April Showers Blog Hop

Welcome to the

 

We're so glad you are hopping with us today.

We've got all kinds of great baby and bridal shower related crafts and ideas for you.

You should have arrived here from Miranda (AKA: "Nana") at Nana's Scrap Spot.
If you just stopped by, be sure to hop to the very beginning at Theresa's blog scrapsbygracie.blogspot.com to get started and not miss any of the great projects.

Now on with the projects.

Ok... first of all... So sorry I'm late. Believe it or not, I was totally going to be on time like yeah, dude. But... the hubs got in a car accident last week and blah blah blah and (yes, he and my 11yo are fine) but, long story short, we had to go get another car today after finding out the insurance was going to pay us off... (which isn't very much, when your car was a 2006 and had 213,000+ miles on it... ugh...) Did I say I hate car shopping? Anwyay... I got home after midnight (my time - PST), and here I am... Did I say he insisted I go... to read and look over documents? Finishing up and putting it all out there. So... during the sunset, this was my view:

Note - this is NO filter, and there is NO tint on the windows. It was breathtakingly spectacular. and windy as hell outside

 

Moving onto my project and be mindful of the blurriness of some, as I asked for help and/or suggestions, and no one has spoken/written up...

 

Above, you see Mike and Ike (yes... named them.) They are two failures, but I was almost out of flesh-colored cardstock and had to salvage one, so I chose Ike. My best buddy Cricut Explore Air kinda dropped the ball... The intricate cuts on the faces didn't cut out too well. So I gauged Ike's eye with a Cricut hook. It came out as best as can bee oh wait. that was a whole hop ago... (you'll see the result a couple more pics down...)

This is everything I cut on the Cricut. Other cuts turned out just fine. I guess I'll have to check my blade.

I went with a peach gingham-type patterned mat because I rarely mat, and wanted to show ya'll that I don't have to have everything naked on top of white cardstock. Sure. It looked clean enough... but that just wasn't enough for me. It needed something else. OMG! Do I have to say it every time? Guess so... It's staying.

So... I cropped all the corners of the mat and card with the "picture" Corner Chomper. And I loved it... but it still wasn't enough... and so...

I took my chalks out of retirement hiding since I couldn't find a peachy-type ink in my stash that wasn't too orange and wasn't too red and wasn't too pink.

and chalked the edges. Yes. I know it's blurry. See the note above regarding this issue and/or other posts asking for help and if you can help, then please do and if you can't then... well... YOU figure it out. Shhh... it really is there. It's subtle. If you look very closely, you can see the fine peach edge...

And then I was hungry... so I broke out the Gelatos... first in a nice pink sorbet... then in a purple... because? why?

Everyone now... "It just wasn't enough!"

I colored and glued it all down...

(Side note... um... SQUIRREL!!!! This reminded me of Batman, and I've been singing/humming the tune since I got home. My husband thinks I'm nuts!)

This is where I gauged Ike's eye out. It was kinda fun. I might want to do another gauging after tonight's car-buying non-adventures. Did I say I hate car shopping?

And here she is... (Is she a baby or a bride?) haha... We shall see! Whatever she is at this point, she's being "showered with love..."

Seriously. 6 attempts. SIX! to get the inking and embossing powder right. Ugh. You're so lucky I'm not posting pics of every single attempt! Right about now... I'm totally wishing and needing for a MISTI (Most Incredible Stamp Tool Invented). Check out this video and you'll want one, too!

Clap your hands, folks! I finally got it right!

And with that... I applied a little heat and was D-O-N-E with it. Woohoo!

I'm totally lovin' the facial expression. It's about how I felt when the embossing powder finally adhered the way I wanted it to.

And Voila! The finished project... In case you didn't get it... It's a B-A-B-Y! but not mine!!!!

Hope you enjoyed your April "Shower" and hope the showers aren't too bad in your area. I'm stepping on deck tomorrow (swim meet) in 80-degree weather!

Thanks for hopping with us today. Be sure to comment on each blog along the way
to be entered in today's giveaway for a $15 gift certificate to

Your next stop is... Um... (looking around...) All I can see is... ME! But... You can start back at the beginning. I'm sure Theresa would love to have you visit again! Or check out any of our wonderful projects by following the links in today's lineup: 

Theresa ~ scrapsbygracie.blogspot.com

Card A Day Challenge Blog Design Team ~ cardadaychallenge.blogspot.com
Kim ~ katydidcards.com
Anna ~ http://grumpygrandmacreations.blogspot.com
Sarah ~ www.sarahbiswabic.blogspot.com
Sharon ~ http://piece-ofheart.blogspot.com
Holli ~ Sunflowerholli.blogspot.com
Amanda ~ http://salnclts76.blogspot.com
Jearise ~ http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com
Alicia ~ http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
Enclade ~ www.nanasscrapspot.com

Lisa ~ Lisa's Little Bits

See ya next time!!!! (*Waving frantically*)

Bee Happy Blog Hop

Welcome...

to the Bee Happy Blog Hop! We are buzzing with joy!! It's Spring; the birds are singing, and the bees are buzzing! So happy you decided to join us in this fun bee themed blog hop today!

