takin' a moment...

Gasp...sigh...AHHH... a little bit of everything today, but I am here and ready to share! With the hustle and bustle of school, family visits and just trying to keep up the motivation throughout the day I am finding it difficult to sit down and pull out the crafts...but it finally happened. I am excited about everything to come over the next few weeks and hope I have many fun things to share with you.
This weeks mission over at the Mission To Create blog we were given our new list of concepts and boy did the card creations turn out amazing. I was able to complete all five concepts and hope you can take a moment to pop on over, complete the mission and enter to win a prize.

This card was created using Whimsie Doodle digis and quite the variety. The flowers are from yummy doodles set and the leaves and sentiment from sentiment edibles.

My final project to share today was made using a variety of supplies from Paper Garden Projects for the Fourth Friday Challenge...Falling for You! Enter by adding your project to the PGP blog by Saturday for a chance to win an adorable stamp. Some of the supplies used: festive fall wreath clear stamp set, kaisercraft adhesive pearls, websters pages paper, october afternoon paper, wood grain background stamp, from the garden clear stamp set and Prairie Bird Boutique ribbon. This project was fun and I was able to do something slightly different with my orange felt in stamping and using an orange marker to bring a little character to the whole project.

Hope you are enjoying your week wherever you may be today! Putting together my next giveaway for Friday so please check back when you get a moment for your chance to win!

Andrea

independent...

We've completed our first week of preschool here and it had its ups and downs. The first day went well...him in his new clothes, put on his oversized backpack and strutted in the classroom as if he had done this a hundred times. I knew that at any moment, if I saw a hint of doubt in his eyes, I would have lost it. At pick up time he was all smiles and full of special events to share...which quickly followed with a cat nap in the car on the way to pick up big brother. Then came the second day...a struggle from the get go. He clung to my leg, neck and anything he could get his hands on. The tears began to run down his little cheeks and he kept repeating that he didn't want me to leave him. The teacher came over, took him by the hand and reassured me that he would be ok. As I walked down the short hall way I heard it...the cry quickly increased in intensity and would just have to continue out the door and hope for the best. So slightly worried today I proceeded with caution, but no need to worry after all...he had a terrific day with plenty of stories to share.

So as I take a moment to reflect on our week so far, I bring you today's MelJen's Designs challenge and celebrate my little boys' first week!

This second card is using the recently released image, lovely little apron. I used the pocket as a little tag holder.Perfect little project for using all of those extra ribbons and trims!

Back to work on cleaning and sitting down to listen to my little first grader read another fun book...a part of my day I look forward to each day!

Have a fabulous day my friends and see you back here tomorrow for another fun project from Paper Garden Projects!

Andrea

I have a coupon for that...

Clipping...printing...stashing...I have become a fan of the coupon. There is something incredibly thrilling about getting free food and household items. Not sure I can maintain this excitement and energy for too long...before you know it I will have that supply closet full which is not like us. We typically are a family who makes a purchase when it is needed, but now I realize...have I been doing it all wrong :) Maybe it is me filling my time when the kids are off to school. I look at my youngest and think...OH MY GOODNESS the day has come and I am starting to believe I am the one that is not ready rather than him. Now is when my visits to the gym, volunteering and visiting with my other mommy friends who are going through the same thing this year kicks in full speed.

So as I spend every minute adopting this new schedule and life I have only a few moments in a week when I can sit in my craft space and create. Today I bring you the following to catch up a little...

Last Thursday was the MelJen's Designs challenge in which I somehow forgot to include in my post. This card uses the back to school badge. Today is the 365 Cards Sketchy Sunday Challenge and this week's images are from KLM Designs.

To finish off this post for today...a Festival Garden Walk from Paper Garden Projects!

Welcome to the Paper Garden Projects Festive Fall Garden Walk

Take a stroll through the blogs of all the Paper Gardeners and enjoy some friendly inspiration. This month we are focusing on Fall and Back-to-School projects.

While you visit, take note of each designer's name and their special 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 Wednesday, August 25 to send your list. And the prize? We may be celebrating Fall, but summer is not quite over yet. So how about not one but 2 cute summer Kraftin Kimmie unmounted stamps!

