Decorate to Celebrate Month Long Celebration

For those of you looking for another challenge blog to participate in, you HAVE to check out Decorate to Celebrate. Normally they are all about the decorations for your beloved celebrations, but this month they are letting you enter cards (if you so choose). Here are the rules for this month (normally the challenges are weekly, and there are usually less than 15-20 entries!!)

And don't forgot that I'll be guest designing for them on Nov 23rd., so I hope you all stop in at their blog and get caught up in the festivities!!
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In case you missed it...  This month we are CELEBRATING Rhonda's and Amy's Birthdays ALL MONTH LONG (so you'll have ALL month to enter your projects!!)...  Also for THIS month (and this month ONLY), we'll be opening up the challenge to ANY project (yes, this means you can enter a card or a layout too!!)...  Because of this, we are LIMITING the number of entries to a MAXIMUM of THREE -- you can enter up to THREE projects this month for your chance at the Birthday Presents!!  A little birdie told me that there would be one of Rhonda's minis, one of Amy's explosion boxes, and several other FUN prizes thrown into the mix!!  So get working on those projects for YOUR chance to WIN!!

For Challenge #12, we are asking you to create any project to be used as a party decoration (or party supply) for a SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY!!  Let's celebrate EVERYTHING WONDERFUL ABOUT GETTING OLDER (tee hee) with your table decorations, party banners, pennants, yard signs, cupcakes, party favors and more!!  :)

Link up your project before 11:59pm (EST) on November 29th to be eligible for all of this month's prizes -- We are having MULTIPLE gifts (to celebrate Rhonda's and Amy's Birthdays!!)!!  Please take a look at our Challenge Rules before submitting your project. :)  (*Remember, the more entries we have, the more winners we select -- which means more chances for YOU!!)

Triplicate Trials Tuesday Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the Triplicate Trials Tuesday (TTT) Blog Hop. This week's challenge is being featured as a blog hop. If you arrived here from Alberta's blog then you are in the right place. If you are just stopping by, why don't you start from the beginning. This hop will run from September 6th to September 18th.

Comment on all participating blogs (I have a full list at the bottom of this post) AND create a project to win our GRAND PRIZE of TWO WILSON DESIGNS STAMP SETS of your choice!  There will be ONE lucky grand prize winner.  As an added bonus some of the Triple T Team will be offering blog candy on their blogs!

If you've never participated in one of TTT's challenges before, you are in for a treat. You are given 3 elements (color palette, sketch, and a theme) to complete your project. Above is this week's challenge. At first I was a little taken back by the theme. I couldn't really find anything that resonated with me. After speaking with one of my besties the other night, it hit me. I've been reading, "The Power" and it talks about how you have to give positivity to receive all the good things in the world. I took a little inspiration from the cover and the book.

Here's my card.

The ying-yang comes from Pagoda and is cut at 3 inches. The pattern paper is from the DCWV Mango Frost stack. The red and orange are in the pattern paper. The inside this card reads, "Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without. ~ Buddha". 

I hope you like my project. Now jump on over to Caryn's blog and continue the fun! Remember to leave a comment on each blog and link your project up at Triplicate Trials for a chance to win the Grand Prize. 

Line-up:

Tiffany Call  http://www.bkfastattiffanys.blogspot.com/
Marie Otake  http://www.ethansimprints.blogspot.com
Alberta Futch   http://www.albertascloset.com/
Natasha  http://www.craftingwithnatasha.blogspot.com (You are here)
Caryn Kidwell   http://www.thescorpiancrafter.blogspot.com/
Kate Blue   http://www.kateblue.blogspot.com
Debby McGrath   http://www.debblesdabbles.blogspot.com/
Lisa Foust   http://www.islandhoppingfoustcrafts.blogspot.com
Rochelle Washington   http://www.twotearsinmybucket.blogspot.com/
Kelly Braund   http://www.kellystamps.blogspot.com
Janice Coble   http://www.twin2u2-scrapaddict.blogspot.com

Amber's Craft and Stuff Challenge #24 - Rainbows

Good Wednesday Morning to you all!!

I've been feeling so much better and I'm so excited that I've actually been able to craft. This is the final challenge over at Amber's Crafts and Stuff. {Insert sad face here} I've had a great time being part of her design team. I've learned loads of stuff too from the other DT members. Overall, I'm glad that I applied to be part of the team. With all of that being said, please participate in this challenge to show Amber how much we've appreciated her time and commitment to organizing these challenges the past 24 weeks.

