YourStory Blog Hop

Welcome to the YourStory Blog Hop!

You should've come from Andrea's blog, but if not, be sure to start at the beginning with Momo's blog.

Today's blog hop is being sponsored by Provocraft. They have generously donated a blue Cuttlebug and accessories as the Grand Prize! So be sure to stop by each blog and leave a comment.

I'm sure most of you crafters have heard about or seen the cute new machine that Provocraft released on HSN. It's a mini YourStory binding machine. It's so cute and tiny and is totally portable! You can also purchase additional binders and glue strips from HSN.

Also...

The YourStory Photo will be airing on HSN Dec 13 at 2am EST. And, it's bundled with 28 cardstock binders (in both 4x6 and 5x7 sizes), and it's super affordable at under $30!

Here is the complete line up in case you get lost along the way.

http://www.madebymomo.blogspot.com
http://www.pinkcricut.com
http://sweetsassydiva-gspot.blogspot.com
http://www.morethanfavors.blogspot.com
http://www.twoscraptasticgals.blogspot.com
www.craftingwithkatie.com
http://www.caramiller.com
www.heartinthedetails.blogspot.com
http://kathyand3kids.blogspot.com
http://www.cricutchick.blogspot.com

Here is the project that I have for you. I am making a coordinating desk set for a Christmas present, so I thought this would make a cute little notebook to go with the other pieces I've made.


I used a 4x6 binder and added sheets of paper cut at 4x6 inches. Binding is easy. You just turn on the machine (it heats up in about 2 minutes), insert your binder with pages/photos, and press the timer button. It takes just about 1 minute to melt the glue binding strip, and about 5 minutes for it to cool completely. So super simple!

I used Mini Monograms to cut the circle and scalloped circle (you can also use punches if you have them), and I used Tear Drop to cut the initial. I used the DCWV Flower Shower stack for the solid and patterned cardstocks. I added some Diamond Stickles to the letter for some extra bling and some ribbon. The cardstock binders that come with the machine have a pretty pearlescent finish that go beautifully with the glittered papers!

For my blog candy, I'll be giving away a custom mini notebook similar to this one. Just leave a comment (and become a follower if you'd like) and let me know what initial you would like on the notebook. Also, be sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner. Be sure to leave a comment by Sunday at 10pm PST. I'll use Random.org to choose the winner.

I'd like to thank Provocraft and Jinger Adams for being so generous. During the HSN launch of the mini YourStory, Jinger had a contest on Facebook and gave away some mini YourStorys to viewers who commented on something that she said she was thankfull for on air. Well, I got up at 1am to watch Jinger and leave my comment, and I was one of the lucky winners!

Thanks for stopping by!

Now hop on over to Cricut Chick and check out her project!

Thanksgiving Blessings Blog Hop WINNER!!!

Welcome Back!

I'd first like to thank everyone for participating in the Thanksgiving Blessings Blog Hop last weekend. I enjoyed reading each and every comment! Thank you for all the kind words!

A few have asked, and yes I was able to find a job. Thankfully I was only out of work for 4 1/2 months. In that time I have re-connected with my crafty side and have met lots of talented and ispirational people through Facebook and blogging!

I apologize for drawing the name and posting kinda late, but I've had to get used to going to bed early and getting up for work. But that's a good thing, right?!


Without any further waiting....

I used Random.org, Min:1 Max:95 and the winner is....

#51!

Sheree said...
I love your LO and love love love the cuts you made! I will be sure to some back and see the rest of your amazing projects...thank you for the chance to win!

Congratulations Sheree! Contact me with your address so I can get your goodies sent to you.

Thanks again everyone for stopping by, and for liking my blog enough to follow!

My Thanksgiving Blessings Blog Hop!

**EDIT**
I've added a picture of the blog candy!!!

Welcome Back!

Welcome to Kathy and Kids, your last stop on the MY THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS Blog Hop! If you've come from visiting Sandra at http://www.365daysofcricut.com/, then you're in the right place!

If you've just happened across my blog and would like to play along with our fun hop, you can go to INKING IT UP CRAZY and start at the beginning.

The theme of this blog hop is MY THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS. Each blog has created a project centered around the blessings they have had this past year. Be sure to visit each blog for inspiration and fun BLOG CANDY.

This year has been a tough year for me. If you've been following me for awhile, then you probably know that I was laid off back in June. And during my time of unemployment I have re-connected with my love of crafts. Especially scrapping and sewing! Although I no longer have my days to craft, I will be making time in evenings and weekends.

For my project, I made a 2-page layout featuring My 3 Blessings! My 3 favorite people! They have been very supprotive of Mommy being home and spending a lot of time in her craft room!

Princess Birthday

My little Princess turned 4 on 11/1 and we are having her birthday party this weekend. And the theme... of course is Princesses and Pink (I added some lavendar to compliment the pink, which the Princess approved)!

