big Ideas From A Little Girl

Kind of embarrassing - blush!

2011-01-17T14:59:00.002-10:00

Haha! the joke is on me. HUGE apologies to you. Okay, let's get the link right this time. The correct link to my new blog is www.bigideastoo.blogspot.com I was putting the 808 in the front and it does not have that.

I hate registering for new blogs. Before you actually register, you already plan in your mind the login name you want and when you go to type it in, it says not available, select another name. My mind cannot think of stuff that fast! Anyway, my apologies for the error on the link. Okay, now go and try it and I'll see you there!

Let's Try this again!

2011-01-17T14:52:00.002-10:00

Hello again! After I logged out of this blog, I tried to click on the link that I just posted to my new blog and it said that this blog does not exist. What??? I think this old blog goes through this blogger redirecting thing and I have no explanation for this.

I know that the link is correct, but maybe if you just type in www.808bigideastoo.blogspot.com it will take you to my new blog. I apologize for the inconvenience, it's frustrating for me and for you when the link doesn't work. Arggh!! I promise, I AM here and I really do have a new blog.

Looking forward to seeing you. Please feel free to email me with a link back to you so I can reply. Thanks!

Oops!

2011-01-17T13:46:00.002-10:00

Sorry folks, I might have put a wrong link to my new blog...you know how it is, once you log in, you don't remember the whole URL to get there! Okay, here it is for real this time: http://808bigideastoo.blogspot.com or just click HERE.

Sorry for the inconvenience! Hope to see you on my new blog!

Message to the new subscribers

2011-01-17T13:39:00.003-10:00

Hello! I've been getting new subscribers to this blog and I just wanted you to know that this is my OLD blog as I ran out of space to post pictures on this blog. If you have just subscribed, you might want to unsubscribe from this blog and subscribe to my NEW blog. You can get to my new blog right HERE! I'd LOVE for you to stop by my new blog to see all of the new projects happening right now!

If you still have a subscription to this blog, you can unsubscribe any time as I will not be posting to this blog unless I want to send just messages to you all.

Thank you to those of you who have moved over to my new blog subscribing and following me. I will try to do my best to bring you lots of exciting projects for the new year!

Holiday Craft Sale, this weekend!

2010-11-18T05:18:00.002-10:00

Hello Friends! Just wanted to let you all know that we are having a holiday craft sale this weekend at my home. The HGEA holiday craft fair that was supposed to have happened yesterday was cancelled so we moved it to my garage.

I have posted all of the information on my new blog http://bigideastoo.blogspot.com

It feels kind of strange to do a post without a photo! I have posted a photo of a few of the items that I have made to sell on my new blog as well.

Thanks for reading my post today and also, thank you to those who have already made a visit to my new blog home and for subscribing!

NEW BLOG, NEW BLOG!

2010-11-15T16:09:00.002-10:00

Hello!! Thanks for being patient with me while a new blog was being created. Special thanks to Jen Young for lending me her expertise in starting my new blog. Here's the information to get to my new blog -

My new blog is called Big Ideas 2. Please visit me at http://bigideastoo.blogspot.com

Note: if you were a subscriber to this blog and would like to continue to receive emails from me every time I update my new blog, you will need to log into Big Ideas 2 and re-sign up to receive these emails. Sorry for the inconvenience, but this was one of the things that we couldn't transfer over.

I would like to thank everyone who has been following me for the last 3 1/2 years of my blogging journey. It has been a wonderful experience and I couldn't have done it without your love and support. You are the ones that make me want to create and continue.

I hope you will join me at my new blog! See you there!

Halloween Thank You's and looking for blog help with photo space

2010-11-08T00:00:00.001-10:00

Just wanted to give a shout out to these gals for some cute Halloween raks I received. This one is from my GF Janine...Such a cute tag! This cute tag was attached to a container of lemon bars, yummy!! From my GF Joy. Cute handmade box loaded with treats! Thanks so much!

Another cute treat box - this one from my GF Michelle. I love this image and thanks for my treats!!

Sweet treat from my GF Joni. Love, love, love this seam binding ribbon!! Thank you so much!I have a few more raks to share but will have to post it later. Can you believe that I ran out of space to upload photos?? I guess after almost 3 1/2 years of blogging, I finally exceeded my limit to upload photos. I really don't want to purchase space to upload, so I was thinking of starting a new blog. I will post the link to my new blog soon, so stay tuned and thanks for your patience!!

2010 Holiday Giftcard Holders sneak peek!

2010-11-05T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Friday! Sorry for not being able to post my sneak peek earlier, there's just so much for me to do, it's insane! Before I post my sneak peek, I just had to share with you my poor hands all stained from doing yard work. I promised I washed my hands over and over again and the stain still didn't come out!! I trimmed all of the lantana flowers in the front yard that have over grown into the path where we wait for the bus. I managed to fill up the green waste can, can you believe that? LOL!Thanks for letting me share. Now, without further delay, here is my sneak peek for the 2010 giftcard holder class. It took me a while to think of the projects, but once I started working on it, the ideas kept coming!

The date for the classes will be Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at my home. We cut 24 kits. Please RSVP to me via email as soon as possible as kits/seats are reserved on a first come, first served basis. The cost for the class kits is $20.00. Demonstrators will pay the regular demonstrator fee. You will need to bring your basic tool kit with you to class. Also, if you own a bottle of Elmer's Craft Bond, you might want to bring it with you to avoid waiting for your turn to use what I have on the tables.

I love the giftcard holders created for this holiday season and I know that you will love them too! See you soon!

October Tag Swap

2010-11-04T19:13:00.007-10:00

I'm so late in posting these tags since they were for the October swap. My partner was Colleen and here are the cute snowflake tags she made for me. She also slipped in some Halloween goodies, my favorite holiday! Thanks so much Colleen! Here are the tags that I made for Colleen...This is from a set called Cute Christmas. I used Pear Pizzazz cardstock and the Jolly Holiday DSP cut out with the sizzix square die. The cherry cobbler square was cut using my trimmer. I used the 2 3/8" scallop circle punch and the 1 3/4" circle punch.

Finished off the tags with some rhinestones. I love the SU rhinestones, they are so shiny!

Thanks for stopping by today! I'm madly working on stuff for the craft fair coming up on the 20th! I will be posting more information about the craft fair this week!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T13:15:00.010-10:00

Happy Halloween! Just wanted to share some of these treat boxes that made for my GF Cece to give to her grandkid's teachers. I was so excited to use my new cricut cartridge called Mini Monsters that I received for my Bday from my GF Wini...she knows that I just love Halloween! I used the 3M adhesive craft paper for all cut outs. Made life simpler for me as I made a total of 12 treat boxes.

Which one was your favorite?? I really liked the monster. Hopefully I will get my act together and start earlier for next year, but I won't hold my breath since I'm one of those last minute people! LOL! Also wanted to share with you another treat bag that I made for one of my bosses daughter. This super cute image is from Tiddly Inks and it is a digi. I embellished the box with my Quickutz spider web cut out in silver. I found this die at Fisher Hawaii when they were having their 70% off of QK dies so only paid like $4 for this awesome 4X4 die!

Before I go, I wanted to share my Halloween nails with you. My manicurist, Reni, drew everything free hand. Just love those skeletons!

I chose a different color for my right hand...spider webs hand drawn too!

Wishing you all a fun and safe Halloween! Please come back for a look this week for my giftcard holder class sneak peek!

Spider Clutch purse

2010-10-30T11:43:00.000-10:00

A while back, I received a cute clutch purse with faux alligator texture on it from my GF Joyce. It was the cutest thing! My GF Joy was at my house or the tag class and when she saw this, asked to borrow it. Little did I know that she was going to make so many! Check out her blog to see just how many she made! After so many requests, she has decided to put together mini kits so that you can make one of these cuties. Please visit her blog HERE and send her an email if you are interested. Here is one that I made - even though it's Halloween, I still had to use my fave color pink! I embossed the top note dies with my spider web embossing folder to add texture and embellished it with my spider friend (remember this spider from last year?)Hope you are all having a nice Saturday! More fun Halloween projects tomorrow!

Batty for you!

2010-10-29T00:00:00.001-10:00

Happy Friday! Today is a furlough day for me and I'm so glad that I'll be able to work on my samples for the upcoming giftcard holder class and maybe get to work on some stuff for the November 20 craft fair too. Am I being wishful?? I think so! LOL!
For some reason, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I love making treat bags for Halloween too. I used my big shot pro to cut out this cute bag with scallop flap and decorated it with this cute Sizzix 3D bat. Isn't it so cute?! I found this cute ribbon at Flora Dec a couple months back, so fun! The sentiment, scallop oval and oval punch is by SU.I made these batty treat bags for my friends at the Hawaii State FCU.

Here's a bunch of them. I made 15 of these bags...

Thanks for stopping by today. Your visit is appreciated by me! I'll be posting another Halloween project tomorrow, so come back and take a look!

Halloween Treats

2010-10-28T00:00:00.000-10:00

Wow, it's been a while since I've been here in blogland. Seems like when it rains, it pours. So much to do in the daily life that blogging has taken a back seat to it all! I have been, however, working here and there on some Halloween Treat bags. Here are the treat bags that I made for the Kaiser pharmacy girls. They are the sweetest and so nice to our family. This image is from TGF and is a digi image. These printed images came in a goodie bag that I received. I colored and cut out this cute image called Hallo She Devil and put her on a cute box. Here's the back of the box...

And here are a few of them together. I also used the image called Hallo Witch. Greeting Farm images are always so cute!

I'm slowly trying to get back into the swing of things and hopefully, I will have enough time to prep some posts so that I can get back on track. Can you believe that Halloween is this coming Sunday? Eeks!

Thanks for peeking in today...I have more fun Halloween projects to share, so I hope you check back here soon.

Special Tag

2010-10-22T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Friday! Thanks for all of your sweet comments on this year's collection of tags. I almost forgot to share with you the tag that I made for each person who bought a kit. This tag is from the 2 tag sizzix die which I cut out using my new favorite red - Cherry Cobbler. I cut a piece of DSP from the Jolly Holiday pack and punched out their names using the decorative label punch. The names were computer generated. I loved the way this tag turned out. The ribbon that I used is a retired ribbon that I bought last holiday. The funny thing is that I tried so many times to use this ribbon and I never was satisfied with the finished product so I always put the spool back on the shelf. This year, I have to say that I was so happy that the ribbon worked out so well with this tag! A rhinestone finished off this tag.
Just had to share a photo of my furry helper. Somehow she knows when I clean up my table. I think she thinks I made room for her!
No furlough for me this week. It's kind of good to be at work all week, getting caught up on alot of things! Hope you all have a fun weekend with lots of crafting! I'm still trying to work on some stuff for the craft fair except the fair that we were going to participate in was canceled. We were kind of bummed, but then decided that the craft fair will go on! We will hold the craft fair at my home on Saturday, November 20. I will announce the time as soon as we decide. I'm actually kind of excited about having this at my home because we haven't had a holiday sale in a while. I'm looking forward to this gathering to kick off the holidays.

Sweet Bonus Project

2010-10-21T05:13:00.003-10:00

Sharing with you today the bonus project that we made at the 50 Christmas tag class. We made a sweet gingerbread house using the milk carton die cut from my big shot pro machine. This idea was inspired by some friends who made a different version of a gingerbread house and I had just gotten my milk carton die, so I just had to use it!
Here is the back of the house.
Good news for the ladies who ordered kits. I was able to mail them off yesterday, so for the local ladies, you should receive them today. I believe the kits to CA should be received by Monday. I have included a bonus project in your kit too!
Thanks for stopping by today. Not much time to post or visit blogs lately, life has been extra hectic!

Supplies used:
Big shot pro milk carton die
Cardstock: crumb cake, chocolate chip, real red, pear pizzazz
DSP: Jolly Holiday
Accessories: Tasteful Trim XL sizzix die, gingerbread man die, rhinestones, 2 1/2 " circle punch,
Stamp set: Sweet Season, small heart punch, owl punch (for the small heart on gingerbread man), scallop edge punch, white ink, sponge, cherry cobbler ink

The Rest of the Tags

2010-10-20T00:00:00.001-10:00

Sorry for the delay in posting the rest of the tags from the 50 Christmas Tag class. I figured I better post the rest of the tags so that the ladies who ordered the kits to go will know how to assemble them. BTW, the rest of the kits are packed and ready to ship today! Thanks for your patience.

Here's the 4th tag. I used cherry cobbler CS and the Jolly Holiday DSP. Loving the new decorative label punch. Talk about a easy tag to make! We made 10 of these tags and here they are all snug in the cute pillow box.

Another easy tag. Used the new 2 3/8" scallop circle punch for the outside (night of navy CS). The image is from the Tags til Christmas set and punched out using the 1 3/4" circle punch. We made 10 of these tags and don't they look cute in this little rectangle box?

The last tag is actually a 3X3 gift enclosure. I used the sentiment from the Word Play stamp set and the snowflake came from the Sparkly & Bright set. Added a rhinestone in the center of each snowflake. We made 10 of these also and wrapped them all up in this cute square box tied with a big red bow!

I stuck with the simple theme this year and I think everyone appreciated the fact that they created 50 tags for the holidays in record time! Thanks to everyone who came to the class and/or bought a kit. I hope you enjoyed this year's collection. I will be posting the bonus project, hopefully tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by today!

50 Christmas Tag Class - Tag #3

2010-10-18T05:26:00.003-10:00

Happy Aloha Monday Friends! All I can say is, "where did the weekend go??" That was a quick 2 days off from work. Well, it's back to work Monday and a full week at that!
Today, I am sharing with you the third tag from the 50 Christmas Tag Class. When I first saw this gingerbread man, I knew I just HAD to get this set! It's in the Idea Book & Catalog and it's called Got Treats. I used one of the sentiments from the same set, this sentiment says "Got Merry?" The tags were cut using the two tag Sizzix die and marina mist cardstock - we made 10 of these tags. I just love the little scallops on this tag. Here's the tags all wrapped up in a cute acetate tube. Got these cute tubes from Islands Marketing.

