About Me

My photo
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
I am a stay at home mom..now that is! February 19th, 2007 I was involved in a car accident while on vacation in Florida. I awoke in ICU to find out that my only two children Annemarie age 3 and Michael age 5 did not make it. Scrapbooking became such a big part of my life. It helped fill a void that I desperately needed to fill. Our therapist suggested that I take up scrapbooking as a way to memorialize my children, little did she know! So I took that and ran with it.I became obsessed with scrapping and took over the second largest room in my house. Because of my injuries I couldn't go out and get a job, I just scrapped!I printed out 2,000 photos and my journey began. I have made albums for family members and layouts to decorate my craft room. We thought we were done having kids but who expected this tragedy??? I just gave birth in June 2009 to two beautiful baby girls Mia Anne and Gianna Marie named after their brother and sister.I swore that I would keep up with their albums so I won't become overwhelmed so we will see how that works out! My profile picture is the last family picture that was taken of all of us.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Paper piecing challenge at the Sisterhood

Good morning!  Today starts a new 2 week challenge at the Sisterhood of Crafters. The new challenge is to create something with paper piercing or paper piecing. I hope you pop on by and play along with us. 

For my projects I decided to mix things up a bit. First I altered a composition notebook with some Graphic 45 papers. I added a magnet closure to secure the book closed. Inside the book are a couple of pockets. This would be a great journal, vacation planner, summer diary or a great gift for any Sea/nautical lover. 

Next I made these cute memo pads that make great gifts. It makes an ordinary memo pad into something pretty to look at and hopefully make you smile. I cut out some butterfly images and folded them a bit before I glued them down. Then punched some labels out and matted them making a place for my sentiments. I used my Be Inspired stamp set from Craftin Desert Divas.

Stop on by The Sisterhood of Crafters and get crafty with us!  We would love to see what you created!



HAPPY CRAFTING!!

Sunday, February 22, 2015

CDD February Release Blog Hop Day #2



We're so happy to share with you our February stamp release. We have 5 new stamp sets that are being released today.  All stamps are in the CDD Shop and available for purchase.

Without further ado, here are the February stamps:
 

You can purchase them all HERE.

All stamps have an SVG outline that is free to you. This makes it so easy. You just cut out the image with your machine and then stamp on it.  The SVG file will be in the CDD Gallery under the file tab and available for you to download.
Here are the release specials for you:

1. Use Code: FEB to receive 10% off your entire order. Sale ends 2/22 10pm MST.
2. Use Code: FreeShip to receive free shipping in the US with a $30 minimum purchase (before tax & shipping) in the CDD Shop
 Offer ends Feb.22

There is a link to this free SVG pattern somewhere in today's hop lineup. 



Today I have created for you....

a cute little gift box with a matching card.  The stamp set I used on this one is Fur-Ever Friends

 To make the card I cut a spare mouse out of scrap paper (after stamping it onto the paper) and used that as a mask to get the cheese the way I wanted it.  Then I colored the images in with my Spectrum Noir markers. The cheese wedge is from SVG Attic.


Next up I made a gift box filled with homemade cards. I originally had 8 cards for this one but due to the ribbons and embellishments I could only fit 4 in there comfortably (as well as the envelopes). On these cards I used the Punny Farm stamp set as well as It's All About Zoo and Say it Big.  The Say It Big is one of my go to CDD sets and you can find that one HERE.

Close up of the gift box that holds all the cards.







And here is the inside of these two cards.  This is where I used the Say It Big Stamp set.


Sorry the pics are not the greatest.  We are currently under seige of tons of snow and grey skies!!

Giveaway!!!

1. Craftin Desert Divas- 1 stamp each day.
2. Too Cute by Jessica - $25. gift card for regularly-priced patterns.

You must follow and comment on each blog to be eligible for the prizes. Winners will be announced on Tuesday.


Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Day #2 February release Sneak Peeks!




