Joy to the World!

Joy is our youngest daughter's middle name, and she loves it, so sometimes if I find something with joy on it, I know that she will be thrilled.

I have seen these name photos at different shops, but when I have looked at the prices, they were way too pricey.  So, I decided, if they can do it, why can't I?  So a couple of afternoons, my husband and I drove around and walked around different in Sonoma County and San Francisco taking photos of different parts of architecture that looked like letters.  We had a blast looking for things and trying to see how a part of something could actually look like a letter.



Joy to the World!

 I then printed up my photos in black and white, found a frame with the correct number of openings that I needed and there you have it.

If I can do it, you can do it.

Easter Pillows

Cute little Easter rabbit pillow project.  I had a lot of fun making this one.  I got so excited about making the first one that I made some others, just because I enjoyed creating them and then sent most of them off to others to enjoy.



Easter Pillows



The front of the pillow is all felt.  I found a bunny pattern on the Martha Stewart website and downloaded it and then enlarged it to make it the size I wanted.  Once I had the rabbit all cut out, I used my scrapbooking chalk to edge the rabbit and give him a little coloring on the white background.  I used pink chalk on a q-tip to highlight his ears and cheek.  Used a blanket stitch to attach all of the pieces.  I found some cute green polka dot material for the back and then did a blanket stitch all the way around leaving an opening to be able to stuff the pillow and then closed it up with the final blanket stitching. 

Below are some of the other pillows that I also made the same way.  It is always fun to add a few little extra touches, it makes it special.

 

Lair Sweet Lair

Our family has attended the Lair of the Golden Bear, a CAL Alumni family camp, which is in the Sierras, coming up on our 22nd year.   It is such a special place, we love seeing friends that return every year as well as meeting and making new friends along the way. 



Lair Sweet Lair

 My sister-in-law, Debbie, is quite a creative person.  She loves to make quilts, knit and is a great sewer.  I am not a great sewer, and am envious of anyone that can actually sit down at a sewing machine and whip something up.  However, I am not too bad when it comes to sewing by hand, and I like making this kind of stuff, like the banner that I just completed.  Debbie gave me the pattern, and I altered it just a bit from "Home Sweet Home," to "Lair Sweet Lair."  Basic felt pieces and a basic blanket stitch was all this project took.  Now, I need to find a stick to thread through the top opening and maybe some raffia to hang it by.  Can't wait to hang it up outside our tent.  Just a few weeks to go.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Friday was my daugther Nicole's birthday.  She loves baseball, so we were off to see the Giants play at AT & T Park.  We had a wonderful day, the sun was out, not to hot, great seats, a good game with good friends, and Nicole caught a ball thrown by Cody Ross, which was the highlight of her day.




Nicole with her treasured Cody Ross ball.

 Because it was Nicole's birthday, I thought it would be fun to create some cute snack bags to take and share at the game.


Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

 I bought a large bag of peanuts at the store and then bagged them myself into celophane bags.  On the top of the bags I added a cute little tag with a baseball (just a plain circle and then added the stitching myself), and then the word "Nuts," which I cut out on my "George and Basic Shapes" Cricut cartridge, regular in orange and then silhoutte in black.

I also made up a cute little bag of M & M's, orange and chocolate ones, of course.  I placed them in a celophane bag, and then on top, I added a cute little baseball.  I cut a circle out of a folded piece of paper, leaving a connected piece at the top.  Drew on the stitching and then stapled to the top of the bag to keep it shut.

Love those pretzel rods, so I bought a bag and then at Michael's Craft store, I picked up a bag of orange colored dipping chocolate.  I melted the chocolate, dipped my pretzel rods and then sprinkled them with chocolate sprinkles, and then placed them on a piece of wax paper until the chocolate had hardened.  I then placed two (2) of the sticks into a celophane bag and then tied the top with a cute little orange and black ribbon.

What a fun day, and really loved making all of the coordinating goodies to go with the theme.

