Using Copic Markers to Add Dimension

Good morning my friends! I have a card that was published quite awhile ago in Northridge Magazine.  It used the Cricut to cut the circles and flamingos.  I wanted to add a bit of depth to them, and Copic markers were a perfect way to do that!  I added shadows to their legs and bodies.  The background was  also done using Copics to create a sunset of sorts.  I then stamped a sentiment from JustRite, then added a bit of sand at the bottom to finish it off.  

We are finishing up Cortney's room this weekend.  It's a lovely shade of purple!

I think she will be very surprised when she comes home for Easter!

It will be so nice to have both of my kiddos home for the entire weekend!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Vinyl Projects!

It seems ages ago when I created these vinyl projects for Northridge Magazine.  Some of the photos aren't great either.  Northridge photographed everything themselves for the magazine, so I just took quick photos at home before shipping them off.  

The first project is a cute little book bag. 

I added a bit of coordinating ribbon and googly eyes with fabric glue. 

And how about a little Easter onsie? Just some simple layering and a gemstone collar.

Or I love dad?

And this bag was created with Cortney in mind.  She loves music and it is part of her daily routine.  There is nothing better than hearing her sweet sing songy voice try and carry a tune! 

I will be back with more Easter projects this week!  

Have a wonderful Sunday my friends!

:)

Love....

We met 27 years ago at the Burger King Drive thru. I was working, he was with his friends. Romantic start eh?

We were just silly, immature teens,16 & 19.

We started dating in high school, and then continued through college. 

We got married the same year I graduated. 

Talk about a crazy summer!

"You're too young," they said.

"You should date other people," they said.

People placed bets that our marriage wouldn't last.

Boy, were they wrong!

I would be lying if I didn't say we've had our share of ups and downs.

We have had curve balls thrown our way. Many of them.

But I can honestly say that this man right here has made me laugh more times that I can count, especially when I all I wanted to do was cry. 

He has supported my crazy dreams. (What dad sits at a beauty pageant for his daughter all day?)

He believes in me....our children...our future.

He respects me and loves me for who I am.

He is kind.

And did I mention he is funny? ;)

Yep, a man who can make me laugh.....is the best kind of man! 

So on this Valentine's Day, I wish all of you love and friendship!

And laughter.

Lots of laughter.

:)

True Love

 Good morning to ya!

I have another Valentine's Day card...or wedding...or anniversary....whatever your heart desires. ;) 

It was created last year for Northridge Magazine.  I used my Cricut, the Sentimental's cartridge for the tag, and the Edge to Edge cartridge for everything else. 

I used pale soft colors and decided that the heart needed to be jazzed up a bit. 

So basically I threw everything but the kitchen sink in the center of the heart. Epoxy Dots, rhinestones, pearls, glitter, and glossy accents to hold it all down. I also stamped the sentiment on a tag and tied it around the heart with white string. 

I am keeping today's post brief.  As it is Monday I don't quite have my S#*!t together! Gotta run and be a responsible adult! 

Have a great day my crafty friends!

Ombre Love

Good morning!

Love is in the air these days!

In my craft room at least. ;)

Actually I am fibbing a bit. This card was made last year for Northridge Magazine.  But let's pretend I just made it, okay? 

I used my Cricut and the Simple Holiday Cards cartridge.  Since I don't do "simple" very well, I was trying to figure out a way to spice it up, since it was basically a one layer card. 

Problem solved!

Ombre!

I cut the panel with white card stock and placed shades of red and pink card stock behind it.  

I tied a bit of hot pink string, a couple of posies, and a few sequins to add a little pizzazz! 

And I am all about pizzazz!  

So I am off with my little chica today for a doc appt.  

Long drive.

Waiting in a waiting room for hours.

X-rays.

AFO check.  (her leg braces)

Discussing Cort's possible hip surgery in the future. 

I know you are wishing you were me about now, right? ;) 

I lead a glamorous life! LOL!

Have a great day and weekend! 

Cover Girl!

