Shemaine Smith

Did you hear the news?

2012-02-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

My Little Shoebox Design Team Call My Little Shoebox is looking for talented, motivated, responsible designers who have time to commit to design layouts and projects each month with our products and promote our products online and at their local stores. We haven't set a specific number of designers for our team.

We welcome international submissions.

We are looking for:

1. Enthusiastic, creative people that love My Little Shoebox and are able to do monthly assignments such as layouts, projects, and cards with our products.

2. You must post your work on 2 different galleries plus the MLS galleries

3. You must be able to commit to a 12 months term, which will be from April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013.

4. You must be at least 18 years of age.

5. You agree to release the rights of your designs to My Little Shoebox for display on the company website, blog, and in company publications.

6. If needed, your designs may also be needed for display at trade shows.

7. In addition, as a design team member, you will be contributing twice per term to our company newsletter and be required quarterly to make a photo or video highlighting a technique for the blog.

8. People that can take great pictures of their work in natural light, with a few close-ups. Because we will be posting your work on our company blog, we want your work to shine. Dark photos, shadows and flash spots don’t show your work well.

9. International submissions welcome.

In return you will receive:

1. A quarterly package with plenty of MLS products to design with.

2. Your picture and bio on the My Little Shoebox website

3. Your own personal gallery on the My Little Shoebox website.

To apply please send the following to dtcall@mylittleshoebox.com (please use your full name as the subject):

1. Full name, address, phone number and email address

2. 1 layout, 1 card and 1 project representing your best work using MLS products (jpeg files no larger than 500 kb)

3. A link to your personal blog and to the online galleries or message boards that you post on.

4. Design teams that you currently are on.5. Write a paragraph about yourself telling us why you'd like to be a part of the MLS team.

6. If you've been published.

7. If you teach classes.Submission deadline is March 9, 2012Our design team members will be announced on April 13, 2012

We thank you in advance for all of your work and appreciate your entry!

www.mylittleshoebox.com

www.mylittleshoebox.typepad.com

It's another Unity Hip Hop Thursday!

2012-02-15T22:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! It's time for another Hip Hop Thursday at Unity. Make sure you start your Hip Hop at the Unity blog to find out all the news for this week's happenings here. There's been lots of new releases since CHA so make sure you visit the Unity Website to see the latest and greatest from Unity and the Unity Co-brands.

Today I am creating with the new images from the Unity Authentique Co Brands.

First I am sharing a layout I created using the following images:

Everyday, Everywhere

Love is the Tie that binds

Family

Supplies: Patterned paper (Authentique Blissful collection) Tags: cream (Unity) beautiful, phrase (Authentique), Stamped images: (Unity/Authentique Co Brand), Buttons: gold and cream (Love to Create online store) Chipboard: (Anna Griffin Fido&FiFi collection) Dies: flowers (Papertray Ink)

Everyday, Everywhere card

Supplies: rose brad (Dear Lizzy) pearl brads (Imaginisce) Fibers: yellow ribbon (Offray)

I love how this card turned out. Isn't it funny how sometimes you make something and you just say "wow I really like that".

A friend loveth at all times

Supplies: doily (creating is fun online store) Fibers: ribbon (celebrate it!) Button: (Papertray Ink) Tools: scallop border punch (Martha Stewart)

And since I was on a roll, I used this set below to make this card.

A friend loveth

That's all I got for today friends. I hope you have been inspired to get out your stamps and incorporate them in a layout or card today.

Now I get to send you on your way to the talented Stephanie!

Have a creative day!

Creating is fun Valentine hop

2012-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day friends. I hope you are showed with love all day long. Today I am excited to celebrate with The Creating is Fun crew by celebrating with a fun blog hop and lots of chances to win some prizes from the Creating is Fun Zibbit store. Before we get started here is the order of today's hop in case you get lost.

Martha Pineda
Angie Ibbott Blom
Carrie Corbin
Bonita Rose K
Rachel A. Bogner
Rebekah Santiago
Shemaine Smith
Carisa Zglobicki
Ashley Nguyen Newell
Maria Levine
Andrea Reese

**If you did not come here on the Hop then you want to start at our store owner, Martha's blog so you don't miss a chance to leave a comment on each blog to be entered to win the $25.00 store gift certificate grand prize.

Here's my Valentine creation

Supplies: Pink lace trim, gold with white center button,

We R Memory Keepers Love Struck patterned paper and sentiment stamp, Dear Lizzy felt embellishment, Offray turquoise ribbon, Martha Stewart deep edge punch.

Now leave me a comment telling me what your favorite Valentine color is and you'll get an entry to win my pick from the store below.

3 yards of light tan stretch lace trim.

And if you like our Creating is Fun Facebook fan page and leave a message on the wall that I sent you, you'll get an extra entry! You have until Saturday at midnight to comment.

Good Luck!

Now I am going to send you over to

Carisa Zglobicki

It's February 12th!

2012-02-12T19:42:00.000-08:00

It's February 12th! Did you take your 12 photos for February? If you have no idea what I am talking about, it's the Ella Take 12 Photo Challenge that started Jan 12, 2012. Don't worry if you're just hearing about it you can click over here to my post from January to find out all the details and catch up for March! Oh and did you know you have a Take Twelve Flickr group? We do! So head over there after you visit Ella for this month's giveaway and get inspired by other Take Twelvers over here.

Here's my 12 photos for February 12, 2012.

Oh and don't forget there is a free Super Sampler from Ella that you've got to download here.

Have a great week friends!

February is Stamping Month At Ella!

2012-02-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday friends. I just wanted to let you all know that it's Stamping Month at Ella Publishing and I am really excited about all the fun we have planned for you this month!

All month long Ella Publishing will be celebrating with free eZine articles, dozens of blog posts, great giveaways, freebies, and more.

Make sure you visit the Ella blog for inspiration and great tips and techniques on how you can get the most out of your stamps.

The first eZine for Stamping month is up by Ella friend Ashley Cannon Newell titled Stamp your Heart Out! Ashley show you how to use your favorite stamps to design custom background patterns for Valentine cards that everyone will love.

I also want to share that we have three fabulous eBooks on sale this month:

And since it is Stamping Month after all, how about a hand stamped Valentine card that I created in honor of Ella's mascot.

Patterned paper and sentiment stamp from the Love Struck collection by We R Memory Keepers, Stamp (elephant image) clear dollar stamps courtesy of my sweet friend Nancy Grant.(inkcicles.com) Misc: blue satin ribbon and buttons

Have a great weekend!

What's what Wednesday

2012-02-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

Hey friends! It's the middle of the week already and I've been busy finishing up some fun things in my studio.

I love my little slice of heaven in our dining room. Having my space here makes it really easy to keep an eye on my busy 4 year old and 14 months old baby I care for during the week. The girls play really well together so I can get my scrap on.

So what's what today? I'm working on an assignment for We R Memory Keepers with the new Sew Stamper tool.

It's a really fun and easy tool to use. Check out the video that Scrapbook.com made showing you just how it works.

And today is Unity is revealing sneaks on their Facebook page of the new Phyllis Harris Stamps.

Here's a first look for you...

And I have a sample that I created to share with the brand new America Crafts Amy Tangerine Sketchbook collection which I think is absolutely beautiful. A big thanks to Amy herself for getting some in my hands to create with.

If you're feeling crafty we have a little Sweetheart sketch challenge going on over at the My Little Shoebox blog. Designer Melinda Spinks has created this fun sketch exclusively for MLS. Click on over to find out how you can win a fun prize for creating with us!

So that's "What's what" for Wednesday! Thanks for stopping by today. Have a creative day!

We R sample work for CHA

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm still decompressing from CHA but looking forward to sharing some fun things I did and people I got to hang out with in the coming days here on my blog but I am most excited to share some work I created for the We R booth at the show. Get ready for lots of pics!

First a layout with Down the Boardwalk

We R liked it so much they put it in their catalog. How fun for my sweet daughter! Yes I have a copy to put away and share with her when she is older.

Here are a few cards

Another card from Baby Mine

I was also asked to create something fun with We R's new Embossed die cut frames

I really like these frames because they are really fun to use for making photos stand out on your layouts.

And finally, my favorite of the collections...

Anthologie

The Sew Ribbon tool is really easy and fun to create with. I used it to create a corner on the right side of this photo using the Sew Ribbon tool & Aqua ribbon.

This was a Down the Boardwalk Sew ribbon project as well.

I had so much fun creating these projects and I had a great time at CHA seeing so many friends and designers I have been inspired by for so long. It really felt like a whirlwind of a week. I am definitely looking forward to a little weekend down time and some crafting for the Stamp it call. Are you creating for this call as well? Read all about it on the Papercrafts Connection blog.