This week's challenge is "Rainbows". You are to use either a rainbow of colors or a rainbow itself. This week's challenge is being sponsored by Bee Crafty. This week's winner will receive 3 digis from Bee Crafty!!

I've been on a mission to use up my scraps. I found this very summery striped paper and just knew that I needed to use it with the digi that I chose to use from Bee Crafty. Here's my card (sorry the image is so dark, it was quite late last night) :





Details:
Standard A2-size card in white
Striped mat is from a stack that I can't remember the name to, but is cut to 4 x 5.25
Blue stripe is from my strap pile, I forgot to measure it, but it is 4 inches across and punch with Threading Waters
The ribbon, flower, and rhinestone are also from my stash
I stamped the sentiment with StayzOn Jet Black
The digi is colored with the only thing in my house that I could find...colored pencils!!

Challenges Entered:
Digi Doodle Shop - #73 Anything Goes

I really like how this turned out. On a side note, I've been accepted to be part of a blog hop on Sept 6th. Stay tuned for more details!!

Until next time,
Stay Crafty!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Amber's Crafts and Stuff Challenge #23 - Dollar Store Finds

Happy Wednesday Everyone,

This week over at Amber's Crafts and Stuff, the challenge is to utilize something that you found at the dollar or pound (for all you UK folks) store, or even the dollar bins at Target!!  It's Design Team B's week for inspiration. Head on over to Amber's blog to check out their projects and enter you own.

This will be the second to last challenge for Amber. She has found the task of hosting challenges to be more daunting than fun. I'm going to miss the challenges and my fellow design team members. This was my first design team EVER. It challenged me to think outside of the box sometimes and helped me realize that I just might be a little better at all of this than I originally realized. So I want to say, "Thank you" to Amber for the opportunity to be a part of her team.

This week's challenge is being sponsored by Limited Runs Digital Stamps

Amber's Crafts and Stuff #22 - Back to School

Good Wednesday Morning,

It's time for another weekly challenge over at Amber's Crafts and Stuff. This week, that challenge is Back to School. Although school doesn't start here in Philadelphia until September 6th, I know there are many kids who have already started back. (My sister for instance, started August 4th) This week's challenge is sponsored by Di's Digi Downloads. This week's winner will receive five (5) free digi's from Di.

I wanted to do a layout for Miss A's book, since I've been feeling a bit better and need to take advantage of that. This layout is for her school picture from the grade she just completed, but it is school related...(ok, so I'm stretching just a little bit) I still need to add a few things to the layout. I goofed and forgot about the sponsor this week!








Details:
DCWV Guys Stack for the background paper and journal card (I loved the primary colors and the stars, because she finished the year on A-honor roll)
Locker Talk - for the title (4 inches) and the notebook paper (6 inches) which I will use to journal more about her first year in school here in Philly. I think I am going to cut out either the books or scissors and glue for the bottom right. It's missing something.

Thanks for stopping by and remember to head over to Amber's blog to see what the other design team members came up with and to enter your own project.

I'm entering this into this week's Celebrate The Occasion challenge which is also Back to School. Also in My Creative Time: Throwback Thursday Challenge.

Stay Crafty

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Challenge #21- Sparkle and Shine

GOOD AFTERNOON BLOGGERS (In my Ty Pennington voice)!!!

It Wednesday, and you know that means it's time for another challenge over at Amber's Crafts and Stuff.

This week's challenge is all about the B.L.I.N.G. That's right, all you have to do is having something shiny or sparkly on your project. There is a sponsor this week too. Glitterbabe Digis.

There's a bonus this week too. If you use a Glitterbabe digi on your project, you will be entered for an extra chance to win!!! The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to the Glitterbabe Digi Shop. 

It's my week off, but head over to Amber's blog to check out what the other members came up with. 

Stay Crafty

Challenge - Pattern Paper

Good Morning Bloggy friends,

How are ya? I know this year has already been going by fast, but I can't wait for fall. This heat and humidity is why I don't live in the Southeast. It's not so much the heat anyway. I dislike humidity, nothing about it agrees with me.

This week over at Amber's Crafts and Stuff, the challenge is to use patterned paper. That's it!! Let your mind go free. As a side note, this would be a great challenge to use up some of your scraps.

My project this week showcases the pampered princess in my mother's house. Bienchen (pronounced bean-chin), is actually my sister's Maltese. She's been in our family for about 12 years now. These photos were taken at Christmas one year. Normally she is a very calm dog, but give her that squirrel toy (which we had to take the squeaker out) and she goes wild!!







