12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Twelve)

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Twelve - the last day of the hop)! This hop is taking place  November 24th through December 5th. Each of us will be posting something Christmas related each and every day at 8:00am, Eastern time (so for my Pacific Time Zone peeps like me!... that's 5am... But don't worry, you can sleep in, and we'll all be here waiting for you, too!)... for 12 WHOLE DAYS! Let us inspire you to finish up that layout, make some special Christmas cards, or wrap that gift in a fun and festive way. If you've already started, you probably came from Barbara. She always has something great to share, doesn't she? Let's continue this 12-day crafting party... after today, that's it until next year but feel free to revisit all of our hoppers' blogs over and over again!

Alrighty now and again...  I've said in Day One, I'm starting my portion of the hop with paper things. Things that are simple and easy to do. I've strayed quite a bit... going in all sorts of directions. But one thing has always been on point... I can always ADD paper to whatever I've shown you. Hahaha. Stretching it enough? Just thought I'd keep you on your toes, as I'm sure it was starting to read/sound like a spiel. As with Day Two,  Day Three,  Day Four, Day Five, Day Six, Day Seven, Day Eight, Day Nine, Day Ten, and Day Eleven (Yes... you got it... today is the last day. So sad...)... We are still with the Christmas theme meaning all things Christmas! The hop is entitled "12 Days of Christmas," is it not? and still again with simple [paper] crafts. Read: It's another simple card.

Today, on the last day... I give you the ugliest card ever made. My kid likes it. Started with a white A2 card. And Chomped the corners because I love a little decorative touch.

Inked up an embossing folder and put it through.

Put some finishing Stickles and Pearls on it.

And that's it.

By the way... Be sure to "brayer" down your washi tape... as you saw in my previous card, I used washi tape. Otherwise, this happens:

It was great hopping along with you these last twelve days. Please come back again.

Oh but... Don't totally go! There is more in store for you, so hop along and please comment on each and everybody. 'Cause you know we all love a little love... And BE SURE to check out the "other" Lisa, as she's the one with all the blog candy and sponsor info! Have a great time, and don't forget to come back another time for something else!

Here's the Line Up for Day 12:
  1. Lisa P. - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com <==== the "other" Lisa!
 ** Barbara - http://spotofsanity.blogspot.com (Guest Designer)
 **Melinda - http://www.mypapercrafting.com (Guest Designer)...
  2. Madge - http://www.thescrappinlounge.com/blog
  3. Ashley - http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com
  4. Sandy - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/scrapbook-blessings-club-5722003
  5. Elizabeth - http://CraftsByHappyStamper.com
  6. Angela - www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com
  7. Alicia - www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
  8. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
  9. Daphne - http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com
10 . Rhonda - craftingwithblue.blogspot.com
11. Charmagne - http://www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com
12. Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
13. Lisa F - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/ <=== You are HERE!
14. Sharondalyn - Http://www.clippingsbysharondalyn.blogspot.com <=== Next stop!
15. Jessi - http://www.mylifeinartsncrafts.co

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Eleven)

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Eleven)! This hop is taking place  November 24th through December 5th. Each of us will be posting something Christmas related each and every day at 8:00am, Eastern time (so for my Pacific Time Zone peeps like me!... that's 5am... But don't worry, you can sleep in, and we'll all be here waiting for you, too!)... for 12 WHOLE DAYS! Let us inspire you to finish up that layout, make some special Christmas cards, or wrap that gift in a fun and festive way. If you've already started, you probably came from Barbara. She always has something great to share, doesn't she? Let's continue this 12-day crafting party... after today, there's only 1 more day to go!

Alrighty now and again...  I've said in Day One, I'm starting my portion of the hop with paper things. Things that are simple and easy to do. I've strayed quite a bit... going in all sorts of directions. But one thing has always been on point... I can always ADD paper to whatever I've shown you. Hahaha. Stretching it enough? Just thought I'd keep you on your toes, as I'm sure it was starting to read/sound like a spiel. As with Day Two,  Day Three,  Day Four, Day Five, Day Six, Day Seven, Day Eight, Day Nine, and Day Ten... We are still with the Christmas theme meaning all things Christmas! The hop is entitled "12 Days of Christmas," is it not? and still again with simple [nor so much in the paper today] crafts.

I realized I hadn't done an angel in this hop... so here ya go!

Don't you ever have unused clay pots around? Whelp... here's something to do with them... the more "antiqued" or used they are... the better (in my opinion)! Simply attach a Styrofoam ball to the top (I used hot glue), then add some Spanish moss (again... hot glue...). Add a little decorated wire or pipe cleaner twisted into a halo form that's a circle, folks!

I painted and inked on a wooden heart... a face... and edged the face in gold. Then glued it on with (everybody now...) hot glue.

Cut four pieces of "paper" twist this one's not really paper... it's a plastic of some sorts but was still labeled "paper". Go figure... each a bit smaller than the other. Layer three, with the next to smaller on top, then wrap the super smallest around the middle of the three and secure it in the back with... hot glue.

(The "knot" is WAY over to the right. Can you see it?)

