Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Easter Blessings

Exploring Cricut and More Challenge Entry

Machine:  Silhouette Cameo 
SVG file:  Easter Blessings Frame and Cross
is a free file from Paper Yoga at: 
http://paperyoga.com/?s=Easter+Blessings
Easter Challenge:  Create a card, layout,
Paper Craft - any colors, include at least one
frame & one embellishment (jewel, brad, pearl).

 
Challenge is open until Saturday, April 12 10 PM (EST).
Check out the other challenge entries and play along by visiting Exploring Cricut and More at:
http://www.exploringcricut.blogspot.com/2014/04/its-easter-challenge.html

I pray you have a Blessed Easter...


Monday, April 7, 2014

Welcome Spring

So long Winter... We need the beauty of Spring to lift our spirits and brighten our day! Springtime....You are Welcome here!

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Personalized Vinyl Piggy Bank Baby Gift

Plain piggy bank was purchased at Hobby Lobby on clearance.

Materials:  vinyl purchased from Expressions vinyl.  They have great instructions on their website with the best settings to cut your vinyl.

Cricut Cartridge used: Lyrical Letters
Simply personalized with childs Initial, Name and colorful circles.

I love giving personal gifts that will become a keepsake. Blessings!

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Summer Memories on Winter Days

Oak Island, North Carolina

Anyone else feel like it has been a long Winter?
While scrapbooking beach photos tonight
I couldn't help just staring at the peaceful scene
of the sun sinking into the horizon.

Remembering the warmth on my face
and the wind in my hair, I was reminded
of why I scrapbook....preserving precious memories.

Just seeing these photos transported me to
my last vacation and all the peace, tranquility
and fun with family immediately brought a 
smile to my face.

Now, the other ladies I was scrapbooking with
may have thought I was a little off if
they noticed me staring in space with a smile, 
but we've all done this when we scrap...right?

What sparks your favorite memories
when you scrapbook?
 



Thursday, October 10, 2013

A Time for Everything

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
 A time to be born,
    And a time to die;
A time to plant,
    And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
    And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
    And a time to build up; 
A time to weep,
    And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
    And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
    And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
    And a time to refrain from embracing; 
A time to gain,
    And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
    And a time to throw away
A time to tear,
    And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
    And a time to speak; 
 A time to love,
    And a time to hate;
A time of war,
    And a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A lot of time has passed since I've written on my blog.
I've had wonderful times with family and friends
and I've had hard times of health issues with surgery and tests.

Through it all I was reminded of these verses...
There is a time for everything.
So, wherever you find yourself today...
Remember, the hard days won't last forever.
There is a time for everything!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Cupcake Bar & Popcorn Bar for Celebrations

Build Your Own Cupcake Bar
Choose a Cupcake...Add Buttercream Icing &
Your Choice of Toppings.
All placed in Mason jars with spatulas &
long tea spoons to dip toppings.

Cupcake Flavors:  Red Velvet & French Vanilla
Fun Unique Topping Choices:  Marshmallows,
Cherry Chips, Pretzel Pieces, Crushed Peppermint,
Mint Chocolate Chips, Sugar Beads & Sprinkles

A Tiered Storage Basket Made the Perfect Cupcake Stand


I gave a surprise birthday celebration for my husband with a 
possible 100 people coming so I needed lot's of food but
also needed to hide it from my husband.  It all
needed to be easily prepared and easy to set up quickly.


 Popcorn Bar


 Build Your Own Popcorn - Add Your Own Seasonings 

Unique Seasonings:  Cinnamon/Sugar, Cajun,
Cheddar, Ranch, Parmasean

I started with buttered popcorn from
Subway in the bags for easy prep.

I purchased seasonings from Dollar Tree & Walmart in the
spice sections (actual popcorn seasonings in popcorn aisle
was much more expensive).  My favorite was a ranch seasoning in 
an envelope used for salads, etc.


Punch Recipe: 1/2 gallon raspberry sherbert,
1 gallon fruit punch & 2 liters 7 up.
It wouldn't all fit in a punch bowl so we guessed
and it was delicious & easy!

This was a fun celebration with easy
to prepare food for many friends!