I'll be posting another tag tomorrow, so I hope you have some time to come back and check it out. A note to the gals who ordered the kits...I apologize for not mailing them all out yet. I'm working on getting everything from the kit into a box that I bought to mail them...may have to get a larger box! It will be soon though, promise.

Thanks for dropping by today!

2010 Holiday Tags - Tag #2

2010-10-15T05:20:00.004-10:00

I was so excited to use my Santa stamp from the Sparkly & Bright stamp set. I purchased it after last Christmas and I'm so glad that it's still in the catalog! Isn't this Santa cute? The sentiment Do Not Open Til Christmas is from the Tags Til Christmas set which you can find in the Holiday Mini Catalog. The tag that I used is from the Two Tag Sizzix Die. A side note to the people who ordered kits, I scored 3 3/8" from the straight edge and folded the top down before adding the jumbo eyelet. I saw this idea to score the top down somewhere in blogland and thought it was a neat idea. Here are the tags all wrapped up in a short pillow box. I bought these pillow boxes from Islands Marketing. Cardstock I used is Cherry Cobbler, my new favorite red. The twine that I used matches perfect on my tags this year, bought my twine from J's.

Happy Friday to you all. No furlough this week! I'm so glad that the weekend is here. Another exhausting week for me, but no rest for the weekend. I'm working on tags and gift card holders for the annual HGEA craft fair which will be held on November 17 at the HGEA building on Mililani Street.

Also, a message to the gals who ordered kits, sorry that it's taking me a little longer than expected to put your kits in a box to mail. I'm trying to make everything fit in the boxes that I bought for mailing.

Wishing you all a crafty weekend! Thanks for your visit today!

Tamiko's Thursday Teasers - Sketch using an altered CC Designs image

2010-10-14T00:00:00.000-10:00

This week, we were assigned a cute and fun sketch. Love the circles! We were also given the opportunity (with permission) to alter two CC Design images to create a new one. Altering to the extent of swapping a head of one image on to a body of another image. That was pretty neat. I have to confess that I had help selecting my images to create this cutie.

This was a first for me using CC Designs. Don't forget that the 10% sale over at Tamiko's is good for the whole month of October. Use the code PINK10 to get your discount at checkout.

Thanks for taking a peek today! I'm hoping for some free time this weekend so I can do some blurfing...my apologies to the ladies that I try to regularly visit. It's been extra busy for me, and I think it's from my prepping for my tag class. I'm certain I'll catch up soon.

Please come back tomorrow to see another tag from my 50 Tag Class.

50 Tag Class for 2010 - Here's the first tag!

2010-10-13T00:00:00.001-10:00

FYI, just wanted to remind you that the last day to order from the clearance sale is Monday, October 18. I'm so glad that I was able to go online to get my order in for some big savings! Thanks to those who placed your order through my SU website!
What a fun time we had this weekend at my 2010 annual 50 Christmas tag class! Thank you all for coming this year! Wasn't simple good? I'm all for getting the projects done! Today, I am sharing the first of 6 tags that we made at the class. These cute tags were so simple and fun to make. My favorite holiday stamp set, Tags til Christmas, was used for most of the tags this year. I'm loving the new decorative label punch too! You can see the stamp set and punch in the holiday mini catalog. We used the Jolly Holiday DSP (you can check it out in the IBC) the pear pizazz cardstock and the glitter brads. Here's what the finished product looked like. For this style tag, we made 5 of them so that they would fit in this cute acetate tube. I love these tubes! If you live here on Oahu, you can get your hands on some of these fun containers at Islands Marketing on Kaumualii Street. You can get directions online at http://www.islandsmarketing.com/ . If you make it to the store, tell Peggy that I sent ya! She will be happy to assist you with all of your packaging needs!

Thanks for your patience in waiting for my posting of the tags. I will be posting the next tag on Friday because tomorrow is Tamiko's Thursday Teasers! This week, we are altering 2 CC Design images and following a fun sketch! See you tomorrow!

2010-10-09T23:52:00.003-10:00

We had a fun first class for this year's 50 Christmas tags! Surprisingly, everyone finished in record time! For those who attended, I hope you enjoyed this year's tags. I will be sharing the tags and fun bonus projects with you this coming week.
Because I've been so into getting the class kits done, I totally forgot to share with you this awesome sale that Stampin' Up! is having. You can get some awesome products through their clearance rack! You can save up to 80% on selected merchandise but the sale is only until October 18th! Some products are already sold out, but I just ordered today and still got tons of great products for a fraction of the cost. To get the lowest prices on items and cheapest shipping rates, you will need to order through my SU website http://alohagirl.stampinup.net Just an FYI about ordering through my SU site, please log into my SU website by typing the URL in manually. There was a recent report that if you are planning on ordering (using your credit card) that you not click on my link through blogger to get to my site as blogger might not be secured therefore credit card information could get to the wrong hands. I'm not trying to scare anyone, but this is just a precaution.
Also, time is also running out to join Stampin' Up! and get your free tote bag and stamp set. If you are interested, you can go to my SU website and sign up there! Email me for the special login password.

A Cute Christmas Tag

2010-10-08T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Aloha Friday! It's finally here! It's a furlough day for me, which I totally welcome since I need all of the time I can get. I'm putting the finishing touches for my kits for this weekend's class. I'm soooo tired right now, I could just go to sleep - I'm doing my post the night before because by the time tomorrow gets here, I won't be able to do any posting because it will be crunch time!
Anyway, on to my tag. This was the first tag that I created with my 50 tag class in mind and although I just love this tag, it is kind of big and I couldn't find a cute container to hold these tags. I know that I could've easily created a card box for these, but I didn't want to do it for this class.
Each year at my tag class, I learn what to do and what not to do and when you are creating in bulk, you don't want all too many details, and you want it to be kind of easy to make, if you know what I mean. So here is my tag: The images that I used for this tag is from a set called Cute Christmas. I used a red button to embellish (you can find these cool buttons as well as this Cute Christmas stamp set in the holiday mini catalog). The DSP is from Jolly Holiday (which you can find in the IBC).
I hope you all have alot of fun this weekend in whatever you choose to do! I won't be posting again until the new week. My 50 Christmas tag class is this weekend and I'm almost ready to go! If you signed up for my classes this weekend, I can't wait to see you! I also can't wait to unveil this year's tags to you so be sure to come back next week to check it out. Thanks for looking today!

Tamiko's Thursday Teasers - The Power of Pink!

2010-10-07T00:00:00.000-10:00

Do you believe in the power of pink?? I do! Pink is my favorite color and pink is also the color of the Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, did you know that? This week, we asked all of Tamiko's Creative Team members to create using the color pink and the pink ribbon, of course. I wanted to use different shades of pink for my card and also wanted to color Rosalie's hair pink too. What do you think? I used my Sizzix scallop circle die and added teeny tiny pearls to each scallop. The sentiment "Believe" is from a retired SU stamp set. Here's the inside of the card. I love this sentiment and the ribbon too.

I hope you support Breast Cancer Awareness this month. Speaking of support, Tamiko's is offering 10% off of your entire order for the month of October in support of Pink month. Please stop by Tamiko's blog to see all of the fabulous pink cards the team made today. Thanks for stopping by today and for making me smile with all of your sweet comments.

Tomorrow, I'll be sharing with you one of my tags that didn't make it to the final round for the class...

Batty for You!

2010-10-05T00:00:00.001-10:00

Thanks all for your visit yesterday and for the comments about my spoiled princess kitty. Isn't she silly? We take tons of photos of her, I could actually do a blog just for her, but I won't...I can barely keep up with my craft blog! haha!
I wanted to share with you today a bunch of these cute Halloween milk cartons that I made a couple of weeks ago and forgot to post. These cartons are so easy to make with the exclusive SU Sizzix milk carton die! Sorry that I had to use last year's DSP. I did get my new DSP in but had no time yet to make anything as I am getting ready for this weekend's 50 tag class. I do love last year's DSP though, so it was fun playing with it again. I used this fun stamp set called Batty for You. I just love Halloween! I used the mini library clips to close the milk cartons and used the mini jewelry tag to stamp "boo!" on it, then I tied it on to the carton with some bakery twine. Love the size of this carton, just right for a small treat!
No posting tomorrow, but please stop back in on Thursday for Tamiko's Thursday Teasers. We are supporting Breast Cancer Awareness! Mahalo for your visit today!

Another Halloween Bag and a tissue experience for Mochiko

2010-10-04T00:00:00.000-10:00

It's Monday! Back to work today, but looking forward to a 4-day work week! Sharing another Halloween bag that I made using the fancy favor XL Sizzix die and my Dark & Dreary stamp set. I wasn't going to order this stamp set but I started seeing alot of samples in blogland using this set, so I had to get it! I used the tasteful trim for the bag handle (fold in half and glue together) and affixed it to the bag using the glitter brads and also for the border for the bottom of the bag. I used a ton of rhinestones on the bottom border but it's a little hard to see because of the color of the border. This DSP is last year's one, but I just received my SU order and I did order the new Wicked Cool DSP! I'll be making more Halloween goodies real soon as my Dad just reminded me that we need to make for the Kaiser Pharmacy girls and his eye doctor's office. Did he just place his order with me?? hee hee! More than happy to do it for him as it brings him joy to share. I guess that's where I get that from!

I bet you were all waiting to see what I was going to post about my kitty, Mochiko. One night when we came home, we found her in Nolan's bedroom rolling on the ground in a pile of tissue. The box was close by, so I assumed that she pulled them out of the box by herself and she was proud. I wish I had taken some video of her rolling around and tossing the tissue in the air! This was her reaction as I took these photos with my cell phone...is that a "busted" look or what??

Did you know that playing with tissue makes you exhausted?? She fell asleep on the soft tissue.

Another view of the princess

I hope that your week goes well! Hopefully, I will have some time to do more posting. I'm finishing up and prepping for my tag class this weekend!!

Thanks for stopping by today, you made my day!

Tag Swap!

2010-10-03T00:00:00.000-10:00

I hope you are all enjoying your Sunday. I may be going on an outing with my son, but we'll see what happens because I know he won't be up too early. It's Fall intersession for the kids which means sleeping in! Well today, I am sharing with you some tags that I received from my girlfriend, Lynn, who was my partner for the month of September in Kyoko's monthly tag swap. I love these Hero Arts chinese girls! Thanks Lynn for the tags! I will be sure to use them this year! If you would like to participate in this fun monthly swap, please stop over at Kyoko's blog for more information and sign ups! Here are the three tags that I made for Lynn. I have to apologize for not following directions...we were supposed to make 3 IDENTICAL tags...after you see my tags, you'll know where I goofed! I used this cute image from The Greeting Farm.

Even though I didn't follow the directions, I don't think Lynn will mind that they are all different!

Thanks for spending some time with me today! It's back to work tomorrow (already??) so make the most of your Sunday!

Happy Birthday HOPE Probation and more garden photos

2010-10-02T00:00:00.001-10:00

Happy weekend everyone! I'm so glad that it's Saturday! I've gotten so used to 4 day work weeks because of our furloughs, it's tough being at work on a Friday! Today, I'd like to share with you something that I made for one of my bosses' husband, who is a Judge here at First Circuit Court. Judge Alm started a program called HOPE Probation. HOPE is Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement. You can read about it HERE. HOPE celebrated their 6th birthday yesterday (October 1st) and I was asked by Judge Alm if I could make some sort of label to go on boxes of pastries (actually Cocoa Puffs from Liliha Bakery - yumm!). My brain instantly went into create mode and I had a good idea what I wanted my label to look like and this is the finished label. Close up of the candles. Do you remember this die? It's a Quickutz candle! Thanks to my niece, Jodi, for helping me cut out 36 candles and flames!

I cut out the sentiment using a nesties die - labels eight. All cardstock by SU and die is the Quickutz candle.

I made a cute little tea light cake for the Judge to keep on his desk too. I didn't make this cake for quite some time I thought I would forget how to make one! Once I started, it all came back. What do you think? I'm pleased with the way these projects turned out considering I only had one night to do it all.

Since I've been spending alot of time in the yard, I thought I would take some photos of some of the beauty. Here's a waterlily...

While weeding, I discovered a squash!

some ferns...

and comfrey (sp??) tea...

I hope you all have a relaxing Saturday. Getting ready to put the tag kits together tonight!

Thanks so much for coming by for a visit today. Mahalo for all of the nice comments you all leave for me. It really brightens up my day to read them all - I do appreciate every one of them! I'll be sharing my tags from the Tag Swap tomorrow!

Tamiko's Thursday Teasers - Buttons, Brads and Bling!

2010-09-30T00:00:00.000-10:00

I swear I'm losing track of my days! Wasn't it just Thursday?? It's another Thursday and the last day of September too! This week, the Creative Team used buttons, brads and bling on their creations. So much fun! Here is my card for the week. Can you find the buttons, brads and bling on my card?? I ended up taking off the bling on the buttons but didn't get a chance to re-take my photo, but that's okay, you get the idea! Here's a closer look at the embellishments...I really love the new glitter brads by SU, don't you? The only bummer part was that I split my fingernail struggling to open up the brad because they seem to seal shut when they are dipped in the glitter. So worth it though because they are sooooo pretty!

I used glitter paper for the background and the larger nestie shape, this card is so sparkly I just love it!

BTW, the 50 Tag Class is now SOLD OUT! Wow! Can't believe how fast it filled up! Thank you to all of you who quickly RSVP'd for this class. If you haven't received your email confirmation from me yet, I will be replying to your email today. Please remember to send in your payment as the payment will hold your space for the class. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you who signed up for the class!
Thanks for stopping by and spending a part of your day with me here! Your comments keep me going as I'm trying really hard to keep up with all of this!

