Unicorn Dreams Add Sparkle to Your Day!

Hello!  This post is super late because I have a workshop this evening that I was prepping for last night--and then got inspired by the sketch over at Freshly Made Sketches!  I put everything else on hold, and found my sparkle back in my craft cave.  :)

I always loved unicorns as a child...and their magic seems to reappear easily!

This was exactly what I needed today!  This stamp set I used is a Hostess EXCLUSIVE.  You can only get this one by hosting a gathering of your own OR joining my Rewards Club!   The sentiments are so FUN on this set!  Contact me if you would like to add this one to your stash, and I will help you earn it along with other awesome products.  :)

 I had great success using a rainbow of colors with this star studded stamp.  I curved it on my acrylic block to form the spray of stars--easy to do with the Close to My Heart My Acrylix stamps!  I inked it by carefully adding the colors from lightest to darkest in Blush, Buttercup, Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue, and Gypsy.  The unicorn is stamped in Whisper and has a strip of shimmer trim that I carefully placed over his horn.

I added some anonymous sequins from my stash as well as a few from Lawn Fawn and Studio Calico.

I am not only pleased with how this turned out, but also extremely glad to have found some sparkle again...I will be spreading some today!  Thanks so much for taking the time to stop in! I am off to finish prepping for tonight, lol!  ;)

Damask Divas Lollydoodle Blog Hop!

Time for another fantastic display of artwork from the Damask Divas!  Are you ready to see some amazing creations with the new Lollydoodle Paper Packet?

If you came over from Stephanie's Blog, then you are on the right path!  If not, be sure to check out the entire lineup over at the Damask Divas Blog.  Remember, if you are here before March 1st be patient as some of the links might be under construction.  Thanks!

I have been gradually adding to my Designed Decor Flip Stand Album as I try to incorporate each new paper packet.  Today, I am sharing my Lollydoodle page with you!  This is a great tool to showcase just a fun pic or two at a time.  The pages I am making for mine are 6 x 5.5 inches, and I am really loving the small format for some of my favorite family pictures that just don't "go" anywhere else.  :)

See that cute little squiggly frame around my cool-shaded girlie?  I cut it from the Artbooking Cartridge with a simple press of the button on my Cricut Expression 2.  You can find the cut on page 87 of the handbook by the Photo Mat 1 key.

I used a Limited Edition Hostess Reward My Acrylix stamp set that you can ONLY get when you host a gathering or join my Rewards Club called Enjoy the Little Things for the stamping on my layout.  Check out this GREAT little building set...

I used it to stamp the little pocket sentiment here and add a bouquet of flowers adorned with Flamingo Dots.  I rolled two 3D flowers from the Artiste Cartridge to add to the floral mix.  A couple of leaves from the Lollydoodle Compliments, some more leaves cut from our Green Glitter Paper, and some Slate Striped Twist Ties round out the cluster of embellishments.

These chevrons were super-easy to stamp on their own by just inking up that part of the clear acrylic stamp.  The little owl is also found on the Lollydoodle Compliments.  Silver Shimmer Trim, please!  ;)

I love to mix it up with all the patterns from Lollydoodle, so wanted to fit as many into my layout as I was able.  I even squeezed in a zip strip!  :)  The Pink Glitter Paper looks like it was MADE to go along with this color scheme, and how could I resist adding a bit more silver shimmer trim?

Thanks so much for stopping in to see me on our hop today!

Now you are on your way to to Lilian's Blog to see what amazing creation she whipped up!  Come back any time!  :)

#tbt Sparkles Again!

I was shopping over the weekend when I found this fantastically sparkly sign at Claire's.  All it usually takes is the sight of glitter on something in my daily life to remind me of this amazing and uplifting phrase.  This week it hasn't been very easy to remember though, and I haven't felt very sparkly.  Because of the losses of friends' and family pets and humans, it has been really tough to weather the winter this week for me.  I am doing my best to climb out of the pit, but sometimes it is far too easy to slide back a few paces.  Here's hoping this helps someone, somewhere along in their climb too!  We CAN do it...with a little hope, a lot of prayer and trust, and perhaps just a bit of pixie dust.