Paris for Nicole

I made this box for my daughter, Nicole.  She has traveled to Paris, and just loves the theme, so I thought, why not make a box for her. 



Paris for Nicole

This box was a pretty good sized square one that I found at Michael's.  I painted a base coat of pink.  I then found cute piece of paper that had the "Paris" theme, which was what gave me this idea to begin with.  I carefully attached it to the top of the box.  I then found the wood Eifle Tower that looks like they had used a wood burning tool on the edges, and attached that along with a "wish" ticket, some other little embelishments, buttons and ribbons, and of course those sparkly gemstones that I like.  Around the outside of the top of the box, I glued a black with pink polka dot ribbon and then a couple of little buttons to the front edge.  As just a cute little addition, I glued a heart inside on the bottom of the box.  A fun project, and loved the theme.

Shabby Chic Box

Daughter Ash likes the Shabby Chic look.  When she was moving into her first apartment, I thought it would be fun to make her some cute little boxes just to have around her room for little items that you never know where to store them.



Shabby Chic Box

You can buy these cute little boxes in all shapes and sizes in any craft store.  I first painted the box with a couple of coats of Acrylic paint in order for things to adhere well to the surface.  I cut out a piece of blue polka dot paper for the top and glued that down.  I then attached to the top a cute little "A," which I painted a light green color, a quirky little pink note, a string of pearls, some buttons and an old key.  I used my chalk and chalked all of the edges to give it that aged look.  Then I decided I needed something around the outside, so I attached a white with blue polka dot ribbon to the top.  Then I chalked all around the outside base of the box, again just making it look aged.  Found a sticker to attach to the side and added a few little rhinestones.  Just as a cute little addition, I added the word joy, which was a precut chipboard inside on the bottom of the box and a little rhinestone. 

Boxes Too!

My mother-in-law is hard to shop for, so I find that she does appreciate getting things that are handmade.  I made cards for her and then I couldn't figure out what to put them in, so I found the right size box, but it was very plain and unattractive.  So, I decided I would decorate the box and put the cards inside.  You could also add some postage stamps and a cute pen.



Boxes Too!

 Plain box, colorful coordinating paper.  I wrapped the bottom of the box, being very careful to take my time and try to make it look very professional.  I then wrapped the top in the bright paper, which I think is just way cool.  I then cut out the base rectangle on my Cricut from the "George and Basic Shapes" cartridge.  I had the yellow rectangle that I had purchased in a packet from Michaels, on which I wrote "Notes for Betty."  I then attached a purchased funky sticker out of felt.  Who wouldn't want to get a gift, which is exciting in itself, but then a box that you can use or reuse for someone else just by changing the tag. 

Bridal Shower

A bridal shower in Sonoma for Ellen. 



Bridal Shower

 A pale lavender card for the base and then added this cute pink shoe sticker on the front.  Used my fun scissors to cut a little scallop at the bottom of the front page of my card.  Then I used my Cricut to cut out a darker lavender "Ellen," and then did the background in pink "silhoutte."  I really like this one, plain and simple, but tasteful.

Heart of Family

Made this card for my father-in-laws 84th birthday last year.  He is the sweetest, loving, funny, caring man that has ever lived.



Heart of the Family

Used a basic card on which I attached a printed paper background.  I then cut out a similar, but different printed paper in a rectangle and then a brown piece of paper in a square and put the two together, edged them with the dark brown chalk and attached them to the card at a slight angle.  I then printed, on my computer the saying, "Friendships may come and go, but the (heart, use a actual heart shape) of FAMILY lasts forever!"  Cut out the words in three pieces, chalked the edges and attached to the card.  I then printed out a fancy swirlly shape in brown and attached to the front using my Cricut "Calligraphy Collection" cartridge.  

Bear in Camp

Another card for Ash while she was away and up at camp.  Yes, once in awhile, because we are in the Sierras, a hungry, lonely brown bear will find his way into camp.  They always create quite a stir amongst the campers, but the staff usually helps them find their way safely back out of camp.  This was kind of an fun experiment in the making.