The main photo is matted MySpace style. I don't remember where the patterned paper is from or who it is by. The letters are from a huge alpha stack I bought at A.C. Moore many moons ago. They are just cardstock without adhesive. The paw prints are stickers from Sandy Lion.

Thanks for stopping by and remember to jump over to Amber's blog to check out the rest of the design team inspiration and enter your own project.

Stay Crafty

p.s. I'm going to enter this into Alex's weekly Link Up.






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Amber's Crafts and Stuff Challenge #19 - Circles and Swirls

Good Morning Bloggy Friends,

The weekly challenge has been put up over at Amber's Crafts and Stuff. The challenge this week is to use circles and swirls. That's it! This week's challenge is sponsored by Limited Runs Digital Stamps and the winner will receive 3 free digis. So head on over to Amber's blog and put your entry in, you have until 11:59 pm (CST) on July 26th.

Stay Crafty

Amber's Crafts and Stuff Challenge #13 - Special Man

Morning!!

It's slated to be a H.O.T. day here in Philadelphia. Ugh, have I mentioned how much I hate the heat? Anyway, with Father's Day only 11 days away it's time to start getting those projects together that are all about that special man in your life. Since we've split up the design team into two, it's Team B's turn to inspire you. Head over to Amber's blog and check out all the great projects. Then enter your own!! 

Winners will be picked on June 15th randomly from all entries. The winner will also be invited back to be a guest designer. 

In case you missed it, here's a card that I did for the special guy in my life. Ohhh, and I almost forget...I wanted to say a HUGE "Thank You" to Tina over at Two Chicks and A Cricut for featuring my blog on her blog today. If you've never visited her blog, head on over and show some bloggy love!

Stay Crafty (and cool)

Manly Card

Good afternoon bloggers,

Well it actually happened. Miss A is away for the weekend and the man-friend is out on an all day excursion. That means I have the house to myself and am able to get some much needed crafting done. I was even able to sleep in...double kudos!!

I wanted to make a card that would fit into a couple of challenges. I plan on listing this project here:

Scrapalicious - Card for a Man
Crazy About Cricut - Man/Boy theme. Use the word man/boy, or use a man/boy themed cut in your project.
Creative Cutter Room - Father's Day
Birthday Sundaes - Manly Birthday




Details:

• Standard A2 sized card using scraps from my stash
• 4 x 5.25 Mat - pattern paper from DCWV Guy Stack
• Sentiment is also from stack and has been matted on some scrap paper
• Trophy is cut is from Graphically Speaking and embossed using te Swiss dots folder for some texture
• I also used some mini brads that I got from Oriental Trading, I think they were the "fall" set

I figured since it doesn't actually say Happy Father's Day or Happy Birthday, it could qualify for both. Thanks for stopping by, I should have another post later in today with another project and some more challenges.

Stay Crafty

Amber's Craft and Stuff Challenge #12 - Teen Celebration

Good Morning Bloggers,

So, I feel like I've been M.I.A. I thought I posted an entry over the weekend about my wonderful time visiting the extended family down in WV, but I guess I must have dreamed that part. I'll post that this evening when I have more time.

This week's challenge over at Amber's Crafts and Stuff is all about Teens. To honor and celebrate the teens in our lives. Well, as you know, I don't actually have any children. My younger cousins are both in the twenties and Miss A is only 10. So as I thought about what I could possibly do (ok, I have to admit, I actually did a project for another week so this was a pre-made layout), I ended up choosing to showcase a layout I did for my little sister. There is actually a HUGE age difference between my younger sister and myself. I was just shy of my 16th birthday when she was born and she's basically grown up as an only child. She was actually born the day after I returned to WV from visiting my mother for Christmas break. I knew it...and I was woken up by a phone call from my super proud stepfather announcing the birth of his clone. (LOL) Here's the layout that I did with the letter and one of the pictures that they sent to me afterwards.

Some days I still can't believe that she's already 14 years old. It seems like only yesterday she was learning to stand and walk. I still call her my "munchkin" and against my wishes she still calls me her "sissy", but I wouldn't have it any other way. Here's a more recent picture of my sister.

To join in on this challenge, head over to Amber's blog and enter your project about your favorite teen!