Today is Day 2 of the sneak peeks for the February stamp release at Craftin Desert Divas. We have 5 new stamp sets in this release.

 These images and sentiments come with a SVG outline that is FREE to you. They are in the CDD Gallery on Facebook under the files tab.
Here are the release specials for you:
1. Use Code: FEB to receive 10% off your entire order. Sale ends 2/22 10pm MST.
2. Use Code: FreeShip to receive free shipping in the US with a $30 minimum purchase (before tax & shipping) in the CDD Shop
 Offer ends Feb.22
Today we are showcasing the  stamps

Here is what I created for you.....


I love making my homemade dog biscuits for my dog as well as gifts to other doggies.  My friends and family have cursed me because their dogs go crazy for them.  That's all great they say until they run out!! lol  They are very easy to make actually.  So I thought I would come up with a fun way to give them as gifts.

For my first project I decided to make something similar to a candy bar slider, but instead I replaced the candy bar with a dog bone!! lol I know it may sound a bit bizarre but I thought it would be a fun way to wrap it up.  I colored both of my tags with my Spectrum Noir markers and then distressed the edges with my Tim Holtz ink.

Below is a close up of the stack of dog bones I simply wrapped a strip of dog themed paper around.  Then I used some twine to attach the dog tags.  My dog has been eyeing these are is trying to behave.  I know once I turn my back he will be all over them!



Each day, there will be a new FREE SVG pattern.  You can email craftindesertdivas@gmail.com or 
send a message to the CDD  Facebook page to request it. You must comment and follow each blog in order to get the free file. Join us this Saturday & Sunday for our hop and more free files!!!


Here's today's free pattern:



Be sure to comment and follow each blog in order to get the freebie pattern.

CDD stamps are..
 4x6 stamps
Made in the USA
Stamps will be available to order on Saturday.

We hope you will stop by the Craftin Desert Divas Shop and the Craftin Desert Divas Gallery Facebook group. We would love for you to join us and share your creations with us using Craftin Desert Divas' stamps. In this group, we show previews first, have giveaways and much more!

Thank you so much for joining us today.  I hope you will visit the CDD blog tomorrow for more sneak peeks.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Day #1 Sneak Peek February release at CDD



Today is Day 1 of the sneak peeks for the February stamp release at Craftin Desert Divas. We have 5 new stamp sets in this release.

 These images and sentiments come with a SVG outline that is FREE to you. They are in the CDD Gallery on Facebook under the files tab.

Here are the release specials for you:
1. Use Code: FEB to receive 10% off your entire order. Sale ends 2/22 10pm MST.
2. Use Code: FreeShip to receive free shipping in the US with a $30 minimum purchase (before tax & shipping) in the CDD Shop
 Offer ends Feb.22

Each day, there will be a new FREE SVG pattern.  You can email craftindesertdivas@gmail.com or send a message to the CDD  Facebook page to request it. You must comment and follow each blog in order to get the free file. Join us this Saturday & Sunday for our hop and more free files!!!

Today we are showcasing the PUNNY FARMS stamps.

Here is what I created for you.....

I thought it would be fun to show a different side to the stamps so I thought of a baby themed card.  I decided to take the duck and kinda make him into a rubber ducky!  I created a gate fold card and decorated it with paper from Crate Paper.  In addition to the Stamps from the Punny Farms stamp set I used some sentiments from SNIPS & SNAILS on the outside as well as the inside. The banner that the sentiment is on is from SHORT & SWEET TAGS.





Here's today's free pattern:


Be sure to comment and follow each blog in order to get the freebie pattern.

CDD stamps are..
 4x6 stamps
Made in the USA
Stamps will be available to order on Saturday.

We hope you will stop by the Craftin Desert Divas Shop and the Craftin Desert Divas Gallery Facebook group. We would love for you to join us and share your creations with us using Craftin Desert Divas' stamps. In this group, we show previews first, have giveaways and much more!