 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Check Out this Cool Up-Cycling Project from Apron Strings and Favorite Things Blog






This used to be a stand to hold TV trays that was
antiqued and graphics added.  Now it's a lovely towel rack!

An old metal chair gets a new chic makeover!

Check out the link below to see the details!



Blessings to All!

Personalized Tumbler Glasses with Vinyl

Gift Ideas with Cricut Projects


My first try at cutting vinyl with my Cricut.
I love making practical gifts for friends/family &
creating something to let them know I care.


Cricut Settings used for vinyl
Pressure 3
Blade Depth 3
Speed 3

Lyrical Letters Cricut Cartridge used for Monogrammed Letters
This allows the vinyl to be cut but leaves the backing on
for easy removal of letters with tip of paper piercer
 or tip of exacto knife.

This is a great way to use small scraps of ribbon also.

Happy Crafting!

 


Hello Spring...So Long Winter!

Looking Forward to Sunnier Days

Anyone else really glad its Springtime?
I don't usually mind any of the seasons including Winter,
but I admit this has been a long Winter
and I'm so thankful Spring is here!

Winter brought many blessings to me
through times of health problems and resting
more than crafting, although I do have lots 
of ideas now to try out this Spring/Summer.

I look forward to seeing you in 
the blogging world once again
in these Sunnier Days of Spring!

God Bless!
 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Been a While...But Not Forgotten

Blogging Friends....
Life has been too busy,
but I certainly haven't forgotten you!

My Christmas projects are finished
with pictures taken, so...
Many paper craft Posts Coming Soon!

Merry Christmas!
 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Vintage Memory Tray Wall Hanging


Vintage Memory Tray

I made this for a friend's retirement and was inspired
by the party invitation showing a photo 
from many years ago. 

My favorite piece of the project.
When I recently bought my son new jeans,
the Union Bay jeans had this tag on them.
Cover the size with vintage ric-rac and a button.

Presto...Beautiful Vintage Tag for FREE!

 
Buttons, Ribbons & Lace...

 I purchased tray at Hobby Lobby.
It is made by The Paper Studio.

Papers are Die Cuts with a View, K & Company
& My Big Idea

Get Creative...Try Your Own!
Can't wait to get started on Christmas gifts now!
 

Monday, September 3, 2012

Beauty in Nature

Cumberland Falls
Corbin, Kentucky


 Such beauty in God's nature!
 
The roar of rushing water meets your ears
as you watch water cascade down the falls.
 
 The Cumberland River makes a spectacular
show at this unique state park in Kentucky.

Learn  more about Cumberland Falls at:



 

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Liebster Award from Cyndi

Thank you Cyndi for giving me the Liebster Award.
I have been under the weather for a while
and now ready to BLOG!  

Check out Cyndi's lovely blog at: 

                                     When You Receive the Liebster Blog Award You...                                                   
1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
2. Link back to the blogger who presented you the award .
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Present the Liebster Blog Award to bloggers with less than 200 followers.
5. Let them know they have been chosen by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here are the blogs that I am
passing the Liebster award to:
 

Enjoy visiting their blogs, making new crafting friends and
gaining inspiration to share with others who need encouragement! 
 
Happy Crafting & God Bless!

 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Favorite Vacation Spot

When one foot hits the sandy beach, 
I simply just exhale a long breath!

Do you have a favorite spot where you
allow your cares to float away?

Unfortunately in life, we don't always get
to head to the beach or the mountains.
 There are those pesky things called bills
that prevent us from traveling at times.

I read in a book somewhere that life
is made up of Have to's and Want to's
and we should choose to 
do some of each everyday.  

The key to that exhale of breath
that we often experience on vacation is
to keep life in perspective and have a 
little fun along with that pesky thing called work.

The next time you feel yourself tense and 
holding in your breath as you think of all the
work you need to do, take a deep breath and
exhale reminding yourself to take a break
and do something you want to do (even though
it may not be going to the beach, it could still be fun)!

Keep on Trying!

 




Wednesday, July 4, 2012

What Do You Do When You Can't Craft?

Don't you hate it when you aren't able to make things!
I love scrapbooking and card making but
health problems keep me from enjoying it at times.

As I struggled with being behind on scrapbooking....
Anyone else behind?????  I thought of
what I was still able to do during times of illness.

