Gift card holder and Bag

front of gift card holder

back of gift card holder

gift card holder and bag (front)

Gift card holder and bag (back)


I made this gift card holder today after finding out my son's class is giving his teacher a coffee inspired basket for Christmas. As I was sitting at my desk, I realized a bag I made over the weekend matches perfectly. I printed all the paper using digital paper and I cut the holder and bag using my Silhouette.

"Joy" Banner

I made this banner and added it to the family calendar. My son has taken over the family calendar, he updates it every month and adds to it as the month progresses. He changed Thanksgiving day - removing "Gobble Gobble" to add the Packers game. His teacher is from Green Bay and now he is excited about the Packers.

Gotta run, my sister is calling :-) Thanks for looking!

Gingerbread Houses

Hubby and I made these cute little gingerbread houses for my daughter's class. I am going to do a craft with them next Friday. I thought it would be cool to decorate gingerbread houses. I am not sure what embellishments I will take with me besides the ones you see here...if you have any ideas, feel free to share with me.

Wanted to mention...I got smart and cut the windows out of white vinyl. At first I was using cardstock and my Xyron, it was a little gooey.

I can hardly wait to do this with the kids. They are so sweet and my daughter has the BEST kindergarten teacher, EVER!

Let is snow boy card

(click image to enlarge)

(click image to enlarge)

(click image to enlarge)

Silhouette is offering images for .50 each so I grabbed a few today. I knew if I didn't use this little boy today, I might never use him...so I started immediately and this is what I came up with.

The front

Supplies:
Bo Bunny ribbon
Crop A Dile
Cuttlebug
Cuttlebug embossing folder
Ink
White paper
Home printer
Sihouette
Digital Paper

I used the digital paper I bought on Etsy to fill in the little boy's clothes. Then I had to piece him together (electronically). Next, I chose some frames to frame my words "Let it Snow!". The background paper is also a digi paper. Once I printed it on my home printer and cut it with the Silhouette, I inked the edges. I used my Crop A Dile to insert eyelets on each side of the frame, then ran my ribbon through it for a different look. Once I dry embossed the card, I used a dauber to ink the raised snowflakes.

The inside

Supplies:
White paper
Printer
Silhouette
Ink

I used the same background frame as on the front of the card, but I made it a little larger, then I offset it (internally) and filled it in with white. I added the little boy's mittens to the bottom right hand corner. Once I printed and cut it out, I inked the edges.

The back

Supplies:
Ink
Snowflake stamp
I used white ink and a snowflake stamp to decorate the back of the paper.

Bear

I am having fun creating these little animals. Not sure if I will create another one now or move on to something else...hmmm...stayed tuned to find out!

Penguin tag

I bought digital paper from Etsy last night. Today I received the files and the background is one of those files. I printed it on my home printer then cut it out with my Silhouette. I created the penguin last night using Silhouette Studio and the frame was purchased from the SIL library.

I need something to stamp on the bottom...this calls for a shopping trip! :-)

Snowperson

I created this using Silhouette Studio. Everything except the frame was created by me using basic shapes. I used Silhouette patterns to fill in the shapes. The good news is this can be printed on my home printer, cut with my Silhouette and voila, I have a tag!

Penguin created with Design Software

Penguin with earmuffs and cheeks

Penguin without earmuffs and cheeks

I created this little penguin using basic shapes in the Silhouette Studio. Isn't she adorable???

Birthday Box

I made this box, then I decided it needed to be decorated on the inside as well. Of course, I started this project at bed time and now it is an hour and a half later...haha.

So...I am not finished with this box...but thought I would post it any way. I am thinking of ideas for my aunt's 80th birthday party. I thought about making a tiered cake, but not sure I am up to that.

Love this box, it is too cute! I bought the pattern from Silhouette and printed it on my home computer, then had SIL cut it out for me. Easy, Peasy!

