Friday, September 30, 2011

Crafty Sprout Color Challenge

Welcome to another Crafty Sprouts challenge! This week we are doing a color challenge using slimy green, red and black.



Here is my card for this week:


 I made this cute card with Simply Betty's Withcy Boo Betty Digi. I just love these Betty Stamps!!! They are just adorable to color :) I also used Crafty Sprouts' Totally Witchin stamp set. I had some red glittered American Crafts card and I used some stipple brushes to dab a bit or red and black ink around Ms. Betty.

You don't want to miss this challenge because Crafty Sprouts has a great sponsor!
Signs by Design will be sponsoring this challenge with 25 colors of vinyl!!! Would you like a chance at winning this??? Just link up your project to the Crafty Sprouts' challenge post and play along!

Don't forget to visit my Crafty Sprouts sisters too!!! :)


Thanks for coming by and I hope you all have a wonderful day and a beautiful weekend!

Faith Blog Hop - Be-Attitudes


Welcome to the Be-Attitudes Faith Blog Hop! Every month we choose a theme with which to honor Christ and become closer to Him. We then create a project to reflect that theme and boldly post it on our blogs so that the whole world sees that even our talents belong to Him! This month we have chosen the Beatitudes found on Mathew 5:3:12 and we invite you to hop through our blogs to see the Lord’s Glory manifested through the work of our hands and the stories He has written in our lives. If you arrived from Christel's blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened to land here, make sure that you hop on over to My Paper Tree House to begin the journey. Know that we have been praying for you and hope that the Lord would bring you just a bit closer to Himself…
In Matthew 5:3-12 we find the well known Beatitudes. This portion of Scripture is very peculiar because every statement begins with “Blessed are those…” and yet the attribute that is mentioned right after is NOT something desirable before the eyes of the world.
Look at the list of attributes along with the blessed reward:
Poor in spirit: Kingdom of Heaven
Mourn: comfort
Meek: inherit the earth
Hunger and thirst for righteousness: will be filled
Merciful: will be shown mercy to
Pure in heart: will see God
Peacemakers: called children of God
Persecuted because of righteousness: kingdom of heaven
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you
If we were to be honest, we would all say that none of us would like to be considered poor in spirit, or be caught in the midst of mourning. Meekness is considered a sign of weakness and in America Hunger and Thirst for righteousness is replaced by hunger and thirst for worldly acceptance. It is very difficult to be merciful and pure in heart for our hearts are always seeking to satisfy our own needs; and we are not willing to make peace if that peace requires that we would submit to someone else’s authority. We do not want to be made fun of, or persecuted, or bad mouthed… Yet all of these things the LORD calls blessed!
The reason why they are Blessed is because only when we have these attitudes can we truly see ourselves for who we are and God for who He is. Only when we see the depravity of our being and the sin that enslaves us, can we be set free by the only ONE that is Pure and Holy! May He grant us the privilege of being called BLESSED by Him because in us are found the Be-Attitudes.
With this in mind I can say that my hope in him is what keeps me going everyday. Regardless of my pain or my sorrow, the struggles that I go through, I know that he will help me get through it all. But I must remain faithful and my attitude must be Christ like. I can only hope and pray that others see this in me and that they feel that they can depend on God as well, regardless of what they are going through. Let's always remember how blessed we are regardless of our struggles.




For my project I decided to do a shadowbox with the be-attitudes. I used Cindy Loo Cartridge for the background frame and used American Crafts embossed paper, the smaller frames are from My Creative Time's X-Large Label die and stitch oval die. I printed all the be-attitudes and inked all cuts involved. I embossed all the label dies with either swiss dots or d'vine swirls folders. I inked all the edges with Tim Holtz' vintage photo distress ink. The flower in the middle was a gift from my dear friend Tanya and it sure came in handy. The butterflies are from K&Company.
There is no greater gift than that of finding Christ, but we would like to bless a group of you with some Grand Prizes from the following sponsor. One lucky winner will receive a banner for their blog and a matching button ($40 value) sponsored by The Shabby Vanity.
To qualify, like Paper Tree House Studio in Facebook, become a follower of their blog, and leave a comment. Those that choose to participate by creating a project that follows the theme will have a greater chance of winning, so make sure that you create something or share your own story in your blog to then come back and share with us your creation and thoughts.
May you be filled with the “Be-Attitudes” this week.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Simply Betty Contest Entry

