Happy Birthday to you...

Hooray for Friday!

I had some more fun with my Bo Bunny ETC papers! I just love this line. Once again, I cut out one of the 6x6 panels (which would also be great for a 6x6 scrapbook!) and designed the rest of my card around it. This one is for my future sister-in-law who plays violin. That's right, my brother gets married this August - we are so happy for him! He seems to have found a wonderful girl and we love her so - she is creative, musical and fits in so well with our family.

The violin is from A Child's Year. Below is the inside. I even used stickers! - there was a great sheet of them, including three alphabets that came with the line - made it real quick to do up the inside of the card.

Today's card is for a few challenges that I was able to combine:

Cupcake Craft - Sound of Music

Pollycraft - inspired by Choklit - I went with the colours

Ribbon Carousel - anything goes - I used fabric tape to make my flower embellishment

It has been a busy week here and we have a busy week coming up. I am attending (and presenting at) a conference next week - so there will be packing, travel and yes nerves! Doodlepants and Chester are coming along and will spend their time with my Mom & Dad while I am in conference - then we will spend the holiday weekend with my whole family. The boys are thrilled of course.

Cheers,

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: Bo Bunny ETC - available at DAT'S

cricut: A Child's year

fabric tape, Bella Bling

Happy Easter

Thanks for stopping by!

I used the sketch for this week's challenge at The Paper Players for this card. A great sketch which I will certainly use again.

This is also for CAS-ual Fridays where the challenge is pastels & black.

I must admit that this colour combo was a stretch for me, but I gave it a try anyhow. I also had a bit of difficulty photographing this one, which is why there are two photos, each with a different background.

Hope you are having a great week!

Shanna :)

What I used:

stamps: CTMH D1340 Easter Eggs, sentiment C1222 Seasonal Thoughts

inks: amethyst, baby pink, sweetleaf, heavenly blue

tag punch: SU

A little note...

I pretty much CASE'd this card from this card of Donna's when she had her Stampin Up party last week. It was fun - there were samples to inspire us and we got to dig through Donna and Jennifer's scrap bins to choose whatever papers we liked. I ended up finishing my card at home as I knew I had a few things that would work with this. Such a cute stamp set! Thanks for a fun night out ladies!

Here is the inside.

I am on the road today so won't be able to do any visiting tonight. I'll be back soon though,

Shanna :)

What I used:

Stamps: SU (from Mini) and "Be happy sentiments" from Amy R Stamps - available at DAT'S

paper: scraps

embellies: bella bling donuts - LOVE these, office supplies, SU ribbon

Happy Spring!

Compared to the weather we've been having the last week or two, today was a cold, cloudy and blustery day. Since we didn't have much on the agenda, we decided to make it a PJ day!!! This means I was able to spend a little more time than usual in my scrap space!

I realized yesterday that I hadn't made a single Easter card and since there are so many spring themed challenges out there and Easter is right around the corner, I thought I would play a bit.

Here is the result...

I even managed to use of some small scraps on these cards!

I made these for the following challenges:

Less is More - take three 1) theme - spring 2) pastels 3) things that move (1st card) and polka dots (2nd card)

Little Red Wagon - CAS

Raise the Bar - in the garden

And, if you are in need of a smile, here is a bit of story I have been meaning to share...

At the beginning of March Break, I told my boys that since they had been working hard on their school work and practicing piano will very little nagging from me, they had each earned a special day! I let them know that they would be allowed to plan the activities for all of us for the entire day, including meals. They were allowed to plan one meal out. They were thrilled with this idea and I immediately heard the several outlandish ideas such as "Can we buy a new house?" and "Can I buy ten new video games?" Ha, ha - there are some rules!

Anyhow, this is the plan that Doodlepants came up with - in his words/spelling:

1) go to Ron's Virtrol World (local arcade)

2) eat at Mic Donoled's

3) play video games for 10 hours

4) invite all frinds over

5) sleep for 1 second

6) wake up

okay, so the original list had these six items - he later added:

7) play more video games

8) go to the Thsrift store to buy video games and a TV sadle-lite (this boy loves anything electronic and is trying to figure out how everything works by taking old stuff apart!)

9) invente a video game

In reality, his day went something like this:

1) wake up and play video games

2) breakfast - pancakes

3) play more video games (Ron's hours didn't work with our schedule that day)

4) out for lunch - McDonald's

5) dinner - grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken noodle soup

Chester also had a special day of his own - the highlights were bowling (both boys had friends come along) and dinner out at The Prospector which is a local steak house - yum!

