Sweet 16 and Other Ramblings

My how the summer has flown by! Blogging has been the last thing on my mind this sumer (obviously, as seen by the major lack of posts!). I am planning on getting a lot of fun projects and scrapbook LO's done and posted now that the kids are back in school. I may even get The Blend back up and running.

To get things started I wanted to share the Sweet 16 party invites I made for Hannah's big birthday coming up soon. I totally craft-lifted (i.e., STOLE) the idea from Easy Made Invitations. Thank you Lindsay for the perfect invite for this event! She has the instructions and paper sizes on her site. (Oh, and if anyone needs black size A9 envelopes for a projects like this, let me know.....I had to order 50 at a time and only used 20!) Here is a picture of the invites in process, pretty darn simple and perfect for my Sweetie.

Happy Weekend and Happy Creating!

~ Beth

Puppy Love

Another scrapbook LO. No kids in the pics? What? LOL.

~ Beth

Scrapbookin'

Finally found some time to hide away in the craft room ad get some scrapbook layouts done. Felt so nice to  dig through photos and play. These pics are all from Spring 07 when the kids and I went to Seattle Center with our friend Lori. I sure miss the vibe of Seattle...and the coffee!

And the highlight of the day for Luke....the Grossology Exhibit! Ewwie!

Hope everyone is having a happy and fun filled summer so far!

~ Beth

Can You Help Too?

A scrapbook store in MO is setting up help for all of the scrapbook makers who have lost their supplies and albums due to the recent tornadoes. Go to Show Me Scrapbooking blog to find out more about how you can help!

Color Challenge

Trying a new challenge at CR84FN. Color challenges often stump me to no end! This week's was Plum, Light Plum and Khaki. Here's my take:

Inside it says "A little pick up for you". Sending this to my grandma, she can always use a little pick up!

(Just Because Cards cartridge for Cricut.)

Birthday Sundaes - Pearls & Lace

This week's Birthday Sundaes challenge was a lot of fun. I got to try a new cartridge for my Cricut and play with some embellishments I don't always go for when making cards.

Inside it says "Happy Birthday!" Enjoy and go check out the other entries!

Winner, Winner!

Chicken Dinner!

Today is my last day with the Speech and Language students I have been working with for my student teaching. I have a group of 1st and 2nd graders who play a sound Go Fish game with me and every time one of them wins I say "Winner, winner, chicken dinner!" They think this is the funniest thing, every time! For our last meeting together I am bringing these cute awards for each of them and......chicken dinner! Yum!

What?

Creative activity at SJG? No way! First projects since Easter and girls did it feel good to be back in the scrappy saddle again! What got me motivated were a couple of challenges, (that are both way past due so I won't be posting the details) and the fact that my schedule has slowed down with school almost out.

This LO was inspired by a color challenge. Photograph of photos a little blurry but you get the idea!

This card was inspired by a challenge to use circles, at least 3 times. Simple but just what I needed to get creating again! Here's to a great Monday!

Weekly Blend #7
Robust, a little quirky, but oh so tasty! (And a day late!)


#1

Oh Farm Chick, how you make my taste buds long for summer! My Grandma Helga used to make the yummiest Strawberry Rhubarb pies and goodies every summer. Thank you Serena for the trip down memory lane. <3

#2

Love at Auntie Lolo's! She gives great instructions and shows step by step pictures too. Super lovey dovey idea!

#3

I am already brainstorming a list of ideas for these adorable water bottles! Over at Sweet Sanity you can find a link for her Etsy shop where these labels and more can be found. So refreshing, don't you think?

#4

In love with this Bright and Simple birthday card from Amy at Crafting Confessions. Makes me smile, BIG!

#5

Sweet. Loving this LO from Amanda at Stampin-Style. Feels like summer with the bright pink and polka dots.

MIA

Sorry I haven't blogged since Easter! I have been just trying to keep my head above water the past few weeks. Looking forward to having some time to create and share again. Haven't even had time for the Blend...boo. How do you bloggy gals keep up?

