Jenn's Crafty Creations

Buckeyes

2011-12-22T10:31:00.011-05:00

Or other wise known and Peanut Butter Balls. These are hubby's favorite and I couldn't resist making some for him. He will have to eat these in moderation of course because of his diabetes, but I know he will love them. I even used "his" peanut better that comes from the organic food store. It was a little more difficult to roll them because it didn't have all the added oils that is found in store produced peanut butter, so I just made sure I was really careful when I dipped them into the chocolate. YUMMY!!!

Isn't this the most beautiful sight?

2011-12-21T12:27:00.007-05:00

While I was at my mom's, I went to the local nursery and bought one of these beauties. Where I live, I haven't found a local nursery that is even remotely like this one. And I live in a BIG city compared to where mom lives. And this size was only $4.99!!! I loved the sea of red with a little mix of white and pink. I couldn't help taking a picture of it. So Christmas-y don't cha think????

Christmas Cookie/Sweets

2011-12-20T15:16:00.027-05:00

Saturday afternoon, I traveled to my mom's to make Christmas sweets. Such a yummy project! I ended up staying Sunday night and traveling home Monday morning at 6AM to be back home in time for hubby to go to work. We made my 3 batches of my grandmother's famous Nut Cake, one batch of Chinese chews, and 3 batches of fudge. We also had lunch at IHop, did some shopping, checked out some scrap book goodies she had bought online, and just had some wonderful girl time. I have needed a break from the kids and this was a perfect opportunity! Don't get me wrong, I love being with my kids, but the constant bickering and fighting gets the best of the SAHM who has her children since school got out December 2nd, and 24/7. I loved ever minute of it and wouldn't change a thing, except just a little more time so I could help her wrap some of her Christmas gifts. Check out the last one. It is a piece of May Arts Ribbon we used because the oven was a little full and wouldn't stay shut. We fixed that!! LOL

May Arts Burlap Challenge

2011-12-19T15:07:00.001-05:00

Back on November 1st, May Arts posted a challenge using their burlap ribbon/string. Only 25 participants were allowed to enter. I was one of the lucky ones able to participate. I received my ribbon and it sat on my table for a little while. I knew what I wanted to do, but I had teacher gifts and student gifts to make before I could give my full attention to the MA project. The project was due on Monday, December 12th, so I knew I had a little while to complete it without stress. Well, I was finally able to create my project and I really like the simplicity of it. I started with an 8x10 canvas and placed my LOVE first in the middle. I should have moved it a little to the right to make it smack dab in the middle, but this is a handcrafted project so I was okay with it. I did the PEACE next. I couldn't get the glue just right on the canvas and kept wiping it away, but finally I got it the way I wanted it. Next was the JOY. Earlier, I had cut a strip of the string, it was a natural color first, and placed it in a baggie with some of SU's real red re-inker. I took it out and let it dry overnight. I think I should have heat set it before I used it because once I put it in the glue, it started smearing. So I was very careful in how I placed the burlap. It was so much fun and I really like that it is just simple words that mean so much at this time of year. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Thanks to May Arts for allowing me to play once again. If you go to this link, you can comment on any of the amazing projects and possibly win some of their beautiful ribbon. I just love May Arts and hopefully I can participate again in their next challenge.

RACK - neighborhood goodies

2011-12-16T15:07:00.018-05:00

The kids and I made banana bread and oatmeal raisin cookies for our neighbors. This was another one of our RACK's (Random Acts of Christmas Kindness). We packaged them up with ribbon and ties and off we set to deliver to our neighbors. We have 22 homes on our street, yes that's the whole neighborhood!! So we set out and delivered 18 of our homemade goodies! Not to bad if I say so myself. The next day, I had the kids deliver the others to the neighbors that weren't home. They really had a great time delivering and each took a turn going to the door to hand the neighbor the treat. Everyone was so receptive and it was another great experience for the kids in their giving! I even got a Christmas card from one of the neighbors thanking me for the cookies and wished us a Merry Christmas. Wonder what is on our agenda for next time. LOL This is a dark and blurry picture of this one, but you can see the basket holding the goodies. Hope you enjoyed this RACK!

Strange place for suntan lotion

2011-12-14T14:45:00.016-05:00

The kids have been making their "club house" out in the back of the woods and I ventured out there to see what they had done and honestly, to check on them. They had rehung one of the tire swings, made a drum set out of buckets, fixed a driving area for little bits Barbie car who's battery is dead, and something called their bathroom (only for the boys though). We won't go there because I immediately told them to get rid of it. But as I was walking around the woods, I came across this and thought it was a little out of place. BUT I do like how it looks like it has a thumb holding it just so. It really was a strange sight to see but kind of cute as well. You just never know what kids will find in the woods! And did I mention, it still has suntan lotion in it???

Sugar Free candy - OH MY!!!