Take a bit of thick twine rope, or whatever you have that you want to make arms out of... and hot glue them to just under the Styrofoam ball (on the sides...). Curve them and glue together in the front to look like arms and hands I frayed it a bit at the ends to give more of an appearance of hands. Glue some lace, ribbon or anything else at the bottom edge of the pot Did I forget to tell you to turn the pot upside down first before doing all this? Whoops. But I figured you figured that out ahead of time, just by looking at the pics... and consider her done.

I happen to love her in the Christmas lights. Isn't she pretty?

Don't totally go! There is more in store for you, so hop along and please comment on each and everybody. 'Cause you know we all love a little love... And BE SURE to check out the "other" Lisa, as she's the one with all the blog candy and sponsor info! Have a great time, and don't forget to come back tomorrow!

Here's the Line Up for Day 11:
  1. Lisa P. - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com <==== the "other" Lisa!
 ** Theresa - http://scrapsbygracie.blogspot.com (Guest Designer)
 **Shannon http://shannonhdesigns.blogspot.com (Guest Designer)...
 **Brenda - https://www.facebook.com/2sistersstampin/(Guest Designer)
  2. Madge - http://www.thescrappinlounge.com/blog
  3. Ashley - http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com
  4. Sandy - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/scrapbook-blessings-club-5722003
  5. Elizabeth - http://CraftsByHappyStamper.com
  6. Angela - www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com
  7. Alicia - www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
  8. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
  9. Daphne - http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com
10 . Rhonda - craftingwithblue.blogspot.com
11. Charmagne - http://www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com
12. Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
13. Lisa F - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/ <=== You are HERE!
14. Sharondalyn - Http://www.clippingsbysharondalyn.blogspot.com <=== Next stop!
15. Jessi - http://www.mylifeinartsncrafts.co

12 Days of Christmas (Day Ten)

 

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Ten)! This hop will take place  November 24th through December 5th. Each of us will be posting something Christmas related each and every day at 8:00am, Eastern time (so for my Pacific Time Zone peeps... that's 5am... But don't worry, you can sleep in, and we'll all be here waiting for you, too!)... for 12 WHOLE DAYS! Let us inspire you to finish up that layout, make some special Christmas cards, or wrap that gift in a fun and festive way. If you've already started, you probably came from Barbara. She always has something great to share, doesn't she? Let's continue this 12-day crafting party... after today, there's only 3 more days to go!

Alrighty now and again...  I've said in Day One, I'm starting my portion of the hop with paper things. Things that are simple and easy to do. I've strayed quite a bit... going in all sorts of directions. But one thing has always been on point... I can always ADD paper to whatever I've shown you. Hahaha. Stretching it enough? Just thought I'd keep you on your toes, as I'm sure it was starting to read/sound like a spiel. As with Day Two,  Day Three,  Day Four, Day Five, Day Six, Day Seven, Day Eight, and Day Nine... We are still with the Christmas theme meaning all things Christmas! The hop is entitled "12 Days of Christmas," is it not? and still again with simple [nor so much in the paper today] crafts. Today, I'm making you a garland. I made it a while back... so I don't have pics from beginning to end, but I believe you'll get the gist. And it is very VERY simple.

Let me set the scene... Maybe I should've taken a picture of the scene. Hmmm. Next time. I buy stuff. Lots of stuff. And I don't use it. And that makes me a hoarder. We all have fabric, right? Lots and lots and lots of fabric. Most of mine is Christmas fabric. I took a couple of yards of coordinating/contrasting fabric. Yes. It can do both at the same time. Duh. Think the negative or flip side of the fabric. Open your mind!!!! And I ripped it. How? I cut the edges (at the selvage) into 1-1/2" increments then grabbed the fabric on both sides of the cut and LET 'ER RIP! Um... Excuse me! *Giggle* pulled. It will make a sound. You are doing nothing wrong. And it's a totally great way to get out your holiday aggressions. Who needs road rage? That chick took your parking spot at the mall? RIP! That man took the last Hover Board (that you really couldn't afford anyway)? RIP! Pretty soon you'll have a huge pile of strips. Now... wash them. You read right. Wash them... no fabric softener, please... Now dry them. It kinda goes without saying... Again, no fabric softener sheets. Now pull them out and untangle them. Hahaha! Yes. They will tangle. Do not put them in a "bag" prior to washing or drying... We want them frayed. When you put them in a bag, they don't get bumped around and beat up.

They're untangled? Good. Now separate them out into "like" piles. You know... where it's all about the fabric print. Only exact same prints go in each pile.

While the fabric strips were washing, you should've been doing the following: Grab out those wire hangers from the dry cleaner. No. We are not making s'mores... Get a pair of gloves to protect those crafty hands of yours and a good set of wire cutters. Snip off the "hang" portion. That's what I call the little curved thing that hangs over the closet rod. I'm sure it has a name, but I don't know it and am actually too lazy or forgetful to look it up. If you know the name... feel free to sound off in the comments. I thank you ahead of time. Now snip of segments of 6-9" each. If you have a left-over bit, after you've "met" the ends, simply snip off the remainder of the wire. Do this to all of your hangers, depending on how long you want your garland to be.

Bend each segment into a tree form. Some may have two tiers, some one, but none of them should be exactly alike and unless you are totally strong, because this IS the hard part, and totally perfect, the sides won't even all be the same and that's okay. And just a little fyi... mine only have one tier because IT WAS REALLY HARD and I wasn't going to ask anyone for help. I knew I could do it on my own. Homespun. That's what I call it. Do not connect the trees.

