Wednesday Posts

Hi everyone!

I normally have 3 challenges that I post on Wednesdays. With the holiday this week and going out of town, I don't have anything to share with you.

However, I do encourage you to check out the following challenges and see what my teammates were able to create.

Cuttlebug Challenge - Something Christmas Themed.

The Diedrich Dare - a great sketch this week! Be sure to visit Lisa - this is her last week to create with us. Also, Club Anya is giving away a prize this week if you participate!! An Anya or Ian of your choice (in stock please!) so be sure to play along!

Flutter By Wednesdays - this week we are using circles in addition to a Butterfly, a Fairy or an Angel (for the holidays). And a belated welcome to our 3 newest designers: Karen, Pam and Kris. Be sure to visit Harriet and wish her a Happy Birthday this week!

Have a beautiful, restful, blessed Thanksgiving holiday. I am so thankful for a multitude of things - you my readers are definitely on the list! Thanks for visiting and thanks for the sweet words of encouragement that you leave! ~C

Festival of Lights - Updated Download Link

Here is a new link for the blog hop map. The other one reached it's maximum number of downloads. We apologize for that but are so happy that so many of you are taking this walk with us!

Here is the new link!

Please scroll down for my Banana Split Sunday challenge and my Gingerbread House for the Festival of Lights.

Banana Split Sunday: Sew Thankful

Good morning!

Please scroll down to see my Festival of Lights projects: Gingerbread House, Blog Hop Lighted Tree and Clear Ornaments video.

Today's Banana Split Sunday challenge was to create with the theme "thankful" in mind.

I used one of the House Mouse images Jeanette sent me and colored them with my prismascolors and baby oil. The needle was colored with a silver gel pen. Since they are sewing, I added some faux sewing to my card as well.

Please visit the 2RedBananas blog to see the rest of the teams thankful cards this week!

Festival of Lights - Gingerbread House

Good Morning!!
If you are looking for my Festival of Lights Blog Hop post and Video Blog Hop post - please scroll down!

Today I have my featured post from the Cuttlebug Challenge blog!

Cassie here this morning to kick off the projects for today. Several of the Senior Design Team will be sharing projects centered around the theme of

Santa's Sweet Shoppe.

One of the traditional symbols surrounding the Christmas season is the Gingerbread House. I love the smell of gingerbread - in cookie or cake form! I don't remember ever decorating gingerbread houses as a child but my mother-in-law has done it with her grandkids for as long as I can remember. My little man (not quite 2 last year) got to "help" last Christmas --- which was eating more than anything! One thing I've always been amazed at is the willingness of people to put so much effort into something that is just thrown away after the holiday. But a gingerbread house out of paper would last from year to year!

Supplies:

house form/box/template

decorative papers

Cuttlebug & embossing folders (Victoria, Snowflake)

craft knife

strong adhesive

liquid adhesive (Crystal Effects)

glitter (Perfect fX in Sparkling Champagne)

ink

trims - lace, buttons, pearls

I started with a box I found in the shape of a gingerbread house. It contained cookie cutters but I bought it for the form!

After opening the box at the top, I peeled off the slick printed layer of the house. I wanted a good surface for my adhesive to adhere to and also didn't want any of the printing to potentially show. After that, I used an inkpad to add color to all the edges that matched my base paper.

I cut my paper into strips and embossed them using my Cuttlebug and embossing folders. The roof paper was sanded to reveal the white core of the paper. The siding was lightly rubbed with the ink pad to bring out the embossing. The edges were also inked on the side pieces.

Then came the fun part - adding in all the details! I used a third patterned paper for the door and windows, using a pen to add some detail. Instead of traditional "candy", I used "candy" that crafters find "yummy"! Buttons along the base, pearls on the roof.

I used Crystal Effects along the edges of the sides and the windows/doors and then sprinkled it with glitter - some Perfect fX flakes I have from when I first started stamping.

And a final closeup shot - can you see the embossing on the sides? This was really easy to make since I already had a form to use. It was just a matter of cutting, embossing, adhering and decorating! One thing I wish I'd done was go over *all* my edges on the room instead of just the two ends. But I'll just remember that for the next one!

I hope you enjoyed my project today!

Have a beautiful day!! ~Cassie

Festival of Lights - Video Blog Hop

Good morning everyone! I hope you are enjoying the Festival of Lights? It has certainly been an event full of inspiration!

I am excited to be part of the first video blog hop by Cuttlebug Challenge! If you arrived here after seeing Betty's video at Cutting Above - you are on the right track! If not, start at Christmas with the Cricut.