2011-12-12T13:37:00.018-05:00

I left after dinner to do a little Christmas shopping, the kids are tracked out because of year round school, and I ventured into the candy aisle at Walmart. I stumbled onto this WALL of sugar free candy and was in awe!!!! Hubby is a diabetic and really isn't suppose to eat sweets, but Reese's Peanut Butter cups are his weakness! I took this picture and sent it to him. His response, "WOW!!" I know I have seen a few candies that are sugar free but this WALL just made my eyes bulge!!! Don't tell the hubster, but I got him a bag of the sugar free Reese's Peanut Butter cups to put in his stocking. He knows who loves him. :)

RACK - Vending machines

2011-12-10T14:28:00.008-05:00

So today we had to pick up a prescription at Harris Teeter for the hubby and we had to wait about 15 minutes since they were on their 30 minute lunch break. We went outside and the kids tried to wait patiently. Once the 15 minutes were up, we all went back inside and got the medicine. On the way out of the store, the kids wanted a quarter so they could get something out of those 25 cent little vending machines. I told them no, but wait...and I fished out all the quarters I had in my purse. I think I had 6 or so and we decided to put them on top of the machines for others who wanted a little treat. The kids were bummed at first because they didn't get anything, but we had the talk again about giving and not receiving. That stopped them immediately! I have been so impressed with the kids as the for the most part are enjoying our RACK's. :)

RACK - Library fines

2011-12-08T22:29:00.000-05:00

Today RACK (Random Act of Christmas Kindness) took us on a trip to the library. The kids have been watching a little to much TV since track out started and I decided we needed to get some "new" books from the library. Once all our books were selected, we checked out. It was then we told the lady at the desk what we were doing. We wanted to pay as many over due fines as we could with the money we brought. She was unable to do a check to see who was over due so she suggested we leave the money in an envelope and when someone checks out with a fine, she would get the money from the envelope. Sounded like a plan to us. She asked we put our family name down in case someone asked who donated the money. I gave all the credit to the kids. She then tells me that last night she ordered some take out food and when she got to the restaurant to pay, she was told someone had already paid for her meal. She was surprised that someone had done this nice thing for her. We left and everyone had smiles on their faces at the nice gestures we had both received. No pictures for this one.

RACK - candy cane day

2011-12-07T17:47:00.000-05:00

Today was another RACK (random act of Christmas kindness) and the kids passed out candy canes. We went through 2 boxes of mini's for a total of 60 minus 2 that Ian dropped and broke into several pieces. They loved eating the broken pieces. We took missy to preschool so she missed out but we went to Dollar Tree (didn't pass out there), AC Moore (passed out a box), Lifeway Christian Bookstore and Michael's (they combined a box between the two). Emma asked if we can do this again next year. I really think they enjoyed their selves! I told them to say excuse me, ask if they wanted a candy cane, and then say Merry Christmas. Some took the candy, some didn't, and one young man told Ian, "I don't know you." So happy to hear that from that young man because it was true! Ian gave one to a little girl and I told him he needed to ask her mom first. He did and it ended up she couldn't have one. When people looked at me with that look, I told them I was trying to teach the children it was better to give than receive. Andrew didn't pass out any (he was having a bad morning because he didn't go to bed when he should and was tired), Ian didn't really understand, but Emma sure did! 1 out of 3 ain't bad, I say! Tomorrow we are going to the library and pay a few fines that other's have racked up. I wonder what the library worker will think of that?!? We shall see... :-)

Emma's 1st Choral Performance

2011-12-05T15:49:00.001-05:00

Friday night, Emma had a chorus performance at Barnes& Noble. It was originally said they would sing on the escalators, but they ended up putting the group on the second floor way in the back. I was filming with the video camera so I didn't see if they had people stop and listen to the group. They did an amazing job!! Emma decided to join chorus and they meet before school on Wednesday mornings. Worked out perfectly because the hubby could just drop her off on his way to work. Even our school teacher daughter left school to listen to her little sister sing. Chorus was a huge part of big sisters life and she really didn't want to miss it! So glad she could hear her sing. Yep, I cried seeing my oldest daughter watching my middle daughter follow in her foot steps! Yep, I am an old sappy one!

She is the one in the front with the black dress on. After looking at all my pictures, I can't believe in all but this one, she has her eyes closed! Thank goodness for taking multiples!