Starting at the split but meeting up portion of one of the trees, begin wrapping a set of strips around the wire. Yes, I know it begins to be tedious, but you will see the end of the strip at some time. And when that happens, you'll simply add on another strip, because you want that wire covered. When it's completely wrapped, dip your finger in some glue and tack it to the underside of the fabric.

The first one's all covered? Great! Now attach another "tree" to the covered tree. You know... slightly open the "met" ends... and wrap this tree with a different fabric that's why I said coordinating/contrasting fabrics until it, too, is wrapped.

Now repeat until you've got the length you want or give up, like I kinda did...I only ended up with nine before I pooped out... You've now got a beautiful hand-made garland!

And another little fyi... I display this VERTICALLY. Otherwise I get all kinds of cracks (and trust me it happens a lot at my house... they all think they're comedians... about how much they look like arrows and where are they pointing to... But I love it. And I put it out. Every. Single. Year. Yes. I'm that stubborn.

If I had to do it all over again... I'd probably make sure I only had the thinner wire hangers... and maybe heat them so they were more flexible. But... I don't have to do it all over again. I no longer go to the dry cleaners. I only let everyone buy wash-and-wear. Saves me money and gas (to get to the cleaners!).

Don't totally go! There is more in store for you, so hop along and please comment on each and everybody. 'Cause you know we all love a little love... And BE SURE to check out the "other" Lisa, as she's the one with all the blog candy and sponsor info! Have a great time, and don't forget to come back tomorrow!

Here's the Line Up for Day 10:
  1. Lisa P. - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com <==== the "other" Lisa!
 ** Shawnee- http://www.sunshinythought.com(Guest Designer)
 **Jenny- http://crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/(Guest Designer)
  2. Madge - http://www.thescrappinlounge.com/blog
  3. Ashley - http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com
  4. Sandy - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/scrapbook-blessings-club-5722003
  5. Elizabeth - http://CraftsByHappyStamper.com
  6. Angela - www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com
  7. Alicia - www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
  8. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
  9. Rhonda - craftingwithblue.blogspot.com
10. Charmagne - http://www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com
11. Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
12. Lisa F - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/ <=== You are HERE!
13. Sharondalyn - Http://www.clippingsbysharondalyn.blogspot.com <=== Next stop!
14. Jessi - http://www.mylifeinartsncrafts.co

12 Days of Christmas (Day Nine)

 

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Nine)! This hop will take place  November 24th through December 5th. Each of us will be posting something Christmas related each and every day at 8:00am, Eastern time (so for my Pacific Time Zone peeps... that's 5am... But don't worry, you can sleep in, and we'll all be here waiting for you, too!)... for 12 WHOLE DAYS! Let us inspire you to finish up that layout, make some special Christmas cards, or wrap that gift in a fun and festive way. If you've already started, you probably came from Barbara. She always has something great to share, doesn't she? Let's continue this 12-day crafting party... after today, there's only 3 more days to go!

Alrighty now and again...  I've said in Day One, I'm starting my portion of the hop with paper things. Things that are simple and easy to do. I've strayed quite a bit... going in all sorts of directions. But one thing has always been on point... I can always ADD paper to whatever I've shown you. Hahaha. Stretching it enough? Just thought I'd keep you on your toes, as I'm sure it was starting to read/sound like a spiel. As with Day Two,  Day Three,  Day Four, Day Five, Day Six, Day Seven, Day Eight, and Day Nine... We are still with the Christmas theme meaning all things Christmas! The hop is entitled "12 Days of Christmas," is it not? and still again with simple [paper] crafts. Today, though... I'm going back to cards. Not one. But two. And they're very simple. Very VERY simple.

Both cards are simple that I used only craft cardstock, washi tape, and a rubber stamp (with 2 markers for color). Ok... and one card uses a Corner Chomper. That is all.

Let me set the scene... Maybe I should've taken a picture of the scene. Hmmm. Next time. I buy stuff. Lots of stuff. And I don't use it. And that makes me a hoarder. I am not really one with the trends. You will NEVER EVER EVER see me using chevron anything by choice. But one thing that seems really cool, but I just never quite got it is washi tape. Even the name sounds cool to me! Karate Kid, anyone? "Wash-i, Wash-off." I just loved the sound of it. And I bought it. Peachy Cheap? Yep. It was on sale several times. Clearance, too. Several times. Before I knew it, I had a candy-jar bin (you know... the kind that tilt and you take the chrome-covered lid off and stick your hand in?) full of never ever been used or even opened washi tape.

So today, I decided to finally use it. And I did! Yay me!

The details because ya'll know me for the details... unless you skip right over it all, because I know some people do, and that's all good? Oh yes. I would be cheating us all if I omitted those, huh?

I love craft-paper colored-cardstock. It's one my absolute faves. I love the raw-looking and rustic color. I love the texture. I just L-O-V-E it. That and burlap, but you'd never be able to tell, because I hardly make anything with burlap. I just own a load of it. Because no one else but ME in my house likes the look. My Handy Dandy Husband thinks everything brown or distressed-looking looks old. Um... I'm not brown, but I certainly feel distressed sometimes. Am I old? Nope. I'm in denial. Get over it. So I cut two vertical cards from it

 and scored each at 5-1/2"

or so I thought...

