSHficNC1-Mup4dKWXOOIwpfMRqK5gQTkgkr1NXCEKbNg3xd5sdtLRPu8CExFUbGx0pYhh8/s1600/Kraft+Bag+Wrapping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxjEojFPYQJaQNjWvev9UCCx1kxreAb9fpcb0HG7W0Mgwkha7ggzPcNTv6_MNDfv5wGn-mSHficNC1-Mup4dKWXOOIwpfMRqK5gQTkgkr1NXCEKbNg3xd5sdtLRPu8CExFUbGx0pYhh8/s640/Kraft+Bag+Wrapping.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you are having a fun Tuesday!</span></div><img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-15308350947649750672010-11-28T10:11:00.000-05:002010-11-28T10:11:22.462-05:00Sunday Puffs<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got up a little early this morning to surprise my girls with a delicious batch of these:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xeDvDSV1G2VruZU9VdUagrT6tWdfme4JLIMX3VDmauVfAEXik9EACu1boG29tirPijPJZ25cEYudMs3xmhVlH5tJ9RWPKWKCRRXY0pBPcEHcLISzAXNIsVC1Ae3ewBF1GZIXtK3gUNY/s1600/French+Breakfast+Puffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xeDvDSV1G2VruZU9VdUagrT6tWdfme4JLIMX3VDmauVfAEXik9EACu1boG29tirPijPJZ25cEYudMs3xmhVlH5tJ9RWPKWKCRRXY0pBPcEHcLISzAXNIsVC1Ae3ewBF1GZIXtK3gUNY/s640/French+Breakfast+Puffs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">they are Pioneer Woman's "French Breakfast Puffs" and they are, in one word, divine!!! They take just a few mintues to whip together...and they bake for 20 minutes, so just enough time to get the dishes washed and the butter and cinnamon melted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's another photo showing them in all their glory:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRcqtTRlEwZjDZ0Zs9OVfAXbRhIXtC7gKxR3BhUdDbmhl8bVoVxXDzWpkEBchWChm6bKJFUCoxCKokP7RSgOKqR6ooo-rmBz10-EvcTw0dxw8u3sn3d5YC4gCdTdG6k9_JQSzK71a7YY/s1600/French+Breakfast+Puffs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRcqtTRlEwZjDZ0Zs9OVfAXbRhIXtC7gKxR3BhUdDbmhl8bVoVxXDzWpkEBchWChm6bKJFUCoxCKokP7RSgOKqR6ooo-rmBz10-EvcTw0dxw8u3sn3d5YC4gCdTdG6k9_JQSzK71a7YY/s640/French+Breakfast+Puffs2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you get a chance to pick up <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Woman-Cooks-Recipes-Accidental/dp/0061658197">Pioneer Woman's book</a> you will find the recipe on page 66....I would encourage you to try them. They are a cross between an airy, puffy muffin and a cinnamon sugar donut. They are a fantastic, once-in-a-while treat!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">**Just as I finished typing I did a search and found the recipe on PW's site. <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/12/french_breakfast_puffs/">Here</a> it is....try it, you'll be glad you did!!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-10497017229364827012010-11-26T01:34:00.001-05:002010-11-26T01:34:00.915-05:00Making Merry Gifts<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year my goal is to make lots and lots of homemade goodies for my friends and family. Many of those gifts involve my sewing machine and my serger. The first project checked off my list was my <a href="http://creativeorganization.blogspot.com/2010/11/cute-countdown-chain.html">countdown chain</a> and #2 on that same list was a set of these:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1oC0kAeN7_iNOjFd5xkcUZjB72wv06VGnj-QjPeDtZMfmUHcfzT9rFuD0-nPOg4yyXZvk_nWD0E6FLe3rxTPVqKAgeLmqgK1jUBPG8GozrZthtDsb3Xv5ENmMTyg1RR2TOQh6W3JQv8/s1600/Christmas+Napkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1oC0kAeN7_iNOjFd5xkcUZjB72wv06VGnj-QjPeDtZMfmUHcfzT9rFuD0-nPOg4yyXZvk_nWD0E6FLe3rxTPVqKAgeLmqgK1jUBPG8GozrZthtDsb3Xv5ENmMTyg1RR2TOQh6W3JQv8/s640/Christmas+Napkins.