RACK's or Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

2011-12-04T10:00:00.008-05:00

One day I was on Pinterest and saw a friend's pin about RACK's. I was intrigued and had to check it out. I loved it! For 25 days, or Advent, you pick a project and do for others. All about giving and not receiving. Thought it was an awesome idea and thought the kids would enjoy it. The kids really aren't so hot and heavy into the ME, ME, ME at Christmas time, but I wanted to try and teach them something besides receiving all the time. Give to others! So first on our list, we chose 4 tags off the elementary tree for children's wishes at Christmas time. We got 2 boys and 2 girls. The boys wanted a football and a remote control car. The girls wanted color books and crayons and a pair of jeans and a shirt. We are happy to say, we provided all and the kids actually helped me wrap the presents too. When we got to the school to drop off the presents, I was surprised at how many gifts were under the tree! When we took the tags, there was only 1 gift under there. People are so generous! This is why I love our school! Next, we plan to paint stones with inspirational words and pictures, then place them throughout the mall when Emma does her choral performance at B&N. I know we will do a candy cane day and I have 2 boxes of mini's ready to go. They even liked the suggestion of paying for 5 peoples past due accounts at the library. We shall see. We do have coins in the jar we have been collecting, on the counter. May use that to help pay those fines. Let me know if you decide to do something good for someone else this Holiday Season.

Teacher gifts

2011-12-03T10:00:00.026-05:00

Aren't these watering cans the cutest?? They are ceramic, found them at Dollar General when they were getting rid of all their summer stuff, and the cost me $.10! Yep, a WHOLE DIME each!!!! I couldn't pass it up. Wasn't sure what I was going to do with them, but when it came around to thinking of what to give the teachers, this was perfect! And cheap! They each contain a bag of potting soil, 5 Dutch Iris bulbs, and 3 Daffodil bulbs. They can plant these right away and they will come up in spring. I figure I spent a whole $.60 for each gift. Not bad huh??? I usually give a handful of handmade cards but this year I decided to do something a little different. They will probably get those at the end of the year. :) One of the teachers asked if I painted them and I was like "no way!" Maybe I should have said yes (scratching chin). But I couldn't take credit for that, could I?!?! I did put one of the Snowman made earlier into the cans as the kids wanted to give one to their teachers too.

Little office worker gifts

2011-12-02T10:00:00.003-05:00

I wanted to give the office workers at the Elementary school a little something. I made these using my Stampin' Up top note die, cut around the edge of the patterned paper, scored it and then tied it up so it would stay closed. My hopes were to put Hershey kisses in them, but they wouldn't fit!! Onto plan B...I put the snack size Hershey bars and they fit. Funny though because when we passed them out, they kept falling out. Yeah, I forgot the glue dot to hold them in place. The ladies really seemed to like them and that they were homemade. That was the plan, Stan!!! As for the Herskey kisses...they are in a Christmas jar on my work table. Let's see how long they last in this house with 4 kids who have sweet teeth, not to mention mom and dad! :)

A new month - a fresh start

2011-12-01T14:05:00.000-05:00

Here it is the first day of December. Can you believe it? Welcome December!!! In the next couple of days, I will be showing you some things I have made for my kids friends, their teachers, and the office workers. My children track out Friday, year round school, and won't be back until 2012. So this mama had to get her Christmas gifts done early this year.

First is the little candy holders I made for the kids friends. With 3 in elementary school, I made 60+ of these. And my goal is to make some for my daughter who teaches Kindergarten so she can give them to her children. But thankfully, I have a little time to be able to do that! Aren't they cute? I got the idea from Dawn Griffith. She made these back in 2008 but they were so cute, I had to do them for myself. I am just so thankful for so many talented women out there! Hope you like them! And I hope the children do too! :)

Yep, not here again :(

2011-06-27T18:06:00.000-04:00

It has been a crazy 3 months. My MIL has come to live with us and it hasn't been bad, really. It has been an adjustment for all of us but we are working through it. I haven't been crafting lately, other than a few cards. My mom and I went to Archiver's 2 weeks ago and I didn't get any pages done!!! I did make 3 cards though. I just wasn't into it and I felt really bad that I spent all that time on cards and nothing else. Guess it was good for me to just get out of the house. And the kids are out of school too. They go back July 11th, we are in year round school here, and we will have a 5th, 3rd, and a new Kindergartner amongst us!! He is sooooo beyond excited. My youngest dd will be so lonely when he goes to school but she will start preschool in Sept and will be going 3 days a week. My hope is to craft a lot!!! So until then...I will try to get here from time to time and post what is going on with my life. Have a blessed day!!

Mother's Day gift for my mom

2011-05-09T14:47:00.000-04:00

I made this for my mom! It is a topiary made out of all paper flowers. I rolled all the flowers from circles and scalloped circles. I had seen in the June 2011 edition of Scrapbooks etc , craft it forward, this idea of a topiary. I decided to make one for my mom and my MIL. My MIL is a little different in that I used some paper flowers and fabric flowers. The both turned out awesome! I am so happy with how they both turned out. AND they both loved them!! That is all that matters!!!

Easter egg hunt

2011-05-06T14:48:00.000-04:00

Our town had their annual Easter egg hunt at the community park. They broke down the ages into different times and they all had a blast. If they keep the same times next year as this year, we will have 4 different hunts because of the 4 different ages. Thankfully this year, Emma and Andrew were together. They had a great time!!

Erin with her basket full of eggs.

Ian holding all the baskets while Erin is hunting. His hunt time was after hers.