Grateful Greetings

2010-09-29T05:40:00.000-10:00

Happy Wednesday! Thanks for all of the emails and requests to attend the 50 Tag class. Half of the kits are already sold! Well today, I am sharing with you a fun Halloween card. I used one of SU's newest embossing folder. This spider web has a deep emboss, don't you just love it? I used Frost White all purpose ink to add a little shine to the web. Doesn't it look like the glow from the moon? I'm also using our new bat punch and glittered brads. I still have a bunch of Halloween projects to share with you, so be sure you pop back here to check it out.
Tomorrow is another Tamiko's Thursday Teaser, so please also come back to peek at that creation.
Thank you for your visit today! Don't forget that sign ups for the 50 Tag class is on a first come, first served basis and I only cut 24 kits. Once they are gone, there will be no more. For those who asked what stamp sets we will be using for the class, I will have that information posted by Friday. Thanks for your patience!

Annual 50 Tag Class - Sneak Peek!

2010-09-28T05:20:00.002-10:00

Thanks for stopping by today for my sneak peek! I'm soooo excited to share this sneak peek with you to get you all excited for the upcoming holidays! I've been working on creating these tags for you and also spent some time figuring out what kind of containers to put them all in to make the tags look extra special. Here's the peek... Here are the details for the classes: The classes will be held on Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10. I'm having to move the time of the class to 10:00 a.m. to allow everyone more time to finish their tags. If you cannot make it at 10:00 a.m., that's okay, but please allow time to at least stamp all of the images so that you can finish them up at home.
Here's what will be in your kits - ALL the materials (cardstock (all pieces for each tag), embellishments, use of stamps, diecuts, punches/tools) to complete 50 tags (string/ribbon included) and cute and fun containers to hold the tags. You will also receive a kit to make a fun bonus project!
RSVP will be by a first come, first served basis and I have cut only 24 kits. The cost for this annual tag kit will be $40.00. To RSVP, please send me an email (include the date you'd like to attend the class). I will confirm your reservation and ask that you please promptly send your payment to me upon confirmation. My address will be provided to you via email. I am asking for your payment in advance as this will help me pay for all of the materials. Thank you for your cooperation!
Because I've been struggling with juggling time for everything that I need to do, kits to go will only be allowed under this condition. The kit will be sold as assembled for class and no images will be stamped. I thought about this for a long time and the reality is that I cannot stamp 50 images for each kit to go and still keep my sanity. So, if you are interested in the kit to go, you will receive the kit without stamped images. As a suggestion, you can substitute a stamp set or you just might have the images that I used! The cost will still be $40.00 and I ask that you add $5.00 for shipping.
Demonstrators' cost is $20.00 and if you are requesting a kit to go, the same policy applies and I also ask that you add the $5.00 shipping fee.
In case you might be wondering why the cost for demonstrators is half of the cost, that is the standard courtesy for demonstrators. If you are interested in becoming a demonstrator so that you can also reap this benefit, email me for more information to join my group! Right now is the perfect time to join because there are a couple of really cool freebies offered when you sign up!
Thank you so much for your understanding.
I can't wait to share all of the tags with you this year. I had fun creating them for you and know that you will love the finished tags!

Sharing something sweet!

2010-09-27T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Monday friends! Tomorrow, I will have my 50 Tag class sneak peek and information about the class. I worked on it all weekend and am finally ready to reveal to you the projects. I am so excited for everyone who attends my annual tag class to see what I came up with this year. I know you will love it!
Today, I am sharing some sweet candy holders with you. I used SU's newest die called candy wrapper. It is so simple and fun to make. I made a whole bunch this weekend too! I used one of our new punches for this one - love this bat! Used some DSP for this one and an image from the Batty for You stamp set.

Do you like my monster?? Can you believe that I used the owl punch to make this monster? I added some glitter to the horns and googlie eyes. I used a row of rhinestones and the small heart punch.

I sprayed some smooch spritz on this bat.

Thanks for stopping in today. I hope you liked my candy wrapper projects today! I also wanted to thank all of you who left me such special comments about my little garden. Reading all of them brings tears to my eyes.

Please come back tomorrow for more information on the 50 tag class...sign ups will be first come, first served and I am only making 24 kits!!

Garden for Mom and the spider is back!

2010-09-24T00:00:00.001-10:00

It felt so good to take a week off from blogging, but I didn't spend it sitting in the house or just creating. I actually spent most of my free time after work and the weekend working in the yard with my Dad. Dad is trying to do some vegetable planting and also a new crop of sunflowers. My mission was to clean up all of those nasty weeds that never go away and to plant a little flower garden of red ginger plants so when they bloom, we can take them to Mom. We go every week to visit and it would be nice to cut some flowers from the garden to take with us instead of visiting the flower shops. The area I chose in the back yard was filled with wild weeds and unwanted plants, so once I cleaned the area, I was able to move these red ginger plants that my brother-in-law helped to plant in another area in the yard. I wanted to move these red gingers to an area that would be easier for Dad to water so he wouldn't have to drag the garden hose so far. Anyway, I took a photo of the newly planted red ginger plants. It might not look like anything spectacular to anyone else but me, but it was definately satisfying to know that I did this all by myself and I did it with my Mom in mind. Can you believe that it's been almost 9 months? There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about her. I'm sure Mom would be proud of me for making this little garden just for her! Needless to say, every part of my body is aching from the constant workout in the yard and I am really not an outdoorsy person (is that a word??). It's just that I really couldn't stand seeing Dad do it all by himself. He's really excited to get back into his garden and it makes me happy when he is happy! Anyway, here is what I planted...

This is just a small section of what I accomplished. Our yard is pretty huge and I think I worked on almost the whole yard except maybe for one area...I think I need a little break from the yard. Did I mention that I broke lots of fingernails and met a ton of geckos???? Eeks!!

Anyway, thanks for letting me yakk about the garden...today, I am also sharing this cute little bag that I made using SU's fancy favor die. This die has really been one of my favorites! I cut the basket out using our black CS. I can't believe that I did not order any of the new Halloween DSP! I think I still have time to get some for more Halloween projects. Do you see the huge rick-rack? I cut it out using my new XL die called Tasteful Trim. There are 4 trims that you can cut from this die and I love all of them! I decorated this bag with my Spider friend that I created using the 1 3/4" circle punch and a swirl punch (not SU) for the legs. Isn't he so cute?? The sentiment "Got Treats" is from a set with the same name. I punched the sentiment out with the word window punch and adhered it on the modern label punch.

For the handle, I used one of the trims and folded it in half and adhered it together. It made a really sturdy handle! I attached the handle to the bag using the new glitter brads - I just love them!

Thanks to all of you for your continued support! I am overwhelmed and overjoyed that there were so many of you that came to visit me and commented on my post yesterday. I thought everyone forgot me because I abandoned my blog for a week. I am really on the fence to stop blogging since my priorities have changed and there's not much time left for me to get on the blog. We'll see how long I can do this. Thanks for letting me be a cry baby about this, I know all of this whining must be getting old.

Well, happy Aloha Friday to you all. It's a furlough day for me and I'm getting a massage this morning! I really, really need it! Thanks for stopping in today. I do have more Halloween projects to share with you and I promise the sneak peek on the Holiday Tags class too so I'll see you soon!

Tuesday on Thursday

2010-09-23T00:00:00.000-10:00

Hi friends! Yes, I actually took a week off from blogging! There is just so much on my plate these days that I just needed to. I will fill you in more on that later, but for today, it's another assignment over at Tamiko's! This week, we created using nesties. When nesties first came out on the market, I remember saying that I was only going to buy the basic shapes (circle, square, rectangle) and I was going to be satisfied. Boy, was I wrong!! My collection since that day has grown to a full drawer of nesties, thanks to friends who gave them to me for gifts. I have to admit that I also added to the ever growing collection! Today's card is using an image from The Greeting Farm from the Creepy Crew collection which I bought over at Tamiko's. This princess' name is Tuesday and this is the first time that the rubber touched ink! I really enjoyed coloring her and working with these nesties was so much fun!
I used my photo corner punch (retired SU), oval punches, pearls and rhinestones. The sentiment came from part of stamp by Inkadinkado.
Short post today, so much to catch up on. If you liked my card today and want to see more cards featuring nesties, please take a look at what the Creative Team came up with - you can see all of the creations on Tamiko's blog right HERE! Thank you to all of you who have supported the team in our efforts to share some inspiration with you!
I will be posting a bunch of Halloween projects that I managed to work on with the little time I had this past week. I also worked on the samples for the tag class so I will be doing a sneak peek shortly. I will also be posting information on the tag class (date, time, cost, etc.) so stay tuned. Thanks to all of you for your patience on my mini absence from posting. You will see what I've been up to in the days to come. Take care and Big hugs to you!

Tamiko's Thursday Teasers - The Challenge is back!

2010-09-16T00:00:00.002-10:00

It's Thursday again friends! And time for another Tamiko's Thursday Teasers! This week, there's a little bit more excitement because the Tamiko's Challenge is back! The challenge is to alter two Greeting Farm images and use it on a 3D project. Are you excited? I am!
Here is what I came up with. I used Ruby and Travel Anya which you can get at Tamiko's online store. This is the first time that I altered images so I was kind of nervous, but it turned out not too bad, don't you think? I found a tutorial to make this cute little suitcase by Suzanne Dean. Her blog is called Scrap Bitz. You can find the tutorial HERE.
Here's a view of the suitcase a little opened. It was very fun and easy to make.

If you want to join in on the fun, create your altered image and use it on a 3D project. Then upload your creation on Tamiko's blog HERE. The prize for the winner of this challenge will win SWEET ANYA stamp. Sweet Anya is one of the latest releases by The Greeting Farm...to see the image of this sweet stamp, hop on over to Tamiko's blog. Need more inspiration before you start your creation for the challenge? Check out what the Creative Team has created HERE!

Thanks for your visit today. I hope you are as excited as I am about the challenge returning to Tamiko's! The deadline to submit your creation is midnight, September 30 (Hawaii Standard Time). Good luck!

Christmas Tag Monthly Swap

2010-09-15T00:00:00.001-10:00

Before we know it, the holidays will be here, right? Well, my GF Kyoko thought of another fun swap to help us get ready for the holidays with this monthly Christmas tag swap! We are to make 3 identical tags for the partner that Kyoko pairs us up with. This month, I received these beautiful tags from my friend Sharon. This post doesn't do the tags justice because you cannot see the beautiful gold color of the reindeer and the snowflakes. Thanks so much Sharon! I was so excited to send out my tags to Sharon that I didn't take a photo of it...I will be sure to take one next month. Thanks Kyoko for putting this swap together.
If you are interested in participating in this easy and fun monthly swap, please go and check out Kyoko's blog right HERE.
Thanks for coming by today! Be sure you pop back in tomorrow for another exciting Tamiko's Thursday Teaser! This week, we are starting up the Tamiko Challenge again so you don't want to miss it! There's a prize offer too!

August one card swap!

2010-09-14T00:00:00.000-10:00

Got this fabulous card from my new friend KaRen for August's one card swap. I just LOVE this card. Thank you KaRen! KaRen makes some pretty special cards as she is an instructor at one of the craft stores here on the island - Munchkins out in Mililani. She is also on the design team for the store. Check out KaRen's blog right HERE! KaRen was also so sweet to include a little birthday rak for me...so sweet! I love the card, as Sing is one of my all time favorite Greeting Farm images! Thank you so much! I just love my bath gel and pouf! How did you know I am a huge fan of Victoria Secrets?!

Thanks for your visit today. BTW, if you are interested in receiving a special card each month, check out Linda's blog right HERE! She is the organizer of the monthly one card swap. I have met so many nice people out there by swapping cards each month!

Thankful Me!

2010-09-13T00:00:00.000-10:00

Hello to a new week! Today I am sharing with you the thank you cards that I made for all of the sweet people who sent me birthday gifts. Thank gawd that I had help (thanks Wini!)...This card was not an original by me, but from someone out there in blogland, so sorry that i didn't pay attention to the talented person who created this...if it's you, please lmk and I will post your blog link for the world to see!
Anyhoo, with Wini's help, I was able to mass produce these pretty cards. I'm loving the butterfly and the pearls that adorn it.
Thanks for taking a peek here today! Wishing you a nice week!

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!

2010-09-12T00:00:00.001-10:00

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. I guess it was bound to happen with all of my running around and such, that I got sick. I'm getting over a sore throat and headaches. I forced myself to go to bed early and it felt nice to do nothing!!
I'm so shame that I didn't get a chance to post these wonderful and thoughtful birthday gifts from friends. Please forgive the tardiness! Thank you and BIG hugs to all of you for the sweet birthday wishes for this old girl!

From my GF Lynn. I love this glass holder and it was filled with alot of fun goodies!

This was the card that went with that gift. Thanks so much Lynn!
This special brak came from my GF Jenny of Hilo. Thank you so much jenny! I love this pretty pink box and all of the goodies inside! Woweeee!
This is the card that came with the gift, I just love these Lily of the Valley images, so sweet!
Got a pretty Coach pink wrist purse from my GF Joann. We go waaayyyy back, yeah Jo? Thank you so much for this special gift and for the ono lunch too! We really need to get together again. Call me, K?
These goodies are from Janis. When this score buddy came out, I thought about getting it and then changed my mind because I said I didn't need it. I know I don't need it, but it's always fun to have more toys to play with, right? Thanks Janis, I love the little bottles of glue too!
From my sweet friend, Brenda. I love this cute little punched octopus! You are such a genius to think up these cute punched animals! Thank you also for all of the goodies too!
What a sweet box from my GF Denise. Thank you so much! Love this box to hold little treasures, and thanks for the sweet gift inside too!
More sweet gifts! This cute easel box is from my GF Joni. I love it! Thanks so much for the treats inside the box too!
Wasn't this a sticky post? Full of so much sweetness! hehe! Thanks again friends for a wonderful birthday celebration!
Also wanted to give a shout out to thank the girls who attended my Sunday class in August for surprising me with a little birthday luncheon, that was so sweet of you!
Trying to catch up here with my posting, so hopefully next week, I'll have more to share with you. I'll be working on my christmas tag class samples.
Stay tuned for my August OCS card from my new friend, KaRen and also for the tags I received from my partner Sharon for the tag swap! Bear with me, I'm trying hard to catch up on things.
Thanks for sticking with me and for stopping by today!!