So far I've got the invitations and the banner finished. I got the idea for the invitations from Rea Rocerno-Francisco of QooLayFul iNviteS. She makes the cutest invitations and party favors. And she was sweet enough to share how she made her invitation so that I could make something similar.

Here is the invitation:

Details:
Sweet Treats cartridge (I hid some of the cuts on the base layer using DS)
Core'dinations cardstock
Core'dinations glitter cardstock
large sticky jewels
the party details are written on the back

Here is the banner that I made.




Details:
Sweet Treats and Once Upon A Princess cartridges
Core'dinations cardstock
silver cardstock for tiaras
patterned paper from my stash
pink shimmer tulle for skirt overlays
tiny fabric flowers
i-Rock gems on flowers and tiaras
Peachy Keen Princess faces (Love these!)
white gel pen for eyes
pink shimmer chalk for cheeks
ribbon (used hot glue to glue bows to hands)
large sticky jewels
lavendar Stickles on the edges of the letters

I got some table decorations, the cake and cupcakes, and treat favors to work on. I'll post pics when those projects are finished.

Thanks for stopping by!

Non-Traditional Christmas Card

Welcome Back!

I've been pretty busy sewing Halloween costumes, making hair bows, and playing with my i-Top (which I love!).

Here is a Christmas card I made using non-traditional colors; hot pink, green, and blue. I chose the patterned paper first and then it went from there.


Here is a close up to show some of the detail.


Details:
5"x5" card base
DCWV Christmas stack (not sure what year, but it's not 2010) - cardstock and patterned paper. Pink dots paper is from my stash; not sure where it's from.
Create-A-Critter - bird cut at 1 3/4 inches
Spots and Dots and Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folders
ribbon from Michael's
Pink By Design "Christmas Wishes" stamp set for the sentiment
Peachy Keen Stamps Critter Faces
white gel pen
Martha Stewart edge punch (not sure of the name since I threw away all the packages)
i-Rock gems

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
More Than Favors Wacky Wednessday Challenge - Anything goes
Made By Momo Tuesday Challenge - Embossing
Fantabulous Cricut ChallengeChallenge Me Monday #35 - Green and Circles
Cricut Cardz Challenge #49 - Christmas card with "S" (spots)
Peachy Keen Stamps Challenge #40 - sketch

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy 4th Birthday to my Princess!!!

Hi!

I'd like to share a picture of the Birthday cake I made for my little Princess who turned 4 today. I haven't quite mastered my Cricut Cake, so I used my regular Cricut to make the paper cake decorations. I used Sweet Treats for the 4 and Once Upon A Princess for the Happy Birthday. I taped them to toothpicks and just stuck them in the cake.

My princess was born 4 years ago at only 34 weeks gestation. I had gone into pre-term labor at 5 months and was put on bed rest. I spent the remainder of my pregnancy laying down in a hospital bed. She was born via a scheduled c-section at 34 weeks (when my doctor had determined that her lungs were well developed)and weighed 4lbs 12oz.

She is quite the little Princess and loves everything Pink! Happy Birthday Baby!!!

We will be having a big party in a couple of weeks with family and friends, and I hope to make a cake using my Cricut Cake. Wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by!

When Life Gives You Lemons...

Hello again!

This card I made for the Wacky Wednessday Challenge #12 over at More Than Favors. The challenge is a Fruit and Veggie theme. I liked this one because it has nothing to do with the Holidays, and I got to use my Preserves cartridge (it's one of those "I gotta have, but haven't used much" cartridges). I also organized my clear stamps this week into CD cases so I can see (and use) what I have. When I came across the lemonade sentiment, I knew what kind of card I was making.



Details:
Preserves cartridge - lemon cut at 2 1/2 inches
patterned and blue cardstock - DCWV Citrus stack (Love DCWV!!!)
cardstock, ribbon - stash
Cuttlebug folder - Tiny Bubbles
i-Rock and colored gems
sentiment - $1 clear stamp

Thanks for stopping by!

Breast Cancer Awareness/Girl Power Blog Hop Winner!

Thank you to everyone for stopping by my blog and leaving such sweet comments! I read each and every one! (I've also made a list of blogs to visit!)

And thank you for chosing to follow my blog! I don't have any scrappin friends that live close, and the kids don't really admire my work like all of my new friends! So thank you again for all the kind words!

Now, onto the winner...


I used Random.org and it chose...


#116

pennykitz said...
Your book is wonderful, I am wanting to make a book for my grandson like that. So thank you for such good details. Thank you for sharing, and for the chance to win blog candy.


Congratulations!!! Send me your information so I can get your goodies in the mail to you. Also, let me know if you'd like the fabric flower to be a hair clip or a pin. I also have your email address, so I'll be contacting you soon.