~Beth

Cheep, Cheep

I had planned on getting the neighbor girls Kinder Eggs for Easter...until I discovered you can't legally purchase them in the US anymore. So,  I made these sweet little goodie bags instead.

For these little "bags" of goodies I used the Plantin Schoolbook bag and grass cuts. I also used the Cheep Talk chick cut from Just Because Cards. (All carts for Cricut.)

Weekly Blend #6
Robust, a little quirky, but oh so tasty!


#1

I am always looking for layouts that use a lot of 4x6 photos. I love this Rock Star one over at Allison Davis's blog! When you pop over to check out the blog, make sure to check out her sketch blog too. Lots of great stuff Miss Ali!

#2

Too cute! I have seen some chocolate peeps at the store but not as adorable as this one. Thanks Greenbean's Crafterole for this yummy idea. (I am hoping they are as "easy peepsy" as you say!

#3

 

Moss wreaths and letters seem to be everywhere this Spring. Allie at Miss Lovie has designed a lovely wreath. She also has examples of other fun ideas people have used. Enjoy!

Just 3 blog features this week. Happy Easter!!

~ Beth

Copy Cat

Remember these great candy jars I featured a couple of weeks ago? I actually sat down and made my own version! (I always file these great ideas and then don't actually do them so this is big stuff here today!)

The sparkly eggs are from Joanne's and I put the initial of each of the kids on the front. (For those of you who know me, the "T" is for Tanner, our sponsor son from the US Air Force Academy.) I ran out of mini robin eggs so only have one of the three completed for sharing today.

Happy Easter!

~Beth

Weekly Blend #5

Robust, a little quirky, and oh so tasty!

#1.

Miss Jo over at Smile Monsters has some of the cutest ideas on her blog. On Fridays she hosts a fun crafty, kid friendly, sharing day too! This Candy/Cake bark looks and sounds delish. Make sure to scroll down past the recipe to see the pattern and instructions for the awesome french fry boxes to present these in.

#2.

I have been eyeing these Maya Road ATC shadow boxes since Thanksgiving. I love, love how Amy at Pickled Paper Designs dressed hers up! You must take a few minutes to browse around her blog, she has a lovely, crafty talent that you won't want to miss.

#3.

It wouldn't be the Weekly Blend without a coffee themed project! Gabi over at Gabi With an Eye made this fabulous Latte card. I am in love....thank you a latte Miss Gabi!

#4.

My daughter, Hannah, will tell you that I am always eye balling the sweet little bird decor at Hobby Lobby lately! Andrea at Charcoal and Crayons just inspired me to make a flock for myself. Aren't they the sweetest? I can just imagine them sitting in my scrap room cheering me on.

#5. 

In honor of my sister who is on her way home from her tour in Afghanistan! Thank you Amy at Ink About Me for this gorgeous patriotic sampler card. Y'all should go check out her blog. She uses these great die cuts that you have to check out if you have a Sissix or Cuttlebug machine.

Birthday Wishes

     I am really enjoying the challenges at Birthday Sundaes. This week they posted a picture as inspiration for a card. Here is my take, using a rub-on, ribbon and bling. The scalloped oval is the layer for the lamb cut, From My Kitchen by Cricut. (Click the button over on the right to see the challenge picture.)

~ Beth

Back Porch - March

     I have been remiss in posting the fabulous kits I get from Back Porch Memories each month. I promise to start sharing a picture of the goodies and at least one project I have made with them. The March kit is perfect for Spring, Summer and family photos, among other things. Here's a quick peek....

     Since I only had one more year of Easter photos to scrapbook I decided to use the Pebbles in My Pocket  "Happy Go Lucky" line of paper and adorable stickers from my March BPM stash. No Cricut on this layout, lol...a miracle! (The buttons and brown cardstock were not in the kit. There is some gorgeous coordinating buttons and cardstock in the stash though.)

~ Beth

FIF - Lamb Love

Did some scrapping today thanks to inspiration from this week's Flaunt It Fridays challenge. 

Bo Bunny paper, From My Kitchen and Plantin Schoolbook for Cricut. 