So enjoy the garden tour. Here is the garden tour guide list:

Cathy
Amber
Tangii
Tricia
Linda
Andrea (You are here) - CIDER
Alyssa

And here are my projects...Supplies used: wood grain cover a card background stamp, websters pages paper, Kaisercraft adhesive pearls, stamps from Whimsie Doodles, festive fall wreath clear stamps, 1" thick clear card box, sweet chips little folding house and my favorite wrinkle ribbon from PrairieBirdBoutique. All of these items can be found at Paper Garden Projects..except the ribbon!

Ok...now that my blog seems a little scattered today I am off to finish school shopping and prepare to give a few haircuts. Have a fabulous week and I will be back in a few days. This weeks giveaway will begin on Tuesday!

Andrea

its been awhile...

As I step away from the crafting a bit I realize I may have gotten a little lost along the way. After four years of running my little shop I have taken a moment to relax again...enjoy the silly little boys who fill my days with laughter and know what direction my life needs to take at this moment. With only one week until both are off to school I am taking it all in...listening, laughing and just being goofy.

So before we head off for a week of last minute summer fun...just a few cards to share.
This card was created for the new release from Some Odd Girl. The new images are incredibly adorable. Today is another super fun mission from Mission To Create. This week I was able to use four of the five concepts...didn't have a photo strip...and absolutely loved the color inspiration.
Being that it is Sunday...365 Cards challenge today features Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps. Fun, fresh and perfect for summer!

Keeping this short as I am off to tuck in the boys for the night. Before I go...the winners of the two giveaways from the post below are....Cinthia L. (magazine and tag) and Lynette (Nikki Sivils gift set). Contact me at andreascreativepapertrail@hotmail.com and I will send these off to you!

Andrea

just a peek...

Oh how I love today...so many things to share...a little peek, a special giveaway and just something I whipped up for fun! First, on Thursday come play with the Odd Girls for the big release day over at Some Odd Girl and see all of the amazing projects, adorable new digis and join in all of the fun challenges! Here is a little sneak peek...


Today I also bring you a little 3 pocket caddy from Creations by AR which I made just for because...
I filled it with little lined and stamped tags, but what you can tuck away in each pocket is endless. Perfect for party favors, gift bag or just a little desk caddy for your most special supplies. I also used Prairie Bird Boutique wrinkle ribbon and fabric ribbon, hand cut and quilted a fabric/felt heart which is top off with this adorable vintage safety pin my mother had sent to me.

Now we come to the giveaway... As many of you may know I have been published in several Simply Handmade issues this year and am so honored to be published amongst so many talented individuals. When I saw the April/May issue online I was more than excited...I had made the cover (well my project had).

Giveaway #1:

Giveaway #2:

So all you have to do is leave a comment here by Saturday and I will pick one winner for each!

Thank you for allowing me to share, good luck and see you back here on Thursday!

Andrea

it's today...

Oh my goodness...already a few minor bumps in the road this morning, but so much to share. Not only is today the 365 Cards Sunday challenge, but a special blog post for Nikki Sivils and...announce the winner of the ribbon bundle. This weeks images for the challenge is brought to you by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.

Today was also my turn posting my Nikki Sivils projects for the month on her blog and loved working with one of her new lines...My Friend Birdie!

Before I go, the winner of the ribbon bundle was....Garrett Family! Congratulations and look forward to sending these out soon!

Tomorrow will be another card giveaway here and hope you can visit me again to enter for your chance to win!

Have a fabulous day and enjoy!

Andrea

summer...

How I will miss these summer days. Sleeping in, staying in pjs until the late afternoon and hanging around the house in a relaxed daze. In just a couple of weeks things will be back to chaotic and my little ones will be off to school. After our lunch box purchases yesterday it hit me that I will be packing two lunches, getting two up and out of bed and making sure we are all out the door in time. Still a long list of supplies to get, new shoes and clothes and many more happy summer memories to be had.

So as we end our week here and I prepare to go closet hunting today for outgrown and old clothes...time to take a moment and share today's release from Whimsie Doodles.

These images come from the new set...Punny Enough.

Be sure to stop by the Doodlelicious Divas' blogs today to see the glorious creations they have made using the newest Whimsie Doodles loot!
Alicia
Joy
Linda
Shannan
Sheri
Nikki

Enjoy your Friday and today is the very last day for the bundle of ribbon giveaway post below!

Andrea

attempting simple...