Happy Monday everybody! The weekend just goes by so fast with so many activities.  One of my daughter's had a full day of cheerleading practice on Saturday, so that's where I spent my day at helping out and "plotting" our crafting activities and gifts for the upcoming season (yay!!!).  I know must of you know my girls' cheerleading team as Rockstar, but there has been a change and they are now United Rock Nation.  You might see me refer to them quite a bit during the competition season! ;-)


Simply Betty Stamps is having a contest.  How would you like one of three chances to participate in one of the three releases that she will be having??? These will be Jude and the Rockers, Teen Scene, and a new Sketchy Zombie line, all Christmas themed! All you have to do is load up  your very best Christmas with an SBS image card to her facebook page by clicking here.  The contest is until Sept. 28th the winner will be announced October 1st.


This is my entry using Sweet Gothic Kids Reindeer Tilly and Crafty Sprouts' Have a Cool Yule stamp set.  The card opens up at the ribbon and the back has the famous bar code from Crafty Sprouts.


 



Thanks for stopping by! Wish me luck and I hope you all have a beautiful day!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Spotlight Saturday

It’s Spotlight Saturday time again!! For those of you visiting for the first time, every week I feature someone’s blog on my blog.  There are so many crafters and blogs out there with a wealth of knowledge and creativity and unfortunately like some of you, I’m ot able to visit them all the time, but I know they are there.  This is my way of giving them the recognition that they deserve and perhaps a few more followers ;-)


This week I am featuring not only a wonderfully talented lady, but someone I consider a friend, Michelle from Scrappin with my Bug.  Michelle has all kinds of ideas, you name it… she knows how to craft it! I always look forward to seeing her vinyl wall, which she changes mainly with the season.  Michelle created this beautiful banner and wanted to share with you all:
Here’s a little bit about Michelle:


Hi, I'm Michelle Criswell from Scrappin with my Bug! I'm married to a sweet man named John for the last 10 years, we have 2 georgeous little girls Lily 6 and Poppy 2. We live on several acres in the hills surrounded by Oak Trees, deer and other wildlife.
I've always loved to craft since I was a little kid but as I got older I didn't have much time for it. After my career ended and was retired from my job, I found myself with nothing to do. As I was flipping through channels I came across QVC and they were debuting this thing called a Cricut. It wasn't even in stores yet! I watched them demo it and knew I must have this and I was sure I could do great a wonderful things (it looked easy on t.v)...lol. The first scrapbook I made was for our dog because that was my child at the time.

Then as we started a family I knew this would be an awesome thing to do for my children! As I went I ventured out into home decor, cards, treat making and now offer kits online and locally teaching people how to love their Cricut as much as I do ! I absolutely love it and love my facebook family.  Through there I have met so many great people and even started hosting scrap night once a month so we can all get together. Its a great world to be a part of, and I'm thankful for all the encouragement and support we all give each other.

Isn’t this banner just gorgeous!!! She never ceases to amaze me! Please stop by her blog and leave her some love! I’m sure she will love it and along the way she can make a few new friends!
May you all have a beautiful Saturday!



Friday, September 23, 2011

Crafty Sprouts Design Team Day

Hello my dear friends and welcome to another Crafty Sprouts Design Team day!! As we continue with our sketch challenge, I decided to use the Hallo Witch from The Greeting Farm and paper from Echo Park Apothecary Emporium 6x6 stacks.


Don't forget to visit my Crafty Sprouts Sisters!!!!
Erika – Crafty Sprouts
Raven - Love4Stamps
Elsa - Cricut Lvr
Raven - Love4Stamps

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a beautiful weekend!

Faith Blog Hop

We are so glad you decided to join us for this month's hop that was scheduled for September 23-25.  Due to unforseen circumstances, we are having to POSTPONE the hop until next weekend September 30 - October 1.  Please be sure to come back to see our creations as we share God's love.  Thank for your support!
 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

My Sister from Another Mister and a Winner!