Whoops! Ok. I can work with it... You can see the difference, right? (Seriously. I have a ton of this stuff. When Michaels has a sale of 2/$5 of cardstock paper [8-1/2x11"], I advise you to stock up!) Did someone say, "Squirrel!"?

Back to the card project... and yes. my mind runs like this 24/7. It kinda sucks sometimes, but I'm sure some/most of you can relate... Am I right? Right.

The one that I messed up on the scoring is up first. I decided to make a cute-sy peek-a-boo-type border (with washi tape!). Then I used my Corner Chomper (Deco cut) to chomp every single corner on that card. Pretty, huh? But please note that spool of washi tape (by K and Co). Although it's pretty cute, it pulls off the finish of the tape really easy. It did this throughout the roll. Thank goodness it was a clearance deal at Target (that's French for Target) and only $1.48 for a two-roll pack.

So, I've seen all these cute little "trees" made from tape, ribbon, bits of paper, or anything scrap. Since I have a *load of washi tape, I thought, "That should be fairly easy enough, and cute, too. And take a couple of minutes." because somewhere sometime by someone I heard or read that if a card takes more than 15 minutes, it's too much. and my cards always take me more than 15 minutes I cut bits of Hazel & Ruby scallop tape (because it is so cute!) and placed it. I thought it looked okay...

But it didn't. My tree needed a trunk/stand/whatever you want to call it... it needed a base, because I can't handle those floating in the corner type of trees or the upside down trees. It's just not right. and then... that last piece. Ugh. I didn't bother to take the backing off... it looked like a giant red middle finger poking from the top of my cute little washi tape tree and I wasn't going to have that.

I needed a STAR!! And I happened to have a punch that I hadn't used in forever and seemed to take me forever to find... So... crap! The glitter washi tape didn't have backing, so I stole some from the craft trash can borrowed some from the backing I took off of the scalloped tape. I proceeded to punch...

and this is what happened. Kind of like trying to rotary cut spandex when you were expecting cotton. It kind of stretched. But still... it was salvageable. After pulling it out and trimming the rough cuts due to the S-T-R-E-T-C-H-ing, it was ok to use.

But... it needed a sentiment. A stamp. I opened up a pack of THESE (see the above picture... because yes... it was another hoarding thing from Peachy Cheap. I don't even know how long I've had them!) and "painted the stamp (in two colors to save my lazy butt from doing too much work because this was supposed to be such an easy not time consuming card).

And then I breathed on the stamp because I needed it "wet" enough to kiss the paper. Omygosh. That sounded a little 50 Shades. I am SOOO sorry. That is so totally not what I meant... I stamped it on the card. That's it.

Whoops! A little too far over the washi-tape tree, but it'll do...

And on to the next card.

I "mitered" just a quick diagonal snip, so it all flows together and doesn't look choppy the edges of the tape... all along the front panel's edge.

Now that's a cute frame!

I used the same stamp and the same stamping/inking technique including the breathe. And then... I tried uh. I don't know what happened here. In my mind, it was a peppermint poinsettia, but it didn't quite turn out that way... and then I thought maybe a peppermint snowflake... and it didn't quite turn out that way either... so I settled for a cup of hot cocoa with a shot of Peppermint Schnapps and called it a Peppermint Patty and all was good. to finish this dang card. Maybe if I put directions on it? But anyway... I still thought it ended up kinda cute. In a Peppermint kind of way...

Don't totally go! There is more in store for you, so hop along and please comment on each and everybody. 'Cause you know we all love a little love... And BE SURE to check out the "other" Lisa, as she's the one with all the blog candy and sponsor info! Have a great time, and don't forget to come back tomorrow!

Here's the Line Up for Day 9:
  1. Lisa P. - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com <==== the "other" Lisa!
 ** Sarah - www.sarahbiswabic.blogspot.com (Guest Designer)
 **Jenni - www.facebook.com/CrazyScrappinMomma4/ (Guest Designer)
  2. Madge - http://www.thescrappinlounge.com/blog
  3. Ashley - http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com
  4. Sandy - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/scrapbook-blessings-club-5722003
  5. Elizabeth - http://CraftsByHappyStamper.com
  6. Angela - www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com
  7. Alicia - www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
  8. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
  9. Daphne - http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com
10. Rhonda - craftingwithblue.blogspot.com
11. Charmagne - http://www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com
12. Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
13. Lisa F - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/ <=== You are HERE!
14. Sharondalyn - Http://www.clippingsbysharondalyn.blogspot.com <=== Next stop!
15. Jessi - http://www.mylifeinartsncrafts.co

12 Days of Christmas (Day Eight)

 

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Eight)! This hop will take place  November 24th through December 5th. Each of us will be posting something Christmas related each and every day at 8:00am, Eastern time (so for my Pacific Time Zone peeps... that's 5am... But don't worry, you can sleep in, and we'll all be here waiting for you, too!)... for 12 WHOLE DAYS! Let us inspire you to finish up that layout, make some special Christmas cards, or wrap that gift in a fun and festive way. If you've already started, you probably came from Barbara. She is so awesome, isn't she? Let's continue this 12-day crafting party!

