52 tags in 2012 Tag #1

Over at Pause Dream Enjoy Janis is hosting the 52 Tags In 2012 Series  COME PLAY WITH US
Here are the guidelines:
     *New Question or Tag theme posted every Friday.
     *Submit your Tag at any time during the year for any week.
     *You do NOT have to reveal what you write on the back, but you can if you want to share.
     *Please link back to Pause Dream Enjoy on your post inviting others to play along.
     *One randomly selected winner each month from all participants of that month.

Here is what I plan to do with this series:

Make tags for my home that inspire me.  I will post them on bulletin boards, the fridge, or just put them on shelves and other areas.  Then, when I'm walking by, I hope they will lift my spirits, keep me from getting to overwhelmed with life's day-to-day problems, and just brighten up my life!  So, thank you Janis for a wonderful way for me to refocus on what's important to me and my family.

This was Week #1 (January 6th, 2012):

Love of Self:

Recipe:

Paper: Card stock from my stash.  Both came from the same 8x8 pad, but I no longer have the cover.

The pink scallop is also from a scrap.  The pink inside sentiment (I know it looks yellow, 
but I think there is something wrong with my picture editing software) is from Colorbok Pastel cardstock pack.

Ribbon: hot pink zig zag from Wrights

Flowers: hot pink roses from Prima Flowers

Bling: flat dazzle gems (from Hobby Lobby)

Stamp: "Love" from Encouraging Thoughts by Cardz TV Stamps  Ink - Staz On Black

Cricut Cuts: Elegant Edges swirl 2 oblong both pieces are cut at 5.25".  I joined them together to form a card type tag by adhering the back to the front with score tape inserting the ribbon between the two layers.

I really enjoyed working on this tag.  Thank you Janis for the inspirations.  

  

Updating my card stash! Outlines Rubber Stamp Sketch

I've had so much fun this weekend adding new cards to my "Card Stash".  Lately I've been a creative slump; probably due t the rush of the holidays.  So, I spent time searching out new card "sketches",  "maps" or "recipes" to rekindle a spark of creativity.  I found this adorable card design at Outlines Rubber Stamps.  Of course, I missed the deadline because I didn't get my post done in time, but I loved making this card.

here's a close up

Recipe:
Card size A2 (5.5 x 4.25 inches)
   Pink and Yellow card stock from Colorbok Pastel Cardstock Pack
   Designer Paper - From my stash
Stamp
   "Hugs and Kisses" from CARDZ TV STAMPS "Encouraging Thoughts"
    Ink - Momento Hot Cocoa
Embellishments
   Ribbon - Jumbo Ric Rac from Wrights
   Gems from Recollections
   Lillies from Prima Flowers
   Butterfly from Paper Wishes
Cricut Cut
   I made the scalloped border by welding circles to a rectangle (both cut from George and Basic Shapes)

Some new projects

While I was "off" at Christmas break - I thought school was never going to start again!, I made some cards. Except for the first card, the rest have one thing in common, they use CardzTV Stamps.  These first two are the last of the 2011 Christmas cards I made.  These two cards also feature borders I cut with Spellbinder dies.

 "Merry Christmas" from the Classic Christmas stamp set.

These next cards feature Cardz TV Encouraging Thoughts stamp set.

"BIG Hugs"

"Thinking of You"

 I was a little nervous about stamping on paper that has script, but I think it turned out fine.

"be happy"

the bee's face is from Peachy Keen stamps

"You're in my prayers"

"Bless your heart!"

Just had to make another card with the Elegant Edges cartridge.

Hope you like them.

Sue

Merry Christmas 2011

Just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful and safe Christmas.  My wish for you is that each and everyone has a peaceful, safe, jolly, family-oriented, loving, carefree holiday day!  Take which ever part of the wish you want and I hope it will come true!  Blessings to all.  Sue

Cardz TV Design Team Christmas Blog Hop

Welcome to the  Cardz TV Design Team Christmas Blog Hop!  This is our first blog hop and we are all excited!!!!   If you came here from Amanda's blog, you are in the right spot!  If you want to start from the beginning, you need to start with our leader Mary's blog. You don't want to miss anyone's blog because there are great cards, and projects and prizes!
My Christmas card is a 5.5" square card that was made with three basics I consider essential in my paper crafting tools.

1. My Merry Christmas stamp is from CardzTV Stamps  "Classic Christmas".  Not only are these stamps beautiful and easy to use, the sentiments in this collection are a perfect for any variety of Christmas projects.  Both traditional and secular sentiments are included in this versatile set.  The deep etching of the clear stamps make stamping effortless.
2. My elegant layered mats are cut using Cricut Elegant Edges.  I don't have tons of cartridges and I only have the original Cricut that cuts on a 6 by 12 mat, but I would say Elegant Edges should be one of the basic cartridges for your collection.  The combinations of designs and the formats of cuts (including borders, ovals, pages, and shapes) make designing projects very easy and there is an endless amount of combinations.
3. I ran the doily cuts through my Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots folder.  This folder is another essential in my collection.  Dotted Swiss fabric has always been a classic for me.  I like it in my wardrobe, my home decorating and definitely in my paper crafting.  It brings a touch of elegance to any paper.                              

I chose not to chalk around the edges of my mats and frames, but I did ever so lightly highlight the dots with chalk ink.

The supplies and measurements for my card are at the bottom of this post.

Next is Karen's gorgeous project.  I know you'll just love it so pop on over.  But first...

