Kudos To My Hubby, Again!

Forget "he went to Jared's", better yet, he went to Buffalo Stamps and Stuff! Since he was going to a Buffalo office, I asked if he would please go to the specialty store for me. He agreed as long as I gave him the address and exactly what I wanted. I don't think he expected a place busting with so much goodness - my words, and bustling with, his words - so many old ladies. He got me several wool felt pieces I was craving, so I could play around with making die-cut flowers. (As far as I know, the craft stores around here only have the acrylic felt squares.) Mike always goes out of his way to make me happy and he sure did! Thanks, honey!!!

So here's a peek at what I've been trying with my Die-namics dies for the Cuttlebug. I think there's a trick for using the Cricut too. I'll have to look into how to do that.

Enjoy and THANKS for visiting!
Chris

Inspiration, Really?

Hi! So, blogs I read often mention where they get their inspiration from. Really? I know I did a week of posts last summer that were basically "copy the comforter" designs. I guess, however, if I am looking for card ideas well then, I usually look at card books/magazines. Well, picture this. Every morning I sit at my vanity and blow dry my hair while I just blankly stare off because I'm still waking up. Then one day I realize that I often am staring at a lotion bottle near the sink. A lightbulb goes off (okay, I know, it doesn't happen often), but it dawns on me that I like the color combo and the design. So I decide that I'm "inspired' to make a card.
Here's the inspiration and the results...

Enjoy and THANKS for visiting!
Chris

For my PEEPS!

Ok, so Easter's long gone now (and hopefully this week's snow is too), but I just have to post my Easter projects now that they have been received. I don't know which I like better, the card or the s'more kit. They are both so stinkin' cute!I really like the pink and green of the card, and with Close To My Heart's new spring product, I was told the peep just popped out of the envelope upon opening. The peep is a CTMH stamp and it  was just the thing for the peep s'more idea I found on Pinterest. Since peeps are appearing in various seasonal shapes now, I just might have to make up these s'more kits for other holidays too. (Do I dare admit I don't eat peeps?)

Enjoy and THANKS for visiting!
Chris

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays

Hi! Last month was full of birthdays, including my own. Here are some cards I sent to others birthday celebrities and thank yous to those who helped me celebrate. BTW, my last post showed a card that I was so excited to send my mom for her birthday. Well, good thing I at least posted it, because that's the only sight of it she's seen. In a month's time, it has not appeared in her mailbox nor in mine. Not only had I put extra postage on in it, but I took it into a post office to have it hand stamped as well. Such a bummer!

More posts to follow soon. I have the most unusual inspiration to share with you, Easter projects, and numerous layouts that I have come out of my craft room.

Enjoy and THANKS for visiting!
Chris

Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mom!

Hi everyone! I've been holding off on posting this card until my mother received it. Today's her birthday and unfortunately, it didn't arrive in time. I should have mailed it sooner since I actually had it done a few weeks ago. Maybe I wanted to keep looking at it?! I'm posting it now anyway, so she can get a peek at it and so can you. Some of you have seen it at a crop since I was proud to show it off. I was excited for stretching myself beyond my typical style. I know my mother will appreciate my efforts, and I'm sure you all know oh so well, that if your recipient values your work, you work that much more on your creation. 
Well mom, I hope you have it in your hands on Monday, and...Happy Birthday!

Enjoy and THANKS for visiting!

Chris

Each day is Valentine's Day

Hi! A few weeks back I believe I promised a look-see at a valentine I made for several friends. I wish I could have made more, because there are others I would have liked to have included in my mailing. I am fortunate to have many wonderful friends. Of course this is "card-lifted" (with minor tweaks) from a great consultant. (Sometimes, it just doesn't make sense to reinvent the wheel!)

The inside read "a real friend listens with their heart." So true. Now if only I had remembered to snap a pic of the cards I sent to my nieces/nephews. It was "card-lifted" also (with minor tweaks) and very cute.

Enjoy and THANKS for visiting!
Chris

Mark Your Page Valentine

Valentine's Day. It really is a cute holiday for primary school children. They love opening all the little, corny cards they exchange with each other and it's just as much fun to watch them. As a second grade teacher, I feel it's even that much better for second graders because for most of them, it's the first year they can really read their cards and "get" the humor of them. Over the years however, the valentine "mailboxes" we prepare have had to become larger in size. The reason? All the candy that now accompany valentines. Now don't get me wrong. I'm an admitted chocoholic, but, this is Valentine's Day, not Halloween. So, you can bet, the kids won't be getting any candy from me, not even chocolate (BTW, it didn't happen on Halloween either.) I prefer to do something for them that is useful. So, my class of avid readers, is getting special, handmade bookmarks. Given the time I spent cutting and assembling, I hope they get used. I think they will because the kids will probably like the unique way the bookmark goes over the top corner of the page rather than your typical rectangular, paper strip. (It was also a great way for me to use up some paper scraps.)
Check back mid-week and I'll share a valentine I made for friends. They just need to receive them first!

Enjoy and THANKS for visiting!
Chris