Hugs, my friends!

Picture My Life Meets Washi Wednesday!

Hey everyone!  Things are a bit crazy for a few days here, so today I am getting right down to business.  It is Washi Wednesday, and I wanted to show you how I used my Close to My Heart Chocolate Woodgrain Washi Tape on my Picture My Life title page!

Picture My Life is essentially our version of Project Life.  I will explain a lot more later, but it is a style of scrapbooking using pocket pages that has caught on quickly.  I am excited to show you this trendy, faster way to scrap your pics.  Here is the title page using the brand new Skylark Picture My Life Kit.

Some of the washi tape is part of the actual pattern paper for the title page that comes with the kit.  The Woodrain washi around my picture is not included in the kit--I added it to make the elements of my picture meld with the pattern in the kit.  That is all I had to do for page one!  SO easy and fast!  You can see the different kits we have available HERE, and I will show you more later!  Each kit includes everything you need to create a quick album including...

44 – 4" × 6" Cards (2 each of 22 designs)
78 – 3" × 4" Cards (3 each of 26 designs)
1 – 12" × 12" Designed Cover Sheet
10 – 12" × 12" Memory Protectors™ (various designs)

All you need is an album and your pics!  I will show you more, I promise!

Thanks for popping in today, and I will get back to you soon.  Have a sparkly day!

Tag (You're It!) Tuesday Heads to the Beach in Protest

THAT'S IT!!!  I cannot take another second of winter, so I am protesting with a beachy themed post.

*crosses arms over chest and stomps foot*

Who wants to join me in warm thoughts?  Let's go!

I created this little package for a pair of earrings my daughter and her friends are giving a classmate who is moving to Florida...and I am so jealous!  ;)

I took one of our retired paper pouches, and covered it with the retired Footloose Paper.  Yes, there is another theme her...retired people go to FL, and I used a lot of retired products because I want to go too!  ;)  (Yes, I am pouting, and if you are stuck in an endless winter like Anna, then you would too.)

Here is the tag!  This is one of my favorite shapes from the Artiste Cricut collection!  It is thankfully NOT retired, lol.  The stamp I used for the swirly outline is actually from the Artbooking Cricut Collection, though, and I just love how it fits this shape!  The To and From are found on the Holiday Tags My Acrylix.

I attached the Sunset button with a glue dot to the flap, and strung the Paradise Baker's Twine through two holes punched to the back to keep the pouch closed in a neat and tidy way.

 The Footloose Workshop on the Go My Acrylix set was perfect to complete my beachy theme.  I used the rock and roll technique to ink my stamps with the lighter color all over and then rolling the edges in the darker color before stamping...LOVE the result!  I used Creme Brulee rolled in Sunset  for the starfish and Sweet Leaf rolled in Lagoon for the seahorse.  There is a strip of Teal Shimmer Trim sparkling behind them...

Now, don't we feel better after that refreshing visual trip to the beach?  ;)

Sigh.  Spring break cannot come fast enough...

Dusting off the Old Craft Supplies for Lawnscaping

Hey everyone!  This challenge was just what I needed to get my crafty rear in gear and use up some old paper.

Lawnscaping Challenge Blog

I had some old Paper Layerz that I had purchased to use with my Cricut that I haven't touched in ages since Provo came out with the E2 and CCR, so I got to cutting it up in little squares so I could use it with my new Lawn Fawn dies and matching stamps.

I just adore these elephants in the Lawn Fawn Love You Tons set.  I thought they would look awfully cute on a baby card...

Yep, I was right!  They are just perfect!

You would not believe how I had to scour for a sentiment for this card!  All my baby sentiments are on shapes designed to fit the cricut cuts from my CTMH cartridges, which I LOVE, don't get me wrong...but I just wanted a straight sentiment to fit this little fish-tail banner.  I ended up finding one in my MCT collection, thank goodness!  I added two little Grey Epoxy Bubbles on one end...