Stay Crafty

Amber's Craft and Stuff Challenge #9 - Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

This week's challenge over at Amber's Crafts and Stuff is to Recycle, Reduce, Reuse. My family drinks a lot of Crystal Light. I refuse to buy soda or sugary juices and since they won't drink water this is our happy medium. I buy the tubs that contain the 2 quart mixes. These little containers are great and I can't believe I haven't kept them to use in crafts before. Here are my starting products:

I have a thing for tea, can't you tell?

Pink, pink, and more pink (There's a sneak peek of another recycling project, can you see it?)

I figured I could fill the tub with candy and use it as a gift for someone.

Details:

• I cut the tag from Cricut Classic Font (Italic and Italic Shadow feature). It's on page 72. I really REALLY need to start going through my booklets again. I'm missing so many great cuts!
• I trimmed the striped paper down to 6.5 inches and wrapped it around the container
• I also cut a white strip (2.5 inches) and a pink strip (3 inches) and punched both edges to add a little detail
• I used some ribbon from Oriental Trading and then tied a little bow, again just for some added detail
• I fastened brads to the label to help it pop
• I stamped both the diploma and the sentiment with StayzOn Jet Black ink. (Did I mention I bought a new ink pad) I love how rich and clean the images are with this new ink.

I have to tell you, the diploma stamp is from when I made my graduation announcements back in 2004. I think those announcements were probably my first real paper project. I was really proud of those invitations, here's a couple photos of them.











Head on over to Amber's blog to check out what the rest of the design team has come up with, Then enter your own project for the challenge.

Stay crafty

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Amber's Crafts and Stuff Weekly Challenge #4

Good morning bloggers,

This week over at Amber's Crafts and Stuff, the challenge is to use a technique that is new to you. I decided to try and make a shutter fold card. Oh, in case you haven't caught on yet...my favorite colors are green and brown. :0)





Details:
I started with a 5.5 by 12 inch piece of paper. I scored the paper at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 inches. I then turned the paper 90 degrees and scored the paper at 1 and 3/8 inch. Then rotated 180 degrees and scored again at 1 and 3/8 inch. Here's a photo showing the score lines:






Now using either your paper trimmer or a craft knife, cut along the 1 3/8 inch line from the 2 inch score mark to the 10 inch score mark. Repeat on other 1 3/8 inch line.

Now the complicated part. Please look at this picture first.






With the top and bottom section, starting at the 2 inch mark, fold back. At the 4 inch mark, fold forward. At the 6 inch mark, fold back. At the 8 inch mark, fold forward. With the middle section, fold back at 4 inches and forward at 8 inches.

Next, select your pattern paper. With the "T" section, trace the section onto the paper and trim 1/16th from all edges. You will also need 4 pieces cut at 1 3/8 by 1 7/8, 2 pieces at 1 3/8 by 3 7/8, 1 piece at 2 3/8 by 3 3/8. Confused yet?

Dry fit all your pieces before adhering down. I cut the Kanji Tag, which means mother, from Pagoda at 3 1/4 inch. The shadow circle is cut from George. The filigrees are cut from Graphically Speaking at 1 1/4. The flowers are cut from Designer's Calendar at 1 inch.

I don't own a stamp that says "Happy mother's day" so I just hand wrote it. I plan on putting a poem on the back part before sending it to my mother. If you haven't tried this type of card, give it a whirl and come back and let me know so I can check it out!

Stay Crafty

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Amber's Crafts and Stuff Challenge #3 - April Flowers

Good Evening bloggers,

This week over at Amber's Crafts and Stuff the challenge is April Flowers. I don't know about you, but I'm so ready for winter to LEAVE and bring some warmer weather. It's suppose to snow Friday night here in Philadelphia. Brrrr.

I didn't start my project this week with a particular idea in mind. So I did some searching for ideas on Google and found this really cute pocket card.

Card with Insert inside

With Insert Pulled Out

Don't let looks deceive you, the only thing cut with the Cricut are the flowers and stems. The flowers are cut from George & Basic Shapes at 1 3/4 inch. The stems are cut from Pagoda at 2 inches. I found the directions for th flower pot and insert here. Another word of caution, this card is REALLY small. It's only 3.5 inches wide at it's widest part.

Head on over to Amber's blog and enter you own creation in this week's Challenge.

Stay Crafty

I'm A Winner!

Good Morning Bloggers,

So as usual, I'm checking out my favorite morning blogs and guess what....I'm a challenge winner!!




I won the weekly challenge over at the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog. I'm so honored. There were many great entries this week. If you've never entered any of their challenges, I suggest you do. They have great prizes and almost always challenge my creativity.