Good morning everyone! I want to first thank everyone for all the birthday wishes. I am so thankful for my blogging and facebook friends!! Thank you all for making my birthday so special!! Today I have another cute imagine card. I am just loving my imagine and being able to create with it. With a full time job, being a cheer mom and now a soccer mom for my son, my time is very limited. I used the Crafty Sprouts' Besties for life set and the Imagine Better Together cartridge. I just love this sentiment. It really does apply to so many people in my life. This card I made for my sweet friend Tanya and I sure hope she enjoyed it (and laughed!) when she received it! So now on to the winner of my birthday give away. Random.org chose #7
Theresa... who said Happy Birthday :) I hope that you have a
fabulous day, but how could it not be when two of your friends
post such lovely projects made just for you? I shared your post,
liked "Crafty Sprouts" and checked their store out. I love the
"Cool Yule" set, but that "Totally Witchin" set is awfully cute too.
Theresa, you have 3 days to claim your prize!!! Please email me at scrappyzeni@gmail.com to tell me your 2 favorite Crafty Sprouts stamps and your snail mail addy. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Happy Birthday to Me and a Giveaway!

Good morning my friends!!! Yes, yes, yes... today is my birthday and I'm turning the big 4-0!!! 

A couple of weekends ago my family decided to throw a surprise birthday party for me!!! I was definitely surprised and I was so thankful for everyone that wanted to share that special day with me.  Since my son's birthday was this past weekend, I guess the surprise was to have it so much earlier.  Totally threw me off!!  Well, I got some really cool gifts and so I decided to make these simple thank you cards to send out.  I used the Imagine More Cards cartridge.  I am truly blessed to have my family and so many friends that care so much about me.




I am very much of a giving person, so I've decided that in honor of my birthday, I would like to giveaway 2 sets of Crafty Sprouts stamps (winner's choice).  All you have to do is:

1. Comment below (you don't have to be a follower, but if you like my work, I would love it if you did!).
2. Go and like the Crafty Sprouts Facebook Page, tell them I sent you and let me know on your comment that you have
3. Go to the Crafty Sprouts Shop and tell me which is your favorite stamp.
4. Share this post on Facebook or on your blog.

I will have this giveaway up until September 21, midnight (EST).  

My beautiful friends Kimi and Tanya surprised me with a great birthday post and presents this morning.  Thank you Kimi and Tanya... I was truly surprised!!! Please visit their blogs to see what they made for me.  Truly, truly awesome gifts!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a fantabulous day!

Monday, September 19, 2011

Friendship is Like Good Coffee

Good Monday morning everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I spent the weekend celebrating my son Daniel's 8th birthday and snuck some crafting in between. I wanted to share with you this cute card I made using my imagine.  I love that I can make quick cute little cards for friends and they look just as fabulous as paper piecing with the cricut!  I combined this image from the Better Together cartridge with  Pink by Design Coffee background and Perk Up stamp set. I am also loving using kraft paper with my cards.  I made this card for my wonderful friend Kimi and I sure hope she enjoyed it!  The sentiment it's definitely true when it comes to friends!



Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a great day!!!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Spotlight Saturday

If you are looking for the Crafty Sprouts New Release Blog Hop Please Click Here


Welcome to another Spotlight Saturday! For those of you visiting for the first time, every week I feature someone's blog on my blog. There are so many crafters and blogs out there with a wealth of knowledge and creativity and unfortunately like some of you, I'm not able to visit them all the time, but I know they are there. This is my way of giving them the recognition that they deserve and perhaps a few more followers ;-).

This week I am featuring another wonderfully talented and sweet lady, Christel from One Scrappin Sista. I met Christel through a Faith Blog Hop group and she has been so inspiring so many times. I thank God for putting her in my life.