The matching background is created with my new Close to My Heart Dots Embossing folder that I got FOR FREE by purchasing two packs of cardstock this month!  I love how embossing allows you to do this great white on white technique.  What a great deal to try one free!   You can get yours on my website during February too! 

mimimyselfandi.ctmh.com

Thanks for dropping in to see my project for the challenge!  I love sharing my ideas with you guys!  :)

Special February Offer JUST From ME!

Hey everyone! 

Happy weekend!  Want to make it even happier?  Have you noticed the special offer that I have for my customers in February?  In case you missed it, here are all the details! 

This month ONLY!  When you place a $50 order on my website, or through me directly, AND add the adorable Wild About Love Stamp of the Month for only $5 more, you qualify to be entered into a drawing to win this size C My Acrylix stamp set worth $13.95!  I wanted to share the love this month, and so far I have only four qualifying orders--so your chances of winning are pretty good indeed!  ;)  This offer is only through me at mimimyselfandi.ctmh.com and only this month!

Here is just one example of what you can do with the Lifting Spirits My Acrylix...

Don't miss this chance to win it from me this month! 

Here is that adorable Stamp of the Month...

 

PLUS!!!  Don't forget that with every two bulk packs of cardstock either in single colors or combo packs you buy this month (except white and colonial white,) you can chose one of Close to My Hearts new embossing folders for FREE!!!!

Here is your link to some hot February deals!  mimimyselfandi.ctmh.com

Anything Goes!

This has been a long week so far, my friends.  First, my anniversary plans were put on indefinite hold by the relentless snow.  Since then, my youngest has been home sick, and I am fighting with all my might to not get what she's got.  Right now, I am listening to the wind howl outside like it was spring or something, so forget about sleep.

I finally did work in a bit of crafty time today, so I played along with the Paper Smooches Sparks Challenge to make a little card to cheer my sweetie up.  This week, thank goodness, Anything Goes!

One of my must have Paper Smooches stamp sets is called Slang Gang.  I seriously had to have this one to make cards that the younger generation understands, lol.  Oooops, there I go!  ;)

I wanted to break as far away from the snow and winter themes as I could, so out came the Crystal Clear stamps and matching dies...

My cup O "Sup?" needed ice cubes, but I don't have an app for that...I mean stamp!  All this lingo these days has my brain jumbled!  Well, what is a crafty girl to do?  Well, duh!  Get out the Close to My Heart Shimmer Trim!  I love how it looks as cold, hard ice! 

Well, I suppose I digressed back to the cold of winter, so now I needed to summer it up...with this amazing cloud washi!  No clue what brand this is...but I got it at Archiver's before they closed.   This Slate and White twine from the Close to My Heart Baker's Twine Neutral Metallic Assortment has a silver thread in it that is the perfect partner for the glitter cubes.

You know how kids will ask you the same thing over and over again?  Yep--totally took that and ran with it on the inside...she will understand even if I don't, hahaha!

I hope it at least distracts her from feeling crummy right now.  Her favorite color is yellow, so I have that going for me!  Thanks for popping in to see me today, and please come back anytime!  I might be able to make something again soon, lol!  ;)

Bring the Base and Bling!

Hi there!  I have been waiting to show you this fantastic new crafty creation from Close to My Heart!

Have you heard about the new Base and Bling line?  You can make totally customizeable jewelry at home with these fabulous new options from our Idea Book!

Here is the one I made to mimic the one in the picture...

I love that poofy flower--it says, "When in doubt add glitter" underneath!  :)  The little scissors dangle and the sparkle bling fit me perfectly too!  Here is a pic of the pendant on my chain for you to see the 30 inch length...

Yep, that's me!  Base and Bling Selfie!!! 