FREE CRAFT TOTE!

2010-09-11T14:01:00.003-10:00

As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, we were allowed to order one of these really cool tote bags. I already owned one, but just HAD to have this one Why? because this tote holds my 12X12 paper trimmer and so much more than the tote I was currently using. I've had a few people ask me about this tote and how they can own one. I am happy to announce that you can now own one of these totes for FREE! Yes, FREE!!

From now until October 18th, you will receive a FREE craft tote (a $39.95 value) when you join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator! The fall and winter holidays create some of the BEST stamping opportunities and it's a great time to earn some extra money! I would love to have you join my Stamping with Friends group!

Imagine... sharing your ♥ of Stampin’ Up! with this stylish and practical tote, patterned after our Greenhouse Gala Designer Series paper and large enough to carry 12” x 12” card stock and a Paper Cutter, as well as punches, ink pads, and accessories. And with two Starter Kits to choose from-Standard and Digital-at a brand new lower kit price, there’s never been a better time to join the Stampin’Up! family!

Contact me for your password to join and you could be a demonstrator today!

By the way, I gave my other tote bag away to a good home (happy face!)

Tamiko's Thursday Teasers - Sketch using TGF or CC Design images

2010-09-09T00:00:00.000-10:00

It's Thursday! Before I show you what I created for Tamiko's Thursday Teasers, I want to thank everyone who played in our first blog hop. My first too, and even though I was nervous, I ended up having alot of fun! Well, we have a winner! After compiling all of the names of the people who visited each of the team's blogs and commented, the lucky winner of the blog hop candy is PAM CRUZ! Congrats Pam! Please send Cami an email with your mailing address so the prize can be sent to you.

Today I am sharing our Thursday sketch assignment using either an image from The Greeting Farm, Wild Sprouts or CC Designs.

This fabulous sketch that we are using today was created by the talented Cindy Haffner. I am always inspired by Cindy's beautiful work. You can check out her work HERE. Here is the sketch that the Creative Team is using today.

The image that I am using is from The Greeting Farm. Her name is Ebony and she is a Wild Sprout. Want to get her for your GF collection? You can order her from Tamiko's online store HERE. Here is my take on Cindy's fabulous sketch. I had so much fun creating this card using a fun sketch. Be sure to check out all of the other cards made by the Creative Team HERE. You will be so inspired when you see their creations. BTW, please stop on over to Tamiko's online store to check out the NEW CC DESIGNS stamps that just arrived! My favorite is CAT GIRL...

Thanks for stopping by today!

Holiday Classes and a couple of shakers to share

2010-09-07T04:44:00.004-10:00

Happy new week everyone! I hope you all had a nice, relaxing Labor Day weekend!
Just wanted to announce that I will NOT be having classes for the month of September. Things have been too hectic and I really didn't want to put myself under more stress to rush a class in September. But the good news is that I am working on the samples right now for my annual 50 tag class! Yes, the holidays are right around the corner. I know, scary isn't it? Especially for crafters who like to produce handmade cards, tags and gifts! The tag classes will be in October and the giftcard holder classes will be in November. I'm still working out the dates for October because I have a family commitment on the normal day that we usually hold the class (second Saturday and Sunday of each month). I will firm up the dates and announce them as soon as I know! I'm really getting excited about this year's tag class because Stampin' Up! has come out with so many really nice holiday stamps and products that I just can't wait to create and share them with you!
Today's post is a fun shaker card that I've been wanting to create with my partner in crime, Wini. We were initially suppose to get together to start on the tag class, but opted to making this shaker card instead. I just LOVE the way they turned out! Thanks for the fun Wini!! The only thing that I wish that SU comes up in the future would be to have larger stamped images. Don't you? This window needed a larger image to fill the space, so we used the Build-a-Bear die cut. This guy has alot of pieces but was worth the time cuz it turned out so darn cute! Here's my shaker... All products are SU. The DSP is called Jolly Holiday and can be found in the 2010 - 2011 Idea book & catalog. The Dec 25 image is from a set called Tags til Christmas and can be found in the new Holiday mini catalog, including the NEW decorative label punch! Finished it off with an antique brad and gold cord. The cute gingerbread men are from a set called Got Treats? in the IB&C. Did you see the pretty glimmer brad on the top right corner? Those are new too! This is from the brights collection. Sadly, the beads are no longer available through SU...I bought a whole bunch before they retired.
Did you get a NEW holiday mini catalog?? If you didn't and want one, please email me and I will get one to you right away! If you cannot wait, you can view one right now if you click on my the holiday mini catalog on my sidebar...you're gonna love all of the new products!
Anyway, here is Wini's shaker card...pretty much the same except different window. We used nesties to cut the windows. The DSP is from the same Jolly Holiday pack.

Thanks so much for your visit today. Hopefully I will have enough time to post a little more, but for sure on Thursday for the Tamiko's Thursday Teaser...Have a great start of the week!

Placing a name with a face Island Style

2010-09-03T00:00:00.002-10:00

Happy Friday friends! I'm sure I'm the last to post stuff about our gathering that we had last week for a bunch of island girls but as always, no time to do the posting!!
Although it was so nice to see everyone, I'm not sure if I will be able to organize another one next year. It really took the wind out of me and I can't believe that I had a hard time bouncing back! Well, today, I'm sharing the projects that we did. I hope everyone enjoyed making them.
The first project was a cute Halloween box cut out with my Big Shot Pro. I'm so glad I invested in this machine. It is so easy to use and cuts with ease. I used Bazzill Bling cardstock for this box. The goofy pumpkin we created to decorate our box used a large circle punch, small square punch for the teeth and we actually used googlie eyes on the projects (I didn't have any for my sample here). The idea for this pumpkin actually came from the cricut cartridge called Mini Monsters. After cutting one out, I decided that it wasn't a good idea to use the cricut version because of all of the small pieces I would have to cut out and store before assembling it so I decided to create my own similar to the one on the cartridge. The leaf is an actual piece cut out with the cricut. For the mouth, I punched out a 1 3/4" circle (SU punch) and then used the punch again to form the smile. The cool ribbon is from Flora Dec and guess what? it is on sale! One roll of 25 yards is under $4.00! It comes in orange/black and white/black too! Okay, everybody run down before it's all gone!
I was very lucky to receive a donation of black and white fully adhesive craft paper for my project. Originally, the project was going to be something using Hello Kitty, but after loving the easy projects using my Create-a-Critter cartridge, I decided to "scrap" the kitty project and go with this cute panda. The bamboo was also cut using the 3M craft paper and all we had to do was peel and stick! Did you guys like it?? I'm not sure if it's still on sale at Fisher, but the price was something unreal like $4.29/pack? I stocked up but don't worry, I left some for you guys! haha!

We also made a couple of gift card holders using pretty pink bling cardstock by Bazzill...love the irridescent shine! For the first GCH, I used a new image by Dandelion Designs. Isn't this the cutest?? You can get your hands on this image and the whole collection at your favorite craft store. You can also check out their website HERE!

The second GCH was exactly the same except we decorated it with the Martha Stewart waterlily punches (large and small). This turned out so pretty!

Thanks for stopping by today and taking a peek at my post!

Tamiko's Thursday Teasers - Color

2010-09-02T00:00:00.001-10:00

Pink, Green and Brown...those are the colors that Tamiko's creative team was assigned to create something with this week. I love these colors! Here is the card that I created with those three colors in mind. I used a Greeting Farm image from a set called Journey. This set and other sets by TGF can be purchased from Tamiko's online store. FREE shipping with any order $25 or more.
Amelia is so cute sitting on her pile of luggage! I wasn't too happy with the pinks that I used to color the image with. I always have a hard time finding the right pink to use from my copic collection. What pinks do you all use? I'd love to hear some suggestions. I think I gotta order more (wink!) For my card, I used pink pirouette cardstock and ran it through my big shot and the paisley embossing folder. I used my nesties to cut out the image and the scallop frame and another nestie (thanks Joy!) for the sentiment which by the way is included in this stamp set. Flowers from my GF Jenny, pearls and taffeta ribbon by SU! Some of my favorite embellishments!
Thanks for your visit today! I'm doing pretty good so far in creating and posting as I'm using this little down time to get all of my postings pre-loaded!

Surprise Blog Hop!

2010-09-01T00:00:00.001-10:00

Welcome to Tamiko's Creative Team's FIRST BLOG HOP! This is truly a "first" for me too so I hope I'm doing it right!
You are on the right track if you came from Tamiko's personal blog THINGS OF JOY. If you didn't come from Tamiko's personal blog, you can click HERE to start from the beginning at Tamiko's CT blog to participate in this fun blog hop.

Why is this a "surprise" blog hop? Well, today, the team is celebrating two surprises...first is the new release by The Greeting Farm (TGF). The images get better and better with each release! To see the new releases, click HERE to go to Tamiko's online store! The second surprise that the team is celebrating today is a birthday! One of our dear team members, CAMI, will be celebrating her birthday this month, so today, we honor you, CAMI! Happy, Happy Birthday!!

On with the hop...there are a few things you need to do to participate in this hop. You must visit each creative team member's blogs and you must leave a comment on each blog to qualify for the blog hop candy. Blog hop candy? Yes! one lucky winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to Tamiko's online store PLUS one choice from TGF new release! You can choose either Oh Boy Ian or Sweet Anya! The hop will end on September 7, 2010, 11:59 p.m. HST. One winner will be selected and announced on the following day.

Here is my special birthday card for my sweet friend, Cami! I used the image Oh Boy Ian...isn't he so handsome?! The card I made is an origami card. I haven't made one of these in a while and had so much fun! If you would like to make one of these origami cards, check out the tutorial on my side bar.
Here is the inside of the card...

Happy Birthday Cami!! Hope your day is as special as you!

Your next stop will be at Janis' blog, Creative Expressions...click HERE

Thanks for stopping by today and for sharing in the fun on our blog hop! Please come back tomorrow to see another week of Tamiko's Thursday Teasers!

August OCS

2010-08-31T00:00:00.001-10:00

It feels like forever since I've blogged. I have been busier than busy taking care of sick family. My son ended up staying home the whole week, but thank goodness I was able to go to work for a couple of days last week and now Dad is under the weather. Being sick on the weekend is nerve wrecking for me because as a caregiver, you have to find alternatives. I took Dad to urgent care just to get him checked out and get some meds and I totally didn't think that taking a dose of cough medicine with codeine was going to throw Dad for a loop, but now I know...It was an experience in more ways than one. Dealing with the unexpected is so draining for me and all I can do after all the ordeal is to sit down and have a good cry. Anyway, enough drama about me!

Today, I wanted to share with you my card for the August one card swap. Linda, who is the organizer for this monthly card swap, has asked us to make our card using an Asian theme. I almost forgot! I got this fun image from Tiddly Inks and her name is Chi. I had so much fun coloring her and making this card and I hope my partner KaRen likes it!

Here's the inside of the card. The symbol on the front (happiness) and the sentiment inside of the card (thank you) is from a Hero Arts clear stamp set. Pearl embellishments is by SU. I also wanted to share the beautiful sunflowers my Dad grew in the front yard. They are so cheery and happy! Here's a really close up shot of the flower.

These flowers are not too large and guess where he got the seeds from? The wild bird seed mix...he picked out the sunflower seeds and stuck them in the ground.

Here's the patch.

I want to thank you all for your continued love and support and for still coming to my blog and leaving me comments. I'm working on finding my balance and will try to post as much as time will allow so I can share some creative ideas with you!

Tamiko's Thursday Teasers - 3D Thursday!

2010-08-26T03:00:00.002-10:00

My dear friends...thank you SO MUCH for the extra love and support you are showing me with your kind and caring words of encouragement and concern. Brings me to tears reading all of these comments that mean so much to me. I will take all of your suggestions into consideration and we'll see where that leads me. You guys are the best!
Well, it's already Thursday and time for Tamiko's Thursday Teasers. This week, we are doing a 3D project, yay! 3D Thursday!! Here's what I came up with. I bought this cute Sizzix die which is made for cutting chipboard. These dies are called Score board dies and are so neat! All of the scoring is cut so perfect. Before you cut out the chipboard, you need to cover the chipboard with your choice of designer paper (Elmer's Craft Bond works best for me). The ribbon and paper I used for my project was purchased from Tamiko's online store. She's got some good prices going on there, so please go check it out! The image I used is from the Creepy Crew and is called Wednesday. Kind of funny...Wednesday for Thursday's post... Here's what the box looks like opened up. I used some self-adhesive velcro to close the box.

Please click on over to Tamiko's blog to check out the rest of the fabulous 3D projects that the Creative Team came up with. You will be totally delighted! Thanks for stopping by today!!

August 2010 Class Projects - the rest of it!

2010-08-25T00:00:00.000-10:00

OMG, my apologies for being so tardy in posting these projects for the ladies who have kits to go. The only excuse I can share is that I drove myself crazy getting ready for the big social gathering this past weekend as you probably saw on some of the creative team's blogs...those photos will come later as I need to share these photos first! And after all of that madness, my son got sick and we already made a couple trips to the doctor. He is on his way to recovery, thank goodness, but in the mean time, Mom here was drained even more. Only so much my tiny body can handle, know what I mean? I've kind of lost my mojo in the process, so after a couple of posts, I might be taking a short break to find my mojo and to catch up with some things like Thank you notes and birthday cards that I've been trying to do! If only I had more time in a day to do these things! Okay, enough blabbing and onto my class projects! This will be a long make up post, so go get a snack and a cup of coffee before you start reading (wink!)
I love this cute little purse that we made as our "bonus" project. The funny little story behind this one (short story) is that I bought this XL sizzix die when it first came out and had the hardest time putting it all together because the bottom was round. Then, when I went to my upline's house for a Hana Hou party, she had this cute little purse as one of our projects and I knew that I needed that die! Oh, I didn't tell you that I had sold the original die to my friend because I hated it back then...*sigh* Here's the front view. We used one of the extra flowers from the first project I showed you in my last post. Used taffeta ribbon - can you believe that this is the early expresso color? I imagined it was going to be darker. Here's the back

and a side view. The inside is a 5X7 piece of cardstock...I'll have to share that with you on another post...want a mini tutorial? Let me know here!