Andrew breaking the rules with his hands on some eggs before they said go. But he wasn't the only one! :)

Emma and her friends waiting for their hunt to start. It was really humid that day and her hair is proof. I love it curly/wavy though!

Birthday Cards

2011-04-25T14:20:00.013-04:00

Here are a few Birthday cards I made with some scraps, a few buckles, and of course RIBBON!!! It uses one of my favorite paper packs from Stampin' Up that is now retired. I love the all the purple colors in this paper pack! There are times where I wished I had bought more packs, but honestly, I have so much paper that I have to use what I have! Even if I love it! LOL

ATC's - Spring theme

2011-04-22T14:09:00.015-04:00

Here are a few ATC's I made for a swap for an online group that I belong to, Absolutely Alter It , which used to Life Preserves. The ladies are so great over there and because I hadn't been very craft lately, I decided to participate in a swap. I hoped it would kick my mojo back into gear. I think they turned out cute and I hope you like them too!! :)

Thank you box with sweets

2011-04-20T12:02:00.001-04:00

Here is the little thank you box I made earlier this week. I finally got them into the mail but not before I realized I forgot to take a picture of them first!! Silly me! No worries because I was able to make another one and I will probably give it to a friend of mine. They are really easy to make and I am so happy that it only takes 1/2 sheet of an 8 1/2x11 sheet of retired Stampin' Up cardstock, a few score lines, a little patterned paper from Basic Grey, some May Arts ribbon, a small tag, and done! Don't forget the little goodies that go inside. I put a small package of the mini M&M's and skittles with a few chocolates. I hope the recipients enjoy them! I did make a video of putting one together and I hope to get it up here by Friday. Until then...

Just thoughts...and a layout

2011-04-18T14:12:00.004-04:00

Hi there! So this weekend was just crazy! Ian had his Recreational Day Parade Saturday morning and he was suppose to have his first T-ball game that afternoon at 5pm. Well, it didn't happen! We had some really crazy weather! There were tornadoes all around and one not far from us. Our power went out for hours but others have lost it till Wed. Several schools were damaged and one university is closed for the remainder of the semester. I pray for those families as they go through these tough times and the ones ahead. One of our local high schools is a shelter for all the displaced families. They have 120 families right now and will get 150 more this evening as they are being transfered from another high school. Sunday, Allen had his Weeblos, including Andrew as he is a Weeblo, at the local park to pick up debris, 4 bags. They put the tree limbs and such back into the woods area to keep it all in nature. He said he had other people there thanking the Cub Scouts for volunteering to pick up the debris. I am so proud of him for doing this as this is his first year scouting and he is doing an amazing job with those young boys!

So...I wanted to craft a little last night and I got one layout completed. I am working on a project today that I hope to get sent out tomorrow to some friends who have been very, very nice to me. I hope to make another video as well of this little project. Stay tuned...until then, here is my layout. I have journaling behind the tag that tells about the pictures of my mom, my sister, and I at Archivers for a scrappy weekend. So much fun!!!

Oh...I forgot...I hope to be an exceptional blog poster one day, but until then, my goal is to post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Wish me luck! LOL

Butterfly Paper Bag Album

2011-04-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Here's another butterfly project I did for Emma. I decided to make a paper bag album for her to give to all her friends as their gift for coming. I used 3 white paper bags folded in half. I used the DCWV Blossoms and Butterflies stack again to cover the pages of the album. The ribbon is from May Arts of course! Don't they all just must make this album look so girlie?? It turned out so much cuter than I anticipated! There are 2 tags in the bag part and one under each the bag flaps. I made 10 of these and of course only 2 girls could come. I had to change the date because she got the flu on her birthday and with her party being on the weekend, I didn't want to chance it of her infecting the other girls with it. So with 2 for the girls, one for Emma, I ended up with 7 left!! My mom and sister took one so that left me with 5. I kept one for myself, so what to do with the other 4?? I had thought about selling them on Etsy but I know nothing about them! And what would I sell them for? Never really sold anything I made, except for a few cards they hubby took to work for Valentine's Day. Good idea though. LOL

Front cover

Pages 2 & 3

Pages 4 & 5

Pages 6 & 7

Pages 8 & 9

Pages 10 & 11

I left the back page blank so they could write who's party it was and who was invited.

Butterfly wreath

2011-04-13T08:46:00.003-04:00

This is a butterfly wreath I made for the front door to welcome Emma's guests to her birthday party. I used DCWV's Blossoms and Butterflies stack and May Arts beautiful ribbon, green and sheer with butterflies. DCWV had a youtube video on how to make the album and I followed it. The only thing that was different was I didn't need as many small strips as she did in the video. Could be because my wreath was a little smaller than the one she used. But Emma loves it and it will be going on her wall in her room. She may change her mind and put it on her bedroom door. It was an easy project and I may do it again for Erin. Who knows??? How do you like???

