It's Beach Time...

The temperatures have finally started warming up, the days are getting longer and I know pretty soon that hot summer sun will let us know it's beach time...and the one thing you can never forget at home is your

 jam packed full beach tote! 

Am I right?

It houses the towels, the sunscreen, the bug spray and of course if you have kids the ever important snacks, water supply and the masses of beach toys!

 We haven't had a trip to the beach lately as we've been experiencing days and days of rain here right now...but that didn't stop me from thinking about the beach when creating my newest creation for Heartfelt Creations featuring their spectacular Under the Sea Collection. 

I hadn't been sure about what type of altered art project I'd been wanting to create with this super fun collection until I spotted the designer paper that boasted nothing but the lovely hibiscus flowers.  

It reminded me of a beach tote!

So online I went and SVG Cuts did not let me down....I found a wonderful beach tote cutting file.

Here's how it turned out...

I just loved the tassel included in the cutting file...and there were other embellishments in the files to create some simple charm dangles...but I opted to use two of the tags from the paper collection instead.  I loved the look of the fish up there on the corner.  Of course if we're thinking tropical beach we need to include a hibiscus!  No other flower screams beach more!

Here's a closer look at the details...

Of course the pocket on the front of the tote gift bag just begged to have a note card added to it...so I obliged!  I made it super simple by creating just a smaller note card with some quick matting and a partial premade card panel that makes creating so fast and easy!  A fun sentiment stamped from the Under the Sea Collection stamped sideways and voila...it was done in just minutes!

Here's a closer peek...

I wanted to give you a quick visual of what the card will look like tucked into the pocket as well!

(Sorry, I know we're on the verge of calling this a picture heavy post!  LOL)

Well, I hope you feel like you've been able to soak up a little sun here today!

Remember to pop on over to the Heartfelt Creations blog to take a look around at the other projects the rest of the design team have created for your viewing pleasure.  And, if you haven't already seen next months release "The Botanic Orchid", be sure to take a tour of the preview!

Until next time...

Project Supplies and Instructions

HCDP1-266 Under the Sea Paper Collection
HCPC-3740 Heartfelt Wishes Cling Stamp Set
HCPC-3736 Tropical Hibiscus Cling Stamp Set
HCD1-796 Tropical Hibiscus Die
HCST1-401 Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit
TSMP400 Memento Dye Ink Pad - Rose Bud
TSMP707 Memento Dye Ink Pad - Bamboo Leaves
ANC852 Bright Ideas Prills
159723 Designer Dries Clear Adhesive
352854 Metal Tip for Adhesive Bottles
273900 Zip Dry Paper Glue

Other Products Used:  Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine, SVG Cuts File - Luxury Handbags Beach Tote,  BigShot manual die cutting machine, VersaFine Black Ink, gold cord, scor tape, scissors, paper trimmer, 3"x 4.5" small blank white notecard  and matching envelope, Glitter Ritz Transparent Glitter, white tissue paper, eight blue brads, white card stock, sponge daubers, button

Watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Re1-gaq1o for shaping tips and techniques on the hibiscus flowers.

Choose the patterned papers you wish to use for the various pieces of the beach tote SVG files.  Cut with electronic die cutting machine and assemble according to instructions included with file.  Before adhering the front pocket to the tote, ink all edges with a light bown ink, then adhere as shown.  Locate the full page in the paper collection with the "Remembering Beautiful Moments with You" image along with the swirling hibiscus image on the top of the page.  Fussy cut sentiment image as well as image on upper corner, ink all edges on both pieces using a light brown colored ink.  Adhere to tote as shown.  Cut two small tags from the paper collection and adhere to handle along with tassel.  Using black ink and white card stock stamp one inking of the hibiscus flower.  Color, die cut, shape and assemble a double blossom using a large flower and a smaller flower.  Add prills to center and adhere to beach tote as shown.  Choose a small premade card panel, along with a paper to use as a mat and cut down to fit small sized note card.  Ink all edges with a light brown color, stamp sentiment onto card front using black ink, assemble and adhere to card base.  Add a touch of glitter to card front as well as tags on tote.  Adhere button to tote pocket. 

Especially For You Accordian Card

Happy Wednesday!