God reminded me of other things I love to do, like writing.
Doesn't it seem easier to focus on what we can't do...
rather than on what we can still do?

While I'm recuperating and getting my strength back,
I will be writing and sharing some encouragement
for those of you who are crafting!

Once I'm able to craft again, I will have lot's of your 
ideas to try out!  Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, June 1, 2012

Quote for the Day


Sunshine on my shoulders
makes me happy!
 John Denver

I've always noticed the sunshine coming
through the windows and warming
my face while I'm driving.

It's a gentle reminder that no matter
what the day brings,
there will always be a little 
sunshine to brighten the way.

There are so many things about life
that we cannot change, but 
our perspective isn't one of them!

We can choose to see the sunshine
and allow it warm our hearts
and change the perspective 
for the day!

Sunny Blessings to You!

 

Saturday, May 12, 2012

I'm a Princess

Many of us don't see ourselves
like others see us or more importantly
the way God sees us.

It can be difficult with the many hats
we wear and how difficult life can be
to see our true worth and instead
we see the constant To Do List 
and how we can't get caught up.

We fall into the trap of basing our 
self worth on our performance with
the many hats we wear!

I love the Bible study called
Search for Significance by Robert McGee.
Here is a special poem to give
encouragement from the study.

My Identity in Christ

Because of Christ's redemption,
I am a new creation of infinite worth.

I am deeply loved,
I am completely forgiven,
I am fully pleasing,
I am totally accepted by God.
I am absolutely complete in Christ.

When my performance
reflects my new identity in Christ,
that reflection is dynamically unique.

There has never been another person like me
in the history of mankind,
nor will there ever be.
God has made me an original,
one of a kind, really somebody!
 By:  Robert McGee

So, that makes me a daughter of the King...
I always wanted to be a Princess!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Thought for the Day

Life is Made up of Have to's 
& Want to's...
Choose to Complete Some
of Each Everyday!

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Good Friday and Great Easter

If you are fortunate enough to have Good Friday off from work/school, then it's very good to you.  Why is it good; because you have a day off?  Is the Friday before Easter the last call for all Easter shoppers to get your baskets and gifts ready? 

What about Easter clothes for your kids or yourself.  Does everyone in the family have to match?  We give new meanings to holidays based on our current circumstances.  If you've worked forever and haven't had a day off, then of course any Friday you have off is welcome.  A busy family rarely has enough time to shop and most of us are running to Wal-mart to pick up last minute essentials before any holiday.  (I shop at Wal-mart all the time and often tease...one day they will take over the world.  Ha/Ha)
 
In the middle of life, crazy as it is sometimes, do we forget the meaning of days that were set aside so we wouldn't forget.  Good Friday is set aside to remind us of a day long ago when something terrible happened that would bring us much good.  We all know that none of us are perfect.  We all do things that are wrong.  If we think that we are perfect, just ask our families...they will tell how imperfect we really are.   

God in Heaven is not like us...He is perfect & holy and we are unable to have a relationship with Him, because of the wrong in our life/sin.  In order to give us a relationship with Himself, where we can be forgiven our wrong and someday go to Heaven with Him, God sent someone perfect and blameless that would be a bridge between us and God, forgiving us of our wrong and presenting to God, His Father, clean people who can talk to God, feel Him directing and giving us help in our daily life.

This bridge was God's Son, Jesus Christ, who came from Heaven to Earth to live here, showing us God's love and how we should live honoring God.  On a Friday, long ago He sacrificed His perfect life and allowed all of the wrong/sin of everyone to be placed on Him, when He died on a cross, a cruel death, so if we ask God to forgive us, He will, because of this bridge...this perfect, holy, Son of God, making a way for us to know God, have forgiveness and go to Heaven when we die.  

Good Friday has also been called...Great Friday and Holy Friday.  It was a day when terrible pain & suffering took place, but it was all good for us.  Good Friday allowed us to have a good Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, because now, we have a bridge to God, allowing us to talk to Him, be forgiven, let Him help in our crazy lives and give us meaning & purpose.

The rest of the story came three days later when Christ came back to life and arose from the grave.   This gives us assurance that God has power over death and one day He will come back for those who have believed in Christ and will take us to Heaven.  May we not forget in all the Easter traditions, what's so good about Good Friday and what's so GREAT about Easter Sunday.  

