K-Lusive Kreations

March Secret Sister Swap Sign-ups

2012-02-15T10:00:00.000-10:00

Howdy ya'll!!! i've been seeing some FANTABULOUS swaps from the players in my SSS and it brings me such joy to know that your SS is enjoying the surprises!! WOW!!!!

With that said, it's time for March sign-ups... March marks the beginning of spring, or so it is distinguished since it's the first month of the spring season... like all other seasons in Hawaii, we don't really feel the change of seasons... i take that back, we do feel SUMMER and know when it's here! March also represents my birth month and although i'm not looking forward to being another year younger, i deal with it when it comes around... LOL... don't be so stunned when asking how old i am and it takes me a little while to reply... after 21 i've lost count and truthfully i'm doing the math in my head... hahaha!

NO THEME FOR MARCH! Anything goes... whatever you want to create is fine and dandy... =)
sign-ups will be open until February 26th Midnight HST.

Reflection of my mini rules for this swap (Please take note of the blurbs in red):

1. You can swap anything you think is appropriate. Such as cards, 3d projects, gift tags, altered items, etc. You are not restricted to just a card for each swap... for example, you can do a card this month and gift tags next month, etc... be creative and use your talents! Many of you do not limit yourself to cards, there are some that do awesome jewelry, altered items and so on, so this is the swap to make something special and surprise someone... can't get creative? no problem, you are free to sub in a RAK too!

2. I kindly ask that you please send out your swaps before month's end. Please take into consideration snail mail timing. If you cannot mail your swap before the end of the month, you are given until the 5th day of the following month to do so. This will allow some time for your Secret Sister to receive it. If nothing has been received within 10 days past the end of the month, i will not include you in future sign ups. Please friends, let's play fair.

PREVIOUS PLAYERS, i have your info so all you have to do is comment that you will be participating on this post... here's a list of those who have signed up for their spots:

Kim, Karen, Amy, Leanne, Gail, Sheila, Theresa, Jayne and Mary

Please let me know ASAP if you are unable to participate for any reason. No questions asked, just please let me know. Thanks!!

**To clear up any confusion: your participation is monthly (unless otherwise stated by you) by confirming your participation through email or comment on the sign up posts. if i do not hear from you by the sign up deadline, it is assumed you will not be participating for the month. if it is easier for you to sign up a month ahead or for a few months, etc. let me know too.

NEW PLAYERS, please email me at krisnal5868 at hotmail dot com to sign up for February with the subject SSS or Secret Sister Swap and the following info: Name, Address, Blog URL (if you have one) and Best Email to contact you... i will send you a confirmation email that i have received your info...

**Please note that swap info is sent out by the 2nd day of the swap month. If you miss the sign up deadline, it doesn't hurt to shoot me an email and ask if you can still play. There may be a chance i'm still sorting through the players and can add you in...

Again, NO THEME for March... get creative, get out of your comfort zones and try something new to surprise your Secret Sister!! We all LOVE surprises!!! Have fun!! =)

made... WITH LOVE!

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-10:00

O-M-Goodness!!! can you believe?!?! i'm POSTING!!! LOL... yes, this past weekend crafting was not a choice of wanting to but HAVING to... hehehe!

Happy Monday and Happy Valentine's Day Eve... hahahaha! how many of you truly think Valentine's day is OVERrated?! now be honest! LOL.... guess being married i don't need the whole lovey dovey dinner for 2 and a movie... instead, i rather have a nice family dinner with the kiddies included and some yummy dessert! and maybe a disney movie... now that is a way to celebrate... but don't let my choices fool you... i'm still and probably will always be a hopeless romantic!! yes, i love love songs and love stories and fairytales... hehehe! what are you doing with your SWEETHEART this Valentine's?

New challenge over at Lollipop Crafts! last week you saw our Valentine's cards... this week we want you to kick up a notch and create anything BUT a card... the challenge... #67 - WITH LOVE! create anything such as 3D items, scrap pages, alterables, etc... and then head on over to the LC blog and link up with InLinkz... =)

We are sponsored this week by Karber Stamps! Karber's offer an array of CUTE images available both in digital format and rubber! Stay tuned for our sponsor spotlight this Thursday on the LC blog... more info on this SWEET company and prize info...

ready for my TREAT?!?
CANDY STICKS!!! they are all the rage around Hawaii.... so i finally did some... i bought the candy stick bags last year and haven't used them until now... these sweet treats are filled with plain M&Ms and topped with a cutesy and easy topper using the scalloped heart and happy 'heart' day sentiment from Dandelion Designs Fuzzy Bear 1 set.... LOVE the set... it's so cute and can be used for any occasion... i then tied a pencil to the candy stick... hope the 3rd graders enjoy this simple treat made WITH LOVE!!

after making these for about 23 students, i realized that next school year, i'll be doubling all my treats that need to be made as DD2 starts Kindergarten!! eek! i think i have to start like NOW to be finished with Halloween... LOL... that's ok, i have about 2 years that i'll have to do the doubles and then a 2 year break with only one in elementary, and then i'll be doubling again... yah, i think once the kids are pass elementary and into intermediate i won't have to do too much... HA! i can hope right?!?

well, it's been such a long time that it does feel really good to post again... come back sometime this week to see what else i've been creating in prep for Valentine's day and DD1's classmates and hula sisters! THANK YOU so very much for sticking with me through my off and on postings... i'm hoping i get more time to craft in between everything else soon... i do miss everyone and wish i could set aside more time to visit and share... cross fingers i get my groove back real soon! until then... see yah, WITH LOVE....

TGF CHA Exclusives

2012-01-31T00:01:00.001-10:00

What's happening friends?!?! How many of you are reading this post from CHA?? may i just say i'm soooooooo JEALOUS?!? wish i could be there!

But you know what, i am there... in thought and creativity!!! yup, yup... for those of you who are at CHA, you just might have seen some of my creations sprouting right there at TGF's booth! and for those of you who have been following TGF on Facebook, Jess has been treating you all to some sneaks! Today is the day i reveal my creations being proudly displayed at The Greeting Farm's booth at Winter CHA 2012!!! Woooohooooo!!!

i was definitely on CLOUD 9 when Marie and Jess asked me to be one of their CHA exclusive guests in creating some NON-CARDS to showcase at their CHA booth... in fact my mind was racing with excitement! THANK YOU TGF, MARIE and JESS for the honor of once again being apart of the TGF family and the ability to create for TGF!!!

so, beware cause i've got lots of pictures to share with you today....
first up, one of 3 creations... the TGF banner! anyone remember seeing this peek on FB?!?! for this banner i tried to stick with the colors of TGF (ok my interp)... red, that's a must and i went with a dark brown vs a black... of course some pink and kraft colors as well....

All DP is from Pebbles, Inc. Valentine's 2012 line... sorry i've failed to catch the actual line name... =)
Miss Anya Love is featured on the first pendant... yes, she will definitely feel the LOVE this v-day... she's holding a mix of colored roses (yikes, i've had these roses lying around with no company to give credit to)...
My Guy Ian is featured on the last pendant... totally handsome and ready to swoon Miss Anya off her feet!
i did say this was made for TGF so it was given to include TGF on the banner... the letters are cut using Lifestyle Crafts English Rose Alphabets... and just a hint of bling and roses to accent these pendants.... likey???

next project.... MAGNETIC MEMO BOARD....
this was totally inspired by my friend Jenny... (THANKS JENNY!) she made some last year for the holidays and gave me some pointers since i was going crazy wanting to try one... i finally did... first one ever and it was made especially for this TGF CHA Exclusive (oh yah i'll definitely be making more of these!) Fleur Anya (one of my faves) takes the spotlight on this one.... and she is paper pieced using DP from K&Co Poppy Seeds collection... the DPs covering the tin sheet is from Autumn Leaves Poppies collection... very simply embellished as the DPs really pop...
marble magnets to help keep your memos/notes in place.... punched out some left over DP and stamped the Greeting Farm logo directly onto the DP... the logo is from the Signature set released awhile ago so please note that it is no longer available for purchase.... adhered the DP to small clear flat marbles and added a magnet to the back... voila!

last project... ALTERED PICTURE FRAME....
you may have seen this one?! if you haven't yet, let's take a closer look.... i've made just a few altered picture frames since learning how to do them... again i give credit to my friend Jenny for guiding me... we both went on trial and error when making these and compared our pros and cons... Thanks again Jenny! this one has a spotlight on the original Princess Anya...

the whole frame is covered with DP from EK Success Princess collection....
close up of the sentiment from the Butterfly Wishes set... (set is no longer available at TGF)... i really love this sentiment and felt it perfect for this frame... oh, did i mention that this sentiment was produced by TGF's very own Jess?!?! =) the sentiment has been stamped on SB Label 14 and distressed with Memento Rose Bud ink... not complete without some bling and a butterfly!
close up of Princess Anya.... notice anything? i actually popped her dress to add some scrap lace to give the overall look some puff! hehehe... i also popped out her crown and star on her wand...
bling found on this side is from Pebbles Inc. Ever After Collection... it wasn't intentional to use the bling but in the end it was just right....

WELL.... are you still with me??? hope so because i still have more info to give you... SO, which project did you like best??? LEAVE A COMMENT on THIS POST, because ONE RANDOM comment will be chosen to win a SPECIAL TREAT!!! Winner will be announced when Jess returns from CHA, on the TGF blog!!

Please head on over to the TGF blog and check out yesterday's post as well to see the beautiful scarf Bonnie made for CHA too! and check out today's post featuring my projects!!

That's it from me today!! Thank you so much for dropping in and checking out my TGF CHA Exclusives!! and a HUGE MAHALO to Marie and Jess for having me!!! Luv yah both!!!! Mwah!

February SSS Sign ups!

2012-01-20T22:30:00.000-10:00

Hello, hello!!!

Secret Sister Swap sign ups begin today until Midnight (HST) on January 29th !!! will you join in on the fun?!

February always screams Valentine's to me... of course it's a month of LOVE, but hey, that should be everyday regardless of a special day to prove it! hehehe...

THEME for February: HEARTS! have some kind of heart(s) on your creation... it can be within the image, the paper, embellished, embossed, etc... as long as you have some kind of HEART(s) on your swap... easy right?!

some rules for the players: (please take note blurbs in red. Thanks!)

1. You can swap anything you think is appropriate. Such as cards, 3d projects, gift tags, altered items, etc. You are not restricted to just a card for each swap... for example, you can do a card this month and gift tags next month, etc... be creative and use your talents! Many of you do not limit yourself to cards, there are some that do awesome jewelry, altered items and so on, so this is the swap to make something special and surprise someone... can't get creative? no problem, you are free to sub in a RAK too!

2. I kindly ask that you please send out your swaps before month's end. Please take into consideration snail mail timing. If you cannot mail your swap before the end of the month, you are given until the 5th day of the following month to do so. This will allow some time for your Secret Sister to receive it. If nothing has been received within 10 days past the end of the month, i will not include you in future sign ups. Please friends, let's play fair.

PREVIOUS PLAYERS, i have your info so all you have to do is comment that you will be participating on this post... here's a list of those who have signed up for their spots:

Leanne, Karen, Amy, Kim, Gail, Char and Theresa

Ladies, if for any reason you cannot commit this month, please let me know ASAP.

**To clear up any confusion: your participation is monthly (unless otherwise stated by you) by confirming your participation through email or comment on the sign up posts. if i do not hear from you by the sign up deadline, it is assumed you will not be participating for the month. if it is easier for you to sign up a month ahead or for a few months, etc. let me know too.

NEW PLAYERS, please email me at krisnal5868 at hotmail dot com to sign up for February with the subject SSS or Secret Sister Swap and the following info: Name, Address, Blog URL (if you have one) and Best Email to contact you... i will send you a confirmation email that i have received your info...

**Please note that swap info is sent out by the 2nd day of the swap month. If you miss the sign up deadline, it doesn't hurt to shoot me an email and ask if you can still play. There may be a chance i'm still sorting through the players and can add you in...

I truly hope the players are enjoying this swap! i do feel the suspense of not knowing who your secret sister is makes receiving the surprise even more fun! everyone is on different levels and styles of crafting so it's nice to get ideas and inspirations from each other! Sign up now and have lots of fun!!!

Cherry blossoms galore!

2012-01-09T00:01:00.002-10:00

Hello, hello!!!! Happy Monday everyone! Lollipop Crafts is back from holiday break and we are SO READY to bring you new inspirations and challenges! Are you up for a challenge?!? Sure you are!

Challenge #62 - Anything goes with a "NEW" twist... yes, it's an anything goes challenge but you MUST add some kind of NEW concept... for example: a new stamp you got for Christmas, or a new technique you've learned... if that doesn't kick it for you, a 'NEW' type of project can be done too... for instance, a New Year's or New Baby creation... be sure you let us know what your 'new' thing is... link up with InLinkz on the LC blog by Saturday so the DT can check out your awesome creations... NO SPONSOR this week but we still hope you'll come out and play because we always have our Top 3!

i'm excited to be participating in this challenge because it seems like i haven't crafted in forevers... ok, i kinda haven't been, but am looking forward now that the holidays are out of the way to get back into the crafting mood...

a co-worker of mine asked me to create something to give as a gift to her niece who turned the big ONE over the weekend... she picked out some of the items she wanted me to incorporate in this craft project and this is what i came up with.... my FIRST creation for 2012!
an altered photo frame! how's this for starting off the new crafting year?!? got this idea (and some coaching) from my dear friend Jenny (yes, i did make one of these frames before), whom also is the co-owner of that CUTESIE little asian girl you see there... that's Kiyomi, and she is apart of the Sister Stamps line... isn't she ADORABLE?!? Kiyomi is colored up with copics and stickles accents the design on her kimono... she comes with a butterfly too, but i omitted that and now it's like she is reaching for the blossoms that are falling... the sakura branches are premade stickers by Jolee's which made a great accent to the beautiful white sakura washi paper used to cover the frame... the NEW thing on my creation is the die cut lettering for the name... Hubby and the kiddies bought me a new set of die cut letters for Christmas - Lifestyle Crafts English Rose alphabet dies <--- LOVE it! the birthday girl's theme included diamonds so i embellished with some rhinestones intertwined within the branches and also on the first letter of the name.... i'm really loving the turnout of this creation and i hope you are too!

be sure to hop on over to the LC blog and check out what the other Lollipop Girls have to share with you too!! We are excited to be back on the blog and hope to have you join us in our fun-filled challenges through out the year...

THANK YOU so much for stopping in today, sharing your thoughts and for sticking with me!! May 2012 brings us lots of GOODNESS!!! toodles until next time!

2011 Reflections

2011-12-31T07:49:00.001-10:00

WOW!!! i can't believe how fast this year has passed us by!! it really seems that the days have gone by in a blink... 2012 i hope you are ready for me because i'm not ready for you!!! LOL...

taking some time today to do a little reflection of the highlights for me this year... both on a personal level and with crafting... where do i even begin?!? so much goodness has happened....

personal level....
~hubby and i marked our 10 year anniversary (together for 10, married for 5)
~participated in TGF CARES - a card drive that i support 100% with whatever i can
~launched PROJECT MAKE A CHILD SMILE - a card collection drive collecting Christmas cards to go along with hospital dolls to be given to children in the ER at Holy Cross Hospital
~my lil' boy turned 1 this year
~finally got my act together and tried out some craft fairs (yes i'm rethinking all that i did this year for next, it was overwhelming this year)
~went back to work

that's just a little that i'm happy to share about... and now for the fun crafting stuff... here's a few top faves, in no particular order.... hope you enjoyed these as much as i have...

THANK YOU everyone, for sticking with me through the craziness of this year! i hope to bring you fresh new creations in 2012... you truly are my back bone to keeping up with crafting!! you all give me the motivation and inspiration to continue what i love to do... CRAFT!! i would have given up long ago if it weren't for your endless support of love and encouragement!

i wish you all a HAPPY, PROSPEROUS, CREATIVE, HEALTHY and BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!!

Sqaure-ing it up for 2012!

2011-12-27T00:09:00.000-10:00

Hey!! so has everyone survived Christmas?! i surely hope it was filled with love, laughter, joy, family and friends!! well, cause that's how i roll! hehehe... we had a splendid weekend celebrating with family and friends on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day... Kids were delighted, Mommy and Daddy were happy and the eating never ended... LOL... there went my dropping 3 sizes... and Hubby surprised me with some crafting goodies!!! =D all in all, i hope it was a FANTASTIC day for all of you too!!

so did anyone go shopping the day after Christmas??? we did!! yah, it was crazy, but i really wanted to get some stuff before the stores ran out of it... happy to say that the mission was accomplished... i usually get these items well in advance before Christmas Day, but this year has been rough and i told myself, if it's there after Christmas, it was meant to be... AND IT WAS!!! i was SO stoked! now i have the Holiday Barbie 2011 and the ornament to add to my collection.... yippppeeeee!!

alright.... enough chit chat... sharing some calendars i made for the craft fairs...
these are mini hanging calendars... i used my biggest square nestie to cut out some chipboard, then the biggest scallop nestie to cut out my backings... found some great HK paper to accent the calendars completed with PSA HK clear stamps... i know everyone puts magnets on the back of their calendars, but i did ribbon instead... for those that prefer to hang it... i did tell my customers that they could add a magnet if they preferred... first time i made these it sold quickly... then again i only had a hand full... 2nd time around i made a bunch and came home with 1/4 of the stock left... most customers preferred it with the magnet instead of for hanging i guess... note to self for next year.... hehehe!

well, my craft room needs some major cleaning up... with the last minute hustles for Christmas i sorta threw and left things here and there... eek!!! bad no no! now i'm going to pay for it.... LOL...

ciao for now friends!! be back again with some more crafty goodies!

Wishing you....

2011-12-25T00:08:00.005-10:00

the Happiest of Holidays... Merry Christmas from my ohana to you and yours! May you all be blessed in many ways and remember the reason for the season... for nothing is greater than the gift of love!!

Mahalo everyone, for your endless support throughout the years... i appreciate and hold each and every one of you close to my heart and keep you in my thoughts daily... THANK YOU!!! even if i haven't been around much, i do think of you all and will find the time to resume back to my blog soon!

with love and blessings,
Kris

May i have a tissue 2?

2011-12-23T12:38:00.001-10:00

hiya there! did you miss me?!? hoping my TGF Holiday Hop projects had you remembering me.... hehe!!

i know it's been a while since i've really shared my projects with you.... with Christmas only a couple of 'sleeps' away, things around here have been starting to settle down and we are slowly falling into new routines... today's sharing is a few tissue box covers i did for my last craft fair... only made a few to test the waters... they did pretty well... =) take a look...
HK is always popular with the crowds.... these sold like hotcakes within 2 hours...
broadening the scope of things i did some TGF images too... Holiday Anya above and Cheeky Xmas below... papers used were from the DCWV value stack... lots of pretty papers in there.... i was hesitant to even use them... LOL....
do you like?! these are really fun to make... simple and you can dress it up any way you desire in any theme or color! makes a great gift for birthdays, just because or even as a heartfelt get-well...

it's Aloha friday and i do bid you all a good day! where ever you may go, whatever you may do, SMILE!! thanks for stopping by today and i hope to post more soon!! as always, THANK YOU for your outrageously kind support and sweet comments!! a hui ho, until we meet again! =)

January 2012 Secret Sister Sign ups

2011-12-22T00:01:00.002-10:00

Well, the year has really flown past us... can't help but ask... "where does the time go?" guess we just loose track of it when having fun!! i THANK all who have supported this swap this past year, we've made it to SSS' ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! YAY!!!! i truly hope you are all enjoying the surprises and finding out who your secret sisters are! i do enjoy the 'behind the scenes' work of putting it together... =)

January Secret Sister sign ups begin today and will close on December 30th at midnight HST... sign up now by posting a comment here or by emailing me... There will be NO THEME for January... ANYTHING GOES!

Here's a little blurb on my mini rules (Please take note on the items in red):

1. You can swap anything you think is appropriate. Such as cards, 3d projects, gift tags, altered items, etc. You are not restricted to just a card for each swap... for example, you can do a card this month and gift tags next month, etc... be creative and use your talents! Many of you do not limit yourself to cards, there are some that do awesome jewelry, altered items and so on, so this is the swap to make something special and surprise someone... can't get creative? no problem, you are free to sub in a RAK too!

2. I kindly ask that you please send out your swaps before month's end. Please take into consideration snail mail timing. If you cannot mail your swap before the end of the month, you are given until the 5th day of the following month to do so. This will allow some time for your Secret Sister to receive it. If nothing has been received within 10 days past the end of the month, i will not include you in future sign ups. Please friends, let's play fair.

PREVIOUS PLAYERS, i have your info so all you have to do is comment that you will be participating on this post... here's a list of those who have signed up for their spots:

Kim, Karen and Gail

Ladies, if you signing up has changed since your last request, please let me know ASAP... thank you!! **If it is easier for you to sign up a month or so ahead, that is totally fine too!

NEW PLAYERS, please email me at krisnal5868 at hotmail dot com to sign up for January with the subject SSS or Secret Sister Swap and the following info: Name, Address, Blog URL (if you have one) and Best Email to contact you... i will send you a confirmation email that i have received your info...

**Please note that swap info is sent out by the 2nd day of the swap month. If you miss the sign up deadline, it doesn't hurt to shoot me an email and ask if you can still play. There may be a chance i'm still sorting through the players and can add you in...

3rd Annual Holiday Hop with The Greeting Farm

2011-12-19T06:00:00.001-10:00

Helllllloooooo!! Are you ready for some FUN FUN FUN today?! i sure hope so because The Greeting Farm's Customer Holiday Hop is one that everyone awaits for each year! ok, i know I DO! =)

If you hopped to my blog by chance, PLEASE head on over to the TGF blog and begin your holiday hopping there... a full list of holiday hop participants are listed on the blog... there is a SERIOUSLY large amount of participants and you want to make sure you hop to EACH blog listed... i'll tell you why in a sec... so please, please start there! you can always head back to the TGF blog is you get lost along the way...

ok, so why should you visit each blog listed?! because in addition to the prizes for the participant's creation(s), ONE LUCKY random hopper will ALSO win a FANTABULOUS prize... YES, the lucky winner will win the entire January release which consists of 6 NEW SETS... the prize is HUGE! but the only way to get a chance at that prize is to participate in the hop, so what are you waiting for?!?