I trust your day is going well, and I'm so glad that you've added a visit with me here to your list of things to do today!

I can't believe we're ready to start a New Year...time just really seems to fly these days!
I remember as a child, your birthday and Christmas especially,  always seemed to take forever to come.  Now it seems that I'm constantly getting ready for a birthday or the holiday season and thinking to myself "didn't we just celebrate this?"  LOL

And Wednesdays seem to come so quickly here on the blog as well!
I'm back again to share with you another project for Heartfelt Creations today!
Yay!
 I hope you get as excited as I do to see what the team has come up with for new inspirations!

This week I decided to create a "special fold" card...you know, something that is different than the regular rectangle or square fold...a creation that hopefully you feel packs a punch and leaves an impression!

This card is your regular A2 sized card when closed, however opens in an accordian style.
It is kept closed together with a decorative belly band.  

Here's a look at my project for the week...

...lets take a peek at the project closed first as your special someone would be receiving it...

 ...and a look at the card completely opened...

...and a peek at the combination of both pieces...

 Just a little something special for your someone special as they celebrate something special!

Now, be sure to check out the Heartfelt Creations blog to oohhh and ahhh at all of the other design team members creations...each and every one of them are truly amazing!  It's so neat to see how each members style comes through in different ways when we're all using the same collections.  Each creation is as unique as the person doing the creating!  Just as God has created each of us to be a one of a kind and unique!

If you're looking for instructions and supplies on how this card has been made, I will direct you to the Heartfelt Creations blog today.  Were you aware that you can print out instructions for each of the projects?  There is a print button icon under each project just beside the Pinterest "Pin It" button!
How handy is that!

Thanks for the visit!
I'll see you next Wednesday again for sure!
Oh, and I want to wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year!
May God shower His richest blessings upon you!

Until next time...

This card has been entered in the following challenges...

The Weather is Getting Colder...

...So sit back, grab yourself a cup of something warm and visit for awhile!

Happy Friday!

The weather has certainly changed in our area of the world.  It's become downright chilly and the frost warnings have begun. 

The chilliness certainly has Christmas gifts on my mind lately.  

Well these "gifty" thoughts fit in perfectly with our new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

"A Non Card Project"

I've been busy trying to come up with neat little inexpensive gifts for my craft sale table and warm beverages popped into my mind!

How about a tea bag dispenser!  I knew I had a cute cut file from SVG Cuts that I'd been wanting to test out.  

I broke out the Christmas paper, got the Cameo humming and quickly did a print and cut with the sponsor image after the tea dispenser template was cut.  I colored the image with my distress markers and cut out a large snowflake using my BigShot and Memory Box die.  I adhered the image to the centre of the snowflake and popped it up off the dispenser.  

Here's how it turned out...

I think they'd make very cute gifts for a office grab bag, for a teacher gift, etc.  

But before I go...let me fill you in about our sponsor for the week!

We would love to welcome back again

They are offering one lucky winner 7 digis of their choice.
And...they have the most awesome digis...you'll have a hard time selecting if you're the lucky winner!

So dig deep into your creativity and maybe get a few Christmas gifts made and out of the way before the busy holiday season hits!
Don't forget to link up with us at CSAYL!

Until next time...

This project has been shared in the following challenges...
Dragons Lair Design Challenges..."Anything but a Card"
C.R.A.F.T. Challenges..."Christmas"

School Humor

Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening...

Has school started in your area already?  Our kids are going for their "meet the teacher/transition day" this coming Tuesday.  One will go for and hour, and the other for the afternoon.  These days always kinda make me chuckle.  The teachers meet with about 1/3 of the class for three days.  Then, after these three days, the entire class starts school together.  Now, I may be dating myself, but when I went to school we all started on the same day. None of this getting to know the teacher/student first!  You may have been called by the wrong name for the first week or so, and the seating plan changed from time to time that first week depending on various personalities...but it all worked out in the end!  LOL

You may wonder what school has to do with the new challenge over at Unstampabelles this month...let me explain!

Our challenge this month is to...

"Use Humor with the twist to Frame It"

Well, I thought "Back to School" would be the perfect theme to design around.  

I started browsing the Silhouette store and came up with some cute images, sayings, etc.  