Last year I mentioned to my mom that I wanted to change the color scheme on my Christmas tree to whites and clears. Maybe creams too but I haven't completely decided on that inclusion yet. As much as I would love to just go on an ornament free-for-all and buy to my heart's content, that's not really practical. There has been a lot of talk this year about handmade being the perfect gift --- well I think handmade is also the perfect decoration!

With just a few simple supplies, my faithful green Cuttlebug and embossing folders I can have a tree full of ornaments this year.

I am so excited to be participating in the video blog hop today! My neice helped me film and edit my video - any glitches are my fault - everything that looks great is all due to her!! Thanks J!

Those are some close-up shots of the ornaments I've created so far! I can't decide if I like the cardinal or the tapestry one the best so far! I'd love to know which one you like the best!
I did a snowflake one as well - looked really great. I added some stickles and some glitter to it because I figured glitter made everything better. But I did not care for the look at all ---- I prefer just the crisp white on the clear.

Before I send you on your way, we were asked to share our favorite tutorial at the Cuttlebug Challenge.  ACK!! If you know me well at all you know that picking just one favorite is so hard! Ten favorites - a little more doable. So I've been thinking about the ones that I really enjoyed and narrowed it down to two. Terrie's Purse Set is PHEnomenal! She's got serious talent!! And I also really loved Meda's Birthday Organizer. Her work is always so polished and very, very elegant looking. Be sure to scroll down to see it - you'll see how professional her projects always are!!

Now, there are TWO prizes being given away today!! Yea!!
Prize 1 is at Christmas with the Cricut - it said {dinosaur} in parantheses --- I bet that means something to you Cricut fans!!
Prize 2 is at Cuttlebug Challenge - this one is {winter wonderland} --- which sounds divine -- and I'm thinking I heard chatter that it's a very new release? yes? maybe?

Now I want to send you over to one of the newest designers at Cuttlebug Challenge - Tammy Skinner!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a beautiful day!!

Cuttlebug Be Inspired 58: Festival of Lights Premier

Welcome to our First ever Festival of Lights from the fabulous team at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog!

The party kicked off over on the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog with a map of the participating Design Team , if you get lost on the way no worries, just check the DT off the map.

In addition to the fabulous projects, we have decided to make this party the most fun ever, by hiding 2 treasures along the hop!

Two selected designers will draw a random winner from the comments left on her blog in the hop. But of course, it wouldn’t be a treasure hunt if you knew which blog is hiding the treasure, right?

The winner will receive a $30 gift certificate to Peachy Keen Stamps!

You will also get a free year subscription to Technique Junkie Sponsored by Pat Huntoon.

So as you hop, make sure you leave comments on every post so you have a chance to win, and add the Cuttlebug blinkie to your blog!!

Ps the more comments you leave the better chances you have at winning!

Above is a map of the park. This is not your traditional blog hop --- instead of going in a specific order, just make sure that you visit everyone on the hop.

To help you find your way, I have a list of the team and their blog links at the end of my post. Also, visit this link for a download that you can use to help you along the way as well! It has all the names of the team.

Cuttlebug Challenge Design Team List maximum downloads reached. Use this link instead!

And now I'd like to share my project with you. We were asked to incorporate the concept of light into our project.

I found this wooden tree on sale at Hobby Lobby and some battery operated lights at JoAnns. I embossed some green Coredinations paper with the new Winter Trees embossing folder and painted it lightly with some Metallic Celadon paint. 

Then I drilled some holes through the tree and traced out the paper to add to the front, creating "layers" for each level. The Crop-A-Dile helped punch holes in the cardstock for the lights to go through. Here's a close-up shot:

I added some jewels to match my decor in pinks and green and clear. Here is a shot with the lights on.

Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you enjoyed my project today - be sure to let me know what you think - you never know, I might be hiding some presents behind that tree!! Here is the links to the rest of the team!

Cassie Larson - You Are Here!

http://fortheartofit.blogspot.com/

Cindy Royal
http://royalthings.blogspot.com/

Karen Maldonado
http://reallifeinpictures.blogspot.com/

Mel McCarthy
http://melstampz.blogspot.com/

Maggie Lamarre
http://mphoinix.blogspot.com/

Nathalia Castellon
http://funkyphreshpapierkreations.blogspot.com/

Shantaie Fowler
http://inkingpink.blogspot.com/

Terrie Bailey
http://terriebaileys.blogspot.com/

Beth Ullman
http://beth714.blogspot.com/

Betty Brett
http://bettybrett.blogspot.com/

Meda Halmaciu
http://handmadebymeda.blogspot.com/

Danielle Wycough
http://lifeonelayoutatatime.blogspot.com/

Ingrid Danvers
http://scrapbookmaniaandmore.blogspot.com/

Jackie Gallagher
http://luv2scrappp.blogspot.com/

Jenn Koss
http://scrappinforlife.blogspot.com/

June Houck
http://simplyelegantpapercrafts.blogspot.com/

Ellen Sonoski
http://closeyourears.blogspot.com/

The Diedrach Dare: Easels Everywhere

My Flutter By Wednesday card is below -- I hope you'll scroll down to see it as well!

