Quick Birthday Card and a Winner

I needed a quick birthday card and used my new Celebrate with Flourish cartridge, which I received for free (500 points) from Cricut Rewards.  I think this is perhaps one of the quickest cards I've ever made!  Once the image was cut, I popped it on the card after first punching a border.  I stamped a My Craft Spot sentiment on a bit of paper, added a brad and decided I was finished.  It's very simple, but I like it!

Thanks to all who participated in the My Craft Spot Stamp Release Party Blog Hop.  I went to Random.org and the lucky number that came up was #5 - who is actually Kimberly from My Craft Spot!!  I'm quite certain that Kimberly would want me to draw another name, which I did.  This time, the lucky winner is #33 - Tambo (Tami) from Tambo's Creations.  Congratulations Tami!  Please email me your address (smallbitsofpaper @ hotmail.com) and I'll make arrangements for your new My Craft Spot Friends and Neighbors stamp set to be shipped to you!

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A Splash of Colour

It's time for another challenge at Fantabulous Cricut, and this week, we are challenging you to add a splash of the colour YELLOW  to your projects!  I made a fun birthday card and included a yellow shirt, yo-yo and sun.  (The colour looks a bit orange in the photo, but it really is YELLOW!)

I used Car Decals for the little boy.  I really LOVE this cartridge!  I used George and Basic Shapes for the eyes (I don't care much for the mis-matched eye sizes that come with the cartridge) and for the black frame.  The sun is an image from Create a Critter and the nine is from Mickey Font.  The cute little boy and the number 9 are popped for a bit of dimension.  I embossed the blue background with a Cuttlebug Spots and Dots folder and also created a border on the green grass with an EK Success border punch.  I finished everything off with a sentiment from My Craft Spot's Sweet Sentiments Set #1.

If you have not seen the new My Craft Spot Fall Stamp Release, you can check it out HERE.  In fact, there is still time (but not much!) to join the Stamp Release Blog Hop, where you can WIN a new stamp set at each blog along the way!  Winners will be announced tomorrow - so join the fun now!

Head on over to Fantabulous Cricut to check out the rest of the design team projects - and then link up your own YELLOW creation! 

I'm also entering this in the Cricut Circle's weekly challenge: ABC 1-2-3 (A pop of Bright Colour - yellow, one yo-yo, two eyes and three layers to the sun). 

I've just discovered Paper Playtime - thanks to Janis - so will enter my card there as well.  It's a fun site with lots of creativity.  Check it out!

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My Craft Spot Release Party Blog Hop

Today is the day we reveal the NEW My Craft Spot stamps!  Each day this week, My Craft Spot has been giving sneak peaks of the FOUR new stamp sets.  I gave sneak peeks from two of those sets - on Tuesday and Thursday.  Today, each design team member will share more projects made with the new stamp sets during this blog hop.  And each of the blogs will be giving away one of these new stamp sets - so be sure to hop along, starting with Kimberly at My Craft Spot.

I made two very different projects to share.  As many of you know, our house was flooded during a big storm earlier this month.  I made a set of thank you cards to show our appreciation to all those who helped us out (and continue to help us out!).  I used the new Friends and Neighbors - Inside and Out set for the sentiments.  The ark image is from the Inspired Hearts cartridge - and was just perfect considering our circumstances!  Paper is from My Mind's Eye and I added some Sky Blue crinkle ribbon (from My Craft Spot) for the water and to make a coordinating bow as well.

And here is the Friends and Neighbors - Inside and Out stamp set:

I used the new Happy Haunting stamp set for my second project - a fun Halloween gift bag! 

I used Wrap It Up for the bag, image and tag.  The other little sentiment tags were cut by hand.  I added some smokey black and deep purple crinkle ribbon from the Hocus Pocus ribbon collection at My Craft Spot.  I frayed the ribbon for a spookier look as well and ran the transparency used for the window through my Cuttlebug, using the Swiss Dots folder.  I also added a purple button (from a set given to me by my sweet friend Carri from DoubleClick Connections) and a bit of green embroidery floss as well.  Aren't the stamps so fun - and just perfect for Halloween crafting!

Do you see the fun MS Drippy Goo border?  I used Glossy Accents on the handle and border to add a bit more detail.

Here is the new Happy Haunting stamp set:

There are also two more stamp sets being released at My Craft Spot today - Candy Corn Kisses:

And Happy Fall:

These new stamps sets are all available today at My Craft Spot!  And don't forget that Kimberly offers free shipping to Canada and the US.  While you are at My Craft Spot, be sure to check out the delightful assortment of crinkle ribbon and baker's twine too!

***BLOG HOP PRIZE***

Kimberly has very generously donated her new Friends and Neighbors - Inside and Out stamp set for me to give away.  All you need to do is leave a comment on this post to be entered to win!  So easy - and so fun!  I will draw a winner at random on Tuesday.