Here's a little bit about Christel:


Hello fellow scrappers! I’m Christel and I currently reside in Reynoldsburg, OH with my DH and our four children. Due to my DH’s job, we move a lot. We will probably move again next summer. We just moved here from Roanoke, VA.
My DH got me hooked on scrapbooking when he created my first album for me for Christmas in 2004. I remember it clearly because he would sneak off on Saturdays while I was pregnant with our youngest. You know the hormones were raging. Ever since he presented me with the beautiful gift of love, I have been hooked. I have started creating cards as well as altered projects. I think my favorite thing to do though is create LO’s.
I am a teacher by training. I have taught 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. I enjoy teaching but with the DH’s job, it’s hard getting a job and be successful. So, I am at home at this time.
I am super excited to be featured on Zeni’s blog and blessed to be able to call her friend. Until next time, I love you and there’s nothing you can do about it! Let’s inspire one another!
Happy Scrappin’!
Christel

Isn't this tithing box so cute and motivating for the children to give an offering?!?! Please stop by her blog and leave her some bloggy love! I'm sure she will love it and along the way she can make a few new friends!
Christel, please feel free to grab the Spotlight Saturday button on the right for your blog. :)
May you all have a beautiful Saturday!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Crafty Sprouts Blog Hop and Sketch Challenge

Happy Friday everyone! I can't believe the day is finally here!!!! If you arrived here from Crafty Sprouts then you are in the right place.  If you happen to just be visiting you can start right at the beginning of the hop with Crafty Sprouts.

Here's the line up in case you get lost along the way:

Erika – Crafty Sprouts
Zeni – Scrappy Zeni
Raven – Love4Stamps
Tanya – Scrappin' KY Momma
Sandra – 365 Days of Cricut
Elsa – Cricut Lvr
Kristi – Little Paper Sprinkles

I am so excited to be sharing with you more of Crafty Sprouts' new release!!!! If you haven't check them out yet, you can see them at the bottom of this post.  THEY ARE A MUST HAVE!!!!! and I am just in love with all of them!

Today we have a fun day for you.  Not only are the new releases being revealed and we are having a blog hop, but there is a fun sketch challenge that you can join us all in.  The challenge is to use the sketch below and it's being sponsored by The Greeting Farm.  The prize is winner's choice of 4x6 set.  What an awesome prize to win!!


Here is my interpretation of the sketch using Crafty Sprouts' Let's Go Blog Hopping stamp set:


I used Erin Lee Creative's My Favorite Things stack (the scissor paper was perfect for a crafting theme!),  Martha Stewart's double loop punch, My Creative Time's scalloped and stitch circle die set, Stamping Anya from The Greeting Farm and I added a little bling in different colors.  I have a feeling that I will be using Stamping Anya quite a bit along with Crafty Sprouts' Let's Go Blog Hopping stamp set!!!  She's actually on clearance for $4, so you may want to check her out to use with your new Let's Go Blog Hopping stamp set!!!

Crafty Sprouts' 2nd Release



Now on to your next step the most talented Raven from Love4Stamps.  Have a great weekend!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Crafty Sprouts Sneak Peek #3

Good Thursday everybody!!! I hope you all are having a fantabulous day!  These Crafty Sprouts sneak peeks have just been awesome and I have been enjoying all of Erika's and the design teams' creations as well as all of your comments.  Thank you so much for showing your support for Crafty Sprouts!!

Today we are previewing "Totally Witchin".  This stamp set is great for the upcoming halloween holiday.


I have been on a Peachy Keen Stamp kick these days!! I used the Cheerful Seasons cartridge for the pumpkin and the paper is from Echo Park's Apothecary Emporium.   Don't forget to visit the rest of the design team!!
Sandra - 365 Days of Cricut

And Guest Designers:
Tanya - Scrappin' KY Momma
Kristi - Little Paper Sprinkles

You still have time to comment on all the blogs for each different day of the sneak peeks for a chance to win all 3 sets and some additional cool prizes! Erika will be choosing a winner on Friday.  Have a great day and we shall see you tomorrow for the official release of the new stamps!!!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Crafty Sprouts Sneak Peek #2

Great Tuesday everybody! So are you ready for sneak  peek #2 with Crafty Sprouts?  This stamp set is the Let's Go Blog Hopping stamp set and I can guarantee you if you are a blogger, love blog hops or just want to say thank you to a blogging friend that you will absolutely, positive LOVE this set!!!


How cute is this idea of being able to send your blog candy winners not only their prize, but a great card to congratulate them??? So tell me what you think of the sneak peeks so far and don't forget to visit the rest of the design team to see their amazing creations!