 

You should have buzzed on over from Pam's bee hive. If not, the Queen Bee is Connie Can Crop, and she is the first stop in this hop. This is a one day blog hop, and we appreciate your leaving a comment for all of these amazing crafters.

 

We have an awesome sponsor for this hop!

One lucky winner will win their choice of 3 their awesome files in their shop!

Be sure to check out their shop online HERE;

Visit them on facebook HERE;

Follow their blog HERE for inspiration!

 

What do you need to do to win? Easy... become a follower of each of the fabulous blogs in this hop, and leave each of them a comment, letting them know what you like best about their projects. You will have until 10 pm Sunday (4/10/2016) to finish the hop and leave your comments. The Winner will be announced on Wednesday (4/20/16) at Connie Can Crop. Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment along the way!

 

I really need to up my card stash. I send cards out all the time... and I used to have a pretty big stash. Then something happened. My take got bigger than my make! Did you follow that? In plain English because my other English was more plain than this, apparently, all the stuff I've been making, haven't been enough for the taking. Did you get it this time? And so... it appears that most of my blog hops and challenges and pretty much mostly everything for awhile just might be cards.

 

I needed a pick-me-up type of card for a dear friend who was in a car accident. I have a sympathy card, but um... not quite appropriate. I had an ouchie card... again, not quite appropriate. I'm not very appropriate, apparently. I decided to put a bee in her bonnet and get into some of her bee's-ness (haha, get it?) and make her bee happy! hahahaha! I love all the plays this "bee" word can make!

I started with a cute little dollar-store stamp, in Walnut Stain Distress Ink - Tim Holtz... I LOVE YOU! I wanted it a little "fuzzy" (because that's how bees are, ya know...) and not so crisp. The Distress Inks are perfect for this. I filled in the white body parts with Zig glue... sprinkled on some Martha flock (in a yellow daffodil) and let 'er rest a bit. Then tapped off the excess flocking. didn't need FUZZ everywhere... 

If you read me you know, not "me" per se, but at least my blog, then you may have read several other posts where I used a clear or colored Crystal Lacquer. Whelp! I did it again! I put that light blue pastel Crystal Lacquer in the wings, being extremely careful not to put it on the lines. Patting self on back. Good job, Lisa!!!

Ok... this pic's not so hot. I'm having close-up difficulties with the iPhone 6 (in case you want to give me FREE advice on better techniques to use with said phone) and I'm really just too lazy to go get my "real" camera, take pics, download said pics to the computer, upload said pics to my blog... See? Way too much work. I'm tired already. Anyway... the pic is supposed to bee the stamped and embellished image with further embellishment. Can you tell what I did? Yup! I sprinkled Pixie Dust on the wings. But they didn't fly... and neither did I. But it really does look good, in person...

I don't hate my writing. I used my writing skills  and wrote out the word "Bee" on the front of the card in more Zig glue and sprinkled more flocking. I was impatient and simultaneously glued and flocked the word "HAPPY" in HUMONGOUS letter on the inside and neglected to let it dry enough...

I inked up the edges with another Distress Ink (did I tell you I love Tim Holtz?). But it still wasn't enough. After reviewing several of my posts, I'm starting to think I'm a Children's Lit author with a sing-songy voice and repetitive phrases... kinda like when there is a chorus or trademark...

And so... since the Pixie Dust didn't seem to work...I made my bees fly! (with a little penwork...

My advice? Let the outside dry before working on the inside. Now, I'll have to slice off the cover and attach it to another card. Ugh. I hope you like it anyway. I know my friend will, when she gets it! I just want her to "Bee Happy"! (and YOU, too!)

Up next is Sarah... buzz by her blog and see what kind of bee-you-tiful stuff she's got goin' on!

Here's our line up in case you get lost:

• Connie- http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com/
• Kim - http://katydidcards.com/
• Angela-http://Crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com/
• Janet -http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/
• Sharon - http://piece-ofheart.blogspot.com/
• Theresa -http://Scrapsbygracie.blogspot.com/
• Veronica- http://vickyscrappingpassion.blogspot.com/...
• Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
• Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/
• Lisa - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/
• Sarah- www.sarahbiswabic.blogspot.com
• Christi-http://tranquility1905.blogspot.com/
• Alicia - http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/
• Holli - SunflowerHolli.blogspot.com
• Daphne- Craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com

A Year of Card Techniques - (April) Shaker Cards

Welcome to...

It's month four of our year long adventure into different card-making techniques,
folds and paper crafting products. We hope you got the chance to hop with us in previous months. If not, it's not to late to hop and comment.
If you missed January's hop, you can still hop and comment by starting HERE; if you missed February's hop, you can still hop and comment by starting HERE; if you missed March's hop, you can still hop and comment by starting HERE.

