tag your it...

After a mean game of Guess Who and Diego 123 it was time to tinker with tags. Again...my scrap bins are overflowing with bits and pieces of colorful paper, but I never seem to make even a small dent in using it up. So I work away...try new techniques and hope that someday I can go from two bins down to one.
I recently came across a product in my craft room that hadn't been used in quite some time...it must have been calling out to me. With my new love for wrinkle ribbon (Prairie Bird Boutique) and my lasting obsession for anything felt I created these blooms. To find out how I made these, and the felt center of the flowers in the above tag, swing back by next week as I show you step by step. Simple and the end result is beautiful!

Only three more days for the Paper Garden Projects fun summer challenge...hurry! I know you have something to share. Would love to see more of your creations. You could be the lucky winner of an adorable stamp. Don't miss out!

I don't get it...how is it that I continue to clean, play a little on the side, and the house at the end of the day is a disaster. Really...when did this happen? Off to do the dreaded task of cleaning...again!

Have a super fantastic day and don't forget about the Paper Garden Project challenge.

Andrea

a little sweet tooth satisfied...

As I was working on a project for the Thursday challenge over on MelJen's Designs it was difficult not to make more...so I did and just wanted to share with you what satisfied my sweet tooth for today.

Using cupcake mouse, papers from Couture Cardstock, webster's pages (Paper Garden Projects), october afternoon, bazzill basics, my mind's eye, ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique. Using strings of hearts, october afternoon from Paper Garden Projects, my mind's eye, ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique.
Using strawbeary fairy, paper from Couture Cardstock, october afternoon (Paper Garden Projects), ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique.

The last week in June and so much to take in, chores to get done, and fun to be had! Wishing everyone a wonderful Monday and I will be back on Wednesday.

Andrea

friends...

365 Cards Sunday challenge featuring images from Diggy Kitty.

Additional Supplies include Couture Cardstock and Nikki Sivils sentiment (Ellie's Day Out).

Whether I have known you since I was five or we just met and hit it off, friendships are an essential part of my life. There are a few friends who are like my other half...sharing intimate details about struggles and successes and regardless of the cards dealt in life never leave each others side. Some friends come in and out quickly, but leave behind a sweet memory that is tucked away and cherished for a lifetime. And there are those who come and go over the years and no matter how much time passes I seem to always rediscover that same connection we once shared. As time seems to move along so quickly I am truly thankful for the all the friends that I have made along the way.

Thank you to my friends who have shared so many stories with me and have allowed me to share mine. Until next week!

Andrea

double take...

I have had a lot of fun over the past two weeks using amazing products from Prairie Bird Boutique and would love to share more! There are just so many colors to choose from and this week I had to get my hands on a few more. Here is one of the items purchased...

Not Quite White bundle, and now that my collection is almost complete I decided to get to work. I wanted to show how I could use the ribbon for both a soft pastel and brightly colored card. And the result...On the card above I also used Vintage Ribbon from her shop. It is a perfect item for a card. Easy to work with, bends and folds as needed, and loved the fabric touch.

The ribbon used above on the hello card comes from her Dozen Roses bundle. Absolutely stunning, rich in color and really goes with any style.

I was in a felt kind of mood yesterday as well and decided to work off the pincushion design I had done previously with the little bud and wooden base. I cut, twisted, sewed and out of all that work came this...

The day is almost half over and I sit here doing much of nothing. Thankfully we will be spending our evening with great friends and back to a quiet house to spend time with my Etsy family! I will be posting a few goodies tonight and here is a peek at one of my new felt flower sets...

Hope you are enjoying your last weekend in June (can you believe it is almost July?). I will see you tomorrow for the Sunday 365 Cards Challenge! Also, don't forget to play along with the Paper Garden Projects challenge to enter in a chance to win an adorable stamp!

Andrea

garden walk time...

Oh how I love these walks...and hope you do as well. So here we go, play along, and enjoy.

Its another 4th Friday - so time for another challenge!

This month, we want to see projects that make us feel cooler. Whether that is cool colors (like blue and green), or cool images (like swimming, ice cream or even snowmen). Anything you think is cool goes.

Just add a link to your card using the cute froggy face on the PGP blog. One random winner will be chosen to receive this new, very cool Kraftin Kimmie stamp - Tubing Miles. Cute little fella huh?

As I worked to make something cool, the pastels and soft colors in my paper bin called to me and away I went.

Supplies used: 3" clear square box, Websters Papes Collection paper pads, Fiskars All Around Quotes stamp set, October Afternoon Thrift Shop paper pad, Kaisercraft adhesive pearls, and ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique.

Really hope you are all keeping cool this summer. I just have to say...thank goodness for air conditioning and sprinklers (yes, we do it the old fashion way here...why not right?).

Have an amazing Friday and I will see you back here on Saturday!

Andrea

a happy heart...