Oh...the pink and purple butterflies came from the Dollar Tree.

Emma's Name Frames

2011-04-11T19:27:00.004-04:00

Oh my goodness! I am so excited! I have officially made my first video! I think I only had to push record 6 times to finally use the last cut. It was really fun, but I know there is so much room for improvement! I can see more in the future and hubby says the same thing. He is always so encouraging!

I did this video for the May Arts Ribbon Blog DT Call's Spring Challenge. The theme for this challenge is Spring Flowers. I knew I wanted to make something for Emma using her name and when the challenge came along, I knew this was the time to do it. I had worked on her paper bag albums for her "treats" for her friends for her birthday party, back in March, and I had all this left over paper from Die Cuts With a View's Blossom's and Butterflies stack. I love this paper and so does Emma. This was a total surprise for her and she loved it. So with May Arts having a challenge, I wanted to participate. How could I resist?? I love May Arts ribbon!! I requested 7 different ribbons for this project, but one of the colors just didn't match (brown), so I didn't use it. They are the 1.5" Grosgrain striped ribbon in green, blue, orange, and pink. Also the 1" Solid/Reversible Dots in blue with pink dots and purple with green dots. I also used some sheer ribbon from previous projects where I cut out the flowers and butterflies from. This ribbon is from May Arts as well. Check out the video to see the rest. I hope I become a finalist, but I am okay if I was not chosen. It was a blast to enter and I will continue to enter May Arts challenges each quarter and maybe one day...who knows.

Ian's and Emma's birthday cakes

2011-04-08T16:57:00.000-04:00

Here is Ian's birthday cupcakes. He wanted a Spiderman party and even though it was at McDonald's, I went searching how to make the spider cupcakes. I think they turned out quite cute. Everyone liked them. Especially Ian and he was the only one that mattered!

Here is Emma's birthday cake. She wanted a butterfly party and I searched online how to make a butterfly cake. It was pretty easy since the butterfly only took one round cake. The cupcakes are leftovers from Ian's, so they went to good use. The smaller butterfly was a cut out stacked one on top of the other. That one was for Emma only. She liked the cake too.

I am not a cake decorator by any means, but these were fun to put together and one day, I hope the kids look back at the pictures and know that mom put her love into them even if they aren't store bought or perfect. I love my kiddos!!!!! They are my world and I would do anything for them!!!!

I need help!

2011-04-07T16:52:00.000-04:00

I know I want to blog and get my creative creations on here, but sometimes it is just overwhelming, this whole blog world! I have the basics down but where do I go to have my blog look like others, all nice and cute with all the links and side by side pictures and videos?? I guess I will have to view my new favorite site, You Tube and check out to see if I can get some guidance. I made my very first video on You Tube and I want all of you to see it. Check back later to see if I can get it posted! LOL :)

Yikes, where have I been??

2011-02-25T11:13:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I have been MIL lately. I hope to post some things soon. I am working on birthday party things for Emma (will be 8) and Ian (will be 5). Their birthdays are next week and their parties are on the 5th so lots of creating going on here. Just finished up their invites last night. Got up this morning and Emma wanted to invite 4 more little girls for a grand total of 10. Ian is inviting his whole preschool class, 16 but we will not be having it at home, McDonalds. Emma's will be at home. I was okay with 6 being here but with 4 more invited, I may loose my mind! :-o More later...

Christmas cards

2010-11-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

Love to make things with my punches. See the angels?? Yep, punches! I am trying to use up some older paper that is retired and this is what I came up with. Not to happy with the card on the left but the one on the right, I went with it! I made many a card with it. Only thing I didn't do with the assembly line is put the halos on their heads. Not sure if I like them or not. So...just imagine...the remaining cards without halos. I really liked how they looked with out them. Yep, will use them for my Christmas cards this year.

Winter cards

2010-11-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Remember the stamp set from yesterday, Season of Friendship, that I used for the fall cards? Well here is one for winter. See that cute bird?? So adorable! I love this set because it is so versatile! Have a great day!

Fall cards

2010-11-13T08:00:00.007-05:00

Here are a few fall cards I made. The designer paper is retired but I still have a few pieces left. The ribbon is retired as well but I love the chocolate brown. I LOVE this stamp set because it can be used for spring, fall, winter, and has this really cute bird! Love birds!

Priceless moments

2010-11-12T08:00:00.014-05:00

Here is a scrapbook page that I did that incorporates this adorable lion. Isn't he cute?? I made him from punches. I used circle punches, scallop circle for his main punched twice, oval for his tail and legs, and then just used a pen for his mouth. Love him!!!

Awesome new deal to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator

2010-11-11T18:06:00.002-05:00

What do you call it when you get over $310 in crafting and business supplies for only

$87.50? You can call it an amazing deal, but we’re calling it an amazing opportunity! From November 15-30, you can purchase either our Standard or Digital+ Starter Kits at 50 percent off the regular retail price of $175 (plus freeshipping!), and enjoy these great benefits as a

Stampin’ Up!® demonstrator.