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am s-l-o-w-l-y steering my family toward the trend of going paperless, and by that I mean less buying of paper napkins, paper towels and paper plates. I know they are convenient to use, but they are so costly, and take up so much room in my trash can, not to mention the landfills where they ultimately end up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a set of Christmas-themed flannel fabric towels that I am gifting this year:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6dZpbpPAgkGzW7mg3SlWxE2QBXO41MfrjXoWQ90-KT0anlXvJvlBWBVj7wiN_hEwb3qiQCdUUTgWH4E6iqxoRVsOVsZdaiJtFMOL7xsdHs2A1QIzidYYSQDI24Ny10sAnONSAbnk0hY/s1600/Christmas+Napkins2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6dZpbpPAgkGzW7mg3SlWxE2QBXO41MfrjXoWQ90-KT0anlXvJvlBWBVj7wiN_hEwb3qiQCdUUTgWH4E6iqxoRVsOVsZdaiJtFMOL7xsdHs2A1QIzidYYSQDI24Ny10sAnONSAbnk0hY/s640/Christmas+Napkins2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a set of 6 all bundled up with a twill tape and decorative tag. The towels measure 10x10 and are made with soft flannel on one side and terry cloth on the other. I use a similar set in my kitchen for cleaning up spills around the sink. They are super absorbent and have saved me from wasting countless paper towels. I didn't have a tutorial when I made these, but I first serged the edges and then top-stitched around the perimeter so they would hold their shape after being washed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And last up, a quickie card I made for a friend:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbgIuzUp37tYesxed-99v66OL33hxqE5LpIr5wjvMkYYwo-_rgAtPzF4KKrc3D3CHzG41L2hOgEKUSv7gb7gZa4sxmPGP3Eirm0huBeY2fVCWwPg6phz036ieF2t4duw2DVQJjex9wpc/s1600/Make+Merry+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbgIuzUp37tYesxed-99v66OL33hxqE5LpIr5wjvMkYYwo-_rgAtPzF4KKrc3D3CHzG41L2hOgEKUSv7gb7gZa4sxmPGP3Eirm0huBeY2fVCWwPg6phz036ieF2t4duw2DVQJjex9wpc/s640/Make+Merry+Card.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a quick card using a sticker from my Christmas stash, a fiskars edge punch, some twine and a cute tree die from Quickutz.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See you next time!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3878791811685605844.post-31359860072470260572010-11-25T11:33:00.000-05:002010-11-25T11:33:07.298-05:00Thankful for you<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have so much to be thankful for, I don't even think I could compile everything on one list....I would have to have multiple lists...but I try to stay grounded and stay in the moment so that I don't let the "little" things slip by. I think that's what we all <em>strive</em> for, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my "thankful" card for this season...I only made a few, but I wanted to share this one with you...my blog reader.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIFfMpoTMfNHqyZvBiAFsJSEVtotdqI5YLb3wFKHP84ss5IBxm4c6sG5VufjSDjcvs9lMk3CLN9GVoRccm6BoLGYXkVJj1YayaMthVsU7vfANqBT3vMKEqXk_6c2BqyqJDofPwyMXbv4/s1600/Thankful+for+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIFfMpoTMfNHqyZvBiAFsJSEVtotdqI5YLb3wFKHP84ss5IBxm4c6sG5VufjSDjcvs9lMk3CLN9GVoRccm6BoLGYXkVJj1YayaMthVsU7vfANqBT3vMKEqXk_6c2BqyqJDofPwyMXbv4/s640/Thankful+for+you.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I enjoy your visits and your comments and hope to post more often as I let go of some resposibilities which keep me very busy. I want to have more creative time for myself and my family in 2011.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This card was made with some yummy Papertrey products, including their new stamp set, <a href="http://www.papertreyink.com/stamps_wreathforallseasons.html">"A Wreath for All Seasons"</a>. You will be seeing lots of projects made with that set...I just love grapevine wreaths.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care and have a wonderful holiday!</span><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z78/mikerin3/Carla%20Grace/signature-1.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" />Carla G.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10791306675844872670noreply@blogger.com0