Sandra - 365 Days of Cricut

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget tomorrow we will be showing the 3rd set of sneaky peeks.  We'll see you then!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Crafty Sprouts Sneak Peek

Hi everyone! I am super excited today because we begin our sneak peeks for Crafty Sprouts' new stamp release later this week!!! You are all going to love these. I know I did the minute I saw them!

Today we are all featuring the Have a Cool Yule set (the name says it all!).


So tell me what you think?  Isn't this little doll sassy???  The digi is from Sassy Studio Designs.  I colored her with prismacolor pencils and added a little stickles to her sexy outfit.

So there you have it! Don't forget to swing by the rest of the design teams' blogs to leave them some love!

Sandra - 365 Days of Cricut

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget tomorrow will be another sneak peek for another wonderful set of stamps!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Spotlight Saturday

Welcome to another Spotlight Saturday!  For those of you visiting for the first time, every week I feature someone's blog on my blog. There are so many crafters and blogs out there with a wealth of knowledge and creativity and unfortunately like some of you, I'm not able to visit them all the time, but I know they are there. This is my way of giving them the recognition that they deserve and perhaps a few more followers ;-). 

This week I am featuring another wonderfully talented lady, Roberta from TX Scrapper Mom. I met Roberta through a Design team that we both took place in and I have always loved her awesome talent.  



Here’s a little bit about Roberta and her project using Crafty Sprout's Besties for Life set:


My name is Roberta, but most of you may know me as TX Scrapper Mom ! I am a mother to a handsome 21-month-old little boy, and when I'm not chasing him around the house, I'm in a classroom teaching Pre-K kiddoes. I've always been drawn to crafting, but never dedicated any time to any one hobbie. I finally decided to buy my first Cricut in February of 2010, and didn't pull it out of the box until May (I don't think I ever admitted that out loud). When I finally learned the ins and outs, it became an addiction - one that most of you understand :). Now I spend most of my spare time, which mostly constitutes of late night and some weekends, crafting. I'm always eager to learn more, meet people with the same passion, and share my creations. In the spirit of learning, I had my first "private sewing class" with my mom this past Saturday, so that I could finally put the sewing machine I got on Black Friday to good use. I couldn't start with a simple project though, I wanted to do it my way...CUTE!!!! lol After practicing on scraps, here's the little bag I made for some treats, a gift card, etc. I think I did pretty good for my first time! I plan on making some bags for Halloween and other events/holidays, so be sure to swing by my blog and stay up-to-date with what I'm doing. Happy Crafting! - Roberta

Isn't this little purse so cute?!?! Please stop by her blog and leave her some bloggy love! I'm sure she will love it and along the way she can make a few new friends! Roberta please feel free to grab the Spotlight Saturday button on the right for your blog. :)

May you all have a beautiful Saturday!

Winner of eCraft Sewing Blog Hop

Happy Saturday everybody!!! Today I have preliminary winner of the eCraft blog hop who will be entered in the drawing to win a brand new eCraft!  This person will also win a set of stamps from Crafty Sprouts.   This blog hop had amazing talent and I was so happy to read all your sweet comments.  Thank you so much for stopping by! :)

Without further a do, the winner as chosen by random.org



Congratulations Christel!!! Please email me your snail mail addy so I can send you your Crafty Sprouts stamps.  Don't forget to keep an eye out later on on the Love4Stamps to see if you are the lucky winner of a new eCraft!!! 

Thanks for stopping by!


Friday, September 9, 2011

Crafty Sprouts Design Team Day

Welcome to another Crafty Sprouts design team day!  We are continuing with our Get in Shape challenge.  I made this pumpkin card using the Create a Critter cartridge, and Hallo Pumpkin from The Greeting Farm.  Both sentiments are from the Crafty Sprouts' Monster Kisses sets. I went with a little non traditional and made a double sided card (partly because I don't have a gypsy to weld, but that's soon going to change!).

Front


Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to join the challenge by clicking here and to visit the rest of the Crafty Sprouts Design Team!



Have a great day and God bless!!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

KinderStampO Guest Designers Blog Hop!!!

If you are looking for the eCraft giveaway please click here


Hi everyone! I have some awesome news!!!! I will be guest designing for Jess from
KinderStampO!!! (can I get a woot woot!!!). She is an awesome crafter and has some awesome products!! She has a great line up of awesome guest designers that she would like you to meet and this blog hop is short and sweet just to do that.  