Today is National Wear Red Day!

2012-02-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

Today is National Wear Red Day! Ella friends nationwide are donning red to raise awareness about heart disease, and we invite you to join us in bringing awareness to all types of Heart Disease.

"I've lost a Grandfather and Uncle to heart disease. I also have a dear friend who's son was born with a Congenital heart defect. I met her just before his last major surgery and I am so pleased to report he is healthy and thriving. What a trooper this little guy is and his Momma is an amazing advocate for bringing awareness and support to this cause. Please like their Facebook page Sisters by Heart. " I also encourage you to support your local heart awareness charities and do your part by getting a yearly check up yourself!

Now onto the Ella Party deets: Here's what we are doing to celebrate today over at the Ella blog.

Start at the Ella Blog and show us your red by adding a link with your photo, then you're entered to win our party prize!
Download the free printable courtesy of Ella friend Rachel Gainer and get craftin! I already did and here's what I created with these cute printables.

Now head on over to Ella's blog and join the party and we just might send you home with our prize today! Thanks for stopping by friends! Keep your hearts healthy!

Hip Hop I'm back!

2012-02-01T23:12:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I just arrived home from CHA late this evening and realized it's my week to be creating for Hip Hop! When I made my card before I left I also did not realize that it was already February and you know what that means...brand spankin new Unity KOTM awesomeness! So here's a look at the February KOTM

Lucky to have You

I am lovin the images in this kit and if you are too, you can sign up for the next kit of the month but click-ity-click-in right over here.

My card for today is created with the fun playing card image from the January KOTM and some fab paper from Basic Grey that came in my February Paper Posies kit.

I stamped the image with brown ink instead of black to give it a vintage feel and added a half of a heart doily and some inking.

I'll be honest friends, I'm sorry this is a short post...I am beat...it was a long week but a really fun one. Seeing Angela and Chris at CHA is always my favorite part of attending the trade show. These two sweet people are just the best of the best. I am thrilled to be a part of the Unity family! OK...

Now onto Stephanie!

New brads and ribbon from Eyelet Outlet

2012-01-25T13:35:00.000-08:00

Hey friends. Today I have some fun cards to share with you that I made using some new products from Eyelet Outlet for the show in Germany that Suzanne is exhibiting at this weekend.

Her new brads and matching ribbon are adorable and fun to create with. Here's a look at some of the samples.

Thanks for being such a great sport!

I used the Bella/Unity co branded Making the Team set to create this card and the fun soccer brads from Eyelet Outlet.

You're such a Treat!

For this card I used my Cricut and the cute new ant brads from Eyelet Outlet

For this card I used the fun strawberry brads and matching grosgrain ribbon.

And finally my favorite card, some fun Prima felt these adorable winking owls.

That's it for today! Can't wait to share some of my CHA creations with you after the show. It's been fun creating with all these new products!

Moxie Fab Map to Your Heart Challenge

2012-01-23T10:20:00.000-08:00

I love playing along with Cath's Moxie Fab World challenges and this week has been really busy for me but I had to ink up this stamp set from Unity Stamp Co. because it was perfect for this challenge! If you didn't see this challenge no worries, you've still got time to create a card and upload it before tonight's deadline. You can read all the details about the Map to Your Heart challenge here on the Moxie Fab blog.

Here's my card

Supplies: Stamp: Unity Stamp Co. Co-Branded Simple Stories Travel Notes set. Patterned paper from October Afternoon, Embellishments from American Crafts, Washi Tape from Love My Tapes. Ribbon by Papertray Ink.

It's pretty wet over here in Southern California today so I'm hanging out in my jammies and slippers, making more cards while the girls are playing on the floor. Some are for the Stamp it call from Paper Crafts, you can read about the current call over here. Have a great day!

Fleur Rouge from Anna Griffin

2012-01-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

It's pouring rain here in Southern California and I am hangin out in my jammies busy finishing up work for CHA this week.

I don't know if you watch HSN but Anna Griffin had some beautiful new products on air and I wanted to share my favorite, the Fleur Rouge Designer kit

Supplies: Pattern paper, tag and 3D stickers: Anna Griffin Fleur Rouge collection, EK Success border punch, Spellbinders lacey squares die.

Have a great day and if you're in So Cal stay dry and be careful out there.

Unity Stamp of the Week January 22nd

2012-01-22T21:51:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I'm putting up a quick post to share the new Unity Stamp of the Week that released today! Here it is...

Here's a sample I created using this cute stamp!

Supplies: Basic Grey patterned paper, Recollection white flowers, Spellbinders Die, May Arts ribbon, Copic markers.

If you're interested in signing up for Unity's Stamp of the Week and you'd like to find out how it works then head on over here.

Have a great week!

Hip Hop with a little inspiration from....

2012-01-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

Yep you read that correctly! We're putting a spin on Hip Hoppin today with a theme! We thought you might need a new kind of inspiration with your Unity rubbah so the Design Team members have picked images from Pinterest and created a card, project or layout based on these images. If you haven't started the Hip Hop yet then head on over to the Unity blog first and find out what the scoop for today is!

OK...are you ready for my inspiration?

From the Pinboard of Katie Abel

Original image from the House of Smith.com which is one of my favorite blogs to get lost on.

And...here's my layout that I created using the Unity SMAK February kit! (see kit image below) and using a sketch from Page Maps.

Supplies: Crate Paper Random collection (Paper Posies November KOTM) Misc: heart doily and Maya Road kraft tag.

The image I chose inspired me to create a shabby chic feel on my layout of my daughter's first haircut. Yes she really was 4! I know what you're thinking...WOW 4 years without a haircut?? Yea, call me crazy but I could not bring myself to cut the hair that was at the end of her hair because it took her so long to get that precious head of hair.

So before I send you on your way today, do you know about SMAK? Learn about it here!

February SMAK kit

Now it's time to visit Stephanie!

Day 3 of reveal week at My Little Shoebox

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's day 3 and we're sharing another collection with you today! I love love love Up in the Trees. Well I love the past as well. Can you have more than one favorite??

Visit the My Little Shoebox blog all week long and share the post via Facebook and Twitter and comment on each reveal post for your chance to win the featured collection before you can buy it in stores. Good Luck!

It's reveal week at My Little Shoebox!

2012-01-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

Introducing...

Head over to the My Little Shoebox blog to see the entire collection and get your chance to win it before you can buy it in stores!!

Have a creative day friends!

Lucky 8 fun

2012-01-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. It's been a busy couple of weeks in my craft room as CHA is quickly approaching and I have been craftng away. I am so excited to see many of my crafty friends who are coming from all over the U.S. for this fun show. I know it's a bummer that local scrappers can't join us since you have to be a member of the Craft and Hobby Association or affiliated in some way to attend. I agree with your pain and hope that CHA will bring back the Consumer show. Don't worry tho, I'll have lots of photos to share with you of new products, new companies and lots of neck hugs!

Today I'm excited that I get to share some work I did for the upcoming We R Memory Keepers show on HSN. We R Memory Keepers has some great deals on their products thru HSN if you want to check it out the Scrapbooking products.

One of the products they'll be featuring is the newly released Lucky 8 punch! There are 6 different punches and I was given this one to work with.

Here's a couple projects I created with the Homemade Pie Lucky 8 punch.

A Cute purse project using our Love Struck Collection

A layout featuring a 12x12 sheet of paper cut into a die cut using the Lucky 8 punch.

And finally a fun card.

I must admit that I am a bit addicted and I'll be looking forward to adding some more of these Lucky 8 punches to my scrapbook stash.

Don't forget to look for the upcoming Scrapbooking Show on HSN January 17th!

Have a creative weekend!

Take 12! and so it begins...

2012-01-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Did you start the Ella Publishing Take Twelve Photo Challenge today? If you forgot no worries, it's not too late to sign up and I won't tell that you took your photos after the 12th (it'll be our little secret) Get all the details here. You're going to love this challenge and when you look back over the next year's adventures you'll be glad you gave it a go!

I have been SO busy and today I had to wrap up a project for a deadline. Here's one of my photos from today.

Yep this is a hot mess and I was busy today that's for sure but I got the project done in time and they loved it so it was a success! I'll just leave this mess til the morning.

Hope you had fun taking your 12 photos today! I'll share more later...I'm exhausted.

2012-01-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Here's the winner of the

Cassie said...

How exciting! Congratulations!! =)

January 9, 2012 3:09 PM

Congratulations Cassie! Email me @shemainesmith22@gmail.com and I'll give you instructions for claiming your prize.

I'm delighted...

