Christmas cheer.....

I've been such a bad blogger lately so this post is full of this and that. First, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Christmas day can't get here soon enough for my kids. We still have some last minute shopping to do. I enjoy it though. My hubby and I have fun shopping for our munchkins. Our gifts will be wrapped with love and placed under our "evergreen" tree. :) I replaced our skinny tree with this one last year. The new one is beautiful! Well worth the $$!
I was able to get the kids still long enough to shoot some Christmas photos. I just used a cheap table cloth and my point and shoot camera to capture these. I used picnik.com to edit them.

I had our Christmas cards printed at Wal-Mart this year. They had a better variety than Sams Club. I think they turned out pretty good. Considering, we bought seventy photo cards for $30.00. I was able to get three nice size photos on each card.
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As some of you know, I'm a DT member for Zva Creative. Below are a couple projects I've created recently using their products. If you love pearls and bling. Zva Creative has a nice variety of styles and colors. You can find a list of supplies on their website.

Zva Creative Supplies used for snowman card: CR-02CB-101 (clear crystals) eyes; PE-02CB-110 (light blue pearls) hat; CR-01CB-109 (clear crystals) mouth; PEC-02CB-101 (large pearls) buttons; PE-02CB-127 ( pearl flourish) Snow swirls; FL-01CB-116 flower (white felt); pink gem brad

Zva Creative Supplies for owl card: CR-02CB-101 (green crystals); PE-02CB-132 (large flourish)

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deck the halls.....

On the 8th day of Christmas.....my to do list slowly dwindling. Outside lights, check. Trees decorated, check. Garland around the staircase, check. Christmas cards and photos, check. I think I'm finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I still have plenty of gift wrapping to do and a few more gifts to buy. Hopefully I can get the gifts wrapped while all the kiddos are gone today. After tomorrow they will all be home for Christmas break. YAY!

I have a few GCD Studios projects to share with you today. They're from the new Christmas collection which can be found here. I created a table place setting and a centerpiece from the collection. I'm sorry the photos are dark and not real clear. My lighting was horrid. Night time photos are a pain for me and my little point and shoot camera!

To create the center piece I simply used a #2 pencil, patterned paper, a square punch, hot glue gun, and 3 Styrofoam trees of various sizes. To create the trees you punch out squares (it takes 3-4 sheets of 12 by 12 paper to make a large one). Put a square on the end of the pencil and then pinch and twist it around until it stays to the form of the pencil. Remove from the pencil and hot glue it to the tree form. Make sure the sides are touching on each one you put on the tree. This will ensure you will not have any gaps.

This is a close up of the base of the center piece. Around the base I added a twig wreath that is painted silver. I added a little bird I bought at the Dollar Tree to the wreath. The trees are setting on a crystal cake plate and a sheet of the scalloped gcd studios patterned paper. I also added a ribbon around the edge of the cake plate using a few glue dots.

This little humdinger is name holder. I took a clear bulb and stuffed it full of gcd studios patterned paper. I added some ribbon, bling, flowers, a gcd studios brad, and a yard sale tag.The base is the tube off my glue dots. I added some gcd studios patterned paper and buttons.

The plate is sitting on a piece of the gcd studios scalloped patterned paper. I layered one of their clear, patterned acetate sheets over it. The plate is from Dollar Tree. I hot glued assorted buttons around the edges.

The napkin ring mainly consists of a strip of gcd studios patterned paper, a die cut from the gcd collection, some bling, a bow, a hero arts sentiment stamp and a flower.

If you have any questions...feel free to email me at m2three2000@yahoo.com. I would be happy to clarify any of your questions about the project or products I've used.

~lori

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Zva Creative blog hop announcement...

I just wanted to let you all know. The Zva winners have been chosen and their name will be announced sometime today on the following blogs: Teri Hilde Lynn M. Lynn G. Anabelle. We had a ball and we hope that you did as well.

Thank you SO MUCH for visiting my blog. You made my day with all your sweet comments. Please keep an eye out for another Zva Creative Blog Hop in the future.

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Zva Creative blog hop.....

