Valen-tiny Cards

Thank you all so much for the comments you left for me last week during the two blog hops in which I participated.  I did read them all - despite a very busy week!  Earlier this month, I applied for a temporary learning facilitator position at a college in a nearby city.  I figured it was a long shot, but the job is exactly the sort of thing I'd like to do - and one of the reasons I am pursuing my M.Ed.  Well, not only did I get an interview - but I was offered the job last Monday!!  Orientation was Tuesday and I started working on Thursday so life has been a bit of a whirlwind!  The other staff are very supportive, friendly and helpful which is wonderful as I'm jumping in with two feet mid-semester.  It's such a great team and I'm thrilled and feel truly blessed to be included.  The only thing I don't like about the position is the commute - and it seems that Mother Nature is not being at all kind to me with all the snow and freezing rain we've been having...  Anyway, the position goes until the end of April so I will be very busy until then.  I will certainly comment as I can - but there may be delays in my blog visits.

This week at Fantabulous Cricut, the theme is "Valen-tiny" - make a 3x3 card for Valentine's Day.  The challenge at My Craft Spot is "Anything Goes" so I was able to combine the two challenges.  I made a set of four cards to add to my favourite people's lunch boxes on Valentine's Day.

The little hearts were cut using Doodlecharms.  I stamped the white heart with a sentiment from the new My Craft Spot Always and Forever set.  The top pink heart is covered with Crackle Accents.  The white mat was embossed with tiny hearts from the Cuttlebug Love Language set.  The white border was punched with little hearts from a Stampin' Up border punch.  I added some blossom baker's twine from My Craft Spot and a button on each card to finish things off. 

This Thursday, it's my turn to showcase projects made with the NEW My Craft Spot Valentine stamp sets - and one lucky winner will win a set of stamps!  I will also announce the winners of my other two My Craft Spot giveaways so you still have time to enter those if you haven't already:  HERE and HERE. 

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Cricut Craftin' Friends Blog Hop - Day 2

We're so happy you could join us for this hop celebrating the one year blogiversary of Cricut Craftin Grammy (Suzanne).  Suzanne has asked a few of her Cricut message board friends, as well as her design team friends (Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog, Lasting Memories and Sweet Sassy Diva), to join her in this two day blog hop.

Click HERE for my post for the "Cricut Craftin'" Friends Blog Hop Day 1.

Suzanne has some blog candy to share.  In order to be eligible to win her candy, you must need to leave comments along each blog each day.  If you leave a comment on all the blogs both days, your name will be entered into the random drawing twice. The random winner will receive a $25 gift card from their choice of Michaels or Joanns.  You have until January 30th to post your comments. 

Let's get hopping!! If you've hopped over from Faith Abigail at Faith Abigail Designs, then you are in the right place!! If you've just popped in to visit my blog or are reading this via email and you'd like to join our FUN, then please click HERE to start at the beginning with Suzanne's blog. 

For the hop today, I've created a set of thank you cards.  I copied an idea I saw in Cards magazine - the embossing edition. I embossed the top portion of the card and scored lines on the bottom.  "Thanks" was cut using Kate's ABCs and then run through my crimper.  I did some inking and added a flower and some gems to finish things off.

Blog Candy!

Here at Small Bits of Paper, I am giving away a $10US gift certificate to My Craft Spot!! To be eligible to win this prize, you need to be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post.  For an extra entry, leave a comment on yesterday's Cricut Craftin' Friends Blog Hop post - HERE.  (I am also giving away another $10 gift certificate for My Craft Spot HERE.)  Both winners will be announced February 2.

The next stop on the hop is  Stacia of Happy and Scrappy.

List of Blog Hop Participants:

Suzanne http://cricutcraftingrammy.blogspot.com/

Also posting for Cindy who does not have a blog

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog Friends

Charlotte http://alittlebitofdetail.blogspot.com/

Melanie http://melaniemakes.blogspot.com/

Beckie http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/

Faith Abigal http://www.faithabigaildesigns.com/

Kate http://smallbitsofpaper.blogspot.com/

Lasting Memories

Stacia http://happyandscrappytoo.blogspot.com/

Michele F http://fishmememoriesandmore.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth http://visionsofpaper.blogspot.com/