2012-01-08T22:34:00.000-08:00

to share that I've been chosen as an...

And even more delighted to get to know and work with these talented ladies that embark on this new adventure with me!

I knew 2012 was going to be an exciting year.

To celebrate I get to give away a free 2012 Take Twelve Project Kit!

The goal of the 2012 Take Twelve Project is to take 12 photos on the 12th day of each month for a full 12 months—and scrapbook them! You can join in the fun any month of the year, but we hope you'll join in starting January 12.

The kit includes ideas for what photos to take, as well as a variety of sketches you can use to create your 12 layouts. There are even journaling tags and calendars you can print and include on your page.

Or maybe you'll create a mini album that uses your 12 photos as a 4x6 photo collage. There are lots of ideas for that, too!

Leave a comment below by 11:59 p.m. (Pacific) on Tuesday for your chance to win the 2012 Take Twelve Guided Inspiration Kit. I'll randomly select a winner and announce their name here on Wednesday.

Good luck!

If you'd like more information about the 2012 Take 12 Challenge, visit ellapublishing.com/taketwelve.

Now available from We Are Memory Keepers

2012-01-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. I've been on a blog hiatus of sorts the past week because I have been so very busy creating samples for the upcoming Craft and Hobby Trade show as well as some other projects. I am really excited that the show will be back in the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim this year and that I get to see so many of my crafty friends coming from all over the globe!

Today I have a layout to share from We R memory Keepers that I made awhile ago but this collection did not release until this month but debuted at Summer CHA in Chicago. It's called Good Day Sunshine.

Supplies: Patricia Die Cut, Patterned paper: Donna, Ann and Cindy. Good Day Sunshine Embossed Stickers and Chipboard accents, Recollections Rhinestones, MFT flower die.

Here's a couple of cards I made too!

Look for this collection in stores now! Thanks for stopping by.

Hip Hop ippity Sneak!

2012-01-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and Unity friends! It's another Hip Hop full of fabulous inspiration from our talented design team!

For the next two Unity Hip Hops the Unity DT girls are going to share

some "Stamping Resolutions" with you..

Starting this Hip Hop and all year long I want to learn to master my Copic markers! Often I am really intimidated by these beautiful markers and what they can do. So this year I pledge to color more of my images, learn some blending techniques and add more markers to my little can {wink}

New Ippity Sneak "Bee" Better Together!

Now make sure you head on over to the Unity Website on the weekend to see all the newest ippity releases.. you are going to just love them all!!

Also a little announcement from Angela about something new:

RELEASING THIS WEEKEND! - We are VERY EXCITED about the NEW YEAR CHANGE with {ippity} stamps by Unity!Starting this weekend {ippity} will be available on the UNITY WEBSITE!Once the WEBSITE IS READY and all tuned up for this change over - All YOU will have to do is CLICK ON the photo of YOUR Favorite {ippity} CHICK - and BUY your favorite {ippity} stamps from there...HERE is something MORE LOVELY! ...if you would like to add UNITY STAMPS to your order YOU CAN!ALSO - Starting SOON - ANY Unity DISCOUNT CODE used in combination with your order of {ippity} WILL WORK, including Unity Kit Member 25% discount codes.It is going to be UNITY SIMPLIFIED - making our {ippity} line available through your favorite {ippity} chick - RIGHT on the Unity website andSHIPPED TO YOU directly through Unity!

Now onto visit Stephanie!

Creating is FUN!

2012-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I hope you are enjoying the 2nd day of our New Year!I'm kicking off the New Year with a fun new team! The very sweet and kind Martha Pineda has a fabulous Zibbits store Creating is Fun.
She's added me to her team of talented designers and I am thriiled to be creating with such beautiful products. I love shabby chic and vintage and Martha has some amazing things at great prices in her store!

Here's a fun tag I created with some of the products available

in the store and the new Unity Stamp Company KOTM.

Now I'm the end of the designer blog tour. If you are just stopping by then make your way thru all the designers blogs by clicking these links below. If you have already visited them then head on over to our Facebook Fan Page.

And for your efforts of sharing our news today if you LIKE the FB page..you'll have a chance to win $25.00 gift certificate to spend in the Creating is FUN store once we reach 150 fans!!

Now go spread the news!

Bonita Rose

Carrie Corbin

Rebekah Santiago

Ashley Newell

It's been a really fun couple of years

2011-12-31T00:59:00.000-08:00

Looking back over the past two years with Imaginisce I can't help but smile. Imaginisce was the first design team that said yes to me...and it wasn't just a yes...it was " Shemaine Smith...Take a Deep Breath "

....and jump up and down and scream because you’ve been selected as one of our new Design Team members for Imaginisce.

I almost jumped out of my chair when I read this in my email that day. And so it began... Awesome happy mail being delivered to my door frequently, fun collections to create with, a group of talented designers that quickly became like sisters to me. And best of all my introduction to one of the most amazing and talented lady I know, Lori Allred our Design Team Coordinator.

She was with me in this journey every step of the way. Supporting, encouraging and just being amazing. She even came to see me when I traveled to Utah to do a demo for Provo Craft at a Joann's store. I just knew from then on we'd be friends for a long long time.

We met up at CHA and hosted make and takes, went on the town in Chicago even tho our butts vibrated the entire ride into the city in that cab, oh my gosh what a funny memory...lol. Here's a few pics of the trade shows we went to together.

I also made a very special friend when I went to Chicago the the summer of 2010. I needed a roomie and this sweet girl was happy to hang out with me for a few days. As soon as she arrived I just knew we'd be friends for a very long long time. Robyn Schaub is one of the sweetest girls I know. She is so kind and has an amazing smile. Hanging out here at Anaheim CHA with another cool classy chick Liz Qualman

So as my farewell post I'm sharing some of my favorite projects I created during my two year term with Imaginisce.

My first project as a DT member

My apron for CHA that was so fun to create

My Magnet Daddie magnet and Notecard set that I created for a contest Lori had with the new Brad Daddies. She chose my project as the winner and I was thrilled! I remember that I wanted so badly to impress her.

A card I made using the Cricut and our Enchanted collection

A layout I made for publication that did not get picked up but I still enjoyed it!

A few projects with my favorite collection, Birthday Bash. I loved this line so much!

A layout of my little girl last Christmas with Cottage Christmas

Fun Kauai memories with my sweet hubby with Scooters vacation.

Some fun with Geek is Chic

And my last layout as a design team member with our brand new Hippity Hop

A big thanks to Melinda Spinks for taking over as Design Team Coordinator and for taking such great care of us after Lori sadly left Imaginisce. It was a really tough time for us all and she worked so hard to make the blog look amazing!

Good luck to Cari Locken, Imaginisce's new DT Coordinator. She's an awesome lady and the new team is so very lucky to have her!

To all my team mates, I wish you all the best ladies! You are all such amazing talent, I can't wait to see what comes next for all of you! Please keep in touch, thank goodness for Facebook right?

And finally a big thank you to Don and the Imaginisce crew (special shouts and hugs to Bridget) This was an amazing journey and I enjoyed every minute!

25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-25T03:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with your families!

Merry Christmas

Paper and embellishments from Anna Griffin's Twinkle Bright collection

Thanks to all of you that stopped by during my 25 days of holiday cards!

A big thanks to Sharon G for her sweet comments!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! It's day 24 and almost Christmas. I am so excited for the kids I can hardly wait for Christmas morning. We're headed over to our friends for Christmas eve and then we'll be hitting Candy Cane Lane here in El Segundo with my Nephew and SIL.

I hope whatever you are doing this evening brings you lots of joy!

Bring on the Snow

25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

Is it really only 2 sleeps til Santa arrives. The holiday season has once again flown right by. I've baked cookies, hand made cards, a few ornaments and shopped for the kids. Phew it feels good to be done! Tomorrow will be full of family fun with a Christmas Eve get together and a walk down Candy Cane lane with my SIL and nephew with some hot chocolate in the evening before we tuck Lily into bed for her very first understanding of Santa coming.

I hope whatever you are doing to celebrate the season, you enjoy this magical time!

OK...Here's card 23!

Merry Christmas

Echo Park patterned paper, pearl brad from Eyelet Outlet, American Crafts chipboard and misc twine.

Hope you enjoy your day!

25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's Day 22 and I can tell you it's crazy out there! Went to pick up a few last minute things and it was SUPER busy at 1 p.m. Scott and I went to see Sherlock Holmes together in the Marina and after headed to Bath and Body for a couple of gifts. I got some awesome coupons to use and saved a ton! Love that. Whatever you are doing to finish up for Christmas be careful out there!

Christmas Greetings

Have a great day!

