Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hand Blog Hop

Welcome to Melts in Your Mouth, but Not in Your Hands Blog Hop for not one, but two beautiful ladies who are beautiful inside and out, but have the love and joy of crafting.  We are celebrating their birthday with a wonderful candy that is not only beautiful inside, but outside and both sides are delicious!!!!  What a better treat than to use M&M's for birthday wishes!!!!  And, they are both turning 50, but shhhh don't spread the rumor as who would ever believe you after looking at their pictures!

We have a super wonderful group of crafters to help wish not only Kimberly Pate, but Rachelle Larsen a super very happy Birthday.  Our hop begins with Kimberly Pate at http://scrappingrookie.blogspot.com/ in case you just happened to stop at my blog to visit me.  Don't get me wrong, but since there is such a delicious hop, I wouldn't want you to miss a single stop along the way!!!!!  If you have arrived from Angie's blog then you are following the empty bags of M&M's.



Kimberly's birthday salutation!

I chose to make a long card for Kimberly.  I love this cut from Give A Hoot and it just needed the extra space.

Size:  4" x 9.25" (fits a standard size 10 envelope)
Mat cut @ 3.75" x 9".
Hummingbird, GIVE A HOOT, pg 34, hummingbird + layers cut @ 3.5"
Cardstock:  The Paper Company (white) and Bazzill Basic Papers (Watermelon)
Patterned Paper:  DCWV (The Spring Fling and Summer Days Combo Stack) and Colorbok (Pastel Garden)
Ink:  Tsukineko (Momento Dew Drop Rich Cocoa)
Stamps:  Fiskars (Make a Wish Quotes - Happy Birthday and Wish) and Doodlebug Designs, Inc. (Big)
Fiber:  Little Scrap Pieces (Medium Teal ribbon)
Adhesives:  Scotch (ATG) and EKSuccess (Zig 2 Way Glue Pen Fine Tip)


Rachelle's birthday wish

Size: A2 (4.25" x 5.5")
Mat cut @ 4.125" x 5.375".
Filigree pattern, STRAIGHT FROM THE NEST, pg 73, Filigree2 cut @ 4".
Celebrate, STRAIGHT FROM THE NEST, pg 72, Filigree1 cut @ 0.9" using Phrase and Phrase Shadow features.
Corners (inside), STRAIGHT FROM THE NEST, pg 62 Cakestnd cut @ 1.50" using Corner feature.
Cardstock:  The Paper Company (Brown, Turquoise and Bright Green)
Accents:  EKSuccess (Jolee's Light Green Rhinestones)
Stamp:  Fiskars [Make a Wish Quotes - Happy Birthday (same as used on Kimberly's)]

Your next stop along the way is Janet.  I have included a complete line-up, just in case you would happen to get lost along the way or at too many M&M's.

1. Kimberly ~ http://scrappingrookie.blogspot.com/
2. Rachelle ~ http://creationsbyrachelle.blogspot.com/
3. Lynne ~ http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/
4. Lisa P. ~ http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/
5. Miriam ~ http://www.miriamscreations.blogspot.com/
6. Amanda ~ http://thescrapoholiccandyshop.blogspot.com/
7. Angie ~ http://atuttletime.blogspot.com/
8. Belinda ~ http://theembellishedcard.blogspot.com/  That's me!
9. Janet ~ http://www.ladyluvbug.blogspot.com/ Your Next Stop!
10. Lucy ~ http://www.love2createitall.com/
11. Lisa W. ~ http://mycraftyspaces.blogspot.com/
12. Edwina ~ http://edwinascreations.blogspot.com/
13. Rhonda ~ http://craftingwithblue.blogspot.com/
14. CallyAnn ~ http://callyanncraftycreations.blogspot.com/

There is a wonderful group of sponsors to help us with the celebration but as with everything else, there are rules and regulations which will be noted with each sponsor.

