"Love is when a puppy licks your face... even after you left him alone all day"

Truer words have never been spoken.  The only thing better than coming home to an excited puppy... is coming home to two excited puppies.  It doesn't matter how bad your day is, or how upset you are when you walk in the door... when you are met with little wagging tails, and covered in puppy kisses... the stress of your day just disappears.

We made the decision last December to add a puppy to our household.  When we made the trip to meet our potential new family member, we did not anticipate what we would find waiting for us.  Here are the little furbabies we went to meet...

The little boy, formerly known as Toby, chose me from the moment we walked in the door.  It was a mutual love at first sight.  I knew the puppy I wanted and there was no way I was leaving him there.  His sister, formerly known as Marbles, was so sweet, but a little shy.  She parked herself at Brian's feet.  I knew at this time we had a problem.  When Brian asked what I was thinking, I didn't hesitate to say that I had to have the little boy.  Then I thought I should ask what he was thinking (more out of courtesy as my mind was made up).  He responded with, "you are not going to like what I am thinking"... OH BOY... here we go, we are about to battle because he wants the little girl... playing along I ask why I am not going to like what he is thinking... his response... "I think we should take both"... now I admit for a minute I was scared.  We planned on one puppy.  Two seemed overwhelming.  It's like having a sono and seeing twins.  This had to sink in... for all of 2 minutes, then I reluctantly and excitedly agreed.  The pic above is from their first night home... that night we met them... we were not leaving them one more day!  We did rename them... Bella and Buddy seemed to fit just perfectly as Buddy is just that... he follows you around, never leaving your side... and Bella is just a little girly princess. 

Well it's been 10 months and they are now just over a year old.  They are as sweet as can be.  They didn't take any time to settle in to their new home, and they wasted no time taking over!  They are a little spoiled I admit it, but it's very hard not to spoil these adorable little bundles of love.  I mean just look at them.  They just love life and they make you realize the good in life. 

 

This is Bella at a year old.  She is as sweet as can be.  She leaves no spot on your face without a wet spot from kisses...  I am convinced she thinks her name is Belly not Bella as a simple glance her way and she rolls over to expose her little belly for a nice little belly rub.  She is the defiant one... and does not always like to listen, but in the end she will do anything she is told for her favorite treat.

This is little man Buddy at a year old.  He is my baby.  I don't play favorites, but he has favored me from day one.  He goes from his bed in the morning to my lap for a quick nap while I have coffee before work.  He's my little snuggle buddy.  He loves to play fetch and the only time he shows any anger is when Bella takes his favorite toys!  

Looking back at the sleepless nights, the potty training, the vet bills and the "Bad Puppy" moments like the one below... (all times 2)... I wouldn't change a thing!  They don't care if I am gone all day, a few days or if I walk out to my car and return 2 minutes later... every time I return, I am met with excited little faces and tons of puppy kisses!  There really is no better feeling!

"Those that say you can't buy happiness, apparently never purchased a puppy... or two!"

September Swaps - So much fun!!!

I had a very trying week at my full time job.  Thankfully I signed up to do two swaps which forced my hand at creativity and in return provided a nice peaceful activity to combat my stress.  I hope you enjoy the items I made, I will post pics of the items I received soon!

First up is the card I made for the Consultant Stamp Camp I attended Saturday.  A full day of creativity with a fantastic bunch of ladies.  It was just what the doctor ordered... really, I work with a bunch of doctors and they told me to do something I really enjoy this weekend... so I did!

FROSTED HAPPY HOLIDAYS CARD

I made this Frosted Happy Holidays Card and have provided the recipe below:
X1410 Colonial White Card 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"
X71758 Frosted Paper Packet (blue/cream snowflakes paper used-first pattern in packet)
1272 Cranberry Cardstock
Z2116 Crankberry Ink
Z2173 Slate Ink
Z2419 Cranberry Marker
Z1751 Cranberry Baker's Twine
Z1752 Sparkles Clear Assortment

Stamps Used:
B1412 Perfect Fit Holiday (see Circle Punch Below)
B1424 Classy Doily (see Cricut Cut below)

Z1790 Artist Cricut Collection (pg 56, Accent 1 H @ 3 1/2" - Doily
Z1686 Art Philosophy Collection (pg 31 @ 2" -Scallop Circle

Z1311 1 1/4" Circle Punch (Small Circle for Perfect Fit Holiday Stamp)

AUTUMN ARTIST TRADING CARD

This next little piece of art was a lot of fun.  I have never made an Artist Trading Card, I didn't even know what it was.  I admit I had to google it to see.  One of my fellow CTMH Consultants posted this swap and I thought it would be fun to try something I have not done before.