The Hip Hop before Christmas...

2011-12-21T22:00:00.000-08:00

Hello there hoppers! It's almost Christmas and the end of 2011! Unity has been running some amazing specials on stamps and there are some great deals to be gotten so make sure you visit the Unity blog later today to see what the news for today is!

Today I am sharing a layout and a few cards using my favorite holiday set this year from Jillibean Soup and Unity. I added some little friends to this layout of my sweet Lily from last Christmas morning titled:

Santa Baby

I just love this photo of Lily and her Ariel doll she really wanted from Santa. I saw a fabulous sketch on my friend Julie Bonner's blog that she created and was inspired to create this layout. I added some little friends from the Christmas Eve Chowder set and colored them in with Copic markers.

I love these little guys so much that I used them to create some holiday cards that I have featured for my 25 days of holiday cards promotion here on my blog.

I just love these little friends colored with ink.

Now it's time to head over to see Stephanie. Wishing you all a very magical Christmas and holiday season with your families!

25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

It's only 5 days til Christmas and my daughter is soooo excited because she just knows that Santa is bringing her a Wuzzle Pet for her. I asked her is she was on Santa's nice list and she replied "Oh Yes Mommy!" I've been busy finishing up the last of my holiday cards and today I have another quick card made in minutes to share.

For this card I used some scraps of Imaginisce Santa's Little helper collection and then stamped the reindeer using Hero Arts Winking Reindeer and then stamped the Season's Greeting sentiment using Anna Griffin's self inking Christmas Stamper kit.

I had fun with this card by tracing the antlers with some Quickie glue from Sakura and sprinkling some clear glitter. I finished it off by adding some Hero Arts bling to the nose.

Season's Greetings

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-18T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's Day 18 and we had a busy weekend around the Smith house. I've been watching my daycare baby on Friday's for a few weeks and after she got picked up I worked at Mike's from 2-10. What a lonnnng evening! I have to admit I am out of shape where standing on my feet goes. I was so tired when I came home Friday night. Then Saturday I had a punch around the page class that was so fun. I really do enjoy teaching classes for Mike's. Saturday evening it was time for cocoa and tree decorating. I was a little bummed that we were unable to have our annual dinner of Honeybaked Ham and scalloped potatoes to get us started. I am sure next year we'll be back on top of our lives with Mat working and everything we've endured will be SO worth it. I know this!

So today's card is for those that need a quick and easy idea for last minute holiday cards

Merry Christmas

All you need is a flower punch or die (I used a Fiskars) a corner rounder and some bling. Punch 4 flowers then 3 then 2 then 1. Start layering them on white cardstock with glue dots and top with a little bling. Finish with a base by cutting a rectangle shape and corner rounding the top two corners and add a sentiment! Easy peasy!

Have a Merry Creative day friends!

25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's day 17 friends! Are you enjoying this little peek at all of my holiday cards. I know I got behind a bit in posting and I am sorry about that. It's funny, in life you can have all the best intentions and sometimes things just don't go your way. We've had some silly stuff happening with my family back East and my mind has been on protecting my Mom. She is such a good person and most of her family members treat her so badly it's really sad. I am hoping things will get better where that is concerned.

OK...onto today's card! Today I have another card to share that I created with Martha Stewart paper and punches and a stamp from Anna Griffin.

Merry Christmas

Martha Stewart patterned paper and border punch. Misc ribbon and Anna Griffin self inking stamps.

Have a merry creative day!

25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's day 16! It's been a busy week of classes and keeping up with my kids. I still have baking to do and a few other holiday boxes to do out of the shed. It's a pain to unpack all the stuff I have collected over the years but I do love to decorate. Plus the kids really love it.

Today's card is another one from the Twinkle Bright collection from Anna Griffin.

All is calm

All is bright

I added some of the 3D stickers, bows and bling!

Have a merry creative day friends!

25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

Day 15 and I am almost done with my holiday shopping! I actually started getting things together at the end of November this year and I got a lot of early sales savings which was awesome. With Mat out of work since May I really had to plan ahead this year but it's all been coming together and we are blessed.

For this week's card I used some Martha Stewart paper and punches to create a little wreath. This is one of the samples I teach at Michaels for the Punch around the Page class. If you're interested in taking this fun class visit Michaels.com and enter your zip code for the monthly calendar of classes offered in your area.

Winter

Joy Peace Love

Thank you for stopping by to visit! I really do appreciate your time.

Have a merry creative day!

25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-14T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's day 14 and I'm bringing you another new card today. I love to stamp with white ink on kraft paper. It's one of my favorite stamping techniques.

Papertray ink Kraft, CTMH White Daisy ink, Winter Wonderland collection from MLS. Scrapping cottage/Unity Stamp Co co-brand.

Have a merry creative day!

2011-12-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

We're having a release party over at the Imaginisce blog for out new Hippity Hop collection! Here's a peek at a layout I created with the new Hippity Hop Collection.

Supplies: Supplies: Happy Spring; Spring Showers: Spring time die cuts: Cloud Gazing Word Die Cuts; i-rock and bling.

25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

It's Day 13, how many cards have you mailed for the holidays? I've been sending them out in groups of 5. I save all my local cards for the week before Christmas since I know they'll arrive in a few days. Here's day 13's card!

Merry Christmas

Winter Wonderland stickers and paper make a fun pastel colored card for the holiays!

Have a merry creative day!

23 days of holiday cards

2011-12-12T03:00:00.000-08:00

Hello there! It's day 12 and I'm sharing a new card today. This one I created for my holiday card class at Michaels. I taught two fun classes and we made 5 cards total that day. The stamp is Inkadinkado and I just added some bling, Copic marker and Stickles to dress him up a bit.

Snowman

Have a merry creative day!

Day 11 of 25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

It's already Day 11! This has been fun so far but as you've noticed I had a couple of schedule blips so I apologize for being a wee bit late in checking my posts. Alrighty then...it's another card!

Merry Christmas

Day 10 of 25 days of holiday cards

2011-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's day 10 and here's another fun holiday card for you created with my Cricut and Anna Griffin's Twinkle Bright collection.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look!

2011-12-09T00:33:00.000-08:00

It's day 9 and I am sharing another card from Anna Griffin's holiday card kit.

Season's Greetings friends!

Hip Hop

2011-12-08T08:34:00.001-08:00

Hello friends! We are celebrating a new release today on the Unity Hip Hop from...Phyllis Harris Stamps! I'm creating with this adorable image today.

You are my main squeeze

For my card I used some Pebbles patterned paper and this adorable image You're my main squeeze. It's just $5.00 in the Unity store!

One more very important mention for today...

Unity is also having a

great reduction sale..

starting this Thursday for the next 3 weeks..

lots of great prices.. keep your eye on the Unity blog for more details.

You don't want to miss this!!

Ohhh and don't forget to check out my 25 days of holiday cards day 8 card below this post!

Now it's time for you to head on over to see Stephanie!

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's Day 8 of my 25 days of holiday cards. Thank you all for coming to see what I have to share each day with my holiday card fun. I really appreciate your visits! I hope you are getting some ideas you can use. Today I am sharing a card I created using a fabulous Unity Stamp Co/My Little Shoebox Co-Branded itty bitty called

Joy Peace Love

Supplies: Stamped image Unity/MLS Co Branded Itty Bitty Joy.Peace.Love: Pattern Paper MLS Winter Wonderland collection. Hero Arts bling. Ink: Studio G chalk ink.

2011-12-07T10:08:00.001-08:00

Hello friends! It's day 7 of my 25 days of holiday cards and I'm sharing another card featuring the Peppermint Twist collection from We R Memory Keepers.

Happy Holidays ~ Seasons Greetings

Supplies: Cardstock and Patterned paper, sticker We R Memory Keepers Peppermint Twist collection. Martha Stewart starburst punch. Recollections rhinestone. Misc: ribbon

25 days of holiday cards: Day 6

2011-12-06T21:50:00.001-08:00

Hello again. I've been playing catch up on my blog today and I am finally at Day 6. Here's a little Kaisercraft fun from their Silly Season collection.

The Gift of Christmas

Supplies: Kaiercraft Silly Season patterned paper. Unity Stamp Co SMAK kit (numbers background) and Unity KOTM. Eyelet Outlet candy brad. Papertrey Ink stitched ribbon. Spellbinders die cut.

Thanks for stopping by today!

25 days of holiday cards day 5

2011-12-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

Hello! It's Day 5 of my 25 days of holiday cards. Today I am sharing another fun card I created with stamps by Unity Stamp Co. and Jillibean Soup!