Bear in Camp

Plain white card and lots of colored chalks to free-hand the background.  I then used the "Camp Out" Cricut cartridge to cut out the cute little brown bear.  The finishing touch, I added some little glittery stars to the sky.

Tent #48

This will be our 22nd year to attend the Lair of the Bear.  We just love going back, can't get enough.  We camp for 1 week every year and have made so many friends that it is always like a big huge family reunion.  I made this card last year for Ash (my daughter) who was part of the staff for her 2nd year.



Tent #48

 Used a plain light brown card for the background.  Cut out the tent top and pinecones using the Cricut "Camp Out" cartridge.  I then free-hand cut the base of the tent, as I wanted it to look similar to our tent, which is wood on the bottom with a canvas top.  I then cut out our tent #48 using the "Geroge and Basic Shapes" cartridge.  I had drew the dirt at the bottom of the card.  This was a fun card to make because I was getting excited about our upcoming week.

Give a Hoot!

The "Give A Hoot," Cricut cartridge is pretty cute.  Owls seem to be very popular right now, and how can you resist these cute little guys, they are adoreable.  Thanksgiving 2010 was the perfect timing for these cards.



Give a Hoot!

Colorful fall background paper to cover the plain card, and an accent paper cut and torn on one side to add a little something that will catch your eye.  Note that I chalk the edges of most of the added pieces, it gives them dimension and I think it makes them stand out and look a little more lifelike.  I then added a piece of velvet ribbon, which just kind of softens the whole thing.  The branch I free-hand cut out of crimped cardstock and then cut the owls out and placed them on the branch.  I also like to add a little sparkly gem here and there.

Flowers

A pretty basic flower that was pretty easy to dress it up.  Kind of like that simple little black dress that everyone should have because you can dress it up or dress it down.  Actually, a card is easier to do (ha-ha).



Flowers



Used my Cricut cartrige "George and Basic Shapes" to cut out the basic flower shape and then the silhoutte to cut a smaller flower in black.  The leaves were cut using the Cricut "Calligraphy Collection," (Celebrate selection).  Cute little stickers to add to the centers and your done.

Let's Do Therapy

Picture this:  A serene setting in the Sierras, the day is coming to an end, all is quite, sitting on a mountain top watching the sun set and it is so clear that you can actually see Mt. Diablo.

Let's Do Therapy

I used a blue card for my base, perfect for a beautiful blue Sierra sky.  For the clouds, the sunset and the base, I tore paper and then chalked the edges.  I did use my Cricut "Camp Out" cartridge to cut the trees out of a dark green paper.  Fun and easy, just scraps of paper and tearing and it all just comes together.

Buon Compleanno

My Italian amica (friend) deserves nothing but the best.



Buon Compleanno

 The colors of this card just made me think of a Tuscan sunset and thought it was perfect for Donna on her special day.  Dark rose colored patterned paper for the background.  Added a lightly patterned orange paper rectangle of which I chalked with brown around the edges to the center.  I then cut out "Donna" with my Cricut and attached to the card.  The flowers were cut with my "George and Basic Shape" Cricut cartridge.  Layers and chalk to make the images pop out and then a rhinestone to the center.  I cut out, chalked and drew on the veins onto the leaves that I glued and stuck in around the flower.

Friend

Special card for my friend just to let her know that I care.



Friend

 As I have said before, cute paper really makes the card.  Stripped paper for the background, a coordinating paper for the background square and then another coordinating lighter colored paper for the center.  Hand wrote "Norma" in the center of the card.  Embellished with flower (chalk edges in brown) cut from the "George and Basic Shapes" Circut cartridge and then added some brown paper curly cues to give it another flare. 

Support the Pink

My friend, Norma, has been fundraising and preparing for the upcoming Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in San Francisco.  Every three minutes, another woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. With the help of people like you, we're going to do everything we can to change that statistic. The walk is 2 days long and is 20 miles per day.  I can't imagine attempting that distance, but I am very impressed with her energy and determination to make the future better and brighter for those that are affected by this terrible disease.