Guess it's time to release my creations for the hop! Like i've said, this customer hop is long awaited for and i always set time aside to keep an eye out for the announcement... it's a TOTALLY FUN way of seeing what everyone is creating this holiday season... inspire and be inspired!

so up first is a few creations i've done for the HOLIDAY portion of the hop...

i always do some kind of 'treat' project for the customer holiday hop, so this year i've done some simple handle bags featuring the cozy snowmen from the Keep Cozy set...

these goodies are filled with pencils, rulers, notepads, candy canes, and either a yummy chocolate KitKat treat or some cozy warm hot chocolate packets... a simple way of sending someone a 'SWEET' Christmas gift....

next up is also for the Holiday part of the hop... saw this in a mag earlier this year and been meaning to try it... it was perfect to try for Christmas... A PAPER WREATH!
using strips of holiday/Christmas papers from MME's Merry Little Christmas paper pack and a foam wreath, i created something joyful to hang on my door.... bringing out Santa Ian and his lovely helpers, i applied them to the wreath to replicate ornaments (ball or circled shaped ornaments)... a nice burst of colors for a warm welcome home...

Now, onto the NON HOLIDAY part of the hop... i have to say that soooo many ideas were running through my head... in the end, being all caught up with mounds of stuff, i decided to create some marble magnets... i really do need them... maybe i can organize my notes a little better now that i whipped some up...

Miss Anyas are a great size for these approx. 1 3/4 round flat marbles... i used a few of my fave Miss Anya images... 2 from the Hats Off set and 1 from the Anya collection set... i applied magnets to these to use on my magnetic memo board but they are big enough to use as paper weights as well if preferred instead...

Well... what did you think of these creations?! i had so much fun creating these and hope that i can inspire you in one way or another with one of my projects... maybe a quick accent to your home or a easy and quick gift to give someone... whatever it may be, i just really hope you enjoyed visiting with me today...

Thank you SO much for stopping by!! head on back to the TGF blog and continue your hopping!! Thank you TGF for the awesome and very splendid CUSTOMER HOLIDAY HOP!!!

K-lusive Kreations presents....

2011-12-01T00:01:00.009-10:00

{Please be aware that this post is extremely long, but worth reading... =D Thank you!}

1st Annual... Project Make a Child Smile 2011....

A very SPECIAL THANK YOU to all of you who have kindly embraced the Holiday Season with the GIFT of GIVING!! i will honestly say, so many thoughts went through my mind when first initiating this card drive... for instance, would i collect enough cards, what if no one participates, oh my can i produce my goal? yep, all of that went through my mind... and guess what?!? with many hearts of GOLD, i surpassed my collection goal!! i will admit now that with every package of cards i received, my heart melted and my eyes teared because the feeling of the wonderful generosity from those that helped put an extra smile on a child's face this season is just so REMARKABLE and the sensation of YOU sending your LOVE to a child whom you never met, i embraced with my heart greatly!! THANK YOU and BLESS you all today, tomorrow, throughout the season and every day forward!!

i've put together a little slide show for you, sharing the beautiful cards made by some FANTABULOUS crafting sisters around the world... (please excuses my skills, i'm no genius when it comes to this stuff, but i tried my best =D) grab a tissue or 2 and sit back and take a look... background song is "Give Love on Christmas Day" sung by Lorie Salvatera (Local Hawaii Girl) and it was the perfect fit to this project...

Did you enjoy the slide? Didn't the kindness just embrace your hearts? i really hope it did because it is people like these wonderful ladies that truly make the world a better place! Please give these fabulous givers a round of applause!!!!!

Aunty J emailed me after receiving the cards, and here is a little of what she has to say...
"Thank you so much to you and all your friends that participated in the Aktion Club project of the hospital dolls and the awesome Christmas cards that were made. The Kiwanis Club of Santa Clarita along with the members of the Aktion Club will be visiting Holy Cross Providence Hospital in Mission Hills, CA. in December to make our annual donation of the hospital dolls. The Christmas cards will accompany the dolls and I know that they will absolutely delight the young patients in the hospital emergency room. Thank you so very much to all that gave their time, materials and especially the love that was put into making the cards."

The cards created comes from all ages... young and those young at heart... no matter what the age, no matter what the skill level, the thing that matters is we all came together as one and made this event SPECTACULAR!

A very huge THANK YOU goes out to Jenny of Sister Stamps LLC for donating a generous amount of prizes to award some of those who have participated... Jenny kindly contacted us and wanted to participate in a very generous way... So she has donated several prizes... Yes, the prize info was kept a secret and the amount of cards received has shown why... BECAUSE WHEN YOU GIVE FROM YOUR HEART, THERE ARE NO INCENTIVES ATTACHED, YOU JUST GIVE. and that is what makes your giving more meaningful... THANK YOU SO SO MUCH Jenny!! Aunty J and i appreciate your sweetness and LOVE!!

As a THANK YOU to all that have participated we do have some prizes to give away... everyone that has sent in cards, names were put into a bowl and have been pulled... so here goes...

Prizes donated by Sister Stamps LLC
SS Shimo-San ~ Brenda and Patti
SS Yuki ~ Sidney and Lianne I.
SS Setsuna ~ Mimi and Danni

Prizes donated by Kris and Aunty J
Punch Gift ~ Kyoko and Bobbi
Paper Pack Gift ~ Jacque and Jill

We had a tremendous amount of participants (more than we anticipated) and even if your name was not pulled for the above prizes, there is a little THANK YOU gift that will be sent to you as a token of our appreciation. Thank you Aunty J for donating the extra gifts!

(All will be mailed out next week, apologies for the delay)

I've also received many emails asking if this will be an annual event, and with much heart, i've decided to continue this as long as Aunty J continues her part... Be on a look out for next year's details... =D

Thank you, thank you, time and time again for EVERYTHING!!!

Now that that is done, yes, it's taken me quite a while to complete, i'm sorry, curious minds (i can hear it, LOL) have been questioning "what happened to Kris?" or "is Kris ok?" Yes! i am ok... still trying to recover from the craft fair preparations (i've caught up on most of my sleep) and now trying to adhere to a few life changes... my biggest one, i've gone back to the real work world full time now and i'm trying to adjust time management between 3 full time jobs... it's been an up and down adjustment, low points and high, but taking the days slowly is a must... especially with the holidays here... please be patient with me, i'm still around and i do have lots of things to still share and will get to that as time permits... Thank you for sticking with me this far, i hope you continue to come and visit my crazy postings! Many blessings and LOTS OF LOVE to you all!!!

Twilight Thursday with TGF!

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-10:00

Happy Thursday and a Happy Thanksgiving Friends!! I bet you all are gearing up for some yummy holiday food!! I know I am... =D

Instead of a Thursday Throwback on the Farm today, we are bringing you a special TWILIGHT THURSDAY SHOWCASE!! Yes indeed! In honor of Twilight's Breaking Dawn Pt 1, the Farmers here at TGF are showcasing some creations with non other than TWILIGHT inspired stamps/digis available at the TGF store!!

So, now I ask... Did you watch Breaking Dawn yet?!? OMG, love it and can't wait to see it again, so if you didn't see it yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!? LOL...

Ok, although I think the wolves have totally gorgeous bods, I will admit that i would choose to run with the vampires... my creation today features WS Ebony aka Alice... she is most DEF, my fave character... I so so so LOVE her funky, spunky style... she is the true fashionista in the movie and well my card is spunky like her! I was lucky enough to snag WS Ebony in digi form during a special release a few years ago and now she is available in rubber... Who is your FAVE character and do you run with the vampires or the wolves???

Guess what?!? Make sure you hop on over to TGF's blog because their is a SPECIAL prize giveaway... Visit all the DT blogs featured there and then let TGF know that you have left some LOVE on their blogs because not ONE but TWO lucky winners will receive the "I DO" set! Yes, you are reading this right... we are celebrating the long awaited nuptials of Edward and ME, I mean Bella! LOL!!

You have all weekend to hop and comment but make sure you do it before 10pm CST on Sunday! Winners will be announced on the TGF blog on Monday!

Thank you for stopping here!! I am grateful for YOU, every day!! Happy Turkey Day!! Now go and hop!!

December Secret Santa Swap Sign-ups

2011-11-22T02:45:00.000-10:00

Hiya Friends!! Wow, can you believe i've been doing this secret swap for a year already?! gosh it feels like i've just started it!! time does really fly by when you're having fun! Thank you to all of you for making this swap such a success!! We have some very faithful swappers that have started this swap with me from the very beginning and have continued to support this throughout the year... WOW!! THANK YOU!! I appreciate ALL of you and hope you will continue to play along...

In true secret style, December's swap is called Secret Santa... Why?! because it's in honor of the holiday season!! We are all getting ready for the holidays and since you probably have all your holiday themed projects out, let's do something with a CHRISTMAS/SEASON'S GREETINGS/HAPPY HOLIDAY theme... anything goes as long as it's within the theme...

quick blurb about the rules for this swap... please take note of some changes in red...

1. You can swap anything you think is appropriate. Such as cards, 3d projects, gift tags, altered items, etc. You are not restricted to just a card for each swap... for example, you can do a card this month and gift tags next month, etc... be creative and use your talents! Many of you do not limit yourself to cards, there are some that do awesome jewelry, altered items and so on, so this is the swap to make something special and surprise someone... can't get creative? no problem, you are free to sub in a RAK too!

2. I kindly ask that you please send out your swaps before month's end. Please take into consideration snail mail timing. If you cannot mail your swap before the end of the month, you are given until the 5th day of the following month to do so. This will allow some time for your Secret Sister to receive it. If nothing has been received within 10 days past the end of the month, i will not include you in future sign ups. Please friends, let's play fair.

This is a commitment i ask that you follow through with. sign ups will be open until November 29th...

Here's a list of players that have already signed up for December...

Kim, Karen, Amy, Jayne, Brandi, Leanne, Shirl, Mimi

Just about anything...

2011-11-21T02:15:00.001-10:00

EEK! was my last post really last monday?!? so sorry gang! i've been working lots of overtime in prep for my last craft show that was yesterday... lots of late late nights, early mornings if you prefer, but in general it was definitely a hustle... so as you can tell, since i'm posting, i survived... LOL... i'll have to tell you more about it in the next sharing... this one will be kept sweet and simple... i'm exhausted!

this post comes about late in the hours (hope the team doesn't scream at me, LOL) for Challenge #58 - ANYTHING GOES at Lollipop Crafts this week... it's a no sponsor challenge but we always feature the Top 3 from the challenge so we do encourage you to still link up because you just never know if you will be featured.... =D head over to LC and check out the DT inspirations... both the A and T teams have joined forces to bring you some inspirational eye candy that you don't want to miss... and well, here's mine...
another altered 4x6 photo album this time using that ADORABLE Ayako from Sister Stamps... isn't she so sweet?! i just LOVE her... she comes to you from Sister Stamps 2nd release (yes i'm almost done using the 2nd release, hehehe).. again i used the papers from Imaginisce's Garden Party line... i love the soft colors from this palette group and find that they accompany the Sister Stamps images greatly... i used a coordinating piece to this line to paper piece her obi... and the sentiment is from TGF's Fancy Fleurs set, which i thought compliments this creation... =D

Also linking this creation to my Lollipop Crafts sister Leanne for her Fun Friday #6... if you haven't seen this JUST for FUN challenge on her blog, go check it out! like i've said before, it's just another way to share your creations with the world... =D

alright, i'm opting to not do anything but post this right now... LOL!! it is well past bedtime so i'm going back to bed.... i think i could sleep for days straight at this point... hehehe! Thanks for coming by today and now that craft fairs are out the way for a while, i can start to get back into a regular routine again which will be to blog and visit again too... (to my crafty mommies, you know who you all are) routine will also include some sleep! i think! hahaha!! toodles!

Embossing with a twist!

2011-11-14T23:24:00.000-10:00

Hiya!!! this comes a bit late but i hope you'll excuse my tardiness! was trying to get this up on time but not only am i having general computer issues, the internet kept kicking me out last night!! on the edge of tears i tell you... my poor hubby has been trying his hardest the last few weeks to restore and repair my laptop without having to do a hard boot... he's got it running for me to do the 'main' things i need to but it's still acting a little weird.... he said i might have fried my hard drive... WAAAAHHHH!! my laptop is less than a year old... guess i'll have to be an extremely good girl and hope Santa either fixes this one for me or gets me a new one.... LOL... i can dream right?!

anyway, i was finally able to upload pix, tweak it and get on blogger without the internet restarting... YAY!! so i bring you my creation for Lollipop Crafts Challenge #57 - Embossing with NO designer papers... would someone scream for me? hehehe, not using designer/patterned papers can be a difficult challenge, but i found a way to work through.... as far as the embossing part of the challenge, you can use any type of embossing... heat, folders, stencils etc... as long as we can see it!

Just Some Lines is our sponsor this week offering a super sweet prize to ONE LUCKY challenge participant this week! Check out the wonderful collections in the store... i'm sure you'll find something that catches your crafty bug... and now onto my card....
our local craft store had it's 40% off coupon this weekend and debating on things i should use it on, i spied this awesome new craft toy... it's a stamp and emboss set from Sizzix and Hero Arts... you stamp your paper, and then align the image in the embossing folder and emboss it... so cool and there were a few designs to choose from but this floral wreath caught my eye... can't see from the horrible picture i took but there are words in the background... it's a "thank you" with definitions and other words like grateful, etc... i simply covered the entire stamp with Memento Angel Pink and then used Memento Rose Bud dual pen to highlight the flowers... also used a Studio G sentiment (Thanks!) inked up with Memento Rose Bud and stamped it in the center of the wreath (that area is blank)... and some rhinestones for a hint of bling! easy card that can be done in 10-15 minutes... depending on how you vision working with this stamp... =D
close up to show you the embossing... don't mind that i didn't align it correctly... LOL... this was my first try at this new toy... hehehe! but do you see that the flowers pop?! a reason why i wanted to highlight them with a darker shade....

so, as you can see, this challenge can actually be very easy... hop on over to Lollipop Crafts and get all the details on this challenge and how to play along... while there, go and get a taste of some sweetness from the A Team and be inspired to join us this week!

alright, time for me to head on out.... got some postings scheduled for this week so i hope you'll stick around with me... and now, back to crafting.... last craft fair this sunday (more details soon) and the prep is endless... or so it seems... =D but i LOVE it! toodles!

Guest Designer Spotlight on Me

2011-11-14T00:01:00.000-10:00

Yep, there's a guest designer spotlight on me over on The Greeting Farm blog... and here's what you'll find there...

Where do I even begin?! Let's start with... I was over the TOP when Jess asked me to guest design with The Greeting Farm and the Farmers this month!! You know my answer to that! It is truly a privilege to be crafting with these girls and and to play with these CUTE and FUN stamps... It's such a SUPER exciting time for me as i've been following TGF since 2009, right about the time I started my blog... My first ever TGF purchase consisted of Flutter Anya, Princess Anya and WS Edward... And well, to this day, my collection has grown... (and quite a bit too, =D) i can't tell you what my FAVE stamps are, as the list would be endless (cause i really love them all), but i will say that I have a few faves from each stamp line... hehehe... will that count?!

I LOVE card making and do it often, but i DO love creating alterables and 3D projects too! So guess what i've got to share with you?!?
An altered item! It was only right for me to use a stamp from my first purchase to do my spotlight and decide to go with Flutter Anya because i just LOVE her... hehehe! This is an altered photo album that features some things that I like... I mean LOVE... =D Well, I do love me some patterned paper and probably have enough to last me years (but I still buy more), embellishments are a MUST, even if simply used like this... Glitter will spice up any creation and I do enjoy the spark! And a fave technique, which I don't do often enough, is paper piecing! Flutter Anya's outfit is paper pieced...

A HUGE Thank you to The Greeting Farm for having me this month! This journey is AMAZING!

Thanks for popping in today and i should be back shortly with more creations... guess you could say i'm on crunch time prepping for the last craft fair i'm participating in, so i'm not around here much... so sorry about that but my time should start to free up soon... Huggies for now!

Heart to Heart

2011-11-10T00:06:00.001-10:00

"the way back home, can be so hard. i know we'll make it if we're heart to heart. and if we give LOVE every day, i know we'll make it if we're HEART to HEART..." ~ Kai

ahhh!! L-O-V-E this song!! haven't heard it before??? go and YOUTUBE it.... hehehe... such a beautiful love song... =D

hiya peeps!!! how are all of you on this lovely thursday?! i wish i could say fine and dandy, but i'm still having some comp issues (AAAAAHHH!) and busier than i've never been before... tons of deadlines to meet... i wish i could multiply myself sometimes... LOL! don't you?

so why the song as my intro? my sharing today is my journal page for Week 16 of he-Art Journaling with The Greeting Farm and the assignment was non-other than HEART-TO-HEART!!! create a page using hearts!! the song Heart to Heart by Kai immediately came to my mind and this is what i created....
it's sorta a boy meets girl type of theme with LOTS of HEARTS... and i have just that on this page, although you can't really see the 'meets' hidden there... i thought i had better stickers to "stick" out but it was only a thought... =D i knew my heart nesties would come in handy one day (since i haven't been giving them much love lately, heehee)... can you spot all the hearts?? LOL
here's a close up of the partial chorus from the song... yep, i had to add that into my page....
another close up of a blurb i added in too.... "Love is a beautiful thing..." ain't that right?!?
can you spot the heart on My Guy Ian??? i used one of the scraps from a nestie heart i cut out and placed it over the image to give me just a small are to color in.... i saw this technique from a past farmer on TGF, Randi, and have only now tried something similar....
did it here again with Miss Anya Dressy....

so... what do you think of my page this week??? i hope you {HEART} it....

hey, i know i haven't been around much due to my *sigh* crazy comp problems, i'm hoping it will get fixed soon... haven't been leaving too much comments because when i start to leave too much comments the internet either restarts or shuts down... yah, i'm hoping it ain't a darn virus... so please be patient with me as i work out those kinks and i will definitely try and catch up on your blogs soon! THANKS for all the wonderful comments you ALL have been leaving!! i enjoy reading them and they bring such smiles to my days!! THANK YOU!! and see yah soon!

So FARM FRESH and RETRO!

2011-11-09T00:01:00.001-10:00

What's kickin' friends?!?! how's your week so far?! hope all well and everyone is getting crafty!

i'm joining the wonderful and talented ladies over at TGF's Farm Fresh Challenge Blog today... and we are so going RETRO!!! yep, time for that monthly retro challenge... haven't heard about this new challenge yet?? well, let me tell you a bit.. ONCE a month, on the 2nd Wednesday, TGF sponsors a special challenge to give your OLD TGF images some love... Stamps/Digis must be atleast 6 months old in order to qualify for the challenge... not sure of what will qualify? check out the RETRO list on SCS... full deets on this challenge may be found on the FFC blog too, so be sure to stop on over there and check out the wonderful creations by the DT too... this RETRO challenge has a twist to it too.... can you guess what it is?!?

if you said color challenge, you are correct! along with using a qualifying stamp/digi, you must use the colors BLUE and BERRY (pink)..... i did just that with my tissue box cover creation... you can find the instrux for the cover here... doesn't Geisha Anya look wonderful in these colors? here's another view of the box....
DP from Imaginisce's Garden Party line were perfect to use with this challenge too since it reflects the challenge colors... this paper is matted along the remaining 3 side panels...

and a top view... very simple by using an embossing folder to create design and texture... i sponged on color to the embossed image using Memento Rose Bud... and yes, BLING!

you have ALL MONTH long to join in on this fun, RETRO FRESH challenge... so go and dig up your old faves and give them some life!

don't forget that the DECEMBER Guest Designer contest ends 11/10, you have today (Wednesday) and Thursday left, so make sure to get your entries in to Jess before the big reveal of Phase 1 on our Facebook page on Friday, 11/11!

remember, you can get the full details on this month's RETRO challenge on the FFC blog and you can get the GUEST DESIGNER contest info on TGF's blog...

thanks for coming by today!! see you soon!

Clearly a Special Showcase..and SALE!

2011-11-08T00:01:00.001-10:00

Hello, friends!

As promised, we are here today with a special CLEAR STAMP SHOWCASE and a ONE-DAY only SALE! For today only, all clear stamp sets are only $12 each ($15 regular price)! BUT, you have to hurry because this sale is for a short time only. TODAY (11/8) from 12:01 AM to 10 PM CST!! We want to make your holidays as stress-free as possible and who doesn't love a little online shopping to save from bearing the crowds and crazy limited quantities out there?

We are so excited to bring you our "CLEAR STAMP SHOWCASE" today at The Greeting Farm!
In addition to our one-day sale, we have a few prizes along the way! Not one, but TWO LUCKY WINNERS will win a clear stamp set of choice just for hopping with TGF today!

Our clear stamp sets are made from high-quality photopolymer and we are very happy so far with the feedback we've received from both our design teams and customers alike! We asked everyone to be very candid with us to make sure that we were bringing you the same, quality TGF product you'd expect from us. (***I'm gonna throw in a bit here about how I, too was skeptical and feel free to add your own stories **) We love being able to bring you such fun and versatile lines of images and our clears are no exception! While we won't be going all clear, we do enjoy the versatility of this new line and really hope you do, too!

With our newsletter coming right around the corner on the 15th, we'd love to offer a Clear Stamp Showcase: Newsletter edition to get our customers even more acquainted with our Clear line and would love to see YOUR submissions! Please email Jessica at yeahshestamps@gmail.com by November 12th to submit your entry for consideration with a short write up of your project. Showcased projects will WIN a free stamp!

Here's my gift creation using the Build-a-Onesie-Girl.... Altered a plastic photo album by creating inserts and a coordinating card to make this a very special gift perhaps for a mother-to-be?!? This clear set comes with many cute add on images like the flower I used... Build-a-Onesie comes in a boy set too!!

At first, I was very skeptical about clear stamps. Truly, it is very hard to find good quality clear stamps that give you the same impressions as rubber would. I'll tell you now that TGF's clear stamps come of GREAT quality and I was very HAPPY that my images came out clear. The photopolymer is thicker to me than the cheaper $1 or so stamps from other companies and I can actually use it with Memento ink with out having the image look smudged... =D

We have a great lineup planned for you today with LOTS of creativity and fun ideas from clean and simple to stunningly colored and embellished- and don't forget to leave comments along the way and then head back to the TGF blog to comment and enter to WIN one of the TWO prizes! We hope you gain tons of inspiration today and can't wait to get started, so without further adieu, here is today's line up (in case you get lost along the way):

Don't forget that the DECEMBER Guest Designer contest ends 11/10, so make sure to get your entries in to Jess before the big reveal of Phase 1 on our Facebook page on Friday, 11/11!

