2nd Annual Make a Keiki Smile Card Drive

 As of 11/9 - 142 cards collected
**posting this once again as our collection date has moved to give a few more days, now due by Nov. 19th**
ETA: Correction on amount to collect to 200 instead of 150.  Also, as i have found through browsing, there is a card drive called Make a Child Smile (i am NOT associated with), so by the words of my hanai Mama Linda, instead of "child" i'm going to use "keiki"!

Hello Everyone!!!  it's that time of year again...  we're gearing up for the 2nd Annual Make a Keiki Smile Christmas project!!  Have NO clue as to what i'm talking about, check out last year's success HERE!

Last year we had an overwhelming amount of support and managed to exceed our goal collection!!  This year, we are shooting for a goal of 200 Handmade Christmas Cards!!  Can we do it again friends?!

Aunty J has begun her sewing of the hospital dolls (see above photo) and soon the Aktion Club Members will be stuffing them and in early December, they will head to the Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills, California and deliver these dolls and handmade cards to the children there... Let's play Santa and make a child smile!

Again, i'm asking my dear friends and anyone else who is willing to participate to take out those Christmas stamps, papers, embellies, etc. and get creative!!  Let's have another GREAT Christmas putting a SMILE on a KEIKI's face!!  will you help me?

There are some rules to creating you cards.  Please familiarize yourself with these rules as it is a safety precaution for the most part.

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 19th to ensure i can get it to my Aunt in time

Remember, i'm not asking for 10, 25, 50 or 100 cards from you, just ONE card from you will make a difference.  Gather up your crafting buddies and make this project a fun get together.  Believe me when i say your heart will feel like gold, just knowing you will make another child smile this Christmas.  If you want to help me spread the word, that would be awesome, but NOT required of you.  If you will be participating this year, please email me for mailing address.   Also feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding this card drive. 

On behalf of Aunty J and myself, we THANK YOU in advance for your support and kindness!

Give a smile for Christmas!!!!  =)


 

November Secret Sister Swap

Wow!!  we are just days away from November!!  has this year gone by super fast or is it just me?!?!  I can't believe it's almost year end...  the plus side of all of this is we are now heading into holiday season...  for me that probably means weight gain...  LOL...

Theme for NOVEMBER is GIVE THANKS...  create your swap along the lines of this theme...  it can be directed to your secret sister or a "thank you" creation in general...  it can be a card, alterable item, 3D item, treat, etc...  whatever you deem to be your way of giving or saying THANKS!!

i'm sure we ALL have someone or something to be thankful for this year...  i for one, have many things to be thankful for in this year alone, but of course #1 is life and family and friends....  what are you exceptionally thankful for this year?!

deadline for swap sign ups is October 31st at 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 already signed up:

  Leanne, Gail, Sheila, Theresa, Kathy, Charleen, Miyuki, Linda T., Jayne and Mary B.

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 April 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...

you don't have to wait for me to email you your swap info, get those creative minds going and start creating!!  remember, anything you create will put a smile on someone's face!!


Looking ahead, theme for December is 'Merry Holidays'....

October Secret Sister Swap

Oh sugar!!  seriously!  i keep telling myself to pre-post this and well, i'm always forgetting!!  call me BONKERS!!  or crazy...  LOL

Happy FALL!!!  i really do enjoy fall and everything associated with the season...  like my previous SSS post, i wish Hawaii experienced the seasons like those in the big states...  Fall brings a sense of warmth and togetherness...  or atleast that's how i feel...  oh and can't forget the fall yummies...  like pumpkin pie or in my case pumpkin spice frapps from Starbucks...  mmmm mmm good!