This is what I learned while doing my first ATC (Artist Trading Card)...

• Anything goes - this allows you to just create freehand and see what happens.  Fun Fun Fun!
• It is not as easy as you would think to make all that art fit on a 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" piece of paper!  That was probably the toughest part about creating this card!
• You actually sign the back with your information and the theme of the card. Pretty cool!

I decided to take pics of the process and the creative steps that led me to this cute little card so you can follow along on the creation of my very first ATC.

Stamp Set Used: Petit Perks - A Touch Of Fall

(Note: Consultant Stamp Only - if you want one, contact me to find out how you can get one)

 

   Step 1: I cut a piece of Colonial White Carstock just under 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", to fit on the actual size piece of Goldrush Cardstock I cut as the base of the card and sponged the background to add some Fall color.  I sponged the blank piece of paper using a piece of sponge and Cashmere Ink (first pic), followed by Goldrush Ink on another piece of sponge.

  

Step 2: I chose the acorn from the stamp set to use with Cashmere Ink to add a pattern to the sponged background.  I stamped the acorn in random patterns.  I made 9 of these and each one is unique! 

Step 3: I added a small piece of Burlap Ribbon... nothing says Fall/Autumn like natural Burlap!  I adhered it with Liquid Glass to make sure it stays in place.

  

Step 4: I added some Bronze Shimmer Trim at the top.  I wanted to create a nice base that would show behind the title once I added it.  I cut the strips in half as I only wanted a small accent.

Step 5: I dug into my stash of stamps knowing I wanted to use the small Autumn words from last year's Stamp Of The Month Fall Favorite!!!  I love this stamp set, too bad it's retired!  It was perfect for this tiny card front. 

  

Step 6: I added some Sparkles - Brown and Tan Assortment so I could make the words look like little bullet points.  

Step 7: I stamped the word "fall" in Cocoa Ink onto Goldrush Cardstock and cut it out to make the title.  Again, this retired Stamp Of The Month was perfect as the title fit perfectly on this little card.

  

Step 8: I took the remaining stamps from the Petit Perks and used each image with a different color of Pigment Ink from the Whimsy Collection.  I used Sweet Leaf for the green leaf, Creme Brulee for the Wheat/Corn, and Sorbet for the Pumpkin!  I combined the Pigment Ink with the Clear Detail Embossing Powder  and heated it with a heat gun.  You can't tell very well, but there is a glossy effect to these pieces.

Step 9: I adhered the top card I created to the piece of Goldrush Cardstock, added my Artist Trading Card information to the back and it's all done!  I hope you enjoyed following this little gem from plain paper to work of art!

Congratulations to the September Mystery Hostess Rewards Winner!!!

Congrats to Lynn... winner of September's $25 Mystery Hostess Rewards!

If you want a chance to win $25 in Hostess Rewards in October, simply place your order of $25 or more by joining October's online gathering or contact me to submit your order by 10/25/13 to be entered into a drawing for $25 in Hostess Rewards! NOTE: You MUST click JOIN if submitting an online order.

You Are My Happy - Let's Celebrate National Stamping Month

THREE TIMES THE FUN, THREE TIMES THE HAPPY!

Get an exclusive You Are My Happy stamp set trio in celebration of National Stamping Month! During the month of September, when you make a purchase of $50 or more, you qualify for this whimsical stamp set trio for only $10. You'll love the whimsical alphabet, light-hearted sentiments, and fanciful images for a variety of occasions to give a cheerful touch to your projects, with a full retail value of $47.90.

***Don't forget you still qualify for the September Stamp of the Month too!  See the Stamp Of the Month Tab for more details!  Take advantage of both deals for just $15 (plus shipping and handling).  That's a retail value of $65.90 and a savings of $50.90!  If you would like a chance at even more savings, place your order by joining September's online gathering or contact me to submit your order by 9/25/13 to be entered into a drawing for $25 in Hostess Rewards!