Karen http://creationsbykw.blogspot.com/

Denise http://thruthelookingglass-glassgraffitix2.blogspot.com/

Michelle http://scrappinforkenzie.blogspot.com/

Jennasa http://findtimetocreate.blogspot.com/

Kimberly http://leokc34.blogspot.com/

Amy http://www.lovetocrop.com/

Message Board Friends

Terri http://craftmeaway.blogspot.com/

Brenda http:// friendscraftinwithfriends.blogspot.com/

Rachelle http://creationsbyrachelle.blogspot.com/

Shawnee http://quiverofangels.blogspot.com/

Sweet Sassy Diva Blog Friends

Lori http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/

Mindy http://grammiescraftroom.blogspot.com/

Tina http://tiggersscrapplace.blogspot.com/

Jen http://3catsandabug.blogspot.com/

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Cricut Craftin' Friends Blog Hop - Day 1

We're so happy you could join us for this hop celebrating the one year blogiversary of Cricut Craftin Grammy (Suzanne).  Suzanne has asked a few of her Cricut message board friends, as well as her design team friends (Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog, Lasting Memories and Sweet Sassy Diva), to join her in this two day blog hop. The participants are allowed to share anything creative they wish to share using a Cricut (or other die cut machine if they do not have a Cricut).

Suzanne has some blog candy to share.  In order to be eligible to win her candy, you need to leave comments along each blog each day.  If you leave a comment on all the blogs both days, your name will be entered into the random drawing twice. The random winner will receive a $25 gift card from their choice of Michaels or Joanns.

This is a TWO-DAY hop.  Be sure to check out both days so you don't miss any creativeness. As there is a large number of participants, Suzanne will give you until January 30th to post your comments.  Thanks for joining us!

Let's get hopping!! If you've hopped over from Faith Abigail at Faith Abigail Designs, then you are in the right place!! If you've just popped in to visit my blog or are reading this via email and you'd like to join our fun, then please click HERE to start at the beginning with Suzanne's blog.

For the hop today, I've created a birthday card.  I actually saw a card like this ages ago but I'm afraid that I no longer know to whom I should give credit.  (Please tell me if you know, so I can add the information here.)  I created the card based with window using George and Basic Shapes.  The scalloped frame is from Mini Monograms.  I used Doodlecharms for the bear (and added paws) and Pooh Font for the swing.  The vine and leaves are from ZooBalloo.  The sentiment is from My Craft Spot's Inside & Out Set #2. 

Blog Candy!

Here at Small Bits of Paper, I am giving away a $10US gift certificate to My Craft Spot!! To be eligible to win this prize, you need to be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post.  Come back and leave a comment on tomorrow's post for a second chance to win!  (I am also giving away another $10 gift certificate for My Craft Spot HERE.)  Both winners will be announced February 2.

Now it's time to hop over to visit Stacia of Happy and Scrappy.

List of Blog Hop Participants:

Suzanne http://cricutcraftingrammy.blogspot.com/

Also posting for Cindy who does not have a blog

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog Friends

Charlotte http://alittlebitofdetail.blogspot.com/

Melanie http://melaniemakes.blogspot.com/

Beckie http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/

Faith Abigal http://www.faithabigaildesigns.com/

Kate http://smallbitsofpaper.blogspot.com/

Lasting Memories

Stacia http://happyandscrappytoo.blogspot.com/

Michele F http://fishmememoriesandmore.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth http://visionsofpaper.blogspot.com/

Karen http://creationsbykw.blogspot.com/

Denise http://thruthelookingglass-glassgraffitix2.blogspot.com/

Michelle http://scrappinforkenzie.blogspot.com/

Jennasa http://findtimetocreate.blogspot.com/

Kimberly http://leokc34.blogspot.com/

Amy http://www.lovetocrop.com/

Message Board Friends

Terri http://craftmeaway.blogspot.com/

Brenda http:// friendscraftinwithfriends.blogspot.com/

Rachelle http://creationsbyrachelle.blogspot.com/

Shawnee http://quiverofangels.blogspot.com/

Sweet Sassy Diva Blog Friends

Lori http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/

Mindy http://grammiescraftroom.blogspot.com/

Tina http://tiggersscrapplace.blogspot.com/

Jen http://3catsandabug.blogspot.com/

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E.A.D DESIGNS Project

Check out the Cards for Kids Valentine's Day Blog Hop HERE.

Last week, E.A.D DESIGNS was the generous sponsor at Fantabulous Cricut.  I had been sent a package of goodies to try out, but unfortunately, they did not arrive on time for me to be able to use them on my project.  However, when the package did arrive, I was excited to give them a go!

