Time to Relax

It is now summer vacation and a time to relax.  It is the time to travel, catch up on reading all those books that are stacked up in the corner, going to lunch with friends, and visiting the local antique shops, and museums.  These things I do love to do.  But some of the best time of summer vacation is just sitting around with friends and relaxing.  No plans, no agenda, no work, just relaxing in the moment.

This is an A2 card.  The patterned paper is from K&Company.  The other papers used are from DCWV.  I cut the lemonade from the JUST BECAUSE CARDS cartridge.  I used yellow glitter glue on the lemon  and Stickles on the rim of the glass.  The ice cubes I created from the packaging of a Cricut cartridge.  I just cut some small pieces of the plastic and ran them through the Xyron so they would stick to the paper.  The little bee is a sticker from Jolee's Boutique.  The Adirondack chairs are cut from the LIFE'S A BEACH cartridge.  I used the EVERYDAY PAPER DOLLS cartridge to cut the sun and the grass.  I added some green Stickles tot he grass so it would not appear to be without dimension.  The sentiment "Relax" is a cut from the PAPER PUPS cartridge.  The ribbon is by the Ribbon Boutique and found at Hobby Lobby.

Well, that is it for this card.  So I am going to kick back and relax!

Challenges

Throwback Thursday  Any older cartridge with yellow and green

Chillin and Grillin   A Cricut cut and a "critter" on the card

Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge   Here Comes Summer

True Bliss!

I am so thrilled to be the guest designer for the Simply Sundays challenge at Getting Cricky. Kristal always has so much going on over on her blog.  There is always something new and inspiring.  If you have not had a chance to visit her, now is the time. The Simply Sunday challenge this week is all about Pennants and Banners.  It can be attached to a card, LO, altered project, or just by itself.  So I started thinking.

Thursday, I said goodbye to the children in my class. And Friday was our last day at my school for the staff.  The last day is so much fun because it begins with a fabulous breakfast/faculty meeting.  The meeting is really just a few announcements with a party atmosphere. After that, if all work is complete, the work day is over!!!   School is out for summer vacation and my best description is TRUE BLISS!!!  I made a banner to hang up in the bedroom so every morning when I wake up I will see it.  It says one word...bliss.

I know it is a little difficult to see, so I will show you the individual parts of the banner.  But first I want to tell you that the banner is made using the DAMASK DECOR cartridge.  The cut I used is on page 51.  I just really thought this cut was the perfect shape to use for a banner of bliss.  

All of the papers that I used to make the banner are from the Flea Market Collection by Colorbok.  I just love this collection of papers and embellishments.  They can be found at JoAnn's Fabrics.  

The cut in the center of the banner is from CINDY LOO.  It is the cut from keypad button three.

I inked around all of the paper cuts with several Colorbox chalks in shades of pink, pale green, pale blue,  tan, and metallic gold.  I just love the look this gave the paper. It helped to create a soft vintage look.

The font I used is from the ELEGANT CAKES cartridge.  This is one of my favorite fonts.  I just love the way it flows.  

The embellishments I used on the banner include Prima flowers and Dress It Up buttons from Hobby Lobby.  I also added Recollection gems of soft colors that are from Michael's.  And the sheer rose and aqua ribbon is from Joann"s Fabrics.  This is some of my favorite ribbon and it is on sale now.  

To put the banner together, I used a ribbon punch at the top of each piece to thread the ribbon for hanging.  

Yes, I think BLISS is a great description for the banner, summer vacation, and Krystal's Simply Sunday challenge at Getting Cricky.  So hop on over there for some great inspiration from the Design Team and join the challenge.  

Oh, and have a blissful summer! 

Challenge 

Paper Cutz   Banners

Whimsical Wednesday Challenge #8

This week Whimsical Wednesdays Challenge is to make a tag with bling!!  Well, I like anything with bling .  So when I found out what the challenge was, I knew I was going to love it.  Here is what I came up with.

I cut the base of the tag from the SENTIMENTALS cartridge using Recollections tan textured paper. I did this twice and glue both together for a thicker or more sturdy base.  Then I cut the same tag at a smaller size using two different patterned papers.  I cut one of those into two pieces and attached the bottom piece to the other.  I then embossed the bottom half of the tag and  attached some vintage lace to it.  