Here is a close up of what is included in this stamp set!

Check out the video below for some great ideas on how to use this adorable stamp set!

*Offer valid September 1-30, 2013. Placing a minimum order of $50 is required for qualification. One stamp set trio for every $50 spent. Tax and shipping/handling apply. The stamp set trio arrives on 3 D-size carrier sheets in 2 stamp envelopes: one carrier sheet in one envelope (like a D-size stamp) and two carrier sheets in one envelope (like an E-size stamp).

Artbooking in August - Week 4

I can't believe we are at the end of August.  In Upstate NY you know the end of summer is here when The Great New York State Fair is here... and it is!  I hope you have enjoyed Artbooking in August! 

In case you are just joining us for the first time, over 30 CTMH consultants have gathered to showcase the new Cricut Artbooking Collection and inspire you (and me) with creativity this month. Each Monday in August, we posted artwork on our blogs with a link to the next blog so you can follow along and see just how fabulous this new cartridge is!!

To keep things interesting, our challenge was to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and any CTMH paper pack. Our mission is to design each of the following: 1) a 2 page layout, 2) a card, 3) a Mini Album and 4) a Home Decor or Giftable item.  Since the 4 projects can be posted in any order, you will find a great variety every Monday, so don't forget to stop back each week!

If you arrived here from Carol's Blog, you are on the right path.  Don't forget to continue on to the next at the end of my post!  Comments along the way are encouraged and appreciated!  If you run into a broken link and would like to continue... please click here for the entire list of participants!

This week I am featuring the Mini Album.  I hope by now you will agree that Artbooking is an excellent addition to our other collections, Art Philosophy and Artiste!  Click on the Cricut Artbooking tab for more product detail about this collection.

I am going to apologize in advance as this is an unfinished project.  I only had time to get to MONTH 8, so I have to add pages for 9, 10, 11, 12 and HAPPY 1st Birthday will be the last page, using the birthday cake overlay!  I will add the pages when done.  The book is for a co-worker and since it's a girl, I really wanted to use Lucy, which is now retired.  I also used the Irresistibles numbers tags I got on While Supplies Last to count down the months!

If you look at the Artbooking collection, the first thing you notice is the quick and easy Mini Albums.  If you've been following our blog hop since week one, you've seen a bunch of these wonderful little books.  I did my mini album a little different.  I took one of the 6x6 albums that were recently on clearance and created a mini album using Artbooking items for the pages.

 

This is my title page, and it's the only page that does not feature Artbooking of some sort.  This page was inspired by the one in the Idea Book and thought it was perfect for my co-workers gift for her photos of her new daughter.

 

 

This page has the four open square overlay and the little heart banner.  So easy and so cute!

 

The page above has the honeycomb overlay, the photomat with the bow, the little floral border at the bottom and the Giggles and grins title.

 



 

This adorable little ray of sunshine overlay was perfect when combined with the My Sun Shine title, both from the Artbooking.

 

 

I wanted to keep this side simple since the ray of sunshine draws your eye on the other page.  I did use the "Little One" title on this page from Artbooking.

 

 

I love this overlay and I actually want to do this in a full size album now.  The sweet leaf green overlay has the cut out for the photo and also the little circle, which I decorated.  The "baby girl" is also cut from Artbooking.

 

 

I love the honeycomb layout so much I decided to use it again, but in a different color.  I love that the cut outs are large enough to see the pattern paper through (even at 6x6 size).  The photo mat was cut on Art Philosophy.

 

 

This doily cut is absolutely adorable and just pretty!  I cut the middle circle as a photo mat to create some dimension. 

 

 

This little picture overlay is so cute.  I added pattern paper behind the middle section and used the baby's name since it's only 4 letters.  On a full size layout this would resemble the Project Life layout.

 

 

This page has the little decorative filmstrip and the banners containing "my favorite photos" that were cut by the Artbooking.

 

 

This last page (last I have completed, but not last in the mini album)... features a photo mat with a little heart in the corner and the "sugar and spice" title.

 

I will add the last few pages when I get a chance to finish them up, I just didn't want to hold up the hop by not posting what I had so far.

If you would like to purchase any of the products used to create this beautiful gift, please visit my website or send me an email!