Merry Christmas

Supplies: Jillibean Soup Christmas Eve Chowder (frozen lobster tail); Unity Stamp Co./ Jillibean Soup Co-Brand Christmas Eve Chowder.

Have you picked up this special issue from Papercrafts? It's full of amazing inspiration and I am excited to share that I have 2 cards featured with products from Anna Griffin and My Little Shoebox.

Have a merry day friends!

2011-12-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

Hello there! It's Day 4 of my 25 days of cards! So sorry I'm a few days behind, I thought all my posts were scheduled to post but apparently I made a little mistake. So today I am catching up but you get to see 3 cards in one day! How's that for fun! OK so for day 4 I have another fun card to share that I created with Anna Griffin's Twinkle Bright collection.

Merry Christmas

Supplies: Patterned paper, 3D Stickers, ribbon and die cut Anna Griffin Twinkle Bright collection.

Have a merry day!

25 days of holiday cards day 3

2011-12-03T11:33:00.001-08:00

Hello there! Hope you are enjoying the weekend so far. I started mine off with some much needed extra sleep. Thanks to my sweet hubby for getting up with our early rising 4 year old today. Since it's the first Saturday of December that means it's time for the Smith family to trim the tree! I can hardly wait to get ours up this evening after Scott's playoff game at Campus tonight. Ohhh it's going to be cold out there.

Thank you for stopping by today for day 3 of my 25 days of holiday cards. Here's a look at card 3.

Season's Greetings

Supplies: Anna Griffin Twinkle Bright collection. I used red satin ribbon from Michaels for the bow. Another 10 minute card!

Have a merry day!

25 days of holiday cards: Day 2

2011-12-02T00:22:00.001-08:00

Hello there! It's day 2 of my 25 days of holiday cards. Today I am showing you a card I made in 10 minutes. If you're looking for a great last minute card tip use chipboard accents like this sentiment and some foam dots to quickly embellish your holiday cards. If you don't have any bakers twine on hand then use your favorite holiday ribbon.

Supplies: Patterned paper and chipboard: We R Memory Keepers {Peppermint Twist collection} Misc: bakers twine

25 days of holiday cards

2011-11-30T23:17:00.001-08:00

Hello friends! I can't believe it's already December 1st. I know many of you are opening Day 1 of your Advent Calendars or starting your December daily's today. This year I wanted to come up with my own special way to celebrate the holidays here on my blog so I am pleased to kick off my first ever...

25 days of holiday cards! 

Each day I will be showing a new holiday themed card here on my blog created with some of my favorite holiday stamps and paper collections. I hope you'll check in each day and let me know what you think! Happy Holidays to you all, now let the fun begin!

Supplies list: Jillibean Soup Christmas Eve Chowder (frozen lobster tail); Unity Stamp Co./ Jillibean Soup Co-Brand Christmas Eve Chowder. Martha Stewart doily tags, Copic markers, Misc: Ribbon and twine.

Unity Monthly Challenge: Let it Snow

2011-11-30T10:44:00.001-08:00

Hello friends! Did you know that Unity has a monthly theme challenge? Come create with us each month and get yourself a chance to win a fabulous prize...Just how fabulous is the prize you ask...

A chance to win 100 random stamps

and a free kit of your choice valued at $45 or under!

I would say that IS a pretty fabulous prize to win. This month's theme is "Let It Snow!"

For my card I used Jillibean Soup's Christmas Chestnut Soup and the Snowflake from Ippity's Season of Joy. I really enjoy stamping with white ink on craft cardstock. This snowman print sheet of kraft from Jillibean is a fav of mine from last year and I still love creating cards with it. I finished my card off with some bling and a crystal snowflake from Imaginisce.

You have until December 15th to complete this challenge. Make sure you link up your cards to the challenge post here.

Look for a new challenge on the 15th of each month! Now go create!

Thank you for stopping by!

My Little Shoebox Trick or Treat mini

2011-11-26T19:22:00.001-08:00

Hello friends, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had such a nice dinner with my husband's family and Lily and her cousin gavin had a blast running around outside after we ate while my brother in law and son were throwing the football to each other. I snapped a few cute shots I'll share later in the week.

I didn't get out to shop on Black Friday because I was working all day at my local Michaels and it was really busy.

The newest Cricut was on sale for 199.99 and I sure would have loved to take one home. I was fun to see so many women coming in to buy Cuttlebugs, Sizzix and Cricuts. It's like there is a major crafting movement happening and more women are creating. I love it!

Speaking of creating, I wanted to share my Trick or Treat Mini Album that I designed for a My Little Shoebox assignment with you today. I had lots of fun creating this album with photos from last year's Halloween festivities.

Halloween 2010

I had an older Making Memories album from a few years ago and thought it would be perfect for my project. I just added to the embossed bats cover. (click on the image for a larger view and slide show of all the photos)

Here's some journaling I printed right onto the patterned paper. I added some little extra's besides the cardstock stickers I had in my stash.

I love the spider web punch from Martha Stewart. I used it a few times in my album along with my Cottage Cutz dies. The glittered spiders with twine web are from Michaels.

I love that we have teamed up with Unity Stamp Co to co brand My Little Shoebox sets that coordinate with our paper collections. I used the pumpkin stamp and repeated the stamp to make a fun border. I colored him in with some Copics.

What mini is complete without a little bit of Prima bling. I also used the tag stamp from the Unity Co-Brand, a little Trick or Treat. And for some fun I journaled on a punched strip of black cardstock with a white pen.

OK time for some left overs and a slice of what's left of my pumpkin cheesecake. Thanks for stopping by to take a peek at my album.

Hip Hop Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T23:05:00.001-08:00

Hip Hop Hello and Happy Thanksgiving! If you haven't come here by way of Natalie's blog then head on over to the Unity Blog to get all the Hip Hop news from Angela. I do have something fun to share with you before we get to the Unity creation I have for you today.

Now available from Unity, Gift Certificates! Now you can tell your friends and family what you want to find in your stocking this Christmas.

Last year we had a small celebration for Thanksgiving (it was just us) and I was feeling really sad about my family not being here for the holiday and things being really tight money wise for us. So I created these Gratitude tags for us to write what we were Grateful for and laid them on our plates.

Stamp: Grateful You & Simple Blessings

I won't share what my hubby wrote but I will tell you that it brought me to tears. This year is even a bit harder than last Thanksgiving with him being out of work for the past 6 months but thru it all we have each other and we are grateful again for healthy children, a loving home and each other.

I'm also so grateful to be a part of the Unity Design Team family. I have been given so many amazing opportunities and blessings from being a part of Unity that I am so very grateful for. This team of ladies and the Unity crew makes my heart SUPER happy!

Today we'll be heading over to my MIL's this afternoon to have a nice dinner together along with my SIL and her family. I've been up early baking my annual pumpkin cheesecake. The very one I made to impress my husband 7 years ago when he took me to meet his family for the first time. I love baking this dessert for my family and can tell you it tastes as good as it looks here on my Thanksgiving table last year.

Now I'm going to send you over to Stephanie's blog!

My Little Shoebox Winter Wonderland Card Hop

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hello there! Thanks from joining us today for our card hop. We hope you've been able to get a look at each one of the fun papers that make up this fun collection. I chose the Winter Folly and Gumdrop Lane papers to create my card along with the cute snowman stamp from the You melt my Heart Unity Co Brand and the matching Cottage Cutz die also sold as a set by Unity.

In addition to MLS Winter Wonderland I used the Spellbinder die Fleur de Lis, some misc ribbon from Joann's, Martha Stewart's snowflake punch with vellum paper and misc bling. I accented my snowman with the new Martha Stewart glitter glue. This stuff is amazing! The tips are fine and make it easy to control the glue.

B.e sure and leave me a comment and share our card hop with your friends on Facebook. There are 3 chances to win our Winter Wonderland collection! Now head on over to Melinda's blog.

Have a creative day!

Paper Posies December kit

2011-11-20T11:30:00.001-08:00

Hello friends! It's pouring rain here in So Cal and I absolutely love it! It's perfect weather for paper crafting and today I have some crafty things to share with you.

Every month I really enjoy designing for Paper Posies kit club. Every month, owner Michele Applehans picks amazing manufacturers to mix and match in each kit and always ends up with a fabulous mix of the latest goodies and includes a special project.Here's a look at December's kit that went live Friday!

Click here to see all that's included in this month's kit.Here's a look at my design work that I created for this month's Paper Posies gallery.

Here's a fun gift card holder idea

You melt my heart sentiment from Unity/MLS Co Brand

I created both these cards with the new Snow Day collection from Pink Paislee. I absolutely love these papers and embellies. They are so cute!