Now I also cut a round scalloped tag from the SENTIMENTALS cartridge and a small circle from GEORGE AND BASIC SHAPES.  The sentiment stamp is from Inkadinkado.  the circle was added to the scalloped tag along with a butterfly and small flowers.  Lastly I added to it the Brenda Walton "grand adhesive" sticker.  Isn't it pretty with the lady's profile and all the bling.  

Once that was done, I attached it to the larger tag and added a vintage style border, buttons from my grandmother's tin two pretty sheer ribbon bows and three sweet pink pearls.  I think this is one of my most favorite projects.  

Now, I hope you will go on over to the Whimsical Wednesdays Challenge and check out the fabulous work of  Stephanie, and the Design Team.  They are sure to please.  And most of all, please join us in this fun challenge.

WOW! What an Honor!

I am thrilled to tell you that I have been asked to be the Guest Designer this coming Sunday for the Simply Sunday Challenge at Getting Cricky with K Andrew .  The  challenge will be pennants and banners!  How fun does that sound!

Now, I am sure that most of you are familiar with the Kristal and her Getting Cricky blog.  Kristal is so much fun and offers so much information on her blog.  There is always blog candy and a  challenge going on.  There are great tutorials to help with projects.  Kristal is committed to getting people linked up.  It is a great place to visit, have fun, make new friends, and see some great projects.

So join us next week for the Simply Sunday Challenge.  I will be looking for you.

Triangles and Rectangles

The Fantabulous Cricut Card Challenge is Try This Angle.  This is a challenge to include rectangles and triangles.This is the card I made for the challenge.  

The papers I used are from the DCWV Whimsy Stack and The Paper Studio.  The triangles are cut from the TIE THE KNOT cartridge.  The bird is cut from the GIVE A HOOT cartridge. I used a EK border punch on the lower right corner triangle.  The sweet sentiment is a clear sticker from Colorbok in the Flea Market series.  The Rhinestones I got in the $1.00 bin at Michael's.  And I finished the card with some pale aqua Ric-Rac and sheer pale aqua ribbon.  I just think this is a lovely card for any occassion.   

Challenges

Fantabulous Cricut Card Challenge   Try This Angle

Tornado Information

I thought I would share some more tornado pics with you.  I know with the killing of Bin Laden and the terrible floods, national attention as been somewhat diverted away from the April 27th tornadoes.

First, I would like for you to seen the satellite  photo of the path of the Tuscaloosa AL tornado.  It is hard to believe one was big enough for a satellite in space to pick it up.  Can you believe how wide it was, especially compared to the Warrior River next to it.  The tornado was so big, it makes the river look like  stream.

Now here is a photo of the tornado in Tuscaloosa and a couple of photos of the damage, including the Hobby Lobby.

Here is the Hobby Lobby in Tuscaloosa after the tornado.

And now,  photos of the same tornado in Birmingham.

This is a view of it from where I live.  Scary!

Here is the path and aftermath. 

There are so many that continue to suffer in so many ways.  Please continue to pray for those who have lost so much.  Thank you for taking the time to read this post.  

Charlotte

A Simple Sympathy Card

This week the Whimsical Wednesday Challenge is to go "Back to Basics".  Create a project without using the Cricut.  Well, I do my Cricut and all the wonderful things I can do with it.  But, there are also many more ways to create something beautiful.

I have a friend who's dad died earlier this week.  Due to not being able to leave school to go to the funeral, I have been anxious to get her a card in the mail.  This is what I made.  And I did it without the Cricut.

I used a Martha Stewart border punch with the beige paper.  The bird border strip is from K & Company.  At the top of the card I stamped "You're in my thoughts".   This is from a Scrappy Mom's Stamps set.  This is truly a very simple card.  And yet I think it is beautiful, elegant and thoughtful.  

Challenge

Whimsical Wednesday   Back to Basics

Merci

I am so fortunate to teach such wonderful children who have such great parents.  All schools should be like  mine.  Parents expect only the best of their children and of their school.  They are so involved in our school.  The parents really do respect and love our staff and are quite generous.

Today, a little boy in my class brought me a large basket full of goodies of all kinds.  As I was looking through it, I found a card from his mom.  It was lovely with many kind words for the great year her child had had in kindergarten.  But, also in the card was a $100.00 American Express gift card.  How exciting is that.  I see some great shopping in the near future.

He brought the basket to me this week because Friday will be his last day in school.  He will be missing next week because he and his family are leaving Friday for France.  They will be there for a month.  What a great end of the school year trip!  I wanted to make a special card to say thank you for the wonderful basket of goodies and gift card.   So, here it is.

