Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Close to My Heart's Series, Clearly the Best, on My Craft Channel Episode 4

Episode 4: Clearly the Best: Terrific Two-Tone


Another great technique, shading with ink pads and stamps.  Love. Love.  I never really learned to love this technique prior to this video, but I might have to start using it.  Especially, that I have a couple of those stamp sets that Monica and Khristine demoed in this video.  My favorite part is that Monica used the backside of the doily stamp as it's own background.  I would had never thought of that.  Now, I really want that stamp set.

What was your favorite part of this video?  I would love to hear your thoughts.  Be sure to leave me a comment.

Happy scrappin'!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Be sure to check out my Items for Sale

ITEMS for SALE!  Please Click HERE =)

Cricut® Artiste Easy Instruction

I love the new CTMH Cricut Artiste Cartridge because it has a lot to offer with all the 3-D images from cupcake holders to gift boxes to cards.  This youtube video by CTMH shares with us how to easily use the new cartridge.


Cheetah Bridal Shower Scrapbook

A long time friend, who hasn't jumped on the scrapbooking wagon asked me to make a bridal shower "cheetah" themed 12"x12" scrapbook for her sister.  So here it is!




























I used the "Magic" Scrapbooking Program by CTMH's founder, Jeanette Lynton.  This was my first time using the book and I had it for at least two years!  I absolutely L.O.V.E it! Just like the instructions included in the Workshop On the Go's it makes scrapbooking fast, fun, and easy!  And, it helps your scrapbooking creativity increase and teaches you how to save on paper.  I am so glad that I got it before it retired during the last catalog.


Cheetah Bridal Shower Scrapbook

Materials CTMH:
  • Magic Scrapbooking Program Retired
  • Black Cardstock 1386
  • Chocolate Cardstock X5643
  • Bamboo Cardstock 1301
  • Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge Z1686
  • Designer Brads Shimmer Z1349
  • Black Ink Z2105
  • Bamboo Ink Z2103
  • Chocolate Ink Z2111
  • Sponge Daubers Z726
  • Comments Stamp Set D1359 Retired
  • Picture Perfect Stamp Set D1363 Retired
  • Sparkles Flourishes Z1708
  • Instant Memories Stamp Set C1466
  • Bitty Sparkles Z1263


Materials Other:
  • Recollections 12”x12” Brown Cloth Material Scrapbook with Front Window
  • DCWV “All Dressed Up 12”x12” Leopard Chic” Printed Cardstock
  • Forever Young Cricut Cartridge
  • Sweethearts Cricut Cartridge


Instructions:
  • Using the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge cricut envelope on page 30 @
6 ½ inches.
  • Using the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge cricut flower on page 57 @ 8 ¼ inches. (May want to cut at 8 inches or 7 ¾ inches) and @ 2 inches.
  • Using the Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge cricut cricut circle @ 4 ¾ inches (May want to cut at 5 inches) and @ 1 ½ inches (may want to cut @ 1 ¼ inches).
Happy scrappin'!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Close to My Heart's Series, Clearly the Best, on My Craft Channel Episode 3

Episode 3: Clearly the BestSpanning the Space


I love the Card Box!  I want to make this project!  Maybe I'll make it into a workshop!  I'll keep you all posted! 

Happy scrappin'!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Mei Mei's First Birthday Give Away

On Saturday we celebrated my niece, Mei Mei's, first birthday and I was honored to make some of her give aways and one of her desserts.


 Her first birthday theme was Panda, Asian, and Purple. 



For the take out box I used the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge Z1686 cut at 10  3/4 inches,  the ink colors I used are Black Z2105, Cotton Candy Z2193, Hollyhock Z2128, and White Daisy Z2163.  The stamp sets used are by Hero Arts: CL297, CL228, and CL275.  Inside the take-out box are individual packets of "Hello Panda" cookies by Meiji in chocolate, double chocolate, and strawberry.  My cousin found them at our local Asian Market, Ranch 99, but I think you can find them almost everywhere in San Diego. 





My cousin also picked up these adorable sugar Panda Cookies by Sogo Bakery. They were also found at Ranch 99.  They were packaged in a 4"x3" cellophane bag, found at Micheal's.  As for the tag, I was so happy because I was able to print the note small enough to use a Stampin'UP! tag punch.

Lastly, I made these yummy, nothing but sugar, adorably cute, sushi rolls.  The original inspiration came to me a little over a year ago by my good friend, Sheryl.  For my bridal shower at work, she made a batch for me because she knew that my husband and I LOVE sushi!  We both got the recipe from Parents Magazine May 2011, but don't worry you can sign-up on-line to become a Parents Member for FREE!  You may want to because there are a lot of great ideas for birthday parties and more ideas that Parents Magazine did for their "Japanese Tea Party!"  



For the rice crispies, I followed the instructions on the box.  Then I followed the sushi instructions.  Except the instructions for the sushi suggested to grease the pan for rolling, but I just used parchment paper to roll the crispies (this is a very sticky project, but goes by "quickly" with parchment paper).  I think I took three hours to finish this project.  Another note, is that I had to make the sushi's on a very hot day in Sunny San Diego and our house has no AC, which the weather was making the fruit roll-ups stick to it's wrapper.  Luckily, I told my cousin and he told me to put them in the freezer.  Worked like a charm; I'd recommend you do that too, if you happen to make these adorable delicious desserts on a hot day.

I'm not sure how many batches the whole box of crispies made, but I know it was more than enough.

Happy scrappin' and grubbin'!