Oh yea! My girly girl is on a cover!

It is a wonderful on-line magazine (free) called, Parenting Special Needs. 

You can get a copy HERE!

And in case you didn't know, Cortney has her own FB page.  She would love it if you "liked" her page and followed her journey!

They included a bit about her in the inside too!

Have a great day!!

Let it Snow....and snow, and snow!

Good morning! 

 I have a card to share with you perfect for this cold, snowy month of January!

It was created last year for Northridge Magazine. It uses my Cricut and the Simple Holiday Cards cartridge.  I used loads of glitter, Papertrey Ink paper, string, and jingle bells.  The front of the card is completely cut out.  So it gives the illusion that the snowflake is suspended in air. (Not sure if the photograph shows that clearly) ;)

It might be more visible in the close up?

We are full swing into the cheer leading season with Cortney.  This weekend is her big game so the girls have been practicing really hard.  I have a short 40 second video of the girls.  It is guaranteed to make you smile!  I truly adore them!  (And Cort went crazy with her pom poms!) LOL!

Told ya it would make you smile! :)

Have a wonderful day my friends!

Christmas Joy Cricut Style!

This week has been a marathon to the finish!

It is my last day and then I am off for two weeks!

I am blessed to have a job that allows me time to regroup, recharge, and take a break. 

I love that I will have time with my kiddos and time to do things I don't normally get to.

Like creating. ;)

I have another Christmas card today that uses my Cricut. 

It was a cut from the Holiday Cards 16 CCR exclusive.

I cut the image several times so I could pop up some of the ornaments on the tree.  I also added glossy accents and glitter. I created a bow in the corner with a scrap of Christmas fabric, twine, and a couple of glittery jingle bells. 

Each year I take pics of my furry babies. They are always so patient with me. (And it doesn't have anything to do with the fact that I have them stranded on a tall kitchen chair! LOL)

So away I shoot.

Love them.

It is amazing how attached and in love with them I am. 

:) 

Off to find my crazy socks and "ugly" holiday sweater!

Have a wonderful Friday!

Ho Ho Ho!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

As much as I tried to recover from this virus I had all week, I still managed to catch up on laundry, clean the house, bake Christmas cookies, and take some Christmas pictures! I guess that means I am on the mend!

How about a little Santa to brighten your day?

There is nothing like facial hair to scream Christmas! LOL!

I used Cricut's exclusive Holiday Cards 13 images to create my card.

I used LOTS of liquid applique and glitter for his mustache and beard. ;)

I added silver glitter, some pearls, and a bit of sweater string tied with jingle bells to finish off my card. 

I have lots of photos to edit, but came across this one in my stash.  For some reason it just cracked me up.  Myla is so full of personality!  We tease all the time that she should be a TV dog! ;)

If you have a caption for this photo, I would love some ideas!

Today is crazy hat day at my school....guess that means it is time to bust out the elf hat with fake ears! Gotta love spirit week!

:)

Oh Christmas Tree-Cricut Style!

Good morning to you!  

I have a Christmas card to share with you today that uses my Cricut and the Creative Holiday Cards cartridge.  It was published in Northridge's Cricut Magazine last year. 

I cut the Christmas tree and added glossy accents and clear coarse glitter.  I then adhered that to the white panel. The designer paper is from Papertrey Ink.

I popped up the main image using foam tape.  I was able to slip red gingham ribbon behind it and tie a bow.  I added a few distressed jingle bells tied with twine to the center. 

I have been sick all week and my goal this weekend is to try and rest up so I am healthy for the holidays.  Of course "resting" will be done in between the 8,000 loads of laundry and the filthy thing I call a house. ;)

I also have a photo shoot tomorrow of a sweet family for Christmas.  

But then.....I will rest. 

Take out and movies!

Have a great weekend my friends!

Density-Will it Float or Sink?

Awhile back, when I was still creating for Northridge Publishing, I was asked to design a page about an everyday event.  What is more "everyday" than homework? 

Cort had to conduct a science experiment about denisty.