Well, if you're still with me, I hope you are enjoying your Sunday as I have!

Shanna :)

Thank you piano

Sweet Saturday oh sweet Saturday!

I had a great workshop at DAT'S this afternoon! Thanks to all the gals who came out to do some card-making with me!

Here is a card I made last night when I hid out in my scrap space for a bit. I used one of the great square 6x6 panels from Bo Bunny's ETC collection - I cut out the main shape and layered it over another fun paper from the same collection. This allowed me to tuck some of Tim's film strip ribbon under the edge to sort of pop it up.

I love this cricut cut from "A Child's Year". I have used it before and will use it again. I added a few music notes to the cut out shape to make it fit with my theme.

And here is the inside.
I would like to share my card for the following challenges:

Fantabulous Cricut - use at least three flowers

Cute Card Thursday - anything goes

Ciao for now,

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: Bo Bunny ETC - available at DAT'S

stickers: Bo Bunny ETC

stamps: CTMH A Melody A1116

embellishments: Tim Holtz film strip ribbon, Prima flowers, CTMH Opaques - Mocha

Silhouette

Friday is here - yikes that felt like a looong week! So glad it's the weekend! I am busy preparing for my card class at DAT'S tomorrow.

I have another Christmas card done! This one is using pretty much the same materials as this card, but with a different Cricut cut. I do think I'll be making a few more of these.

I would like to share at Christmas Card Challenges and at Cute Card Thursday where the challenge is "Anything goes."

Have a great weekend!

Shanna :)

paper: Little Yellow Bicycle - Christmas text - I believe this is still available at DAT'S

cranberry & black CS

Cricut: A child's year

Tea anyone?

A quick CAS card using one of my go-to designs when I need a fast card.

I would like to share this at the Little Red Wagon this week where the challenge is CAS.

Looking forward to the weekend,

Shanna :)

What I used:

stamp: CTMH C1438 Tea Time

Awake over goodie bags

Just stopping in quick to share the super fast goodie bags I made up for Chester's Sleepover last weekend. I used this fun stamp I've had from my early days with CTMH Under the Stars - it had never seen ink, but I knew when I bought it I would need it someday! lol

The best part is that all the paper I used was from my big pile of scraps!

Oh, and I just had to share that I won an awesome prize over at the Cosmo Cricket blog for this card! How cool is that?!?!

Shanna :)

Imagination

This is the inspiration photo over at Inspired by this week.

Here is my take on the challenge. I have incorporated the wood grain as well as the flowers and a bit of a spring feel. I have an idea for another card inspired by this photo, we shall see if I have time to make it happen today.

I always love these 6x6 pages with the beautiful printed edges, but often have difficulty using them on cards. I think I will try it this way again.

I just love this quote from Kraftin Kimmie.

Have a happy Sunday!

Shanna :)

p.s. In case you are wondering, we did survive the sleepover or as somebody put it "awake over" on Friday night. The boys were very well behaved, but giggly! Ever time I went on patrol, it would be silent for a few seconds until somebody couldn't bear to hold their giggles in any longer. I think I finally called it a night around 1:15 am - they were not all asleep, but were settled. We fed them a big breakfast and sent them on their way around 10:30 in the morning. A good time was had by all.

What I used:

papers: MME Miss Caroline Dilly Dally 6x6 pad

stamps: Kraftin Kimmie quotes # 2 - available at DAT'S

Life is Tweet

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Friday!

There are currently 7 boys (yes seven!) plus hubby in my basement having a grand old time - you see Chester is celebrating his Birthday sleepover style! All seems to be going well so far (we started at 4:30) and since hubby is down there, I thought I'd sneak up here and make a quick post. We've been super busy getting ready for the party - the part I love (and don't love sometimes) about having an at-home party is that it is the best excuse to attend to the clutter and dust that often get otherwise ignored, lol! (This is especially true since we need a clean and tidy place for all of them to sleep tonight! I even took down my outdoor Christmas lights and decor today - yes it was about time!

Gee I better hurry up or I won't get this done - I'm sure they'll be calling me for more snacks shortly.....

I would like to enter my card in the current challenge at CASual Fridays to use 1) a pattern, 2) and image and 3) a sentiment. I think I've managed that here with this quick cards.

Better run, have a great weekend!

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: scraps from my bin!!!

cricut: Art Philosophy from CTMH

stamps: CTMH June Stamp of the Month S1206A

March Workshop - TWO spots left!