Demonstrator Starter Kit for 50% off!

THIS IRRESISTIBLE OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL

NOVEMBER 30, 2010, SO CONTACT ME BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

May Arts

2010-11-08T21:32:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful for being one of the 10 winners selected for my Halloween projects I entered with May Arts. I wasn't the grand prize winner, and win 3 spools of ribbon, but I won one and I am so estatic!!! Now they are having their "show me your plaid" Christmas craft challenge. I put in my request for ribbons and I received them today! Now I have to think of my project/s using my new beautiful ribbons. Until then, check out what I had at my friends Holiday Open House this weekend. Let's just say, it was a learning experience being among all those professional ladies. I had fun though!!!! Isn't that what it is all about???

Going ons...

2010-10-13T16:02:00.002-04:00

Voting going on at Glue Arts on Facebook. I submitted a picture of my two littlest ones and there is a $100 gift card on the line. I doubt I will win because one photo has 100 comments already and there is still 2 days to vote. If you like my picture, please vote! I would appreciate it!

Voting going on at May Arts. I entered a Halloween challenge and they are taking comments on their favorites and the winner will be announced on the 21st. That is one day before my mom's birthday. Wouldn't it be awesome to win a beautiful spool of May Arts ribbon?? They do have the best ribbon and I love to use it!! And I have been known to share. Just ask!!

There is a crop going on this weekend at Life Preservers Scrapbooking Club. I love these crops because I get so much done and I am totally out of my comfort zone on some of these challenges. I will be absent on Saturday because hubby and I are going to see Dave Ramsey at the RBC center. He wants to get there early as he heard they are giving away prizes and such. Then I will race home and play on LPS!!! Won't you join us??

That's all I can think of now. Have a great day/week/October! I really hope to see you soon!!!

Getting crafty again!!!

2010-09-24T15:07:00.000-04:00

I am so excited! I think some of my craftiness has returned! It has been MIA for quite a while now and I have really been worried about it! I decided to do a Halloween challenge over at May Arts to hopefully get my juices flowing. Well did they ever! I have done 5 projects so far! WOO HOO!! I have also done a layout for a contest over at Life Preserver's Scrapbook Club, where I am a member, to help my scrapbooking along. I will have to wait until later to post the layout because it is a contest and I can't show you right now. LOL :) BUT, here are my entries for May Arts. Enjoy!!

Halloween Lanterns

Spinner Cards

Witches Boot

Treats for the preschoolers

Witches shoe with pumpkins

Leftover school pictures

2010-08-27T23:12:00.002-04:00

Who doesn't have oodles of them?? But, look what I made today!!!!! I am so excited!!! I have been so uncrafty lately, wanted to but couldn't get the umph to actually do it. Well today I did something and love how they turned out. Who doesn't have left over school pictures of your kids? I do (raises hand)!!! Got this new set from SU and just love it. It is called First Day. I really debated about getting it because honestly, do I really need another stamp set??? Well I am so into the school thing right now so I bought it. Nothing like waiting till the mini catalog expires on Aug 31st, huh?? I can't wait to do more of these. I will do their spring picture on the left side and their fall picture on the right. I am planning to put rings in the holes so it will lay flat when the kids look at it. I just sent an email to my crafty friends about coming over Monday morning to see if they wanted to do a page. I don't want my mojo to leave just yet and they have a way to fuel it. Aren't friends good like that?? I will take a picture of the front cover when it is completed. It is gonna be so cute! I have the idea in my head of what it will look like. Let's just hope it turns out the same way I see it in my mind!! :)

Update...

2010-08-04T11:27:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! I had some surgery this past Friday and it has really affected me and is causing me to do nothing! It is really killing me because I am such an on the go person! I can't do household chores for the next 2-3 weeks and I can't sweep, mop, or even vacuum for the next 6 weeks. What's a girl to do?? I hope to get back into some crafting here soon. I really miss it! So...until next time...Have a sweet day and SMILE!! :)

May Arts challenge

2010-07-27T17:10:00.000-04:00

So I just completed the July Challenge over at May Arts blog and I would love to post it here but not sure if that is okay or not. The winner will be announced on August 10th, Andrew's birthday, so I will wait it out until then. Then I will show you the layout page and card I made with their ribbon. I love it! I used sheer butterfly ribbon, purple faux ribbon, and white wrinkled ribbon. I love it, if I do say so myself!!! If you can't love it, who else will??? Right???

Sneak Peaks all over FaceBook

2010-07-17T08:05:00.000-04:00

The time has come for so many peaks at all the new things in scrapbooking. I will be listing a few over the next few days/weeks. There are some awesome examples with the new stuff coming out so please check each link out. Who knows, leave a comment at the different manufactures and you might actually win a prize from them. Wouldn't that be F A B U L O U S?????