What's more? Please join us at 7pm CST on Friday, November 11th in our SCS Forum for our First-EVER TGF "Customer Challenge and Chit-Chat" night! Our first night will be a MOVIE THEME event so pop some popcorn, grab your favorite candy, and join us for LIVE chatter, trivia, and a challenge with our first Customer Hostess to be revealed shortly! :)

If you're not able to join us for the live chat no worries- we will be doing these at different times of day to include our overseas friends when we can. Challenge will be open ALL weekend, too, so there will be time for EVERYONE to play! We'll wrap up about 10pm CST or whenever we conk out- but for now, get ready to join us for a night at the movies!

See you soon!

Computer Issues

2011-11-07T13:26:00.003-10:00

Sorry Friends!!! i'm experiencing computer problems YET AGAIN!!!! ugh! so no sharing for today... luckily i have some things scheduled for the next few days, please stay tuned for that...

in the meantime, don't forget to check out Challenge #56 over at Lollipop Crafts!! i wasn't able to participate this week but i 'd definitely like you to get inspired by the T Team this week and their Thanksgiving/Fall challenge... pick up the deets on the LC blog....

bare with me, lots of fun things happening... =D

More paper holders in stock...

2011-11-05T13:41:00.000-10:00

Hi, HI!!!! hmmm, missed a day of posting... hope you'll forgive me... busy prepping for tomorrow's craft fair... the first BIG one of the craft fair holiday season... can you tell i'm just absolutely going BONKERS?!?! okay, maybe not by my post, but if you were here, in person, in my little craft space, you'd know... LOL... i'm so doing double time... i was up until 6 this AM before calling in quits... and i'm still not 'prepared'... hahaha! few hours of sleep and i'm back at it again... =D

anyway, i needed a break and decided to share today... my dear friend, who is also my Lollipop Crafts sister, Leanne has been posting these FUN FRIDAY days where you link up on her blog and share your creations... it's just a fun free link up to see what everyone is creating... i've been meaning to join her since the beginning but of course, i either forget or don't have the time... but i am joining her this week! YAY!!! Oh, did i mention she's already on Fun Friday #4?! ummm, i'm a little behind don't you think?!? hehehe!

so today i'm sharing more paper holders that will be available tomorrow at the craft fair... if you're on Maui, you have to know that the Nisei Veterans Holiday Craft Fair is one of 2 big ones coming your way... Stop by tomorrow from 9am - 2pm at the War Memorial Gym... lots of GREAT stuff waiting to go home with you... and i don't mean just my booth!
here's one using Miyono from Sister Stamps... hey Leanne, i'm finally working on release #2... LOL... and Sister Stamps are already on release #4... yah i gottah catch up big time!! i love the colors on this one... many shades of purple... for the layers on the box i used some scrap washi paper... embossed the purple circle behind Miyono with a Sizzix flower something embossing folder... LOL, sorry i can't remember what it's called but i call it the dandelion folder... hehehe... and that circle is layered on top a eyelet circle nestie... and you know i have to add bling!
these are new designs too... i used the Plumeria bunch from the Tropical Flowers B set from Island Paperie and the DP for the layers is also a new paper design from Island Paperie... (although cannot really see it from this view)... then to finish it off i added some mini rhinestones to some of the plumeria middles... tadduh!!

okie dokes... better get off of here and finish up... still a lot of unfinished creations... not sure if i'll post tomorrow, but i'll definitely be back on Monday.... toodles for now my lovely peeps!! have a great weekend and i'll be seeing you soon!

Stickin' with it!

2011-11-03T02:49:00.000-10:00

literally speaking....

hiya friends!! sorry for the lack of posting and sharing... i've fallen victim of the never ending computer issues! ugh!!!!! NO likey! i had something planned to share yesterday, however, something wiped my computer and my poor wonderful hubby was trying to recover everything all day... we finally got the comp running by afternoon THEN my libraries were completely empty!! i was on the edge of just bursting in tears... i know, i know, why didn't i back it up?!? no excuse there, i try to on my flash drive when i remember and well.... i'm guilty of not doing it in a while... so i'm sitting in my craft room just ready to cry, being scolded by the hubs and i'm thinking to myself, man, my laptop isn't even a year old and it's already acting up?!?!? any computer tech (no hubs isn't) would know that data isn't really lost, and THANKFULLY i was able to restore ALL my files, documents, pictures, etc.... ok, ok, i haven't quite restored it all yet, but in the progress of doing so... =D YAY me!! i must've been good.... LOL... now i have to put a sticky note next to my comp to remind me to flash my files... hehehe!

anyway, i'm just sharing my journal page for Week 15 of he-Art Journaling with The Greeting Farm... this week's assignment was "Stickin' to it!" use little or lots of sticky-ness!
and here's my page... got to play with washi tape, adhesive chipboard, stickers and dimensional stickers... this was really fun, as you can tell from my page... very colorful, happy, cheerful....

hahaha, yes i know i haven't shared my page for week 14, but it was so pathetic i don't want to.... LOL... but you can go spy it in the gallery... not my best work... LOL...

sorry for the hit and run... i've got tons of things to do and little time to do it... hope to get my special thing finished soon too because that is something i really want to share with you... stay tuned... =D and THANK YOU for 'stickin' with me!!

Keepy Cozy on RELEASE day at the FARM!

2011-11-01T00:01:00.001-10:00

Howdy All!!! the day has finally arrived.... ALL NOVEMBER releases are available for purchase at The Greeting Farm TODAY!!! Woooohoooo!! Holiday Anya, WS Matilda and Creepers Saturday and Sunday!! so which has been your FAVE stamp from this release??

Also in stock is the clear stamp sets from last month's release, so if you've been waiting to get them, go and get them now!

For today, i have Creeper Sunday who is cozy-ing up on my blog!

Really, who said the weekends have to end?!? With cutie Creeper Sunday, it can be the weekend all day every day.... hehehe! When i first saw him, everything about the way he dressed and his name reminds me of being cozy with family on Sundays... so i made another sizzix scoreboard caddy (yes i traced and cut again) and added some cocoa packets... used the "keep cozy" sentiment from the Keep Cozy set... isn't he ready to keep warm for the winter?!

Don't forget to join us today on SCS for random chitter chatter, some prizes, and FUN! You know we all know how to have FUN!!

Mark your calendars for November 11th- our first live “virtual stamp event' on our SCS forum with a themed challenge, prizes, and our very first customer hostess of the evening...

GUEST DESIGNER CONTEST is open now until November 10th. Please check the TGF blog for more info on this special contest....

Last but not LEAST, make sure you visit ALL the Farmers today because ONE lucky person to comment on ALL the DT's blogs just might take home the ENTIRE NOVEMBER RELEASE!!! is that FAB or what?!? Get the DT blog links on the TGF blog...

Thanks for dropping by today!! i hope you have enjoyed my previews and maybe i'll see you on SCS sometime today... Now go an get those stamps on your wishlist!!

Creepin' by with a Halloween Hi!

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-10:00

Happy Halloween!!!

Are you ready for ONE more preview at The Greeting Farm before the big release day?!? He's CREEPY but not Halloween creepy, he's too cute to be scary... Welcome to the farm....

Creeper Saturday

Isn't he totally ROCKIN'?!?! He is very stylish rockin' his kicks in green, but don't let his smirk TRICK you!! Saturday is surely a TREAT to have... AND he is ONE of TWO Creepers being released TOMORROW!

Be sure to head on over to the TGF blog to take a peek at the Farmer's creations... You just might see Creeper Sunday creepin' around the farm too!

Creeper Saturday and Sunday, along with Matilda and Holiday Anya will be available November 1st at The Greeting Farm, so set those alarms and mark those calendars because this new release is absolutely a TREAT, no tricks!

Don't forget to join us tomorrow, release day, all day on SCS for random chitter chatter, some prizes, and FUN!

Also, Guest Designer contest going on now through November 10^th, first round will be posted during our first 'virtual stamp event' on our SCS forum on November 11^th. We do hope YOU can join us!!

ALL clear sets are stocked and ready to make their way home to you with your November stamp purchases! Have you made your wish list yet?!? Be sure to stop back tomorrow for RELEASE DAY! See you then!!

Something WILD is SPROUTing on the FARM!

2011-10-27T00:01:00.000-10:00

Hi again!

I'm back with another preview today from The Greeting Farm!

We couldn't help but notice a new little someone “sprouting” up this November...and we have a sweet sneak preview for you today!

Introducing...

WILD SPROUT MATILDA!

Matilda is sassy, sweet, and everything in between and will be released on NOVEMBER 1^st, so grab your wish lists and check them twice!

When i saw this sassy cutie i just knew she would be great with these fun and colorful papers from American Crafts Day Dreams line... don't you think?! Matilda is definitely fun, cute and strutting her SASS all over the farm!

In addition to all of the FUN going on around the Farm this coming week, The Greeting Farm would like to invite you to come and hang out with us on Release Day for FUN chatter throughout the day on our SCS Forum and hopefully we'll run into each other live at some point!

Last but not least, and you'll hear more about this on RELEASE day too, mark your calendars for November 11th- our first live “virtual stamp event' on our SCS forum with a themed challenge, prizes, and our very first customer hostess of the evening. This is something we are planning on doing once a month so if there are any potential hostesses out there, stay tuned!!!

For now, be sure to visit the TGF BLOG for more details on how you can WIN WS Matilda today and thanks for coming by!

I'm gonna have a SPLENDID time on the FARM...

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-10:00

THE GREETING FARM that is!!

YEP, yep, the secret is finally out!! i'm GUEST-ing on the FARM alongside with the FANTASTIC Farmers all through November!! Wooohoooo! Ooooh, if you could have only heard the squeals when Jessica asked if i wanted to spend some time on the farm!! i'd truly be crazy if i said NO! you know me, I LOVE THE GREETING FARM!! and i have a whole collection of stamps to prove it! hehehe! luckily she asked via email because if she was standing in front of me we both would have fallen to the ground with my enormous HUG and screams of DELIGHT!! i'm VERY excited to be FARM and my kick off starts with some PREVIEWS that begin TODAY!!!

We hope you've enjoyed the 5 clear stamp sets released at the beginning of the month and hope you'll join us for some more fun and chatter on November 1^st when The Greeting Farm brings you another character-packed release!

That's right! We're back this month with some brand-spankin' new additions to our very beloved line of TGF characters and we are covering ALL the bases this month! We've got a new Sprout, TWO new Creepers, and an Anya that will have you at HELLO, believe me!

….so, WELCOME to the newest little sweetie on the Farm...

Holiday Anya

Isn't she beautiful? We just adore her and are thinkin' you might too...(wink ;)

i just SUPER ADORE her!!! of all Holiday images on the farm, i do believe she is my FAVE!!! perhaps she is ready for the winter ball?! or that was the first thing i thought of when i saw her!! went with a non-traditional color scheme for my preview today... something about the colors are bold and BEAUTIFUL... very simple layout, as i wanted her to standout... what do you think?!? don't you just want to ADD her to YOUR collection?!

Holiday Anya is the first of FOUR single, rubber stamp previews so stay tuned tomorrow for more...but for now, visit our blogs because ONE of us has Holiday Anya hidden and up for grabs! You never know WHO will win her...it might be you!

Don't forget to visit the FARMERS too and stop in at THE GREETING FARM as well... =)

Jessica
Denice
Becca
Tracey
Kim
Carisa
TGF Blog

Thanks for stopping by today and see you tomorrow with someone else sprouting up on the Farm!!

Embellish it!

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000-10:00

Wow-wee!! the weekend flew by super fast! maybe it was all the lack of sleep i've had... hehehe.... i think i can rest up a bit before the next event... oh wait! my blog will be busy this week and you don't want to miss out on a few surprises i have been hushing about.... =D

Monday, Monday!! you know what that means.... Challenge #54 at Lollipop Crafts and we want you to EMBELLISH IT!!! that's right! you MUST USE 3 DIFFERENT embellies on your creations this week.... go and get all the deets on this week's challenge on the LC blog and check out what the wonderful DT have for you to be inspired by...
this week's challenge is sponsored by INKED TREASURES and they've got some CUTIE animal images in their store... go check them out, make your wishlist and then play our challenge for a chance to win a spectacular prize!!! we always have a top 3 too... time for my creation....
can you guess the 3 embellies on my creation?!?! if not read on so you can find out.... what i've created is a notepad cover... using a DP from the Chloe line by 3bugsinarug, i cutout the sheet to frame out the flowers... then i used Fairy Chloe (the original red rubber) from The Greeting Farm... she matched this paper, looks like she's sprinkling some magic on the flowers... found my stash of seam binding that i tied together with a button.... and added rhinestones to the DP flower middles... voila!! simple creation that is eye catching! so did you find my 3 embellies?!?

well i'd really love to stay and chit-chat, but i'm soooooo tired from my late night rushes in preparation for yesterday's craft fair that i really need to catch up on some ZZZZs.... still got lots to do for this week too so stay tuned!! Thanks for dropping in and please head on over to the LC blog and check out the fabulous creations for you there!! until next time.... toodles!!

Fall Harvest Festival

2011-10-22T22:01:00.002-10:00

Hey everyone!! Just a quick reminder for those on Maui... come check us out tomorrow at

The Fall Harvest Festival

at Haku Baldwin in Makawao

Sunday, October 23rd

9 am - 3 pm

A family fun day with rides and games for the kids, arts and crafts, food booths, vendors, farmer's market and more...

Back by popularity, post it holders and notepads! Also available, checkbook covers, debit card holders, memo/paper holders, paper totes and more... New designs include note pad cover w/pen, paper mache note/picture holders w/clips, and Halloween goodies... Selection is very limited so come early!! We hope to see you there!!

Move over stamps, HK time to shine!

2011-10-21T11:31:00.000-10:00

Aloha Friday!!! yay!! well, i'm happy to report that i'm almost 100% better.... still a little stuffy, weak but i can't let that hold me down... lots of prepping for the craft fair this sunday, which means tonight will be a late night.... as long as i can last that is... thanks everyone for the get well wishes!!! your comments really brightened the days!!

back in stock and ready to be snatched up by customers! HK notepads....
just a few pictures of the finished ones i did last night (or i should really say this morning)... lots of new fun papers being used.... these notepads are really tedius work.... the HK's are actually... all are cut with the sizzix dies and YES i do cut out each and every whisker for each and every one that i make... so of course that takes some time... 6 notepads in a day is quite an accomplishment for me.... LOL... the challenge is trying to get different layouts... with the notepad being small and the HK's kinda on the bigger side, it's been hard... guess i could if i didn't use so much DP... hehehe!
and a few more... i have a bunch more to make and will be sharing that soon... gonna take a blogging break (from posting) for the weekend but i couldn't leave you stranded on this friday and was glad i had something done to share with you... so i'm hoping these will spark some mojo in you to get crafty over the weekend!

yesterday i tore up my craft room looking for ONE stamp!! boy did i make a mess in there... eek!! dreaded cleaning up but it had to be done and look who came to my rescue....my lil' monkey!! he was so cute dragging the broom up and down the hallway... =D he must have been saying "Mommy i'll help you clean your craft room, i'll sweep everything out the door and turn it into my playroom!" LOL.... oh thank goodness he can't talk yet! so after he was done i turned around and saw DD2 "flying" on the broom... all i hear is "Mommy look, i'm flying!" LOL.... too bad i was not near my camera to catch the silly moment... it was so funny!

enough blabbing for today.... i had a late start on this post and now need to catch up life! have a great weekend everyone, THANK YOU for stopping by and i'll be back on Monday with a creation for Lollipop Crafts!!

November SSS Sign-ups!

2011-10-20T00:00:00.004-10:00

Hello, HELLO!!!! It's that time of the month again!! Sign-ups for November Secret Sister Swap begins today! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has been participating and making this a fun swap! i hear numerous good things about the swap from the sisters who beam with glee when receiving their surprise! I truly hope you all are enjoying this!!

November is a month a giving THANKS although we should be doing that daily... and i surely GIVE THANKS to all the swap supporters, for without you, this swap would have never been a success! so for this month, let's go with a theme of THANKS! a simple sentiment will do or even written within your note to you SS... anyway you feel will reflect THANKS, go ahead and create it!!

quick blurb about the rules for this swap... please take note of some changes in red...

1. You can swap anything you think is appropriate. Such as cards, 3d projects, gift tags, altered items, etc. You are not restricted to just a card for each swap... for example, you can do a card this month and gift tags next month, etc... be creative and use your talents! Many of you do not limit yourself to cards, there are some that do awesome jewelry, altered items and so on, so this is the swap to make something special and surprise someone... can't get creative? no problem, you are free to sub in a RAK too!

2. I kindly ask that you please send out your swaps before month's end. Please take into consideration snail mail timing. If you cannot mail your swap before the end of the month, you are given until the 5th day of the following month to do so. This will allow some time for your Secret Sister to receive it. If nothing has been received within 10 days past the end of the month, i will not include you in future sign ups. Please friends, let's play fair.

This is a commitment i ask that you follow through with. sign ups will be open until October 29th...

I have been contacted before this post by some of my awesome swappers who have been participating every month... if your name is listed below, that means you have already informed me to sign you up for November and you do not have to comment or email unless status has changed. Thank you for your continued support!!

Karen, Kim, Shirl, Amy and Charleen

PREVIOUS PLAYERS, just leave a comment on this post (or email me) so i know you want to play along this month... NEW PLAYERS, please email me at krisnal5868athotmaildotcom with the subject "Secret Sister Swap" and the following info: FULL NAME, ADDRESS, BLOG URL (if you have one) and BEST EMAIL for contact. Sign-up, sign-up and let's have some FUN!!!

Also, December marks the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of Secret Sister Swap's debut which for the month of December i call Secret Santa Swap! I would like to make this one a special swap with a twist in honor of the ONE YEAR mark and would LOVE to hear your ideas on how you would like to proceed with December's swap... email me, comment here, share your ideas...

**Please note that swap info is sent out by the 2nd day of the swap month. If you miss the sign up deadline, it doesn't hurt to shoot me an email and ask if you can still play. There may be a chance i'm still sorting through the players and can add you in...

A very FUN day with Joy!

2011-10-19T07:09:00.002-10:00

Happy Hump Day!!! yes, i'm still under the weather... can't seem to kick this cold fast enough... i'm still feeling a little blah blah and hope that it GOES AWAY soon!! =) atleast i can still smile... hehehe! i am glad that the cold waited to visit me after this past saturday or else i wouldn't have been able to enjoy my small time with Joy and everyone at BFC... see!!
Joy, i can now post this on my wall and tell everyone i know a local celebrity!! hehehe!

anyway, so i atleast see Joy once sometimes twice a year, whenever she can come and visit Maui for the BFC Craft Fairs... this year i've gotten to see her twice so far... but it seems every time we get to see each other we are super busy with our craft things that we can't get a picture together or just simply forget to.... this time we got a chance to do just that! as mentioned before, i had the privilege of helping BFC Kahului celebrate their 60th Anniversary here with a make n' take and demo and i was luckily enough to have my table next to Joy's... we both were super busy with our crafts but at the end of the day we were able to take this pix together!! i had so much fun, got to chat with Joy before the day started and met some awesome customers of BFC who stopped by my table to do my make n take and watch my demo... time flies by so fast when you're having fun and before i knew it Joy was heading home! Hope you had a safe trip back Joy!!!

look at this CUTE bag i got from Joy!! yummmmy cupcakes, i love cupcakes!!! inside was a GREAT and yummy surprise too!! sorry no pix, i've been nibbling on the sweet treat and i think i have a few left... =D it was sooo ono!! yum-yum Cookie Corner Nibblers!! Thank you Joy for the goodies!! i have to hide this bag from my kiddies, they've got their eyes on this...
here is one of the make n' takes Joy was doing at her table... DD1 was able to make one with Aunty Joy.... so cute yah!! too bad my girls missed out on the limited edition bag Aunty Joy made too, they arrived late from their weekend activities, but if you didn't see the bag Joy had as her other make n' take, go check out her blog because it is reallllly BEAUTIFUL!...

Thank you so much Joy for a great time!! Hope to see you again in November!! and once again, Happy 60th Anniversary Ben Franklin Crafts Hawaii!!!

The world is a rainbow....

2011-10-18T07:43:00.000-10:00

Hey all!! Thank you SO SO much for all the get well wishes!! it means so much to me! =D i'm still a little under the weather with a stuffy nosy, but my head is clear and i've gotten as much rest as i was allowed.... wish it could have been a little more, but mommy duties await...

anywho, my blog was super busy last week with lots of sharing and i didn't get a chance to post my journal page for Week 12 of he-Art Journaling with The Greeting Farm.... Week 12 - Watercolor Wonder, the assignment was to create a page with watercolors or similar mediums or create a watery effect.... my choice was to use good old fashion watercolors... they kind you buy for the kiddes school supply list... hehehe!
and here is my page.... raise your hand if you remember this song!! i have the tune in my head but i can't remember all the words... haha! maybe my eldest will sing it to me... or you if you know the words... =D my image choice was Virgo, from Sweet November's Astrology Girls line created by my talented friend Amy Young... Virgo is my FAVE from that release, although she isn't my sign... i did color her up with the watercolors, which was a challenge because i used the dinky paint brush it came with i couldn't really detail the lines... but i love the end product anyway! everything except the clouds and words are painted using the watercolors... i applied the clouds using white acrylic paint for a deeper resemblance and the words were penned in with a calligraphy pen...

i actually used the first 2 lines of the song, i do remember a few more (i think) and added just a little blurb of how i feel about that song... WE are the colors the make up the rainbow and the world is that rainbow... makes sense right?!

okie dokes... short little stop in today... gonna try and rest up again... soup, orange juice, and water is all on my diet list... haha! Thank you plenty for all the well wishes again and i'll be back soon with more sharings... Ciao for now!!

Party Like a ROCKSTAR!