Alrighty now and again...  I've said in Day One, I'm starting my portion of the hop with paper things. Things that are simple and easy to do. As with Day Two,  Day Three,  Day Four, Day Five, Day Six, and Day Seven... We are still with the Christmas things meaning all things Christmas! and still with simple [paper] crafts. Today, though... I'm jumping away from paper for a day (or two... or three... who knows?) but still staying simple. One of my favorite things about Christmas in my house is the garland spread around my family room. It all started when I saw something so twinkling and beautiful at a really big commercialized public walk-through Christmas display at the Mission Inn in Riverside... It was GORGEOUS!

I flew home, no... ran home, no... drove home  and hopped on the computer to look up this decorated pine garland. I had to have it. I wanted it throughout my house my family room and found out I'd never ever EVER be able to afford that. It was over $75.00 (that's American dollars folks, and this was over 10 years ago... think INFLATION) for nine feet! So I set about to figure out how to do it in a way that wouldn't kill me hurt my budget too much.

The next year... I stalked went to Walmart and other store several times to find the perfect garland. It was still expensive. My husband said I could just buy a bit each year. Um... yeah... Not gonna work for me. I tried to explain to him the stores that be purchase different styles every year and the little spoiled OCD person that I am had to have every thing just so and our chances of having it match were nil. I was so lucky that the day after Christmas... I was fortunate enough who am I kidding, I was SOOOO lucky! Walmart had a huge amount of the less than stellar pine garland you know the fake stuff for purchase at 75% off. It was plain. But it was a start.

And it sat in bins in my garage rafters for years, untouched.

I added stuff to the bins. I collected shatterproof ornaments... I had over 90 feet I needed to decorate. Don't judge. It takes awhile and I had to get ones that I liked. And remember... I was shopping from the clearance section every year. I collected red ribbons. And I collected lights. I didn't want just any lights. They had to be the pre-programmed chaser lights in multi-color. And lastly, I got a lot of zip-ties cable ties for those of you "have to have the correct name of it type of folk and green floral wire.

And finally, one year...

I clipped the floral wire into 3-inch lengths and looped the wire through each and every single one of those ornaments (it took me a long time!) and then... I stretched it all out the pine garland in case you aren't envisioning like I was, 9 feet at a time throughout the hallways of my house. I laid out a 10-foot strand of lights next to it and zip-tied the lights to the garland (leaving the unlighted end dangling).  I meticulously laid a bunch of ornaments next to it... Yes. They had to be just so. Don't judge me. You know you have POPD, too! Note the meme (picture) from Facebook... if you don't get it...

Then all those ornaments' wires were wrapped around the branches. The next piece of garland was laid out, the lights were plugged in (and the foot of wire was then zip-tied to the preceding set of garland, and then coiled into a bin, completed). And the process started over again. I put four garlands together (36 feet each total, in case you were counting, or adding, or multiplying, or whatever way works for you, because we all know Common Core isn't for everybody. Whatever works for each of us, right?) so it wasn't going to be a pain in the butt to much to handle when "we" (read: my Handy Dandy Husband... I'm short. He's tall. And I'm not climbing up that flippin' ladder to hang it on a 20-foot wall!) put it up. And I did this four times. It was perfect. Again. Don't judge. (See the meme above, if you seriously need to remind yourself.) done and ready for the following year.

I only have the end result in photos. And this is only on here as a project because my 10 year old again pointed out to me it was something I crafted. Duh. I hadn't forgotten, but in my mind it didn't count. And that 10 year old thought other people should know how to save money and do it themselves, too. When the lights go out one year, and you know they will, I'll be switching to LED not because they're economical or energy-saving or anything, but because the brought the yellow back to miniature lights.

See? Now you can do it, too! It only ended up costing me less than $5 for each 9-foot length of finished garland. Because I'm cheap and it took forever to collect it all because I refuse to pay full price for anything. Oh! You wanted to see it lighted? Here ya go!

Just remember, if you do it, too... when you take it out every year, you need to "fluff" it up. The wires all collapse and the garland flattens.

Don't forget... There is more in store for you, so hop along and please comment on each and everybody. 'Cause you know we all love a little love... And BE SURE to check out the "other" Lisa, as she's the one with all the blog candy and sponsor info! Have a great time, and don't forget to come back tomorrow!

Here's the Line Up for Day 8:
  1. Lisa P. - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com <==== the "other" Lisa!
 ** Anna -http://grumpygrandmacreations.blogspot.com(Guest Designer)
 **Jana - http://www.rhapsodyonpaper.blogspot.com (Guest Designer)...
  2. Madge - http://www.thescrappinlounge.com/blog
  3. Ashley - http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com
  4. Sandy - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/scrapbook-blessings-club-5722003
  5. Elizabeth - http://CraftsByHappyStamper.com
  6. Angela - www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com
  7. Alicia - www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
  8. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
  9. Daphne - http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com
10. Rhonda - craftingwithblue.blogspot.com
11. Charmagne - http://www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com
12. Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
13. Lisa F - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/ <=== You are HERE!
14. Sharondalyn - Http://www.clippingsbysharondalyn.blogspot.com <=== Next stop!
15. Jessi - http://www.mylifeinartsncrafts.co

12 Days of Christmas (Day Seven)

 

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Seven)! This hop will take place  November 24th through December 5th. Each of us will be posting something Christmas related each and every day at 8:00am, Eastern time (so for my Pacific Time Zone peeps... that's 5am... But don't worry, you can sleep in, and we'll all be here waiting for you, too!)... for 12 WHOLE DAYS! Let us inspire you to finish up that layout, make some special Christmas cards, or wrap that gift in a fun and festive way. If you've already started, you probably came from Barbara. She is so awesome, isn't she? Let's continue this 12-day crafting party!