October is all about TREATS or if you prefer tricks!  THEME for OCTOBER is TRICKS OR TREATS {no silly sisters, tricks aren't just for kids ;)}!  create a 'treat' themed project such as a candy holder, or candy wrapper, etc or whip up a special trick instead of simple cards, for example a tri-fold or waterfall...  Now, i understand some of you may not celebrate Halloween in general, so this is not Halloween specific...   You may create Halloween themed items if you want to or incorporate some how and if for any reason i'm pairing you to someone who doesn't celebrate Halloween, i'll let you know when i pass on the info...  **ANYONE THAT DOES NOT CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN BUT WANTS TO PARTICIPATE, COULD YOU PLEASE NOTE THAT TO ME BY EMAIL. Thanks!**
Deadline for sign-ups is October 1st by 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 already signed up:

Karen, Leanne, Gail, Sheila, Theresa, Kathy, Charleen, Miyuki, Linda T., Jayne and Mary B.

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 April 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...

you don't have to wait for me to email you your swap info, get those creative minds going and start creating!!  remember, anything you create will put a smile on someone's face!!


Looking ahead, theme for November is 'Giving THANKS'!!

September Secret Sister Swap Sign-Ups

 hope you all enjoyed a little break!!!  IF you are still missing your swap from July, please notify me ASAP so i can check with your SS.

September brings yet another change of season....  wish we could really experience the season change here in Hawaii....  i really do enjoy the changing of colors during the fall.  For us here, it goes green to brown!  LOL, and that is all year through....  NO THEME for SEPTEMBER anything goes...  cards, tags, 3D, alterables, you name it, you design it!  Deadline for sign-ups is August 30th 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 already signed up:

Karen, Leanne, Gail, Sheila, Theresa, Kathy, Charleen, Miyuki, Linda T., Jayne and Mary B.

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 April 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...

you don't have to wait for me to email you your swap info, get those creative minds going and start creating!!  remember, anything you create will put a smile on someone's face!!


Looking ahead, theme for October will have to do with Tricks and Treats!!

NO August Secret Sister Swap

Hiya!

i'm sure everyone needs a break from the Secret Sister Swap as summer comes to an end.  i definitely do!  for the month of August, we will NOT have a swap.

take the time to get your kiddies ready for school, rest up, clean out your craft spaces (Christmas is around the corner).

we will continue the swap with September.  Please look out for that post. 

Thank you for all the participation!!!  you deserve a little break!!!  Hugs!

Happy 1st Birthday Sister Stamps!!!

It's release day and we are celebrating a VERY special day!  Happy 1st Birthday Sister Stamps!!!!  Yipppeeeeee!!!!!!!!!

One year ago Sister Stamps released their very first set of rubber stamps...  and today, on their 1st Birthday, they are releasing new additions to the ever growing CUTE asian images!!  Release #8!!!! 

So how did you like the hop leading up to this BIG release?!?!  any faves or MUST you have them all??  i just know you all have been hopping with LOTS of inspiration!

Happy 1st Birthday Sister Stamps!!!  a gigantic CONGRATS to Jenny and Denise for the dedication they've given to us crazy crafters!!!

Hope you've enjoyed my creations the past few days...  these images are super fun to work with and i LOVED every moment of it!  it is release day and we are continuing the party for all you fans and lovers of Sister Stamps!  So like previous days, you should have come to my blog from Donna's blog...  if not, go back to the beginning of the party train, Sister Stamps blog, and begin dancing there.... 

i've got 3 cards to share with you in celebration...  although i do have a fave from this release, i want you to revisit all of them because let's admit, they are totally FABULOUS!

 Miyoko is up first sharing some sweetness with you....  yes, she is my fave...  i think she has a weakness for cuppy cakes like me...  hehehehe!  hmmm, i could use one right now...  ;)  i'm happy i saved these papers because they go great with her...  it's an extra hit of sweetness... 

Next is Mariko...  she loves giving surprises!!  and presents are always her treat!  not my normal color combo but i have to say, i'm really enjoying this mix...  Mariko really stands out....

Takeo!!!  the life of the party!  he truly knows how to have fun....  and as long as he's got a bunch of balloons, he is happy as ever!!  now that's my kind of partying... 