The Base and Bling metal composition is made of a zinc alloy in case anyone has any sensitivity issues and needs to know.  :)

Here is a list of the items I used to make my custom necklace...the best part is that you can make yours however you like with endless possibilities!   I can't wait to make mine in the Faux Antiqued Gold next!  :)

Base and Bling Rhinestone Charms
Base and Bling Square Pendants--Faux Antiqued Silver
Base and Bling Craft Queen Charms
Base and Bling Square Glass Covers
Base and Bling Chain--Faux Antiqued Silver
Base and Bling Craft Queen Style Sheet
Ivy Lane Assortment
Liquid Glass

Even better, here is a video by CTMH showing you all the new ways to make your custom Base and Bling necklace!

 
AND here is another one that shows you even MORE, including how to make yours!  :)

Time to Bring on the Color Dare!

I cannot believe I haven't played along yet this year, but it is TIME!  What better chance to prove that I can overcome Sorbet than with a challenge, lol!  If you have been a follower for a while here, you know I don't exactly have the warm fuzzies for the CTMH color Sorbet.  It just isn't "ME."  Well, I think the time has come to say that I can definitely use it more easily now thanks to my time spent on the DT of the Color Dare!  ;)

Here we go again, so let's do it!  The colors for this week's Color Dare are Sorbet, Blush, and Juniper.

My inspiration for this card comes from another Amy!  You can see Amy O'Neil's card on her blog, Amy's Paper Crafts HERE.

I used the same basic elements in my version of the card for a whole new look.  My sentiment is from the Big Hug My Acrylix stamp set.  The flowers and Polaroid cut are found on the Close to My Heart Artiste Cartridge.

I also used a few My Acrylix sets to make the flowers and leaves:  Buttons, Bits, and Bobs, the retired Pemberley Workshop on the Go stamp set, and Hello Blooms. Those great sequins are from Studio Calico where I will be taking a color class soon!  :)

The Blush CS flower has a bit of extra flavor since I ran it through my Big Shot  with our brand new Dot Embossing Folder.  Take a peek at this amazing new video from CTMH as Jill explains how to use our white core cardstock with your embossing folders...

I never knew that about using the grain of the paper when embossing, did you?

Anyway, I sure had a great time with Sorbet this time by playing along with my friends at the Color My Heart Color Dare.  I dare YOU to play along too!  :)

Guess what!?  Now is the perfect time to stock up on your cardstock AND try out the new embossing folders...FOR FREE!!!  That's right...when you buy two packages of our bulk solid color cardstock, you can choose a FREE embossing folder while supplies last!  Don't wait to take advantage of this offer on my website HERE!  Simply add the two packs of cardstock to your cart, and then you will be prompted to add the free embossing folder.   Happy shopping!  :)

Happy Anniversary to ME! Oh, and My Hubs!

Today is my wedding anniversary, so the kids have off school.  LOL!!!  Did you believe that?  They actually are off school, but that's for President's Day, hee, hee!  ;)

Anyhow, it really is our anniversary, and let me tell you, 18 years is a pretty long time to live with someone, especially someone who leaves the toilet seat in the UP position in the middle of the night!  We have had our share of rough weather for sure, but we would not have come to the place we are today without a lot of love AND a lot of prayer.  This card pretty much says it perfectly...

I fell in love with the sentiment from this card from the second I read it, and it really does sum us up pretty well...

My man is not a sailor, but he is the Popeye to my Olive.  *giggles*

He definitely eats his spinach, so I love the manly-man theme all these elements are able to pull off together.  I used several products from Close to My Heart for this cluster, including the Durables Triangle Studs (how fitting, lol), Midtown Cork Shapes, Ariana Paper Packet, and the Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon.

I also accented the inside of this card with some other stamps from the Tommy Workshop set.  My anchor in troubled waters...Happy Anniversary, and may we come through a few less storms from here on out!  ;)

I don't want to forget to tell you that I based this card off Pattern 22 from Make it From Your Heart Volume 1.  This soft-bound book if packed full of patterns and ideas for both scrapbooking AND cardmaking with 30 patterns in all.  There are two volumes to choose from, and each one is only $7.95!  :)

You can find any of the items I used above and the offers below on my website!