After a long afternoon of crafting, deadline rushes for orders and posts, what would be better than a prize package from SimplySilverton-a soap and paperworks company?  This prize pack will include 2-4oz. handmade luxury soap and a pound of bath salt soak.  To be eligible, please show your blog love to our participants by leaving comments and following their blogs, and also visiting and liking their page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/SimplySilverton-a-soap-and-paperworks-company-llc/218576901486847.

Lucy Kelleher - Independent Consultant for Close to My Heart is donating a $10 Gift Certificate which you can use towards any Close to My Heart products in celebration of Kimberly and Rachelle's birthdays! (http://lucyk.ctmh.com/).  To enter to win, you will need to leave a comment on her blog (http://love2createitall.com/) and become a follower of her blog.  For an additional entry, "Like" her facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/LucyK.CTMH.
The amazingly talented Daisy Collins of "I Love Sketches by Tsunami Rose"  has donated a $15 gift certificate to her store (http://www.zibbet.com/tsunamirose) and a copy of "I Love Sketches By Tsunami Rose" sketches from the month of July!  In addition to leaving blog love for all of our participants and following their blogs, please follow http://tsunamirosedesigns.blogspot.com/ for updates and inspiration for Daisy's sketches and visit and like her fan page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/106370486155916/ .

If you wish to send our 50th birthday gals a birthday card, their addresses are listed for you below!  Again, thanks for visiting today and don't forget to wish our birthday ladies a super happy happy birthday!!!!!

Kimberly Pate
PO Box 166
Peru, NE  68421

Rachelle Larsen
1099 N. Monarch Ave.
Post Falls, Idaho  83854

Toodles and Happy Crafting,
Belinda

Missing U! - FCCB #122 - S'more Anyone?

Happy Monday Everyone,

Hope you had a terrific weekend.  We were in celebration mode.  My sister's birthday was Sunday.  It is fun getting together for celebrations!

It is time for 'Challenge Me Monday' @ Fantabulous Cricut.  So get out your crafting supplies and let's get busy.  This week our challenge was to: Make a project with a camping theme (tent, bon fire, canoe, etc.)  Well I found me some fire, now I just need to get it incorporated into a project!

When I think of camping I think of Best Western with an indoor pool!  You say that is not camping ... oh well.  Seriously, I am not the camping type.  I need to have my shower every morning or I am a grungy beast.  And, I am allergic to smoke.  I am the one with red, soggy eyes around the campfire.  I do enjoy S'mores though ... only mine are made in the microwave.  Without further ado here is my creation for this week's challenge:

I chose to make a 'Missing U' card.  DH thought my To Do list was clever.  I hope you think so too!

Recipe:

Size:  A2 (4.25" x 5.50") Easel fold

• Mat is cut @ 4.125" x 5.375"
• Front Tag is cut @ 2" x 2"
• Inside Tag is cut @ 1" x 3"

Marshmallows:  3 BIRDS ON PARADE, pg 57, Camper-s Layer 2 cut @ 2.9" (This was figured using Fit to Length to find the size).

Fire:  YEE-HAW, back page, Campfire + Layers cut @ 1.5"

Tepee:  CREATE A CRITTER, pg 63, Fox and Fire cut ! 1.9" using Accessory feature

Cardstock:  The Paper Company (Kraft, White, Brown, Turquoise, Goldenrod, and Orange)

Patterned Paper:  DCWV (The Flower Shower Stack - Ivory and Green linen)

Accents:  3M (Post-it Note) and JoAnn's (Red - Primary Mini Brads)

Color Medium:  Pentel (Black Ener-Gel Pen 1.0mm)

Adhesives:  Scotch (ATG and Foam Tape) and EK Success (Zig 2 Way Glue Pen - Fine Tip)

I think I will grab me some marshmallows and head to the microwave. 

Now, it is your turn to come up with a creation using a 'Camping' Theme.  Then pop on over to FCCB and post away ... can't wait to see what you create!  Don't forget to stop by my design sister's blogs and give them some Gooey Comment Goodness.   Off to my abode to get cracking on the next 'Cool' challenge!

Toodles and Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Play Ball! - PDEC #30 - Do you play Sports?

Happy Friday!!!