Now that you've gotten a burst of colors from me, go and check out Linda's blog for more party fun!!  Don't forget that Debi has some goodies to share and Sister Stamps is celebrating with more treats too! 

Thank you so much for hopping here this week and i really hope you've enjoyed seeing my creations...  even hoping that it sparked some inspiration for your next project....  THANK YOU to Jenny and Denise for having me on this celebration blog hop!!  it was SO much fun!!  Best wishes for new and upcoming adventures (and releases)!  can't wait to see more!!!  and THANK YOU to the crafty girls in participation, for allowing me to be apart of an AWESOME team!!  Happy 1st Birthday Sister Stamps!!

Don't let the party end...  get on hoppin'!!!

Hop, Hop, Hop with Sister Stamps! Day #3

It's Day #3 and you're still party hopping with Sister Stamps!!!  Sister Stamps Release #8 bringing you the most CUTE celebration images!!  We are still here, counting down the hours until the BIG ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF SISTER STAMPS!!!  Wooooohooooooo!!!  Once again, before i begin my post, i want to shout out a humungous CONGRATS to Jenny and Denise (owners of Sister Stamps) for a huge accomplish WELL done!!!  Congrats Jenny, Denise and Sister Stamps!  One year has flown by so fast because we are absolutely LOVING all the images you have brought forward to the crafting world!  Thank you for bringing us exclusively designed images and we are looking forward to MANY MORE celebrations with you!  can i get another HOORAY?!?!?!

So, i'm curious....  what is your FAVE image so far?  if you say ALL, you're right on track....  hehehehe!  Donna's blog should have made you hop onto mine, but if you've gotten here by chance, i do suggest you head to the beginning of this party hop on the Sister Stamps blog...  be sure you visit each and every blog listed in order so you don't miss out on anything!  there are prizes being given away on the Sister Stamps blog and Debi has some treats to give away on her blog too!  so really, don't hop off this party train!

It's Mariko's time to shine today!!  She is the last of Release #8 that i'm sharing with you...  and i've changed up the type of celebration to show you how versatile these images can be... 

Taddduh!  Thank you Christmas cards...  Mariko is so giving and she is also so grateful...  Mariko is great to spice up a bridal shower creation, or even to welcome a new baby...  Today she is giving thanks!  while going through my sentiment pile of stamps, i came across this sentiment stamp by Dandelion Designs - 'Thank you for the Christmas gift!' and immediately set Mariko aside for some cards....  fitting don't you think?  summoning up scraps from my Christmas stash i put these wonderful postcard type Christmas thank you cards together...  likey? (where's my like button?! Ha!)  these make great thoughts of appreciation for those wonderful gifts you receive...  change up the papers and it can be thank you cards for any holiday or occasion...  i did keep these a little simpler than i normally do...  a big part of the lack is my Christmas stuff is buried under piles and piles of things...  and i mean PILES!  ask Jenny, she'll laugh in agreement...  hehehe!  of course, i can always add to it at the time i'm ready to send these out...

See, even though all 3 images are being released for a huge CELEBRATION, you don't have to think of them as just party images...  they can be used for ANY-thing...

There is one last reason why i saved Mariko and this creation for last (even if a little out of what i'm trying to say)...  A very big THANK YOU to Sister Stamps, Jenny and Denise, for allowing me to be apart of Sister Stamps adventures and for having me be apart of this WONDERFUL and BIG celebration!!!  THANK YOU!!!   May you both continue your passions in sharing and creating and may Sister Stamps have many many many more successful years of celebration!!! Bonsai!

Ok, i had to throw in the Bonsai!  LOL...  Thanks for coming by today and now i'm sending you over to Linda's blog....  hmmm, i wonder what fun you'll have hopping onto her blog today?!

Sister Stamps Release #8 debuts TOMORROW, July 1st!!!  so head to the nearest retailer or online site to get your hands on ALL in this release!