Here's a pic of how I created the gift card holder with the Snow Day label.

This month's project was this adorable vintage star ornament so I used some Maya Road chipboard from a previous kit and created something fun to hang on our tree. I am kinda addicted to white ink these days.

Santa Baby layout featuring Jillibean Soup and based on a sketch I saw at my friend Julie Bonner's sketch blog, 52 Sketches.

A closer look at the tag and twine. I love this color twine.

And last but not least a layout with some yummy October Afternoon.

Thanks for visiting today. I hope you too are getting your craft on today . This week is going to be full of super crafty fun here on my blog. Tomorrow I'll be showing you some more Winter Wonderland inspiration in the My Little Shoebox Card hop and later in the week Imaginisce is showing of the new and improved iTop with a bunch of fabulous projects including a look at the new extra large brads!

Have a great day!

Holiday Card making at Two Peas

2011-11-17T07:30:00.001-08:00

Hello friends. I was featured over at Two Peas for Unity stamp company as part of their Holiday Card making event yesterday! I had so much fun creating my cards with the new My Little Shoebox Winter Wonderland collection. Here's a look at the new catalog where my cutie patootie Lily is featured!

Here's a look at my cards I created with this beautiful collection.

This little guy is so cute! The set is called You Warm My Heart.


I wanted to show how easy it was to create a holiday card using the cardstock stickers from the Winter Wonderland collection

This snowflake from the Winter joy peace love set is a must have for your collection.

And finally, this card is my favorite. I love these detailed trees from the Warmth and Winter Wishes collection.

You can purchase all of these dies and matching stamps from Unity's website.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger

2011-11-13T22:55:00.001-08:00

It's the end of a busy weekend of hosting Crop Night at Michaels, watching both my kids soccer games and sample creating for my upcoming classes. I have spent my Sunday afternoon/evening creating with some new My Little Shoebox products and creating a card for this week's Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger. Here's this week's Trigger

And here's my take.

I was inspired by the colors of the bracelet.

Supplies: Patterned paper Crate paper, Unity Co Branded Marah Johnson Thank You stamp, Close to My heart ink Cocoa, Stickles and Copic markers. Misc: ribbon.

Thanks for coming over to take a peek!

Celebrating Creative Imaginations and Unity week!

2011-11-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! Thanks for stopping by today! It's another fabulous Unity Hip Hop Thursday and I am excited that we are celebrating Creative Imaginations all week long on the Unity blog. Creative Imaginations has so many amazing designers and products! I was so excited to recieve some of their amazing Marah Johnson products to create with for this week's Hop. Here's what I created with them.

be you

Supplies: Paint It with Luminarte * Marah Johnson, Twinkling H20's,

Unity/Marah Johnson Co-branded Dare to fly set.

I really enjoyed creating with this paper and the Twinkling H20's. It was fun to color this paper to my liking and really easy to do. After I finished coloring the paper the way I wanted to I simply wiped the excess color with a paper towel. I really liked that this paper also worked well with colored mists.

I also used some MFT flower dies to create coordinating flowers to embellish my layout and color them with the Twinkling H2O's.

Don't forget to leave a comment over at the Unity and Creative Imaginations blog to be entered to win a wonderful prize!!

Now it's time for you to head over to Stephanie's blog to see what she has to share with you!

Have a creative day!

Paper Posies November kit

2011-11-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. I caught that terrible head cold last Tuesday and have been MIA ever since. I am so lad I was able to bundle up Monday night and get out with little girl for her first real Trick or Treating experience. She hasn't stopped talking about it since Halloween. Since I wasn't feeling that great I really didn't snap that many pics (insert sad face) I know...but I did get a few I will share soon!

Paper Posies revealed the November kit last week on the website here. I always love getting every Paper Posies kit in the mail! Not only does Michele pick the best products to mix and match but I always love the little project included!

To see the complete list on contents in this month's kit click here.

Here's a look as some of the layouts and cards I created with the November kit.

I loved using this Be You butterfly Co Branded stamp by Unity Stamp Co/Samantha Walker for my card. I also used one of the new Sizzix embossing folders.

My husband loves to make a special lunch for Lily. We call it "Lunch by Dad".

And here's my take on this month's project. I made a cute magnet for our fridge!

I really enjoyed creating with this month's kit. Order your today before they're gone!

2011-10-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Hip Hoppers! It's our second week hopping with My Little Shoebox and I am lucky to be on both of these wonderful teams. MLS Co-branded with Unity for their Summer 2011 collections. I'm so excited about all of these beautiful stamps and even more excited that they are on sale right now! Make sure you've started the Hip Hop at the Unity blog today because Angela has some exciting news about a giveaway you can win by particpating in today's Hip Hop.

If you get lost along the way here's the line up of the Hop today to help you out.

Unity Blog - http://theunitystampco.blogspot.com/

Angie Blom – http://angieblomdesigns.blogspot.com/

NicoleWragge - http://beingoutoftheboxcreative.blogspot.com/

Christi Snow – http://www.alteredambitions.blogspot.com/

NorineBorys- http://www.thevelvetlemon.blogspot.com/

JenBuck – http://thebuckstampshere.blogspot.com/

PattieBeltran- http://www.pattiebeltran.blogspot.com/

JimmiMayo – http://www.stampingwithjimmi.blogspot.com/

PearlLiu- http://maisymary.blogspot.com/

LisaArana – http://dahlhouse-designs.com/

RocioDuran - http://www.chiotaz.blogspot.com/

MarenBenedict – http://zanynotcrazy.blogspot.com/

RoPhilippsen - http://www.scrapbyrophilippsen.blogspot.com/

Natalie Dever – http://www.dougnat.blogspot.com/

ShellyBerg – http://shellyberg.blogspot.com/

ShemaineSmith – http://www.shemainesmith.blogspot.com/

ZoeNemburt - http://ceydaboo.blogspot.com/

StephanieMuzzulin - http://handmade75.blogspot.com/

MyLittle Shoebox Blog - http://www.mylittleshoebox.typepad.com/

Today I am sharing a couple of layouts I created with MLS's Audrey collection and the Unity Co-Branded stamps.

Stay Sassy beautiful

Supplies: My Little Shoebox Audrey collection and Unity Co-Branded Audrey Set.

Misc: Recollections resin roses and bling. Martha Stewart Punch around the Page.

Go Beautiful girl

Supplies: Patterned paper: Charade. Roman Holiday & Love in the Afternoon. Dies: Spellbinders Beaded Oval die: Scrapping Cottage Cottage Cutz Cameo and Oval Frame. My Little Shoebox mini alphas white and Sprinkle Glaze Cotton Candy stickers. Misc: Hero Arts bling

Audrey

on sale for only $10.00

Now I'm gonna send you over to Zoe's blog! Enjoy the rest of your journey!

2011-10-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting my blog again. I promise it's not intentional but I think when you handle social media for others, your own blog tends to be the one that suffers. I do have a couple of things to share today. I made some cards for a call with My Little Shoebox's Audrey collection that did not make the cut.

Hello Baby Girl

Supplies:MLS Audrey patterned paper:CharadeLove in the afternoonDies: Spellbinders lacey oval, ribbonStamp Sentiment: Hero ArtsMisc: resin roses RecollectionsKaisercraft pink rhinestones

_______

Happy Day

Supplies:MLS Audrey Pattern Paper: My Fair Lady Love in the afternoon Roman HolidayCardstock: Bazzill BasicsAudrey Cardstock StickerDie: Cottage Cutz Ornate Circle FrameFlowers: PrimaStamps: Unity Stamp CompanyMisc: Hero Arts rhinestones.

With Halloween a week away I wanted to share my front door decor I made using My Little Shoebox's Trick or Treat collection.

Here's a closer look at the little scene I created, each of the cardstock sticker kids represent Scott and Lily. Can you tell who's who?

Here's a fun decor idea from inside the house. I used Recollection gem stickers from Michaels to decorate this white pumpkin. Sadly the stickers lifted off the pumpkins the next morning and I had to come up with a plan B to get them to stick. Thankfully a little Modge Podge over the top and my heat tool did the trick for setting these not so sticky embellishments. Simply coat the top of the sticker and pumpkin with Modge Podge and turn on your heat tool. You will see the plastic on the stickers lift from the heat but it will lay back down or you can help it with a popsicle stick. Then let cool and use hot glue to apply the bow!

Back to the outside, I also altered this fun sign from Michaels with Pink paisley glitter alphas. I think it's spooky fun!

We even buried some of the family in the front yard...jk

Well, that's all I have for you today! Have a creative day friends!