Support the Pink

Begin with chalking a white card base with pink.  Attach a beige background, the one I used had a floral design, but it wouldn't really matter considering that you only see just a little bit of it.  Cut out the pink ribbon paper so that it is slightly smaller than the beige paper.  I chose a pink ribbon that said "hugs and kisses," actually used for Valentine's day, but appropriate for this card, which I then folded to the shape of the ribbon on the paper and attached to the paper with a white brad.  I then attached the pink ribbon paper to the card.  Finally I added a white glittery chipboard "N" for Norma, which I also chalked with pink.  She's my hero, and I want to let her know that she has my support.

Islands in the Sky

I had taken some photos of my friend Tom at a Rotary function and I promised him that I would send them to him.  Couldn't resist making this tropical card to go along with the Hawaiian themed event.



Islands in the Sky

Begin using a white card and chalk the sky using blues and purples, and the base with a light beige to look like sand.  I then hand cut palm trees.  Notice the way that they overlap, well there is a story to go with that.  My husband, Mike and I were at In N' Out Burger and he pointed out that when they plant their palm trees, they plant two next to each other and they overlap.  Therefore, my card has overlapping palm trees.  Love that chalk, so I highlighted with chalk the tops of the trees and the trunks.  The tops of the trees were mounted with the 3-D dots to give them some dimension.  I also cut out a circle for the sun and then added some cute little flip-flop stickers and bright colored flowers.

BBQ Time

With all of the guys that we give cards to, it is sometimes hard to come up with an idea for a card that doesn't look too foo-foo.  However, I think this one is perfect for that guy that enjoys a good barbeque.



BBQ Time

 This was all done with my Cricut cartridge "Block Party."  Easy, just follow the layering directions and look how cute it comes out.

Birthday Greetings!

Birthday greetings for Becky.  I actually got to deliver this card, as well as her birthday present, as we were able to celebrate our birthdays together in Solvang this year.



Birthday Greetings

 Started with a black background, and then added my next layer of floral paper that I found at the Paradise Scrapbook store, one of my very favorite places to visit when I am up in Chico.  Attached pink gathered ribbon and then topped that with fancy green rick rack.  My last little touch was the fancy brown flower with the rhinestone in the center.  Classy with a hint of fun.

Olives and Martinis

I have a good friend that makes excellent martinis, and I just couldn't resist sending her a thank you note after she hosted a Rotary social evening at her house.



Olives and Martinis

 Found this martini paper, wasn't sure what or when I would have a use for it, but with the different colors, I just couldn't pass it up.  Pink card for the base, cut the martini paper just a little smaller and then chalked the edges with a green chalk.  Cut out a circle using the "George and Basic Shapes" Cricut cartridge and then chalked the edges of the olive.  I then punched a small hole in one spot on the olive and ran a plastic skewer from behind through to the front.  I taped the skewer to the backside of the olive.  I then used a 3-D dot to attach the olive and give it some dimension. Lastly, I added a red gem as a pimento.  I thought this came out really cute.

Buttons and Bows for Becky

My friend Becky and I love to spend time together and now that she has moved 4 hours away, we don't get to see each other as often as we would like.  However, it is fun to send notes to each other and she has even started coming up with some pretty creative cards of her own.

Buttons and Bows for Becky

Found this cute brown polka dot paper at Joanne's.  Used the paper for the entire front of my card.  Added the brown checkered ribbon and then stitched the brown button to the center of the ribbon, sewing all the way through the paper to attach and then, just to make sure, I added a piece of tape to hold it securely in place.  I then attached the paper to the front of the card.  I cut out a "B" for Becky in brown and then a second "B" out of black using the shadow option.  Overlapped them slightly and attached to the card.  Chalked the edges of my card to finish it off.

Just for Putty

I was preparing to send a special surprise off to my cousin, and I needed a special card just for her.  This is what I came up with.