Thank you so much for joining us today.  I hope you will visit the CDD blog tomorrow for more sneak peeks.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Sweet 16th Birthday party favors

Hey y'all! I wanted to share these party favors I made for a Sweet 16th Birthday party using my Craftin' Desert Divas stamps for the new Linky Party.  The new theme is RIBBON, and as you can see below there is lots of it!! lol  




I used Bring on the Cake and Baked with Love to make the tags for these Sugar Cookies. I made 3 dozen tags for the cookies in no time.  I lined up all the stamps on my acrylic block and just kept on stamping.  Super easy!

Here are the stamp sets I used.  




Hope you all come on over and play along with our Ribbon linky party at Craftin' Desert Divas.  Have a great day and HAPPY CRAFTING!

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Roses for your Sweetheart

Good morning everyone!  Today starts a new challenge hosted by our wonderful Sister Terri over at the Sisterhood of Crafters.  She is asking that we make a project for our Sweetheart and it must include ROSES somewhere on the project.

Outside of the album.


 Here is an example of some of the photo mats I used to tuck into the pockets.  Paper is double sided so you can use both sides for pictures.  You can also use the pocket to write or put another picture.


Close up of one of the pockets.


I took this picture so you could get the idea of how the album is laid out in it's entirety.  You will see down below where I mention I put this together wrong. Oh well, a wise little girl once told me that there are no mistakes in something handmade. LOL!

I wanted to make this 4x6 album for a long time now.  I got this album from the Silhouette store.  I believe it is by Lori Whitlock but I am not 100% certain. I could not find a tutorial anywhere so I had to wing it.  Therefore I made many mistakes.  For example, I didn't bind the book together before I put the DP's down.  Had I have done that the parts that attach would be hidden and not visible.  And I was in such a rush to bind it to the cover before the glue dried, I glued it in upside and backwards.  It doesn't make a huge difference but it bothers me.  There is nothing I could do about it, and the album still works.  Rather than trash it, I made my mistakes work!! lol

 In my stash I found the perfect papers for this from My Mind's Eyes line Kate & Co.  Several of the papers have these gorgeous big (and small) roses in the design so they fit perfectly.  Also included in the kit were a package of matching brads and embellishments so I stuck a few of those in between the paper roses.

 I used my Basic Grey Magnet for the closure.
  Those things are amazing, so thin you barely even see they are there but yet strong!  For the sentiment on front I cut out one of the sentiments that came on one of the designer sheets of paper.  I think this is a fun way of keeping pictures and keepsakes of someone you love.  Whether it be a child, spouse, etc.

I sure hope you stop on by The Sisterhood to help spread some love and show us your crafty creations!

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Valentine's Day Treat holder Tutorial

 Hello Everyone!!!

I have twins that are in Kindergarten.  I wanted to make a project for them to give out to their Classmates for Valentine's Day.  I had a bunch of these packets of Skittles and I wanted to make something that would hold those.  The problem was they are kinda bulky.  Making a long story short I had crafting time but no means to find something since both of my girls were on my electronic devices.  I decided to challenge myself to come up with something on my own.

Please note I used my envelope punch board to make all of these treat holders.  So in order to have the same end results while following my instructions you will need one of these.

I recently picked up a pack of Valentine's Day paper that had 25 sheets.  I made all of these with one pack of 25 sheets of paper. I didn't show all of them here assembled because of the mass amount. 

I used one sheet for trial and error until I found out what I needed.  I was beyond impressed with myself since I am mathematically challenged.  But with trial and error I came up with a little envelope box like thing that worked for what I needed.  I was left with these long stripes of paper and thought great more to add to my scrap pile.  As I was looking at them I decided, "Hey I bet I can come up with another treat holder using these".  And I did just that, my accident I may add.  I ended up with over 80-90 treat holders for under $3!  Not bad.  I thought I would share with you ladies on how I made them in case you were interested.  So I took a step-by-step photo tutorial and thought I would post it here. I am going to do my best to explain it, but please if you have any questions just ask!