Please check out the rest of the projects, starting with Kimberly at My Craft Spot.  Be sure to leave comments along the way to have a chance at winning on each blog!  Here's the list of My Craft Spot design team members to help you:

Kimberly

Amber

Kate (That's me!)

Amy

Joy

Aymee

Jenny

Marlene

Ally

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My Craft Spot Release - Another Sneak Peek

It's time for another sneak peek of the new My Craft Spot stamp sets - all of which will be revealed tomorrow!  Today, we are sharing projects created with the NEW Happy Haunting set.

As soon as I saw the set, the idea for this card popped into my head.  The "You make me batty!" sentiment is so fun!!  

To create my card, I used the bat from Hello Kitty Greetings and cut him from a metallic silver paper.  I cut the card base with George and Basic Shapes (having designed it on my Gypsy with squares and circles).  The full moon (circle!) is also from George and Basic Shapes.  I added a border punched with an EK Success punch and everything else was hand cut.  I used some Deep Purple Crinkle Ribbon from My Craft Spot as well.   To make the bow, I first twisted the ribbon and then frayed cut the ends to create a more frayed look.  I also cut the ends of the ribbon behind the sentiment.  I added some doodling and gave my bat some gems for eyes and a nose to finish things off.

I can't wait to show you my projects tomorrow - and to have you join along in the My Craft Spot Release Blog Hop!  Plus, ALL the new items will be revealed and ready to purchase.  How fun!

Stamp Release Party Giveaways

Each day this week, Kimberly from My Craft Spot will have a fun prize for one lucky follower! Then, on Friday, each stop on the Hop will be giving away ONE of the NEW stamp sets! That's a total of 9 stamps sets to be given away!!

For  the most chances to win awesome prizes this week:

1. Leave a comment on each Sneak Peek post on the My Craft Spot blog this week (Monday through Thursday).

2. Post the orange stamp party button (below) on your blog (or Facebook page) and leave Kimberly a comment to let her know that you've done this. 

3. Join us for the Stamp Release Blog Hop on Friday! Each Design Team Blog on the Hop will be giving away ONE of the NEW stamp sets!!

Be sure to check back in tomorrow for the BIG Release Blog Hop! Now, head on over to My Craft Spot for more sneak peeks and your chance to win! 

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HAPPY, HAPPY birthday to my daughter who is 17 years old today!!

(Yes, this makes the third birthday this month - and second this week!  ALL my children were born in August - so lots of cake, fun, and celebrations!  Each one is an incredible gift and such a blessing.)

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My Craft Spot Release - Sneak Peek

It's time for the My Craft Spot release party!  In fact, it started yesterday with some of my incredibly talented design team sisters.  Make sure you check things out if you haven't already!

For my project, I've used a stamp from the new "Friends and Neighbors - Inside and Out" set.  I just love this set!!  It has such a wonderful assortment of sentiments that are just perfect for adding to cards and projects of all sorts.  My Craft Spot stamps are made from high quality photopolymer and are a treat to use.

Card Recipe:

Sentiment - My Craft Spot "Friends and Neighbors" - Inside and Out set (to be released Friday!)

Scallop rectangle and oval - Mini Monograms

Image - Kate's ABCs

Crinkle Ribbon - My Craft Spot

Tim Holtz and Stampin' Up inks, pearls, Stardust Gelly Roll pen

There's lots more fun to be had at My Craft Spot this week!  Kimberly will be showcasing projects each day - and giving away prizes!  I'll be back on Thursday with another sneak peak and the entire design team will be participating in a blog hop on Friday - the day of the big release!  

Stamp Release Party Giveaways

Each day this week, Kimberly from My Craft Spot will have a fun prize for one lucky follower! Then, on Friday, each stop on the Hop will be giving away ONE of the NEW stamp sets! That's a total of 9 stamps sets to be given away!!

For  the most chances to win awesome prizes this week:

1. Leave a comment on each Sneak Peek post on the My Craft Spot blog this week (Monday through Thursday).

2. Post the orange stamp party button (below) on your blog (or Facebook page) and leave Kimberly a comment to let her know that you've done this. 

3. Join us for the Stamp Release Blog Hop on Friday! Each Design Team Blog on the Hop will be giving away ONE of the NEW stamp sets!!

Be sure to check back in on Thursday, August 25th, when I will have another sneak peek for you before the BIG Release Blog Hop! Now, head on over to My Craft Spot for more sneak peeks and your chance to win! 

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Thank you all for your comments regarding our flood and friend's son.  James has made a full recovery.  It truly is miraculous!!! Our house is still in a state of disarray, but things are coming along!

HAPPY, HAPPY birthday to my littlest guy who is 9 years old today!!

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Cupcake Birthday Card

This week's challenge at Fantabulous Cricut is a "Piece of Cake"!  We are challenging you to create a project with a cupcake or other baked good on it.  I decided to create an easel birthday card.