Alrighty now and again...  I've said in Day One, I'm starting my portion of the hop with paper things. Things that are simple and easy to do. As with Day Two,  Day Three,  Day Four, Day Five, and Day Six... We are still with the Christmas things meaning all things Christmas! and still with simple [paper] crafts. Today, though... I'm stretching it a tad still. We are still decorating for Christmas in my house. "What does that still have to do with it?" you ask... Um.. Cardboard or Papier Mache that's French for paper mache... is still paper, right? Right. I guess I'm not stretching it that much. And that's ok, too.

The ornaments went up today. And my 10-year-old pointed out all the ones she'd made. One of them being the paper mache spoken of above... She let me know that she is crafty, too. And she could make one of my projects. Hmmm... I told her to pick out her most recent... (lol!) And she gave me THIS:

I love Girl Scouts. And my daughter does, too. My older girls played sports... softball then swimming (remember... I'm a swim official/referee? I've posted funky fun pics...) My 10yo doesn't prefer sports... so I enrolled her in Girl Scouts. We do so many fun things together. She created this at a Girl Scout Christmas party she was invited to...

 She glued on paper, cut it up... glued on buttons, used part of the paper as a closed mouth, glued on googly eyes... Then she tore a candy cane she says that is a "bite" out of it and glued the candy cane down.

She and I hope you enjoy it. And thank you all for letting her help participate in the 12 Days of Christmas!

Now don't do too much damage at Cyber Monday! I won't... still waiting on that dang bankcard!

Remember... There's more in store for you, so hop along and please comment on each and everybody. 'Cause you know we all love a little love... And BE SURE to check out the "other" Lisa, as she's the one with all the blog candy and sponsor info! Have a great time, and don't forget to come back tomorrow!

Here's the Line Up for Day 7:
  1. Lisa P. - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com <==== the "other" Lisa!
 ** Kim - http://katydidcards.com (Guest Designer)
 ** Melinda - http://www.mypapercrafting.com (Guest Designer)
  2. Madge - http://www.thescrappinlounge.com/blog
  3. Ashley - http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com
  4. Sandy - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/scrapbook-blessings-club-5722003
  5. Elizabeth - http://CraftsByHappyStamper.com
  6. Angela - www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com
  7. Alicia - www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
  8. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
  9. Daphne - http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com
10. Rhonda - craftingwithblue.blogspot.com
11. Charmagne - http://www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com
12. Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
13. Lisa F - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/ <=== You are HERE!
14. Sharondalyn - Http://www.clippingsbysharondalyn.blogspot.com <=== Next stop!
15. Jessi - http://www.mylifeinartsncrafts.co

12 Days of Christmas (Day Six)

Did you partake in Support a Small Business Saturday? I sure did... although I'm a little on the outs with most, as I lost my bankcard last week, and can only currently order from places that take PayPal until I get my new card. Kind of a bummer... but I saved a whole lot, without going anywhere. (In other words... I probably bought WAY less than YOU did! Neener neener... and that's how I feel better about not being able to shop this weekend!)

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Six)! This hop will take place  November 24th through December 5th. Each of us will be posting something Christmas related each and every day at 8:00am, Eastern time (so for my Pacific Time Zone peeps... that's 5am... But don't worry, you can sleep in, and we'll all be here waiting for you, too!)... for 12 WHOLE DAYS! Let us inspire you to finish up that layout, make some special Christmas cards, or wrap that gift in a fun and festive way. If you've already started, you probably came from Barbara. She is so awesome, isn't she? Let's continue this 12-day crafting party!

Alrighty now...  I've said in Day One, I'm starting my portion of the hop with paper things. Things that are simple and easy to do. As with Day Two,  Day Three,  Day Four, and Day Five... We are still with the Christmas things meaning all things Christmas! and still with simple [paper] crafts. Today, though... I'm stretching it a tad. We are decorating for Christmas in my house. "What does that have to do with it?" you ask... Um.. My paper craft? It's a PUZZLE! that I didn't put together!!!!

Anyone who knows me, knows I love all things Coca-Cola except that crappy new retro stuff and Polar Bears (even the Coca-Cola ones) should one be decorative (in the home) at Christmastime and Santa Claus. So... for my birthday last year, my friend put together a puzzle for me with my two materialistic iconic loves. Coca-Cola and Santa Claus. Yes, I know it's a really bad picture. Get over it. Since it's Christmastime, I'll even say Please Get Over It. It's not worth it. Really. Choose your battles.

