Be My Valentine Box Card

Brenda is our talented hostess at Little Red Wagon this week and she's calling out, "Make it Open". She's not just looking for easy-peasy open up a typical card as you normally would type of project though, she's looking for unique and creative ways to open your projects.

Back in April 2019, I purchased a magazine with a free box card die set. I had always wanted to make a box card so thought the die would be the perfect incentive. However, I only just got around to unwrapping the die set for this project - and just earlier this week! It didn't come with instructions though so it took a bit of figuring but I did manage to sort things out. 

I decided to make a Valentine-themed box card with lots of hearts and a few little arrows thrown in for good measure. I was really torn about the direction of the paper on the side panels (the ones that fold down). I'm thinking I might cut some more paper for the two side panels and have the direction go the other way. Still not sure though! And the sides under the flaps have sweet little cupids on the paper which is why I decided to add some arrows amongst the hearts.

Most of the products (stamps and heart dies) used on my box card are from My Craft Spot. I do miss my days designing with Kimberly and always love pulling out MCS products from time to time! I think Kimberly's dies cut better than any other dies I've ever used. 

Please head over to Little Red Wagon to see the rest of the unique and creative openings - and then create and link up a project of your own!

You Deserve Your Very Own Rainbow

Happy Wednesday from snowy and cold Central Ontario. When I woke yesterday, it was -37C with the wind and I woke to a huge dumping of snow on Monday. I was not made for this, friends, although one of the benefits of working from home during the pandemic is not having to go outside.

Jan is our fabulous hostess at Little Red Wagon this week and she's asking us to Pick Patterned Papers. Jan wants us to use at least two different patterned papers on our projects. I used nine! I'm actually quite impressed with myself as I was filled with a wee bit of angst when I saw the challenge theme. I'm not particularly skilled at using patterned paper which is a shame given that I seem to have reams of it in my craft room. I am highly skilled at buying it with high hopes of making amazing things. Anyway, I like the way this project turned out. I also used scraps so I have previously put each piece of the different papers to use in other projects.

And now it's your turn! Pull out your patterned papers to create something for this week's challenge. And if you need some inspiration, check out the Little Red Wagon blog to see what the rest of the Girlfriends have made. 

Mr. & Mrs.

Happy New Year!! We've not had the greatest start to the year here which only means that things will get better. I've had two sick boys although we're not sure whether or not it was Covid as testing is quite restricted here now. Even though my boys are young adults, my heart still goes out to them when they're ill. My middle has been struck especially hard. Fingers crossed that I am spared!

The incredible Chrissy is our hostess at Little Red Wagon this week and she's chosen a very fitting theme, new beginnings. She's looking for any sort of projects celebrating the start of something new - a baby, home, job, etc. 

A friend asked me to create a card for a couple she knows who are getting married soon. The couple has fixed up an old blue and white bus for their home and my friend was looking to incorporate that on the card. I purchased an image online and then printed and fussy cut. I layered the image on a die cut heart background and added a few embellishments. Best wishes to the couple beginning their new life together! 

Please head over to Little Red Wagon to see what the rest of the Girlfriends have created in celebration of new beginnings. We'd love for you to join us too! 

And thanks to those of you who commented on my Year in Review Blog Hop post. I used Random.org and #4 was the lucky number that came up. Congratulations Ellie!! 

Papercrafters' Year In Review 2021 Blog Hop

I'm over-the-moon delighted to be part of Ellibelle' Corners Papercrafters' Year in Review 2021 Blog Hop! And the exciting news is that you can join too! Each crafter in the hop is linking up a favourite project (or two) from 2021. There's a linky tool below where you can post your favourite project as well. You can link anytime from December 29 through January 4. 

I chose a card that I made for a dear and much-loved colleague of mine on her retirement (hence the fairy's grey hair!) from our department this summer. Nancy was an incredible fountain of knowledge and support for me and the team - as well as our students. She was (and is) so respected and admired. Nancy loves all things glitter and sparkle and adds the same to the hearts and lives of all she meets. 

I do have a little something to give away. If you'd like the chance to win a new MFT Staggered Circle stencil, simply leave a comment below. On January 5, I'll randomly draw a name from the comments left on this post. 

Please head along to the next stop in the hop - Maria Giselle's Creative Cuts

Debbie -  Secrets to Stamping

Ellie - Ellibelle's Corner

Helene - Mummylade

Kate (me!) - Small Bits of Paper

Maria Giselle - Maria Giselle's Creative Cuts

Misty - A Card a Day

We Wish You a Merry Christmas Treat Pouches

It's our final challenge of the year at Little Red Wagon and the fabulous Imke is wanting to see Stripes or Dots. I went for both!

I created a set of 12 treat pouches using some Christmas striped and dotted paper from my stash. I tried to photograph them all but it just looked messy. I've had this paper for ages and it seemed perfect for this challenge. I used paper from the same stack to make the little paper bows, using dies from My Craft Spot (no longer in business). The tiny tags and sentiments are also from My Craft Spot. In each pouch, I tucked some Lindt chocolates. I've got so many left over although my middle didn't seem to think that should be a problem. I have a huge "sherry" glass that I keep on our table and always fill it with treats over the holidays. It's currently full and I still have lots more left over. Oops!!

Please head over to Little Red Wagon to see more stripes and dots! We'd love to have you join the fun as well!

For those of you celebrating Christmas, I wish you the happiest of days! And I'm sending blessings to all, whoever you are and however you celebrate the holidays. My your days be merry and bright.