This has been another HOT summer week.  I really need to get out and soak up some of that sunshine.  I am usually out before the sun gets too high or it has set and then I am still under a patio cover.  I have been enjoying watching the Texas Rangers most evenings on the TV.  As of this writing they are doing pretty darn good this year!!!  YEAH -- Go Rangers!!!

It's time for another challenge at Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges ... and there is a great prize!!!

One lucky winner will win any 3 items from the Squigglefly store http://www.squiglefly.com/ . Winner will contact Holly directly.  Good luck and Happy Crafting!

This week at Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges the theme is:  Sports!  I am not a very 'sports-minded' person except for Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks games ... I know NO football!!!  In the DFW area we have had several great years with our Mavs and Rangers.  I am really proud of both of our teams ... even in the down years.  My only 'sport' would be swimming and walking.  Here is my offering for this week:

Isn't he cute??!!??!!  I had so much from creating this tag for my 2012 Tag Album.  Do you see the stitches on the baseball?  And the baseball diamond is all hand cut.  Pretty easy to cut a square and set is on point.  Couldn't remember what the bases looked like, so I fooled around with different shapes until I remembered that it was a pentagon ... duh!!  The "All American" and "Ball Player" are on foam tape to give this a bit of dimension. 

Recipe:

Tag:  ELEGANT EDGES, pg 46, Heart2-s, cut @ 4.5" using Oblong and Shadow features

Bird:  3 BIRDS ON PARADE, pg 50, Baseball + all layers and Basbal-s + all layers cut @ 2.75"

Phrase:  3 BIRDS ON PARADE, pg 50, Baseball and Basbal-s, cut @ 1" using Phrase feature

Green mat cut @ 2.25" square.  Bases hand-cut into pentagons.

Cardstock:  The Paper Company (Black, White, Red, Blue, Lt Blue, Bright Yellow, Green, Brown and Ivory)

Patterned Paper:  Provo Craft (Pathway's Creative Paper - Americana - Plaid)

Color Medium:  Zig (Writer - Pure Red) and Sukara (Jelly Roll - White)

Adhesives:  Scotch (ATG and foam tape) and EKSuccess (Zig 2 Way Glue Pen - Fine Tip)

So, what are you waiting for ...?????  Time to create a project using a Sports theme.  Don't forget to stop by my very talented design sister's blogs and check out their creations and leave "A Glove-ful of Atta-girls" (Comment Love) for them.  Click below or go to Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges to link your sporty creation!



Toodles and Happy Crafting,
Belinda

Fishy Love! - FCCB#121- Challenge Me Monday

Happy Monday,

Did you have a wonderful weekend?  Did you get to relax or did you play too much?  As usual it was another relaxing weekend here at the 'Cat House!' 

This week for the 121ST Fantabulous Cricut Challenge we are celebrating "Wedding Bliss!"  In days gone by June was the wedding month.  Now, there are wedding in every month.  I have a friend who got married on Valentine's day so he would not forget his anniversary, smart man!!! 

I was just not into the traditional wedding things.  So, as I pondered what to create I remembered a project that I had created with fish for a birthday card, click here to see that design.  When I am stumped I pull out old faithful, "Create A Critter."  I hope you like my Fishy Love card.

I think these seahorses are adorable.  Here's to fishy kisses!!

Recipe:
Card Size:  A2 (4.25" x 5.50")

• Lime mat cut @ 4.125" x 5.375"
• Turquoise mat cut @ 4" x 5.25"
• Dotted mat cut @ 3.75" x 5.0"
• Turquoise sentiment mat cut @ 0.75" x 3.75"
• Dotted sentiment mat cut @ 0.625" x 3.75"