We made a cute matchbox and this time, embossed the outside of the box, so pretty! Love the new lace that SU is selling. The cute mini tag was not on my wish list, but when I saw this sample in the SU catty, I knew I had to have it!

A while ago, I bought the Sizzix Big Shot Pro (from J's) and I'm so glad that I did. Here, I cut out the tall bag with Concord Crush (new in color) and embossed it with one of SU's newest embossing folder called Vintage Wallpaper, it's so elegant! Used pink taffeta ribbon to close the bag and the cute owl punch...I love this owl!

Side view of the bag

Sorry that this was such a long post...I owed it to you! Thanks so much for stopping in today. I'm also sorry that my mojo is lost somewhere and I can't find it, so if you see it, send it back to me!

There's alot going on in my little world here and I can't seem to find the right balance lately. I've even considered closing my blog because I can't keep up with the posting. And then I think about YOU, my friends, and faithful readers who have supported me through this wonderful three and a half year journey and don't want to disappoint you. I will let you know what I decide...I was told to not be hasty so I will think it over and let you all know! Thanks for all of your love and support!

Tamiko's Thursday Challenge - Sketch

2010-08-19T00:00:00.002-10:00

Here we are creating for Tamiko's Thursday Teasers and this week, the team is following a sketch. I have to apologize for not remembering where I got this fun sketch from. I see the name Dominique in the watermark, but my poor eyesight won't let me read the rest. Anyway, if this is your sketch, please send me an email so you can get proper credit for this fun sketch and thank you in advance. Here is my take on the sketch. I decided to use Dylan from The Greeting Farm Roll Call stamp set. This set is an awesome set - you get 10 full sized images and sentiments too! Check it out at Tamiko's store HERE. Back to my card - I always seem to migrate to the cutsie girly images but this time, thought that I should challenge myself and do a boy. Dylan is so cute and I thought fit right in with this sketch...what do you think? Want more inspiration? Check out the rest of the Creative Team and their take on this fun, fun, fun sketch HERE.

Hope you are all having a great Thursday! Please come back tomorrow to see more of my August class projects! Thanks for dropping in today and thank you for always leaving me such nice comments!

August 2010 Class Projects

2010-08-18T05:10:00.001-10:00

It's been a hectic last couple of days here. I'm trying to finish up a bunch of projects and time just escaped from me! Started this post the other night but just couldn't get it done, so here we are, today is Wednesday *sigh*...
Well, here is the first of our class projects. We used a pre-made box and added a marina mist square to the top of the cover. Using the flower folds XL sizzix die, we cut out 2 each of the flowers (cherry cobbler cardstock) and embossed them with the vintage wallpaper embossing folder. The layers are held together using stamping dimensionals. White flower is from the pretties kit and finished off with an antique brad (new and so pretty!). We made three 3X3 cards (with envelopes), stamped the circle image from the stamp set called Just Believe in Marina Mist and mounted it on a cherry cobbler scallop circle. I was very pleased with this color combo and thought that the blue just popped out when paired with the red.
I'll be sharing more projects on Friday. Come back tomorrow to see what I created for Tamiko's Thursday Teasers. We created a card using a fun sketch!
Thanks for stopping by today!

The Nicest Things

2010-08-16T03:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Monday! Wow! the weekend really went by super fast. I didn't feel like I had a weekend - can I have another two days off? LOL! I had two awesome classes this past weekend and I think everyone had a fun time making the projects - did you ladies?? I will be sharing the projects this week, starting tomorrow...just had enough time to do a short post for today.
Today, I am sharing a card I made using a sweet stamp set called The Nicest Things. The image is cute but what sold me on this one was the sentiment, which is what I put on the inside of this card (sorry, forgot to take a pic of it!). The inside sentiment says, "A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the best things you can be." by Douglas Pagels...All products used for this card by SU...pretty in pin, chocolate chip and pear pizazz cardstock, ribbon is retired, scallop trim border and pearls.
Hope you all have a great start of a new week and thanks for starting your week with me!

Shop Gossip!

2010-08-14T00:00:00.000-10:00

I miss my shop gossip column that I used to have on my blog...well, you guys know that I love to share a good deal when I see one, right? Well, I ran into Fisher Hawaii the other day to pick up more of that 3M self adhesive craft paper to finish up a project I'm working on and to my surprise, the paper was on sale! Yippee! I swear it's like 1/2 off of the regular price! Because I was in a rush, I couldn't think of what colors I needed (more like wanted), so I'll have to get back there before it's all gone...Cooke Street store has a large selection. I went to the downtown store today and sadly, they have one box of mixed colors...hope I can get back there before all of the good colors are gone. Bummers that I won't be able to go back until next week.
Anyway, this is what I made using the paper. I used my cricut, so you already know what cartridge this cute lamb is from. I used my nestie to cut out the shape behind of the lamb and used some retired SU DP for the background. I added some blue pearls to the card and used my scallop oval punch and oval punch to frame the sentiment. Oh yeah, the ribbon is the new 1/8" taffeta ribbon, this color is Marina Mist. Here's my card with my baby gift. The gift is a baby onesie that I stamped using the craft pad. I rolled the onesie up and placed it in a clear tube, tied a ribbon on and it's ready to give. I am working on packaging two special baby gifts, finally got around to stamping this onesie!!

Thanks for your visit today. I'll be busy with 10 ladies today at my class. Can't wait to share the projects with you after Sunday! Have a great Saturday and stay cool...heard it will be a scorcher today!

Tamiko's Thursday Teasers

2010-08-12T03:00:00.000-10:00

Today is the first day that Tamiko's Creative Team is working on a teaser to inspire you. Today's teaser for the team was to create a card using summer colors - turquoise, yellow and orange. Summer is just about over so I thought it was a good time to use these fun colors and say goodbye to summer. I used an old CC Design image called Surfer Emma...I used my deckle nesties to frame the image and backed it up with chocolate chip. Added some faux stitching and used my fiskars border punch to the side.The Creative Team will be posting Thursday Teasers every week, so please be sure to check it out over at Tamiko's blog HERE.
Want to know who's on the Creative Team? Check them out below:
Joy - A Place to be Me
Kyoko - Cards and Tags Mania
Jodi Ann - Inked Inspirations
Michelle - Mushi's Creative Inspirations
Mama - Luvn The Journey
Janis - Creative Expressions
Cami - Capture a Heart
Thanks for your visit today. Be sure to check back every Thursday to see the team's teasers for you!
More exciting things coming to Tamiko's online store starting in September - new products, specials on featured products and more! This is only the beginning! Looking forward to more fun challenges with the team to inspire and motivate you!

Beautiful Birthday Cards

2010-08-11T00:00:00.000-10:00

Sharing more beautiful birthday cards from friends. This first card is from my GF Jodi Ann of Inked Inspirations...she is truly an inspiration to me. When I see her cards, it makes me want to try harder to create more beautiful cards just like her. Only thing is that I know it will never happen, some people just have the knack! The next card is from my GF Linda. What a cute card, love this manga image!

From Kyoko...this flower is so pretty and shiny too! Love this elegant card!

From my niece, Jodi. Although this is not a handmade card, I just love it! Hallmark did a pretty good job in giving the handmade look, don't you think? Thanks Jo-Jo for the pretty card and gifts too!

Thanks for peeking in today. And again, thanks all for the birthday wishes. Come back tomorrow for Tamiko's Thursday Teasers...we're featuring summer colors!

Spoiled by Rita

2010-08-10T00:00:00.000-10:00

Holy Moly! Received this birthday package from my GF Rita. Talk about spoiling me...look at all of the goodies she sent to me. This basket was just too gorgeous! Love all of the details!

This was the flower on the top of the basket...a beautiful water lily...

I love my card too, Rita! Thank you so much for everything! I love being spoiled!

I have a few more BRAKS to share this week, so if you didn't see your card yet, it will be shared right here soon! Thank again for all of the birthday wishes and thanks for sharing a part of your day with me!

Ladybug Thank You

2010-08-09T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Monday! Wow, the weekend zipped by so fast, I can't believe that it is over. Today, I am sharing another cute creation using a ladybug I cut using my cricut. Yes, I'm still stuck on the create-a-critter. Are you guys sick of seeing my little critters?? Made this thank you card for one of my co-workers who surprised me with a couple of cute charms for my birthday.All other products used is by SU. I just love this sentiment! I was planning on sharing more of my birthday cards today, but I'm still working on editing the photos of them so bear with me. I'm loving all of the projects for this month's class, just finished all of the samples and some of the cutting of cardstock. There is still some spots left in case you want to join us. We always have so much fun!
I'm exhaused though because there's so much going on these days, I'm having a difficult time keeping track. Time to do some re-thinking of what I can and cannot do anymore.
Have a great start of a new week and thanks for stopping by today!

August Class Sneak Peek - Finally!

2010-08-07T07:48:00.002-10:00

Wow! I had a hard time figuring out my projects for August. Maybe I had a little too much extra on my plate? Well, I stayed up late last night and finally figured out most of the projects we will be making at class next week...sorry for the delay. I've received some emails from people asking me if they missed my post/email on the class as they know that my classes are always on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month. The classes will be be on Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at my home. Here's the sneak peek! We will be making alot of cute projects this month. We will be decorating an already made square box with a beautiful flower and also 3X3 cards to put inside of the box. We will also be making a tall bag, matchbox and a cute and fun bonus project. Lots of new products will be used and we will have lots of fun!
Class fee for attendees is still only $20 ($10 for demonstrators) and will include all materials and tools for you to create the projects. Kits to go are available for $30 and will include everything stamped and cut; all you do is assemble. Please RSVP via email and class spaces will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. I will be making 24 kits so reserve yours today!
Happy Saturday! I will be at Joy's garage sale today, so hope to see you there! I'll be sharing more BRAKS soon...thanks for stopping by today!

Sharing my Birthday Cards

2010-08-06T06:43:00.006-10:00

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes! Sharing some of the cards I received.
This first one is from my GF Joy. Love the Tiddlyinks image! From Joyce...I love cupcakes and it's pink too!

From my partner in crime, Wini...I love this sweet bouquet of flowers!

This card is from Julie Stieber from SCS. I had forgotten that long ago, I signed up for a birthday rak club...Thank you Julie!

From my friend Colleen. Thanks Colleen. Enjoyed meeting you and your family last week.

I have a few more cards that I need to catch a photo then I'll post. I have a couple birthday cards that I made that I will be sharing over the weekend and then next week, getting back to my SU posting...Happy Friday and Happy weekend!

Just Another Day

2010-08-05T05:43:00.000-10:00

Today is my Friday at work. Another furlough day tomorrow which I really need. I'm still working on the class projects so it will be a welcome day off.
Well, I celebrated my birthday on Sunday, it was a nice, quiet day. This year, I didn't want any fussing. The last time I felt that way was when I turned 30. I'm not sure why because I was fine when I turned 40. Maybe it's every ten years? The Friday before, my GF Cheryl took me out to lunch at Tango's. It was a really nice lunch, even though the place was kind of noisy. Here's the bag that I got from Cheryl...I just love the Happy Birthday punch. You can get it at J's...if he has any left! Thanks Cheryl for the fun birthday lunch and gift! Our traditonal birthday photo...how coincidental that we both wore yellow.

I'll have more Braks to share tomorrow...Hope you all have a wonderful Thursday and thanks for stopping by!

Sweet Kitty Sending Get Well Wishes

2010-08-03T05:21:00.004-10:00

The card that I'm sharing with you today was made for a special lady who is recovering from surgery. She LOVES cats, so thought that this kitty would cheer her up! This cutie was cut using my Cricut and you probably already know which cartridge I used. Of course, my Create-a-Critter cartridge! Did I already mention that it was my favorite? LOL! Anyway, I am pleased with the way this card turned out considering the short amount of time I had to make it.This week is extra busy as I'm trying to work on class projects. I should be able to get my act together starting tonight since I'm off from watching TV. For those who know me, know that I don't watch TV. Not that I don't like watching TV, but once I'm hooked, I never get anything done! I got caught up watching The Bachelorette but now that it is over, no more reality shows!! I'm glad it's over though because I was feeling guilty about not committing to working on my projects! Anyone else got caught up watching that show? The only good from that show for me was that it was good for conversation, LOL!
Thanks for stopping in today. I'm also trying to make time this week to see what you all have been up to. Come back tomorrow for some BRAKS that I'm gonna share.

A Ruby Kind of Birthday

2010-08-02T05:38:00.002-10:00

Wow! a new week already! What a busy weekend I had. The garage sale was a huge success and we had lots of fun too! Thanks to all of the ladies who stopped by to visit with us and shop. I hope you all enjoyed your bargains. Today, I'm sharing a birthday card I made for one of my friends at the Hawaii State FCU...I had fun making this card...I've had Ruby for a while but never got to ink her up! The background was created using the new SU embossing folder called Vintage Wallpaper. I really like the deep emboss of these folders. This card also featured 2 of the new SU colors - Concord Crush and Daffodil Delight.
Short post this morning...gotta run for the bus now. Thanks for peeking in today. This week, I'm working on the samples for my August class which will be held on Sat 8/14 and Sun 8/15. Formal announcement coming soon. Have a great start of the week!