My children's laughter fills my heart with joy! I got the pleasure of lying down with my littlest man yesterday, to bring him from grumpy to smiling again. His favorite thing to do that gets him there quickly...wet willies. He isn't too sneaky about it, which is the funniest part. As his finger is in his mouth he asks me to close my eyes. It is a site to see and then begins this rolling laughter that echoes through the house. So after spending some much needed time with him, away from all of the outside noise and chaos, the smile that seemed to be lost midmorning had returned. This moment was a reminder that in two months I won't be getting time like this every day as he heads off to school in the fall. So for now...I sneak away with him to a quiet place to get a few wet willies, tickles, and goofy faces from him and just watch his little face light up.

Tomorrow is the Paper Garden Projects challenge and there are so many beautiful projects to be shared! Hope you can find a moment to stop by and participate. Also, I have been working on a few new felt and paper embellishments that will be in my shop tomorrow evening and over the weekend.

Enjoy your day and see you soon!

Andrea

use them scraps...

I experienced a creative block yesterday when trying to figure out what my next project would be. The chaos in my home was reaching a high for the day and there I was...standing in my craft room taking pictures of my contained mess. Scrap paper, ribbon, felt, buttons, this and thats. Here is what it came down to...Color, and lots of it. How do you pull inspiration from this...you may ask? While watching my favorite show last night (Deadliest Catch...strange, but true) I sat on the living room floor with these all around me and I just began to pull a little from each.
Mixing and matching is fun, challenging at times, but in the end it seems to all make sense. It is a great way of find scraps of paper and ribbon that you may have forgotten about. Have you visited your scrap bins lately?

Recently the Couture Cardstock design team had the opportunity to work with Cosmo Cricket collections and wanted to share with you a gift box of cards created for the occasion.

To see projects using Cosmo Cricket and Couture Cardstock hop on over to the blog.

Back to work for me as I keep at the scrap bins. Ready for a little quiet time, but the day has only just begun.

Have a splendid day and hope you find a little "U" time today!

Andrea

being a little shabby never hurts...

I love the words shabby chic. It must fit in a category such as modern, traditional, and everything in between...pretty much describing every section of a furniture store. In the paper crafting world it may be the mix of colors, addition of lace and ribbon, and just a little dust of glitter added to make it sweet and look as if it has been around for generations. All I really know is that it calms me...puts me in a trance and allows my mind to wander.
As I dive into challenges and requests I am finding that on those days when I need relaxing the most these soft colors do the trick. Although these papers on the ones currently settled on the top of my scrap bins, which means first pick when creating, I am still digging once and awhile for that perfect little piece. Sometimes that means an inch of pastel is all I need.
Hope this show and tell for today was relaxing for you as well. This mini card above is part of a challenge project coming up on Friday for Paper Garden Projects. I will return again tomorrow to bring you a project from Couture Cardstock, Nikki Sivils, and maybe something bright and full of color!

Go and scrap your style...enjoy!

Andrea

sending hugs...

As a new design team member for Mission To Create I dove right in and took on challenge 19 with a smile.

Here was the challenge:

Design a card that: uses the word "HUG" in the title, bling, die cuts, embossed paper, and two different types of ribbon.

From that came this...

Hop on over to enter the challenge and possibly win a Nikki Sivils prize pack! Now to get ready for the next challenge.

Make sure you...

1. Hop on over to Mission to Create to enter the challenge.

2. Enter in the Paper Garden Projects challenge. (post below)

3. Enter my giveaway. (post below)

4. HAVE A GREAT DAY!

See you tomorrow as I bring you a few more new projects that I have been working on. The little houses are in the process of being constructed and can't wait to share.

Andrea

a little drizzle outside...

First things first, wishing my dad and husband a very happy Father's Day. The little ones have been busy in the kitchen already baking cookies...which I am sure they are enjoying more for themselves, but who wouldn't...and getting things ready to spend the day celebrating their daddy. As my daddy is so far away today, I am sending lots of love. I hope all of you are enjoying your day and celebrating those special men in your lives!

So on with the challenge...

Here in Florida, this time of year, we get a daily dose of thunderstorms and this past week is no exception. Usually we make ourselves busy with toys, games, cleaning (never short on that) and pulling up a blanket and squeezing together on the couch...but, after two weeks at home now for the summer it is time to break out of here. That is where my Sunday card for 365 Cards challenge comes into play.

This frog is so stinkin' cute and we were lucky enough to work with it this week provided by Lia Stampz. Other supplies used include blending paper from Couture Cardstock.

Don't forget about...

** Summer Garden Walk from Paper Garden Projects (down below and the PGP blog) **

** Giveaway (below) **

Thank you for joining me today, hope you are getting a little sunshine...but if you aren't hope you can be as happy and stylish as this frog is singing in the rain!

Andrea

summer VACATION garden walk...