Seahorses:  CREATE A CRITTER, page 42, SeaHorse + all layers cut @ 2.75".  Second SeaHorse cut using the FLIP function.
I Love U:  CREATE A CRITTER, page 49, Koala and Balloon cut @ 1" using Phrase feature.
Paper:  The Paper Company (Orange, White, Bright Lime and Turquoise)
Patterned Paper:  DCWV (Citrus Matstack)
Accents:  Darise (5mm Paste-On Eyes), Favorite Findings (orange button from Citrus collection) and Stash (heart brads)
Fiber:  Stash (Yellow satin ribbon)
Adhesives:  Scotch (ATG and foam tape), EKSuccess (Zig 2 Way Glue Pen Fine Tip), and Glue Dots, Int'l (Ultra Thin Glue Dots)

Now it's your turn.  Create a project using the theme "Wedding Bliss" and link it back to Fantabulous Cricut.  Don't forget to stop by my design sister's blogs and give them some "Fishy Comment Love" ... we all like to have kudos in our quivers.  Here is some more Fishy inspiration ...

Toodles and Happy Crafting,
Belinda

Sweet Summer Treats - PDEC #29

WooHoo, It's Friday!!!

This month is really flying by.  It has been hot, but not unseasonably hot like so many of those in the  Eastern and North Eastern areas of our country.  Even though us Texans are acclimated to the heat over 100 degrees is just plain HOT!!! 

Well this week @ Pause Dream Enjoy Challenge the question is ... "What's your favorite summer SWEET TREAT?  My design team sisters have knocked themselves out again this week!!!  So many cute, creative and clever projects are awaiting your visit.  Let's beat the heat and pop into the kitchen for some Sweet Summer goodies!

Doesn't that look yummy?  I love strawberries.  Fresh, sweet strawberries are one of my favorite 'sweet treats.'  A little sweetener of choice sprinkled on top for super sweetness and dive in for some juicy deliciousness!  Are you hungry yet?  Or, are you already out the door buying up the strawberry crop?   One of my favorite things to do with strawberries is to make Strawberry Shortcake ... especially if the shortcake is homemade ... Yummmmmyyyyy!

Recipe for my project:

Size:  4.5" Tag (this is for my tag album)

Tag:  ELEGANT EDGES, pg 46, Heart2-s, cut @ 4.5" using Oblong and Shadow features

Strawberry Bowl:  SIMPLY CHARMED, pg 47, StrwbyBwl, cut @ 2.25" + Layers 1, 2 and 4

Strawberry:  SIMPLY CHARMED, pg 47, Strwbery, cut @ 1.75" + Layer 2

Yummy:  SIMPLY CHARMED, pg 43, Pie and PiePiece, cut @ 0.75" using Word feature

Cardstock:  The Paper Company (White, Lt Blue, Turquoise, Red and Bright Green) and Bazzill Basic Papers (Watermelon Sensation)

Patterned Paper:  Frances Meyer (Yellow Gingham)

Embossing:  Provo Craft (Cuttlebug with Swiss Dots Embossing folder)

Color Medium:  Pentel (Energel 1.0mm Black) and Sukara (Jelly Roll Pen White)

Fiber:  1/8" Yellow Satin Ribbon - stash

Adhesives:  Scotch (ATG), EK Success (Zig 2 Way Glue Pen Fine Tip) and Glue Dots Intl. (Ultra Thin Glue Dots)

Remember, stop by PDEC and check out all the inspiration from my design team sisters.  Reach out and give them some "Juicy Sweet {Comment} Love."  I know they will appreciate you precious comments.

Almost forgot ...

PRIZE ALERT          PRIZE ALERT          PRIZE ALERT

If you haven't stopped by Ginger Snap Scraps, you have missed out!!! 

$5 Gift Certificate to one lucky winner this week!!!

Well, I am off to eat a bowl of sweet and juicy strawberries.  Why don't ya stop by and I'll share!!

Toodles and Happy Crafting,

Belinda

Wishing You Sunny Days - FCCB #120

Find my Fantabulous Cricut Challenge post, YOU ARE HERE!
Find my Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges post, CLICK HERE.

Happy Monday Bloggers,

Are you having 'Sunny Days'?  I love 'Sunny Days'!  They are usually very happy days.  The Fantabulous Cricut Challenge DT (FCCB) were challenged to come up with a project depicting "Sunny Days!"