She was given a list of objects and asked to make a prediction on whether or not each one would float or sink.

Cortney predicted pretty accurately and really enjoyed doing this experiment. 

I used quite an assortment of Cricut images from different cartridges.  I used From my Kitchen, Cricut Font and Basic Shapes, Mother's Day Bouquet, Tablescapes Winter and Fall, and Teresa Collins Easter Basket.  That's why I love CCR, it makes finding what you are looking for a breeze!

It is another busy, busy week!

I will be heading back to school tonight for my 5th grader's Christmas concert.

It is always fun seeing the kiddos dressed in their prettiest clothes!

We have a couple of Christmas parties this week too....

Have a great day!

I truly appreciate you taking a few moments to pay me a visit!

I know everyone's time is limited at this time of year.

:)

Boo!

Good morning!  I have had such a busy, busy week and didn't want you to think I had fallen off the face of the Earth! ;)  I am popping in for a quick post before I head off to school.  

Last year, when I was still creating for Northridge Magazine, my assignment was to create a Halloween onesie. So I used my Cricut and orange and black felt.

I hand stitched the orange circle onto the black felt.  I cut around it with fabric scalloped scissors.  Which is why my scallops are a bit wonky.

I stitched the letters with white thread so they would stand out a bit more. I added a little bit of lace to help "ground" the letters and some googly eyes. (adhered with fabric glue) I am finally handing this little cutie to a friend of mine who's baby girl is celebrating her first Halloween. :)

Today is 60's day at school.....so I've got my A-line skirt, Mary Janes, and headband all ready to go. 

Then tonight I have a Halloween dance at my school.

So busy, busy! 

Have a great day friends!

If you haven't checked out Cortney's FB page yet, you can find her here!

J'Adore Paris

Okay, I have to admit, I've never actually been to Paris.  But it is definitely on my bucket list of things to do!

 I designed this card awhile back using Cricut's France Digital set.   I love the little wine bottle, cheese, and French bread. They were begging to be glittered!

I used the shadow cut to cut the black paper.  I think it makes the title pop a bit! I added a bit of twine and a few pearls as a finishing touch. 

It is a totally nutty week in my house! Kyle is spending an overnight at the college he wants to attend next fall.  *sniff sniff,* Cort starts cheerleading tonight, my school is hosting a Halloween party on Thursday, and of course Friday is Halloween.  And on top of all of that, I am seeing the Dancing With the Stars show on Sunday! 

Lots of good stuff heading our way. :)

Have a great day my friends!!

Fall..

Fall.

Shorter days. Cold nights. Holidays approaching.

Pumpkin craziness.

I go into a total nesting craze. (and I'm not even pregnant! LOL!)

Cleaning, organizing, and making the house cozy. 

I guess because somewhere in the back of my mind I am buckling down for another brutal Chicago winter.  (Fingers crossed that Farmer's Almanac is wrong!)

This has always been my favorite time of the year. 

I have a card to share that was published awhile back in Northridge's Cricut magazine.  I honestly can't remember which Cricut cartridges I used.  

I am a total slacker that way.

I do remember the assignment being a creative use for ribbon. So I created layers with my "negative space leaves."  This allowed the ribbon underneath to take center stage. 

I think the ribbon gives the card a bit of visual interest and texture. :) 

Kyle and I were both off on Monday, so we had the opportunity to spend the day together.  (A rarity these days).  I took him to breakfast and we chatted about school and his plans for college.  (He was accepted to a university of his choosing)  Part of me was feeling a bit sad....knowing that the days are becoming more and more fleeting.

So I captured this momentous year......his senior pics. 

Kyle is not a dress up kind of dude.....so casual was the route we took.

This last picture is so him. 

Serious.

Contemplative.

Moody.

But sensitive and kind.

Thoughtful.

Creative.

My boy. 

My only son who is growing and maturing faster than this mama can handle. 

 
I am so proud of this young man.  He has overcome many obstacles. Life hasn't always been easy for him.  He has persevered.
I love this kid.