WINNER DAY!

Hi friends,
Thank you so much for your birthday wishes & for sharing your beauty secrets *Ü*  I think what I've learned from you is that a good attitude is positively radiant!

I have to make a slight change to my prize pack. As I was packing all the items in the box I realized I had enough to make a SECOND prize pack! So I decided to make one more prize box---> not as big as the original, but it also has lots goodies in it.

The original prize box goes to:

Rita June 27, 2013 at 9:31 AM

Happy Birthday Karli! My beauty secret that I just discovered 2 months ago & I love it is "Glamglow" facial mask the white jar...OMGosh it's youth in a jar (that's coming from a 60+ yr. old & yes I'm still upset about that #), you can get it at Amazon for $35. better than paying $69. & it's well worth the money. I use it twice a week & my pores are smaller & my skin is so soft & smooth...it makes me feel 10 years younger. 

 and the ADDITIONAL box 'o goodies goes to:

CarmenJune 28, 2013 at 9:06 AM

Happy Birthday angel, I passed the "0" birthday 8 years ago. Life can ravage beauty just because it is so complex. My husband has terminal brain cancer and I began to see the stress of that reality in the mirror. It no longer shows, my beauty secret...Let go and let God, there no no better beauty treatment. Carry ones self with Class, Craft with Class and embrace joy.

Ladies, please click on the "Email me" button so I can get your prize out to you! Enjoy!!!

Thanks so much!

Tags of 2013- June

Hi friends,
Just in the nick of time, I bring you June's tag.
Here's T!m's for inspiration:

Here's my tag:

 I was very inspired by all the patriotic projects he's posted lately. I hadn't used these patriotic images so I thought it was the perfect chance to get them inky.

Here's a closer peek at it:

 I used the image of Lady Liberty & colored her with a mixture of Shabby Shutters & Broken China Distress Markers to create the look of oxidized patina. I also added Pumice Stone DM for shadows. I colored the little stars & painted them with a bit of Stardust Stickles.

 The bottom half of the tag:  I colored the flag with Faded Jeans & Barn Door DM. I fussy cut the USA image so I could use it as an embellishment. I wrapped some red, white, & blue twine around the letter U & the rest of the twine just fell into place on it's own. I really liked where it all landed so I carefully added a bit of Glossy Accents to hold it down.

For the background, I used a combo of Barn Door Distress Stain, Picket Fence Distress Paint, & Faded Jeans Distress Ink- and they all played nicely together like in T!m's tute.

I had so much fun making this tag & it has turned out to be one of my fave tags yet! *Ü*

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Tootles!

The 411
Stamps:Mini Blueprints 2, Life's Possibilities
Ink: Shabby Shutters, Broken China, Faded Jeans, Barn Door, Picket Fence, Pumice Stone, Vintage Photo, Archival Black
Paper: Strathmore Watercolor paper
Other: Stickles, Tiny Attacher, ribbon, tule, baker's twine

BIRTHDAY & FRIENDS GIVEAWAY

Hi ya friends!
Sometime around my birthday my blog hit 500 followers---> which is crazy cool! WOW!!! I mentioned before that it was a traumatic birthday year since the old age odometer rolled over to a two-digit number ending in zero that we don't need to mention out loud, much like "he who must not be named." Ya feel me? Sooooo, since each of those events (500 followers & my age) is a biggie, I thought I would offer up some blog candy so huge, I had to call my friend, Oprah, to help me bring it out:

Thanks, Oprah! You're a doll *Ü*

So I'm not going to reveal what those gifts are, but let's say it's a whole lot of my favorite crafty things!!!
 ***SQUEAL!!!***

Here are a few things you should know:

1) This blog candy, unlike any other before it, is open to friends (followers) ONLY. (cuz that's what we're celebrating, right?!) So if you're one of those 500+, you're in!

2) This is open to all of my friends---> WORLDWIDE!!! Yup, that means my friends from afar are in!

3) There is a limit of one comment per friend. So, to keep it fair, please only leave ONE comment.

