Summer Fun

I was inspired this morning by a post at the "Bitten By the Bug 2" blog to create something with a summer fun theme.  I have great memories of spending some time at the lake as a kid. We had neighbors with a boat, and my uncle also had a boat. Neither were sailboats, but I thought this boat from the Boys Will Be Boys cartridge caught the spirit of those days on the lake. I love the water-- we actually live on a very small lake, and live close to a couple of much larger lakes. Maybe one day we will have a boat, too! 

 

 

This card was a bit of a departure for me (notice the absence of flowers and sparkle!), but I think I like it!  Mike was thrilled that I asked his opinion on paper choices (and took his advice!). I may not have a boat, but I do have the best hubby and friend, and that's even better, I think. :)

 

 

Materials

Paper:  Tommy (CTMH)

Embellishments: Artisan Stud Durables (CTMH)

Cricut: Boys Will Be Boys



The Smallest Things

Happy Monday! I'm linking up once again to the Mojo Monday sketch challenge. The sentiment stamp is from Verve-- and I love it!  How can anyone not love a little wisdom from Winnie the Pooh? Papers, ink and embellishments are from CTMH.

 

It's been a rainy morning here in Georgia, but it looks like the sun is starting to peek out. Wishing you a happy and productive Monday!

 

xoxo,

Kristine

Hooray!

Here's another Mojo Monday inspired card using one of my favorite stamp sets-- Hooray Bouquet. I love the bright colors of the Dotty for You papers, and the sparkle of the little gems. I had fun creating this card, hope you like it!

 

 

 

 

Snail Mail

I get so excited when I get REAL mail (you know-- something, ANYTHING, other than advertisements and bills!), don't you?  Every now and then I will get an envelope in the mail that is stuffed full...  it is hand addressed, but there is no note-- just a bunch of coupons wrapped in a plain piece of paper. I know it is from my sweet mommy. She has taken the time to go through the coupons and clip out (and sort) the ones she thinks that Mike and I might be able to use. How sweet is that?  That little gesture is just one small way that she shows us how much she loves us. It really touches my heart to know that she is thinking of me and that she cares. With that in mind, I am going to be challenging myself to send out more of those "just because" kinds of cards to let my loved ones know that I am thinking of them. It's like getting a little bit of love in the mail. :)

Anywho... here's a little number that I put together using the "Birthday Bash" Cricut cartridge and CTMH paper. I used a little glitter for the snail's cheeks to give it some sparkle. :)  That little snail is a cutie, isn't he?

Cute as a Bug!

Now that it is summer break, I find I have been spending just a little more time online. I am a huge fan of Pinterest, Teachers Pay Teachers, numerous blogs, Amazon and ebay. Hehe-- umm... spending a bit too much time online, I guess. ;) I love Pinterest for teaching and craft ideas! I really love to see what others are doing and gaining inspiration from that. I get that inspiration from reading blogs, too.  I really think I have become a better crafter and teacher by learning from others. I get so engrossed, and then before I know it, the day is slipping by!! Does that happen to you? (Note to self:  Must. Get. Out. More.)

I really have to make a conscious effort not to go to ebay too often! I've been obsessed with checking out the Cricut cartridges lately, which is crazy, because I have so many that I haven't even used yet! So this card was the beginning of my effort to use what I've got.  When I got the "Create a Critter" cartridge I just "HAD to have it!!!"  I am almost embarrassed to admit that I have had that cartridge well over a year and this is the first time I have used it. Granted, my "go-to" cartridges are the CTMH Art Philosophy and Artiste carts-- they are both so versatile, but I have to admit, this little ladybug is darn cute! :)  So, bye-bye, ebay (ok, for now)...  I'm going shopping in my own craft closet!  Can't wait to see what else I find!

 

 

 

Materials

Patterned Paper (all CTMH): Dotty for You, Chantilly, Dream Pop, Bubblegum B&T

Ink: CTMH Archival Black

Stamps: D1535 Bugs and Hugs (CTMH)

Embellishments: Bow Clip (CTMH), Paper Lace (CTMH), Ribbon (Michaels)

Cricut Cartridges: Create A Critter, Art Philosophy

  

Just a little prayer...

Woohoo!  It is finally summer break, and just in time. The past school year proved to be challenging, both personally and professionally. Between health issues, family tragedies and school stress (I could go on-- but I will spare you :) !), I definitely needed more than just a little prayer to carry me through. Thankfully, there were many hugs, sweet smiles (gotta love 5 and 6 year olds!) and just seeing the huge progress of my students to make the days at school worthwhile.  I have been in recovery mode for a week and now it is time to get out and among the living and breathing!

The sketch for this card is from Mojo Monday and the patterned paper is from My Mind's Eye. Embellishments, ink and cardstock are from Close to My Heart. I love florals, lace and sparkle, so these papers and doodads are right up my alley. :)

 

 

 

Hope you all have a wonderful week!  xoxo

 

Kristine