I decided to make the design quick and easy,  I would use the print and cut setting on the Cameo to create.  

Here's how it turned out...

As I said, the entire card has been printed and cut out with my Silhouette...with the exception of the days of the week washi tape in the upper right hand corner.  Some of the files I needed to color digitally and then turn them into a print and cut version in the Silhouette studio...but it's really quite quick and easy! I've popped up the school house with 3D pop up dots to make it the frame for the humorous sentiment.  I've also popped up the little boy as well to give the illusion of him standing in front of the school.   To give the card some sparkle I've added some red Stickles to the heart in the list of reasons to love school!  

When all was finished, I had a good chuckle as I could totally see my son saying these things ont he list!  He loves school...but I do have to say that recess is one of his favorite "subjects"!  LOL

I may have to save this card and give it to his teacher sometime during the year!

Before I forget to mention, we do have a sponsor this month over at Unstampabelles.

It's our very own Susan and The Wood Fellow...aka, her hubby!

Be sure to check out the challenge blog to see the wonderful prize they are offering.  

Now before I go, let me take care of a few reminders...

You will have until September 26 at midnight to link up with us with your creation.  

Also, your creation cannot have stamping of any kind on it...no rubber stamping, no

digital stamping, etc.  We are a "stamp free" challenge blog where we encourage you to think outside of the box and use different elements on your creations.  It's really not as hard as it sounds.  For a list of ideas, be sure to check out the "Ideas for Creations" tab on the blog.

That's all for today folks!

Can't wait to see what kind of creations you come up with!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Kitty Bee Designs..."School" 
Pumpkin Spice..."School"
Sweet 7 Designs Challenge Blog..."Back to School"
Wags'n Whiskers..."Back to School"
Cute Card Thursdays..."Anything Goes"
DL Art..."Back to School"
MilkCoffee Challenges..."Back to School"
Creative Moments..."Back to School"

Lessons from a Child...

Have you ever noticed that children offer so many lessons for us adults?

It's funny that when you have your own kids...you suddenly realize how you act, talk, etc.  

And, it becomes even more apparent when they start to mimic you!  LOL

They hold such wisdom in their simplistic way of thinking and seeing the world!

That's why I fell in love with the sentiment and the digi that I've used on todays sharing. 

Welcome to another new challenge beginning over at Pile it On!

It's one that is certain to bring a smile to your face...

"Child's Play"

We are so very excited to be sponsored by Digital Delights!

They are offering one lucky winner a $5 gift certificate!

I had the pleasure of playing with the digi entitled Swinging Scottie .

He's so adorable sitting on his swing with his teddy!  

Here's what I created with this little cutie...

I decided to get the Silhouette Cameo involved in this card as well.  I've used the tree and cloud die cut cutting file.  I've colored up Scottie with my distress markers, and popped him up with 3D dots so he looks like he really is swinging on the tree. A few sequins were added for some sparkle. I came across a sentiment in my Stamp'n Up collection and thought it just sounded like a child's simple wisdom...

"Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful".  

We forget that, don't we!  Kids find joy even in situations that are less than perfect. 

I hope you'll take the time for some play in your craft room this week, and that you'll join us in our "Childs Play" challenge at Pile it On!

Can't wait to see what the inner child in you leads you to create!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...

Crafty Sentiments Designs..."Anything Goes"

The Crafty Bloggers Network..."Die Cuts or Embossing"

My Craft Creations..."Anything Goes"

Scrapbook Stamp Society..."Anything Goes/Sentiment"

Whoopsi Daisy..."Hand Colored Image"

613 Avenue Create..."Anything Goes"

Quirky Crafts Challenges..."Something Beginning with the letter S" (swing)
Crafty Girls Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Cute Card Thursday..."Here Comes Summer"
Delightful Challenges..."Dimension"
DL. Art Challenges..."May Linky Party - Anything Goes"
Paper Crafting Journey..."Spots and/or Stripes"
Crafts Galore Encore..."Anything Goes"
Dies R Us Challenges..."Anything Goes/Use Dies"
Doodle Pantry..."Any Digi Goes"
Stuck on U Sketches..."Die Cut Challenge...Tree"
Brown Sugar Challenge..."Patterned Paper"
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."May Challenge"
Hobbybook Designer Challenge..."Add a Sentiment" 
Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
A Gem of A Challenge..."Cute and Cuddly"
Crafting at the Weekend..."Anything Goes"

It's Not Hip to be Square!