It's fairly large... poster sized. And it came to me freshly put-together. So... I Mod-Podged it. Twice. I love the look of brush strokes (you can't see them in the picture, I tried to capture it, and it didn't work, so my lazy butt gave up on it), so I brushed one way and let it dry, then the other think hashtag, cross-hatching, or whatever your heart desires, so it gave it a canvas-y look. Huh! A puzzle on canvas. Why didn't I think of that! You might think it's nuts, but I really really REALLY like textures, and you can totally get that on your own, by applying in crosshatches, but drying the coats in between so as not to mess up blend the "both ways" strokes. Oh yeah... and then I glued it down to a larger cardboard. Two words. Gorilla. Glue. Love. It.

 

Next up? A frame. Uh. Wow. Even on sale... Michaels, Joann's Aaron's, and other framers cost fortune. Yikes! So... that's where my actual project comes in. Not only were these framers rather expensive, I didn't see a single thing I liked. I wanted regal. I wanted it to look antique and Old World and just awesome. And I couldn't find it. I looked EVERYWHERE! So I begged my Handy Dandy Husband to make me one!

 

I scoured Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace, friends' houses, EVERYWHERE to find the perfect molding. I found it. Scored it at Lowe's. I gave my Handy Dandy Husband the measurements and told him I wanted the corners mitered... He put it all together. And handed it over to ME! There'd be more pictures of the whole process but I was so excited about my project, I totally blitzed on taking them.

 

I glued it on top of the cardboard, so it exactly surrounded the puzzle, with a tiny bit hanging over the edge. Again. Two Words. Gorilla. Glue. Awesome stuff. Let it dry. Duh. Then I used a craft knife yes... because it is such a large surface, I did try a rotary cutter. Um. No. It will not cut at an angle... so the cardboard can be seen from the front of the puzzle. Does. Not. Work. For. Me. at an angle, similar to a mat cut. I wanted the cardboard adhered to the back to fade from view not be completely obtuse or amateur-looking. Got the look. Next?

 

Paint!!! Remember how I said I wanted it Old World, regal, antique yadda yadda yadda? I chose an antique gold and brushed it on after I put painter's tape all over the inside of the puzzle because yeah... I should've painted the dang frame first. Duh. And I'm sure that's what my Handy Dandy Husband was trying to tell me as I took/stole the new frame from him and ran towards the house. He was probably laughing his butt off when I had to go back out to get the painter's tape. I let it dry... Then I "antiqued" it by spraying Walnut Stain (Distress Ink) on it. I let it sit, then rubbed it into all the tiny nooks and crannies of the frame. I let it dry or so I thought and picked it up. The paint I chose was apparently a sealer, too. The stain didn't go "into" the paint and only stayed on top... never to dry..."  And so I rubbed it a tad more, then re-sealed it with another sealer on top of the "antique" look because the antique gold wasn't "antique" enough for me.

Close...

 Closer...

Even closer...

 

With the end result being...

And up on my wall... as we speak. I love it. Even with the minor setbacks of the inability for find what I wanted I feel so SPOILED, the soiled/stained hands, and the having to do more work because my ignorance, my arrogance, and my childlike impatience I didn't listen to my Handy Dandy Husband's words as I walked away with something he'd created for me... It is better than anything I saw ANYWHERE which is really good, because if you remember what I said earlier, I couldn't find it and had looked EVERYWHERE.

 

Since we are decorating, I thought I'd share with you a bit of my treasures...

I love small bits of lighting in a darkened room. So magical... With that, I bid you adieu. Be sure to scan the ads and get ready for Cyber Monday and hope I get my bankcard in the mail on Monday! but be sure to finish up Black Friday weekend with a bang. I'm back to work on Monday, as well... wish me luck. Only 3 weeks to go!

 

Oh wait! There is more in store for you, so hop along and please comment on each and everybody. 'Cause you know we all love a little love... And BE SURE to check out the "other" Lisa, as she's the one with all the blog candy and sponsor info! Have a great time, and don't forget to come back tomorrow!

Here's the Line Up for Day 6:
  1. Lisa P. - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com <==== the "other" Lisa!
 ** Mary - www.scrappintoday.blogspot.com (Guest Designer)
  2. Madge - http://www.thescrappinlounge.com/blog
  3. Ashley - http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com
  4. Sandy - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/scrapbook-blessings-club-5722003
  5. Elizabeth - http://CraftsByHappyStamper.com
  6. Angela - www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com
  7. Alicia - www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
  8. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
  9. Daphne - http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com
10. Rhonda - craftingwithblue.blogspot.com
11. Charmagne - http://www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com
12. Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
13. Lisa F - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/ <=== You are HERE!
14. Sharondalyn - Http://www.clippingsbysharondalyn.blogspot.com <=== Next stop!
15. Jessi - http://www.mylifeinartsncrafts.co
16. Heather - Http://www.paper-junkie.blogspot.com

12 Days of Christmas (Day Five)

Cheers to hoping you came out unscathed from the Black Friday Masses! Me? Totally bruise-free. I only went to Home Depot (because I happened to lose my bank card last week and didn't have enough cash to go anywhere else, and with no access to more cash... case closed.), where compared to "normal" BF shopping, it was a breeze! I did wind up with 9 poinsettias (at $.99 each... how could I go wrong???) and a new step-stool mini-ladder for the craftroom. And with that...