2011-10-17T12:02:00.001-10:00

{{Please scroll down to view Lollipop Crafts Challenge #53. Thank you!!}}

Back again!! today is a VERY special day for my little sister!! yes, my "little" sister... i remember having to tag her along with me when she was about DD2's age... taking her to the mall when i would go hang out with friends, picking her up from school, taking her shopping and all that good stuff... my little sister and I are many years apart (no i'm not going to give away my age, LOL) just know that is more than the norm... and today she turns the big SWEET 16!!!! gosh i feel really old.... hahaha!!! ok, maybe i'll feel even older when she hits the big 2-1... LOL.... easy now, i can wait for that!

in honor of her special day i created this very special card for her....
basing my creation on the Monday Fun-Day challenge at TGF's FFCB which was to use BLACK, WHITE and ONE other color, i went with purple, since that is my sis' FAVE color... deciding what image to use for her, i had Creeper Abbey on my wishlist and was lucky enough to purchase her from TGF a few weeks ago... Creeper Abbey reminds me so much of my sister so it wasn't a matter of wanting this stamp, it turned into a NEED... hehe... a little about why this image... my sis won't call herself being in the 'gothic' stages in her life because she doesn't really dress on what you would picture a gothic person to look like... but she does put on some heavy eye liner, dresses funky (converse shoes a must) and yes she does have purple streaks in her hair (her bangs).... now you know why i colored the image the way i did... it's a reflection of her... =D i pulled out some K&Co halloween papers (this year's line) for the black and white BG and the polka dot purple circles... i also took a lighter shade of purple CS, embossed it with Cuttlebug's swirls folder and punched smaller circles... distressed the edges of the image lightly with Memento Grape Jelly ink and layered that onto a lacey oval SB... the sentiment is from a clear stamp line but i apologize because i can't remember which one... need something to be added in the top left hand corner and dew drops fit perfectly... hope my sister likes this card!! Happy Sweet 16 Jess!!! We love you!!! =D

well, i THANK YOU again for stopping by and checking out my creation!! hope i inspired you in some way to get crafty today!! until next time.... toodles!

No sentiment!

2011-10-17T00:00:00.000-10:00

Hello, Hello!!! Happy Monday!! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! i surely did!! had a blast at the 60th Anniversary Celebration for Ben Franklin Crafts Hawaii in Kahului this past saturday, hanging out with Joy and doing make n' takes and demos with everyone... awesome to see the customer support come out and support a local business and i must have done something right with my demo because when it was my turn to go shopping, i noticed that the punch i was demo-ing was out of stock (and the rack was full the day before)! all in all it was a wonderful celebration and i was extremely happy to be a part of it!! Cheers to many more BFC!!! but now i think after all the late nights and fun, i'm finally catching the "bug".... hope it doesn't stay too long! there is still so much prep work for the upcoming craft fair this coming weekend and i'm afraid to say i'm under the weather, blah...

onto some more good news... new challenge at Lollipop Crafts and this week for Challenge #53 we want you to create a CARD with NO SENTIMENT!! easy right?! this is a specific challenge now, must be a CARD and have NO SENTIMENT on it... we all could use some all around occasion cards... just want to take a moment and THANK everyone that comes out to join our weekly challenges... the teams strive to offer you the best and most fun challenges and we just love seeing the support from our players and supporters... so THANK YOU very much!!

Our fabulous sponsor this week is Robyn's Fetish, offering cute designs for any occasion and they are offering up a wonderful prize!! Check out all the details on the LC blog... there will also be a spotlight on this company on Thursday on the LC blog with some yummy eye candy from the T Team... don't miss out on that!

this is my creation for this week's challenge... as much as possible i like to include a sentiment so this was very much a "challenge" for me... haha! i'm starting to get around to using release #2 of Sister Stamps and on my card today i'm featuring Yoko... these images are so so so ADORABLE.... haven't heard about this new line yet?? check out their blog here! you will fall in love with these cuties! as i was saying, i'm working on release #2 and they are already gearing up for release #4!! can you tell me i'm so behind time?! hehe... being a procrastinator AND feeling under the weather, i was extremely stumped on what to do for the challenge... taking it very simple, i used a piece of yuzen paper and some pretty brown and gold shimmery paper which i embossed half of the brown paper with SU!'s square lattice folder for texture... the printed yuzen paper covers the other half... i used some twine to accent the DP side of the card and secured the ends together by tying a bow with a little pink button... from the picture you can see a shadow from the crane... that's because i actually popped the crane out with pop-up dots... a little 3D effect... do you like?!

rules on how to go about playing with us can be found on the LC blog... catch a glimpse at the prize for this challenge, get the deets on the challenge, fall in love with the NO SENTIMENT creations from the A Team and be inspired to create and link up with us!! Thank you for dropping by!! i'll be back a later today with a special birthday card!! see you soon!

Hop along with some CUPCAKES!!

2011-10-15T00:00:00.002-10:00

Welcome to the CUPCAKES BLOG HOP!!! Here you may enjoy all the cupcakes you want, eat it all up and not feel guilty about the calories being added! Who said you couldn't have your cupcake and eat it too?! YOU CAN!! hehe!! Today's hop is all about CUPCAKES!! in any form, color, shape and size... You don't know what you'll find on the blogs so make sure you visit each of us! It's going to be a SWEEEEEEET hop, without the calories!!

If you have hopped on to my blog from Tanya's blog, you are on the right track! If you've hopped on my blog by chance or out of order, please start your Cupcake adventures at the very beginning on Berenice's blog... She is hosting this hop and you may want to gather up the details on her blog about today's hop, AND you don't want to miss out on ANY of the SWEETS being shared with you today, so PLEASE start at the beginning... It is an honor to be apart of this blog hop with Berenice and all her wonderful friends! Thank you Berenice for hosting the show!!

Just in case, here is the order list of blogs you'll need to be hopping on....

Berenice
Laura
Dena
Theresa
Julie
Tanya
Kris <-- You are here
Lisa
Sheila
Martha
Jen
Amy
Jamie

Are you ready for my sweet piece of the cupcake?!? let's go....

I made a matching card and notepad... i've been saving this piece of cupcake paper just for today... well, because it fit the theme PERFECTLY...
This is my first try at a recessed window card... i've been seeing some many wonderful creations with this technique and wanted to try it too... you can get the instructions here... i'm a bit in the trial and error process and i didn't base my card on the exact instructions but it's the same concept.... my image choice for the blog hop is CC Designs Cupcake Brigitta, colored in copics and cut out with nesties using the out of box technique and paired with Studio G's clear stamp "hey there, cupcake." sentiment... i accidently cut the front layer a little bigger than suppose to but i fixed it up by adding strips of punched borders... can't see it in the pix but i added Diamond stickles to her wings and Glossy Accents to the frosting part of her cupcakes... and i also embossed a layer of CS (behind the image) with Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots folder...
The inside... with a scrap piece of DP matching the front of the card, i added to give the inside a burst of color too...
And this is the matching notepad with pen holder.... another new thing i've tried out!

Hope you like my cupcake creations and i hope it has sparked a creative boom for you to get crafty!! Time for you to hop on over to Lisa's blog and see what she has whipped up to share with you! Enjoy the rest of the hop and THANKS for coming by!!

Fun flowers...

2011-10-14T01:36:00.000-10:00

It's ALOHA Friday!! what are your plans for the weekend??? as you know from yesterday's post, i'm gearing up for the big 60th Celebration at Ben Franklin Crafts Kahului tomorrow... Don't forget, the celebration is from 10am-2pm at the Kahului store located at the Queen Kaahumanu Center!

here is my demo part of the day... hoping i'll get to it, i don't really have a set schedule, i basically go with the flow, so hoping that this can be squeezed in some time before the festivities end...
a month or so ago i purchased this Carnation Dimensional Flower Punch by EK Success... i thought the cover of the packaging was really cool and what better way to make those hadnmade flowers than with a tool like this! well, like i said, i bought this a month or so ago and only now have i opened it up to use... haha!! did i hear someone say HOARDER??? yah, that's me... i'm glad i opened it though... it's really fun to use... i'm still learning how to shape my flowers but all in all it's been fun... psst, can you see my camera reflection??? LOL

wanted to tell you a little about the flowers i sampled... first off, you can use any 12x12 sheet of paper... double sided, one sided, printed or plain... it is up to your preference... you could use the the 11" side of regular 8.5x11 paper too, i haven't tried it but i'm sure you could... i wouldn't really recommend using any size less than 11" since you are rolling the flower in whole-ness... ok so here goes... the first flower (pink), i used double sided DP and punched out 2 strips, layered them on each other and formed my flower... see how full it is with 2 strips? this one i used a brad for the center.... the brad part doesn't go all the way to the back of the flower, so you'll have to glue or tape the top piece to the flower...

second flower (blue) i only used one strip of 12x12 solid CS... see the fullness difference from the first? again, it's by your preference, and it just comes down to how full you want your flower to look..

third flower (red/white) again, 12x12 strips of solid CS... i didn't add a center and i didn't fold down a few petals in the middle... it gives it that "still in bloom" look...

last flower (dots) used 2 strips of DP... same as the first except i added a button for the center...

you can be creative as you want to be with these flower punches... you could even use those scraps you've been wondering what to do with... the creative approach is endless... kinda wish i opened this new toy a little earlier... i could have trial and error more... guess there's still some time to do that right?! but these are so fun i'm thinking of getting maybe the daisy one... =D

okie dokie... that is all i have for you today... i hope you have an awesome friday and a fantastic weekend ahead... DON'T FORGET that tomorrow is the CUPCAKE BLOG HOP... click on the badge on the right side bar and it will take you to the beginning of the hop! until then, THANKS for taking a few minutes to catch up with me!! i enjoy reading your encouraging comments!!

Lollipop! Lollipop!

2011-10-13T00:26:00.001-10:00

Hellllo Thursday! why did you have to come by so fast?!? hehe... being busy, i'm surprised i haven't lost track of the days yet... time yes, but the days.... i still get an A+ on that... =D

Ben Franklin Crafts 60th Anniversary Celebration here on Maui at the Kahului Store is this Saturday from 10am - 2 pm... from the advertisements i've seen, it sounds like it's gonna be a FUN FUN FUN day!! so if you live on the island or are here for a visit, don't forget to stop by the store... rumor has it that an iPad2 is up for grabs?!? =D

i was asked again if i had time to help out and what did i say?!?! OF COURSE!!! (as if the staff doesn't see me enough, LOL)! so i'm sharing my make n' take that i'll be doing that day...
wanted to stick with the celebration theme AND have it easy for the kids (or kids at heart) to make n' take home... after fiddling with a few ideas i got some inspiration from the Lollipop Covers found here on the BFC website... i just changed it up a bit to fit the theme... if clicked on the link to take a look at the inspiration, you'll notice that instead of making the cover (bottom) my main focus, i added an image to the stick instead...

after making these samples, i made some mental notes that these favors would be great as table deco or to list seating arrangements and more... really, you can actually do a lot with this simple project... by changing the papers you could have a baby theme, wedding shower, basically anything... personalize it anyway you want... but for my make n' take, what you see, is what you're gonna make! =D

so if you're in town for the day, stop by the store, check out all the haps and come by my table and say Hi! i'll let you make one too!! hehehe!

Mahalo for visiting with me today... i'll be back tomorrow with the demo i'll be doing at the celebration as well! ta-ta!!

just a note...

2011-10-12T00:45:00.000-10:00

Hey, hey!! well, in the weeks to come you'll be seeing a lot of creations i've been working on for some craft fairs coming up as i add the final touches... it's been a whirlpool in my craft room... many projects going on all at once and piles and piles of mess... hehehe! once the craft fairs are done my little space will need some major re-organizing... =D this is where i wish i had some magic dust...

my BFF sent me this really cute note holder paper mache box she found at a craft fair in hopes that i could case it some how... and well, i finally got around to doing it...
really simple and as you see here, got to use a lot of scraps... inside the box i added some small paper and binder clips and you can add a picture or not where i have the "just a note" piece... really small to fit next to your computer or just to add color to your desk/space... all you do is cut your paper scraps to fit around the paper mache box... cover a large binder clip with coordinating or the same DP... add some kind of embellishment and on mine i add a ribbon to the binder clip so pictures/notes don't slip all the way down...
also cased the mini post it note holder that was include with my RAK... again, got to play with scraps... =D that's always a plus... based these little matchbook post its wiht white (or in that one case, black) CS and used the same DPs as the holders above... with the feeling that these will be thrown away once all the post its are used up i simly added a "hello" sentiment by Hero Arts rather than dress these babies up...

i got a chance to package all of them, sans the "just a note" shown in the top photo because it didn't quite fit in the packagin i bought... hehe...

if you're looking for a simple gift for that someone in your office or know someone that would like to use this at home or just looking for a gift, hit me up... these are available for sale or you can come check it out at any of the upcoming crafts fairs we are doing this season... visit the Krisp Krafts blog for event details...

alrighty... got a busy weekend ahead of me and i'm still in the midst of preparations... there's a CUPCAKE Blog Hop happening on Saturday and i'll be sharing some things i'll be doing for Ben Franklin Crafts 60th Anniversary celebration on Maui, also this Saturday... Stay tuned for more creations!! and as always, THANK YOU for spending some time with me!!

Happy Birthday Kim!!!

2011-10-11T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy birthday to you... happy birthday to YOU... HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear KIM! Happy Birthday to YOU!!!! and many more......

so you've guessed it right! Today is my partner in crime's (aka co-owner of Lollipop Crafts) special day!! i'm very sure you all know her, seen her creations, admire her work and the like, so why not help me WISH HER THE BEST DAY EVER!!! head on over to her blog and show her some love... =D
on my card for Kim, i used Kimono Kaylee, from Some Odd Girl.... oooh, i'm addicted to these lovelies... and i NEEDED this image to be available in my collection... hehe! i splurged a bit on Imaginisce Garden Party papers because it's so hard to find pretty asian themed papers these days to match a lot of my asian theme images... glad i did because it went well with Kimono Kaylee...

i always admire Kim's pink and blue color combos on her creations so i CASE-d her a bit on this one... used the sketch challenge at Some Odd Girl Stamp blog... i just flipped it a bit to fit my vision =D... the "Happy Birthday" sentiment is from Stampettes and the large sakura (cherry blossom) flowers are from Mari and Me... ooh, and the border punch is a new toy i bought over the weekend (got a good deal)... i think it was called MS seashell border?!? i may be wrong and the box is long gone, ripped up and in the trash... LOL.... just a hint of embellies was added too to finish off the card...

i hope you like it Kim!! and even more so, i HOPE you have a VERY SPECIAL BIRTHDAY!!!! you deserve it girly!! CHEERS to you, wishing you a wonderful day!! =D

Thanks for popping in friends!! please go and wish Kim a Happy Birthday too! and stop by the LC blog to see all the other beautiful creations from the team in honor of this special occasion!!

Hoot! Hoot!!

2011-10-10T00:00:00.000-10:00

Yes, i'm HOOTIN'! Thank you sweet friends for your well wishes on Friday... happy to report that pulling my wisdom tooth went well... better than expected.... and the weekend wasn't filled with too much pain.... Yippeeee!! like my usual weekend plans, i was able to craft, craft, craft! not as long as i wanted to but atleast the pain was tolerable to even do some crafting... how was your weekend?! hope it was as fabulous as you are!

Challenge time at Lollipop Crafts... Challenge #52 - Critters! we want you to give some love to your critter images, papers, embellies, etc... get all the details on the LC blog and check out the creations from the awesome T Team!

We have a new sponsor this week... ok not really new here but it's none other than our wonderful DT1 alumni, Barbara and her company Little Miss Muffet Stamps!! a GREAT prize is at stakes, so come play along with us this week... you'll definitely want to stop by LC on Thursday for sneak peeks at what's available in her store... can't wait? go check out Little Miss Muffet Stamps now!!

time for my creation... whoo will you find?
a CUTESY owl (it is considered a critter right?)! i think i'm almost done with my halloween creations... in fact, i think this was the last of it... don't be surprised if you do see another halloween creation pop before the big day... anywhoo... went with a simple card creation this week.... used some old Bo Bunny halloween scraps from last year sans the orange strip which is K&Co's new line... on one of my many craft shopping adventures i took a walk through the halloween aisles and saw these CUTE felt owls... not knowing if i'd really use them i bought them anyway... they were too cute not to add to my overflowing craft supplies... and looky, i used it!! i'm so proud... LOL... anyway, simple layout, the papers are really busy and full of color... the sentiment is from Hero Arts and if you look closely i added 2 dew drops too... easy peasy! think if i didn't fuss too much on what to create and how to design the card, this could have been made in less than 10 minutes...

so give some love to your all your things critter and join us this week! need inspirations, just visit the Lollipop Girls on the LC blog, they have some WONDERFUL inspirations for you!

time for me to hoot on out of here... hope to be sharing with you again soon... it's been one heck of a mess in my craft room lately.... =D that's a good thing though! a hui ho... until we meet again!

We are like flowers....

2011-10-07T00:30:00.000-10:00

Hello there... Awww, thanks for the sweet comments yesterday! i hope to be back in my normal mood to craft soon... today i head out to get my wisdom pulled (ack, the pain) so i just know i'm gonna be so out of it to craft today... hope the dr. gives me some strong pain pills to atleast make me sane enough to craft a bit... =D but i'm guessing i can only have one or the other.... you all know me by now, pain and all, i'll find a way...

sharing my week 11 journal page with you... week 11 of he-Art Journaling with The Greeting Farm, the assignment was to BLOOM AND GROW... use the concept of growth... maybe i took this assignment in a different manner but i do enjoy my concept... take a look...
for my background i punched out some word bubbles with my Marvy Uchida (blue) punch... and cut off the little tail... did this with a few and then pasted it down onto my once white CS... then i rubbed my blue ink pad directly onto the CS swiping it back and forth to create my sky... pretty light outcome but i like the not-so-norm look of it... peeled off the word bubbles and that formed my clouds which i traced to enhance what it was with a darker blue ink pad and a q-tip... stash of green paper scraps that i tore up the edges and distressed made up my grassy area... used my flower pot spellbinder again this time using 2 to form a pocket.... by cutting a flower pot one size below this one made it easy to create a pull out that is then used as my journal card... but before that, i adhered a bunch of flowers and leaves to it... found a stash of K&Co cute critters that i knew i wanted to use and really thought that the different sizes could indicate growth since they are big and small... the "Bloom" is stickers from Studio G which is inexpensive as well... while going through my book of stamps, i came across this cutie Baby Bunny Daffodil from Sweet November Stamps (by Amy) and knew he would be perfect to add to the page... see he made some new friends already...
and here is the journal card pulled out from the pot... i focused on Bloom with so much reasons on why i chose this... in the end, i came up with the fact that we are like flowers... we bloom and shine in our own ways, in color or in black and white... with our own unique characteristics... and we bloom in our own seasons... we may look the same, belong to the same family but we are not identical... in life, it's really how you choose to bloom yourself... we all start off as a bud, shy, still finding our sun to help us unravel our petals... and as a result, we find the sun's path to unfold the beauty wrapped up inside... some do it through crafting, some through writing, some through pictures, but we ALL bloom in one way or antoher and that's what makes us unique... Love is the greatest nutrient to helps us grow and bloom... and friends are the extra love that helps us stay beautiful inside and out...

i dedicate this page to the endless friendships i've made.... for you ALL have helped me bloom a passion for crafting and helped to spread my petals... i may not be beautiful on the outside, but i sure did bloom beauty deep inside... the heart, in the center of the flower... Thanks for your endless encouragement and support friends... i have found the light to help me grow daily... =D Muah!!

i'm hoping the pain doesn't last long so i can craft and come back to share with you.... in the meantime, have a spectacular weekend and i'll be back soon!!

Spotlighting on more TREATS!

2011-10-06T00:00:00.000-10:00

Wow! i've been really slacking on posting huh?! been a bit under the weather the last few days and then been crunching some deadlines... crafting has been slow too.... tired and feeling blah is a big part of that... i have some sharings for the rest of the week though... =D

today we shine the light on Lollipop Crafts Sponsor of the week.... MELJEN'S DESIGNS...
Hop on over to Lollipop Crafts blog to pick up the deets on this wonderful company and check out all the inspiring creations using Meljen's Designs adorable images by the T Team...

here's my super sweet treats featuring 2 of Meljen's cutesy images....
I used "Happy Fall" and "Cute Little Candy Corn" digis to make these super easy treats... i really lucked out... because Fall and Halloween are in full gear, i was able to find some candy corn and mellowcreme pumpkins to complete this... i have to admit, i'm not a real big fan of these sweet treats, but i'm sure others are...
close up of the Happy Fall Badge....
and a close up of the Cute Little Candy Corn.... pretty easy treats huh?! i did a different version of this last year for girls day which you can see here.... of course you can make these for any occassion... i like it because it's simple, pretty fast depending on detailing and fun to give out...

there is still time to join us in our Halloween challenge this week and try your luck at winning a great prize from Meljen's... so hurry on over to LC and link up your creations!

Thanks for visiting with me today... if you've been following my Make a Child Smile drive here, i've posted a pix of a doll Aunty sent to me... it's the same ones she's busy sewing... toodles for now, i'll be back tomorrow with my journal page... =D

Spooky fun treat totes!

2011-10-03T00:00:00.000-10:00

Guess you can say i survived the weekend and the endless hours at the fair!! am glad it only comes once a year though... i'm exhausted! hoping you had a great weekend too!

Lollipop Crafts Challenge #51 - Halloween... yup, it's Monday and time for a new challenge... this week we are giving you a head start on those Halloween projects that you may be procrastinating on (i know i usually do, hehe)... create a card/project with a Halloween theme and link it up... be sure to get all the deets on how to play along with us this week from the LC blog, and while you're there, soak in all the Spook-tastic creations by the Lollipop Girls... i'm sure they'll inspire you to join us...

our fabulous sponsor for this challenge is Meljen's Designs... and they do have some CUTE Halloween images for you to use on your creations... go check them out! a wonderful prize is up for grabs for one lucky random player... so don't forget to link your projects... and now i take you to my creations...

revisted an easy treat bag/tote... made these for DD1's hula sisters... total of 19 but they all couldn't fit in the pix... love making these, because there isn't much measuring and cutting... sorry i don't have instrux on them... i bascially CASEd one i received as a RAK... but you can use a 12x12 sheet cut down to 4x12, smaller or bigger depending on what you want... i went with 4x12 as it gives enough room to stuff with lots of goodies...

anyone else like me that stocks up on holiday paper for use the next year?? the DP is from K&Co last year's Halloween line... i find it easier to stock up on holiday papers while i have a chance in efforts to work on projects ahead of time and in case i can't find them when needed... yah, wishful thinking... haven't touched them until now... haha! since the DP is thin and wrinkles easily, i used AC CS to line the top and bottom and to form the base... this gives the bag some sturdiness... instead of doing 2 handles like i did on previous ones, i went with just one handle...

the totes are filled with non-edible goodies-pencil, stickers, activity pad, bracelets, spider rings, oh and a lollipop, the only edible thing for now... i'm trying not to buy the edibles too early... i have a 40lb little mouse that visits my craft room often and likes to sneak some yummies... =D here's a close up of the bottom strip... used the EK Success spider web border punch... i just love this.... was trying to look for small spiders to add on, but no luck...
this is the little tags i created and tied to the handles to make it look like a little key chain or bag chain... whatever they are called... LOL... i used my eyelet circle nestie, worked out great cause i didn't have to punch any holes for the ribbon... used the "trick or treat" sentiment from TGF's Spooktacular set, Dandelion Designs spider web stamp layered on top some DP scraps from a previous project and then layered onto the nestie... simple... DD1 can then write her name on the back...

so what will YOU be creating this Halloween?!? we would LOVE to see your creations so link them up with InLinkz on LC's blog...

time for me to grab my broom and fly on outta here... OMG, did i just admit i'm a witch?! LOL.... i meant to say spread my wings.... i'm a fairy remember... haha!! thanks for flying by today... i hope your stop here put a spell on you to make some magic and play along... =D

Make a child SMILE this Christmas!