As I have attempted over the past two weeks to lead a more simple life I find it somewhat challenging. I spend my evenings wandering through the house looking for something to do...which often leads me to crafting yet again...just like one of my favorite songs says "it's a hard habit to break". So as I head out today with kids in tow and hope for a fun day filled with smiles on our faces, which I hope stays that way. I must remember that it is ok to slow down and refocus once and awhile. Before I go just to share two cards with you which are perfect for the occasion...simple!

Today is a new Meljen's Design challenge and she once again created images that are incredibly adorable! This image is professor owl, which went perfect with my congrats stamp from Paper Garden Projects.
This card was created for The Pink Elephant (another challenge link found on MelJen's blog) and this weeks challenge was to create something sweet...not so difficult for me since I adore, love, slightly obsessed with anything in this category. Again using my favorite ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique...which reminds me, don't forget to enter the giveaway HERE (blog post below) by tomorrow evening for your chance to win another amazing bundle from Patsy. I will have another project to share tomorrow using her ribbon!

Wishing you a simple and relaxed day as well and see you here again tomorrow!

Andrea

something odd about me...

Time is ticking away …no school supplies or clothes purchased as of yet, trying to adjust to the idea of both kiddos being in school, wondering how best to fill my days and don’t exactly know how we are going to get up and going in time if I don’t start adjust our schedules soon! Gotta say I love the mornings these days.

So on this lovely morning...I am so excited to share that I am now officially an Odd Girl team member!

If you haven't checked out Some Odd Girl hop on over and check out all of the super cute digital images and meet the other very talented dt members!

Images Used: cherry on top image and robot heart

Enjoy your day and see you back here tomorrow for a Whimsie Doodle reveal and a few extras!

Andrea

PS: Again...don't forget to enter my giveaway for the fabulous ribbon bundle HERE (the bundle of joy post). You still have until Friday!

hello my flower stamps...

Flowers come in so many forms when crafting...fabric, felt, paper...die cut, hand cut and stamped...and feel in the mood this week to try them all. As I look for challenges over on the MelJen's Designs blog I am so excited by each. Brining attention to different elements and giving an opportunity to try something new. Today I worked on a challenge for Paper Sundaes which involved stitching...something I can and will do on almost every card...as you may have noticed.

Of course I had to use fabulous ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique and lace trim from Kate.

Don't forget to scroll down for a chance to win a new bundle of paper and wrinkle ribbon from Prairie Bird Boutique! You have until Friday to enter and it just takes a few minutes.

Have a wonderful evening and be back tomorrow for a special announcement!!!

Andrea

a bundle of joy...

And I am not talking about a baby here, but a bundle created just for this GIVEAWAY!!! Patsy, of Prairie Bird Boutique, has so kindly offered up another yummy bundle of ribbon for one of you...

If you haven't stopped by her shop now is the time...simply head on over, check out the shop and come back to leave a comment on this post of your favorite item (if you can pick just one). Like my last giveaway, if you purchase from her during this giveaway period leave a second comment for a greater chance at winning. I will pick a winner on this Friday at midnight. I hope you are as excited as I am!

I have a difficult time not using her ribbon and in my Mission to Create challenge this week was no exception.

Head on over to join in the mission...all of the cards and layouts are absolutely amazing and so honored to be apart of this team!

Edited to add this card :)
I stumbled on a site today which intorduced a challenge sketch, Just Inspirational Challenges (found on MelJen's Designs blog), and thought I would give it a try.

Off to clean and not craft...if I can just continue to tell myself that.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Andrea

ahhh...

Feeling relaxed, rested and ready to share this morning. Excited about this week as there are so many fun things to share...along with another giveaway from Prairie Bird Boutique tomorrow and other giveaway of cards later in the week! Today I bring you my 365 Cards challenge card on this lovely Sunday.

I recently purchased an adorable set of images from Whimsie Doodles...mini valentines...which gave me the idea for this card. By resizing the frame image to 5" I was able to create the front of my card and attached a 4" folded card to the back. Digital images are amazing and my first choice in crafting these days! Can't forget the ribbon as well as it adds so much to the overall look. Patsy is adding new colors to her shop each day and I just can't seem to get enough!

Go have fun...enjoy this Sunday...and don't forget the sweet challenge over at Whimsie Doodles with only one day remaining, MelJen's Designs challenge with three days and 365 cards!

Andrea