Friday Again!

Spring finally seems to be slowly invading Manitoba, Canada!

The robins are out in the trees, the water run off is finally moving and the snow piles are getting smaller everyday!  Hooray!

Even though my mind is turning to summer activities, I'm here today with our new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!  

I love the feeling of getting a jump on my Christmas cards early in the game!

So...we've got a bit more of a challenging theme for you this week!

Of course it's "Anything Goes" as always...with the theme of 

No Square Card or Project

Think of all the fun you'll have thinking outside of the box this week...LOL...sorry, no pun intended!

Here's the card I created for this challenge...

This is a cutting file that I purchased over at SVG Cuts.

I fell in love with the rounded top and the adorable cardinal!

I didn't stray too far from a square card, did I?  I was browsing the various places that I purchase my cutting files from and was coming up with mostly circle cards, etc.  I wanted to do something a little different, so when I saw this file I knew it was the one.  

The card file did not come with a sentiment, so I chose to use the "Be Merry" from my collection of sentiments from the Silhouette online store.  

I had so much fun going through my Christmas paper packs finding papers that would work well together! And, for the finishing touch, I just had to add the small jingle bells to the cardinals skates!

Before I go, I guess I should share with you about our sponsor this week!

We are so excited to be sponsored by...

who is offering one lucky winner a $12 Gift Certificate to the store!

Thanks Di's Digi Stamps!

It's your turn now!  Get that crafty mojo going and create a project or card that is not square!

Get excited that it's another card to add to your Christmas collection!

Need more ideas?

Don't forget to check out the other DT members awesome creations as well

on the CSAYL blog!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
The Crafty Bloggers Network..."Die Cuts or Embossing"
The Squirrel and The Fox Challenge Blog..."All Creatures Great and Small"
A Little Bit Crafty..."The Birds and the Bees"
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Extra Challenge..."Anything Christmas Goes"
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."Anything Goes with Patterned Paper"
Emergency Crafter's..."Polkadots"
4 Crafty Chicks..."Use Polkadots"
C.R.A.F.T..."Christmas"
Die Cut Divas..."Inspiration Photo"(bird)
Crimbo Crackers..."Create a Scene" (cardinal skating in a snowfall)
Completely Christmas ..."Anything Goes"

Under the Sea

It certainly feels like the weeks are passing faster and faster lately!

How about for you?

We're still awaiting spring here in Manitoba, Canada...and I'm just happy that the snow they've been calling for in the last week or so has never come to pass.  

The kids and I are so ready for sunshine and green grass!

I'm glad you could stop in today to see what our new challenge over at {Pin}spirational Challenges is this week.  As you know, we always base our creations on a {pin}spiring photo.

We have a unique one for you today...so be prepared to throw on your creativity cap...

Aren't the colors beautiful?  Those teals, blues, greens...not to mention the textures!

And the possibilities with turtle digis seem to be endless these days!

I decided to use some cutting files for my Silhouette Cameo which I purchased on sale at

 Designs on Cloud 9.  This under the sea themed set was a file that was being retired and I just couldn't let it slip through my fingers.  

But, before I show you what I created for this challenge, let me bring you up to speed on our wonderful sponsors for this week...

Imagine That!

as well as...

 Bugaboo

and last but not least...

2 Cute Ink

 

Be sure to check out the {Pin}spirational Challenge blog to see the wonderful prizes are sponsors are offering this week!

Now, back to my creation! 

Let's take a look!

and here's a closer peek at the sentiment I used from our sponsor Imagine That...

and lastly a closer look at the grouping in the shadowbox as well as the turtle on the front...

I had purchased a shadow box cutting file from the Silhouette online store that I thought would be perfect for this card challenge.  The different layerings and the fact that it was a shadow box I felt would give you that under the sea water feeling like in our {pin}spiring picture.  Since I was a little short on time with this one, I decided to use the PNG files that were included with the cutting files rather than paper piece for this project.  I've popped up the sea horse, as well as some of the seaweed so the background looks dimensional.  I've cut some extra waves for the front of the card and added the turtle so it looks like he's swimming through the scene as well.  Lastly, I've added a print out of the sentiment from our sponsor Imagine That.  All in all, I thought it came out kinda cute!