Sweet Kitty Card

2010-07-31T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Weekend! It's a good thing that blogger allows you to pre-post. Today is the garage sale and it should be lots of fun. Today, I'm sharing with you a kitty card. This card is similar to the doggie card that I posted a few days ago. This kitty is also from the stamp set Every Little Bit (28 images!). I'm also using a stamp from the Printed Petals set (the image behind the kitty). This stamp can be punched out using the scallop circle punch. The DSP is a new one called Elegant Soiree and matched perfect with my soft suede cs and the new cherry cobbler cs. I also used lots of bling. These rhinestones are fun to use. The ones I used for my card today comes stuck all in a row, so flashy! I finished off my card using the photo corners in chocolate chip. Sentiment is from a set called A Word For You and I used my marker to ink up only the Happy Birthday part and I punched it out using the modern label punch. Here's a closer look at the shiny rhinestones! Oops, forgot to mention that I used my eyelet border punch too. It was a fun card to make.

Thanks for spending a bit of your Saturday with me...I think I'll try to rest a little tomorrow, hopefully I'll be able to create some fun things to share with you next week!

Everyday Princess

2010-07-30T00:00:00.000-10:00

I hope I'm allowing enough time for my OCS partner to receive her card. This month, I was partnered up with Cindy Adachi of Canada. We had to create our card using WORDS. I almost forgot about the words as I was creating and so I jumped on the computer and typed up the word FRIENDS. The image that I used is called Everyday Princess and it is a digi image by Tiddly Inks...these images are so adorable and fun to color. Although, I won't take credit for the color of this image either. I got it from my stash of colored images by my niece who loves to color and asks to color every time she comes over...I'm running out so hope Jen comes over for dinner soon! haha!
This card is 6X6 in size. I was looking though some of my 6X6 papers and found a whole stack of retired SU DSP. The one that I used for the background was perfect with the crowns. I thought was fitting for this card. Got the beautiful red rose from Little C's online store and used my nestie to frame the image. (All other paper by SU). Here's the inside.

I'm so glad that it's Friday! It's been another busy week for me. Thanks for stopping by for a visit today and don't forget to stop by the garage sale if you are in the Kailua area.

Garage Sale Announcement and a relaxing card

2010-07-29T00:00:00.003-10:00

I will be participating in a garage sale this Saturday, July 31st from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1545 Akaakoa Place, Kailua. We will have lots of craft items (stamp sets, stamping wheels, ink cartridges, ink pads, paper, beads, eyelets and more!) as well as other household items at low, bargain prices! Bring a friend and come check it out!
Today's card was a fun card to make. I got this Yoga Anya from Tamiko's and never had a chance to ink it up til now. I really liked the way it turned out. Used my top note die and embossed it and added some pretty paper roses. These roses were made using a sizzix die (sorry forgot the name of it), but it was really easy to make. I added pearls in the center of the roses. I used the word window punch for her yoga mat.
Here's a closer view of the roses.

Speaking of relaxing...haven't posted photos of Mochiko in a while so thought I'd share some. I envy the fact that she can sleep all day. So sweet and peacful.

Aahh, the life of a cat...

Thanks for making a visit to my blog today! Hope to see you at the garage sale this weekend.

Doggie Card

2010-07-27T00:00:00.000-10:00

One of the best things about the new idea book and catalog is that there are so many new products to buy and play with! Over the weekend, in between my chores, I found some time to play with some new stamps and products and made this card. Cardstock is the new Marina Mist. I also used soft suede and chocolate chip cardstock. The flower is from a new set called Printed Petals. When I first saw this flower, I thought it would work with our large flower punch but I didn't realize that this stamp has 6 petals and the punch only had 5 (sad face!) I had to hand cut this flower out, which wasn't too bad. I also used this cute doggie image from a set called Every Little Bit. This set comes with 28 images! Here's a closer look...

We now sell self-adhesive rhinestones, yay! I love these rhinestones! I also used a new punch called dotted scallop ribbon border.

I'll post another card tomorrow using the same stamp set. Wishing you a nice day!

Chop Suey Post

2010-07-26T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Monday and welcome to my "chop suey post"...what the heck is a chop suey post?? I think it's really some local slang that we use for all mixed up. It's a post that will include raks and some non-SU stuff that I created and I will have these chop suey posts every so often.
The first thing I want to share is a fun shaker card I learned to make a couple of weeks ago. My GF Joy, aka the midnight crafter (LOL!) taught me how to make a shaker card using the thick fun foam...super cool! I made this card for Tamiko's #5 challenge - Flowers! The challenge ended already, but you can check out Tamiko's blog for lots of inspiration AND, you can hop on over to her store to shop too! This next card is a card I made for my sweet friend, Jodi who just celebrated her birthday. In fact, she is giving away some mega blog candy so go check it out! Jodi is such an inspiration to me! I love her work and just don't know how she can make so many cards in one week!! Check out her blog, Inked Inspirations...you won't be disappointed!

Got this super cute and fun card from my BFF Joy (aka Tamiko)...isn't it so cute?! I love this monkey...created from my favorite cricut cartridge - Create-a-Critter.

This sweet card I received from my friend, Allison...Allison's blog, Stampin When I Can is full of fun posts and lots of fun links to wonderful blogs through her...thanks for doing all the work for us!! I love this card and the tea bags too!

Thanks for stopping by today!

21

2010-07-22T05:23:00.005-10:00

Today we are celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary. I don't know where all of that time went, but I guess you could say that we've been so busy living life and time really flies when you are extremely busy! Talk about busy, I've been so busy (and tired) that I totally forgot about making a card for Eric. I even thought about picking up a Hallmark (gasp!) but that thought perished quickly...here is the card I whipped up this morning before heading out to work. I used this cute image drawn by Cristy Croll of Tiddly Inks...LOVE her images! My niece colored this for me a while back and I'm glad that she did! Anyhoo, if you would like to see more of these cute images, check out Cristy's Tiddly Inks blog HERE...if you love what you see, you can go shopping to get some for your own! For my card, I added some lace, flowers (thanks Joy for the stash) and hearts...tried to keep it simple. Sometimes guys don't appreciate all of the embellishments we pile on LOL! Thought I'd give you a laugh...here is us 21 years ago...what is up with my puffy hair? I guess it was the style then, ha!

Happy Thursday! It's my end of the week, furlough tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by today!

Golden Anniversary

2010-07-21T00:00:00.000-10:00

Made this card for my niece's in-laws who will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary! The flash was a little bright on this photo, so you can't see the gold flowers I stamped using the Fifth Avenue Floral set. I used Basic Gray to stamp the other flower. The card size is 6X6. Here's the inside of the card.

Thank goodness this is a short week for me. I'm still recouperating from cleaning the shed and I didn't mention that I weeded part of the garden that day too. What a gluten for punishment eh? Advil was on the menu to ease the pain! LOL!

Thanks for coming by for a look today. Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Another Owl

2010-07-20T00:00:00.000-10:00

I'm back with another owl. I decided to make a card using one of our new embossing folders. This one is called Vintage Wallpaper #120175. Isn't it so pretty?! I used the Island Floral #118171 sizzix die to cut the flowers and finished with one of the Antique Brads for the center. I also used the dotted scallop ribbon border punch again. You can see the details better since I used a solid color cardstock instead of the DSP. I love the richness of this new color, Cherry Cobbler. The flower and brad...

The inside of the card. The sentiment is from a new set called A Word For You #117032 (wood) #120528 (clear). I think this set will be one of my faves!

If you haven't gotten a new idea book & catalog and want to order one from me, send me an email! I'm loving all of the samples in this new catalog and will be featuring alot of them in my future classes!

Thanks for stopping by today!

I love the Owl!

2010-07-19T05:20:00.000-10:00

Happy Monday! This weekend went by really fast, considering it was a longer one for me with a furlough day added in. I'm moving a little slower today after all of the cleaning that I did over the weekend, photos at the end of this kind of long post...I'm posting my project first in case you don't want to hear me drag on about my cleaning adventure.
When I saw this cute 2-step owl punch (#118074) in the new idea book & catalog, I knew I HAD to have it! This punch will punch out all of the pieces you will need to make this cute owl! I attached the owl on a 1 3/4" circle and clipped it on to a milk carton using a mini library clip. Here's a side view of my project. I used another new punch, dotted scallop ribbon border, around the milk carton. I love this punch too! The DSP that I used for the border and the owl's tummy is called Sweet and Sour specialty #117390. The branch that the owl is standing on is from a punch called 2-step bird, XL #117191. Did you know that SU has self-adhesive rhinestones and pearls? I love it! I used a rhinestone for the center of the mini flower.

A close up of the owl. I'm excited to try out different color combos for the owl.

Well, here is some before and after photos of my cleaning adventure. I decided that last week that I needed to help Dad clean out his garden shed in the back yard. He's accumulated so much junk over the years and that junk kept piling up to the point where he didn't know what was in there and he couldn't even get in there! My goal was to straighten up the place, throw out the junk/rubbish and make room for him to be outside in the yard to do some planting even if there was some small rain outside. Are you ready to see the before photos?

and

It took me a few hours to accomplish, but I was happy with the results. There were so many empty, smashed up boxes stuffed everywhere...why??!! Oh, and I only came across two geckos, amazing! Here are the after photos...I cleared an area for him to do some planting...

kind of organized things...

My body kind of aches today, but hopefully the advil will help! I hope you all had a productive weekend too.

Thanks for looking today! I'll be back to share another owl project with you!

Hello Baby

2010-07-17T00:00:00.001-10:00

Here is the cute little 3X3 bonus card that we made. I embossed the front of the card using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder and then layered white CS with a punched border of hearts. Layered some pink pirouette over it and stamped Hello Baby (from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set) and finally, the satin ribbon to add the finishing touch. The cute little bear is from a new set called Every Little Bit - this set includes 28 images! I punched the bear out with a circle punch and attached it to the ribbon using a mini safety pin, cute! The heart punch is a little big, but it's still cute. Up close...

Everyone who came to the class had a choice of making this card in either pink or blue...

Thanks for coming by today. Happy weekend! Hope your day is a fun one! I'm off to the yard to help Dad clean the shed...

Mini Gift Enclosures with scallop envelopes

2010-07-16T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Aloha Friday! It's a furlough day for me, but there's no relaxing today. Lots to do as usual! Before I share those mini gift enclosures with you, I wanted to share a photo of the roses we made using the large flower punch. We made the larger roses to practice before making the smaller ones. For those who attended, I hope it helped by making the larger flower first. Here's what the Spritz Smooch looks like - I sprayed it on one of the roses. So pretty! Here are the cards we made, a total of 6 cards and envelopes. We used the new cardstock colors for the envelopes and a scrap strip from the Greenhouse Gala DSP to add some color. The image is a cute little monkey from the Fox and Friends stamp set stamped using the new Expresso ink. I love this rich brown!

The cards were wrapped up in a cello bag an ribbon and was placed in our fancy favor monkey box.

Happy weekend! I'm planning on helping Dad clean out his shed in the back. Over the years, he's accumulated so much junk that he can barely walk in his little shed...I hope I'm successful in cleaning and not run into too many geckos! ("scream!!!")

Thanks for your visit today! Come back tomorrow to see the cute little bonus card we made!

Tea Light Cake Box

2010-07-15T00:00:00.000-10:00

Here is the featured project for July's class. We made a cute cake using a Sizzix Cake Box Scoreboard Die and the new Greenhouse Gala DSP from SU. I love this new DSP, it's so cheerful! The roses took the longest to make, but they are doable and just takes a little patience. We sprayed some Smooch Spritz on the roses in Gold Glow, so pretty! A side view of the cake...

This is the inside of the cake. I added a strip of CS to the inside to hide the little tabs on the bottom piece.

On the cover, we used an eyelet setter and a hammer (remember those days?) to make a hole so that you could turn on the tea light candle. When we assembled the candle on the top of the cover, we had to make sure that the switch lined up in the hole!

Thanks for stopping by today! I'll be posting some gift enclosures and scallop envelopes tomorrow and also the bonus card that we made!

My Monkey

2010-07-13T00:00:00.000-10:00

Here's one of the projects that we made over the weekend at the class. I'm not really good at creating punched animals and projects from scratch, I can copy stuff that I see on blogs! LOL! I was so determined to create a monkey for some reason and after numerous tries, ta-da! here is my monkey! If you want to make a monkey for your very own, I will show you the pieces needed in another post! Here is the monkey close up (closer)...we attached the monkey on a fancy favor box (XL sizzix die). I cut my paper 4X12 so that the box is a little shorter. I purposely wanted it a little shorter so that the little gift enclosure cards and envelopes that we made can kind of stick out (as shown above),

Thanks so much for your visit! I will be sharing another project hopefully tomorrow! BTW, if you ordered a kit to go, they are all done and ready to go once I type up some notes for you. HUGE HUGS and thanks to Wini and Joyce who stuck around after class to help me cut the pieces!

Printed Petals

2010-07-11T10:06:00.003-10:00

My card today is a 3X3 card using a stamp set called Printed Petals (116679 wood, 12044 clear). These images are so small, but very cute when paired up with the Itty Bitty Shape punch pack (118309). I attached each shape using a small piece of dimensionals. I used a new color called Pear Pizazz with Bashful Blue. I finished off the card with some half pearls on each shape. Simple and cute! Here's a view of the itty bitty punch pack.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend. It's a beautiful Sunday here. My second class today, looking forward to seeing everyone. We had a fun time yesterday making those small roses. It took a while to make because we had to make 6 roses for the cake, but the finished results were breathtaking! I'll be posting photos of the class projects throughout this coming week! Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you all have a relaxing day!

Bridal Shower Blues

2010-07-10T08:24:00.002-10:00

Today I am sharing with you the second bridal shower card I made. This one is for my sister to give to the bride. I used the same image using a blue theme. SU satin ribbon in bashful blue. I love these satin ribbons! I cut the image out using my nesties and embellished with some blue pearls.
Short post today...getting set up for my first class this weekend. If you signed up for the class, I will see you soon...we will have so much fun making the birthday cake using the scoreboard die. See you tomorrow back here on the blogs!