Unity Stamp Company & Spellbinders 2-Day Blog Hop

2011-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our TWO-day event! It's Day two and I am soooo excited about this Blog Hop!

You should be joining me from Gloria Stengel’s blog, if notthen head to the beginning on the Unity Stamp Co. blog.

With all the blog-swaps that are happening out there lately, I can't think ofone more exciting than when the amazing women of SPELLBINDERS get togetherwith the rockstars of UNITYSTAMP COMPANY!

We can't wait to show you a special line of coordinatingproducts featuring SPELLBINDERSdies and SAMANTHAWALKER for Unity Stamp Co. rubber stamps!
Not only are we thrilled to be collaborating on such a special 2-day event, butONE of you will win ALL of thecoordinating stamps and dies from the Samantha Walker collection! We will also have 1 winner each day from thecomments that will receive 1 Samantha Walker stamp set and coordinating dies.
So be sure to enjoy our hop both days, leave comments on all of the blogs eachday and check back to see if you won!

(winners will be posted on Wednesday, October 19^thon the Unity Blog and Spellbinders Blog)

I was so lucky to get this set to create with!

So I made a little layout today using coordinating Samantha Walker papers too!

Supplies: Patterned Paper Samantha Walker for Creative Imaginations Orchard Harvest, Unity Samantha Walker Co Brand Cuckoo Clocks, Spellbinders Compadables Cuckoo Clocks die, Martha Stewart micro beads, American Crafts Thickers, misc Copics and jewels.

Here's a close up of the clock which I absolutely love! The detail in these stamps! The images are so beautiful. Stamps and a Spellbinder die to cut them out perfectly is... CRAFTER'S HEAVEN!!!

Now please head over to Michelle’sblog, I just know she's going to have something amazing for you!

In case you get lost along the way,please visit the Unity StampCompany blog for a list of all the blogs in today’s blog hop!

Unity Stamp Company http://www.theunitystampco.blogspot.com/

Robyn Weatherspoon http://herebygrace.typepad.com/here_by_grace/

Heidi Blankenship Embellished Dreams
Lesley Langdon http://lesleylangdoncreative.blogspot.com/
Maria Gurnsey http://scrapsbym.blogspot.com/

Judy Hayes http://judyhayesdesign.blogspot.com
Eva Dobilas http://evafromca.blogspot.com/

Holly Simoni http://www.hollysimoni.typepad.com/

Jen Erickson http://shut-up-its-true.blogspot.com/

Tonya Dirk www.creativit-tonya.blogspot.com
Lisa Henke http://www.mylittlecreativeescape.blogspot.com/
Julie Overby www.joverby.blogspot.com

MarenBenedict http://zanynotcrazy.blogspot.com/
Christine Emberson http://hope-chances.blogspot.com/

Wendy Chang http://www.justwen.blogspot.com/

GloriaStengel www.gloriascraps.blogspot.com
Shemaine Smith http://www.shemainesmith.blogspot.com/
Michelle Woerner http://stopandstamptheroses.blogspot.com/
Angie Blom http://angieblomdesigns.blogspot.com/

SpellbindersBlog http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/Community/Blog.aspx

Hip Hop... Hope!

2011-10-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

Hip Hop Peeps! October is Cancer awareness month! So Angela being Angela had to do her part and stand up to Cancer. She created Unity's first ever themed KOTM. So today we are celebrating this month's KOTM faith, hope, love...live by it!

Guess what? THIS IS THE FIRST TIME EVER you have been able to purchase a KIT OF THE MONTH the MONTH that it is released.

You will purchase the Kit for $35. $5 will be put into a fund and at the END of October the fund will be dispersed to families that are fighting the battle with Cancer. Unity will let you know where every penny is sent. We will be splitting up the money collected so that we can send it in different directions and it will DIRECTLY help these families.

Hope

I love the circle type image so I used it to create this card. The patterned paper is Kaisercraft. I used a Martha Stewart punch around the page punch and of course I had to use a big satin pink ribbon too!

Now if you didn't start the Hip Hop at Unity please head back over to the Unity blog! I know you won't want to miss what Angela has to share with you.

Now I am gonna send you off to see Stephanie!

i {heart} papers: Swimming for Katie Day Three

2011-10-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

I am really honored to be participating in this fundraiser for this brave momma. My heart goes out to her family and loved ones and I am praying for strength for them all. Cancer has touched my life and the lives of my own family more than once so I will continue to stand up to cancer in any way I can.

From October 10-12 some of the best stampers are joining together to support and encourage our friend and fellow stamper, Katie Renz, who is currently battling inoperable gastric cancer. If you're not familiar with her, Katie’s cancer story started just before Christmas last year. This young, beautiful, healthy, vibrant mother of 3 with her infectious smile was suddenly diagnosed with an inoperable cancer, virtually overnight. A few tummy aches and then stage 4 gastric cancer. Her first post about it is here. The idea of “Swimming for Katie” came from her recent post here.

Here's my card I made for Katie. It's going in the mail today. I added some bling and glitter because we all have sparkle, but some sparkle brighter than others. I hope Katie knows how bright she sparkles.

This exclusive stamp used in my sample, designed by Becky Oehlers is available as a clear stamp, as well as a digis or a dig and SVG cut file. 100% of the profits go to Katie's fund to help her and her young family. Her husband Kevin and her three young children need our help and support. In addition to the Keep Swimming Octopus, Marianne Walker and True =D Doodle Designs both also donated digis that are for sale. Direct donations are also being accepted. Information central is HERE. This is a permanent page that will stay active at i {heart} papers with current information and the full 3 day blog hop listing, as well as the donation button.

Here are all the items available for sale.

I hope you will join me in supporting Katie through a purchase or donation. The following is a list of everyone who has projects posted today. I hope you will be inspired by them and moved to purchase or donate.

If you would like to send Katie a card, her mailing address is:

Katie Renz
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Here's the master list of today's participants

Thanks for your support!

Oops! I almost forgot to post

2011-10-09T23:53:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I almost forgot to post my Tuesday Trigger card! Here's a look at this week's Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger challenge.

Ohh doesn't that look scrumptious! I was inspired more by the colors than the yummy treat. The colors reminded me of the soft Fall palette from We R Memory Keepers Autumn Splendor collection.

I've enjoyed playing along with this weekly challenge the past two weeks. Since I'm posting at the deadline tonight I want to share that every Tuesday is a new Trigger challenge

so swing by and check out what Cath has for you this Tuesday! I hope you'll be inspired to create something too!

Weekend wrap up

2011-10-09T23:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy weekend once again with both kids playing soccer. Lily got her cute plaque with her soccer photos Saturday at her Jamboree session (I'll post a pic of the plaque this week) She really loves to go every Saturday and play with "my girls" as she calls them. I am still trying to convince her in soccer she does not have to share the ball. It's funny how we teach our toddlers to share and then along comes a sport where the whole idea is not to share at all. It's too funny to watch her run to the ball get it under foot and then let her team mate take it from her to score the goal. She'll get it tho, I am sure. Here's a team 1 pic I shot on picture day. There are about 25 pink ladies in U5 so they had to split them into groups.

I must admit that I am not getting into my studio as often as I like.

It's not because I don't have time, I do actually. I think that sometimes the weight of life gets to be a bit too much for me and rather than escaping to my passion I let my worries take over. I don't typically share personal stuff on my blog but I've been thinking why would that not be OK? Most of the people who read my blog are friends who've always been so supportive and besides who would ever judge me for being honest about my feelings?I think that when we keep all these thoughts and worries inside us it only makes them worse. My husband told me once that his Mom used to have a cartoon on her fridge when he was a kid that said "worrying is like dying twice." Oh that is so true. I am a worrier... There I said it.

I think it started when I was a child because I had a very demanding mother who wanted things done exactly the way she wanted them done. I was given a lot of responsibility in caring for my young siblings when my parents divorced when I was 13. My mother worked nights, I was the Mom and all of those responsibilities fell on my shoulders while she was out of the house. I worried constantly about if I had completed the tasks she'd left me the way she wanted them done. I worried when I came home from school that day would she be mad or happy. Many times she was mad and I learned not to allow friends to come home with me. The one time I did, I regretted it forever and thankfully my friend was a real friend. She never told anyone at school what she witnessed that day she came home with me. We are still friends and I still love her for being so understanding and caring. I musty admit tho, finally I was able to share with someone what my life was like with my demanding mother and having someone to talk to about my life and struggles really set me free.

Sadly my mother and I don't have much to say to each other today. I have a lot of hurt over my childhood and she has a lot of anger towards me over my womanhood. She feels I mis- treated her and in many ways I still feel broken from her abuse. I'm working on letting it go but it won't happen anytime soon and neither will my worrying. I'm trying tho, and I guess sometimes to succeed you've got to first admit you failed.