Welcome back to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Five)! This hop will take place  November 24th through December 5th. Each of us will be posting something Christmas related each and every day at 8:00am, Eastern time (so for my Pacific Time Zone peeps... that's 5am... But don't worry, you can sleep in, and we'll all be here waiting for you, too!)... for 12 WHOLE DAYS! Let us inspire you to finish up that layout, make some special Christmas cards, or wrap that gift in a fun and festive way. If you've already started, you probably came from Barbara. She is so awesome, isn't she? Let's continue this 12-day crafting party!

As I've said in Day One, I'm starting my portion of the hop with paper things. Things that are simple and easy to do. As with Day Two,  Day Three, and Day Four, I've had a major messup an awesome adventure or two doing something that was supposed to be so simple. Today, I made two cards. There it is, should it be that simple, but it's not... SURPRISE! I did not use a Cricut. I did not use ink. The only materials I used of my own were... A Cuttlebug. Red Tape.

"How?" you ask... Um... I used a kit. I tried my very hardest NOT to use anything else but what came in the kit. You have no flibbering clue how much self-control that took and how hard it really and truly was for me. If you follow me, you might know I recently moved from a small craftroom to a much bigger one. When you move, you find many, many, many, many things you may have forgotten not realize you had. Well, I found a whole lotta lotta lotta stuff! Enter the card kit...

It supposedly has everything you need. Lies! It's alright... just not something I would normally do. But hey... it was in my stash for YEARS! quite a while, and I figured I'd just better use up my stash so I have more room to put the new, incoming stash.

I chose to use a Cuttlebug to emboss both cards, because I thought it a bit too "manufactured" looking. And then... Oh the choices! Either the Spellbinders "Snowflake" or the Cuttlebug "Snowflake"... Hmmm... I choose CB! (only because I haven't fully organized everything and have no clue where I could possibly have put the rubber shim to adapt to the size of the Spellbinders Impression...) It falls a little short on the vertical scale, but it will do...

 Then... I applied the stickers that came with it. I am so not a sticker kinda gal... The glue on them was really weird; some kept coming off, while others had a residue on top, as well. Just remember to burnish stickers with your finger. Rub it really well!!! And make sure your hands are clean, first. No really. Really REALLY make sure your hands are clean, especially when using older stickers, as they tend to be sticky everywhere and will pick up all of the dirt any little spec or tiny bit of oil from your fingers. It came with ribbon... but no glue. So I used "red tape" (it's super strong, so really good for ribbon, and you can get it from various places, called by different names. But it's still got a red coating on it.). Be sure to cut a slit, so you can slide the tape to the inside (and the ribbon too) through, instead of wrapping around to the back of the card. Burnish the tap really well (while the red plastic is still on).

Peel the red tape off, adhere the ribbon (following the line of the tape and wrapping through the slit and towards the inside of the card) and burnish it with your finger. And it is done. Easy peasy. Just not my style. *** Note *** I totally wanted to use washi tape on all of the sides to make up for the empty space. And then I got over it.

This one was much easier to choose the embossing folder. I just wanted to semi-match the frame length. It was a tad hard, so I had to cut and place, cut and place, etc. Until it finally fit. End result... It will do...

Crap! Before you put the stickers on ANTHING and especially before you burnish it be sure your card is facing the position you intend. Hint: Try opening it first. See this? I had to peel it all off ad start over. And it left THIS icky sticky residual. Yuck.

I tried to put the crystals on. But they were just too big. And bulky. And hideous. And I just didn't like them. I think I would've liked them if they were much smaller and if I had an odd number. It was an even four.

The pom poms? Total loss. The colors don't even coordinate or compliment. I gave up on those.. and some of the leftover stickers, too. And I'll just save them all for another project because you know I'm a hoarder.

The final result is in...

 Maybe a little ink? Oh well... all is good, and I only stepped out of the package twice! It's a new world record!

There is more in store for you, so hop along and please comment on each and everybody. 'Cause you know we all love a little love... And BE SURE to check out the "other" Lisa, as she's the one with all the blog candy and sponsor info! Have a great time, and don't forget to come back tomorrow!

And don't forget to support your Mom & Pop stores today for Small Business Saturday. Enjoy online shopping!

Here's the Line Up for Day 5:
  1. Lisa P. - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com <==== the "other" Lisa!
 ** Haidee - http://created2bunique.blogspot.com(Guest Designer)
 ** Debbie - http://myscrapbookgarden.blogspot.com(Guest Designer)
  2. Madge - http://www.thescrappinlounge.com/blog
  3. Ashley - http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com
  4. Sandy - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/scrapbook-blessings-club-5722003
  5. Elizabeth - http://CraftsByHappyStamper.com
  6. Angela - www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com
  7. Alicia - www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
  8. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
  9. Daphne - http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com
10. Rhonda - craftingwithblue.blogspot.com
11. Charmagne - http://www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com
12. Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
13. Lisa F - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/ <=== You are HERE!
14. Sharondalyn - Http://www.clippingsbysharondalyn.blogspot.com <=== Next stop!
15. Jessi - http://www.mylifeinartsncrafts.co
16. Heather - Http://www.paper-junkie.blogspot.com