The front of the card has a french blue background that I embossed and then inked.  The Eiffel Tower was cut from the FRENCH MANOR cartridge, and the Merci was cut from the BEYOND BIRTHDAYS cartridge.  The stamp on the left says "perfect vacation" and the one on the right is a post mark from Paris.  The label at the bottom of the card is from K&Company.

The Arc de Triomphe is cut from the SUMMER IN PARIS cartridge.  The K&Company label at the top is stamped with the sentiment, "May your travels lead you to some amazing places".   I also added to the page a hot air ballon and Eiffel Tower stamp, just to create a little more interest.  The righthand side of the page has a paper border also from K&Company.  

Now I have a pretty place to write my note to such a sweet child and his great parents.  I wish them fun travels.    

Bring on the Sunshine!

I have 1 & 1/2 week of school left and before summer vacation.  Each year on the last day of school 18 of us who have taught together for years leave school and go to the beach.  It is so much fun!  We live about 4  hours away so it is not too far to go.  This has been a tradition for 22 years.  And a great tradition it is.  So I have made cards for everyone to get them in the mood.  (Not that anyone is not in the mood to be out of school and at the beach)  Here is my card.

The card base is from the WILD CARD cartridge.  I added a circle of dark aqua to the center of the card and ran a sea-foam green ribbon around the edge and tied a bow.  The sunglasses are cut from the FOREVER YOUNG cartridge  in an orange and hot pink polka dot.  I then added a couple of glittered and rhinestone flowers to the glasses to give them a little style.  The sun is cut from the CREATE A CRITTER cartridge and stamped with a Peachy Keen stamp.The papers I used for the sun are from the My Minds Eye Summer Song stack.  I cut the VW from the SUMMER VACATION cartridge. And I used papers from the My Mind's Eye Penny Lane stack.

I created the sentiment on the computer. And inked around the edges with an aqua ink pad.  It says...

Bring on the sunshine,

Bring on the sand.

Let's go to the beach,

And all get tan!

Challenges

My Sheri Crafts   Transportation Week

Bitten By the Bug2   Forever Young Sunglasses

Ruby's First Week

Ruby has been here in her forever home a week now.  We had a little scare one day last week and I took her to the vet.  She was coughing a good bit and that is about the worst thing to happen when going through heart worm treatment.  I took her to the vet on my way to school and needless to say that was a very long day for me.  I could not wait for the school day to end so I could get to the vet to check on her.  Well, the the coughing had nothing to do with the heart worms.  I got new meds for her and a new plan of care and took her home.  She seems to be doing great now.  She has a great appetite, takes her meds and seems to feel right at home.

Ruby is just the sweetest little dog I have ever known.  She is so polite, and calm.  She does not bark, even when Jack and Magnolia and barking their heads off.  She comes when she is called and has not had any potty accidents.  I still cannot understand how anyone would have mistreated her and neglected her so.  I still am so thankful and grateful to Laurie Shaw at the Jackson County SPCA. She got Ruby the best of medical treatment and took such good care of her.  I credit her with saving Ruby's life.  These couple of pictures of her are really not the best.  But that is my fault, because I woke her up to take the pictures.  She is a sleepy girl now.  

Here she is in the middle of the sofa with Jack to her right and Magnolia to her left.   So far, they are getting a long.  So after a week, I would say, all is great!  Ruby, I am so glad I found you.  You are just a doll.

Monochromatic

This week, The Shabby Tea Room has a new challenge with this lovely photo as inspiration.

The challenge is to take a neutral color from the photo and use one other color to create a project.   I chose to use cream as the neutral and gold as the color to create my card. 

The frame and butterfly were cut from the HOME ACCENTS cartridge.  I embossed the inside of the frame and the base of the card for some texture.  I added some vintage lace to the card.  I really think it gives the card a little something special.  The "dream" stamp is from Whimsy Stamps. And the flower, pearl and gold stickers, and ribbon all came from Hobby Lobby.  

The card may be a little busy and over the top, but, I am happy with the results.

Challenges

The Shabby Tea Room   Monochromatic

The Sisterhood Of Crafters   Let It Shine

Sewing With Buttons and Bows

Here is a card I made using the NIFTY FIFTIES cartridge.  I just love the sewing machine on that cartridge.

I recently got some new stamps with a sewing theme that I have been eager to use.  The stamps are from Clear Art Stamps.  This set is of stamps is just adorable, and I look forward to using all of them.