I used a Bitty Bag from My Craft Spot as my base.  I used Elegant Edges to make a frame for my sweet little girl sticker from E.A.D DESIGNS and created some word art using Winter Frolic.  I used a Fiskars border punch on the top of the bag and then also punched a strip of cardstock.  I added some brads to the front layer (but punched through all four layers) and tied some baker's twine from My Craft Spot at the top.

Click HERE to check out the rest of the Fantabulous Cricut projects using products from E.A.D DESIGNS.

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Cards for Kids Valentine's Day Blog Hop

Welcome to the Cards for Kids Valentines Day Blog! If you have come from a visit with Jessica at Cricut After Dark, you're in the right place. If you're just joining us, please go to Faith Abigail's blog at Faith Abigail Designs and start at the beginning.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show someone how much you love them. So this year, let's send a little love to those that need it most!

For this blog hop, each one of us has created a Valentine's Day card for a sick child and we're asking you to do the same! Simply create a Valentine's Day card, link it to this blog entry (link-up will remain open until February 7 at 12:00am) and then mail it to:

Faith Abigail

10621 Fuller Ridge Circle

Charlotte, NC 28270

On February 10th, all of the cards will be collected and donated to a local children's hospital. Please include a small message inside your card. Envelopes are not necessary. 

Now, what would a blog hop be without prizes?! We have some amazing prizes donated by some very talented and generous women and lots of ways to win!

Krystal Andrew at Getting Cricky has donated one of beautiful Valentine Stamps sets!

Nicole at The Twinery has donated The Ultimate Colour Sampler Pack featuring fourteen gorgeous colours of twine!

Monique at Monique Griffith Designs has generously donated FIVE of her fantastic Cricut Kits: The Simple Life, Toy Story, The Stampede,  Mom and Me, and Catch a Wave.

All winners will be chosen by random.org. In order to win:

• Be a follower of Faith Abigail Designs @ Faith Abigail Designs (one entry) 
• Like Faith Abigail Designs on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/faithabigaildesigns (one entry) 
• Leave a comment on this blog post (one entry) 
• Leave a comment on each of the designers' blog posts (one entry each) 
• Post about this blog hop on your blog, website or Facebook and link back to this post (one entry each) 
• Create a Valentine's Day card, link it to this entry and mail it to the provided address. Please create and link as many projects as you'd like! (TWO entries for each card submitted!)

Here is the card I made for the Cards for Kids Valentine's Day Blog Hop:

The little dinosaur was cut using Create a Critter.  Using my Gypsy, I hid the contours of his spots in order to use little hearts (also from Create a Critter) instead.  I stamped the sentiment using the new Build a Valentine set from My Craft Spot and then added two little hearts using a stamp from My Craft Spot's new Always & Forever set.  (If you haven't had a chance to check out these new stamps sets, head over to My Craft Spot now!  Currently, Kimberly has an amazing package deal for stamps and Valentine's twine - perfect for all your Valentine's Day crafts!)  I finished my card off with a bit of baker's twine from My Craft Spot and also stamped "Happy Valentine's Day" inside.  The scalloped circle and square were created using punches from Stampin' Up.

Blog Candy!

Here at Small Bits of Paper, I am giving away a $10US gift certificate to My Craft Spot!! To be eligible to win this prize, you need to be a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post.  I will announce the winner on February 2.

Thank you for checking out my Cards for Kids Valentine's Day card! Please continue along to Larelyn at Handmade From My Heart and don't forget to check out all of the wonderful projects that the rest of the designers have created!

Blog Hop Order:

Amy @ http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/

Beckie @ http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/

Brandy @ http://craftingwithfaith.blogspot.com/

Cathie @ http://www.creativecutterroom.com/

Charlotte @ http://alittlebitofdetail.blogspot.com/

Jessica @ http://cricutafterdark.blogspot.com/

Kate @ http://www.smallbitsofpaper.blogspot.com/

Larelyn @ http://handmadefromtheheart-designsbylarelyn.blogspot.com/

Lisa @ http://indymermaid.blogspot.com/

Marlene @ http://www.scrappincookie.blogspot.com/

Melissa  @ http://cricutkateer.blogspot.com/

Melanie @ http://melaniemakes.blogspot.com/

Michele @ http://chelemom.blogspot.com/

Sabrina @ http://scrappinwithsabrina.blogspot.com/

Suzanne @ http://cricutcraftingrammy.blogspot.com/

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Basketball Birthday Card

I made this card for my husband's birthday.  My husband is quite athletic and loves sports of all kinds, especially basketball, so it was only natural that my thoughts turned to his favourite sport when making a card for him!