The card I made for today is *NEW* in a lot of ways:

1. It is a loooonnnnnng card -  it will fit into a Size #10 envelope.  This is the first long card I have made.  Hubby suggested that I use up some of the #10 envelopes with postage that he had purchased.  So I am complying with his suggestion.
2. I used vellum for the first time in a very loooonnnnnng time.  I usually just use vellum on scrapbook layouts.
3. I hand cut the 'tag' flying behind Hello Kitty.  I DID NOT use my Cricut for something! 

We all need to try new things every now and again ... Right?  Well here is my offering for today:

Recipe:

Size:  #10 (4" x 9.25")

• Black mat cut @ 3.875" x 9.125"
• Cloud mat cut @ 3.75" x 9"

Hello Kitty Plane:  HELLO KITTY, pg 65, HK 16 + Layers cut @ 2.5" also using Silhouette and Black Out features.

Sun:  HELLO KITTY, pg 36, Sun + Clothes cut @ 2"

Sunny Days:  CREATE A CRITTER, pg 52, Sun and Rainbow cut @ 1.5" using Phrase feature

Tag:  Hand cut @ 2.125" x 3.5"

Cardstock:  The Paper Company (White, Black, Red, Lt Blue, Med Blue and Yellow) and Colorbok (Pink and Pale Yellow)

Patterned Paper:  DCWV (The Spring Stack)

Vellum:  Yellow (stash)

Color Medium:  Pentel (Energel pen 1.0mm Black) and JoAnn's (Pineapple and Opal Glitter Glue)

Adhesives:  Scotch (ATG and foam tape), EK Success (Zig 2 Way Glue Pen Fine Tip) and Xyron (Xyron 150 and Xyron 500)

I used my own handwriting on the tag to complete the sentiment.  This was tons of fun to make.  http://cardztv.blogspot.com/ has a great technique for assembling the Hello Kitty cuts.  Stop by her blog to check out this cool method.  I used it on Hello Kitty and her plane. 

Don't forget to stop by FCCB and check out all the great project by the FCCB DT!  My fellow designers are very clever and creative.  Be sure to spread a little "Sunshine {Comment} Love" around too!

Well, it is time for me to 'fly' out of here and join Hello Kitty @ the craft table. 

Toodles and Happy Crafting,

Belinda

It's a JUNGLE out there!

Find my Fantabulous Cricut Challenge post HERE.
Find my Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges post, You are HERE!

Good morning Bloggers,

Hope you have had a fantastic week.  Not too bad here.  As usual it is HOT and SUNNY!!  Being a summer girl at heart, I love the sun!!! 

This week at Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges our theme is all about the JUNGLE.  So, create any type of project with a JUNGLE theme - either using jungle foliage or animals, etc.  Let your imagination take you on a SAFARI!!!

I was a bit bummed by this one at first since I am using my tags to create an annual album about me and my family.  None of us has been to the jungle and I have already created a tag for the zoo, so what was I going to come up with for this week's tag.  As I pondered it HIT me!!! ... Do a tag about Don's pandas.  So that is just what I did.

When Don and I were making arrangements with the florist for our wedding he saw this HUGE cute panda on display.  Several months later, after we were married, I called the florist and ordered the panda with a huge basket of plants.  Don loved it and that panda has been displayed in our bedroom every since.  I have added many pandas on to his collection.  So, today I honor the pandas with a JUNGLE inspired tag.

Recipe:

Tag:  ELEGANT EDGES, pg 47, Heart2-s cut @ 4.5" using Oblong and Shadow

Panda:  CREATE A CRITTER, pg 58, Panda cut @ 3" with all layers

Bamboo:  CREATE A CRITTER, pg 58, Panda cut @ 2", 3" and 4" using Accessory feature

Card Stock:  The Paper Company (Black, White, Gray, Tan and Brown)

Patterned Paper:  NRN Designs (Chinese Characters)

Ink:  Tsukineko (Tuxedo Black, Cottage Ivy and Rich Cocoa)

Adhesives:  Scotch (ATG and Foam Tape)

I think he came out really cute.  Don really liked my little panda.  So, pop on by Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges and be inspired by the design team to make a Jungle inspired project of your own.