2011-10-01T00:00:00.017-10:00

As of 10/31, we have 201 cards turned in. (WOWZA - insert HAPPY dance) Card collection is now CLOSED. THANK YOU with ALL MY HEART to everyone that has participated!!! Please check back for a very special post....

Do you remember how happy you were to receive a gift on Christmas morning? Or that very first greeting card? Or even the excitement you felt when Santa left that special gift under the tree? I'm absolutely sure we all remember those happy moments... Especially knowing that Santa brought you a gift... Well, let's play Santa this year and here's a little bit of how YOU can do that...

My Aunty in California does a really sweet gesture each year with the members of Aktion Club... (Aktion club members are developmentally disabled but very high functioning...) she sews 100+ dolls for the club to pass out to the children at Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills, California (pix above)... once she's done sewing, the members of the Aktion Club helps her stuff them up... then they get it ready to be passed out at the hospital... isn't it such a wonderful joyous moment to see/put a smile on a childs face?!? i think so...

I'm asking for YOUR help in my good deed adventure, you can make it your good deed this year too... as my Aunty sews her goal of 150 dolls this year i want to match her goal with a goal of 150 cards to go along with these dolls... BUT, i can't accomplish this alone, SO i am asking you, my wonderful heart giving blogging sisters and friends, to help me match this goal and put an extra smile on a child's face this Christmas...

There are a few rules to go about with this request:

1. All cards must be a size of 4x4 (NO envelopes need to be sent with your cards)

2. NO glitter of any type (loose, on paper, stickles, etc) or loose embellies on the cards (this is a request from the hospital). *Paper is included in the "NO" because there is bits that fall or can be rubbed off. If adding embellies, PLEASE make sure they are secured to your card.

3. Try not to be so gender specific on your cards as we don't know how many boys or girls will be participating in this event.

4. You may use any stamps/images, sentiments, etc. Stick with the holiday theme vs. get well, etc. as we don't know the conditions of the patients.

5. Simple cards are OK, in fact they are encouraged. Use up your scraps. It doesn't matter how dressed up your cards are, the children will be overwhelmed with just receiving them.

6. Leave the inside blank but please sign/stamp your name on the back of the cards.

7. All cards must be sent to me BEFORE November 1st to ensure i can get it to my Aunt in time

Aunty will package the cards along with the dolls to make it a little present and take them to the hospital... Help us make another child smile this year...

Here are some samples i made to show you how simple you can make your cards.... my cards were made with scraps from last year and feature image designs from (L-R) Mari and Me and the last 3, Dandelion Designs... sentiments are mainly from Hero Arts... some feature embossing detail using folders by Cuttlebug...

i'm not asking for you to make 25, 50, etc... if you can just send me 1, you will make a difference. if this is something you would like to do, please email me and let me know and i will give you my address.... i already have one participant who has whipped up 16 cards!! (THANKS TO MY BFF for helping me!!) Will you help too??? If you want to help me spread the word on your blogs as well, please do so... the more cards we receive the better!!

Thank you in advance for your support!!!

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about this... this is my first year participating with my Aunt and if highly successful, this maybe something i'd like to conitnue every year...

Thank you bunches!

2011-09-30T02:44:00.002-10:00

Hip-hip-HOORAY!!! it's ALOHA Friday!! oh yes, i've been waiting for this day.... the weekend infact... our Maui fair began yesterday and i'm so looking forward to some yummy for my tummy.... hehehe!! deep fried oreos... YUMMMM-MY!

i'm going MIA this weekend, but i had to leave you with something cheerful! i was determined to make some thank you cards last week in less than 12 hours to be sent to some wonderful ladies... and with a time limit, here is what i created....you likey?!? i know i do... wanted to keep it simple as much as possible so i could finish in time but sometimes that doesn't always work... although it does look simple, it was sorta labor intensive (can you say "up all night", LOL)... lots of cutting, punching and putting together... overall, i'm very happy with the outcome (made it all in time too) and even more happy to hear that the recipients liked it... that always puts a smile on my face...

back to the card... after prepping all the pieces, i adhered just the edges of the pot (sides and bottom, not the top) to the layered oval to form a pocket... punched out a bunch of MS daisies that are layered over a toothpick... this helps to stick the flowers in the pot and give it height to your preference... punched out a bunch of MS leaves too to make the pot look full... and rhinestone middles for some bling... the background CS was embossed with sizzix's flower bursts embossing folder (i might be wrong on the name)... and the DPs are from 3bugsinarug's Chloe line (told you i stocked up on those)... the flower pot die is a wonderful SB to have and comes in 5 different sizes (i LOVE it)... i just added this SB to my collection and already have more ideas on using them.... =D

since the flowers are removable, you could probably recycle it for other projects or even use it as cupcake toppers... or be like me and probably hoard the whole thing away in my collection container... hehe!

alrighty.... don't think i'll last another hour crafting so i'm going to call it a night... i'll be back sun/mon here on my blog but in the mean time i'll be by to check out your creations when i can sneak in some comp time... gonna enjoy the fair, get some crafting done and hopefully be able to share more creations with you next week... so until then... have a fantastic weekend, be safe and i'll see yah soon!

Tearing it up!

2011-09-29T07:22:00.000-10:00

Thursday, thursday!! i can't wait for the weekend!!! how are you all this fabulous and beautiful Thursday?!? hope all good... =D

sharing my he-Art journal page, week 10 with The Greeting Farm... this week's assignment was to tear it up... and that is exactly what i did...
started off with a solida CS for my base (that i clues into my journal after completion) and tore the edges... then distressed it with vintage photo distress ink... then i went through my scrap stash and started tearing up scrap pieces... glued them all over the base... found this cake topper image that i had colored up, but couldn't remember what for, so i decided to tear it right down the middle... tear it up right?! i was actually looking towards tearing up some photos... do you remember doing that?! LOL i do, back in intermediate and high school... you know those bad break ups with a boyfriend or someone you thought was a friend... HAHA!! but i didn't... i don't have any pictures that needed tearing... hehe... and last but not least, over everything, i wrote the word torn in black acrylic paint and right under the word apart.... this was fun in the making... but i didn't even dent the scrap stash... LOL...

okie dokie.... i'll be back tomorrow with one more sharing and then i'm going MIA for the weekend... we have our county fair this weekend and i'm sooooo looking forward to the yummy food we can almost only get once a year... ugh, i feel all my hardwork going down the drain... i'll easily gain the pounds back i just know it! LOL...

thanks for popping in today and i hope i've inspired you in some way with this creation.... =D

Trick or TREAT?!

2011-09-28T10:57:00.002-10:00

Hiya!! sorry i haven't been around much lately... on my blog at the least... just trying to catch up on a bunch of things, plus prep for upcoming craft fairs and holidays... and of course by now you know it's never ending on my end.... LOL...

i've got some treats to share with you today... my BFF sent me a template of the sizzix XL scoreboard caddy and over the weekend i was busy tracing and cutting and assembling... and this is what i've done...
these caddies are perfect for Halloween treats and TGF's Spooktacular set was the perfect size to dress the caddies up... aren't they CUTE?! caddies are embellished very simple with just the image and the Trick or Treat sentiment (also apart of the set) and DP from K&Co...
the goodies that are stuffed inside... activity book, pencil, mini bubbles, mini stamp, notepad and a yummy carmel apple lollipop.... mmmmm!
here it is all nicely wrapped up in a plastic bag with Halloween ribbon to keep it closed and an easy peasy tag... did you notice i'm missing one?! i ran out of the clear bags... guess that means a shopping trip to the craft store, LOL... the to/from sentiment is from Dandelion Designs small enough to stamp on any type of tag and the Happy Halloween is also from TGF's Spooktacular set... oh and i had to add some punched border bats.. =D the treats fit into TGF's FFCB Farm Fresh Friday Halloween challenge so i'm gonna link it up! have you linked up yet?!

Halloween will be here before we know it, so you'll be seeing more Halloween creations around my blog in the next few weeks... i'm hoping to get all that i need to get done before Halloween... it'd be nice to not rush for a change... hehehe! yah right, me finish before the deadline?? i think i work better under pressure... haha!

thanks for stopping in today... i'll be back tomorrow with my journal page! toodles for now!

Mei Li says Thank you....

2011-09-26T00:00:00.000-10:00

Hi there!!! Happy Monday! hope you all had a fantabulous weekend...

new challenge over at Lollipop Crafts - Challenge #50 - Anything Goes! No sponsor this week, but we still encourage you to link up your creations to show off your style and creativeness... you just never know who you'll inspire... so go over to the blog, check out what my Lollipop sisters have for you this week and link up your creations!!

here's mine... featuring Mei Li from Sister Stamps 1st release!! isn't she adorable??!! Yay! my mission to use up the 1st release is now complete... i have the 2nd release to work with now... =D back to my card, i was tempted to use red and black but decided to got with a different combo... so i took out my lovely stash of Moonrise papers by SEI.... this line has an oriental feel to it and i just loved the colors so as much as i didn't want to break out these papers, i did... and i'm glad i did... hehe... since i used red on the image i had to find a way to incorporate the color to the card because the papers had no red whatsoever in them... so i added some half pearls... the sentiment is from Mari & Me stamped with gold colorbox pigment ink... and i also used a new nestie i just added to my spellbinder stash... LOVE the circle eyelets!! do you likey?!?

oh and since we are on the subject of anything goes, i figure i give you all a little teaser.... hehehe!! guess this could be part of the challenge too... =D

here's the mini blueberry cheesecakes i made on friday for my besties wedding reception.....
and because i LOVE chocolate, i made some Oreo delights to take too....
mmmmmmmmmmmm..... oh yah, can you feel the calories being added to your bod?!?! hehehe

okie dokie... don't forget to check out the Lollipop girls creations too, leave them some love and then link up and join us this week!

have a super SWEET day!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Mr. & Mrs.....

2011-09-23T03:31:00.000-10:00

It's ALOHA Friday!!! wooohoooo!!!

in less than 12 hours from now, my besties will be exchanging vows! yipppppeeeee!!! it's about darn time! =D they decided to do a simple ceremony and then opted for an intimate gathering versus a high end reception... oh yes, we're gonna have some fun tonight!!

besides me making my yummy mini blueberry cheesecakes for tonight by request, i was also asked to do some last minute favors.... pressed for time this is what i came up with....
pillow box favors... very clean and simply decorated... used the sizzix pillow box die, printed the little thank yous and made a little band to go around the box... hubby helped out and punched all the little hearts and flowers... and he even added the rhinestones to the flower mids! isn't he the sweetest?!? thanks darling, might have not finished without your help!! =D
here's a close up... thankfully with little time i only had to make 50 (all 50 couldn't fit in the photo above this one, LOL)... phew... with a little overtime i was able to complete this in the nick of time for the big day.... hope the besties like it!

CONGRATULATIONS to
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew and Rhovelyn Watanabe!!!

You did it!! Welcome to the marriage club, hehehe! May your marriage be as blessed as you are and your love for each other grow stronger than the day before.... Love you both very much!!!

wooooohooooo!!! and please give me lots of nieces and nephews!! special request, LOL....

kay friends... way past my sleep time... need to rest up so we can PPPPPAAAAARRTTTTYYYY!!!

be back soon... have a FANTABULOUS weekend!!!

He-Art Journal - Week 9

2011-09-22T03:33:00.000-10:00

Thursday, thursday!! i can't wait for the weekend to come! doesn't come soon enough and doesn't last very long... LOL... can never win with that...

Week 9 of He-Art Journaling with The Greeting Farm... the assignment for this week was to CUT AND PASTE... cut out a head from a magazine or the like and draw your own body... well, we all know how i am with drawing... LOL... so this is what i came up with...
went with fun, silly, random thoughts... umm, the head is not quite proportioned with my half drawn body huh?! LOL... oh well... i tried... skimming through an old People magazine i had laying in my craft space i wasn't sure what type of head i wanted... then i came across this one and instantly 'bubble' popped into my mind... i had no plan whatsoever on how to make my page so i free-d it with whatever was going through my head... this week i was all for crayola crayons... hehehe... except her skin tone, i did that with copics... added some doodling too... and some random thoughts... guess when you really look at my page, it's not at all professional, but isn't this what art journaling is all about... just free minded random stuff... really different from my sorta planned out other pages... maybe i should procrastinate more on my pages... LOL, it realy brings out the concept for me... =D

lots to do... not enough time in a day... but i'll have another sharing for you tomorrow... lots of things are happening around my blog... secret sister swap sign ups are up (take the link above), make a child smile is ongoing and i'm just trying to fit in other sharings in between... haven't played in any challenges =( but i hope to again soon... toodles for now! SMILE!

October Secret Sister Sign-ups

2011-09-21T13:55:00.001-10:00

Like the badge?? Created this with my "My Memories Suite" software... i'm soooo loving it... i was just being goofy with this one... it was nice enough to post... hehehe! grab it, flaunt it, spread the word about it and link back to me so your friends can join us too!!

October Secret Sign-ups begin today! Thank you very much to my monthly players who make this swap possible!! hope you ALL are having fun and making new friends..

Since October is about Halloween, let's do a HALLOWEEN theme this month... anything halloween... spooky, cute, treats or tricks, colors, etc., whatever your hands will create!

here's some deets on my swap: *please take note of some changes in red*

1. You can swap anything you think is appropriate. Such as cards, 3d projects, gift tags, altered items, etc. You are not restricted to just a card for each swap... for example, you can do a card this month and gift tags next month, etc... be creative and use your talents! Many of you do not limit yourself to cards, there are some that do awesome jewelry, altered items and so on, so this is the swap to make something special and surprise someone... can't get creative? no problem, you are free to sub in a RAK too!

2. I kindly ask that you please send out your swaps before month's end. Please take into consideration snail mail timing. If you cannot mail your swap before the end of the month, you are given until the 5th day of the following month to do so. This will allow some time for your Secret Sister to receive it. If nothing has been received within 10 days past the end of the month, i will not include you in future sign ups. Please friends, let's play fair.

This is a commitment i ask that you follow through with. sign ups will be open until September 29th... PREVIOUS PLAYERS, just leave a comment on this post (or email me) so i know you want to play along... NEW PLAYERS, please email me at krisnal5868athotmaildotcom with the subject "Secret Sister Swap" and the following info: FULL NAME, ADDRESS, BLOG URL (if you have one) and BEST EMAIL for contact.

Sign-up, sign-up and let's have some FUN!!!

**Please note that swap info is sent out by the 2nd day of the swap month. If you miss the sign up deadline, it doesn't hurt to shoot me an email and ask if you can still play. There may be a chance i'm still sorting through the players and can add you in...

Simplicity at my best...

2011-09-21T03:12:00.000-10:00

Happy Hump Day everyone!! my apologies for being so MIA... seems i've been getting hit with curve balls left and right and as much as i want to keep up with my blog, sometimes i just can't make or find the time... eek!

i have a few cards to share with you today that i did a while ago but didn't have the chance to share... i found it when i was uploading some pixs... all the cards featured today is from the Tropical Flowers B set from Island Paperie... i'm loving how versatile (color wise) you can be with these flowers if you just use your imagination... however, these fall back towards a more realistic look...
first up is the orchids... again, like one of my previous postings, i went with purple... i tried to go with another color combo but wasn't satisfied with the outcome... aahh! pretty simple card with some DP, swirl embossed CS and sentiment from TGF's Fancy Fleurs set (discontinued)... the 'twine' you see is 2 shades of embroidery floss that i twisted together... easy right?!
this one here i wanted to show you that i added some rhinestones to the mids of the plumerias... i colored it with 2 different shades of copic pinks and used the colorless blender to soften...
the full card... i L.O.V.E this color combo... pink, green and brown... yup! LOVE IT!!! simple creation using swiss dots embossing folder layered with patterned paper... the brown ribbon hides the layered line and some half pearls gives it just a touch of sass! sentiment is from Studio G's cling line.... i felt it fit the image properly... hehehe!
this one i flipped the image up like some of my earlier creations using this plumeria image... using a scrap piece from the card above this one i paired it with with the circles patterned paper and added a strip of swiss dots embossed CS... sentiment is from Stampettes and a hint of bling to complete this...

today's cards may still be at Island Paperie's store front, but it's been a few weeks since i took them there, so i'm not sure it's still available... =D that's a good thing right?!

kay, so i'm hoping i'll have a few more sharings with you this week... it's been super crazy here with a lot of prep work, last minute requests and everything else in between... but i love what i do and will keep on doing it... even if it means i'm still up at 3am... LOL... now i'm guessing that's my cue to go to sleep... hahaha!! Thanks for coming by, cross your fingers i'll be back sooner than later... hehehe! =D

May i have a tissue please?

2011-09-19T00:00:00.000-10:00

Yes, i need a tissue... to wipe up the tears of joy i have in my heart and soul... i am so THANKFUL and BLESSED to have such WONDERFUL, full of HEART sisters and friends here in blogland! since my posting of "Make a child smile..." yesterday, i've already summoned up a few lovely ladies that are so giving in their hearts, that i'm very overwhelmed with the love they have to "give" this holiday season, that i just tear everytime i receive an email for that cause... THANK YOU ladies for joining hands with me this year... There is lots of time if you'd like to join us as well... check out the post at the very top for all the deets you need... THANKS!

So, how was your weekend gang?!? hope fine and dandy and you got to fill in some craft time.... i did... with a awesome craft session on Friday til 530 the next AM and then my usual craft hours Saturday... the weekend was very productive... not sure if i'm quite ready to share just yet though still need the finishing touches...

Monday means another challenge at Lollipop Crafts! this one will get you singing your ABCs... LOL... ok, maybe not quite but it is an ABC challenge... Challenge #49 - ANYTHING BUT A CARD... so NO cards this week.... get creative and and make some 3D projects or scrap layouts, or even alter something... anything but a card!

We are sponsored this week by the wonderful Robyn's Fetish and you'll want to hit up the LC blog to check out what awesome prize is up for grabs.... and of course to see what the T Team have created for you this week...

i've been seeing lots of tissue box cover projects around blogland and have finally pushed myself to make one.... (hahaha, guess i have my tissue)
tadduh!! i'll admit i was a bit stumped on how to dress up my tissue cover... the paper i chose to use was very busy as is, so in the end i opted to not decorate it anymore... i'm finally using the CUTE Mei Lin stamp from Sister Stamps... isn't she cute cute cute?!? this paper line from Pebbles Inc was great to use with Mei Lin, along with my MS double arch border punch... embossed the black CS with Darice swirls embossing folders and nesties to layer the image... there's a hint of stickles which you may be able to see in the pix below... i had some scrap DP that i used on the cover so i used it to make a pocket tissue holder (something else i've been waiting to try)...
here i just wanted to show you that i kept the rest of the box cover plain... but as you can see, the paper is pretty colorful already... again i added strips of the MS double arch border punch around the cover....
here's the close up of Mei Lin.... can you see the touch of sparkle on her?? it's in the mids of the flowers in her hair and on the yellows of her outfit.... oh and on her pinwheel you may have noticed a brad... the green part of the pinwheel originally came out a little darker than wanted, so i stamped an extra pinwheel to re-color and adhered it to the original using a brad... now, the pinwheel can actual be moved... hehehe, love it when i can make something out of an error!

dont' forget to gather up all the deets on the LC blog... get the challenge, prize info and see all the fantastic creations by the DT... and then, join us!

Thanks for stopping in today, i love reading your comments and critiques!! it makes my day!! see you soon!

Wings...

2011-09-15T08:49:00.000-10:00

"I'm no angel, but i've spread my wings a bit..." ~ Mae West

Happy Thursday gang!! so sorry, i've beer super swamped the last 2 days and have neglected blogland a bit... but i'm back today to share with you my journal page for Week 8 of He-Art Journaling with The Greeting Farm....

the assignment this week was THE POWER OF ONE... use one word as the focus on your page... thinking about the assignment, it would have probably been common to use a word like love, family, happy, etc... common words that we use daily as an expression of life... i was actually geared to using something along the lines of dreams, wish, heart and then thought about my awesome fairy/butterfly stamps and said "WINGS" can be interpeted in many ways... so i bring you my 'wings' page....
i've gathered up my TGF images with wings, which is Flutter Anya and the fairies, Tink, Chloe and Ava... Angel Anya was um, missing for some reason... she has been found now... hehehe... anyway... i stamped Flutter first so i could get a feel of where i was going to put my main word... then i stamped the fairies around that... didn't give much color to them except for the burst on their clothing and wings... i kinda like it like that... =D by now you know if i can, i'll throw in a quote (they really do help to inspire and make you think of your obstacles) and i found a very good one this week...

"Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your WINGS as you fall" ~ Randy Bradbury

is this quote not true?! i certainly believe in it... if you don't take risk, you'll never know right... if you don't try, you'll never know... if you don't jump, you'll never learn how to fly...

i painted the word wings in gold paint with a hint of black to accent it... free hand so the writing is sorta, messy... hehe! oh and how could i forget to mention the little butterfly stickers i added too...

this art journal class/project has really opened the sentimental side of me... it makes me realize so many things i've either forgoten or couldn't see until now... wings has hit my crafting aspect of life... i've spread them to try many different things, meet new friends and take a step out of the comfort zone every once in a while... and the feelings have been remarkable!

thank you, my sweet and awesome blogging sisters and friends for helping me spread my wings into a whole new world of adventure!!!

be back again soon with some crafty sharings....

My Memories Suite has a new owner....

2011-09-14T09:10:00.002-10:00

Morning friends!!

Chosen by random.org the winner of a FREE My Memories Suites Software program is....

#1 - Have a Scrap Happy Day

Congrats, CONGRATS!!! Please email me for the deets on how to claim your prize!!