4) You've got 40 HOURS in which to leave a comment! That means this offer goes away at exactly 11:59 p.m. on Saturday June 29th. (PST) and the winner will be announced on Sunday.

Now, you can comment about whatever you'd like, but if you're up for the challenge, I have a couple of questions inquiring minds want to know....
What are your beauty secrets?  (That you're willing to share ;)
What products or tips can you share that you think are your best beauty defense & offense?

I have a few strategies in my beauty regimen: (if you want to know...)
1) I never go to bed with make-up on
2) Exfoliate & moisturize!
3) Sunscreen! My make-up has it built in so I find that helps a lot *Ü*
4) Work with young people! They can be so interesting, funny, & spontaneous. They keep me on my toes!
5) Be Happy! In whatever way that means to you. I know life isn't always kind, and sometimes things get rough---> trust me, I know! But I think if the first lines on my face are laugh lines, I've done something right! *Ü*

I truly feel it an honor & a privilege that you follow my blog. Especially when you consider that I'm not part of any Design Teams so I'm not promoting or selling anything--->  just a little enabling...maybe ;) wink. I hope that you find the moments you spend here to bring you grins & giggles and a bit of inspiration to try something too.

500+ THANKS to YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

June PTI Blog Hop

Hi friends,
Today, I'm hopping along for this month's:

The challenge this month is a Touch of Gold.

I have a couple of cards I created with that in mind.

Here's the first:

 I call it the Midas card because it's all gold *Ü* I challenged myself to go for a CAS, one layer card. I stamped five different leaves with Colorbox Gold. The sentiment is heat embossed in pirate gold powder on a Vintage Cream card base.

The second card has a bit of dimension:

I stamped the leaves in gold ink & then heat embossed the veins in Pirate gold. I then added Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Close to Cocoa inks to them---> sparingly to not lose the gold completely. I fussy cut them out so I could pop them up on the card front. The sentiment is stamped in Close to Cocoa on Vintage Cream cs. The edges were distressed & inked with more gold ink. I also flicked a bit of gold ink on it.

Card #1 is also playing along at:
 CAS on Sunday: One layer wonder
Cupcake Craft: Not For Flower- CAS
Creative Card Crew: No Designer Paper

Ugh... sorry for the lighting on my pics. I am still waiting for the light bulb for my photo light to arrive so this wonky lighting is driving me crazy! Aaack!

Thanks so much for hopping by!
Tootles!

The 411
Stamps: Turning a New Leaf (PTI), Leaf Prints (PTI), Signature Greetings (PTI), In Bloom (PTI)
Ink: Gold (Colorbox), Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Close to Cocoa (SU)
Paper: Vintage Cream cs (PTI), Gold CS
Accs: gold sequins, Gold Viva Decor Pen

MIM Card #3: Violets

Hi friends,
 I'm back with the last card for this week's MIM challenge.
Here's card #3:

I used Year of Flowers: Violets~ colored with Lavender Moon & Plum Pudding inks. I masked the edges of the card base & stamped the background (En Français) with Soft Stone ink. The sentiment comes from YOF: Sweet Peas set stamped in Plum pudding. I used the Edgers die as a template to add a piercing detail. I finished it off by adding a few pearls to the flower centers & the banner.

Here is card #1
Here is card #2

Thanks for popping in!
Tootles!

MIM Card #2: Sweet Peas

Hi friends,
This is card #2 for PTI's Make it Monday's challenge.

For this card, I used the Year Of Flowers: Sweet Peas set. I colored it with Melon Berry & Wild Wasabi inks. The background was embossed with one of the folders from the CB Decorative Tile set. The sweet peas were fussy cut & popped up on a Labels 13 Nesties. I added a border of pearls with my Viva pen to it. The sentiment comes from the YOF Collection set. Finished it off with a satin ribbon bow.

Thanks again for peeking!
Here's card #1
Here's card #3

Tootles!