Don't forget, since I reached (and exceeded) my goal of 100 followers, I've got some blog candy to give away! Give me a couple of days to put together some goodies and I'll post it.

Thanks for stopping by and see ya soon!

Count Your Blessings Mini Album

Welcome back!

I'd first like to say "Thank You" to everyone for stopping by for the Breast Cancer/Girl Power Blog Hop. And thank you for liking my blog so much to want to follow me!

I will announce the winner of my prize in the next post. And, as promised, I will have some blog candy for reaching (and exceding) 100 followers! So be sure to come back!

Now on to my project...

I've seen a few mini albums made using empty toilet paper rolls so I decided to try and make one.

I plan to use this album to hold some pictures of my kids from the pumpkin patch. I left the tags blank to hold a picture and some journaling. I am going to have each of my kids write what they are thankfull for on a tag. Times are tough and I'm still job hunting, but I have so much to be thankfull for... 3 amazing and healthy kids!

Here are the details and more pictures:

I started with 5 empty toilet paper rolls. I flattened them out and inked the edges with brown ink. You can use as many rolls as you like.

Cut 8 pieces of card stock (DCWV Autumn Splendor Stack), at 2 5/8" x 4 1/8" and glued to each side of the rolls. At this point I used my Cropodile as a weight to flattened all the rolls over night (some heavy books would also work). You can also use patterned paper and wrap it around the flattened roll.

Cut tags at 2 3/8" x 3 3/4" out of kraft cardstock, and rounded 2 corners, and inked the edges.

Cut paper (DCWV The Stack 4) 1/4" smaller (I like the "mat" look) and glued to each side of tags. Glue little pieces of ribbon under the paper to the rounded ends of the tags. This gives you something to pull the tag out with.

Here are the rest of the pages:






Cut-outs and details:
Thanksgiving and Create-A-Critter cartridges
Pink By Design "Bountiful Blessings" stamp set
Peachy Keen Critter Faces stamps
Imaginisce Bitty and Itty Bitty flowers
pumpkin brad
adhesive gems
white gel pen and brown glitter gel pen
Cropodile to punch the holes
1" rings
ribbons

This took a little bit of time to make, but I'm really happy with the end result. Now I've got to get everyone to save the empty rolls so I can make some more.

I'll be entering this project in some challenges:
Inking It Up Crazy - Fall project, except a card or layout
Paper Play Time - Challenge #21, Project with pumpkins or spiders somewhere on it
Fantabulous Cricut Challenge - Challenge #32 is to have leaves on your project.

Thanks for stopping by!

Holiday Cheer

Welcome back!

If you're looking for the Breast Cancer and Girl Power Blog Hop, click here.

I'm a little Halloweened out with cards so I decided to make a Christmas one and enter some challenges.

My Creative Time Throwback Thursday - Challenge is to use Everyday Paper Dolls and create an animal themed project.

Cricut Cardz Challenge - Anything Goes

More Than Favors - Anything Christmas

Here it is...

Details:
Everday Paper Dolls - puppy cut at 3", inked edges with brown chalk ink, and detail with brown pen
Paper Doll Dress Up - Santa hat cut at 1 1/2", detail with white gel pen
patterned paper - DCWV Christmas Stack (not this years)
PeachyKeen Stamps - Critter Faces for the puppy's face (removed cuts with Design Studio)
Pink By Design stamps - sentiment
ribbon - Michael's
i-Rock

I'm in the Christmas card mood! Now I need to check Joann's for the new DCWV Christmas stacks!

Thanks for stopping by!

Breast Cancer Awareness/Girl Power Blog Hop

Thank you for joining us and celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness and Girl Power! This is your last stop on the hop and you should've gotten here from Crafting Flamingo. If not, head on over to dsjmdesigns and start from the begining. There are so many talented bloggers that you won't want to miss one!

I'd first like to thank Shana for inviting me to take part in this hop. I feel honored to be among so much talent!

My blog and project today will be dedicated to a friend of mine who just finished her treatment a week ago. She has put together a team "A Pink Moose" to participate in a Susan G Komen Race for the Cure here in town. My kids and I will be supporting her for this walk.

I made this "Strength" word book for her to scrap some photos and journal some memories from the walk. It's my first word book and I used Design Studio for the welding. (It's a little hard to tell what the word is because of the number of letters and I only have a Create, so I was limited on space)

Here are some pictures:
(Warning: There are quite a few pictures because I wanted to share each page with you. I hope you don't mind.)

I used cereal boxes, soda boxes, and cookie boxes for the chipboard. I added lots of pink bling to the pages (I hope it's not too much). I left off the photo mats because I don't want her to be limited to the number and size of pictures. I have extra papers that we can add later if she wants.