I hope you enjoyed my project as much as I enjoyed creating it!  Now please continue on the pathway to creativity by hopping on over to Jami's blog to see what wonderful project she has prepared!

Thank you for joining us for the final week of Artbooking in August!

Artbooking in August - Week 3

Are we having fun yet... I know I am... I can't believe we are at Week 3 already!  Time flies when you are having fun!!!

In case you are just joining us for the first time, over 30 CTMH consultants have gathered to showcase the new Cricut Artbooking Collection and inspire you (and me) with creativity this month.  Each Monday in August, we will be posting artwork on our blogs with a link to the next blog so you can follow along and see just how fabulous this new cartridge is!!

To keep things interesting, our challenge was to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and any CTMH paper pack. Our mission is to design each of the following: 1) a 2 page layout, 2) a card, 3) a Mini Album and 4) a Home Decor or Giftable item.  Since the 4 projects can be posted in any order, you will find a great variety every Monday, so don't forget to stop back each week!

If you arrived here from Carol's Blog, you are on the right path.  Don't forget to continue on to the next at the end of my post!  Comments along the way are encouraged and appreciated!  If you run into a broken link and would like to continue... please click here for the entire list of participants!

This week I am featuring the Home Décor/Giftable Item (in this case both as it's a beautiful frame wall art for my sister.  By the end of August, I hope you will agree that Artbooking is an excellent addition to our other collections, Art Philosophy and Artiste!  Click on the Cricut Artbooking tab for more product detail about this collection.

I have wanted to make my sister a special gift to show her how proud I am of her for making some life-altering changes lately!  Since her living room colors are basically the Avonlea Paper Pack, I decided to pull out my stash of retired paper and make good use of it.  Oh how I love that paper, I stalked up before it retired.  I found this wonderful frame at Hobby Lobby for 50% off which is perfect as I wanted it to look more like art than the typical rectangle photo frame.  I love how this turned out... and Artbooking is present throughout this project... let me show you where...

 

First, I took the least bold pattern in the Avonlea paper and used it as a base.  Then I cut the overlay on page 84 (nursery layout however this does not look very babyish when used with Avonlea) in Avonlea Teal.  Now the base page has a wow factor!

 

I saw the photo mat on page 81 (teen layout) and thought it resembled the outside shape of the frame so I decided to use that!  I cut it in Slate.  I loved how it had the matching outline photo mat and I cut that in Olive. This provides a nice solid base for my sentiment.

 

 

The main part of the sentiment is HAPPINESS so I wanted that to really stick out.  I used Cricut Craft Room and the Artbooking font to created the title (welded together to make it easy to assemble) and cut it 3 times... top layer is Avonlea Teal B&T, middle layer is Avonlea Cream Script B&T and the bottom layer is Avonlea Teal Cardstock.  I love it the layers make it pop!  I adhered it to the page with pop dots to add dimension.

 

 

 

Happiness is an inside job... isn't that the truth!  Happiness is also the Artbooking collection, but that didn't fit with the purpose of this gift!  I used the Keyboard Uppercase Alphabet (B1416) which is my go to stamp set when I need to add a quick word.  I also used the Vintage Type Alphabet (D1481) for the word JOB and popped that up for dimension! 

 

 

For embellishments, I created a coordinating fan flower from folded and punched paper and put an Avonlea Canvas Shape in the middle and topped it off with a pearl.  I used the Opaque Pearl Flourishes, Opaque Pearl Adhesive Gems, the Slate roses from the Slate Mini Medley (I took the pin off) and added some leaves and a flower in Avonlea Teal (which are actually the inside pieces of the overlay... I don't like to waste paper).  I provided some close up pics below.

 

 

If you would like to purchase any of the products used to create this beautiful gift, please visit my website or send me an email!

I hope you enjoyed my project as much as I enjoyed creating it!  Now please continue on the pathway to creativity by hopping on over to Jami's blog to see what wonderful project she has prepared!

Don't forget to stop back next Monday for the last Artbooking in August!

It's a Chocolate Affair and it's FREE!!!

Here are just a few items made from the August Stamp Of The Month, A Chocolate Affair.  If you need a quick decorative party idea, this is adorable... for kids and adults... I mean who doesn't like chocolate??