Just for Putty





Green gingham paper for the background, love it, looks very summery.  I took a piece of the off white paper and then with my Cricut cartridge "George and Basic Shapes, I cut out her name, but instead of using the cut out letters, I used the negative by pushing out the letters and then placing a piece of plain green paper behind.  I added a green checkered ribbon with a bow as an accent, and then cut out three flowers from the same Cricut cartridge, two in yellow gingham paper and the middle flower in off white.  I chalked the edges, layered the flowers and then finished it off with a light green rhinestone in the center.  I cut out the three green leaves from a plain piece of paper and then added the veins and attached with glue.

For the envelope, I cut out a piece of the green gingham paper, the shape of the envelope flap and attached with tape to the outside of the flap.  I then cut out another flower of the yellow gingham, chalked the edges and punched out some tiny green dots (3) of which I glued to the center of the flower and then attached that to the back of the envelope.

Little Rascal

Now, just how cute is this?  My brother-in-law and his wife actually have raccoons that come to their house every night to eat.  Believe it or not, these little guys are very well behaved and will come up and take food out of your hand with their little paws.  Never in my life, did I think that I would be feeding a raccoon, but I did it. 



Little Rascal

 Background is a plain brown onto which I added a cute tree patterned paper and a brown plaid ribbon.  The little raccoon I found on the "Create a Critter" Cricut cartridge, very easy follow the instructions and do the layering to get that cute effect.  I finished it off by chalking the edges to give it a little added touch and then attached him with a 3-D Zot dot to give it a little dimension.

God Bless America!

Couldn't resist making a card for the upcoming 4th of July.  Good day to remember those who give us our freedom and let them know that we care that they have taken the time to serve our Country.



God Bless America!

 I had a couple of different kinds of star paper that I bought quite a while ago from the Paradise Scrapbook Store, which were perfect for the theme of this card.  I cut a 1" strip of the white background with the red stars, and chalked the one edge with brown to give it an aged look.  Next I added a strip of dark blue and then on top of that, I cut a 2" piece of the red paper of which I used my Friskars edger to tear the one edge, and then I chalked that edge with the brown.  Once the papers were all attached to the card, I cut stars out of dark blue felt and then added them randomly onto the page.  Last thing was to write, "God bless America, My home sweet home." 

Look at the stars.

Haven't sent this card off yet, but it will soon be in the mail to Ash up in the Sierras.  On clear evenings, they lay in their tents and look at the stars before falling to sleep.  Doesn't that sound heavenly.  Had a theme in mind, bought her a star chart, so had to make a card to go with it.



When Life Knocks you Flat, Roll Over and Look at the Stars

Chalked the white card with blue to look like clouds in the sky.  Cut out a couple of large circles, one with stars and the other with crazy colored dots.  Attached the two circles together and then added the ribbon and tied a knot in the middle.  Mounted the two circles onto an orange background, used my fun scissors to cut a cute edge all the way around.  Found a couple of really cute camping stickers (sleeping bag w/frog & flashlight) which I mounted onto a plain square of white paper and then added a background of dark orange.  Added that to the top of the circles.  Last I cut out different sizes of dark blue stars, just used a regular template and then I edged them with silver glitter and attached.

You Keep Me in Stitches!

Perfect for that someone that likes to sew.  I saw a card similar to this one, fell in love with it, came home and proceeded to make something similar, yet my own style and create my own special card.

You keep me in stitches!

Used a few different papers for this one, mostly scraps that I had in the drawer, but I love the effect of putting them all together, it just all kind of seems to work.  I found a picture of an old dress form, so I drew my own and then cut it out, same for the black pedestal that it sits on. Tied a cute little ribbon around the waste, added a big black button and then the little card, I added brown stitches with a felt pen and chalked the edges and added a colorful brad in the top.

Betty's Birthday Card

My mother-in-law's birthday is in November, so I am ahead of the game on this one.  