For The Bride

2010-07-09T04:58:00.005-10:00

Happy Aloha Friday! Not a furlough Friday today, so I am posting this right before I run for the bus! Made this card last night for my niece who is attending a bridal shower for her cousin. This pretty image is from a set called Blissful Bride. It is featured in the Summer mini catalog and is still available for purchase. The size of this card is 6X6. When I first started working on this card, I was worried that there would be too much blank space because the image is on the smaller side, but thank goodness for pretty satin ribbon and embellishments, it turned out not too bad. The sentiment "for your shower" is from Teeny Tiny Wishes - one of my new favorite sentiment sets. Here's how I decorated the inside. The bouquet of flowers is from the Blissful Bride set as well and the sentiment is from Sincere Salutations. I'll post another card tomorrow using the same stamp set, just different color.

Still packing my kits for this weekend classes - so I'll be busy tonight...darn that K drama last night...had to watch the last episode, it was really good!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Beary Sweet Birthday Card

2010-07-08T05:25:00.002-10:00

I really love using these Build-a-Bear stamps but somehow, they got buried under other stamp sets. I found my set while digging through my stamps to find an image for birthday card I needed to make. This set includes both a boy and girl bear and some accessories as well. The new idea book and catalog now features a baby bear (page 85). The set is called Bear Hugs. My card today was fun and simple to make. I used my pinking hearts corner punch (#118072) to decorate the corner of my card. I also attached one of those pretty paper roses to the bottom of the card. Here's a close up of the paper rose. Isn't is so pretty?! If you signed up for my classes this weekend, we will be learning how to make this pretty paper rose. We will make one large one like this and then make 6 smaller roses to decorate the project.

Thank you to all of you for leaving me sweet comments and for the emails concerned about the pain I was having in my head. It was a rough past week, but I am feeling much better and I am learning or trying to take things slower. I'm so used to getting so many things done in one day that it takes discipline to train yourself to operate on another speed, if you know what I mean! I got into watching some Korean drama (my boss told me about Prosecutor Princess and I really liked it) on TV, but the only thing bad about that is that it can get addicting, which is the reason why I didn't watch TV in the first place. Hmmm, I might not get anything done now!

I have to add a comment about yesterday's post...when I read it, I was embarrassed because it said "Happy 4th"... this was a post that I started on Saturday and was supposed to post on the 4th but I never got around finishing it until the 6th. So if it was confusing for you to read, this is what happened - big oops!

Thanks for dropping by today! I appreciate your time and comments!

June OCS

2010-07-07T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy 4th! Hope you are all enjoying this long weekend. I'm still taking it easy and trying to rest as much as I am allowed...
I'm loving that I can be a player in the monthly one card swap (OCS) that my GF Linda took over from me (thanks Linda!). I was partnered with my GF and SU sister Myra for the June OCS and here is the adorable card I received from her! LOVE THIS! Thanks so much Myra!! I also swapped cards with my friend Sharon and here is the card I got from Sharon...It's hard to tell without seeing it IRL, but this card is very delicate. Thanks Sharon for the pretty card!

If you would like to play along with us monthly, please visit Linda's blog so you don't miss the shout out to sign up for this fun swap!

Short post today...thanks for stopping in on your busy holiday weekend!

My Bad! Forgot to say thanks for these raks!

2010-07-05T00:00:00.001-10:00

Hope everyone had a fun 4th of July! I'm liking that we have today off from work in observance of Independence Day so we can recouperate!
I'm so embarrassed and this post is totally overdue...so sorry for not acknowledging these beautiful raks!!
This cute drawer ensemble was made by my GF Joy who amazes me with all of her fabulous creations!! Check out her blog HERE. Thanks Joy, I love this awesome rak! I received these beautiful raks from my GF Rita, whom I had the pleasure of meeting while vacationing in Las Vegas! I love everything Rita!! Poor kitty lost her arm, but that's okay, she's still cute and sparkly!! Pop on over to Rita's blog HERE to see her fabulous creations!

Thanks ladies for the wonderful raks and pardon my tardy thank you!!

July 2010 class projects sneak peek!

2010-07-03T00:00:00.001-10:00

My July classes will be held on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at my home. We will be making some really cute and fun projects including a birthday cake box featuring the tealight candle, 6 mini cards with scalloped envelopes (using NEW cardstock colors!) in a fancy favor box decorated with an adorable punched art monkey! We will also be learning how to make these pretty paper roses that you see pictured here.I am cutting 24 kits this month. Please RSVP to me via email as soon as possible as seats are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Your RSVP should include the day that you would like to attend. The fee for this class is still only $20 and includes all materials needed for the projects. Payments will be collected on the day of the class. If you are a demonstrator attending, your cost is just $10.
Kits to go are available for $30 and the first come, first served basis applies to reserving one of these kits as well. The kits include postage, all the materials needed to complete the projects, in addition, all projects will be stamped, die cutted and prepped for you for easy assembling. Photos of all projects will be posted on my blog so you can assemble the projects following the photos or you can email me with any questions.
To clarify the cost for kits to go for demonstrators. I have decided that the cost will be $20 since I am also providing the service of stamping, die cutting and preparing the projects for easy assembling as well. I hope you understand the amount of work that goes into these kits.
I'm looking forward to sharing these fun projects with you!

Fun Party Favor Boxes

2010-07-02T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Aloha Friday! No furlough for me today, but that's okay...we are having a long holiday weekend! I'm actually glad that a long weekend is coming up because I haven't been feeling very well. The other day, I discovered a painful lump on the back of my head and I actually was kind of scared because I had no clue what it could be. After an appt with my doctor, he diagnosed me with occipital neuralgia. The doctor said that this is pretty common, who knows, you might have had this but never knew. If you are interested in knowing the symptoms and information about this, click HERE. I guess I need to make some adjustments in everything I do so I won't have so much stress. I might need alot of reminders from you. I will be cutting down on my posts for the next few weeks to heal.
Okay! today I am sharing a cute little party favor box. I love that Stampin' Up! came out with these cute and fun party favor boxes already cut out and ready to decorate and use! These fun party favor boxes (#117178) are featured in the Summer Mini Catalog on page 27. After popping the box up (they come assembled but flat) I attached the band (comes with the box) I decorated it with a paper rose made from pumpkin pie cardstock and the large flower punch and an image. This cute owl image comes from the level one hostess set called It's The Thought and you can get this stamp set FREE with a qualifying minimum purchase. So simple and cute yeah?Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today. Wishing you a fun and Happy 4th of July weekend!! Please come back tomorrow for a sneak peek to see my July class projects!

The catalogs are here!!

2010-06-29T05:33:00.003-10:00

The catalogs are here and just in time! I was actually worried that they might arrive late, but they are in the house! My house! I will be contacting you for pick up/delivery if your name is on the reservation list. I ordered plenty of catalogs this year so I shouldn't run out, at least right away! Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing your copy of this year's awesome catalog. I'm still oohing and aahing over every page!Today, I am sharing one of the new stamps called Homemade #116978 which is a single stamp for only $8.95. I'm liking that you can purchase some stamps individually. The selection is a little larger this year and I have alot on my wishlist! I cut this box using our XL Fancy Favor die and it is perfect to hold a little something to share with a friend. I used my favorite CS Pink Pirouette. The CS packs now come in solid and textured all in the same pack. I'm trying to get used to that idea...I used the textured cs for this favor.

Thanks for stopping in today...if you can't wait to see the new catalog...please comment here (make sure I have a link back to you) or send me an email. I will be mailing out catalogs as early as tomorrow if you are on my list!

Playing with new products!

2010-06-28T05:04:00.003-10:00

This time of year is always exciting for me. The new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog is about to begin and every year I say the same thing - "this is SU's best catalog ever!" This year is no exception, the catty is fabulous! I'm hoping that the cases of catalogs arrive today so those of you who reserved one can get your hands on it as the day we can start ordering is on Thursday, July 1st!! If you did not yet reserve a catalog, please leave me a comment here (if I already have your contact information) or send me an email so I can make sure you receive a catalog. Today, I am sharing with you a card that I created using one of the new DSPs called Greenhouse Gala. I also used one of the new cardstock colors called Early Expresso. I love the deep brown color together with the celery. The scallop circle I used on this card is a new one too! The size is 2 3/8" and it goes perfect with the 1 3/4" circle punch. I used another new color for the scallop circle - Daffodil Delight. The cute lil' lion is from one of my favorite animal sets called Fox and Friends. It's debut was in the occasions mini catalog and I'm happy to announce that it made it to the new idea book & catalog! Here's the inside of the card...this new cute stamp is called Perfect Punches and although I didn't use my curly label punch after I stamped it, I thought it was perfect for a sentiment inside of my card. I used my scallop border punch to add the finishing touches.

Happy Monday! A new week is already here...I can't believe that June is close to the end and we are upon a new month!! By the end of the week, I should be able to do a sneak peek post for my July class! Come back tomorrow to see some precious raks from some sweet friends. Thanks for stopping in today!!

A card for Eli

2010-06-27T08:18:00.002-10:00

My co-worker had her baby last week and here is the card I made for the staff to all sign and attach to our gift. Of course I used my Create-a-Critter cricut cartridge and using the 3M adhesive craft paper made this card so speedy to make. Cut, peel and stick, that's it! It was so easy, that I made it before running for the bus!Good news to the people who ordered June kits for the baby cards...I actually mailed them out yesterday! Please email or call me if you have questions on assembling them.
Hope you are all enjoying your weekend. After some chores and grocery shopping today, I'm hoping on playing with some of my new SU stuff so that I can share projects with you during the week.
Thanks for looking today!

Want some sunshine?

2010-06-25T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Aloha Friday!! It's another furlough day for me today. I'm actually glad that I have a day off because today is Dad's day. Lots of running around to do with Dad...a blood test that I forgot to get him to take before his appointment last week (sad face!), a haircut and a trip to the garden shop per his request. Yes, it will be a busy day for me, but I don't mind because I get to spend more time with Dad!
Today, as promised, I am sharing a mini scrapbook that I made using TGF full sheet set called Sunshine. I bought this set from TAMIKO'S and was asked to make a sample...I've been wanting to make a mini scrapbook and this set was perfect for the job. Here are the pages...I think I able to use up all of the stamps in this set.

Mini books are great to use up those larger scraps!

The stamp "cute" is a SU stamp and so are the arrows...

Thanks for looking today! I appreciate all of your sweet comments, they sure keep me going! If you love this stamp set as much as I do, stop by TAMIKO'S online store and check it out. The best part...all $25.00 or more orders gets free shipping!

Starting next week, I will be sharing some SU projects! Can't wait to use one of the new DSPs that I just received!! The excitement is building because the new idea book and catalog is here and we will get to order from it real soon!!!

Enjoy your weekend!!

It's Thursday!

2010-06-24T00:00:00.001-10:00

Happy Thursday! Today's card was made for my GF Wanida's birthday earlier this month. This cute image by TGF is also named Thursday! I found another purple fan...good thing I was able to find a couple pieces of purple cardstock in my stash! Are you gettting tired of the shaker cards?? I'm slowly running out of beads LOL! I used my nesties to cut out the window.

Sorry for such a short post. Running late today, hopefully a longer post tomorrow. I'll be sharing a sweet summer mini scrapbook with you, so I hope you come back for a visit!

The Cricut had a workout

2010-06-23T00:00:00.000-10:00

You know how it goes...once you got the machine out, you might as well cut out a bunch! And with this create-a-critter cartridge, it was super easy to cut and assemble. No tiny pieces to fuss with! I just LOVE all of the cute critters on the cartridge, but you know me and my cats...this kitty is so cute! There are four layers to this kitty and by the time you adhere them all together, it feels like cardboard which was perfect to prop up on the front of this card. I got this cute DSP called Party Games by Pinecone Press from Cute Stuff. Love the color combo on this paper. Here's the close up...

and the inside of the card. I gave this card to my GF Jean...picked up some new CTMH stamps...the stamp obsession continues...

Happy Wednesday!! Tomorrow will be my Friday cuz it's another furlough week. Hope I have some time for myself to just craft. I'm always crafting on the fly, if you know what I mean...but, sometimes, that's when I do my best work. I'll be working on a mini tutorial for the round shaker I posted earlier this week...got a request for that one.

Thanks for your visit today. It means so much to me to have you stop by and take time from your busy schedules. Hoping I can find some time to do some visiting myself to your blog soon!

Pink Hair is Cute

2010-06-22T00:00:00.001-10:00

My GF Cheryl celebrated her birthday last week and here is the card I made for her. This cute image is one by TGF and is from the Roll Call set...awesome set! I got this full sheet stamp set from Tamikos...
Both Cheryl and I love the color pink and while I was coloring I though, why not, pink hair, kinda cute! and yes, another shaker! What is it with me and these shakers...I can't get enough. Guess I'll make shakers until I run out of beads - LOL!

Hope you are having a great Tuesday! Still more sharing to come. I am gonna get back into my SU stuff real soon...my brain is trying to finalize July's class projects! I know that the projects will be featuring some of the wonderful and new SU products waiting to debut in July!!

Another baby boy shaker card

2010-06-21T05:29:00.000-10:00

I made this baby card for my GF Wini, whose son needed a baby boy card and wanted it to have a giraffe on it. I had so much fun cutting out this cute giraffe using my cricut. I'm loving this cartridge because the critters are oh so cute! The cartridge is called Create-a-Critter and it's by Nancy Kubo. I knew I had to have this cartridge because I already love her digital images and kits!
As you can see, I'm still on a shaker kick so decided to use one of the leftover circle scallop cut outs from my class and make it into a shaker. Here's a closer look at the sweet giraffe...

Happy Monday! Thanks for stopping in today!