PRIZE ALERT          PRIZE ALERT          PRIZE ALERT

This week Lynn of Boots and Bling Time is our Sponsor

One lucky winner will win this wonderful Paula Dean crafting combo.

It includes a 6"x6" Paper Pack, Tag Book, 3D Embellishments and Package of flowers

everything is coordinating.  WOW!!!  This is terrific. 

Toodles and Happy Crafting,

Belinda

So Sweet and Yummy!! - FCCB #119

Happy Monday Blogger Friends,

It's FCCB time again!!!  This week we were to make a project with any type of summer dessert.  One of my favorite fruits during the summer is STRAWBERRIES!  So, I made a cute card featuring STRAWBERRIES!

I wanted to play with my ELEGANT EDGES cart.  Love the overall effect, but wish it was easier to get the black around the edges.  I had black ink all over my fingers and craft table ... what a mess!!!

Here is a peek inside.  I used red ink on the white mat.  I think it really set the mat off.

Recipe:
Size:  A2 (4.25" x 5.50")

• Blue/Yellow Floral mat cut @ 4" x 2.875"
• Yellow Argyle mat cut @ 4" x 2.25"
• Black strip cut @ 4" x 0.25"
• Inside Blue/Yellow Floral mat cut @ 4" x 5.25"
• Inside Black mat cut @ 3.75" x 5"
• Inside Yellow Argyle mat cut @ 3.625" x 4.875"
• Inside White mat cut @ 3.5" x 4.75"

Red/Pink Polka Dot mat:  ELEGANT EDGES, pg 25, Swirl1-s cut@ 3.25"
Pale Aqua Damask mat:  ELEGANT EDGES, pg 25, Swirl1-s cut @ 3"
Small Pink Floral mat:  ELEGANT EDGES, pg 38, Branch-s cut @ 2.75" using Oblong feature
Pale Aqua Dot mat:  ELEGANT EDGES, pg 38, Branch-s cut @ 2.5" using Oblong feature
Small Yellow Argyle mat:  cut @ 2.1875" x 2" and punched with EK Success (Fancy Flight paper edger)
Strawberries:  SIMPLY CHARMED, pg 47, Strwbery cut @ 3", 2.5" and 1.5" with Layer 2
                         All red strawberries embossed with Cuttlebug (SWISS DOTS)
Cardstock:  The Paper Company (White, Black, Ivory, Red and Medium Green)
Patterned Paper:  DCWV (The Spring Fling and Summer Days Combo Stack)
Fonts:  Microsoft (Bernhard Fashion BT and Tropicali Script BTN Bamboo)
Fiber:  JoAnn's (Hot Pink Gingham)
Accents:  Favorite Findings (Yellow Button)
Ink:  Tsukineko (Tuxedo Black and Lady Bug Red)
Adhesives:  Scotch (ATG and foam tape), EK Success (Zig 2 Way Glue Pen) and Glue Dots, Intl.

Don't forget to stop by FCCB and add your "YUMMY" creation to the challenge.  Also, look in on my DT sister's creations as well!!!

Toodles and Happy Crafting,
Belinda

Peace and Harmony - Christmas in July

You can find my Fantabulous Cricut Challenge post HERE.
You can find my Pause Dream Enjoy Challenge post HERE.

Sunny Sunday Bloggers,

Well, it is laugh time here in the 'Cat Studio'.  DH is tell me the jokes that he 'says' are from the fur-babies mouths.  He is a hoot!  Telling me that Lucy is swatting the mice so that they squeak ... a no battery 'toy.'  Also, Bubbe is wanting to log on to 'Cat Central' online to check out 'Shelia'.  He is always full of some sort of sillyness.  Never a dull day @ the 'Cat Studio'.

Mary @ CardzTV is having her first challenge of Christmas in July.  You have until midnight tonight (EDT) to get your card posted.  Here is a cutie that I whipped up for the occasion.