To see my winning entry, click here.

Amber's Crafts and Stuff Challenge #2 - Die Cuts

Hello bloggers,

So it's my debut as a Crafty Pal over at Amber's Crafts and Stuff. This week's challenge is to use a die cut, either from a sizzix (or similar machine), a cricut (or similar), or a die cut you purchased then make anything you want with it.

I recently purchased Graphically Speaking from Oh My Crafts and couldn't wait to try it out. There are so many great images on this cartridge!! Here's my card:

Card Details:
A2 sized card (4.25 x 5.5 inches)
Butterfly (Icon and Icon Blackout) cut at 3 inches, Diamond stickles added to the top layer. I added some Recollections bling to the antenna. I used 3D-Dots to pop the butterfly up.
Swirl is also cut at 3 inches and blinged up with stickles.
The tan mat is cut at 4 x 5.25 inches, then I inked the edges with brown ink.
The floral mat is from an 8x8 scrapbook kit made by Making Memories. I trimmed the mat down to 3.75 x 5 inches and inked the edges in the same brown ink.
The sentiment is a sticker from the same kit.
To finish it off, I add a piece of satin white ribbon to mimic the movement of the butterfly and a few pearls from the same Recollections pack as the rhinestones.

I love how this card turned out. Head over to Amber's blog to check out what the other design team members created and to enter the challenge.

Stay Crafty

Newest Member of a Design Team

Well first of all let me say that I am uber excited that Amber over at http://www.amberscraftsandstuff.com/ has kindly given me the chance to participate on her design team. When I started this journey, I wasn't sure where I wanted to go with it. Over the past couple of months I've met some of the most talented people in scrapping world. Everyone has been more than welcoming and inspiring all the same. I'm super excited to get started.

Amber's first challenge is a Stashbuster/Anything Goes. Head on over and check it out!!

Stay Crafty

Celebrate the Occasion Challenge #5

Good Evening,

This is my first time entering a challenge over at Celebrate The Occasion. This week's challenge is "New Arrival (baby or puppy)". You can create a card, layout, or project. Here's my card:

I decided to do an unconventional card. Here are the details:
Card base is 6 x 6 inches
Gingham mat and yellow mat are 5.75 x 3.5 inches. I used a Fiskar's punch along the bottom edge to add some details
I cut the carriage from the New Arrivals cartridge at 3 inches for all layers. I added some Stickles to the handles, wheels, and the edging of the bassinet.
I used a stamp from my clearance set that I got at Micheal's

Miss A says that the card is a mixture of baby and Easter. That girl...I tell you!! If you haven't check out CTO's blog, do so and become a follower. Have a wonderful evening.

Stay Crafty

Momo's Tuesday Challenge

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I spent some time down in my craftroom catching up on some projects. My first project was for Momo's Tuesday challenge. This week's challenge was to use black, white, and hot pink with at least one heart.

* Standard A2 sized card (4.25" x 5.5")
* Pattern paper is from Micheal's (clearance) and is cut at 4" x 5"
* Cupid is cut from the Sweethearts cartridge at 3"
* Sentiment is a rub-on I've had FOREVER!!
* Rhinestone heart is from Oriental Trading.

I know the photo looks a bit red, but I promise it is bright pink. I really need some new lights in my basement. I hope you like the card. I'm going to give it to my very special Valentine.

I also made another page for the wedding album that I've been working. Check it out over here.

Stay Crafty

Sweet Shop - Challenge Me Monday #43

Afternoon Bloggies,

This week's challenge over at the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog, the challenge was to incorporate something sweet on your project (i.e. ice cream, candy, cake etc.). I'm on the tail end of a cold right now and I feel awful. So I took the day off and since I was home, I figured why not spend some time in the craftroom.

Here's what I came up with for the challenge:

The card is a standard A2 size.
The blue mat is cut at 4 1/4 by 5 1/4. I punched the bottom edge with a Fiskar's border punch.
The striped mat is cut at 4 1/8 by 5 1/8. It's from a mat stack that I bought YEARS ago. So I have no clue who it's by.
The cupcake is from Create-A-Critter and cut at 3 1/3 inches. I used the shadow feature with each of the layers.
The stamp is from a set a bought on Michael's on clearance.

I've been making a lot of stuff that was pink, purple, etc. So I wanted to make a card that was more for a boy. Hope you enjoy.

Stay Crafty