Our First Zva Creative Blog Hop!I am excited to be a part of the Zva Creative DT! We are joining together today to share a Christmas or Holiday Tag that we each created showcasing the beautiful products that Zva has to offer. I am hoping that you will take some time to join us in a little bit of fun!The Blog Hop begins at Kim Hughes' blog: She is linking to one of the designers and that designer is linking to the next and so on. There are 12 design team members, so be prepared to be inspired along the way. Hidden on 5 of the blogs is a Zva Creative prize package! Those blogs will be randomly chosen after the hop is over, so it's important to leave a comment on as many blogs as you can. Our team is so wonderfully diverse, so we are hoping that you will discover a talent that you have not been aware of.This Blog Hop runs through midnight on Tuesday, December 8th and the 5 winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 9th. We will do our best to notify each winner, but it's best if you can pop in to all of the blogs once again on Wednesday...plus, you never know what kind of inspirational creation that you may find there. All you need to do is leave a comment on this Zva Blog Hop post...you do not need to leave a comment on each and every designer's blog post to qualify. The more times you leave a comment along the blog hop path though, the more chances you will have to be one of the lucky winners.



Here's the little tag I created for the blog hop. I started out with a piece of green cardboard packaging. I ran a small piece of it through the Cuttlebug using their new Christmas Tree folder. I then cut out around the shape of the tree and slightly sanded the top and edges. That only left me having to embellish it with my yummy supply of Zva Creative flowers, crystals, and pearls.

Supply list:
CRO-2CA-127 (pearls)
PE-02CB-103 (pearl border)
CR-02CB-107 (colored crystals)

Please hop on over to see:Becky Olsen

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Scarlet Lime giveaway....

(click on the logo)

GCD Studios is giving away a Scarlet Lime kit......the deadline is Dec. 7th. So hurry by GCD Studios and leave a comment if you're interested.

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Has it really.......

Has it really been over two weeks since my last post??? How crazy is that??!! Between all the sickness in our little hovel and my computer going out....things just haven't been the same!
I hope to post something crafty soon.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thankgiving! May your holiday shopping days be merry and bright! :)

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It's Wednesday......

Can it really be Wednesday already? And almost one week away from Thanksgiving? It hardly seems possible!! I'm really looking forward to getting together with friends and family to celebrate our bountiful blessings.

Another event I'm looking forward to is Black Friday. My girls and I get up early and hit the town. It's become a tradition that we enjoy. I'm not the kind of person that stands in line and waits for the stores to open. We just like going for fun. Do any of you venture out on Black Friday? Do you have any stores that you just HAVE to shop at. I ALWAYS have to run in Bath and Body Works! I love their holiday specials!! If you do, I would like to know if you care to leave a comment. :)

Now on to the reason of my post......I entered a contest at Michael's. And I would be ever so GRATEFUL if you could take a minute and vote for me. The contest is a judged event but any votes toward my project will help. Below is the link to my project

http://www.michaelscontest.com/uploads/1140

THANK YOU!!!!!

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randomness......

I feel a little lost now that I'm not on a DT that has scheduled posts every week. Although, I have been enjoying the "extra" crafty time. Not a lot of chit chat tonight (anyone that knows me, knows I love to chit chat, I may even drive you crazy with it). What happened to that quiet girl I used to be?? Oh well, I don't miss her. My husband probably does sometimes. lol

Here's a few cards I've made recently using some of my favorite products from GCD Studios.

Have a super evening!!

~lori

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Moxie Fab World/Plum Crazy Challenge

I'm not a big fan of purple.....and I'm not exactly sure why. So, this challenge is a perfect way for me to get "over it" .The paper I used is some I've had for years...and when I say years.....I mean YEARS!

The snowflakes were made using a Martha Stewart punch. The stamp is by Hero Arts. It's one from their new Christmas sets. I added dinky rhinestone to the center of the snowflakes to add a little pizazz to these very CAS cards. These could be mass produced in minutes. I'm actually thinking of using them for our families cards this year.

For some unknown reason. My last post would not allow comments. So I deleted it and redid the post. I'm sorry if it caused anyone trouble~

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I'm a Covergirl.....

Happy Friday to all my blog friends! I hope your week was full of happy moments! We had a super week. Which I am always thankful for! I try not to take my blessed life for granted. That is one reason for this post.....I found out through the grapevine (Debbie Olsen) that one of my projects is on the cover of the current Simply Handmade idea book. Of course, I was very excited and went searching for it. I finally found it the other day and decided to share it with you all. This is my first time being a "covergirl" so it's a pretty amazing feeling! :D I want to thank the lovely peeps at Simply Handmade for using my project as the cover for their beautiful idea book! I have not taken it for granted.