I am re-posting my March workshop to let the local gals know that I have two spots left. If interested, call DAT'S at 344-7702.

Will be back later with a new card.

Maximizing the potential of your patterned paper stash

Do you have paper in your stash that you LOVE, but can't seem to figure out what to do with because it is too pretty to cover up? Yep, me too! Have you told yourself over and over that you want to make use some of those fabulous scraps sitting there in your scrap bin? Yep, me too! Do you have difficulty making Sympathy cards? Yep, me too! If you love patterned paper, and want to increase your stash of necessary cards to have on hand, this is your class!

Saturday, March 24th

1 pm DAT'S Scrapbooking

Cost: $25.00

Registration begins Tuesday, Feb. 14th

We will cover the following techniques: distressing with ink, distressing with an edge distresser, background stamping for added effect, the "crinkle look", using rub-ons, and working with fabric tape. Scroll down for individual shots of these cards.

Using Bo Bunny's fabulous ETC. line, you will make SIX cards:

four sympathy cards - 2 each of 2 designs

one thinking of you card

one mini 3.5 x 3.5 generic card that can be used as a tag if you wish

The first two - same design, but slightly different.

I love this music note paper!

We will make two of these.

This is the mini card that can be used as a tag.

Please visit DAT'S Blog, drop by the store, or call 344-7702 for further information.

I would like to share these at:

Paper Sundaes - Sundae Bar - use at least two of: blue, cream, distressing & pearls - one some of these cards I have managed to use all four!

The Ribbon Carousel - Anything Goes

If the shoe fits - Anything Goes

Have a fantastic Sunday!

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: Bo Bunny ETC line - currently available at DAT'S

stamps: Kraftin Kimmie - Sympathy Sentiments (available at DAT'S), Stamping Bella - Eclectic #8 ticket full background (available at DAT'S), CTMH - A1116 A Melody

embellishments: CTMH Opaques adhesive gems, black Kaiser rhinestones, black eyelets, twine, brown gingham fabric tape, Nestabilities - Blossom Three

rub-ons: Thinking of You - BBP

I would be here all day if I listed everything....sorry!

Bloomin' Project - Cosmo Cricket

I have been wanting to play along with some challenges over at Cosmo Cricket and have finally found the time to make it happen. The current challenge to use flowers on your project helped me to step way outside of my comfort zone. I do often use flowers, but I never get this frilly with my projects. I had scored a big bag of lace and trim at The Thrift store several weeks ago and in there was a piece that seemed to go perfectly with this card.

I had also been wanting to play with the card feature on my Art Philosophy cartridge and this gave me the perfect opportunity.

You can find the current Cosmo Cricket challenge here. I'll admit that, for many years I was oblivious about the different companies and "names" in the scrapbooking world - Cosmo Cricket was one of the first ones I learned to recognize and love! Discovering blog land has changed all that, now I probably know way too much about what is available! lol

I would also like to share at: Paper Sundaes - feminine flair as well as Crazy for Challenges - signs of spring.

Have a great day!

Shanna :)

What I used:

paper: Honey Pie: Ella from Twist & Shout

Cricut: CTMH Art Philosophy Cart for shaped card, rolled flowers & leaves

stamp: Kraftin Kimmie Quotes #2 - available at DAT'S

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

So, I am way behind on my Christmas cards. Since I make around 100, it is essential that I start early. I did get a few done right away, but then got tired of looking at Christmas stuff and moved on. Time to get going again...

I was browsing at DAT'S on Friday whilst thinking about this when I stumbled across this fabulous paper! The idea to use a silhouette image popped into my head and voila, this is the result.

Once I got the trees on there, I had to pull out the flower soft. What do you think? Very basic, but I do like the effect.

I would like to share my card for the current challenge at Christmas Card challenges - which is to use an inspiration photo or simply make a holiday/Christmas card.

We skied for what may have been the last time on Saturday. The temps are way above zero (unseasonably warm) which means we now have mostly slush to ski on. I am okay with this -we have spent a good amount of time out at the hill this winter and it helped the winter to whiz by at lightning speed as we had no excuses to hide inside this year!

Thanks for stopping by,

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: Little Yellow Bicycle - Christmas Text - available at DAT'S, cranberry CS

polar white flower soft

Mama's don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys...

Happy Friday and thanks for stopping by!