For starters I used Short & Sweet Tags as well as Sending Love for my stamps (as well as the matching SVG's).

Here is a group shot of the treat holders when they were finished.



 The first one I will show you how to do is the treat holder that fits a snack size Skittles or M&M's sized candy. You may be able to fit a couple of smaller sized treats in there as well.

Step #1 - I cut all of my sheets down to 5 1/2" x 11" and then to 5 1/2 x 5/1/2.  That left a 3"x11" strip of paper.  Put the 3"x 11" pieces of paper aside since that is what we will use to make the Nugget treat holder.

Line up your piece of paper to the 2 1/4" mark. Punch then score.

 Step #2 - Move your paper over to the 2 3/4" mark and punch and score again.
You will now have two score marks as well as two punch marks.

Step #3 - Rotate your paper 180 degrees and repeat Step 1 & 2. You will end up with your paper looking like this.

Step #4 - After completing this above steps, rotate your paper 90 degrees.


Line up the marker (little blue part as seen above that sticks out) to the first score line.  Punch and score.  Move it to the next score line, then punch and score again.



Here is a view of how it will look at this point. Rotate the paper 90 degrees and repeat Step 4.

When you are done, you will end up with your paper looking like this.
 Step #5 - Fold on all of the score lines, then run your bone folder over each crease for a nice crisp fold.

Step #6 - Cut off the small little flaps that stick out in each corner.  Make sure to only cut up to the score line.  When you are done your paper will look like this.

Step #7 - This is an optional step depending on how you like the finished look.  I like the look of the rounded corners so on the opposite side of the handle you push down to punch your paper there is a corner rounder built in.  I did it to all of the corners of my treat holder.


Below you will see the finished product.  I realized I didn't take photos of this with the design I used above so that is why the paper is different in the two pictures below.


Your final step would be to glue down the flaps.  I glued down the flaps towards the bottom and ended up tucking the top flap in.  You can glue it down as well, I choose not to since it would be easier for the kids to open it.

To decorate the envelope style treat holder I simply tied bakers twine around the package.  I had cut out a bunch of hearts as well as the SVG for the Happy Valentine's Day stamp.  I used my Wink of Stella marker to color in the heart.


 Now if you remember that strip of paper I mentioned when we first started?  I really didn't need to add 25 more sheets of paper to my scrap pile so I came up with these treat holders.  After all was said and done I used up all the sheets from the paper pad!! I was thrilled!

Here is the directions for the treat holder you see below.


To make the holder I took the 3"x11" of paper and cut it in half.  You will end up with two pieces of 3"x 5 1/2".  Score at the 1/2" mark, then the 2 1/2" mark and the 3 1/2" mark.  I wanted to have a flap to folder over so I can make it more secure. Simply go over the score marks with your bone folder to smooth out the creases, fill, and then fold and secure the flap in whatever fashion you would like. I rounded the corner on some for a more finished look. 

 If you have a patterned paper make note of the way the design is going.  For example on the paper with the hearts I scored the paper so that when folded the hearts would not be upside down.

This is how it would look after the score marks.

For the nuggets, I took 1"x3" strips of paper and used the I Heart U sentiment.  It fit perfectly!  Wrapped the papers around each nugget.  This treat fits two of these nuggets perfectly as seen below.  I did add a little dot of glue to the bottom of each one to keep them in place.


To decorate the outside I wrapped twine around the package and threaded out a tag I made using the Short & Sweet Stamp set and the matching SVG. Used the heart & arrow from the Sending Love stamp set as well as the Be Mine sentiment (and matching SVG).

This is a great way when you need to make a large quantity of treat holders.  Trust me, these can be done very quickly once you get in the rhythm of things.  

Hope you enjoyed my tutorial.  It was my first one I have ever done so I hope I did not confuse anyone.  If you have questions, please just ask!  

These would also make great party favors, shower favors, treats for any occasion really.  Simply just change the design!

Have a great day!  

Happy Crafting!