This month we will be creating shaker cards and you won't want to miss the amazing and fun cards we've got for you today.
We really love feedback, so please leave a comment on each of the blogs in today's hop. Each comment on the 12 hops throughout the year will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Blitsy.com gift certificate.

Now on with the projects.

I'm thinking this is my year of do-overs. I absolutely love some of the things I've made, but have given them up to other people as gifts, or even just because I'm that nice. And now... I'm wanting them back to add to my hoarding collection I'm wanting to have more "stash" to be able to give when I need to. But... My inventiveness aka: creativity has been slightly dwindling due to a hectic schedule. Yeah... I know ya'll have them problems, too... so feel my pain together, with me and instead of some "Wink of Stella", we'll be drinking some Rose of Stella.. or Platinum.. I'm not picky (all the Stellas are my friends)! Anyway... Back to my project. I searched through my shaker cards and found this fave... So I remade her with a little Stella in my cup.
 

First... I took searched my shelves for Mod Podge Glitter! NOTE* One of my pet peeves... When someone says, "MODGE" Podge. Do you here the "ge" in the the "MOD" part? Uh... No. (Yes... I got it on clearance quite a while ago at Joann's. Don't judge. Taking THAT back... Do! I'm a total tight-wad and save money every which way I can. Proud of it!) And it comes in quite handy... dries clear (with little flecks of gold glitter)... you'll see... keep reading and scrolling...

Then... I sponge-brushed it on 5"x4" acetate panels (2 of them)... and let it dry... (FYI... I used scraps of plastic aka: acetate that I saved from packaging. Save... SAVE MONEY!)

See? It's all clear now! Well... Kinda... It's a little smear-y looking, but hey... reminds me of those modern showers with the "water-works" in the glass...

Cut out "F A L L" (in Storybook font, without weldin) on a Terrifically Tacky Tape (sheet)... well, what was left of it (it was 3.25"x3.25"). It ran off the edge, obliterating an "L", so I deleted 3 letters from my screen, rotated and moved the "L" to squeeze it onto the leftover bits of the sheet (improvisation at it's finest!) and cut again. Note: Set the pressure higher on a project like this, otherwise you'll do like I did and have to manipulate separation afterward. Fun.

Now... here's the really CAREFUL part. I outlined (on white paper... the one I used as a mat while I Mod-Podged them) the area of the acetate. Then... I centered lines, so the placement of my letters would be just that... CENTERED! I'm sure I really do have some sort of tool that would let this go smoother (and easier), but I seriously did not feel like looking/searching through the craft room. If you must know... it is STILL not organized and is a total mess... STILL.

Then, I super duper carefully peeled the white backing off my letters, and placed them on the plastic acetate, beginning with the center letters, then adding the others to achieve this...

and carefully peeled off the red plastic coating to get THIS... (another note... I placed the white paper underneath ALSO so that bits of things wouldn't cling to the acetate... I love hate when that happens...)

Then... added a little burnt orange ProvoCraft glitter (thanks to goodness to clearance sales from years ago... twenty-five cents keeps on going!!!)... to achieve THIS. (it'd'n't purtee?)

I had already cut out an aperture in a card blank (craft cardstock! one of my FAVES!!!), large enough for my acetate. (btw... I can't find the pics of these steps... sorry...) I adhered the non-FALL acetate to the underside of the card opening, sprinkled in some punched out apples and leaves from various scraps, put adhesive around the edges of that acetate (be sure to adhere the complete perimeter, so that whatever you're putting in your shaker-box doesn't escape through an itty-bitty opening!!!), lined up my FALL acetate, and pushed it down. Another NOTE: I think I'd use my infamous caulking next time, but was looking to not have SO much shaker room...

Then I finished it up, by inking the framed portion of the card with Cat's Eye gold ink and a tad of Wink of Stella (Gold)...

... tied a strip of twine (recycled from a kids' toy packaging! be sure to check out the awesome extras that come with your kids' toys!!!! Remember... I recycle EVERYTHING. This... in a mental-health issue is now called a hoarder. Years ago, it would've been called conservatism and maybe thrifty...  [this held HAIR on a Barbie-type doll!] you'll be amazed at what you paid for and are throwing away!!!) around the card's "spine"... and found these two little leaves (yes... I only had TWO!), pierced a hole in them with a piercer... threaded the twine through and knotted it from behind... 

Really... I am super happy with the total result. You have to look "beyond" the pictures, actually look "through" them to see the full thing. I loved the idea!

Thanks for stopping by... and if you'd like to participate in our technique, feel free and be sure to leave me a link to your project, so I can comment and return the favor!

Hope you have a great "falling-in" with Spring! ... Up next is Kim.

Here's today's line-up in case you get lost along the way:

Theresa
Sharon
Lisa
Kim
Claudia
Denise
Debbie