I have had so much fun playing along this week at Our Creative Corner! The challenge this week is "Making Melody" - use a song as inspiration for your project. I kept coming up with fun ideas for songs I love. I have managed to make three cards for this challenge! - I am not aware that there is a limit to the number of entries, but I apologize if there is. My inspiration for this card is from the Waylon Jennings/Willie Nelson song "Mamas don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys" - this is the sort of music I was raised on - The Oakridge Boys, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Elvis, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver and the list goes on. I have explored many different types of music over the years and now enjoy a wide variety including pop, classical, jazz, folk and country to name a few.

The idea for my card came together for a few reasons. I really wanted to use this funky old bottle cap that I picked up at an antique sale last spring. I also wanted to play some more with me new MME Miss Caroline Dilly Dally 6x6 pad - in particular - the paper with the tickets on it. The one that says County Fair on it made me think of the song and this fun cut from the "A Child's Year" cartridge. So, that is how it came together. And here is the inside.

I would also like to share my card over at Cupcake Craft where the current challenge is red and yellow. There certainly are other colours on the card, but I think maybe there is enough yellow & red especially with my funky bottle cap. If not, no problem, but thought I'd share.

My boys get home from school in about an hour - I'm sure there will be vibrating with excitement since it will then officially be MARCH BREAK! So looking forward to getting together with some scrappy friends tonight while hubby has some quality time with the boys.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: MME Miss Caroline - Dilly Dally 6x6 pad - available at DAT'S

cricut: Art Philosophy (CTMH) for tickets, A Child's Year - cowboy

twine, antique bottle cap, edge distresser, SU tag punch

Puff the Magic Dragon

Hello! Thanks for stopping by again,

I have another entry for this week's challenge at Our Creative Corner - Making Melody. Today's inspiration is from the song "Puff the Magic Dragon" - a song written by Leonard Lipton and Peter Yarrow, and made popular by Yarrow's group Peter, Paul and Mary in a 1963 recording. My boys have a beautifully illustrated book based on the song.

Here is an interesting tidbit from Wikipedia - The lyrics for "Puff, the Magic Dragon" were based on a 1959 poem by Leonard Lipton, a 19-year-old Cornell University student. Lipton was inspired by an Ogden Nash poem titled "Custard the Dragon", about a "realio, trulio little pet dragon."

The lyrics tell a story of the ageless dragon Puff and his playmate Jackie Paper, a little boy who grows up and loses interest in the imaginary adventures of childhood and leaves Puff alone and depressed. The story of the song takes place "by the sea" in the fictional land of Honalee (the spelling used by author Lenny Lipton, though nonauthoritative variations abound).

Lipton was friends with Peter Yarrow's housemate when they were all students at Cornell. He used Yarrow's typewriter to get the poem out of his head. He then forgot about it until years later, when a friend called and told him Yarrow was looking for him, to give him credit for the lyrics. On making contact Yarrow gave Lipton half the songwriting credit, and he still gets royalties from the song.

And, the inside....I have been remembering to photograph some of my insides, lol!

Once again I have used these fun Beach Bum papers from Fancy Pants.

Have a good one,

Hugs,

Shanna :)

The lovers, the dreamers and me...

Thanks for stopping by!

Today's card is for two challenges:

SSIC - Things with Wings

and

Our Creative Corner - Making Melody - take your inspiration from a song

My song is "The Rainbow Connection" by The Carpenters - you know "the lovers, the dreamers and me..." - I was embarassed to admit that I had to look up the original artist as the only version I remembered was Kermit the frog's!!! lol - but I have loved this song ever since we performed it in choir in elementary school. Really though, is there anyone who doesn't love this song!?!? I decided to look it up and according to Wikipedia, the song was written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher and originally performed by the character of Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson) in The Muppet Movie in 1979. There's proof - you learn something new every day!!! If you wish to reminisce, here is a youtube link...

Have a fantastic week!

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: Kaiser Craft

stamps: CTMH Live Inspired

The best things....

I would like to share today's card at CASual Fridays and Use it Tuesday as the theme is Baby at both challenge blogs. Yes, it's that fabulous and quick design initially based on a sketch from Less is More a few weeks ago. You are probably getting sick of seeing this design, but I find it a convenient go-to sketch when I need a quick card!

This patterned paper has been hanging around for forever, and I just got around to using it. I apologize for the lighting on my second photo, I just couldn't get it right and couldn't do a retake since I already gave the card away.

On the inside I've used one of my all-time favourite quotes. I always feel like it's suitable for some many occasions, especially because I work with children who are blind.

Wishing you a fabulous week!