I did a lot more doodling than I usually do.  I even enhanced some of the snowflake/stars on the patterned paper.  I really enjoyed making this little owl.  I made it especially for my Aunt and Uncle in Dallas.  He went to Rice University.  Their mascot is an OWL!

Recipe:
Size:  A2 landscape (4.25" x 5.50")
   PP mat is cut @ 4" x 5.25"
   Sentiment mat is cut @ 1.5" x 2.25"
Owl:  WINTER FROLIC, pg 37, Owl and all layers cut @ 3.5"
Cardstock:  The Paper Company (Kraft, Light Blue, Light Green, Hunter Green, Wine, Gold and Brown)
Patterned Paper:  DCWV (The Christmas and Winter Stack 2011)
Accents:  Favorite Findings (Dark Blue Buttons)
Color Medium:  Sukara (White Jelly Roll Pen) and Pentel (Black Energel 1.0mm)
Fiber:  DMC Floss (792 - DK Cornflower Blue)
Fonts:  Font Diner (Crazy Girls Blond BTN Lt) www.fontdiner.com/ROE and Hallmark (Bix Antique Script Hmk Bold)

Now it is your turn.  Make a Christmas card with an animal on it and enter it into CardzTV's Christmas in July Challenge.  Hurry, challenge ends tonight @ midnight (EDT)!

Thanks for stopping by and hurry back there will be a new card up tomorrow.

Toodles and Happy Crafting,
Belinda

Let Freedom Ring!

You can find my Fantabulous Cricut Challenge HERE.
You can find my Pause Dream Enjoy Challenge HERE.

Happy Saturday Bloggers,

It has been a lazy summer day here.  Not even the birds are chirping much today.  It will hit 100 degrees here today.  The a/c is working hard today. 

After looking at challenges for the last few days I decided to make another patriotic card.  I only do reds for patriotic things.  My Christmas tree doesn't even have much red on it.  But I do love the American and Texas flags and display them proudly.  Well here is my latest patriotic card.


The first cut I made from my new Stand & Salute cart was the Uncle Sam hat.  It is so festive.  I added 50 stars with a Jelly Roll pen to the field of blue on my flag.

So glad to be able to use this sticker from Me & My Big Ideas.  In my stash I have several sheets that are at least eight years old.  I have used several from these sheets over the years and this one was perfect for the Uncle Sam card.

I decided to make this an easel card.  One of the easiest and my most often used 'fancy fold' for a card.

Here is my recipe:
Size:  4.50" x 4.75"
Hat:  STAND & SALUTE, pg 27, Uncle Sam + Shadow and Blackout features, cut @ 3.5"
Flag:  This is hand cut as follows

• 2 Red strips cut @ 0.75" x 4.5"
• 2 Red strips cut @ 0.75" x 2.5"
• 1 Blue square cut @ 2" x 2"

Inside Mats:

• Red mat cut @ 2.5" x 4.5"
• Blue mat cut @ 2.25" x 4.25"
• White mat cut @ 2" x 4"

Sticker:  Me & My Big Ideas (Patriotic Sayings)
Color Medium:  Sukara (White Jelly Roll pen)

This card is entered into the following challenges:
BBTB2 - Patriotic Challenge
Cooking with Cricut - #93 - Happy Birthday USA, use Red, White and Blue
Die Cuttin' Divas - #72 - Red, White, Blue + Patriotic Symbol
My Craft Spot - #62 - 4th of July
Paper Playtime - #78 - Red, White and Blue
Sentimental Sundays - #109 - Be Patriotic
The Pink Elephant - #155 - Red, White and Blue

Have you ever notice that RIOT is in the middle of PatRIOTic?  Well that is all for me today.  Hope you have a blast today crafting or playing with your family.

Toodles and Happy Crafting,
Belinda



Sunset Magic

Find my Fantabulous Cricut Challenge post HERE.
Find my Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges post - You are HERE!

Happy Friday Bloggers,

Did you have a wonderful July 4th celebration?  It was bright and HOT here.  Perfect summer swimming weather.  Hope you were able to catch a few rays and take a cooling dip.