Here's a little baby announcement I created out of felt and some yummy Melissa Frances paper. I find it so easy to create the most dainty things out of her paper! IMO Melissa Frances paper is a no fail project! :D I also used a chipboard letter from gcd studios. Which I smothered in glitter. The paper doily came from the Dollar Tree. The brand the stamps are from is eluding my memory right now. If I remember I'll post it later. The rest of the of the goodies are just stuff I had lying around.

The back of the tag is for the photo. I should've added it to this post! So much to do.....so little time! :)

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a super weekend!

~lori

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Some cards and a Toot.......and a Give-away....

It's been several days since I posted last. Time seems to fly by faster with each passing day! I've been extra busy since my husband has been working closer to home. He finds more tasks for me to do. :) But no complaints.....I'm happy I'm able to help!
Our Fall weather has been EXTREMELY beautiful! Sadly, the trees are almost bare and the lustrous colors are swiftly fading! I am eagerly anticipating the holidays and all the fun and joy they bring! Family gatherings are so blessed! We're going to have Thanksgiving at our home this year! I need to start thinking about table decor! I think our menu is pretty well set. What do you typically have each year? I would love to know if you care to leave a comment. Goodness, all this talk about Thanksgiving is making me hungry!! I think I'll change the subject.........


Some of you may already know that I tried out for the Zva (Zee-vuh) Creative dt. And can ya believe I made it. I was happy and surprised to get an email and a call from the famed Kim Hughes. To top it all off. It was my birthday weekend. Talk about icing on the cake! I'm still on cloud 9. I'm looking forward to working with so many AWESOMELY talented ladies!

Here's a couple cards that showcase some of the products in GCD Studios newest line created by Melody Ross. I LOVE this new Artsy Urban collection! It's full of character and beauty! I have so much fun using this collection. GCD Studios is giving away some of this Collection TODAY....CHECK IT OUT HERE

TSM for stopping by! I hope your day is wonderful!

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2s4u Monday.......

The last six months has quickly passed and it's time to bid 2s4u adieu. The experience has been phenomenal! What a great team to work with!! Laura and Kazan are simply fabulous and very professional! Here's a BIG thank you to both of them!
The DT gals were awesome to work with as well! They're full of talent and creativity! I wish them all the best~


Here's my card this week.....we were sponsored stamps from the Cutting Cafe. The images were super cute!
If you get a chance to play along with this weeks sketch. It would be such a pleasure to have you! I hope you all have a SUPER Monday! I'm still reveling in this splendid Fall weather!
Supplies

patterned paper: nutmeg and earlybird by Cosmo Cricket
cardstock: really rust by stampin up
digi stamps by: the Cutting Cafe
chipboard tree: basic grey
ribbon: offray
acorn: cardstock sticker
other: circle punches, scalloped circle punch, button,
twine, ric-rac, rhinestones, pinking shears

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Favorite Fall Foliage

Fall is easily one of my favorite seasons! I enjoy pulling out my warmer clothes and adding on layers. The cool mornings and evenings are a wonderful reprieve to the muggy heat! For some odd reason I get the biggest kick when it gets cold enough to see your breath when you exhale. Must be the kid in me?!
Fall decorations also hold a big space in my heart! The scarecrows, gourds, cornstalks, straw bales and pumpkins make me want to smile. Fall is a reminder to reflect on our blessings bestowed upon us.
Here is a photo I wanted to share that I snapped sitting in the car waiting for DH yesterday. It was taken through the front windshield. So, there may be some buggy specks.....
Happy Fall to ALL!!

~lori

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GCD Studios Challenge and prizes....

Please stop by GCD STUDIOS....they are hosting a sketch challenge with PRIZES. There is a deadline so you'll want to hop by there asap!

They also are featuring a couple of my never seen before cards. :)

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Moxie Fab World Ruffle Challenge......

I couldn't resist adding one more entry in the MFW ruffle challenge. I'm a girly girl and this challenge is right up my alley!! I have three girls so I am constantly buying hair accessories. Recently, I've decided making them is the least expensive route! Also, I can make them to match an outfit or season. Here's a little gift set I made up.....it consists of a denim pocket, bow clip, tag card and ruffled barrettes.

The regular bow is a hair clip but it could also be clipped on a headband. I created a template for the barrettes to snap on and covered it with sweet melissa frances patterned paper. The barrettes only take a few minutes to create. The supplies are very inexpensive. I but the barrettes and clips at Hobby Lobby when they're half price. You get several smaller ones in each package. So each barrette costs aprox. .30 - .40 cents. or less. I hope to make more and show them on the blog. The card and barrettes fit perfectly inside the pocket......now I need a matching gift bag.