There are fantastic gifts for participating in our blog hop:   Mary, from CardzTV, is giving away a Cricut Gingerbread Seasonal Cartridge AND  her CardzTV Holly Jolly Stamp Set. Also, Lynn from bootsandblingtime.blogspot.comhttp://bootsandblingtime.blogspot.com/ is giving away the North Pole Collection paper kit from Crate Paper.  In order to register for these fantastic prizes, you must leave a comment on each blog spot along the hop

Here is the order list for the hop:

Mary - http://www.cardztv.blogspot.com/

Kate - http://www.scrapperscreativecorner.blogspot.com/

Melissa - http://www.melissa-moecreations.blogspot.com/

Susan - http://www.itsmesusanp.blogspot.com/

Elaine - http://www.expressionsbyelaine.blogspot.com/

Theresa - http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/

Laura - http://www.queenscardcastle.blogspot.com/

Kristin - http://www.pinkldycrafter.blogspot.com/

Shawnee - http://www.quiverofangels.blogspot.com/

Gloria - http://www.girliascards.blogspot.com/

Julie - http://www.cricutchick.com/

Jeri - http://www.bugnme.blogspot.com/

Nicole - http://www.teachdanz.blogspot.com/

Lynn - http://www.bootsandblingtime.blogspot.com/

Amanda - http://www.craftsbyamanda.blogspot.com/

Sue - http://www.suescraftymess.blogspot.com/   YOU ARE HERE

Karen - http://www.littlescrappieces.blogspot.com/

Dana - http://www.iwycd.blogspot.com/

DeNetra - http://www.craftynanny3.blogspot.com/

Sharon - http://www.meemeescreations.blogspot.com/

Candice - http://www.stampinpearls.blogspot.com/

Janis - http://www.pausedreamenjoy.blogspot.com/

Card Products and Measurements:

Paper: Recollections White, Color Bok Navy Blue

          Paper Wishes Blue snowflake metallic

Ribbon: Hobby Lobby narrow silver zig zag  15"         

Ink: Stazon Black for sentiment

       Color Chalk light blue (lightly dusted the white doily pieces)

Stamps: Merry Christmas - CARDZ TV Stamp Set Classic Christmas

Gems: Hobby Lobby bulk bag of silver stars 

Cricut Cuts: Elegant Edges  

         Cuts are Eyelet 1 (page 21 in handbook) 

         Large Doily Shadow navy cut at 5" high

         Large Doily white cut at 5" high

         Doily Frame Shadow navy cut at 3" high

         Doily Frame white cut at 3" high

         Sentiment Circle Shadow navy cut at 1.89" (I used George for the circles)

         Sentiment Circle white cut at 1.89"

Card base 5.5" x 11" folded  at 5.5"

Card top layer (Blue metallic) 5 3/8" square

Thanks for stopping by.  Make sure you leave a comment so you are entered for the prizes.  

Hot Chocolate Mix

Just thought I'd share this Hot Chocolate Mix recipe.  I've been making it since 1982 when Pillsbury published a small Classic Cookbook (#19) called Children's Choice Cookbook.

Ingredients:
25.6 oz package (8 quarts) instant nonfat dry milk
1 lb container instant cocoa mix (I use Nestle' Quick dry mix)
6 oz. jar nondairy powdered creamer
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

In a large container, combine all ingredients.  Store tightly covered.  For each serving, combine 1/4 cup of the mix with 1 cup of boiling water.  Stir until dissolved.  Makes about 50 cups of cocoa.

The cocoa is in the center of the picture and the cookies are directly below Raggedy Anne's apron.

My favorite cookie to go with:

Applesauce Gingies (from same book)
1 pkg. Pillsbury Gingerbread Mix
1 cup applesauce
1/12 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup raisins

Frosting
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons softened butter or margarine
2-3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
dash of salt
raisins

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Grease cookie sheets (or line with parchment paper).  In large bowl combine all cookie ingredients; mix well.  Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, on prepared cookie sheets.  Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes.  Cool.
In a small bowl, combine all frosting ingredients; beat until smooth and creamy.  Spread over cooled cookies.  Deconrate with raisins.  Store in tightly covered container.  60 cookies.

Cardz TV Stamp Challenge #2 Crafty Christmas

Welcome to Cardz TV Stamp Challenge #2 CRAFTY CHRISTMAS! Please join in the fun and look for a surprise!  Mary  will be giving away not one but TWO sets of stamps to the winner of the challenge.

Here's my project - a 5 1/2" by 5 1/2" square card.

Now about the card:
Inspired by Cardmaking and Papercraft magazine, I made this card using  "Classic Christmas" stamp "Noel".  Here's a close up of the beautiful Noel stamp.  This is an elegant stamp set with deep swirls!

And here is a closeup of the polar bears.  This image is from the Winter Wonder Christmas Stamp Collection that came with issue 11 of  Cardmaking and Papercraft .   I stamped and colored the image twice, then cut out the polar bears and layered them for depth.   The oval grouping is popped up from the squares below to add more depth to the card.

The solid papers are from Recollections and Christmas paper is from Me and My Big Ideas. The ovals and the squares were cut from the George cartridge.

Make sure you check out all the other DT members at the CardzTV Stamp Challenge and let us see how you're having a Crafty Christmas!  Thanks for stopping by; I'd love to hear what you think about the card, challenge, stamps or to answer any questions.  Just leave a comment.

Sue