The two little buttons on the card are from my grandmother's button tin.  She kept all her buttons in a big round tin container.  I think assorted cookies may have been packaged in the tin.   The two little pearl cluster stickers I purchased at Hobby Lobby.  I feel the need to buy some more.  I also threaded the sewing machine with DMC embroidery thread.  

The butterfly, corner punch, and patterned paper are from K&Company.  The base paper and sewing machine are made with Recollections paper.  And the gold paper on the sewing machine is from AC Specialties.  The sheer rose pink ribbon is from Hobby Lobby.  

Challenges

Getting Cricky Simply Sunday Challenge    sewing theme 

The Kraft Journal  buttons and bows

More Than Favors   Anything goes

http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2011/05/blogger_baby_shower_for_tornad.html

Join the fun and help the folks in Tuscaloosa by giving a baby a needed gift.  Social media is making a difference in how we help others.  I love it!

Take Shape

The new challenge over on the Whimsical Wednesday Challenge blog this week is TAKE SHAPE.  Make a shaped card.  So I decided that I really wanted a card of a more unusual shape.  That is not a star, heart, circle etc.  So take a look at what I came up with.

I cut the wine bottle and glass from the SUMMER IN PARIS cartridge.  I really used this cartridge a good bit when I first got it.  I moved on to other cartridges as most of us do.  I am so glad that I came back to this one for this card.  It is inspiration to use it more often because the cuts are really beautiful.  I used the Gypsy to weld the front and back of the card together.  I wanted it to have a base so I cut a dollie in half and inked it with a tan ink pad.  I added the flower for dimension and color.    For the tag, I used the LACEY LABELS cartridge.  I then  used a ribbon punch on it to thread the ribbon.  

The paper I used is from K&Company.  The flower is from Recollections.  The stamp is an Inkadinkado stamp.  And the ribbon was purchased at Hobby Lobby.    

A True Friend

This card was one of the easiest projects I've done lately.

 I embossed the pink paper with a Sizzix folder in the Cuttlebug.  After the embossing, I did some inking around the edge with a color box chalk ink pad.  Then I got into my sewing stash and found the crochet ruffle trim.  So I just added it around the edges.  Then I used some pale green chalk around the edge of the card and attached the pink layer to the card.  And lastly I used some foam tape squares to attach the label to the middle of the card.  The label is from K & Company.
How easy is that for making a card!

Challenge
The Shabby Tea Room  Ruffled Up

Ruby's in the House!

Oh my,  I have prayed so hard for this little girl since the first time I saw her on the internet.  I was searching PetFinder and found her at the Jackson County SPCA which is located 2 hours from Birmingham in northeast Alabama.  I immediately emailed the shelter and inquired about her.  I had several specific questions.  I was delighted to hear that she fit the description of what I was searching for. However, they found out from the vet earlier that day that she was Heartworm positive and must be removed from the adoptable list for 6 week.  Oh, how sad I was to hear this, but I did not turn away.  She began the first treatment that day.  It would be 1 month before the next two treatments. After several emails and conversations I was told that if she survived the treatment, she would be mine!

 All was going great until April 27th when Alabama was hit with the worst day of tornadoes in its history.  They were all over the state.  As fortunately as I was to not even lose my electricity, I was so upset to hear the area where Ruby was took a bad hit from an EF4.  So last weekend, I drove to Pisgah AL where the shelter is located.  I did not know whether it would be standing or not, or the conditions of the people and animals there.  All along the way there were so many trees down and destroyed schools, bussinesses, and homes.   When I finally got there, I was pleasantly surprised, all was well.  There was no electricity, or phone service.  But there was no damage and everyone was fine!!!!  I was also so glad to see the nice shelter that Ruby was in.  Laurie Shaw is the owner. A kinder person to animals you'll never find.  The shelter is so nice with large stalls for the dogs.  All of the stalls have pet doors in the rear that lead to the large play yard.  The shelter is very clean and orderly.  All of the animals are given individual attention to meet their specific needs physically and socially.  The cats have very large cages with multiple levels and are also given time out of the cages to run around in the shelter.

Because Ruby is so small, (3 lbs) she had her own special little corner in the office.  She received so much attention there.  When Ruby landed there, her horrible days of neglect ended.

Ruby had her last two treatments for the Heart worms this past Monday and Tuesday, and all is great.  I picked Ruby up yesterday and brought her home.  We stopped by my vet to turn over her records and get her checked out.  Dr. Tucker said she seems to be doing great!  I have been given a plan to continue her treatment and to get her to eat proper food and gain weight.