This week Madelynn issued a dare to the team to create an easel card. Jessica is loving them and has created them left and right --- so ---- that's the challenge - create an easel card!

I used one of the new Penny images from 2RedBananas for this card. I loved the colors in the patterned paper - they are the colors of fall! The tree is also part of the Nov/Dec Journaling set. I colored with my prismacolor pencils and blended with them as well. Penny's clothes are paper pieced.

I can see why Jess loves making these so much - they are pretty cool! We'd love to see your creation! Be sure to link it up at the Diedrich Dare blog!

Take a spin over to the Diedrich Dare blog to see the featured team member this week. And check out the rest of the team members too!

Darla Wilson  ♥ Debbie Lee ♥ Heather Schlatter

Jacquie Peifer ♥ Jessica Diedrich ♥ Kim Ross ♥ Lisa Hjulberg

Lisa Slusser ♥ Randi Wall ♥ Rebecca Ednie ♥ Sandra MacLean

Flutter By Wednesday: White on White

Good morning girls! I hope that you are having a terrific Wednesday. I have several posts for today so I hope you are settled in for a nice chat!

This is an open week at Flutter By Wednesday and I hope you'll take a moment to play along. You can do anything you want just make sure that your card includes either a Butterfly, a Fairy or an Angel on it somewhere!

My butterfly is just a sweet little sticker that I bought awhile back to use. I sketched this card out with a verse on the front and then embossed --- but I got ahead of myself and embossed first. So I stamped it on the inside instead.

Please visit the rest of the Flutter By team to see what beautiful creations they have for you this week!

Ann ♥ Chris ♥ Christine ♥ Danni ♥ Harriet

Heather ♥ Jodi ♥ Kristie ♥ Lelia ♥ Michelle

Nancy ♥ Nicola ♥ Stef ♥ Taylor

Then be sure to leave a link to your card on Danni's blog!

Christmas Daily Offer from Cutting Cafe

Hi everyone!
I wanted to share this sweet deal with you from the Cutting Cafe! It's a set of images to create a "christmas daily" project --- it's free until Thursday!

CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Cuttlebug Challenge Festival of Lights

I hope that you'll make note of this wonderful event and make plans to attend! We've been working on this for over a month and I can't wait to see how everyone's projects turn out for this!

A Faith Perspective Thankful for Friends Faith Blog Hop

Welcome to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's

A Faith Perspective Thankful for Friends Faith Blog Hop.

Today, we're out in force on the internet -- showing our faith and giving the glory to God. United, we stand as Christian paper crafters and blog owners to make a presence on the internet for all to see. We're celebrating the theme of friends and we're happy to share our projects with you based on the verse:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. " Ecc4:9-10a

If you're just joining in on the fun, you can find the start of the train HERE: . First, we would like to take a moment to thank our generous co-sponsors: Layers of Color Stamps, Gina K Designs Stamps and Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. Together with Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, these companies have donated some wonderful prizes for today's blog hop.

Prizes? Oh, yeah! There will be three lucky grand prize winners for today's event.

To enter, simply hop to the blogs of all of the participating staff members of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, take note of the staff member's name, and leave a comment on their posts. Then send us an email at games@scrapbooknewsandreview.com listing each of the staff members who participated in today's hop. It's that easy. All entries must be received by Monday, November 16, 2009 at 12 noon, EST and three winners will be randomly chosen to win.

What are the prizes?

1. One $100 gift certificate from Layers of Color Stamps AND a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

2. One basket of goodies -- four stamp sets from Gina K Designs and a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

3. One set of digital stamps from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps and a 3 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

In addition, every participating staff member of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine will offer a free one-month subscription to the magazine to one of their lucky visitors by simply leaving a comment on their blog. That's a lot of chances to win, so let's get to the Hop!

I am sharing a card that I taught last month to some friends. I think it's a perfect representation of the friendships that have personally blessed me over the past many years as a stamper.
**First, the process of learning and sharing with others is what friendship is all about. This card uses the Velvet Glitter technique that I learned from on online friend at Cuttlebug Challenge.
**Second, the bird reminds me of that saying "Birds of a Feather Flock Together" and this calls to mind the wonderful local and online stamping friends that I have made. An artistic outlet is the common thread that binds us together ---- and as we grow closer, we discover more common threads.
**The glitter is also representative of friendship to me. My friends bring so much "sparkle" - laughter, joy, love - to my life.