Are you ready to tackle this under the sea challenge?  Needing more {pin}spiration?  Don't forget to check out the other DT members creations on the blog!
I'm looking forward to seeing where your creativity takes you with this photo!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Alphabet Challenge..."D is for Die Cuts"
Bloggers Challenge..."Animals"
Crafty Catz..."Anything Goes"
Sister Act Card Challenge..."Anything Goes"

Crafting by Designs..."Colors of the Sea Recipe" (inspiration photo, sea creatures, water & bubbles)
The Sisterhood of Crafters..."Animals"
Creative Card Crew..."Animals"
Crafty Calender Challenge..."Animal Antics"
Open-Minded Challenges..."Animal Antics"
2 Cute Ink..."Anything Goes"
The Cutie Pie Challenge Blog..."Cute with Dies/Punches"
Use Your Stuff..."Die Cuts"

A Little Miracle

Welcome Back!

I'm back with a mid month posting for our current challenge over at Unstampabelles.  We're still designing around our current challenge which is "Geometric Shapes"...but keep in mind that your creation cannot contain any form of stamping...inked or digi.

I had a specific card type in mind for this challenge...as I knew that I was needing to do a baby card for a brand new little boy!  Well, he's not too brand new anymore, he was born in December but I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him as of yet!  I'm so excited to meet him this Wednesday....you see my friends little man is a true miracle.  She was always told that she would never be able to have any children...but God is in the business of working miracles isn't he!  But this little man's story doesn't end there.  When he was born he was born with heart problems and was whisked away to another province within hours of his birth.  I can't imagine what this would be like for any parent.  Well, long story short, this little guy was tough...he made it through the surgery and is looking great and healthy!

Well, I got busy looking through the Silhouette online store and found this awesome little card with the baby onesie and the dresser.  I decided that I wanted to add some other items to the card so kept looking and came across this great rocking horse and teddy bear cutting file.  I just thought it was adorable.  Lastly, I found the sentiment which I thought would compliment the card perfectly.  And, then I got busy!

Since I was supposed to actually meet my friend and her little one last Wednesday, I knew I was on a bit of a time crunch. (We had to postpone as I caught the flu and didn't want to pass that along to them.)  So, I decided to use the print and cut feature, along with the color fill feature on the Cameo rather than take the time to paper piece.  I based my colors on the ribbon that I had received from our current sponsor for this challenge...Annabelle Stamps!  (The little "knobs" on the dresser drawers are also little sprinkles that I received from them as well!)  A huge thank you!

Here's a glimpse at the card...

I thought it turned out super sweet!

For the finishing touch I added some blue Stickles to the heart on the onesie and on the rocking horses bridle and saddle, and popped up the rocking horse and teddy bear die cut so it appears to be sitting in front of the dresser.

Now, can you find all the geometric shapes I used?
Here's just a quick list...circles for the knobs on the dresser, circle for the eye of the rocking horse, the hearts on the onesie and teddy bears feet, the rectangle dresser drawers, the square behind the onesie with the corners notched!  See, it's not so hard...and you're only being challenged to add three shapes to your card!

You still have some time to play along with us at Unstampabelles with this current challenge.  If you have a card that you know you're needing or even one that you're making to have on hand for a birthday, thinking of you, etc. challenge yourself to do it without stamps and to use at least 3 shapes on that creation.  You'll be amazed at how easy it really is!  Then, don't forget to link up with us at Unstampabelles...we'd love to see your take on this challenge!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Little Red Wagon..."Dimensional" 
Lady Bug Crafts..."One for the Boys"
Papertake Weekly..."Bingo"  (die cuts, free, glitter)
Crafty Girls Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Crafty Ribbons Challenge..."Ribbon & Bow" 
Crafty Catz..."Boys and their Toys"
Paper Crafting Challenges..."Glitter" 
Card a Day Blog..."Babies, Spring, Easter, Congratulations" 
Silhouette Challenges..."Create Your Own Scene" 
Amusing Challenge..."Fancy Fold"
Sentimental Sundays..."Cute and Cuddly"