I really like being ahead with upcoming cards for all of those events that we have on the calendar.  Don't get me wrong, I don't have a lot of spare time either, so it is kind of hit and miss when I actually have a chance to sit down and create something, but doesn't feel amazing to be on top of things and have it ready to go when the date arrives.

Birthday Greetings for Betty

I think this is one of my favorite cards that I have made.  Love the background paper, and then I just cut out different colors of coordinating purples and then added her name.  The ribbon was from the Paradise Scrapbook store, and I have used ever bit of it.  Keeping my eyes open for more, because it works well with so many different colors.  The coordinating flowers I cut with my Cricut using the "George" cartridge and then outlined them in black to make them stand out.  A few little sparkly gems always seem to give the project a little jazz.

MHS Graduation Card

We had four (4) graduations this year.  Had to come up with something a little unique and different.  This one was for a boy, but could be for anyone.



MHS Vikings

A plain black background always makes things really pop.  I used my Cricut to cut out the big "M" for Montgomery and then added their mascot, "Vikings" in a silver gray.  I think it came out pretty sharp looking.  Of course, we added a little cash into it as our congratulations.  I actually made a gift enclosure to match.



SRHS Panthers

Another graduation.  This one was for Santa Rosa High School, the Panthers.  I wanted to do something with a panther, but couldn't find one in any of my stickers or on any of my Cricut cartridges.



SRHS - Austin

When you just can't find what you need, get out the pencil, paper and scissors.  Yes, I actually looked at a picture on the SRHS website of their mascot and then I drew a panther for my card.  I took extra care in cutting and making sure that I tried to get as much detail as I could.  Then I found a chipboard S, which I covered in orange and then added a black silhoutte behind to make it stand out.  Cut the 2011 with my Cricut and added a black silhoutte to that also.  I was pretty pleased with being able to get that panther to actually look like a panther.  Yeah me!



Congratulations Jamie!

This card was for the little girl that lives down the street.  Time really flies when they are all growing up and going in a new direction.  She is heading off to school and we wanted to give her a gift card to help her on her way.



Jamie's Card

This photo just doesn't do this card justice.  It really came out nice.  I found this wonderfully, old-fashioned looking paper at the Paradise Scrapbook store, while up visiting in Chico.  I used that for my background and then embellished the card with some cute green scalloped ribbon and then a piece of some pink gather ribbon below that.  Then I cut out a rectangle on which I added her name and then the last finishing touch, I added a cute little butterfly on a stem.  I also chalked the edges with a light brown to give that old aged look.   



Set of Six

Oh my gosh!  Joanne's had lots of things on sale for 40% off.  I went in there for one thing and came out with some really cute paper and the cutest little ladybugs.  I really didn't have anything in particular in mind, but once I started putting them together, I decided to put together six (6) of them and maybe I will give them as a present of just a hostess gift.



Set of Six

 Plain cards, found them at Michael's Craft Store (5 1/2" x 4") size.  Lavender dark purple background paper, cut to fit the entire front of the card.  Cut lavender gingham paper about 1/4" smaller so it will show the background paper.  Cut little strips of the yellow paper (about 2") and then trimmed the sides with my fun scissors and then inked the edges.  Cut a little strip of the lavender paper and pasted down the center.  Cut out two circles (dark one 1 1/2" and lighter 1 1/4") with my Cricut, using the "George and Basics Shapes."  Then I cut out flowers using the same cartridge as you can see, three different sizes, mix matching the colors and then chalking the edges and layering the flowers.  I then added a larger pearl in the center of the larger flower and then a smaller one in the smaller flower.  Just as an added touch, I cut out a piece of the lavender gingham and then tucked it just inside the envelope and attached with a piece of tape.

To finish up the project and have it ready for a gift, I used one of the leftover pieces of lavender gingham paper, which was about 1" wide.  I used my fun scissors again, trimming just one edge and then chalked the edge with purple chalk.  I glued the ends together, around the six (6) cards and then covered the edge where they come together with another small flower (chalked and a pearl added).  This was a really fun project, because it was just a spur of the moment brainstorm.