This week at Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges our theme is:  SUNSET!  Create any type of project with a sunset theme - either using colors of a sunset or create a sunset on your project.

The PDEC design team did a terrific job.  Stop by and welcome the NEW design team!!!  I am so excited and honored to be working with ALL of these wonderfully creative ladies at PDEC.
Here is my project for this week.

Recipe:
Tag:  ELEGANT EDGES, pg 46, Heart2-s, cut @ 4.5" using Shadow feature
Grass:  WILD CARD, pg 66, Father cut @ 2.75" using Icon feature
Duck:  GIVE A HOOT, pg 77, Duck2-s cut @ 1.25"
Cardstock:  The Paper Company (Black and White)
Color Medium:  Inkadinkado (Bold Brights Blending Chalks)
Adhesive:  Scotch (Foam Tape)

This was my first time working with chalks.  I used a 'soft' hand on all the colors so it would not look garish.  I love the subtle look.

PRIZE ALERT   PRIZE ALERT   PRIZE ALERT   PRIZE ALERT   PRIZE ALERT

This week one lucky winner will win a

$5 Gift Certificate to

Ginger Snap Scraps

WooHoo!!!

So, go to your craft area and get to creating a SUNSET inspired creation!

Can't wait to see what you create

Toodles and Happy Crafting,

Belinda

FCCB #118 - Kaboom! Fireworks Celebration

Find my Pause Dream Enjoy Challenge post HERE.
Find my Fantabulous Cricut Challenge post YOU ARE HERE!

Happy Monday All:

Hope you had a terrific weekend.  Although it was cooler, it was still hot and muggy here.

I am so excited.  This is my first post as a member of the FCCB Design Team!  I am so honored to be counted among the talented designers on our team.  Stop by FCCB and join in on this week's challenge and take a peek at my Design Sister's blogs as well. 

This week we are celebrating July 4th!!!  Challenge #118 is Kaboom! Fireworks Celebration.  This card will be the only fireworks going off for me, as we are so close to being in drought status again in our area.


Celebrate front.

Today is my Dad's birthday.  He would have been 82 today.  He passed four years ago and I sure miss him.  He was usually the recipient of a Red, White and Blue birthday cake.  He was our Firecracker!!!


A peek inside.

Here is the recipe for my Kaboom project:
Size:  A2 (4.25" x 5.50")

• Red mat - cut @ 4" x 5.25"
• Firework mat - cut @ 3.75" x 5"
• Small red mat - cut @ 1.50" x 5"
• Small white mat - cut @ 1.25" x 5"

Celebrate:  WILD CARD, pg 59, Star-s cut @ 2" using Phrase feature
Fireworks:  WILD CARD, pg 59, Star cut @ 4" (Real dial size) using Icon feature, cut 3 times
Cardstock:  The Paper Company
Patterned Paper:  Provo Craft (Pathways Creative paper - Americana pack)
Ink:  Tsuneiko (Rich Cocoa - Momento)
Accents:  Recollections (Mini Star Brads)
Stickers:  Me & My Big Ideas (Firecrackers and Star Border - Patriotic Kids Borders) and (Yellow Star - Patriotic Sayings)
Adhesives:  Scotch (ATG) and Xyron (Xyron 150)

I cut the Fireworks cut on WILD CARD three times, once in each color.  I then cut each of the fireworks out on the red and blue cuts.  Using the top of the middle firework I cut the top off of the red and blue and angle cut to make the pieces to create a spiral look.  I think they turned out really cute. 

Drop by FCCB and enter your Kaboom! creation.

This card is entered in the following challenges:
My Craft Spot - #62 - 4th of July
Cupcake Inspiration Challenge - #167
Sentimental Sundays - #109 Be Patriotic
The Pink Elephant - #TPE 155 - Red, White and Blue
BBTB2 - Patriotic Challenge
Paper Playtime - #78 - Red, White and Blue as main color

Toodles and Happy Crafting,
Belinda