Welcome to the Paper Garden Projects Summer Stroll Garden Walk
Take a stroll through the blogs of the Paper Gardeners and enjoy some friendly inspiration. This month we are focusing on some big summer fun.

While you visit, subscribe to each Gardener's blog and take note of each designer's name and their special summery garden walk word in their blog post. Once you finish your garden tour, send an E-mail to custserv@papergardenprojects.com with the list of designers and their garden walk word.

Everyone who sends the correct list of designers and words will be entered in a random drawing to win a prize. You need to send an e-mail to the address above; please don't leave your list as a comment. You have until midnight (EST) on Tuesday, June 22 to send your list.

And the prize? How about this fun summer unmounted stamp set from Kraftin Kimmie - Mae (love that hat!).

Here is my project to share as we take a walk in the garden...
I love working with altered art pieces and this one was not exception. Supplies used: long french plaque from Kaisercraft, cover-a-card stamp, October Afternoon paper pack, ornate flower clear stamps from the Paper Studio, and all around quotes from Fiskars.

So enjoy the garden tour (don't forget your sunscreen). Here is the garden tour guide list:

Cathy
Amber
Tangii
Erin
Andrea - VACATION is my word and you are here :)
Alyssa

Andrea

P.S: Don't forget to scroll down to the previous post for a GIVEAWAY. Good luck with the challenge and giveaway. Enjoy your weekend and see you back here tomorrow!

a bundle of joy...

Good morning, afternoon, and evening to you all. Bringing you a special post on two shops on Etsy that I am crazy for today. I have fallen for wrinkle ribbon and as soon as I receive it...I use it! So I wanted to explore the Etsy world and find a shop that has more variety at a great price. After a quick search I came across this shop...Prairie Bird Boutique. Oh the colors bundles they have are beautiful and how can you not just fall in love.

This images are pulled right from the shop and if you visit it you will find that there are many more color bundles waiting for you. So of course I had to have some and when I the mailman came to our box the other day I rushed out to greet him to find this...

So of couse, I had to get to work and use it. The ribbon, little flowers, and craft paper with stamped writing all came from the bundles.

Before I go...my friend at Maple Sugar Lane is selling a few new items that are a must see. She has also given me permission to giveaway another adorable headband. All you have to do is leave a comment here by the 22nd and I will choose a winner at random.
Enjoy your evening and see you back here on Sunday!

Andrea

PS: Thank you EVERYONE for your Etsy support. I just reached 6000 sales and couldn't have done it without you all. I have loved creating and sharing with everyone and hope to continue!

two scoops please...

A double dose of sweetness today as MelJen's Designs release a few new images that are simply adorable! When I print out my images I find that sometimes I have a few left over and just now getting around to using these little bits and pieces. This mini card was made using the pansies image, which is probably still my favorite so far.
Enjoy the challenge and all of the amazing inspiration.

Tomorrow is a special post featuring two shops on Etsy that I LOVE and another GIVEAWAY. Here is a sneak peak...

See you back here tomorrow and the little houses have arrived! Now to get decorating. Just a reminder that I will be listing new items on Etsy tonight if you wanted to stop back by.

Hope you have many happy moments today!

Andrea

let's merge...

Bringing you another cupcake card today and using a little of MelJen's Designs, Couture Cardstock and Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker products. Just a tad of each...

Supplies used include: cupcake image, Couture Cardstock sugar cookie dough cardstock, and my sweet cherry pie paper from Nikki Sivils.

Off to get ready for a few upcoming challenges. Check back tomorrow for the MelJen's Designs challenge as there are more sweet treats to come!

Craft away my friends!

Andrea

something sweet...

If I could have a cupcake everyday...ohhh, wouldn't that be heaven. I have a sweet tooth, as I mentioned before, and trying to cut back as my son mentioned the other day that I have to have sugar everyday and it is just too much. Six years old and he is watching what I eat. So as I struggle to break away from the oh so wonderful ingredient sugar why not take it to the paper and create something just as sweet and fun.

If you haven't already hopped on over to MelJen's Designs blog on Mondays...don't hesitate and go enjoy the freebies. I came across this image the other day and shocked that I hadn't used it...so here it is.
That fulfilled my appetite for about an hour...but make sure to pop back in on Thursday for the challenge for MelJen's Designs and much more sweetness to be had.

Well, off to get something else besides crafting finished today. Hope the skies are blue where you are today...a little rumble here and there today as it may finally rain.

Andrea

think happy thoughts...

Just popping by today to bring you a single tag that I put together this morning. Similar to ones I had made recently, but mixing it up a bit each time. I have been finding small pieces of fabric here and there in my craft room and adding it to projects. I just love the way it looks. Each time different, but beautiful. Now off to make two more. I am trying to stay away from crafting a little during the summer, but the ideas keep coming and I just can't stay away. Do you ever feel this way?

Sending many happy thoughts your way today!

Andrea