~  Beth

Weekly Blend is MIA this week!

We headed up to Denver for the weekend to cheer on Luke's soccer team and Hannah's dance school. Due to packing, dog sitter getting, memory making, soccer playing, dance costume fixing and museum going I didn't have time to get the Blend done yesterday. I promise extra special treats next Friday! (BTW, the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Denver has a Starbucks! Woot!)

Happy Weekend Friends!

~ Beth

Make a Wish

Birthday wishes to my sweet nephew Eamon!

I am also playing at Birthday Sundaes Challenge Blog again this week. 

Homecoming - CMHS

I definitely need to re-photograph this LO! Wow, bad light makes the pink card stock look like it's two different shades. Anyhoot, this is a LO for Hannah's High School album. Used pre made flowers and Lyrical letters for Cricut.

Hogs and Kisses for my Grandma this weekend. My Grandma doesn't text, tweet, Facebook or e-mail - making her one of my favorite people to send snail mail to!

More use of scrap paper and the Just Because Cards for Cricut.

Weekly Blend #4

Robust, a little quirky, and oh so tasty!

#1 

Um...ok...YUM! These cupcakes from Java Cupcake sound delish! Go check out all the fabulous creations Betsy and Jen have. Try a few too!

#2

I am loving what Marlene did with these repurposed drink jars! I just bought my hubby a four pack of Starbucks iced lattes. I think I will be reusing those jars! Love the details she shows of the rosette toppers over at Scrappin' Cookie. If anyone tries something like this please share!

#3

 

So much crafty inspiration over at Clean and Scentsible! Her Room makeover is so amazing. Click on the Home link to see more details about the different projects in the room!

#4

Egad! Loving this bright, fun layout over at Small Bits of Paper. I'm not sure what I love more...the fun embellishments or the fabulous photos!

#5

I think I will need to hint to the kids that this would be a perfect Mother's Day gift. Super cute charm bracelet over at A Likely Story and Etsy shop. Of course, not all of you will want a coffee themed bracelet (a-hem) so check out her other goodies!


Please remember to post some blog love if you visit these sites.

~Beth

Spring Birthday Card

To get back in the groove this week I decided to play along at Birthday Sundaes and FCCB. The theme this week was "Spring". I used all scraps (love when that happens!) and the bird cut from Cricut Cherry Limeade Lite.

Happy Spring!

Oh My Yum!

     I am finally getting back into the groove after vacation. Now that the laundry is caught up and the pantry restocked, I may just get back into the craft room! Until then, I will enjoy these yummy treats I found at Trader Joe's when I was in Seattle. It is probably a good thing the closest one to me here is in New Mexico.

~ Beth

Lucky You Blog Hop Candy WINNER

Congratulations to #9 mw_scrap, the LUCKY winner of hop blog candy! I will e-mail you soon Miss Marianne!

~Beth

P.S. I am enjoying a relaxing visit with my folks in the great Pacific NW. Will post new projects soon...after I get home.

I'm So Lucky Blog Hop!

     I am excited to be participating in Honeybean's blog hop this weekend! I hope you have lots of fun hopping through the blogs involved. Lots of super cute stuff. (There will be no Weekly Blend post tomorrow due to the Hop.)

     Now onto the Hop!

The blog hop begins at Honeybean Creations. Jen is offering a challenge/prize too so make sure you follow the rules and and leave a comment on *everyone’s page* and then enter the challenge back at Honeybean!  

This is a repurposed coffee tin. I covered it with thick pattern paper, added a Bazzill scallop strip and the "Mug-Frame" cut from Beyond Birthdays (Cricut). Inside is a bag of yummy coffee beans. The card on top says "Lucky Me....to be blessed with a neighbor and friend like you!" I don't know what I would have done after moving here if it weren't for my fabulous neighbor! We carpool for the kids school, have regular coffee dates and walk our little dogs together. 

I am truly so lucky to have a my sister and sister-in-law in my life! An, as you can see, we have a lot of fun together! 