Thanks to the lovelies who tried their luck to win a FAB program... Follow My Memories on their facebook, blog or twitter for more chances to win prizes from this company... And if you absolutely have interest in this program (you'll love it), i have a special coupon code on my sidebar for $10 off the program....

I'll be back later with a sharing! THANK YOU AGAIN!! and to the winner, i hope you enjoy this software as much as i do!!!

Reminder - there is still time!

2011-09-13T10:59:00.002-10:00

Hiya peeps!! sorry, i've been crafting like crazy but don't have anything to share with you just yet... some creations are being made in an attempt to head start before my schedule gets really crazy... so although those things are complete, i can't share them with you just yet...=D

Popping in real quick to remind you to enter my MY MEMORIES SUITE SOFTWARE GIVEAWAY.... it ends at midnight HST.... all you have to do is check out the mymemories.com website, then take the link to the giveaway post and tell me what your FAVE is in the store... a winner will be randomly chosen and announced tomorrow... so hurry! there's still time!

Alright, i have to bounce out of here.... be back soon!

Eyelets, Brads and Treats??

2011-09-12T00:00:00.001-10:00

Monday rolls around once again.... Hope you all had a fantastic weekend! mine was busy as usual, crafting, family time, more crafting and house chores... i'm drained! but you know that won't stop me.... =D

new challenge over at Lollipop Crafts! but before we get into details about that, don't forget my GIVEAWAY ends tomorrow at midnight.... take the link above to see how you can enter for a chance to win a FREE MY MEMORIES SUITE SOFTWARE PROGRAM!!

ok, the deets... Challenge #48 is Eyelets and Brads... we want to see these embellies on your creations, either one of them OR both... we are definitely sure you have many eyelets and brads stashed somewhere screaming to come out... hehe... it's time to release them... A Team is hosting the challenge this week so you'll want to head on over and check out what they have to share...
Di's Digi downloads is a very new sponsor to Lollipop Crafts and they have a fabulous prize to give away... you'll definitely want to check out all the CUTE images they have... oooh it's all so CUTE! and get the deets on the prize up for grabs on the LC blog...

i have to say... can you believe Sister Stamps are already getting ready for their 3rd release and i'm STILL working on using the first?! LOL... talk about slow boat! and i still have some from the 2nd release to use too... but yes, i've finally been able to get to using these adorable asian stamps (1st release) on a few more upcoming projects besides this one i'm sharing today...

my creation features Kiyomi (my absolute FAVE from the very 1st release)... Jenny (co-owner of Sister Stamps) did some treat box cards in the beginning of the year that i've been meaning to case for awhile now (Thanks for the inspiration Jenny!!)... well, i've finally been able to try one! yay!! you can check out Jenny's creations here and get the tut for this sassy and sweet treat card box here...ok so back to my card... i learned a few trial and errors making this too... like not making the top so heavy (had to apply a "brad" so the card flap stops opening), LOL and not making the treat window so big... one of Jenny's creation featured Hershey's nuggets, which fits great... i did buy some to put in there but it fell out of the window, so i dug into my stash of snickers... heheh! i used SU!'s square lattice embossing folder to emboss the background and added a strip of washi paper that is matted on a piece of CS punched with the cherry blossoms MS border punch... added brads to the corners and stamped Kiyomi's butterfly a 2nd time for a playful scene... searching for a sentiment i came across TGF's Butterfly Wishes set and thought this sentiment was absolutely the perfect match to this card.... since Kiyomi is trying to catch the butterflies.... =D i tried my hand at black hair coloring again, little better... =D and can't really tell but i added AC metallic gold pen ink on the design of Kiyomi's kimono and the centers of the butterfly wings... the treat box window was cut out with the double ended largest tag... the inside... used eyelets in the corners this time... using the same strip of washi paper as the front but i didn't emboss the background CS this time... used a cutout of labels 4 so you can easily write a note... tadduh! i think it came out not that bad for my first try!! hehehe!

wow! this post became longer than i thought it would... sorry! hehehe! now that you've seen my creation, go on and take a look at the other creations on the LC blog... thanks for coming by and i'll be back soon!

"it's what you make out of it..."

2011-09-10T03:10:00.001-10:00

Hey!! wishing you all a wonderful saturday!!! whatever it is that you are doing today, remember to smile!! =D

Week 7 of He-Art Journaling with The Greeting Farm - Every cloud has a silver lining (cloudy concept) was the assignment... using "clouds" in whatever form as an inspiration...

i usually soak in the assignment and then search the web for quotes... i write down a few that i like and then choose one to use as my "theme" for my page... i found a few for the assignment that i liked but there was one that really stuck to me...
"Every silver lining has a cloud" ~ Mary Kay Ash... yes, it's a jumble of the same words in the assignment (that was not intentional), but the way it was written in this form really got me thinking... basically i painted the whole page with morning silver acrylic paint and painted on a white cloud... why so simple?! that is where my own quote comes into play... "it's what you make out of it..." so what will you make out of my page?? call it ugly, call it unique, this page was created to embrace both postive and negative vibes... because simply, it's what YOU make out of it...

we all live with ups and downs in every aspect of things we do, say, believe in, etc... although we have some bad moments and sometimes we tend to dwell on it, we can make GOOD out of it if we choose to... anytime i need to reevaluate a situation or calm myself in the heat of a moment, this page will be available for me to read the quote again and better the situation... even the person living on a silver platter has a cloud over them, no lifestyle is absolutely perfect... perfection ceases to exist, and is highly overrated, because if we all were perfect, there would be no room to learn and grow.... this page is for you to use your imagination and choose the path you want to see... good or bad!

so next time you're in a situation, just remember the cloud over your head... you are it's controller... you can make the cloud rain on your parade or you can make it guide you to your goals... only you can control your cloud...

have a super fantastic weekend everyone and i'll be back on Monday with a challenge creation for Lollipop Crafts!! right now, i'm going to use my cloud as a pillow and get some shut eye!!

My Memories Giveaway!!

2011-09-09T00:00:00.006-10:00

{Long post, but worth it!}

Hi Friends!! Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to be sharing with you somethings i've been creating digitally and finally able to do this AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!

I was recently contacted by a representative from My Memories... My Memories has an award winning digital scrapbook software program that is like photoshop, probably cheaper, and yet you can still create LOTS of things as you would photoshop... At first, i was going to turn it down, because really scrapbooking isn't my thing, BUT let me tell you, this program gave me a broader and wider outlook on ease and FUN... I admit, i never cared for scrapbooking because of the amount of time it takes to make one decent page, my idea of scrapping my children's pictures is to stick it on the album page and add stickers... you know, easy stuff, not the whole shabang with papers and embellies and this and that... I can hear it now, "come on Kris, you spend hours on ONE card!" TRUE, i do, but it's easier to create a small card than a whole 12x12 layout... hehe... for me at the least... This program is SO much more than digital scrapbooking, you are able to create things like photobooks, calendars, cards and much much more... All at the ease of clicking...

After using My Memories Suite for a few days, i just fell in love.... if scrapbooking were this easy before, i'd probably be doing more of it... my first run was doing a scrap page... . The program comes with basic papers (solid, textured, decorative, etc), basic embellies, basic layouts and more... and believe when i say you'll be visitng the store for more... i did! The combo packs are awesome and give you a lot of things to play with.... after purchasing my first combo pack i created my son's Thank you cards, from scratch... My Memories Suite is really a fun and cool program to have... even if you DO NOT scrapbook... i think i'll be making my Christmas cards on mine this year!

Better yet!! I have one FREE program to giveaway... Yes, sponsored by My Memories themselves, they are going to give ONE lucky random winner, from my post here, A FREE PROGRAM!! How SUPER SWEET is that?!?!

Here's what you've got to do....

This giveaway is open until Tuesday, September 13th at Midnight HST. A link will be on top for easy finding of this post.

1. To be eligible to enter please visit MyMemories.com take a look at the different digital paper packs, etc and come back to this post and LEAVE A COMMENT, telling me which paper pack is YOUR FAVE.

2. Not required, but if you want to spread the word and have YOUR friends try their luck too, send them my way by posting about this giveaway on your blogs. (hmm, if you do, come back and let me know and i'll give you another entry)

***If doing one or both above, make sure you leave 2 separate comments.

That's it! Want to know a bit more about this company and what the program can do?? Check out some of the vids here.

Wait, there's more... Want more chances to win products from this company, follow any of the following links:

Blog- http://blog.mymemories.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593

Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite

And there's more... if you can't possibly wait for me to announce the winner, go and GET your program now!

1. Head on over to My Memories, put the My Memories Suite v2 into your shopping cart and enter this special code: STMMMS13469 (copy and paste for accuracy).

2. By entering this code you get $10 off your software purchase PLUS after you make your purchase, you will receive a $10 coupon to use in the store towards the MANY products they have...

The digital packs as well as single items are decently priced and you'll be wanting to go back for more..... i have not tested it out yet as this is my first ever digital program i've really gotten into, but i did read up that other digital items (like paper packs from other companies, etc) are compatible with this program...

Do i need to give you some eye candy?? Of course i do.... here's what i've been creating....
my first attempt with the program... everything on this scrap page is the basic elements within the program... i used a basic layout, added my pixs and used the paper, embellies and texts provided with the program... i couldn't stop there and went to visit the store for more...
i bought a beach themed paper pack (another day in paradise) to make my son's 1st birthday thank you cards... this one was made from scratch and everything you see here (except the text) is from the paper pack... you can place your elements any way, anywhere you want... when you're done, you can export your creation to JPEG format and print them out... awesome!!

Really, who doesn't want a chance to win a free program like this?!?! you must act soon though! This giveaway is open for only a short time... check out Mymemories.com over the weekend and come back to THIS POST by midnight Tuesday to leave a comment....

Thank you for coming to check this giveaway out and GOOD LUCK!!!

Just "tutu" sweet!

2011-09-08T00:00:00.000-10:00

Thursday rolls in with a SPOTLIGHT!!

but first, THANK YOU so kindly for all the sweet words on yesterday's creation... i do miss my papa very much, but i also know he is up above watching over us... and although he may not be here in whole form, i know he is here in heart and spirit and we keep him alive thorugh memories... THANK YOU! the lovely comments helped me get through the day... yes, i did shed some tears when we went to visit, i knew his presence was there... HUGS!!!

ok, said what i had to about that so now, be sure you head on over to Lollipop Crafts and check out the deets on our wonderful sponsor this week, MELJEN'S DESIGNS! while there you'll surely want to soak in all the fantastic creations by the A Team... and hey, i was able to join them this week too...
i find that most of the time i need to make a birthday card for a little girl, i come down to using this sweet sweet, Meljen's image "Tutu Sweet"! purely because she is just... SWEET! my cousin's daughter is celebrating her 1st birthday on saturday and i needed to make a bday card... so here it is.... papers are from 3bugsinarug's Chloe line and the sentiment is from Studio G's cling stamps... just a touch of embellies with some ribbon and bling... i just love the Chloe papers... good thing i stocked up! hehehe... don't be too surprised if you see these prints over and over again... =D

oh, and the link to Meljen's above, it's actually directing you to her NEW store rather than Whimsy Stamps... so check out her new store and tell her that Lollipop Crafts sent you over! Make your way to Lollipop Crafts too and leave some love and welcomes to the new DT members... and if you haven't already joined in with this week's challenge, there is still time to come out and play!

thanks for popping in today and please come back tomorrow for a FABULOUS GIVEAWAY that you DON'T want to miss out on... it will only be open for a short time so follow the rules and enter... yah, i'm telling you NOT to miss this one!! =D

A special birthday card....

2011-09-07T00:48:00.002-10:00

Hello there.... well today is a very special day for 2 very special people in my life.... although not here in physical form, my Grandpa would be celebrating his 75th birthday today along with his sister, whom growing up was like a mother to me... No, they are not twins, just happened to be born on the same day in different years...

but anyway, paying our respects to Grandpa, we will be heading to the grave yard to clean his grave, put some flowers and a can of his favorite beer... i miss him a lot, and when holidays and birthdays come around, i miss him even more... i apologize if i get teary eyed and shed a few... but to understand it better, my Grandpa and Grandma were the ones that raised me, so i'm very very close to them... i was only in intermediate school when Grandpa was sent home with the angels and it was a very devasting time in my life... it was the one time i was very mad at the world and couldn't understand why! Aunty had a part in raising me too, when Grandpa and Grandma was at work i'd be with her... til this day, i share a very wonderful relationship with her...

since my aunty is still here with us and plays a very important part in my children's lives as well, i created a special card to help her celebrate her birthday from the kids (and me and the hubs)...
Dandelion Designs stamps are adorable and the most PERFECT for this celebration... i used the images from both the Friends and Sweet Wishes sets... of course on this card these images represent my 3 kiddies and ummmm, our dog i guess, except he's not brown but black... hehe! the sentiment on top is from Stampettes and the sentiment on the bottom is from Stampendous.... Aunty loves the color yellow so i incorporated it into this card as much as possible... the background is yuzen paper that i had a stash of and i used oval nesties for the images, with again, the out of the box technique.... i'm hoping Aunty will like this card...

Happy Birthday Grandpa and Aunty!!!

well then, that's it for today... i wish you all well and thank you tremendously for coming here are supporting my creations and leaving your wonderful comments... be back soon with more sharings... toodles!!

Having some fun....

2011-09-06T00:46:00.004-10:00

Wow! is everyone recovering from the long weekend?! hope you all found some craft time... i surely did... towards the ending of the weekend though... but i managed to get a few creations done... a great sense of accomplishment... besides crafting, the weekend was spent with my hubby and kiddies... truly priceless moments and cherished memories...

i'm sharing a "having some fun" card that i created just because...
playing with some color blends and working on some black hair coloring... Swiss Pixies Tulip Brigitta Digi from CC Designs was really wonderful to play with in my trial and errors... she's just so cute! i actually colored her tulip a brighter pink but decided i didn't like it so i sorta paper pieced the flower with another colored one, popping it up... used the oval nestie with the out of box technique too... hope you like it! hope the recipient will like it too!! =D

this creation is up for a few challenges too...

1. ATS - Photo Inspiration
2. The Sweet Stop - Sketch 124
3. Cute Card Thursday - A pinch A PUNCH - Use atleast 1 punch

i feel so happy when i can play in challenges... with my upcoming busy schedule, my challenge playing days will be limited again... so i'm going to soak in as much as i can... helps me build my stock too... hehe...

happy wishes for a new (and short) week! have a happy tuesday friends, thanks for taking some time to check this out!!

Double it up!!

2011-09-05T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Labor Day Peeps!!! does that mean we take a break from crafting?! NO WAY.... crafting is LABOR OF LOVE.... =D I hope you all have enjoyed the long weekend so far... it's not over just yet...

Monday means a new challenge at Lollipop Crafts! and it's a FUN one that will get you thinking and doubling it up... Here's what we want to see from you, sort of a recipe: USE 2 stamps/images (sentiments count as 1 if used), 2 patterned/designer paper, 2 embellies of the same (you may use more than 1 type, in multiples of 2) and 2 ribbons (same or differ)... doesn't it sound like a fun challenge?! We can't WAIT to see what you come up with!!
First challenge of a new month means we are sponsored by our OH SO FABULOUS Meljen's Designs!! A sweet prize is up for grabs for ONE lucky random winner and there is always the Top 3 to look forward to too! Be sure to check out the spotlight on Meljen's over at the LC blog on Thursday... a blurb about the company and some samples using the cutesy images they have for sale will be showcased... but for now let's get onto my creation...

i went sentiment free on today's card... i can always add one when the time is needed... my creation is versatile and can pretty much be used for any general occassion... so the 2 stamps/images i used was both from TGF... the new Blush Society Line... this is Blush Babette (ohhh so fun to color) in my fave color... i'm still working on my hair coloring and am pretty satisfied with the way this one came out... the second stamp is the Blush Hello... stamped on the nestie cutout behind Babette... 2 DP is from 3bugsinarug Chloe line... i thought a strip of the bicycle paper was classy for this darling image... 2 embellies (i went with 2 types) small button hearts in the top right hand corner and 2 half pearls on the left side corners... and 2 different ribbon scraps...

WHAT will you do with the recipe challenge?!? excited to see your awesome creativity... Please link up with InLinkz on the LC blog by Saturday 8pm for a chance to win or be one of the TOP 3...

There is a little change on the LC blog... We've split the team in 2 to bring you exceptional creations each week... Half of the team will be showing you challenge creations and the other half will be spotlighting our sponsors... Now there is something to always look forward to on Mondays AND Thursdays... You'll see these teams combine during our non-sponsored weeks and maybe a few will pop in on the other team from time to time... =D

Now that you're done here, head on over and check out the fabulous creations by the T Team.... some of our newest members to LC are debuting their styles their today... Stop in and show them the love....

Hope you like my creations and i hope even more that i've sparked a bug in you to play along with us this week... be back tomorrow with..... well, something... hehehe!

Textin' it up!

2011-09-04T09:21:00.000-10:00

Hello, Hello!!! yah, i know i said this was going to be posted yesterday... i fell off track and was busy doing some other things that needed to get out.... =D

hope you are enjoying your long weekend!! i really thought this weekend would be full of crafting but i was honestly stumped for some reason that i barely got things done... 2 more days left to this weekend so Ms. Creativity better get back from vacay and quick! hehehe!

He-Art Journaling with The Greeting Farm week 6 is being shared with you today... assignment was TEXT ME!.... use lots of text on your page... here is my text...

so so so so sad i cut up one of my craft mags to accomplish this page, but after eeing the end result, i was ok with it... LOL... talk about traumatizing! jus'kiddin'... pretty simple layout... i covered my sheet with some antique handwritten DP first and then laid out all my cut out phrases, words etc.... for as long as i've had to do "collages" i always leave gaps... i just can't cover up anything... ugh! i love the way collages look all squished and over lapping each other, but when i do one i just can't do that... have.to.go.outside.the.zone! haha!

ok, short post today... rain clouds have blown away and it's a gorgeous day to set up the pool!! yipppee! come back tomorrow for a new challenge at Lollipop Crafts and what's even sweeter is the new DT is debuting their creativity!! wooohooo! see you then!

Plumeria Princess...

2011-09-02T10:01:00.000-10:00

Aloha Friday!! and it's another 3 day weekend!! wooohooo!! can't get any better than that right?! hope you all are looking forward to the long weekend! whatever you may be doing, whether it's taking a trip or camping or even staying indoors like me to hopefully CRAFT, be safe and have fun!!

i have more sharings on cards available for purchase at Island Paperie... these are only for sale in-store and not available on the website, so if you're on Maui, go and check it out... today i'm featuring the Tropical Flowers B set again using the plumeria branch... this stamp is versatile in the sense that you can flip the image any way you want and it will still look ok... if you are interested in seeing what other flowers are part of this set or what other stamps are available, head over to the website and take a look at what they got...
here's the first one... paired with some Basic Grey DP.... i LOVE the burst of colors on this card... the flowers are realistically colored to replicate real plumerias... a fun, easy layout so you can see the DP as well.... For you sentiment is from TGF's Fancy Fleurs set (discontinued)
this one has no DP... instead i stuck to color CS with some embossing effect from SU!'s square lattice folder... i intentionally cut the images not centered, don't know why, i just did... i was going for some look but not sure what... LOL... there is a hint of glitter in the middles and i used braided lauhala for more texture and local feel... sentiment is from Stampendous...

hope you like this Friday's sharing.... i'll be back tomorrow with my journal page for week 6 of He-Art Journaling... for now, thanks for stopping in and i wish you a beautiful day!!!

That's ODD! i've been bitten!!

2011-09-01T09:20:00.002-10:00

by the Some Odd Girl bug!!! Yup... i did... is that odd?!? of course not!

Happy September friends!! are you all ready for fall?!?

my awesome friend Amy is part of the DT at Some Odd Girl, and well, i just LOVE her creations with these digis/stamps... so one day this week i went exploring and checked out the site... and yup, the love bug came my way and i bought my FIRST digi from them... totally hard to do since there are SO many fabulous images... to test out the waters i bought one digi and i think i'll be going back for a few more....

anyway, there's a bi-weekly challenge that happens on the Some Odd Girl blog and this week is to Paper Piece! i do love me some paper piecing but i've never done it with a digi... until now...

i bought digi Dress Kaylee... isn't she cute!! it was so hard to choose one, i'm telling you that right now, i think i had 5 in my cart before i settled... and for my first, i think i made a good choice... i paper peiced Kaylee's hat top and bottom of her dress with 3bugsinarug's Chloe line... love the colors... soft and sweet! i used the same print from paper piecing as my first layer on the card... the rest of the papers are also from the same line (scored me a great deal on these papers).... some ribbon and half pearls and Stampendous Happy Birthday completes this card... do you like?!?

eek! sorry the photo is a bit fuzzy!!

so go and check out the blog... you'll see the many fabulous creations from the DT... take a peek at the images available from Some Odd Girl and i you wanna see more, check out their site! not limited to these cutesy girls, but there's also a boy in there and some critters! maybe you'll get bitten by the bug too! hehe!

Local Fever....

2011-08-31T09:13:00.000-10:00

Midweek!! woohooo!! looking forward to the 3 day weekend... i'm hoping it's filled with craft time... hehe...

quick sharing today on some cards i made last week into the weekend.... the cards featured here today may be purchased at Island Paperie in Kahului... i'm starting to get a good feel going back to my roots and playing with some "local" images... guess once i stepped out of my comfort zone, things just came right along... today i'm showcasing one of Island Paperie's stamp sets called Nesting Lauae... it's a very versatile set to use and i'll show you a way i've used it...
first card up is pretty simple... i stamped the Lauae on white CS making use of the nesting sizes and kinda of creating my own patterned paper... this was the first attempt at using the stamps... i then embossed the base CS stock (green) with swiss dots and added a Mahalo sentiment from TGF's Anya says set... took some brown CS and embossed it with SU!'s square lattice folder... to cover up the cuts i wrapped raffia around the card layer and added a leaf shaped button... just like the pineapple one a few days ago....
didn't want to waste the paper scraps from the Hula Anya card i made last week so i did something similar to the card above this one without the embossing.... and a hint of blue... i'm guessing this could go for a guy or girl... don't you think??
then i really didn't what to throw away these circle scraps and made this card... LOL... i just LOVE DCWV's Green Tea Stack... can't you tell?! hehehe! sentiment is from Stampendous and i added some twine and some rhinestones... some of the papers have a shine to them which makes it nice...

there you have it... a showcase on Island Paperie's stamp set and some easy cards you can whip up in no time AND use scraps on... =D that's always a plus in my book! Check out Island Paperie's website for more local/hawaiian themed products and i'll be back soon with more cards that are available for purchase there! Thanks for coming by!! Hugs!