Monday, April 2, 2012

Losing Weight and Loving It

Many things can contribute to adding a few pounds!
In my case, health problems, medications and 
less exercise was the culprit.

I have never dieted but from time to time made
a more conscious effort to eat more healthy
and exercise more.

A friend began losing weight and feeling great
so I became more interested in how she
was accomplishing this and wanted to try her system.

On February 28, 2012 I began eating more balanced
with keeping proteins and carbs in balance along
with drinking more fluids and water and
having snacks in between meals.

This system is called Diet Free for Life based
on the book and Food Lover's Weight Loss System
by Robert Ferguson, MS, CN.

I began seeing a huge difference in my weight.
In about 5 weeks I have lost 15 1/2 pounds
and several inches from my waist
and I've never ate so much in my life!

Eating balanced is really the key and it really 
does work!  I just wanted to share this with
others who may have picked up a few extra
pounds and would like to get the book
and see if it's right for you
and acceptable with your Doctor.

Best Wishes for Healthy Eating
& Happy Living!


Saturday, March 10, 2012

A Season for Everything

"To every thing there is a season, 
and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, 
and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; 
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
 
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; 
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, 
and a time to gather stones together; 
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, 
and a time to cast away;
 
A time to rend, and a time to sew; 
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; 
a time of war, and a time of peace.
What profit has he that works in that wherein he labors?  
I have seen the travail, which God has given to 
the sons of men to be exercised in it.
 
He has made every thing beautiful in his time: 
also he has set the world in their heart, so that no man 
can find out the work that God makes 
from the beginning to the end."
Ecclesiastes 3

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Long Winter Awaiting Spring

I hope this finds you all well
I am still here but its been a long Winter.

Illness has kept me from crafting
and showing my creations on my blog;
however, Spring is on its way and
I am confident that my health is
improving and I will be able to
share more real soon!

Looking forward to some Spring inspiration.

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: 
nevertheless I am not ashamed: 
for I know whom I have believed, 
and am persuaded that he is able to 
keep that which I have committed 
unto him against that day."  
2 Timothy 1:12
 

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Encouraging Display Card Using Cricut New Testament Cartridge


I wanted to make a card for a friend
going through breast cancer that she could
display and read on those difficult days.

I used the new Cricut Cartridge New Testament
for the Scripture.

Display Card Size:  7 " Square
Scripture cut at 4 1/2"
Frame cut from Storybook Cartridge

I love using leftover flowers & vines to add some interest.
I even had a butterfly left over so added it as well.

I hope this verse will be a reminder to her that
with God all things are possible and He will
give the strength needed for each day ahead!

Blessings!



Saturday, January 28, 2012

Baby Shower Cards

Cute as a Button
 I adapted this idea from the March 2012 CardMaker Magazine
where Designer Rosemary Dennis used frame & sentiment stamps
and a whale cut out with the layout above.


 Card Size:  4 1/4" Square
Larger Pink Mat:  4"
Larger White Mat: 3 1/2"
Small Pink Mat:  3"
Small White Mat:  2 3/4"

16  Buttons similar color
Duck cut from Cricut Cartridge A Child's Year 1 1/2"
Small black bead for eye
Sentiment printed on computer then cut to size
Foam tape used to attach larger white mat
These can be made in any color!
I have a friend who is not finding out what the baby is
so she is getting a yellow card!


Hope you have a blessed week!
Thanks for coming by to visit!







Friday, January 27, 2012

Z Fold Flower Card

One of my Favorite Cards
Bright & Cheerful Z Fold Card


Card Size:  11" x 6"
Score at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2" from left edge
Fold in half then fold small part to the left

Cricut Cartridge:  Twinkle Toes
Card Stock:  Die Cuts with a View & Basic Black Card Stock
Extras:  Prima Flowers, Ribbons & a Button


I don't know about you, but I'm ready for Spring!  
When I sat down at my craft table, I just wanted to make something cheery & bright!

It has been raining here for days. I chose yellow (definitely a Spring color) 
and the black seemed to make a nice contrast, making it even brighter!

Looking forward to Spring!