MIM Card #1 Gladiolus

Hi friends,
I got to play along with this week's Make it Monday's challenge at PTI. The technique is Colored Vellum Flowers. I couldn't believe how easy it was & the results were amazing! I couldn't stop at just one so I made a total of three cards *Ü*
Here's card #1:

I used the Year of Flowers: Gladiolus set. I went CAS by adding a bit of embossing on the edge, stamping the sentiment, & flicking my brush to add ink splatters. The flowers were colored with So Saffron & Pumpkin Pie & the leaves with Wild Wasabi. The sentiment is from YOF: Violets.

Here is card #2
Here is card #3

Thanks so much for peeking! This was such an awesome way to color flowers it may be hard to do it any other way now *Ü*
Tootles!

10 Minute Craft Dash

Hi friends,
Today I'm taking part in something many have attempted but have gone down for the count----> the 10 Minute Craft Dash! That's right, I will be attempting to create a card in 10 minutes or less from start to finish! This will put my craft style to the ultimate test as I combine the challenges of a time limit, color combo, and CAS sketch!
Here is the color combo to use:

 I also used this week's sketch at Clean And Simple Stamping:

 

And here's my card:

 Did I make it on time???

You betcha!
Here's the proof!
or watch it on YouTube---> HERE

Wow! This challenge got my adrenaline pumping faster than my last workout! Sorry, I'm out of frame a bit on a couple of shots but I was "in the zone" so I wasn't paying attention to where the camera was focusing on *Ü* It was actually pretty fun! Hope it brings giggles & grins to your day!
Tootles!

You're TOTEally Awesome!

Hi ya friends,
I'm back to share a gift I'm Jordan is giving one of his teachers. All of his teachers will be getting a little something, but one of his teachers absolutely bent over backwards for him...and she deserves these treats & a whole lot more.
Here they are:

 So let's break it down. Inside this pretty little tote she'll find these three cards.

Card one: We "REELY" appreciate you

 I used the MFT At the Movies dienamics & stamp set.

Here's the innies:

 A couple of movie tix... so her mind can escape from the challenge that is my little darling...

Card two: Thank You Grandé

 I bought that Starbucks stamp when I was in Las Vegas years ago. Yea, I buy crafting stuff even while in Vegas! Don't you? *Ü* The sentiment comes from Essential Sentiments from MFT.

Here are the innies:

 Pull up on the lid to reveal the coffee & a little somethin' else ;)

Card Three: There's no "sub"stitute for you

 Hmmm??? Whatever could it be...

It's a sub sandwich. I didn't use my Cricut or an SVG file to create it--- like you couldn't tell, Ha! It's all punches & dies & silliness *Ü* It's going to have a Subway card in it.

Being a teacher myself, I know teaching can be tough----> really tough at times, so I appreciate all the extra work & patience & that she never gave up on him this year. Hopefully, these treats will help her enjoy a well-deserved summer vacation *Ü*

You can find a great video tute for the Starbucks card---> HERE.
Thanks so much for peeking!
Tootles!

Proud to be AWESOME

Hi ya friends,
I know it's been a bit quiet on the blog front, but I had a birthday last Thursday. I have to admit, I was pretty depressed because the old odometer turned to a two digit number that ends in zero :( boo ---> insert tears here. Now it's official, I'M OLD! Well, my friends & family didn't let me feel down for very long because I've been partying since Thursday, & it's been SO FUN! I've had such a blast! I realized it's hard to feel old, when you're busy having fun! *Ü*

Today, I have a card to share I made for my Grammy to give to another little boy she used to take care of.
Here it is:

 I thought these papers screamed Summer fun! They're from the All about a Boy collection from Echo Park. The T-shirt is from the Masculine Graphic T-Shirt Dienamics & stamp set from MFT. I stamped it in Night of Navy & Pumpkin Pie. Then I went to town distressing all the edges. The white panel is embossed in a wood embossing folder.

I used this week's MFT sketch, of course ;)

Thanks so much for peeking today.
You'll want to take a peek at the next post I'm preparing.
Hint: It may have been my birthday, but someone else is getting some presents... just sayin'
Tootles!