For several years, red has been one of my favorite colors. A lady at the kids school tells me every time she sees me I have red on......so sometimes I make it a point to wear a different color when I see her! lol It's such a rich and vibrant color. My home is also full of shades of red. From the walls and rugs to the decor!
supplies


ribbon: walmart
pocket: cut out of old jeans
hair clip: hobby lobby
barrettes: hobby lobby
buttons: papertrey ink
flowers: walmart
lace: joanne fabric
stamp: stampin up
ink: stampin up
ric-rac: joanne fabric

patterned paper: melissa frances, doodlebug designs
rub-on: melissa frances

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2s4u Monday....

Today is another 2s4u Monday. We were sponsored product from Creative Cuts. Be sure to stop by and check out the prize and sketch for this week.

I used a little bat die-cut card for my card this week. I think it ended up kinda cute. :)
I also used new paper from GCD Studios Artsy Urban Collection. I 'm sooo in love with this new line.

•DT CALL•DT CALL• DT CALL•
Yes that is right, it's that time again for 2 Sketches 4 You to add to their amazing talent of designers! You yourself could be a part of this special sorority of sisters.
We are looking for 4 designers
You can find all the deets here on our
•DT CALL BLOG•
Kazan and Laura are looking forward to all of your fabulous entries!!
Good Luck:) I hope you all have a super week! Thank You for stopping by!! I appreciate every ones comments!

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Matilda Jane....

This post is a little off the beaten path but I just had to share this adorable girls clothing with you.....I would feel selfish if I kept all this goodness to myself. :D
I recently stumbled upon this mom-based company a couple weeks ago.....Matilda Jane. I happily contacted a Trunk Keeper and scheduled a Trunk Show. If anyone is interested in ordering anything feel free to send me an email and I can give you more info.

I'm hopelessly in love with some of these clothing items. I can just see

my girlie's wearing these little dresses and fun bloomers!

Isn't this skirt, bloomer, tights, and clogs ensemble darling!!
I could go broke buying Matilda Jane!! But I'll practice restraint
and buy a little at a time. :D

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2s4u Monday......

I'm happy to bring you another 2s4u Monday! This weeks sponsor is Just Rite stamps. WOW! You gotta love their products! Be sure to stop by 2s4u and see all the other DT's special creations. Also, we'd love to have you play along if you can!

This card has some yummy My Minds Eye patterned paper, May Arts ribbon, and Paper Trey Ink buttons......TSM for stopping by!! I have to run and tackle household tasks and chores! Of course, I would rather be lazy but I'm not going to complain.....I'm thankful I'm able to complete the work I have ahead of me today! I'm blessed to have my health and good senses :)! I wish a happy and blessed day to all of you!!

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2s4u Monday.....

This week at 2s4u we were lucky enough to use Sakura pens again. I used the souffle pens on
this card. I colored in some of the detail on this Just Right cutie pie stamp. The paper is from My Minds Eye (thanks Cath) what an awesome kit this is!!

We would love to have you play along at 2s4u this week! :D

Here's my take on Lauras lovely sketch.....


Have a super evening!!

~lori

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Caardvarks Challenge (ribbon)

OUR SPONSOR for the current challenge is May Arts. It is a leading distributor of high quality ribbon products, serving a wide variety of merchants from large retail outlets to home-based business in the craft and scrapbooking, gift, stationery, quilting, fancy food, floral, interior design and jewelry industries. Since its founding, May Arts has built its business on a foundation of quality products, affordability, and outstanding customer service. To read more about our history, please click here.
In 2008, May Arts responded to customer demand by creating a sophisticated online store to combine personalized service with convenient, anytime ordering. If you have any questions about our new online store, please feel free to contact us directly.
We look forward to serving all of your ribbon needs!To locate a retailer in your area please visit: May Arts Retail Store Locator
And be sure to visit our:
May Arts BlogWhere we have weekly giveaways, contests, a wealth of ribbon techniques and video tutorials!
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THE CHALLENGE
Create a ***NEW*** card using ribbon in a wonderful way! Have it linked to Caardvarks via Mr. Linky by October 17th @ Midnight PST. Please post a direct link to your blog post or gallery.

I loved using May Arts ribbon! The assortment and quality is amazing!

(wording came from Caardvarks blog)

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