So instead of letting my worries get to me, I am really going to make an effort to get in my studio and create more beyond my expected assignments from the teams I am so thankful to design for.
I have so many ideas that fill my head for projects and I really love the way crafting gives a certain feeling of peace. I think my life could use more peace right now. Scrapbooking has also given me the self confidence I didn't have as a girl. I know things won't change over night but realizing that sometimes things are out of my hands and letting go is good. I want to feel this weight I carry lift and I know with courage and the love I get from my sweet hubby, it will. I'll keep praying that our lives turn in a better direction and that my worries become a little less. Sheesh... it feels good to get some of these thoughts out of my head.

New from Ippity!

2011-10-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

It's new from Ippity! A really fun set called Time for...friends & wine.

This is such a cute kit and I love the meaning behind the sentiments and all the girls! After all where would we be without our girlfriends? Here's a little something I created with this cute set!

Supplies: Image and Sentiment: Ippity Patterned Paper: Kaisercraft. Misc: ribbon and Stickles

If you are interested in purchasing this set click here to find an Ippity Chick in your area!

Happy World Card Making Day!

2011-10-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am so excited to be participating in Paper Crafts World Card Making Day Blog Hop. I love making cards and there is so much card inspiration on each of the participating blogs today.

I hope you've been having a great time so far and if you made it to my blog I am really impressed since this year I am # 77 in this year's blog tour!

To celebrate World Card Making Day I wanted to create a special card for all of you who visit my blog. I love seeing the new and regular visitors who stop. I really appreciate that you take the time to check out my creations and leave me comments. I think it's super nice and wanted to share with you that your time is greatly appreciated. I've been so lucky to have made some wonderful fellow craft buddies here in cyber space. So today this Thanks is for you!

Supplies: Patterned paper and cardstock We R Memory Keepers: Autumn Splendor collection. Ribbon: Papertrey ink. Misc: bling from Michaels

The next blog on your hop is A Happy Scramper and belongs to Linda Langes. Enjoy your journey today!

Happy World Card Making Day friends!

Happy Hip Hop Holidays!

2011-09-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Hello there Hip Hoppers! Happy Hip Hop it's a Holiday stamp sale celebration today! Angela has just released some SUPER fab holiday themed stamps and we are sharing some inspiration created with these images with you today. There are some great deals for you so please start at the Unity blog to see the deals! I created some quick projects to share with you using 3 of the new kits! First a layout

I used the snowflakes from the Winter Wishes set here to create a fun border on my layout along with Nikki Sivils Gingerbread Land

I also used the Season's greetings image from the Holly Jolly Christmas

And created a card with the same Season's Greeting background image

And since Halloween is just around the corner, I couldn't resist a Spooky card with Treats and Fun!

Trick or Treat

Now it's time to hop on over to Stephanie and see what she has in store for you today!

Did you see HSN's 24 hour craft day?

2011-09-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Monday was HSN's 24 hour craft day and I am still having a hard time not buying the Cricut 2. I love my Cricut Expression and it works great. I just can't buy another one when I already have one but the new features look awesome! Anna Griffin had 2 different hour blocks and some of my samples were show which was really fun. I love the new Twinkle Bright collection. Here's a few things I created for the show.

I love the vintage feel of this holiday collection. That snowman is so cute!

We got to do a product swap with Spellbinders and I have been using my dies to create with for Anna's assignments. They go great with her paper collections.Anna also has a fall paper kit that was shown that I loved! Here's a few creations

I love cutting out the images and layering them. This floral print is so beautiful.

Now I'll shift gears and share a My Little Shoebox sneak of one of my October assignments with Audrey!

World Card Making Day is Saturday! Have you signed up for the Paper Crafts blog hop! I'm going to be sharing something fun! Be sure and stop by.

That's all the fun I have to share today. Have a good Wednesday!

Paper Posies October kit reveal!

2011-09-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

I loved this month's kit and as soon as it arrived I dove in. I love that Michele always pairs the best manufacturers to create a super fun kit to create with month after month! This month we have Jillibean Soup and Bella Blvd.

Here's some things I created using this fall themed kit!

A fun hello card with Bella Blvd

My little cutie and our neighbor, loving that pizza!

We don't really get fall in the city but I try to capture what I can of my favorite season at our local park.

Here's a close up some stitched leaves I created with my Sew Easy tool from We R memory Keepers

I loved these chipboard banner shapes from Bella Blvd I used to create this Fall Blessings card

Finally, here's this month's altered project from Maya Road. A fun acorn banner that I dressed up with Bella Blvd and Martha Stewart Glitter. The Thanks sticker is American Crafts. Easy and fun to create in a short amount of time.

Sunday crafting and a winner

2011-09-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

I love Sundays, not much really goes on around our house except football and the occasional soccer game for Scott. That leaves me usually doing laundry and crafting. Today I was in the mood to make some cards and was inspired by this week's Tuesday Trigger at the Moxie Fab World blog.

Here's my take on the challenge with the beautiful Miss Nelly collection by Kaisercraft.

I really like embossing vellum and layering it over pattern cardstock. I think it adds dimension to the card. Since I had all the cardstock out I decided to make another one.

You still have time to create your take on this week's Tuesday Trigger. Visit the Moxie Fab blog for all the details here.

Thanks to everyone that created with my sketch for the Paper Secrets Twisted Card hop. My winner is...

Raechelle Bellus!

Email me your address to shemainesmith@yahoo.com and I'll get your prize out to you this week.

Thanks to all who created with us!

I am looking forward to a new week. My husband and I have been taking morning walks together and it feels good to be getting back into a healthier routine.

This afternoon my son scored his first goal of the season and I am so very proud of him!

Here's a shot I got of his coach congratulating him before they started the last quarter. The Striker's won 5-3. It's so exciting to see Scott's confidence building.

2011-09-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hello friends. This week at the Imaginisce blog we're having a release party for our travel themed collection Bon Voyage! My fellow designers have made some fabulous projects for you to gain inspiration from. Make sure you stop by the Imaginisce blog all week long and comment for your chance to win some of this new collection.

Yesterday my projects were shown on the blog so I'm sharing them here with you today. I really wanted to show you that this collection didn't have to just be for travel photos. So take a look at what I came up with.

9th Grade

A layout with photos from my son's first day of high school

A journal I made for him to share his feelings.

And a card I created using the airplane Snag Em stamp.

That wraps up my projects with Bon Voyage! Hope you have a fantastic day!

Snag em up quick!

2011-09-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! Please scroll down for the Paper Secrets Blog hop.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial today on the Imaginisce blog!

Paper Secrets Twisted Card Hop

2011-09-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Paper Secrets Twisted Card Hop. Each of our team members have a card sketch with a twist posted along with a prize so be sure to visit all 8 blogs for 8 chances to win. You can also visit the Paper Secrets blog to see how you can win more prizes!

Here's my card

Supplies: Patterned paper Bella Blvd Super Stud; Sentiment Bella Blvd Unity Stamp Co Co-branded set Sweet Celebration; buttons Michaels $1 bin.

Prize: I have a fabulous mix of My Little Shoebox mini Alphas to give away!

Complete a card using this sketch AND the twist is that you must use BUTTONS.Upload your card to Mr Linky by the end of day (California time) September 23rd. Winner will be chosen on Saturday September 24th. Don't forget to visit the other 7 participating blogs including the Paper Secrets blog.

Paper Secrets http://paper-secrets.blogspot.com/
Kristi Beisel http://devosmommy.blogspot.com/
Rochelle Spears http://rochellespears.blogspot.com/
Nancy Dare http://daretobeunique-nancy.blogspot.com/
Joyce Casaldi http://1ashjoy.blogspot.com/
Kimmy Jaster http://www.lostinadreamofjosh.blogspot.com/
Nicolle Kramer http://nicollelovesscrapbooking.com/

Hip Hop!

2011-09-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

Hip hop hello friends! It's another fun Thursday at Unity with lots of ispiration and a little hiccup or two too!
Make sure you have started the Hop over at the Unity blog to read what Angela has for your today!

Today I am sharing a layout I created using September's KOTM: All Seasons

I love the images in this kit! Perfect for creating some great holiday cards! If you aren't a KOTM Subber then click on over here to read all the news about how to sign up.

Here's a look at my layout

Oh and don't forget...It's the 15th of the month which means Unity has a new challenge!!

This month's challenge is:

FALLING LEAVES

If you would like to create with us simply make any project using leaves and link it up over at the Unity challenge site! Now hop on over to Stephanie to see what she's created for you!