For my Poppy....

2011-08-30T00:52:00.000-10:00

Happy wonderful Tuesday everyone!! hope you all are fine and dandy and the week so far has been a pleasure for you....

picked up some inspiration again from The Sweet Stop, with their sketch #123... over the weekend i was asked to create a very special card with a theme... i was really excited to even have been asked but screeching inside cause i had no idea what to do... i had the papers that i needed to use, just no direction of how to put the card together... so thankfully, The Sweet Stop put out an awesome sketch to use for the challenge this week... and well, here's my interpretation...
the theme for the card was poppy.... i had a stash of this Poppies in Bloom DP by Autumn Leaves (all of the DP used on this creation) that was so fitting... then it was choosing the right image.... being that i made this for a guy to give to someone, Hello Ian, from TGF, whom has not seen ink from me yet, called out... ahhh, moment filled with such perfection.... originally Ian is holding a sunflower (or so that's what i think it is) but to keep with the poppy theme, i cut out a poppy from the DP to fit over the original flower.... voila! make it work! had a stash of coordinating die cut poppy flowers too which i added one to the bow... can't really see the border punch in the background but it's MS Iron Gate border punch that i found at Ross' for $5!!! what a steal! sentiment is from Hero Arts....

i hope he likes this card and i hope his "Poppy" likes it too!! If you haven't heard about the Sweet Stop yet, go and check them out... you'll find their sketches fun and eye candy very inspiring... who knows, you might just want to play along too!

thanks for sharing a moment with me... i sure hope i've inspired you in some way to get crafty!!

Recycle it!

2011-08-29T00:00:00.001-10:00

{ETA: added a pix of the pillow box i used....}

Hey there!! Happy Monday to you... hope you all had a wonderful weekend! and to those on the east coast that may be or have been affected by the storm, prayers are with all....

Thanks for all the well wishes for the little man... he's still under the weather but 90% better than before the weekend.... i do hope he kicks this really soon.... when he's miserable it's just the saddest feeling in the world... BUT, he still smiles!

Monday brings to you a new challenge at Lollipop Crafts! Lollipop girl Agnes is hosting challenge #46 this week and she wants you to RECYCLE! create a card/project using a recycable item... for example, ribbon from a present, a coffee jar, baby food container, button from a shirt.... you catch the drift right?! you may not notice but we all recycle in one way or another whether it be highly visible or very descreet... obvious recycling would be aluminum and plastic down to the smaller gestures like saving the ribbon off a present... gosh, i am wondering how my fellow crafters recycle things for crafting.... are you like me and save everything?!? hehe
my card is pretty simple today... i had many ideas in my head for this week's challenge but was not able to execute it as my plans sorta fell through... nonetheless i looked to something easy and fun... NO this is not DP.... but it's so beautiful it could be... or that is what i made from it... this pretty colorful paper was once a glossy pillow box with yummy chocolate dipped cookies (all gone) from a sweet friend who sent a RAK my way about a month ago... i saved the box knowing i would use it for something one day... and well i did... the colors are gorgeous and i didn't want to throw it away... so i used it as i would DP and made a quick and easy birthday card.... eek! don't mind the flash spot.... LOL...

lifted this pix from the site (Big Island Candies) where my goodies were from... just wanted to show that i wasn't joking and i really did use the pillow box for my card... LOL... i have the ribbon in my stash too...

hop on over to LC and see what other recycled projects the Lollipop Girls have to share with you today... get the inspiration and join us!! it's easy really.... if you're not a follower of that blog already, before sure you do so you don't miss a sweet thang! Lot going on over there this week!

be back tomorrow with more creations that i was able to finish last week and over the weekend... thanks for coming by... =D

A special hula dance for you....

2011-08-26T00:00:00.001-10:00

It's Aloha Friday everyone!! and the weekend couldn't have come at a better time... with a sick little boy in the house and mommy on the end of crying because she feels so sad, the weekend is very much needed... although it doesn't mean i don't have mommy duties, it does mean daddy's home... =D

today's card is a fabulous share for this Aloha Friday and i'm hoping it will give you a relaxed feel to the start of your weekend.... meet TGF's hula Anya...

dancing in the moonlight with lots of aloha.... she's not a new stamp, actually an older one that i just love, love, LOVE... she definitely makes my top 10... i mean 20.... is that fair?! LOL... the papers are all from the DCWV Green Tea Stack.... i'm trying to hoard this as much as i can because i just love the prints and colors.... this is my kinda color chart... hehe... realistically, we do not have any blue plumerias in Hawaii, but it gave a nice touch to the image... i bought a bunch of Hawaiian themed mango wood buttons at the local fabric store and have been putting them to use this week... this one is the shape of a pineapple that i secured to the card with raffia... a hint of glitter in the flowers and some half pearls on the top left hand corner for accent.... and the Mahalo sentiment is from a local company called Stampettes....

anyway, i really miss playing in challenges and i do try to when i can... i guess i need a push every now and then... it's different when you are creating to just play and when you have to create to fulfill orders... but i managed to fit in 3 different challenges into this one card... first up is the color combo... ATS challenge this week is to use earth tones - blue, brown and moss green... i really lucked out because blue is my FAVE color and i just LOVE the color combo... 2nd is TGF's FFCB WOW challenge - Boy colors.... i'm very sure this fits into the boy color spectrum... and last but not least, Sketch 122 with a twist at The Sweet Stop.... i've been following the blog for about a month or so, but never had the courage to join in and play... until now... the sketches there are awesome... and the inspirations, gorgeous.... ever get stumped on a layout, check them out...

kay, i think i took up enough of your time... =D i do send you plenty Mahalo for sharing a part of your day with me and wish you a wonderful weekend... i'll be back on monday with a new challenge creation for Lollipop Crafts (unless i get a chance to sneak some post time during the weekend... a hui ho, until we meet again!!

Thinking of you....

2011-08-25T00:00:00.000-10:00

Spotlight Thursday at Lollipop Crafts on Digital Delights!!
Thank you to our generous sponsor this week, Digital Delights!! Check out the LC blog for a spotlight on this company... and see what the Lollipop Girls have to share with you... i have to tell you that there are so many CUTE images that can be bought in this store, but you have to visit them to see for yourself... want a little tast of the cuteness?!

my card features Farm Girl Polly... she was so fun to work with and she is just as adorable as can be.... i love the colors i used on her... not a combo i would normally use but it worked great with the Hello Lucious Basic Grey papers... even used my MS Scallop 3 Dot border punch that i rarely use... the sentiment is from a Hero Arts mini set... and i kept the embellishment simple with adding some dew drops... you can't tell from this picture but i layered part of her her and bows by using pop-up dots... even i was amazed that you can't tell from the pix...
so i took a pix showing you that i did give the image a little pop....

there is still time to join in on the Masculine challenge this week... details are on the LC blog... you have to admit, masculine cards are indeed a challenge... it's easier to make girly cards... so why not get some inspiration and play the challenge...

A simple and quick Thank you!

2011-08-24T13:00:00.001-10:00

Hi there!! quickly stopping in on this Wednesday to share a simple and quick Thank you card.... my lil' one isn't feeling the greatest with a slight fever so it's mommy and baby time until he falls asleep... but i had to whip up a thank you card first...
used a freebie from Meljen's Designs (i think this one is only available if your a PCP member, but i can't remember for sure).... this teddy is really cute that i just had to use it... used some of my scrap Doodlebug Funfetti DP with some rick rack ribbon and a few dew drops... oh and bits of stickles glitter on the image... voila! love the burst of colors... very happy thank you card!

signing off now... join me tomorrow for a spotlight creation on Lollipop Crafts sponsor of the week Digital Delights... i'll see you soon then.... <--- (someone's been watching Dear John, LOL)

He-Art Journaling Weeks 4 and 5...

2011-08-23T12:06:00.000-10:00

Hiya there! what a wonderful Tuesday this day is turning out to be... although still super hot, it's overcast and there's a relaxed feel in the air... not for me though... some light house chores, laundry and paying the bills are on the "to-do" list... some rain would be nice... we need it... and some craft time cause I NEED IT!....

so last week i noticed i failed to share with you my journal page for Week 4 of He-Art Journaling with the Greeting Farm... Week 4's theme was "the girl in me" and we had to draw a girl image... and i mean actually draw.... now this was very hard for me because i can't draw for ----... not even if money depended on it... LOL... so luckily, stick figures were included as drawing...
hahahaha! don't laugh at me but laugh with me.... HAHAHAHA!!! how you like them stickies?! LOL.... my best drawing!! hubby said i didn't even try, maybe i didn't but hey, when you're stumped and know that you can't draw you just do whatever you can... or that's what i told myself... anyway... little "portrait" of me and my girls... and to make it a fun page i added some of our favorite things using stickers... not bad for stick figures yah?! hehe!

then i take you to Week 5 - Pieces of Me... this week we were to use layering and paper piecing techniques and this is what i did...

i'm trying my hardest to use scraps and i found some pretty big pieces of scrap to use this week... i matted my page with different DPs (all belong to the same line though) and then added my layers ... i titled this page "Friends are...." because of the quote i used around the image... and because it's a "friend" page, i left some room to add pictures and blurbs about friendship at a later time...
here is a close up of my "layered" flowers for the layer portion of the assignment.... i used the HK flower sizzlit die to cut flowers using the coordinating DP scraps and secured the layers together with mini brads... i crumbled the paper too to give it a textured/old look... and i'll tell you why in a bit....
TGF's Fleur Anya is my fave image when it comes to friends, flowers and the like because you have to admit she is just so adorable.... she represents my "paper piecing" portion as i paper pieced her dress and flowers in her hair... "tried" to do black hair coloring this time which i will say needs a little more practice... LOL....

ok so the textured/old flowers.... around the image there's a quote that i just love... "friends are flowers that never fade ~ Proverbs".... doesn't it go together perfectly?! i thought so... and i couldn't be more happy with the pair... paper flowers won't fade...

i'm loving the way this page turned out... and really happy i'm actually early in completing the assignment... i'm usually one that is uploading hours before deadline.... LOL... hope you like my pages too and hoping it's inspired you to take up some journaling... want more inspiration, head on over to TGF's gallery and check out what the other "students" have been creating....

Thanks for dropping by!! i'm crossing my fingers i'll have something finished to share with you tomorrow... toodles!!

Not girly, but MASCULINE!

2011-08-22T00:00:00.000-10:00

oh man that's a hard thing to do..... hehe! monday brings you another challenge at Lollipop Crafts!! and if you're masculine challenged like me, this week's challenge will or atleast should, boost your mojo....

Lollipop Girl Alanna is challenging you to get MASCULINE this week with challenge #45.... put away all those girly things and bring out your bold masculine papers and embellies and get crafting.... i'm sure you have to make a birthday card for that special guy in your life or you may need a head start on next year's birthdays.... either way, we are telling you to set the glitters, diamonds and pearls aside and bring out those manly gadgets... or are you like me and have a limited stash??? LOL, i a m really stumped when it comes to cards or creations for guys... so this was a big challenge for me...

Digital Delights are our fabulous sponsor this week... Yes, they are new to our sponsor list but you'll love the cutie images in store.... go and check them out and tell them Lollipop Crafts sent you their way!! One lucky random winner will receive a great prize.... wanna know what it is? check out the challenge post on the LC blog for details on how to play and what prize is at stake to win!
did i make the challenge or what?! i'm telling you, it's so hard for me to make masculine creations... but i just knew what image to use to help me with my accomplishment... this handsome dude from TGF's My Guy set.... aahhh! he's such a hottie... hehe (blush).... frankly, i was pleased that during one of my shopping trips to Ross' i was able to snag a paper pack that was geared to guys.... pulling out the papers from the pack i chose to work with 3 different pieces... no intentions on doing so, but i realized after putting the card together that i used my alma mater colors... maroon and blue!! woohoo, double whammy! ok i had to add that in... tempted to add happy birthday but instead i looked through TGF's Anya Says set and pulled out a few words to put together... "Keep Rockin'" and "Superstar" perfectly matching the DP.... hehe... hmmm, someone didn't put away all her girly things.... LOL....

i'm also submitting this into TGF's FFCB Farm Fresh Friday challenge - Buttons... since i added buttons on this creation... =D

oh so i asked the hubs, "does this card look masculine/guyish to you?" his reply, "well, it's metro!" can someone tell me what he meant???? LOL.... i was not pleased with his definition.... haha!

hop on over to LC and check out what masculine creations the Lollipop Girls have to share with you too.... thanks for stopping in!! hope i've inspired you to play along with us this week or get crafty!!

September Secret Sister Swap sign-ups

2011-08-21T14:00:00.001-10:00

Time of the month once again!!! LOL... um yahhh...

September SSS sign ups starts today.... Thank you to all who have continued this swap! i hope you are enjoying everything... =D

September marks the changing of seasons and that means it's FALL... when i think of fall, i think changing colors of the trees and lots of leaves falling to the ground (although color changing leaves doesn't really happen in Hawaii)... we actually go from green to brown, LOL.... so why not add a theme for this month.... Let's do a color theme... MUST USE ONE of the following colors on your creations: RED, ORANGE or BROWN. I don't just mean on your images, but incorporate it in your papers, embellies, etc... you must use one of these colors or if you prefer, 2 or all... up to you, but AT LEAST one... and you can do other color combos if you want with any of the above too!

here's some deets on my swap: *please take note of some changes in red*

1. You can swap anything you think is appropriate. Such as cards, 3d projects, gift tags, altered items, etc. You are not restricted to just a card for each swap... for example, you can do a card this month and gift tags next month, etc... be creative and use your talents! Many of you do not limit yourself to cards, there are some that do awesome jewelry, altered items and so on, so this is the swap to make something special and surprise someone... can't get creative? no problem, you are free to sub in a RAK too!

2. I kindly ask that you please send out your swaps before month's end. Please take into consideration snail mail timing. If you cannot mail your swap before the end of the month, you are given until the 5th day of the following month to do so. This will allow some time for your Secret Sister to receive it. If nothing has been received within 10 days past the end of the month, i will not include you in future sign ups. Please friends, let's play fair.

This is a commitment i ask that you follow through with. sign ups will be open until August 29th... PREVIOUS PLAYERS, just leave a comment on this post (or email me) so i know you want to play along... NEW PLAYERS, please email me at krisnal5868hotmaildotcom with the subject "Secret Sister Swap" and the following info: FULL NAME, ADDRESS, BLOG URL (if you have one) and BEST EMAIL for contact.

Sign up and have some fun!!

Aloha....

2011-08-21T01:18:00.001-10:00

Looking at the time it is technically Sunday, so HAPPY Sunday!!! even if i am posting this in the wee early AM,,,, hehe... i was a bit occupied yesterday and failed to prepost this creation,,, (slap on the hands) so if you want to scold me now, go ahead, i'm bracing myself for it... =D i know you wouldn't though... i need some "down" time right?!?

had a fun filled day yesterday... Hubby took us to eat at my FAVE restaurant on the west side... and then treated the kiddies to a ride on the Sugar Cane Train... oh yes, it was a family day well spent... literally! LOL...

i spent the last 4 hours staring at the things on my desk waiting for it to come together by itself... yup, it's a crafter's block moment... didn't get much done.... arrrgh! now i'm sneakin' in to post this creation before hitting dreamland... i think that's what i need to refuel Ms. Creativity...
simply said with some Aloha.... my super sweet BFF sent me a package of goodies and inside was this wonderful CC Designs stamp, Welcome Brigitta, that's been on my wishlist since it's release.... Thanks BFF, me LOVES this so much!! i received this a few weeks ago, but kept it aside (with the urgency and temptation of wanting to ink it up) until after the party was well over with.... so this past week i finally got to use her along with the weekly ATS challenge which is a fun sketch.... i wanted her to stand out so i picked a color found within the DPs and that color was orange.... purple and orange??? not a bad mix... hehe... the Aloha sentiment is from TGF's Anya Says set which goes great with this image... or so i think.... i'm so sorry but i have no idea what the DP line is called... i just know i bought a bunch when it went on clearance and i failed to scribble down the deets.... so bad!! went with a 5x7 card so that the sketch could clearly been seen without hiding the papers so much... combined some punched flowers with some primas and rhinestone middles... then added a few dew drops here and there... simple and clean.... do you likey?!?

that's all i have to share with you for now... will pop back in later with sign ups for September's SSS and if all goes planned this coming week, i have a few more sharings... i just remembered i haven't shared my journal page for last week... i'm not so thrilled with it but i'll share that soon... just trying to work out the postings so i'm not overposting... LOL.... have a fantastic Sunday and come again soon!!

1000 sheets of paper... the giveaway

2011-08-20T21:27:00.000-10:00

my dear and AWESOME paper-holic friend Amy, of A thousand sheets of paper, is celebrating something HUGE!!! oh i mean stacked! no i mean HUGE and STACKED!! yup that's a better description... =D I'm very very sure you all know Amy... she is known for awesome creations that include altered images and she is the sweet creator of Sweet November Stamps... but if you know Amy like i do, she LOVES paper!!! hello, it's in her name! hehe... Amy has this goal each year to keep track of how many DIFFERENT pieces of paper she cuts into and well, this is what 1000 sheets of paper looks like....
she is at it again with a very GENEROUS giveaway... this is one blog candy that you DO NOT want to miss... head on over to her blog now and check it out!! it's a jaw dropping type of post so don't say i didn't warn you before hand.... hehe....

Happy "belated" Blogaversary Amy and CONGRATS on hitting your 1000th paper milestone!! Cheers to many more.... =D Hugs!!!

**had a detour today and i'll share my creation that was suppose to be posted today in a bit....**

Oh, right! the CAKE!

2011-08-19T09:53:00.001-10:00

Happy Aloha Friday peeps!! for many of you in Hawaii, today marks a holiday... yep Admissions Day... the day we became the 50th State! so why are we still treated as if we are in the boondocks?!? LOL... anyway, what are you all up to for the weekend?! me, maybe a little shopping, i'm in need of a pedi and hopefully some craft time while the kiddies hit the pool... we'll see... weather is pretty nice today... hoping it stays like that for the weekend....

i'm finally revealing the wonderful birthday cake Keenan had for his 1st birthday party.... are you all drooling in wonder?!? tadduh!
isn't it so kiddie and cute?!?! courtesy of Broke Da Mouth Cookie Company.... yum, yum, yum! it fit the party theme to the fullest.... yes this is the Queen Emma cake that is 4 layers of cake, guava, passion fruit and coconut and in between the cake layers yummy whipped filling in coordinating flavors... yummy goodness... mmmmmm!!! i love the way he did the decorations... and how he made the coconut topping look like sand.... and the lettering is written in chocolate...... oooooh sugar rush! come to think of it, i should have given the baker some fishing poles too... that would have been cute...
well someone surely enjoyed the cake.... he was ready to dive right into the cake before we even sang Happy Birthday.... LOL.... my uncle has the pictures of him eating his first piece of this cake, so i'll have to share it later, but he liked it... and this time he wasn't as messy... hehe!

short post today as i'm going to start my adventures.... i'll be back later with a card creation for a challenge.... WOW, can you believe i played in a challenge?!? LOL...

have a wonderful Friday and come check back later.... probably late tonight or tomorrow.... =D

Dragonfly

2011-08-18T00:00:00.000-10:00

What's up Thursday!! you came by too fast.... LOL... hello friends.... how are you all doing?!? THANK YOU SO MUCH for the sweet comments this week... i assure you that i am getting the rest i need... somewhat... ;D schedule is still crazy as ever but i did pen in (not pencil) SLEEP! hehe! don't know for how much longer though... i've got some things pending that i just know will come up soon... for now, i'm enjoying a sorta stress-free week... kinda... =D

spotlight thursday at Lollipop Crafts and we are shining the light on our FAB sponsor ROBYN'S FETISH.... wonderful designs to fit any occassion and i hear they are having a back to school sale!! you might wanna check them out!
my card features one of their cute designs called "It's a dragonfly day".... thought it would make a perfect birthday card... i used some colorful Doodlebug paper and embossed some yellow CS with my swiss dots embossing folder and added some polka dot ribbon... the sentiment is from Hero Arts that i fitted to the large spellbinder double ended tag and secured it to the card with some brads... and some stickles on the dragonfly wings, a dab on the flower petals and the leaves.... quick and easy...

want more eye candy to thrench your sugar rush?! head on over to Lollipop Crafts and check out what my sweet sisters have created to share with you.... and if you haven't already, join in our recipe challenge for this week! you could be ONE lucky winner to receive a fantastic prize from Robyn's Fetish!

join me tomorrow for a slice of virtual cake!!!

Beach box...

2011-08-17T10:07:00.000-10:00

Happy Humpday!!! is it just me or are the days just flying by super fast?! feels like the week has just started!!

so i've been trying to catch up on some sleep... been going to bed a bit earlier than the previous months.... by an hour or two.... but i still feel so drained and my lack of energy is really beginning to bother me.... today however is a much better day and i've FINALLY touched my craft supplies.... ooh it feels so good.... LOL...

i have Keenan's money box to share with you today... i was really stumped when my hanai dad didn't actually make what i wanted, which was a treasure box.... i was so set on it, but with his busy schedule it wasn't possible... finding out days before the party i felt the stress being tacked on... what was i going to create in just days before the party?!? i was on the last thread of just crying.... on a quick trip to BFC to see what my options were, Trina, my sweet sweet friend there, offered to complete the money box for me... BLESS her kindness because she really saved me!! with just 3 days before the party and her already busy schedule, she managed to add on making the box... and here it is....
since i bought so much of the beach themed painted wood thingys i gave her some to use on the box... which was perfect with what she had in mind.... plus it matched my frames... isn't it CUTE?!? i just LOVE it! btw, i still have it intacted... hehe.... that crab has to be my fave.... it's just so crabby! LOL...
here's the top of the box.... i love the way she added the bubbles to the fish... can't really see it but i think she used glossy accents for the bubbles, or something to that effect....
one side of the box.... ahhh, could i just put out a beach chair and lounge??? maybe with a coconut drink?!?
the other side of the box...

the box came out really really cute and we got lots of awesome comments about it.... simple, to the theme and CUTE!! Keenan LOVES it too... after removing his birthday cards he decided to use it as a playground... he just loves to play inside it... and if the slit is positioned right to where he can see someone, it's a peek-a-boo zone... hehe!