I hope you enjoyed the card and are being blessed by the blog hop! Part of our discussion last night at bible study centered on the spiritual battles that we face as Christians. How wonderful that we can bond together, each of us raising our shields of faith, so to encourage each other and to fight the battles against Satan together. I am so thankful for my sweet Sisters in Christ.

The next stop on this blog hop is:

Linda Lucas at Lovely Linda's Craft Central.

Thanks so much for stopping by - I hope you'll come back again! Please leave a comment so I can come and visit you too! Have a beautiful day!

Wanna see my other blog?

Cuttlebug Be Inspired 57: Operation Write Home

This is my 3rd post today - please scroll down for my Diedrach Dare and FlutterBy cards.

This week the Cuttlebug Challenge team has a sketch created by Cindy - on of our awesome teammates. We are creating cards for Operation Write Home and would like to invite you to join in as well. Here's my card that I created using the new Snowflakes embossing folder from Provo Craft. They weren't showing up at HSN the other day but I hear that you can search now and find them. There are 2 folders in the bundle that will only be offered at HSN.

Provo Craft is also our sponsor this week at Cuttlebug Challenge - 3 folders will be given away!
My image is Jack with Snowball from 2RedBananas. It's colored with a combination of copics and my prismascolor pencils then trimmed out. This is one of my favorite stamps that Mindy Baxter has designed.

Have a beautiful day girls!

The Diedrach Dare: A Cup of Cafe Au Lait

This is my 2nd post today - - scroll down for my FlutterBy Card!

This week the Diedrach Dare is an inspiration challenge. Check out these mugs:

Isn't that one that says Rise and Whine funny?

I love these cups. Would completely enjoy a cup of coffee out of one. The colors are right up my alley. I love the flourishes, the swirly handles and their big size!

I knew right away I wanted to use a new stamp I got a few weeks ago - Cocoa Girl from Gurlee Girl stamps. Have you seen them? They are A-DOR-ABLE!! Such sweet faces and the cards and scrapbook pages posted on the blog are out of this world. Those yummy, layered, detailed, full of stuff cards that I love to admire but never seem to be able to accomplish.

I used the sketch for CLP9 to layout my card - you can see it at the Crafting Lifes Pieces blog - there's a sketch a week and at the end, if you do all four, you have a chance at a prize! Pretty nifty! I colored my image with my prismacolor pencils mostly - and my skin colored copic. Here's a close-up shot:

Take a spin over to the Diedrich Dare blog to see the featured team member this week. And check out the rest of the team members too!

Darla Wilson  ♥ Debbie Lee ♥ Heather Schlatter

Jacquie Peifer ♥ Jessica Diedrich ♥ Kim Ross ♥ Lisa Hjulberg

Lisa Slusser ♥ Randi Wall ♥ Rebecca Ednie ♥ Sandra MacLean

FlutterBy Wednesday

I have this to share with you today for FlutterBy Wednesday.

I recently found the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge. This challenge was based on Deut 31:8 and we were asked to create something about when God is unseen ---something to remind us that God is always there. Butterflies to me are magical - they are able to completely change who they are - much like God's love and salvation can do for us. Whenever I see a butterfly I am reminded of the miracle of butterflies - and only God is capable of producing miracles.

Please visit the rest of the Flutter By team to see what beautiful creations they have for you this week!

Ann ♥ Chris ♥ Christine ♥ Danni ♥ Harriet

Heather ♥ Jodi ♥ Kristie ♥ Lelia ♥ Michelle

Nancy ♥ Nicola ♥ Stef ♥ Taylor

Icy Snowflake Card

Hi everyone! I have a card up over at Cuttlebug Challenge today. It's Quick, Clean and Simple. Three things that are perfect as the holiday season is winding up! I'd love for you to swing by and have a look at it!!

Thanks so much!! Have a beautiful day!!

Banana Split Sunday: A Hello Recipe

Good morning! I have a little card to share today for 2RedBananas Banana Split Sunday challenge. This week it'sa recipe challenge: 3 eyelets, 2 ribbons/fibers and 1 or more ovals.

I used the tree image from the October/November Journaling Spot and have it so it's hanging off the edge of my card. Look close and you can see my eyelets - the ribbon is tied through them. The sentiment oval was punched from an old dictionary page, then I stippled it with some Walnut Ink distress ink before applying the letters and stippling some ink lightly over them as well, just to tone them down.