Recipe for Sushi Rolls from Parents Magazine:

Ingredients

  • Butter or oil for greasing
  • Rice Krispies Treats (prepared according to package directions)
  • Green and blue Fruit Roll-Ups
  • For sushi rolls:
    Gummy Worms (assorted colors)
  • For fish-topped pieces:
    Fish-shaped gummies (such as Swedish Fish)
  • Pink, white, orange, and green AirHeads

Make It

1. Sushi Rolls: Prepare a 13-inch x 9-inch pan by lining it with wax paper and greasing it. Place the Rice Krispies Treats on it in a thin layer.
2. Place a row of sour gummy worms about an inch in from one of the 9-inch edges. Using different colors, place a second and third row next to the first.
3. Using the wax paper, roll the cereal mixture once around the gummy worms, pressing firmly. Use a large knife to cut the log away from the rest of the mixture. Place it to the side and repeat the process once.
4. Slice the logs into 1-inch rounds. Wrap each round in a strip of green or blue Fruit Roll-Ups.
5. Cut the remaining Rice Krispies Treats into 1-inch x 2-inch rectangles.
6. Soften AirHeads in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds, then mold them like clay into the desired shape.
7. Cut thin strips of contrasting colored AirHeads to resemble the lines found on sushi. (For an easier version, use fish-shaped gummies. Place the fish on top of a Rice Krispies rectangle and wrap with a strip of green or blue Fruit Roll-Ups.) Makes about 24 pieces.

Close to My Heart's Series, Clearly the Best, on My Craft Channel Episode 2

Who loves to learn a new technique?  I DO! I DO! 

Episode 2: Clearly the Best: The Swipe Hype


I used to think I was "messing" up when I accidentally did the swipe.  Now, I'm going to have fun with it whenever I can.  I hope you do too!

Happy scrappin'!


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Why I'm Walking with American Cancer Society for Making Strides Agaisnt Breast Cancer


Hello Family & Friends,

This year I have decided to become activate with the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.  I joined team Fitness Odyssey about two months ago because the owner of Fitness Odyssey is donating a portion of her proceeds to ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a friend and survivor is walking with us on October 21, 2012 at Balboa Park, and to help continue the awareness and research for breast cancer.

American Cancer Society is one of the largest non-governmental research and funding organization in the nation and it's all because of you and me.  People wanting to make a change and help those in need.  From the stories I heard on August 16 at the ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kickoff Breakfast, it is not easy to be diagnosed with cancer.  But, when you got it.  You got to fight it. You got to still live your life.  With the help of ACS it is possible.

This year I am challenging myself to become a Pacesetter.  A Pacesetter is a walker that raises at least $2,000.  $2,000 provides a cancer patient with prosthesis and a wig.  I am not asking that you donate much.  $10 will do or even $5.  Times are definitely tough right now, but personally I am not going to let that be an excuse...I used to, but I am not going to anymore.  The C-word has been thrown around too lightly these days and have been thrown in my face three times this year.  A good friend has been diagnosed with Bone Cancer because her lung cancer reoccurred and another good friend has been diagnosed with stomach cancer because her ovarian cancer reoccurred and another good friend was diagnosed with a ovarian cancer for the first time.  The C-word needs to disappear.  But, it won't disappear on it's own, it will only do the former.  With every donation, a life can be saved.

On the morning of August 16 I attended the ACS Making Strides Breakfast Kickoff and learned a lot.  I learned that you may call ACS to seek help and support;  that cancer can affect any age, especially if cancer runs in the family.  I heard two stories, one from a survivor.  She was only 32 and diagnosed with Stage 3.  She wasn't planning to get a check up, but decided to because she was already taking her one year old to the doctor for his check-up.  The second story was given by a survivor's son. The son lost his mom to the disease when she was only 36.  Other stories that were shared were just as tear jerking...I thought to myself, what did I get myself into...then I remembered, I am here to make a difference, for my late grandmother, for my mother-in-law, for all the women that have survived the disease, for all the women that have lost their lives to the disease, for all of us that know anyone that has been diagnosed with any type of cancer.

Please take a moment, and if you can make a donation, $10 can add up and help those 1 in 8 women that are diagnosed with breast cancer everyday.  Please visit my ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Page to make your generous donation.  For every donation made I am giving a set of handmade cards as an appreciation for your donation.

If you'd like to do more and join me on this journey.  Please consider joining team Fitness Odyssey, together we will fight breast cancer.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Cards

I am so excited to be making Cards for Donations  that I have been on a roll this Saturday.  Here are some more cards. 

I'm really excited about this one because I bent, curved, and stamped the sentiment My Acrylix® stamp






Cards for Donations-Thanksgiving

Here's another set of cards that I made for Card for Donations







Happy scrappin'!

Friday, September 7, 2012

Cards for Donations

I am walking for the third year in a row for the American Cancer Society Making Strides against Breast Cancer with my friend, Mary of Fitness Odyssey.  This year I am really aiming to be a Pacesetter.  A Pacesetter is someone that raises at minimum of $2,000.  I haven't raised nearly that much since 2005, but I feel that now is the time to do it again.  Within this year alone three very important people  have been diagnosed with Cancer.  In two incidences, there are reoccurances and one is the first occurance.  You can read more about my story my clicking HERE.

One way others, like yourself, are helping me raise money for this cause is with every donation a set (2-10) of handmade cards made by me are sent to you as an appreciation of your support.

I finally made time to make the first couple of sets:









If you would like to join my team (San Diego, CA), click HERE or if you would like to make a donation click HERE.

Because the cards are handmade, I will make a promise to have them mailed out by end of year (December 2012).  In addition, the card set designs may vary.

Happy scrappin'!

RECAP
Cards for Donations-Thanksgiving
Cards
Why I'm Walking