The 411 
Stamps: Masculine Graphic T-Shirt, Birthday Sentiments- MFT 
Paper: White cs, All about a boy-EP 
Ink: Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, London Fog
 Accessories: Dienamics: T-Shirt, Mini Tabs Quartet- MFT

Cap & Gown Grad Card & Tute

Hi ya friends,
Today I have a cap & gown style graduation card to share with ya.
Here it is:

I made one similar to this one last year & thought I'd make another one & create a tute for those who have asked how I made the one from last year.

Here are the innies:

Lots of pics & details coming your way, so grab a cup of the good stuff & get crafty!
Here's what you'll need:

I started by creating a template for myself (which I will share with ya, of course :)
Start with a sheet of cardstock: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" and score at 4 1/4"
 (or start with a sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock, cut in half to get 2 card bases.)

 Trace the template

and cut out that triangle section. Erase any pencil marks.

TRIM: cut 3 strips from 8 1/2" cardstock as shown in pic: 3/4", 1/2", 3/8"

 I used 3 colors to match the school colors but you can use as many as you want.

 Adhere all three strips together.

Cut the strip in half. (As you can see, I eyeballed "half" so it isn't perfect, but it's OK, really *Ü*
Next:

 Leave about 1/8" of "V neck" edge & adhere the trim. You want to be sure you have excess hanging from the top but doesn't go off the sides of the card base.

Flip it to the back & cut off the excess trim.

It should look something like this:

(Don't worry that the bottom edge of the trim doesn't look even. I got this!)

Moving on to the INNIES...

 Cut a white piece of cs at 4" x 5 3/8" (or cut a tiny strip off 5 1/2" ).  Find the center point (2") and make a mark with your pencil.

 I cut 1 3/4" down the mark i just made.

 Take the top corner edge & paper airplane fold it forward.

 Do the same thing to the other side. That creates the collar.

Adhere to the card base, making sure the collar is centered from the front.

This step is OPTIONAL:

 Add a couple of adhesive squares under the triangles to hold them down, but maintain dimension.

The TIE:

 I simply make a knot using  1/4" piece of satin ribbon. (you can use cardstock or wider ribbon.)

 Tighten the knot a bit...

 and trim off the excess.

Use glossy accents to adhere it to the shirt.

Here's what it should look like so far:

That trim edge still buggin' ya? don't worry, I GOT THIS!

Next, we'll work on the mortarboard:

I used a Square Nestie, but if you don't have one, simply cut a square 1 3/4". I like the way the die leaves a debossed edge. A 2" square will work too for those of you that don't want to fuss. I used the 4th largest die from the SMALL set.

 I also used it as a guide for making the tassel. I simply wrapped the gold floss around it a few times...
(By the way, NO, your eyes are not playing tricks on you- I have removed my Acrylics & my Gel nails that I've worn for YEEEEEARS... now they're shorties...tear, tear, but that's another story for another time...)
I digress...

 Gently pull off the floss & use the end of it to wrap around the top to create the tassle.

 Trim the bottom edge to the length desired- voilà!

 Pierce a hole in the center of the square

 Add a brad, but don't push it all the way down & open the prongs just yet.

 Decide on how much you want the tassel to hang & wrap the end under the brad. Now, press it flush with the square & open the prongs in the back. This will secure the tassel.

Add foam squares to the back to give it dimension.

Now we'll take care of those pesky trim ends by simply covering them up with the mortarboard *Ü*
You want to be sure the point of the board is just slightly over the tip of the "V". (see arrow)

Guess what comes next... yup! Dunzo! Like a boss :)

NOTE: Omit the tie if the card is for a female graduate. Add little pearls or blingy instead :)

Last Note: If you want to stamp something on the front, be sure you do it before adhering the mortarboard to make it easier.

Here's the finished card:

and a group pic:

Hope you liked my interpretation of this fun card style which leaves the door wide open for other types of these cards. Hope that you enjoy *Ü*

Oh, I also used the template on the scrub card:

Download the template---> HERE.

If there's anything that's clear as mud, let me know & I'll try to explain it better and/or answer your questions.

Thanks for stopping by today!
Tute-tootles!