I used Gypsy Wanderings for the cupcake and frame.  I embossed the top and bottom layers of the cupcake and also embossed the white frame.  The little cupcakes at the bottom were punched with little punches from EK Success and the tops of each were also embossed.  The sentiment is from My Craft Spot.  (It's actually made to go on two lines but I stamped each word individually in order to have the sentiment on one line.)  The sentiment was then punched with a Stampin' Up window punch and shadow punch.  The inside was also punched with a Stampin' Up punch.  I added a button and some lovely pink baker's twine from My Craft Spot.

Please head to Fantabulous Cricut to check out the rest of the yummy projects created by the design team - and then link up your own cupcake (or other baked good).  

Well, I didn't end up going camping this past week.  Unfortunately, we had a huge storm here last weekend and our house was flooded.  Our entire lower level was destroyed and needs to be redone.  Fortunately, we lost nothing of any sentimental value AND our insurance is covering the costs (or at least a good chunk of them).  My husband did go camping with the boys but their trip ended up being cut short as well due to the young son of our good friends becoming very ill at the campsite.  He ended up being airlifted to the children's hospital in Toronto from the small hospital to which the ambulance had originally taken him.  It was a huge blessing that I was at home as I could be the contact person back here.  I am beyond delighted to report that the little guy seems to be recovering now and a CT scan has shown that there is no brain damage that has resulted from his experience.  We are all so incredibly thankful - and our tears of worry are now tears of joy.  However, I am absolutely drained at this point!!  I'm glad this is my holiday as I don't know what I would have done otherwise!!  We do have another trip planned for this week and I plan to do nothing!!

Don't forget that next week is the Stamp Release Party Week for My Craft Spot.  There will be prizes everyday and a blog hop on Friday - with prizes at each blog along the way!  There are also extra chances for blog candy each day to lucky followers who have the button below posted on their blogs too!

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Bright and Fun Birthday Cards

Two in one!  My Craft Spot and Fantabulous Cricut projects!

This week's challenge at My Craft Spot is "It's Hot Out There" - use hot, bright colours on your projects.  It's also time to "Get Buggy" at Fantabulous Cricut.  I decided to make some fun birthday cards which fit the criteria for both challenges!  (It's not actually my design team week at Fantabulous Cricut but I decided to join in anyway!)

I used Paisley for the ladybird and bee and Mini Monograms for the scalloped square frames.  I embossed the top layer of the frame with my Cuttlebug Seeing Spots folder.  I added some pearls and gems to insects as well and then popped the insects on the mats.  I used a My Craft Spot "Happy Birthday" stamp from Inside and Out Set #2.  I finished things off with the some absolutely fabulous, bold crinkle ribbon, using Caribbean and Hot Pink.  I LOVE the new colours!!  

If you haven't checked things out recently, be sure to look over all the amazing crinkle ribbon at My Craft Spot.  There is sure to be something to suit your style!  And if you are ribbon challenged (like me!), you'll find crinkle ribbon so easy to work with and very forgiving.

I invite you all to check out the other design team crafts and then link up your own "It's Hot Out There" projects at My Craft Spot this week.  Also, please head over to Fantabulous Cricut to check out the design team creations and link up your buggy projects too!

PS  Happy, happy birthday to my middle guy who is 14 today!!  Also, we're leaving tomorrow for a camping holiday but I'll look forward to catching up with your blogs when I return.

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Coming soon!  Get ready for lots of fun with My Craft Spot during the week of August 22.  The design team is busy working away on creating some fabulous projects using new stamp sets!  You'll get to see them all during the release week, with a new stamp set released each day (Monday to Thursday).  Plus, to end all the fun, Kimberly has organized a blog hop for Friday and the the entire team is taking part - with My Craft Spot prizes to be given away on EACH of the design team blogs!  You won't want to miss it!!

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Friendship Day Card

*The United Nations has declared July 30 as International Friendship Day.

Happy Friendship Day!  To celebrate this day, the Fantabulous Cricut design team has been busy making fun projects for friends. 
 

I've seen a few window cards lately and decided to try one myself.  I used Create a Critter for all the cuts.  (It's unusual for me to use only one cartridge - but it worked out for this card!)  The papers are from My Mind's Eye.  I also added a punched border using a Martha Stewart lace border punch and some ribbon from My Craft Spot.  It's actually crinkle ribbon, but I ironed it for a smoother look.  I did lots of inking, added a gem on the bow and used a silver Gelly Roll pen on the butterfly.  The "friends" stamp is one that I've had for quite some time but I'm not sure who the maker is.

Please head over to Fantabulous Cricut and see what the rest of the team has created.  This also makes the perfect opportunity for you to create something for a special friend as well!

Good news!  My summer courses are finished!  I've already submitted my final assignment for one of the classes and hope to have the other one turned in within the next few days so I can enjoy a bit of free time.  July was such an intense month and I do apologize for my lack of commenting on your blogs.  I'm starting to work my way around though so should be dropping by to see you soon!

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