If you missed the Meet the 2011 Design Team blog hop click here

Since KinderStampO's motto is Live. Craft. Inspire,  here is a little bit about each on me.

Live

I live in Miami, Florida and I am a mom of 3 children Elizabeth 13, Jessica 11 and Daniel 8.  I am married to a wonderful husband who just loves me enough to put up with my crazy schedule of working full time, and being a cheer mom. In addition, he totally supports me with my crazy crafting hobby!!! How awesome is that?!?!

Craft

I started crafting about 3 years ago and it all began with scrapbooking.  I later found that facebook and blogging was a great way to learn new things and make new friends that share the same awesome interest.  So in December in 2010, I decided to create my own blog.  Little did I know that in less than one year, I would be involved in 4 different design teams and most importantly made some awesome new friends! Some people think I'm crazy for spending so much time and effort on one project, but in the end, it makes me feel good to look at it and to know that someone special will be receiving something that I put so much love, time and effort in.

Inspire

I am inspired by my family's support and appreciation of my hobby.  It never ceases to amaze me how even the worst project for me, it's the best project for them and it's all in the name of support.  I am still in a learning process, but my hope is to learn enough where I can show more tutorials in my blog.  Until then, the inspiration of others come from my little creations.

So now you know a little bit about me! Since this is a blog hop, there is a little blog candy involved!  
For a chance to win some blog candy from KinderStampO.  Just stop by KinderStampO's Facebook Page and let them know I sent you and/or leave a comment on each of the guest designers blogs.  One lucky winner will win a prize from KinderStampO.

Thanks for stopping by and I'm sure you are just as eager as all of us to see what this new group of ladies is going to create for KinderStampO! God bless you all!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Contact Cards for Crops

If you are looking for the eCraft giveaway please click here

Happy Hump day everybody! Today I have a project based on an idea from Joy's Life. On October 1st, I will be attending the Cropping Out Breast Cancer all day crop. Being from Miami, I have found it hard to find friends in the area that have the same interest as me. This is the perfect opportunity to not only help a great cause, but to also catch up on some crafting and meeting new crafty friends! To accomplish this, I made these cute little contact cards with my information:


I first printed the information on a piece of cardstock and then stamped around it with the phone image from Crafty Sprouts' Text Talk stamp set. The information fit perfectly! I used my Tombow markers to give a little color to the image. It was fairly easy to make and I plan on making a whole lot more and attending additional crops in the area that will allow me to share my passion for crafting with others.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a fantabulous day! God bless!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Ruby Tuesday

If you are looking for the eCraft blog hop please click here
Welcome to another Ruby Tuesday! Dee's Bugaboo Boutique is giving us another amazing verse. This week's verse is "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" Proverbs 12:18. This verse is so powerful!!!! So many people going through struggles with hurt and pain, whether it's physically or emotionally. However, I say to them, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! Have faith and claim what you want in your life. God is amazing and he will hear you. His will will carry you through, but in the same way we pray, we have to listen. I hope that this little verse brings some comfort into your life should you be going through a struggle. Remember all these digital verses are free, so click here to access them all. May God always bless you!

Monday, September 5, 2011

eCraft Blog Hop ~ Sewing

Welcome to the 2nd part of the eCraft blog hop! If you have arrived here from Rosa's blog at For Micaela then you are in the right place.  If not, head on over to Raven's blog from Love4Stamps.


I received my eCraft a few months ago and I have been experimenting with it a little here and there.  I love that you can look up any files online and just let your imagine run with it.  It's so easy to not have to buy one cartridge for a few images that you like and to just have exactly what you need at the click of the mouse.  It does have a little bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, you will see the amazing things you can create.


This 2nd part of the blog hop is about sewing.  I found this cut a while back for a bag and I use it a lot.  I decided to use my imagine with the Imagine More cartridge for the spool.  A little coloring, a few buttons and ribbon and voila!! I made this cute little gift bag.




Okay so you probably want to know what you can win, right? As some of you may have heard from this hop this amazing eCraft machine that we are all using is created by CraftwellUSA.com. This company is really amazing, their customer service is fabulous and the products are top notch. Well when they heard about our hop they decided to giveaway (1) One eCraft to (1) One lucky winner (color may vary)!!!  