I used the Babycakes paper packet, the Perfect Fit Frames-2 Stamp Set, the Frame Flair Stamp Set, Sunset Ink, Chocolate Ink, and Sparkles, Brown and Tan Assortment.  These were quick, easy and so much fun!  Everyone loved them!  It just made sense to use the Oreo Cookies with the package of Oreos and the Brownie Points with the little packaged brownie and then I used a generic for the Chips A'Hoy!  The possibilities for gift giving and party throwing are endless with this stamp set.

Here is a look at the actual stamps included in the set:

Typically the Stamp of the Month is $5 with a $50 order, however this month, Close To My Heart is Sweetening the Deal.  There is still time to get your Stamp of the Month for FREE ($17.95 value) with a qualifying $50 order. 

Contact me to get yours today!

Artbooking in August - Week 2

 

Are you ready to get creative?? Close to 40 talented CTMH consultants have gathered to showcase the new Cricut Artbooking Collection and inspire you with creativity this month.  Each Monday in August, we will be posting artwork on our blogs with a link to the next blog so you can follow along and see just how fabulous this new cartridge is!!

To keep things interesting, our challenge was to create 4 different projects using the Cricut Artbooking cartridge and any CTMH paper pack. Our mission is to design each of the following: 1) a 2 page layout, 2) a card, 3) a Mini Album and 4) a Home Decor or Giftable item.  Since the 4 projects can be posted in any order, you will find a great variety every Monday, so don't forget to stop back each week!

If you arrived here from Carol's Blog, you are on the right path.  Don't forget to continue on to the next at the end of my post!  Comments along the way are encouraged and appreciated!  If you run into a broken link and would like to continue... please click here for the entire list of participants!

 

This week I am featuring a two page layout using the Sarita paper packet.  By the end of August you will see that this is a very excellent addition to our other collections, Art Philosophy and Artiste!  Click on the Cricut Artbooking tab for more product detail about this collection.  

 

I have to admit that Sarita was not my favorite paper to start with, but I participated in a swap and that was the paper assigned.  I can't tell you how glad I am that I was forced to create with this paper.  By the time I finished this layout, I appreciated all of the patterns, colors and really fell in love with this paper so much that I created a 2nd layout using the other color palate and more Artbooking!  The inspiration for both layouts came from the Make It From Your Heart, Volume 2 How To Pattern Book.  If you have not discovered these, you are missing out! 

 

 

As you can see, I focused the first layout on the Goldrush (gold) and Lagoon (turquoise) colors, and for the second one I concentrated on the Gypsy (purple) and Cotton Candy (pink), making sure to utilize the Outdoor Denim (navy) in both!  Both layouts feature items created with the Artbooking. 

 

In the pic above, I used the "On this Day" title as well as the round base it is mounted on, the Lagoon overlay, the Live Out Loud (negative word effect) on the banner frame, the banner frame and the little piece of note paper... ALL cut from the Artbooking collection!  The paper is stamped with the coordinating lined paper stamp that comes with the Artbooking collection.

 

 

Items that were cut using the Artbooking on the right page of the layout are the Together banner title, the Today negative space banner and the DATE on the photo mat!

 

 

This little filmstrip was stamped using the stamp set in the Artbooking collection.  NOTE: The Artbooking cartridge does cut actual filmstrips, I just wanted the vintage look of this stamp and the layered look of the Outdoor Denim and Colonial White paper.

 

 

While there is nothing in the pic above that was cut from the Artbooking, I think it's important to point out some of the other awesome new products that were used to make this layout.  The Jute Ribbon is so natural and adds some nice dimension.  The Embossed Metal Badge Buttons are adorable and add just a bit of pop.  The Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon matches the colors perfectly and I can't tell you how much I love the Washi Wonders Hostess Rewards Stamp Set.  It's a must have, so book your Home Gathering now!

 

 

I used the Artbooking on the second layout to create these adorable little frames.  They remind me of Polaroid photo frames!  I can't wait to fill them.  Oh and there's that Washi Wonders again.  I love that I can add Washi tape to any layout in any color without having to buy it!

 

If you would like to purchase any of the products used to create this fun layout, please visit my website or send me an email!  

I hope you enjoyed my project as much as I enjoyed creating it!  Now please continue on the pathway to creativity by hopping on over to Jami's blog to see what wonderful project she has prepared!

Don't forget to stop back every Monday for more Artbooking in August!