Please take a moment to visit the 2RedBananas blog to see the rest of the teams creation. Upload your card using our "recipe" as well this week!

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each of you who have sent me well-wishes this week. I did end up with an ear infection and strep. The doctor laughed when I asked for a shot instead of pills; but after the pain in my ears and my throat, I just wanted to be better - AND QUICK!!! I'm not 100% yet, but I do feel much better. I so appreciate each one of you that visit and those that leave a little comment. It's a lot of fun sharing with you!

Just a few little things

Hello everyone!
We've been battling the sickies around here. I thought I was feeling better yesterday when I woke up but as the day progressed my throat got sore again. I am hoping that my guys don't get it as well; hopefully my little man is protected from the shot he got at the doctor on Wednesday. Things have been a little neglected around here the past several days so lots of catching up to do! I do however want to share a few things with you:

1. This post is such a wonderful reminder of all that we have to be thankful for. Take a moment to list all your blessings!

2. Scrapbook News and Review A Faith Perspective is hosting the Thankful for Friends of Faith blog hop on November 14th. If you'd like to participate, today is the final day to sign up -- see all the info HERE.

3. Cuttlebug Challenge is working on our next big event - the Festival of Lights!! It will take place from November 18 - 22 and will be full of ideas to get you prepped for the upcoming Holiday! Make sure you are a follower or subscriber to the blog so you don't miss a moment of the fun!

Flutter By Wednesday: Waste not by using Scraps

Hmmm - not sure why this is showing up now and showing Wed's date. Oh well! Enjoy!!

Good morning girls!! I am so happy that it is Wednesday!! It's the biggest day of the week here on my blog! First up I have my Flutter By post for you. I actually created this last week at the same time I was working on last week's card. I had this little bit of kraft cardstock sitting there and wanted to use it - I just love kraft! And figured I might as well make next week's card too!
My flutterby this week is just a plain kraft one. Butterflies are beautiful no matter what their color scheme. I'm pretty wacky and think that even moths are beautiful! A few weeks ago a pretty brown moth was resting on a brick near my front door - just a pretty piece of nature to greet me as I went into my house. So I kept this butterfly plain and brown --- but oh so pretty in his own way!

I hope you have a little bit of beauty in your life today!

Be sure to visit the rest of the Flutter By girls. Link up your creation using a butterfly, a fairy (or even an angel during the holidays) over at Danni's blog! We love it when you play along with us!

Ann ♥ Chris ♥ Christine ♥ Danni
Harriet ♥ Heather ♥ Jodi ♥ Kristie

Lelia ♥ Michelle- Team Leader

Nancy ♥ Nicola ♥ Stef ♥ Taylor

Introducing Cuttlebug Challenge University

Hi everyone!

Today is a big day at the Cuttlebug Challenge blog - Cuttlebug Challenge University is Open!!

What is Cuttlebug Challenge University?

Well let me tell you, Cuttlebug Challenge University is going to be in-depth, unique, step-by-step classes. In each class you will learn easy to follow, step-by-step techniques. Once you complete your 4 classes for the month of November and have linked your projects, you will be receiving a Graduation Certificate from Cuttlebug Challenge University.

Head over to the blog and check out the first class - coloring with copics! There are some terrific colorers on the team and I'm looking forward to seeing their lessons! I recently took a Copic class at my LSS - taught by a GREAT teacher -- but have so far to go! Here's what I did (this is for you Heather!)

Yep.

Needing some major practice! Right now I only have blues and browns. Oddly enough, I think I got the best result with the "feathering" technique. Of course, it was easy in a bigger space -- it's the little spaces on an image that I have trouble with!

Head over to Cuttlebug Challenge for the first University lesson!

A New Blog

I wanted to share the link to a new blog with you. Praying For You

I think it is a neat idea and I'm grateful for Danielle in starting it. I hope you'll check it out.

Banana Split Sunday: Pick 3 Fall Colors

Good morning girls! I'm so happy you stopped by again today! It's Sunday and that means it's Banana Split Sunday!!! Yippee!! I think an ice cream sundae sounds scrumptious right about now!!

The challenge this week is to Pick 3 Fall Colors - Bonus if you use all 4!!

Red, Yellow, Orange, Brown

I managed to get all 4 colors into my card! I hope you'll join in this week and show off your fall colors! Spend some time visiting the rest of The Banana Bunch and see their take on this challenge!

Jeanette Fincher

Deb Felts

Teresa Grau

Wendy Kastner

Dawn Burnworth

Lynette Neus-Guest Designer

One random participant will win a fall colors goody bag so be sure to post your creation over at the blog!

Layout: Fall-to-Layout 67