In addition, I will be giving away Crafty Sprouts Text Talk stamp set.  To be eligible for these prizes you must:

1) Please leave one comment here on my blog (Only one comment will be
qualify per person additional comments will not count.)
2) Become a follower of my blog.

3) Stop by eCraft's Facebook Page and like them to see more awesome projects and tutorials.


You have until September 10th, 2011 9:00AM EST to leave a comment and be eligible for the grand prize.   (1) One lucky winner will be announced on Raven's Blog on September 10th. The winner will also be listed on the eCraft's Facebook Page  (this is why it's a good idea to like them on facebook!)

All are welcome to hop, however the eCraft and Crafty Sprouts giveaway is only open to U.S. entries. Thank you so much for your understanding. 


Now you can hop along to Craftwell USA and check out more information, videos and projects that can be made with the eCraft!  Hope you had fun hopping and God bless!!!


Saturday, September 3, 2011

Spotlight Saturday and Sunday

Hello everyone! First of all I owe my special guest Cheryl a HUGE apology.  Cheryl, I am so sorry that this post did not go up.  Things got complicated during the day and it just slipped my mind.  Usually I schedule these, but it was also a busy week.  So today, you get the special title of Spotlight Saturday and Sunday!
For those of you visiting for the first time, every week I feature someone's blog on my blog. There are so many crafters and blogs out there with a wealth of knowledge and creativity and unfortunately like some of you, I'm not able to visit them all the time, but I know they are there. This is my way of giving them the recognition that they deserve and perhaps a few more followers ;-).


This week I am featuring another wonderfully talented lady, Cheryl from Cards by CG. I came across Cheryl's blog and just loved her projects and enthusiasm in crafting.  She created this adorable all seasons card.

Here’s a little bit about Cheryl:
My name is Cheryl Gaffney. I live in Vancouver, WA with my family!! I am a SAHM to two wonderful boys, Bryce is 8 and Owen is 6. My lovely Husband, Roy works hard so that I can keep up with crafting, you know how important hobbies are!!
I started crafting hardcore when I purchased my Cricut Expression in Apri 2010l. I just started my blog, CardsbyCG.blogspot.com in late July of 2010, just one month after I opened a little Etsy store!
I am proud to say that I handcraft a birthday card for each member of both my family and my husband's family (including cousins, aunts, uncles etc.). I'd like to think that the cards end up in some cherished place of honor, but who knows.
I'd love to share my crafting journey with you! - Cheryl

Please stop by her blog and leave her some love! I'm sure she will love it and along the way she can make a few new friends! Cheryl please feel free to grab the Spotlight Saturday button on the right for your blog. :)
May you all have a beautiful Saturday and God bless!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Crafty Sprouts Shape Challenge

Hello friends and welcome to another Crafty Sprouts Challenge!  This challenge is about doing anything with a shape other than square or rectangular. For this project I made a cute sign to display on a decorative plate holder.  I found the wood shape plaque at joanns and bought a couple of them thinking one day I will want to use these in a cute way (I'm trying to get away from my "card" comfort zone).  So when Erika made her magnets out of wood, it gave me the idea to use these in a way that it would make a great gift for a great friend!




The image stamp is from Peachy Keen Stamps.  Her name is Natalee.  Isn't she the cutest?! She's an oldie but goodie!  Of course I used my prismacolor pencils to color her and used some stickles for the flowers.  I also used My Creative Time's  fancy frame stamp and die set.  The flowers I can't even remember the name of the brand, but they were sold at Michaels.  The ribbon is from Paper Trey Ink. I also added some pearls to the corners. The sentiment matches perfectly with little Natalee.  This is from Crafty Sprouts Besties for Life set "Friends are flowers in the garden of life" and boy isn't this true!!! I sure am thankful for all my friends who continuously keep me going.

Check out this cute stamp set that is perfect for those special friends in your life... including your crafty facebook, blogging friends by clicking here and don't forget to enter the challenge!

Hope you all have a great weekend and don't forget to stop by tomorrow to see who is in the Spotlight!  God bless!