Details:
Don Juan for the letters (height is 5 inches)
Animal Kingdom for the moose
Forever Young for the "gorgeous" and "fabulous" words
Storybook for the butterfly swirls and sentiment frames
Martha Stewart butterfly punch
Bazzill cardstock
patterned papers from Recollections, Making Memories, and Heidi Grace
sticky gems and pearls
i-rock gems
ribbon from Michael's
pink Stickles
sentiments from Inkadinkado (heat embossed with silver powder)
Cropodile used to punch the holes

Here are pictures of what I'm offering:
Some pink flowers and bling, a clear stamp, and a hand made fabric flower hair clip/pin.


The winner will be able to choose if you'd like the flower to be a hair clip or a pin. (I have more flower hair clips in my etsy shop if you're interested.)


We also have a sponsor for this fabulous Blog Hop

Oh My Crafts!
They are donating 5 $5.00 gift certificates and 5 2x2 pink ribbon die cuts for your cuttlebug/bigshoot!

To enter just leave me a comment and follow if you'd like. (I'll have some blog candy once I reach 100 followers!) Don't forget to leave a way for me to get ahold of you. The hop ends on Sunday October 17, 2010 at 11:30PM. I'll post the winner of my prize on Monday the 18th. The winner will have 1 week to respond or I will need to pick someone else.

Here is the list of blogs in case you missed one:
dsjmdesigns

pinkcricut

cricutchick

madebymomo

janjasblog

emilymyer

craftjunkietoo

cricutmatriarch

craftingflamingo

kathyand3kids (me)

Thanks for stopping by and making it through my long post!

Kona Kid Krafters Challenge #9

I found this great site through a couple of blogs that I follow. Kona Kids Krafter's is a blog where children can share their creative side. This week they are having Challenge #9 - Halloween or Harvest.

My 3 (almost 4) year old loves to sit in my chair and make cards. I have to make sure that my "good" papers are out of reach because she love to cut and glue anything she can get her hands on!

I was in the middle of making "Pink" things on my table when she took over!

Here is what she made.

The cat is walking on top of the Halloween candy cane fence at night. And the cat is carrying her candy on her back from trick-or-treating. I love her explanation of the story!

She picked out the background paper from my Halloween stash and she used some Halloween foam shapes to create the picture on the front. She even added pink sticky jewels for the eyes and a "diamond" for the nose. I picked up a big tub of different shapes at Michael's for only $5. She is having a blast making cards with them!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wacky Wednesday Challenge #10

I decided to enter the Wacky Wednesday Challenge #10 at More Than Favors. This challenge was to create something having a critter on it.

I am working on finishing up a baby album for a good friend of mine. Here is the front page and one of the 2-page layouts from the inside. I decided not to add photo mats so that my friend can put any size photos she wants on the pages. I will be sending the remaining pages from the paper stack I used so that she can cut her own mats if she wants.
Front page:

Mommy and Me pages:


I am putting the finishing touches on this album and will share more when I am finished. I don't want to give too much away just in case she is stalking me. (I don't think she is, but you never know.)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Today is 10-10-10 and my Mom's birthday! What a cool date!

Here is a card that I made to go along with her present. I'll be taking them to the post office this week. She already knows what her gift is because I had to make sure she didn't buy it after I had found it fo her. We shop at the same stores and tend to buy the same things. I guess I got it from her!


This is the inside of the card.

Details:
If you've been following me for awhile, you've probably seen me make this similar card before. I can't help it, I love Sweet Treats and I love how versitile this card has been for me.
Sweet Treats for the cake stand cut at 1 3/4 inches
Sweet Treats for the cake cut at 3 1/2 inches using blackout feature
Only cut out the frosting layer for the cake
Cardstock and paper are from my stash (I can't remember who exactly)
The sentiment on fron is from My Pink Stamper
Flowers are Prima with i-Rock gems in the center
Inside sentiment is Inkadinkado
Ribbon is from Michael's

Can you tell my Mom likes purple? I had the tiny Prima flowers that I wanted to use and that is where I started. I love how it came together!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cricut Me That Challenge - Hallween card

The challenge over at Cricut Me That is to make a Halloween item.

I found these blank shaped cards at Michael's a while back and wanted to use them to make Halloween cards. No Cricut needed!

Details:
I added black cardstock to the inside.
The spider webs are a D.O.T.S. stamp that I embossed in black.
I inked the edges with black chalk ink.
The sentiment is from the $1 bin at Joanns and is embossed with black. I added some Martha Stewart Glow in the Dark glitter to the inside. The glitter is pretty cool and really glows!
The spider is from a pack of confetti and I added a red stick-on gem to it's back to make it a black widow.

I had fun making this and it reminded me of how I used to make cards way before the Cricut.

Thanks for stopping by!