I designed my card using Campin' Critters for the base.  The white mat was embossed with my Cuttlebug.  I used Basketball for the main image/word art and Kate's ABCs for "of attention".  The little banner is actually part of a letter O (also from Kate's ABCs).  I stamped the banner with a sentiment from My Craft Spot's Sweet Sentiments Set #1.  I also used some My Craft Spot Halloween baker's twine and a brad from my stash to finish things off.  My husband loved it!

This week at My Craft Spot, we're singing "Let's hear it for the boys!" and are challenging you to create something "typically male" - robots, sports, vehicles, etc.  Be sure to head over to My Craft Spot to check out the rest of the design team inspiration and to link up your own "boy" project in order to be eligible for this week's prize.

Also, over the next couple of weeks, each My Craft Spot designer is taking time to showcase Kimberly's new Valentine stamp sets.  Be sure to visit designers on their highlighted days in order to win fabulous prizes from My Craft Spot!!  Plus, the stamp sets are available for purchase now!

Be sure to come back here tomorrow for the Cards for Kids Valentine's Day Blog Hop, hosted by Faith Abigail Designs.  I'll be giving away a gift certificate for My Craft Spot!  Plus, you'll have the opportunity to create a card for a child in hospital.

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You're So Cool Lunchbox Notes

Brrrr....  We pretty much spent the weekend indoors as it was FREEZING here!  Fortunately, temperatures are forecast to rise a bit today so things should get better.  Although I'm not a fan of the cold or snow, I am excited to take part in this week's Fantabulous Cricut challenge: Snow Fun!  We are challenging you to include a snowflake or snowman on your project.

For this week's challenge, I made a quick set of lunchbox notelets for my favourite people.  I used Elegant Edges for the card bases and mats (DCWV).  The little snowflakes were cut with a Sizzix die and then stamped with a Peachy Keen face.  I added a bit of Glossy Accents on the eyes too.  I then inked the edges of each snowflake with a pale blue ink.  I also stamped a fun sentiment from the limited-edition Snowman's Prayer stamp set from Robin's Creative Cottage.  There are just a few sets left, so be sure to pick one up before they are gone!  I finished things off with a bit of baker's twine from My Craft Spot.

This week, Fantabulous Cricut is being sponsored by E.A.D DESIGNS.  E.A.D DESIGNS allows you to change the look of any room in just a few minutes.  Their products can be used on more than just walls and on many surfaces - including paper!

E.A.D DESIGNS provided a number of the Fantabulous design team with some product to use.  Unfortunately, my sample is taking the scenic route to get to me so I will be back with another wintry project once it gets here!  However, be sure to head over to Fantabulous Cricut to see what others have been done with the wonderful products from E.A.D DESIGNS.

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I'm also going to link up my project at the Peachy Keen Stamps Challenge Blog, where the theme is... ANYTHING!  (Just be sure to use a Peachy Keen stamp on your project.)

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Cake Box

Happy New Year!  I've been on holidays (and enjoying a break from reality!) so haven't posted for a few weeks.  I do hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and holiday celebrations.  Today, we all head back to work and school.  Last semester, I finished up the course requirements of my M.Ed. and so begin my thesis project this semester.  I'm excited and scared at the same time!

I've always wanted to make a little cake-shaped box, and this week's "It's Delicious" challenge at My Craft Spot has provided me with the perfect opportunity to do so.  I used Tags, Bags, Boxes and More for the box and used a Martha Stewart lace punch for the trim.  I added cream seam binding from My Craft Spot around the trim.  The large paper flower and leaves were cut with Flower Shoppe and I used little punches to make the smaller flowers on the top and back of the box.  Glass beads were added to the centre of all the flowers too.  

I finished things off with some Vintage Vanilla crinkle ribbon from My Craft Spot and a My Craft Spot sentiment from the Friends and Neighbours stamp set.  Papers are from Cosmo Cricket's Double Deck stack and the tag was hand cut from a piece of scrap cardstock. 

Please head over to My Craft Spot for some more It's Delicious inspiration, and to add your own delectable paper treat to this week's challenge for your chance to win a super prize.  Be sure to check out the new baker's twine, stamp sets and Bitty Bags too - all perfect for your Valentine's creations!

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