Shanna :)

A boy is a joy!

Happy Sunday!

We were planning to ski today, but it is just TOO cold. I think we will have a pyjama day instead!

I couldn't wait to play along with this week's Inspired By challenge (see inspiration photo below). I love the colours in this one and was also inspired by the quilt. This paper from my MME - On the bright side ONE paper pad was perfect for this! (currently available at DAT'S)

And the inside.
Here is the inspiration photo. Be sure to go and check out this fun challenge - there is a prize this week! And you have until Wednesday to enter.

I have used the sketch from JUGS this week and would like to share over there.

I am also playing along at:

CASual Fridays - Hey Baby

and

Use it Tuesday - Baby - I have had the printed ribbon, the buttons and the blue safety pins for sooooo long - felt great to get them on a project

This worked out great since I need some baby cards!

Thanks for stopping by, I am heading to the kitchen to make banana pancakes for my boys.

Have a happy day!

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: MME - On the Bright Side - ONE 6x6 paper pad - available at DAT'S

misc embellishments

Oh the places you'll go!

Well, we are back from the ski hill - my goodness it was chilly out there today!!!

I picked up some Bo Bunny "On the Go" this past week when it arrived at DAT'S and just had to play around. As soon as I saw the sheet with the large images surrounded by circles, I thought gee that would make a quick card for a little boy! Well, I got to work and came up with this quick card.

I also saw it as the perfect opportunity to finally use this Dr. Seuss sentiment/quote I've had for so long from Stamping Bella. I simply cut out one of the large plain circle shapes from the same paper as the dump truck and stamped my image right on it. Easy peasy! (how do you spell that anyhow?)

I would like to share my card at:

The Ribbon Carousel - anything goes

Cupcake Crafts - Boys & their toys

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Shanna

What I used:

paper: Bo Bunny - On the Go - available at DAT'S, Bo Bunny Double Dot, CTMH cardstock (sunset)

stamps: Stamping Bella

Let's Celebrate!

Happy Friday!!!

I STILL love this Fancy Pants paper - it's the 6x6 Beach Bum paper pad and I've made quite a few cards from it. I happened to be perusing the stack of 6x6 pads at DAT'S earlier this week and noticed that they still have one in stock! I almost scooped it since I love it so much, but talked myself into a new pad instead. (Well, the new Bo Bunny had arrived after all!)

Today's card is for the current challenge over at Cupcake Craft Challenges - Boys and their toys!!! I will also share at Paper Sundaes as the challenge is circles and there are LOTS on my card.

I also wanted to show you my recent non-stash purchase - it is seldom I spend money on much besides stash or groceries, lol! This fabulous wall quote is from my favourite local store (besides DAT's of course) When my Mom and lil' Sis were in town two weeks ago, we visited Vintage Pixie for a browse and I came home with a few fabulous finds - this was one of them. I had actually had my eye on this since before Christmas, but hadn't yet made it back to purchase it. Since it was still there, it didn't take me long to convince myself that it was meant to come home with me! Mom and Kris helped me figure out the best spot for it - as you see here it is in my scrap space room perched above my computer's hutch where I keep large jars full of colourful ribbon.

I absolutely LOVE it, it is just so ME!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Best Wishes for a fabulous weekend! We plan to spend it skiing - even hubby is coming out with us on Saturday!

Hugs,

Shanna :)

What I used:

stamps: Skater Ian - The Greeting Farm

papers: Fancy Pants - Beach Bum 6x6 pad - available at DAT'S

nestie: Labels Eighteen - told you it is my fave!

Flashback Friday

Friday is here!!!

This morning, I found the Flashback Friday Challenge blog via Laurel. Too fun! This week, they want us to share our first paper-pieced card. This one comes to you from May 2009 - I started blogging in March of the same year. That was back before I learned to edit in photoshop and my photos were sometimes not so good. I went and at least cropped this one down to get rid of the white space. :)

I should be back later with a card for the challenge at Cupcake - Boys and their toys!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

Life is Tweet

I've been playing around a bit with my Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge from CTMH. Here is a CAS card that resulted. Everything used was from my scrap bin except for the card base - woo hoo - love using up some scraps!

I would like to share my card at Less is More where the challenge is "don't scrap it."My card also fits the challenge over at Cute Card Thursday - Signs of spring!

Thanks for stopping by today,

Shanna :)

What I used:

stamps: CTMH Life is Tweet

Cricut Art Philosophy

CS colours: honey and holiday red