First up Maya Road. Today is their 2nd day with sneaks and it is all about chipboard. Love the flower edge layer book and the pennant chipboard. Love all the exampls too!! Check them out!!

Life Preservers Scrapbook Club Challenge

2010-07-11T11:10:00.000-04:00

WOW! Three post in one day...so far. :) I was checking out the Life Preserver's Blog while getting links for my other post and came across a challenge. I remember seeing it when they posted it, thought to do it, forgot about it, and...well... here we are. LOL I looked through my last 2 weeks of layouts I have done (you know the ones with the older photos) and I found one that fits the challenge. Talked about shocked. Must have been in my subconscious the whole time! LOL This is a picture of Emma when she was just a baby, 2003. She was my only one that took a pacy. The 2 older ones never took a pacy or sucked their thumb. The other three are thumb suckers! At least Andrew quit just before he turned 8! He has almost been 1 year free of thumb sucking! Now to get the other two to quit, but I am sure that is a long way off. Oh well, it IS cute sometimes! Especially when they are sleeping. :)

What I have been doing...

2010-07-11T10:48:00.000-04:00

I have been going through some really old photos trying to get some of my pictures into layouts. I have also been tyring to use papers that were provided as page kits from Archivers (from my scrap nights) that I hadn't put together, some Life Preservers Scrapbook Club kits that are just sitting on the shelf, some Stampin' Up! retired Simply Scrappin' Kits (and it looks like I will go inactive this month because I haven't met my sales quota) or just layouts in general that didn't have photos. I was amazed at how many pages I hadn't put pictures on. So...I have been really productive this past 2 weekends and have gotten a total of 20 so far and this weekend isn't even over!! I did 13 last Saturday when I went scrapping with my mom (well we did stay up till 4 AM - again!!) and I did 7 last night when I was scrapping with friends ( I went to bed around 12:30 and only stickled a snowflake so it would dry overnight). I feel I have been so productive but looking at all my pictures that still sit in boxes, I get overwhelmed. BUT, I have to tell myself, I really got into my scrapbooking in Feb of 09 so I have done really well so far. Yeah Me!!! I think I have come a long way baby! I may still have minimal layouts compared to others, but I am doing it my way and I like it. I love when the kids look at my pages and laugh at theirselves or whoever is in the pictures. They can't read the writing because it is in cursive but that is okay. The time will come when they are able to read the stories and enjoy that too. Until the next post....yea, I know pictures...lol!!!

Where have I been?

2010-07-11T09:17:00.000-04:00

Not here, obviously!! I am sorry haven't posted in a while. I will try to come back and post some pictures of some layouts I have done in the past few weeks. I sat down recently and put my layouts in the albums and I couldn't believe I had done 65 already this year. Last year I completed 71 layouts and this year, my goal was to do 100. I am so well on my way!! I completed 13 last weekend and 7 last night so that makes...85!!! WOOHOO!!! And it is only July!! Okay, be back soon to show you. But here is the last one I did...Yep, I was 40 back in Feb and I finally did a layout. All the black elements are shiny, even the think bubble! :)

I won!!!!

2010-06-07T09:01:00.006-04:00

OMW, I can't believe I won!!! I was just checking emails and facebook and then decided to check May Arts because I knew they were announcing their contest winners. And low and behold, the first picture I see is my little Erin on the layout I did for them. I read a little bit and I WON!!! Oh...I am so excited!!! I will post my pictures when I get home ( I have a MOMS Club meeting and we are voting for our new board - I am going OUT as the secretary) so all of you can see my creations. I AM SO HAPPY!!!!!! If you can't wait, click on the link above and then click Blog! Oh Happy Day, Oh Happy Day, Oh Happy Day!!!! :) :) :)

Okay, I was able to post one. I am not sure what folder I put the rest in. BBL!!!

**Update**Here are the other two submissions

i top

2010-05-21T12:48:00.001-04:00

Check it out!
http://www.imaginisce.com/

Okay, I seriously don't know what I am doing. I saw a widget on a post. They said to post it to your blog and win. I tried that and it isn't working for me. Don't know what I am doing wrong. Will keep trying. LOL :)

Wanna win this????

2010-05-12T17:07:00.005-04:00

If so, click this link and post a comment. Aren't they georgeous??????http://prima.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451cc5c69e2013480a44c5a970c-popup

OH POOH!! I don't know what I am doing here! LOL I tried to add a picture but no go. I think the link will give you a picture of what you can win. And the "wanna win this" will take you to the website. Good luck!

Out of town

2010-04-14T16:29:00.001-04:00

I haven't done any crafting lately as I have been out of town helping a friend who had major surgery. I am now back home and hope to do some crafting and I will post when I do. Thanks for understand!