Gobble Gobble, Kindergarten Style

Today, I visited my daughter's kindergarten class to help with a craft. This is what we created. The turkey body is a little triangle box. I had the kids trace their hands and then cut it out. Next, they colored the hands. We put them on the back of the turkey to appear as feathers. They all did a great job, even if a few fingers got cut off (the paper ones, haha).

I brought a treat to insert inside the box, but on the way to the school I had another idea. I had the kids to write down some things they are thankful for - they had a lot of good ideas, "beautiful earth, God, Mom and Dad, Grandparents..." We put the things they are thankful for in their turkey box.

I challenge you to take a few moments and think about what you are thankful for. Write them down and put them around your scrap area as a reminder of this season.

What a challenge :-)

Well, I knew this blog update was going to be a challenge, but I am proud of what I have learned so far. Chris helped me get my background uploaded. I created one with an owl on it, however, I decided not to use it. I found a picture I had uploaded to photobucket a while back and I decided to use it instead. I have been looking at vector images and feeling a little overwhelmed.

It still needs a little tweaking. I am not sure how to get rid of the pink border on the top. I want to decrease the transparency of the background.

I found a cool site that gives the html color codes. If you need it, click here to see the codes. I was thrilled that I was able to figure this part out in about 5 minutes, since everything else has taken a little longer to figure out.

I will probably be playing with this for a while and I might even pay someone to design a template for me, but for now, I am having fun with this project.

Tomorrow I am going to craft with 10 kindergarteners. I made little bags and the kids are going to decorate them as turkeys. They are going to trace their hand, cut it out and then color it for the feathers, I think it will be so cute!

Wish me luck, I have never done anything like this before.

Shout out to Chris

Thanks to Chris who helped me get my background image uploaded. I am still playing around with the images I am going to use, but at least now I know how to create the background image and edit the html code to get it uploaded to my blog.

Now, if he helps me get my blog updated so it looks correct, I think there may be an Xbox game in it for him.

Do you hear me Chris???

I have to call it a night, it is 1am and I have to get up at 5. This is a fun project that has my mind in full speed, need to wind down somehow. Night guys!

PS, leave Chris a message and tell him he is awesome!

Blog makeover

I am redoing my blog...not sure how to do it but I am going to give it a try. It will probably take a while. :-) Wish me luck!

Pinwheel Pencil Topper - Take 2

I wanted to make this pencil topper twirl, so I used my Crop A Dile to insert an eyelet on the petals, then I slid my brad through the eyelet. Since this was a trial run, I used scrap paper and ran it through my crimper.

I got the pencil topper idea from the Fiskar's web page.

Pencil Toppers

I found the idea for these cute little pencil toppers at the Fiskar's web page. These are sooo super duper easy and cute! I think they would make great addition for birthday party treat bags, sports team end of year parties, Valentine's Day...

Here is how I made them.

I punched 8 (6 for the black and white one - it is thick cardstock) - 1 3/4" circles, folded them in half, punched a little hole in one end (for the brad) and then embellish as desired.

I dry embossed the black and white one. For the girlie one, I cut out a flower for the center, then heat embossed it. Add ribbon and Viola, you are done!

Magnetic Bead Board

(not my desgin - see i heart naptime.net)

Magnetic Bead Board (Pics and directions)

I found a great website today. I thought I would share one of her projects with you. This is a magnetic bead board. Check out the link above for the directions. I am going to have to try this...looks like a fun project (and I might get the kids involved!)

Cricut Mini

Cricut has a mini Cricut launching soon. It says you can use Imagine carts with this cart, interesting. I wonder if we will be able to print with our home printer then cut using the Cricut Craft Room. Heard any rumors (or facts)?

Here is the link to PCs announcement of the mini.

Is it just me or does the new mini look a lot like the Silhouette? Hence the reason I am wondering about being able to print on my home printer then cutting with the Cricut Craft Room.

Cricut Imagine and Cricut Craft Room

What is the story with the Cricut Imagine and Cricut Craft Room? I have not been keeping up.