This LO was made using Coordinating Bo Bunny paper called "Kitchen Spice", Thickers, chipboard and buttons. Instead of tying off the buttons I filled the holes with stickles.


Moving on....

HONEYBEAN CREATIONS  http://huffinatorshangout.blogspot.com

(ME!) SCRAPPY JAVA GIRL   http://scrappyjavagirl.blogspot.com

(Next!) Raspberry and Lime Designs  http://raspberryandlimedesigns.blogspot.com

THE CRICUT BUG    http://thecricutbug.blogspot.com

THE PURPLE SCRAPBOOKER    http://www.purplescrapbooker.com

VIVI EN PAPEL  http://vivienpapel.blogspot.com

PINK AND PAPER  http://pinkandpaper.blogspot.com

MEEMEE’S CREATIONS   http://meemeescreations.blogspot.com/

PURPLE MONKEY MOMENTS  http://mumoftwoblog.blogspot.com/

PRINCESS PAPER PROJECTS http://princesspaperprojects.blogspot.com

CROP AND CREATE http://crop-and-create.blogspot.com

Blog Hop Candy!

     Leave a comment for a chance to win some goodies, just think, it could be Lucky You!

~ Beth

Java House Wednesday

     It's time for vacation! I am so looking forward to being back in the Seattle/Tacoma area for a week! I get to crash the book club's meeting at Forza Coffee, see grandma, visit with my folks, see friends and be back in the land of rain. It can't get much better.

(photo from City Data)

     I will be posting my I'm So Lucky Blog Hop tomorrow before I leave. Make sure to check out all the great blogs involved in Jen's hop this weekend! (Click the button to the right of the screen to go directly to Jen's page.) I will be offering blog candy for the Hop instead of this month's Java Wednesday prize. (Looks like Jen would be the winner anyway! LOL)

~  Beth

New Toy

On a whim I ordered myself  a Gypsy....it arrived over a week ago an I still haven't opened it! New "techno" toys scare me a little. You should have seen me when I switched from a film to digital SLR camera! With a vacation on the calendar for next week it may be awhile before I get to sit down and play. If you have tips, videos or links that would be helpful for this Gypsy newbie, please share!!

Birthday Sundaes

I am always up for new challenges and Birthday Sundaes sounds like they will be hosting some great ones! In honor of their new site, here is a special Sundae card. (It doesn't meet the requirements of having a birthday greeting on the front but it is a Sundae of sorts!)

(From My Kitchen Cricut cartridge.)

The rest of this weekend I will be cheering on my soccer player and dance star! Praying y'all have a blessed weekend.

~ Beth

Weekly Blend #3

Robust, a little quirky, and oh so tasty!

#1.

     Deena Ziegler, you rock my world! Absolutely love this birdcage display....colorful and ready for Spring! Please go check out Deena's blog full of super cute and classy crafts, cards and more. She also has a store, can it get any better?

#2.

     Love, love, love these quirky fun cupcake toppers at Michelle My Belle. Michelle has some of the most fun art and craft creations on her website. It makes me smile when I see her stuff, so different from the everyday and so full of life and color! Go check out her site and download the toppers to make your own Lucky cupcakes next week!

#3.

     O my WOW! Just look at the details in this LO! I didn't get anything on my to do list done the day I found Bug Junkies blog! I was so mesmerized by the attention to detail and the amazingly complicated projects she has done. Really, make sure the coffee cup is full before you head over there to look around.

#4.

     Back on the St. Patrick's Day wagon....look at these super sweet and easy goodies I found at Seven Year Cottage. My teens would love to find these next to their backpacks on the 17th! Ohh, my 5th and 6th graders at church would love these too! Time to add skittles, licorice and gold coins to the grocery list me thinks.

#5.

     If I had a friendly relationship with my sewing machine I would be all over these snack bags I found at Rhinestone Beagle! She has a great tutorial on how to make these handy and eco friendly bags. 

Please make sure to let theses creative girls know you stopped by. We all like our blog love comments! Don't forget to pop over to this months Java Wednesdays posts for your chance to enter the Coffee Love giveaway too!

~ Beth