Birthday cards for Joyce and Wini

2010-06-20T00:00:00.000-10:00

My GF Joyce celebrated her birthday the day after Nolan's. Here's the card I made for her. I decided to dust off my cricut and use my new cartridge called Create a Critter that I bought over a month ago. I love the critters on this cartridge, super cute! I decided to use this cute Panda. I also used 3M adhesive craft paper on all the parts to create the panda. It made putting this panda together super easy! Just peel and stick!! I'm gonna have to stock up on more colors so making more critters will be super easy. Looks like a walking trip to Fisher Hawaii during my lunch next week! Just in case you've never tried this self adhesive craft paper before, I gotta tell you that it is so easy to use. And cutting it in my cricut is not a problem either.
BTW, I typed up the sentiment on my computer using the font called won ton...and I used the sentiment "ai yah" on the front of the card because Joyce has vanity plates on her car that says "ai yah"...she got a kick out of it!
Other supplies used for the card - nesties frame (and I left in the cut out for a solid center), bling, oval punches (SU). And here's another birthday card I made. This one is for my partner in crime, Wini, who celebrated her bday in May. Do you love this huge flower?? Got it from Little C's. Nesties to cut out the shaker window and TGF image is from a cute set called Roll Call...got that from Tamikos! Colored the image using my copies, I thought the greens blended pretty good...that's Wini's favorite color!

Thanks for popping in today!! I have more to share so stop back in soon!

Baby Gift Bags

2010-06-19T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy weekend! Before I share my gift bags today, I wanted to share this sweet photo of Nolan and Grandpa on N's bday. The older my son gets, he hates to take photos, except with Grandpa. He knows how important it is to take these precious photos. He told me that he doesn't like me posting photos on my blog because one day when he was out with his dad, someone told him that she saw his photo on my blog, he kind of freaked out that someone recognized him. Okay, so if you see him at the mall or someplace, do not tell him I posted this photo! LOL!On to my project. Today, I'm sharing the 2 gift bags that we made using regular paper lunch bags that I cut off 6 1/4" from the open end. The two cardstock pieces are 5 1/2" X 6 1/2" and 5 1/2" X 8 1/2", score the larger piece at 6 1/2" to form the front flap. Adhere the cardstock to the front and back of the paper bag and voila! a giftbag! The scallop circle we are using is the cut out from the shaker card. The background was stamped with stamps from the Enjoy Every Moment stamp set.

Here's a side view of the bag

and a view of the bag from the top

another view from the top

Here's the boy version. The background was stamped with stamps from the Circle Circus set in Night of Navy and Creamy Caramel. I used Soft Suede grosgrain ribbon and a circle cut using not quite navy CS.

Busy weekend! Taking Dad for a check up and then house chores and finishing up those kits!!! I'm so sorry it's taking me so long to finish them...they will be in the mail next week!

Thanks for visiting me today. I'll be posting a fun birthday card I made using my cricut and the adhesive craft paper by 3M.

So Happy for You!

2010-06-18T00:00:00.000-10:00

Ever have one of those days when everything is running behind? I started my Thursday that way so I didn't have time to finish my post! But the good news is that there is no work today because it's a furlough Friday for me! I'll see if I can schedule posts for a few days today.
Here's the second baby girl card we made at class. I used the flowers from the One of a Kind stamp set and the tiny flower is from a set called Enjoy Every Moment, one of my favorite little flowers! This card is the girl version of the boy sailboat card I posted the other day. This little elephant is just so cute, and I know I keep saying it over and over, but I love this stamp set! The inside is the same as the boy card too.

Thanks for peeking in today...TGIF!

Rock-a-bye-baby

2010-06-16T00:00:00.000-10:00

Thanks to all of you who expressed good wishes for Dad and his miracle. I still worry for him because at 90 years old, anything could happen. Not to say that nothing would happen to you at any age. It's so comforting for me to know that I have so many friends out there who shared their love and concern. You guys mean the world to me.
Today, my baby turns 15 years old. It's hard for me to believe how fast time flies. I can still remember the day he was born and because girls run in our family (I have 2 sisters, and they have 2 girls each), I thought I was having a girl...we didn't know what to expect with a boy, LOL!
On to my card! I'm sharing another card that we made at the class. We used square punches and cut them in half for the sailboat and also the 1 3/4" circle punch and cut it it half. The "water" was created with a sponge. We used the top note die and the lots of dots embossing folder to add texture to the not quite navy cardstock. A taffeta bow added the finishing touch. The sentiment came from the Nursery Necessities stamp set. Here's the inside...the foot came from a retired set, but I love this foot!

The kits are all done (thanks to some help from Joy!) except for me putting on the foam tape on the shaker card. I couldn't think of a better way to mail the foam tape strips with the kit except to put it on the card for you, so as soon as they are affixed, I will mail the kits. The photos should help you assemble the cards as they are all stamped and pieces are ready to go.

Thanks again for stopping by today!

New Challenge at Tamiko's

2010-06-15T05:15:00.004-10:00

Hello! Double posting today to make up for my lack of posts LOL! Please scroll down to see my first post where I featured a sweet shaker card that we made this past weekend and to read some good news too!
Summer is here! We are having some beautiful weather, hot 'n sunny, perfect beach weather and just what you would expect if you are here in Hawaii! I made this card for the challenge that is happening over on Tamiko's blog.
Here's the deets:
* Create a SHAKER CARD
* Use a fun summer theme
* Any color you want
* Any image you want
* Enter only once per person
* Deadline to enter: Sunday, June 21, 2010, 8:00pm HST
* Use Mr. Linky to enter your card! (on Tamiko's blog)
* Winner will be chosen by Tamiko's Creative Team
( Winner will receive the Honey Bikini Stamp by CC Designs!
Here is my card sample. This image is from TGF Roll Call set. I thought she looks like she's ready to go on a picnic...
The closer look...

The inside of the card...(sentiment also from the same stamp set).

Give the challenge a try! Thanks for staying for the second post for the day...be sure to scroll down to read my first post, it's my favorite shaker card!

June Class Project - Baby Shaker card and some good news!

2010-06-15T00:00:00.000-10:00

Wow, I feel so lost that I didn't get to post for almost a week but sometimes, things just happens, if you know what I mean. Getting ready for the class is always a biggie (Thanks Joy for the ride home and for staying to help me!)
This past weekend was my June classes and the theme was Babies...I had alot of fun creating the cards for this class because it featured 2 shaker cards. I'm sharing this one today, because it's my favorite from the bunch. This stamp set is one of my fave baby sets and it's on the Last Chance list! Boo hoo!! If you love this set and don't have it yet, there's still time to order it! Here's the inside of the card...

I'll be sharing the rest of the cards this week. So here's the good news...today, my Dad went to a follow up appointment with the vascular surgeon because he had an ultrasound on his carotid artery (the one that they said was blocked which caused his stroke in April). The doctor said that they cannot find any blockage and can't really explain it and that he is a miracle, one out of 500! Can you believe that?? We are so stoked and blessed with this wonderful news. Dad started to go back into the garden. His goal is to plant lots of pretty flowers for mom, so sweet, yeah? A big Mahalo to my GF Jodi's hubby, Brian, for helping Grandpa in the garden this past weekend...he is so happy!!

Thanks everyone for sticking with me and for understanding the lack of posts this past week. See you tomorrow!

So Happy!

2010-06-10T05:31:00.002-10:00

I was meaning to post yesterday, but there was a surprise crisis in the morning. Nothing "bad" but let's just say, it threw my morning schedule off. My weekday mornings start at 3:00 AM (yes, you read right!) but I love the "me time"...house is so quiet and although I have alot to do before I leave for work (tidy up the house, make breakfast/lunches, take care of mochiko, etc...), it's a routine and I get it done. So I get up yesterday, ready for the routine and Nolan is up (or did he even go to sleep yet?) and tells me that his iTouch is frozen (end of the world!)...he spent 1 1/2 hours going online trying to see how to unfreeze it, etc. That meant that I couldn't not use the computer and post! Anyway, needless to say, he went to bed and I figured out how to unfreeze the iTouch and got it to work, then it was time to catch the bus (sad face)...
Anyway, I wanted to share this FABULOUS shelf I got from my BBF Kyoko Her talented hubby, Frank handcrafted this beautiful shelf...I LOVE IT!! I use it to store my copics and a few of my other crafting necessities. I thought I had alot of pens, but now I know that I NEED more to fill up my shelves LOL!! The good news is that you can own one of these beautiful shelves for your craft space because they are available for purchase!! Interested? Send me an email and I will hook you up with Kyoko. This shelf is not too big, but just right for us crafters. Thank you Frank for the beautiful craftsmanship on this shelf!
I also wanted to share with you a gift that I received from my friend Colleen. Last year for my bday, Colleen sent me a e-gift card from Build-a-Bear Workshop to get a sunkissed Hello Kitty. I never had the time to go down to Ala Moana to redeem it and before I knew it, the store closed!! I met a lady that used to work at the store and she told me that they were planning on opening at a different location - never happened. Colleen offered to redeem it in California and mail it to me. I love it! Thanks Colleen!

Thanks for stopping by today. I'm glad the today, I'm back to my normal routine and the house is quiet...time to rush for the bus! Have a fun day!

Pun Fun Card

2010-06-08T00:00:00.001-10:00

While blurfing, I saw some cute cards made with this set called Pun Fun. It's such a cute set. I remember when it first came out, I had to have it. I've actually used it for several classes. Over the weekend, I had a small burst of creativity happen and in addition to the samples for the class, I came up with this card.Short post today, but before I go, I have to share a funny story with you... Since today is green trash day, I weeded the front yard when I came home from work yesterday. I know for sure that I am not in shape and my old body is feeling the pain. It feels like I had a good work out...must be from the squatting, pulling the weeds, standing, walking to the trash bin, repeat, repeat...LOL! Must be the old age catching up with me...
Thanks for stopping by today!

The samples are done!

2010-06-07T00:00:00.000-10:00

Happy Monday! A new work week with so much to do! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. It was super hot where I live, the fans kind of blew around the hot air. My craft room does not have a window so the fan was all I had...anyway, I was so proud of myself for finishing up the samples for this coming weekend's classes...we are focusing on baby cards and I love how they turned out! Here's a sort of sneak peek at the rest of the cards. The Nursery Necessities stamp set, which is one of my favorites, is finally retiring...and although I usually sell all of my retired sets, I will be keeping this one around for a little bit longer.
If you would like to sign up to attend this month's class, please send me an email. I still have some kits left!
Enjoy your week! Have more to share, but looking for some spare time to post! Yikes!

Fun Birthday Cards

2010-06-04T05:19:00.005-10:00

Happy Aloha Friday! I'm not used to working on Fridays - LOL! After this Friday, I'll have three Fridays in a row off! Whoo hoo! Today, I'm sharing with you a couple of fun birthday cards that I played around with. This first card is a pocket card that I cut out using my new Big Shot Pro...I took advantage of the awesome sale that J's had a couple weeks back selling this as a bundle with the pro and a big shot for one great price. Anyhoo, this die caught my eye as something that I would really make use of. The main cut out is a pocket and the then there's the card. Here's what the cuts look like:

The size of the card is the regular A2 size (4 1/4 X 5 1/2) and I did a whole bunch of layers to make it look nice! The sentiments inside the card are both by SU and are my favorite sentiments for birthday cards! On the pocket, the image is one by Whipper Snapper and the sentiment is by Hero Arts (I think).

Here's what it looks like when you slip the card into the pocket...I'll be making more of these fun cards so I'll be showing them to you when I'm done. Just wanted to share another shaker card that I made for a friend who "ordered" a card for his friend. They are both surfer dudes so this image was appropriate. I'm so happy that I'm making good use of this surfer image (by SU). The sentiment was computer generated. I cut the window using my new nestie die.

Thanks for looking today. I'm so glad it's the weekend. Now, I'll finally be able to visit some of your blogs that I've been wanting to do. It's so difficult and frustrating for me when I want to do something to relax and unwind, but can't because there's so many things that I really have to do before I can get to the relax and unwind part...and when I run out of time and don't get to even relax just for a bit, I want to cry! Okay, enough ranting...thanks for letting me get that off my chest! Have a wonderful weekend!

June Class Card Sneak Peek

2010-06-03T00:00:00.000-10:00

I finally had some time to work on a sample for my upcoming class. The classes will be held on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday June 13. I will be making 25 kits and space will be reserved on a first come, first served basis via emailing me. The class fee is $20 and will include all materials needed to complete the projects. "Kits to go" can be ordered as well and I will do all of the stamping, cutting, etc. for you. The fee for kits to go is $30 (also includes the postage). Fee for SU demonstrators is $10. You can bring your payment to class.
This class will be focused on baby cards. We will be making 2 baby girl cards and 2 baby boy cards and 1 pink, 1 blue gift bag. Not sure if I'll have time to do something else...thinking about that bonus project so I'll surprise you!
Here is the sample of the baby boy shaker card. We will be using my favorite baby set called Nursery Necessities and I was sad to find out that this set is on the Last Chance list!! If you love this set as much as I do, and you do not own it yet, don't wait to order it because once it's gone, it's gone!
I used the circle scallop sizzix die to cut the window for the shaker. Other supplies used: bashful blue taffeta ribbon. The card we will be making will use the bashful blue satin ribbon. Also, we will be using blue beads from the bead duo set. I improvised for this sample and used the chunky glitter. I didn't care for it too much because the glitter sticks to the acetate window. See the glitter? Not too happy with the glitter (sad face)...

Here's the inside.

Just wanted to mention that if the idea of you joining my SU group and becoming a demonstrator sounds like something you might want to do, Stampin' Up! is offering a mini kit for only $99! What a deal! Once you join, you'll be able to order some of the new products immediately that SU has allowed demonstrators to pre-order like all of the new cardstock (including the in colors!). Also some new stamp sets and a new punch and embossing folder and more! Interested in joining?? Email me for details!!

Just thought I would share this cute photo of Mochiko that I snapped the other morning. She looked so sweet sleeping on the couch, I couldn't resist taking yet another photo...we have tons of photos of her!

Finally, had to share with you some beautiful tomatoes that Dad planted in his garden. He amazes me, at 90, still gardening. A little slower, but he's still got it in him!

Sorry for such a long post today...thanks for bearing with me! Almost the end of the week...hope you are having a good week...thanks for stopping in today!