All Stars

I made this for our office administrator. Her granddaughter is going to a gymnastic competition and she asked me to make a poster for her. There will be 5 pictures added where you see the zebra frames. She asked for black and white but i asked if I could add either red or pink and she said yes...So I chose pink. I hope she likes it!

No 2 - Champs

We made it to the final game where we lost by 1 point. So proud of these boys and their sportsmanship. The coach said he got lots of compliments on how the team conducted themselves.

This was a lot harder on my son that I thought it would be. When I approached the bench, I saw some tears (from the other boys), I looked at my son and told him good game, and he just dropped his head. After the awards ceremony we all met at a new local yogurt shop and celebrated a great season (again). By the time we got home, my son was upset. He said this was his favorite coach (he meant coaches) and he is going to miss his teammates. After lots of hugs and words of encouragement, looking at the Scorpion website and the video daddy made, things were better.

My son attends a private school and 2 of the other guys on the team attend the same school, they are going to wear their jerseys tomorrow and the coach asked the principal to recognize them when they do the morning prayers and announcements.

Last week, my son pre-coordinated with his teacher to bring in his trophy and she said yes...so it should be a good day tomorrow.

Go Scorpions!

Tournament Status

My son's team played 2 games and they won BOTH! They play again tomorrow. They played the #3 team second and it was a tough one. It was tied 1-1 until the last 15 seconds, when
Zach pushed down the field, then passed to Noah, and SLAM into the net, 2-1. Tomorrow is going to be tough. The boys are tired.

No 4 is mine :-)

We went to Outback afterwards and noticed there were not a lot of people there, and immediately the hostess said "Game", everyone was at home getting ready to watch the AL/LSU game...it is all EVERYONE is talking about...let's see who wins this one...

See you guys later!

Soccer Treat Bags

Go Scorpions! Tournament starts tomorrow...we play 2 games and if we win, we have to play on Sunday. I made these bags for the kids - I will hand them out at the last game, whenever that might be. I used vinyl to add the child's name and jersey number.

The bag is a silhouette file I purchased from the SIL library. I cut clear acrylic to cover the circle, then I printed and cut a soccer ball, ran it through my Xyron and viola, a soccer treat bag. Inside are small bags of pretzels and fruit snacks.

These can hang on a door handle, how cool is that?

IF you are counting...we didn't have a number 1 or 2 for some reason???

Wish us luck, Go Scorpions!

Treat bags for Fall Festival

I made 2 male and 2 female treat bags for the kids fall festival. As room mom, I am in charge of coordinating volunteers and donations for the school fall festival.

The shark one is my favorite. I love the embossing. I feel like the other ones are a little too plain even though I printed the pattern paper and then cut out the box. I used acrylic behind the frame window.

I hope these are acceptable, I have not seen anyone do anything like this for fall festival...maybe I will start a trend?

Prayer Request

I have a special prayer request tonight. My husband has family in Thailand in the heart of the flood. I ask that you please pray they get the food and medical supplies they need. I won't go in to all the details but they are in a serious situation. Please pray the waters recede soon. Thank you!

For me, really?

(Click image to enlarge)

How awesome is this card and composition book? It was sent to me by my great blogger friend Tanya. You don't know how excited I was when I saw it was a RAK from her! I love everything about these, the colors are awesome, the 3D flower is beautiful, the ribbon (Tim Holtz) - too cool, the hint of Paris on the paper, ewwww lala! Oh and don't forget bling, I love bling!

I know a lot of you aren't football fans, but if you live in AL, you have to choose a side, either Alabama or Auburn and thankfully, she chose the right side, hahahahaha...War Eagle Tanya! Thank you for always taking the time to check in on my blog and offer words of encouragement. I appreciate every comment!

If you have not checked out her blog, please do so, you will be so happy - and don't forget to follow Tanya here.

Hugs Tanya, this is just perfect, you made my day!