May Arts Challenge

2010-03-30T10:08:00.005-04:00

Here are some things I worked on for May Arts Challenge. This is right up my ally because I LOVE ribbon!! I love it! I don't think I use it enough because, yes, I hoard it! But I am coming to realize I have so much stuff, including ribbon, that I am going to do my best to use it. I mean, why let it sit there?? Put it on something to make it beautiful so other's can enjoy. So that is MY challenge. Use what I have and try not to hoard anymore. Yea, I know, easier said that done. :) Okay on to my creations..

This is my Mother's Day frame:
I started with a picture frame I bought on clearance at Hobby Lobby (first time I have ever been there and I was in awww) when I was in Charlotte this past weekend. It has some cushion under the pink fabric and I thought it would hold the ribbon in place nicely. I layered the ribbon around the edges and then put it back together. I loved the green backing and though it would look very nice with the rich purple ribbon. I printed off a poem from the internet, and viola, a nice present for my mom for Mother's Day.

And here is My Ribbon Fund jar:
I knew what I wanted to do in making a jar to hold change. I started with an empty cottage cheese container but the way the sides sloped down, I had a hard time getting paper to fit just right. Then I emptied a jar of peanut butter and saw the sides were straight all the way down. I quickly cleaned it and started working on my change jar. I loved how it turned out and can't wait to fill it so I can purchase more ribbon because I love ribbon so!!

And more...These are the last...lol

2010-03-23T11:50:00.004-04:00

And more

2010-03-23T11:45:00.003-04:00

More Layouts

2010-03-23T11:41:00.001-04:00

Scrapbook pages

2010-03-23T11:26:00.004-04:00

Allen has told me since I have my own blog about my crafty items that I needed to take pictures of all my layouts and post them here so I would have them all in one place. Well I can only upload 5 pictures at a time so I will do what I can with each entry. I was showing all my layouts to a friend and I counted 33 up until this weekend when I did 8. WooHoo!! I didn't realize how many I had done so far this year. My goal is to make 100. Wish me luck! :)

Creativity and Love blogspot

2010-03-15T13:48:00.001-04:00

Check this giveaway out! She is giving away $50 in embellies. What a generous prize. And if you check out her Etsy shop, what beautiful stuff!! Have a good one!

ScrapFIT submission

2010-03-14T16:48:00.006-04:00

Over at ScrapFIT,link is the title, they are doing an AAM, All About Me, challenge that is due today, 3-14-20, at midnight. This is right up my ally since I am working on my All About Me album. This challenge is perfect!! I always my own worst critic, and there are elements I don't like about the layout, but I really like my homemade flower from Allen's dry cleaning tags. Isn't it cute? I made my own embelishment!! I pat myself on the back for that one. TeeHee Check out what I did. The first picture is small because it is a 2-pager, but you can click on it and see it much bigger. LOL

Here is what the journaling says:
7:00 – Get up from my slumber. Take my shower, get dressed, make lunches for the kids, wake them up (again and again), help them get breakfast, make sure all are dressed and book bags are by the door.
8:20-8:40 – Andrew and Emma on the bus. After they are on the bus, get Ian ready for preschool and finish up last minute chores.
9:05-9:20 – Ian to preschool. After he is dropped off, then I run errands. I drop off clothes at the cleaners, go grocery shopping at Harris Teeter, Lowe’s Foods, Aldi, or BJ’s, get the van filled with gas, go to the mall to shop at Archiver’s, go to other craft stores, go to the post office, attend a play group with Erin, or any other errand I have for that day.
11:50-12:05 – Pick up Ian from preschool. Then we go home. I will fix them lunch and while they are eating, I may check my email or check Facebook. I may even put a load of clothes in the washer. After this, I may get me something to eat. I even will play with the kids a little.
2:00ish – Lay Erin down for a nap. Play with Ian for a little while. This is more likely when I get something to eat for lunch. I may try to do a little crafting. I may even do some laundry or other housework.
4:00 – Andrew and Emma get home from school. Try to help with school work. Try to figure out what is for dinner. Crafting???
6:00-7:00 – Allen gets home and we usually have dinner. After dinner, I may help with cleaning up and getting the kids a bath. But Allen usually does this. He will even put the kids to bed. It is his time with them since he hasn’t seen them during the day.
8:30-9:00 – Kids are put to bed. After they are in bed, Allen and I will either putz on the computer, watch some TV or a movie together, I may scrapbook and he will play his hacking game.
11:00-1:00AM – I usually go to bed during this time and watch the back of my eyelids. Allen has timed me before and I can fall asleep in less than 1 ½ minutes if I am really tired.

This blog is for...

2010-03-14T16:41:00.002-04:00

all my crafting creations by either stampin' or scrappin'. I will also post items here that I have made for submissions from various crafty sites. I am new at blogging my projects so forgive me if I don't know what I am doing. Maybe I should post the items I use, that is if I have time and I actually remember where they came from or their names. LOL I hope all who see this blog enjoys what I have done. Happy crafting!!! :)