WELCOME HOME RUBY!!!

A New Blog Award

I am just thrilled that two of my good friends, Glenda and Jean chose to give me this great award.  I feel honored that these two extremely talented ladies chose me for this this award.  Thanks so much!!!!  

The rules of the award are to display it proudly on your blog. Post 5 cricut related things about yourself  and pass it on to 5 others you deem cricut-tastic.

1.  I got my Cricut Expression last July, but did not use it for 1 month due to a busy schedule.

2.  My first cricut project was to cut some letters for a bulletin board at school. 

3.  I became addicted to the cricut and started this blog in September.

4.  I got a Gypsy in October for my birthday.  

5.  Black Friday I stood in line at WalMart to get a Cricut Expression for my classroom.

I am passing this on to these great Cricut-tastic folks.

     Jen at http://gator-4-life.blogspot.com/

     Lisa at http://lisa-craft-blog.blogspot.com/

     Deanne at http://deannescreativejuice.blogspot.com/

     Melanie at http://scrappymel.blogspot.com/

     Maquel at http://papermaineiac.blogspot.com/

Congratulations!!!!!

     

     

Oh so French Blue

Here is a card using my very favorite color, french blue.  This card started as an inspiration from a photo over at The Shabby TeaRoom  Isn't it just so sweet.

The challenge is to use the french blue, white, cream,kraft, tan, or brown.  Just use the photo for inspiration. i have been excited all week to make a card for this challenge.  Now, I am finally getting to do it.

This week has been so busy at school getting our Mother's Day Recipe book complete and having parent conferences.   Our class has also done a service project for displaced animals. All of the animal shelters and rescues are full of animals who have been victims of the tornadoes.  They are all in dire need of supplies.  

Now here is the card I have been so excited to do.  

The papers I used are Paper Studio, Recollections, and My Mind's Eye.  About a month ago, I was at Hobby Lobby and saw this french blue and cream, glittered, polka dot paper.  I new I had to buy it.  It just had my name written all over it!  I used the Tim Holtz distresser to distress the edges. Love it!!!  The blu ribbon was purchased the same day at Hobby Lobby as the paper.  I cut the dress form using the FRENCH MANOR cartridge.  The flowers inked around the edges with a tan ink pad and the center is a small silver brad.  

I used a white Martha Stewart border punch and some lace and buttons from my sewing stash.  The little 

blue rhinestones are from Recollections. and my stamps are from Inkadinkado.

Now, I feel as if I have finally accomplished something fun this week. 

Challenge  

The Shabby TeaRoom  Blue, White/Cream and Neutral

After the Tornadoes

I feel so lucky and blessed that my home and family were not touched by the recent tornadoes that tore threw Alabama last week.  I do know many who have lost so much and have injuries.  The amount of destruction is just beyond my imagination.  There have been bodies found in Birmingham that were from Tuscaloosa.  Tuscaloosa is 58 miles away.  There are injured babies in the Children's Hospital that were air lifted here from Tuscaloosa.  They have been assigned numbers because their names are not know and no one knows who family members are of if their families even survived.

If you are on FACEBOOK, look at the FB page Toomers for Tuscaloosa.  This is a page started by an Auburn University graduate to help the rival University of Alabama town during this crisis.  It is amazing what is being done nationwide through this page.

Here is a link about where a University student tells of what happened to him during the tornado.
http://blog.al.com/wire/2011/05/tuscaloosa_tornado_experience.html

Mother's Day Card

I've been wanting to make a card that includes the gazebo from the FRESHLY PICKED cartridge.  I thought is would be a great beginning to a Mother's Day card.

I used my Gypsy to do the welding so I could create this as a shape card.  I cut the word Mom from the STORYBOOK cartridge.  

Because this is a shape card, I wanted the inside and back to also be a part of the design and very pretty.

Here is the inside of the card.  I decided not to do a stamped sentiment because I will be writing a personal message to my mom.  

And here is the back of the card.  

My mom will love this card.  I hope you all have a very happy Mother's Day!

Challenges

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge   Include 3 Flowers

My Sheri Crafts   Mother's Day

My Craft Spot  Show Mom some Love

Die Cuttin Divas   Mother's Day

Craft Us Crazy   Moms And Flowers

The Sisterhood of Crafters   Mother's Day

Creative Sisters   May Flowers
Scrapalicious   Mother's Day