THANK YOU SO MUCH TRINA for the wonderful creation!!! i was, and still am, super stoked that you were able to create it for me!!! Muah!!

mahalo for the awesome comments yesterday... the fish and poles were the highlight of the party decorations... as some of you may know, hubby loves fishing and those table deco was one way to incorporate what he likes with the theme of the party.... i don't think he'll ever do the poles again though! LOL, it was A LOT of work....

stop in tomorrow for a spotlight on Lollipop Crafts sponsor of the week, Robyn's Fetish... and i'll be back with a piece of CAKE on Friday... yes, i'm saving the SWEETNESS for last... hehe!

Party decorations....

2011-08-16T10:04:00.000-10:00

Back again on this beautiful Tuesday..... Thanks to those who left comments yesterday about the whole party planning biz.... although i don't think it's the right timing for me to do it right now, i wouldn't mind doing it on a smaller level... you know, the simple things like favors or table deco.... i am honestly not ready to take on party planning as a whole gig.... hehe! we'll see, things change.... =D

alright, so more party sharings for your viewing eyes.... be prepared because it's another long post....
these were my centerpieces.... did not exactly come out how i planned it too, but with limited time i had to make it work... for one, we couldn't get Keenan to do his hand prints.... he just didn't like the paint on his hands... weird for a boy but oh well... he was not going to do hand prints on every centerpiece so i ended up having to make copies of the best set... which was this one... i should have ordered the collage prints a little bigger but didn't (slipped my mind) and just made do with what i ordered.... then i used these painted wood deco i got from BFC to add to the "theme".... pretty plain if you ask me.... i wanted a bit more color... but everyoone semmed to like it, so ok!
this was the table fillers... i found this idea on the BFC website (here) and some of my crafty friends like Joy U. and Enjoli had their versions as well which inspired me to try it.... used the accucut candy wrapper die at BFC since i bought my paper from there... cut out about a 100, didn't use them all since some was trial and error... i used the double arch MS border punch for the scales which i adhered using spray glue and a 1' and 3/4' circle punches for the eyes.... used fishing line to close 3 of the 4 flaps to form the head... and the last flap is to resemble the mouth... the tail of the fish was closed using crochete yarn and the fish were stuffed with li hing mui drops... not to heavy and took up most of the filling space...

hubby then created fishing poles using jewelry wire... wanna see the fishing poles closer, click the pix to enlarge... for the base we used recycled items like coffee jars and glass cups... filled with sand, covered with some cellophane and glued on some seashells... this i must say, was a highlight of the party... everyone was in awe on the amount of detailing hubby and i did to make this happen.... it felt really good to receive the compliments... and to my dear hubby for all the yelling to get the poles done, i LOVE you for doing the poles for me!!! You did a MARVELOUS job on them! oh and then of course he stringed fishing wire through the poles so we could hang the fish....

here's the banner made by my awesome Uncle (who happens to be one of Keenan's godparents)... it turned out sooooo darn CUTE!!! and can you believe that it's done using markers?!? no joke... it's not paint, it's not spray paint, but good ol' fashion markers!!! and i don't think it was copics either! hehe.... amazing detailing and very kiddish which i wanted... perfect for the celebration.... this is definitely a keepsake and i'm hoping my Aunty can turn it into a blanket.... =D

so i only have a few more pictures to share with you in the days to come... my other uncle took some pictures of everything else and as soon as i get that on a cd form him, i'll be able to share those pixs with you.... going through the pixs that i took, i failed to take a lot of pictures of other things.... =( like my candy bar and sign in table.... so i'm hoping he captured some.... oh yah, so the candy bar was a huge success... everyone loved the idea (guess it hasn't really been done here on maui)... we just went to costco and picked up loads of bulk candy to display and be taken... and there was some left for me to stash too!! yay!! LOL.... i need a sugar rush every now and then...

that's it from me today... thanks again for sharing some time with me... i still haven't found the energy to craft but i'm hoping i will soon... still haven't finished cleaning my mess... hehe! see you soon!!

Phew, i'm surprised i made it through....

2011-08-15T09:26:00.000-10:00

Well hello there!! i know i missed a posting day (Friday) but it was SO crazy running around with last minute things that day that i just couldn't get on here.... this week i'll be highlighting some party sharings, if you don't mind... =D too many pixs to share on just one post!

the party was a success... our hard work really paid off as we received many wonderful compliments on everything! some called me crazy for doing all that i did, but hey, it's my last "baby" and he only turns 1 once right?! all in all, we got lots of great compliments on the table deco, my candy bar, the banner, the sign in book, the food and most of all the most AWESOME cake the baker has ever made for me... it really topped my wedding cake and DD2's 1st birthday cake(which he did both too).... it was so cool we didn't even want to cut it... LOL... i'm gonna tease you guys on that and not share it just yet.... hehe... because i can... =D the kids had fun as i set up a coloring and name tag station... they were swarmed around the table creating... (you know i needed something crafty)... thank you to my sister and hanai sister for manning that station...

some of our guest even talked to me about party planning as a biz... but i go through so much stress with my own parties do i really want to take on someone's elses?! LOL... i actually have one lined up for next year and maybe volunteered to do one next month... something always comes up! but i love what i do and if it will put a smile on someone's face, why the heck not! hehe!

am very thankful that it's over now, no more worrying about this and that... can i finally concentrate on the holidays?!? or am i pushing myself a tad bit too much right now?!? can i finally find a decent time to sleep?!? LOL... hahaha, probably not!!

today's sharing is a keepsake... i decided to do my own sign in/guest book since i have a Cinch now... i waited to the very last minute to get this going for fear that i'd mess it up... guess what?? i did... LOL... thank goodness it was only the back cover... alright, let's go, lots of pixs...
here's the cover.... THANK YOU BRENDA for making all the critters and sandcastle and sun for the book!! it's so cute i really had a hard time adding them to this book... but i did because it was meant to be.... Thank you Bren!! Love yah girl!!

Brenda made the sandcastle and crab shown on the cover... isn't it CUTE?!?
now we take a look inside.... here are the sun and fish that Brenda also created... you'll see a few more in here as we go along (i didn't use it all, have to save for the other pages).... left the birthday page sorta plain hoping i can cut up some pictures from the party to add around...
about me page and sign in sheets.... just a little story about my son... birth date, weight, height, etc.
this one is a "recipe" for Keenan... listing the parents, grandparents, great grandparents, godparents, his ethnicity, etc.
pictures!!! a MUST!! lots of my fave pictures have been added to this book....
another one...
and another one...
last page in the book.... see the critters again?! =D there are more pictures to actually go in here... but i was so afraid that it would get ruined that i held back on adding more... my intentions now that the party is over is to get these pages laminated, add a few more with the pictures i wanted to add and some from the party and then rebind together... then we can go back and look through it over and over again.....

hey if you've survived this post, THANKS! hehe... that's what happens when i miss posting days... i'll be back tomorrow with another sharing from the party... THANK YOU for stopping by today and for all the wonderful birthday wishes to my lil' one... he had a splashing time!

go and check out this week's new challenge at Lollipop Crafts too... some sweet eye candy for you there....

Recipe for Creativity

2011-08-15T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Happy MONDAY!!!

Time for another FUN challenge at Lollipop Crafts! Lollipop Girl Zulma is challenging you with a recipe for Challenge #44... here's the recipe: USE the colors brown, green and ivory, 1(one) designer paper AND include a handmade flower(s) on your card/project.... can you do it?!? i KNOW you can!! =D

Robyn's Fetish is our wonderful sponsor for this challenge week and offering a sweet prize for one lucky random winner... get all the deets on this week's challenge and how to play along on the LC blog... prize info is also available...

i'm so sorry i don't have a creation for the challenge today!! =( i was just crazy busy with the party that i had no time to create freely or even ahead... now that the party is over i can get back into a normal routine.. or so i'm hoping... i really miss my craft supplies.... hehe! guess i better clean up my mess first and hope that Ms. Creativity is still "hangin" from the festivities... LOL....

be back shortly to share what i was suppose to post on Friday! oops, i'm only a few days late! LOL... go and check out what the other sweet Lollipop girls whipped up for your viewing pleasures on the LC blog... and don't forget to play along!!!

Gratuity should always be added...

2011-08-11T08:56:00.003-10:00

{Long post... making up for yesterday, LOL}

Hello, hello!!! i can't believe it's Thursday already... i have 2 more days before the party... the stress has calmed a bit, although not completly gone... i am almost done with all of my things but very sketchy on what others were "assigned"... i'm very eager to show you some table deco, but a part of it isn't complete yet, leaving me with nothing to put together... soon! hopefully soon!

Week 3 of He-Art Journaling with TGF... i'm sure you've been seeing some awesome pages around blogland from those who are taking the class... i hear it has been inspiring others to take the plunge and try it out too... it's a very fun way to keep a "journal" and best with no rules... Week 3's theme is GRATITUDE... so many ideas flew through my head, but my challenge was putting it down on the paper... and so this is what i came up with....
no painting this week.... tempted but decided to go back to my roots and stamp.... i used 3 different "Thank you" stamps... 2 of which come from TGF sets... "Why, thank you" from the Sweet Message set and "thanks so much" from the Butterfly Wishes set.... the other stamp is an oldie and i can't remember from where.... i searched the web to see if any gratitude quotes popped out to me and there were a few... but i choose 2 that had a lot of meaning.... oh i can't forget that i added butterflies... =D
TGF's Angel Anya was a #1 pick to go with one of the quotes i used... and of course you know why she is in blue!! ;)
the pink heart has one of the quotes i found.... please excuse my horrible handwriting.... LOL... the smaller hearts are just sayings that i always use when ever possible.. whether it's for myself or what i'm teaching my children...
ok, i really, really LOVE this quote.... from the moment i read it i just knew i wanted to use it.... the first image that came to mind was Angel Anya.... because she is praying... how perfect was that match!... if you go back and look at my spread (1st picture) you'll see that i angled the words differently... my intention was to make it look like light rays... yah, it was better pictured in my head than executed.... hehe!

i'm happy with this layout... on the simplier side, but does it really matter?!? if you are a part of this class or just joining in the bug, i hope you all are having as much fun with this "new" thing as i am... =D

now onto so yummy!!

here's Keenan's 1st birthday cake that we had to celebrate his special day on Tuesday... he loves cars and chose this design himself... it was this or Elmo and he was set on this... LOL.... safeway's cakes are always yummy if you customize it just right... my fave is chocolate cake with strawbery mousse filling and whip cream icing... they don't do the strawberry mousse anymore so i had to sub with custard filling, which is yummy too....
here is the little one endulging in his first piece of cake ever.... he didn't like the texture of it between and in his hands, so in the end we had to feed the cake to him... LOL.... yes, he was a complete mess... but that's ok, he was allowed to be this time.... ;D

next week i'll share pictures of his party birthday cake... it's a Queen Emma from a local bakery that is SO huge... some of you might remember my birthday cake from last year with all the layers of tropical flavor... yep it's going to be that same one on a grander scale... hehe.... for now, you'll just have to picture a full sheet of cake in a beach/ocean theme with the wonderful island flavors of guava, lilikoi (passion fruit) and coconut!! yum, yum, YUM!!!

we are on the topic of gratitude and i want to THANK everyone for sharing in on my sharings each time i post, and for coming by and leaving such wonderful messages... for the endless support and encouragement.... and most of all, the friendship... it's definitely a bond of sisterhood!! i LOVE you all for having a special place in my heart and my life and want you to know that yes, i am THANKFUL for you!! =D

and Keenan would like to send out big bear hugs and THANK YOUS for all the blessings and birthday comments too!! he enjoyed his special day... mommy was a little sad that the year has flown by so soon, but still happy and grateful that the year brought much more happy memories.... =D

come here tomorrow and check out a keepsake creation... probably be the last posting until next week.... let me get through the party first... hehe!! til tomorrow, have a beautiful blessed day and don't forget to GIVE THANKS to someone!

It's a VERY special day!

2011-08-09T14:10:00.000-10:00

Hi there!!! it is a very special day today and i'm celebrating a very special someone!!!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY KEENAN!!!

Wishing you the best 1st birthday ever lil' man! Here's to many more happy celebrations for you... Mommy LOVES you sooooo much!!!

Yes! it has been a ONE-derful year!! one year ago, on 08.09.10, my little prince was born... today, he is one happy little boy that will melt your heart with his smile... in celebration of his birthday i made this card for him....

made him this easel card using Oliver from TGF's OA Happy Day set and paired the image with Three Bugs in a Rug's Dawson line (love the cutesy dinosaurs)... also used Dawson themed chipboard stickers (dino and stars) to add a little more RAWWR to the card (i did an emergency run to the craft store for it, LOL)... computer generated my "happy 1st birthday" sentiment and then finally added some tiny buttons...
here is the inside... took a sheet of the Dawson paper and trimmed it to fit this little scene... tried to replicate the sun, so i did an off set (by the tree) using a yellow button, which also holds my card top up... there's a hidden message that's viewable when you first open the card, can you see a hint of it... looks kinda cool IRL, sorta like a cloud... hehe! hoping the little one likes it and it doesn't end up in his mouth! LOL...

hmm, and this card fits perfectly into a few challenges this week...

1. ATS - Anything goes....

2. TGF FFCB - Farm Fresh Friday Throwback #3

well, i'm off to celebrate! THANK YOU for visiting often and leaving your wonderful comments! i've still got so much more things to do before his big party this weekend and i'm crossing my fingers i don't go overkill on myself... HAHAHA! but today/tonight is the most special celebration... his actual birthday and his very first taste of chocolate CAKE! yum! can't wait to snap some pixs.... Happy 1st Birthday my lil' man!!! soon! =D

Mellow Yellow

2011-08-08T00:00:00.000-10:00

It's Monday and i would normally consider this day of the week as Monday blues... but in today's case, it is very inappropriate for my creation.... hehe!! time for another wonderful challenge at Lollipop Crafts!!

Challenge #43 is hosted by Tammy and she wants you to go MONOCHROMATIC! use ONE color in various shades.... this does exclude skin tones if you want (i think, haha)... so pull out your fave color in different shades and get CRAFT HAPPY!!!
we have a new and exciting sponsor for the challenge this week... STITCHY BEAR DIGITAL STAMPS!! Oh my!! you are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE the many different images (from many different creators) in this store... check them out! an awesome prize is up for grabs for one lucky random winner! prize info and challenge rules may be found on the LC blog.... link your creations to the LC blog by Saturday, 8pm PST for a chance to win...

yes, my fave color is blue but i went a little "mellow" for the challenge... i never did an all yellow creation before so this was indeed fun! i used Stitchy Stamps Butterfly Love image for today's card in many shades of YELLOW.... even her lips are yellow! click on the pix to enlarge so you can see it... i LOVE the way this came out.... monochromatic creations are always a pleasure to see... even the sentiment is stamped in yellow! =D now i've got that darn song stuck in my head.... "they call me mellow yellow...." LOL... thank goodness i was able to snag some yellow DP from the craft store to go with my yellow bling bling and pearls, ribbon and flower... there is also a hint of yellow stickles on the image... what do you think of my yellow approach?!?

don't forget to check out what my Lollipop sisters have waiting for you and see what COLOR they're playing with... once you've gotten the inspiration, come out and join us in this fun challenge!

Thank you for your heartfelt comments and for spending a few minutes with me... please come back tomorrow for a day that i didn't want to come so soon, but it is and i'm just both HAPPY and a little SAD.... sweet crafting until then.....

Thanks!

2011-08-07T01:54:00.001-10:00

hey! did you miss me?!?! hehe.... Happy Sunday folks!

went MIA... for reasons that are very appropriate... LOL... it is the last week of preparations before my lil' one's BIG DAY celebration and i've been screaming my head off trying to finalize the caterer, the baker and details of the whole party, keeping my eyes open til they can no longer stay open, trying to be in a million places at once, finish this, do that and all else of daily life... oh yah, i'm wearing myself out.... LOL... believe me, if i could figure out a crafting thing to do in the shower, i'd probably do that too... hehe... seriously though it's crunch week and the stress is on... gladly i've made some accomplishments in just 2 days... like finalizing the menu, settling on a cake design, which btw, i am getting a Queen Emma (YUM) like i did for my bday last year... pricing the candy for the buffet, choosing last minute deco and finding people to run the kiddie activities... have i gone insane yet?!? more than likely, i just don't show it! many more things still need to be done... hope i can pull this off.... so yah, i've been MIA for those reasons and will continue throughout the week.... =D it's a big big chaos of a mess in my house! things everywhere.... so i apologize for not doing my regular rounds of visitng your blogs... forgive me please!

quickly sharing with you as i wanted to pop in and say HI and that i'm STILL ALIVE! LOL... may miss a few days this week but will try and pre-post whatever i can, whenever i can... =D

here's a card i entered into the Farm Fresh Challenge - Grautity, last week at TGF's FFCB.... went for a simple style.... we all need a stash of Thank You cards, so it was a great challenge to play along with... used TGF's Fleur Anya (who is so lovely to color) in shades of purple this time.... found some pretty scraps with a hint of light blue in it that was gorgeous to use with the image.... added some half pearls to her flower centers and did an offset of color by using bluish/aqua layered primas.... i tried a different color combo on her hair which i'm not really liking... i think stiking to my norm for now is best... it came out a bit too dark for my liking... actually, the coloring looks better IRL than in this pix! sentiment is from Hero Arts....

"Thanks" for checking in on me today.... come by tomorrow for another challenge creation for Lollipop Crafts! and stay tuned for some other creations i have hidden up my sleeves that includes a very happy celebration and some things for the party... Have a wonderful and beautiful Sunday!!

"I"ce cream - You're SWEET!

2011-08-04T01:50:00.000-10:00

oh boy! does it have to be thursday already?!? with each passing day this week into next, i feel the stress getting stronger... almost a week away from the biggest celebration we have much anticipated.... but don't worry, the forseen hasn't overcome my good moods! =D

Today over at Lollipop Crafts, we are spotlighting one of our fabulous monthly sponsors....
Meljen's Designs!! oh yes!! all the cutesy whimsical images you could ever see.... Meljen's carries a wide selection of wonderful images for every occasion... you just have to take a look at the store....
my creation features "double scoop ice cream".... since we are still in celebration mode over at Lollipop Crafts, this was perfect for the occasion... this image could be used for any occasion... my fun and colorful doodlebug paper scraps played a key in using this SWEET image this week.... Ahh, isn't it just cute?!? you're sweet sentiment is from Dandelion Designs...

for those of you experiencing HOT weather (we always have it in Hawaii, so it's no big change for us) i hope this creation will help keep you "cool" and inspired to maybe treat yourself to something sweet!

Thanks for joining me!! and THANKS for all the wonderful comments!! btw, so with the help of your suggestions/opinions, i decided not to add more to the treat bags... you're right, it looks great the way it is!! Thanks! stop in tomorrow for..... ummm... yah i don't know what i'll be sharing yet... hmm, i ran into some "problems" with my table deco so that probably won't be shown til next week... guess you'll just have to wait and see... ta-ta!!

Getting beachy this week...

2011-08-03T13:13:00.000-10:00

Happy humpday!! i'm going bonkers!!! lost half a day already... but it has not gone unproductive... so that's a good thing! hope you are enjoying your midweek!

i've got my pages for Week 2 of He-Art Journaling class with The Greeting Farm to share with you.... i have to say making sure i complete these assignments is very fulfilling in accomplishments... takes me a while to "light bulb" some ideas... more than once i change my mind... but that's what free spirited is all about...

Week 2's assignment was to create 2 pages with the concept of sun, sand, beach or in other words beachy, tropical getaway, paradise... you catch the drift right.... so in my best efforts to "drawing" i came up with this...
i used watercolors to set my sky background and i really love the effect it gave my pages... the sun, ocean, coconut tree, clouds and birds were all made with acrylic paints... i stamped a few words that i thought was appropriate to my scene like explore, hidden in the sea, summer fun, adventure and the great escape... even used my little fishy stamp.. so there's a bunch of fish swimming... the rest of it (beach chairs, beach ball, etc) are all stickers... as well as the "sand", "sun" and "beach" words... i almost forgot... i use real sand paper (the ones for sanding wood, LOL) to make my beach theme.... so not only do i have a realistic look, but a feel too... =D please excuse my ocean and waves... LOL... did i mention i CAN'T draw?!?! haha!! i had the visual picture of what i wanted the waves and sort to look like, but difficulties painting it... hehe.... my intentions are to eventually cut up some pictures of the kiddies this summer to add to these pages, totally why i went for the more playful, kiddie type look.... or is it because i can't draw?!? hehe...

ok, back to the craft room... still much to do... join me tomorrow for a spotlight sharing for Lollipop Crafts! be back soon!!

Birthday Favors....

2011-08-02T11:17:00.001-10:00

{Looking for the Lollipop Crafts blog hop post?! Scroll down or take the link above. Thank you!}

Hey friends!!! sorry today's sharing comes a little late in the day... last night while cleaning out pictures from my camera, i unintentionally deleted what i wanted to share... =( that made me very very sad.... and there is no way of me re-photographing since it is well on it's way to make it to Japan! anyway, it was 2 more cards that i made to send to Japan in my efforts of participating in BFC Cards of Aloha event... i was able to send off a total of 6 cards for the cause....

In place of my accident, i'm sharing what i was working on last night.... my son's 1st birthday party is less than 2 weeks away and it's down to the count down and "last" minute prepping and basically i'm in the terms of craziness.... yah, i procrastinated AGAIN... thank goodness the last things are sorta easy peasy....
here are the favor labels that i stamped using the cute images from SU!'s Summer Splash set... i actually stamped them during the weekend but wanted to make sure the ink dried before sending it through my printer.... i like the burst of colors! makes it so fun and happy to see....
instead of doing hard core favors, i decided i wanted to do a candy buffet... that way the guest can choose their own yummies.... and that will be our "thank you" goodies... so we bought some plain treat bags from BFC... this is where the labels come into play.... hmm, need your opinion! are the bags to plain??? should i decorate it a bit more? or leave as is?? i'm going back and forth with the options, but honestly thinking that eventually it will be thrown away so should i really put that much more time on them?? love to hear what you think!!

hopefully later this week i'll be able to show you the table decorations... i'm still, ugh, working on it... LOL...

Don't forget Lollipop Craft s Anniversary blog hop is still going on until midnight tonight! make sure you visit each DT as there are hidden prizes all over... and i should be back tomorrow with my He-"art" journaling pages... toodles, have a fantastic day!!