Hey There Cupcake

I almost blew my resolution to have birthday cards sent to my family on time! Since I've been working on those pesky swap cards, everything else has kind of been put on the back burner. But I realized before it was too late that I had another birthday coming up quick.

Yes, I do realize it is the same sketch as the cupcake card. But I love the way it looks and it was easy to put together. When I showed Engineer the card he said, "Hey, that's my stud muffin girl." Actually, I was surprised he recognized it.


Stamps: Stamping Bella Matilda Muffinbread
Inks: Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: CTMH Daydream Reflections Kit

It may be hard to tell, but I loaded up the frosting with Frosted Lace Stickles.

Oh the frosted, sugary goodness!

Happy Birthday Ashley!

Swap Mines

What is a swap mine, you ask? Well my friends, it is where you go to work everyday on cards for a big swap.

But unlike a coal mine where you would have to stand in line for your turn to ride a long elevator down into the depths of the earth, the swap mines are where you have all your supplies out on the dining table for days (or weeks) and you only get to work in between questions from you children, dinner for you family, homework after school, pinewood derby building, and every other part of life that comes your way.

That was a long run on sentence. My English teacher would be proud I remembered something from class.

So, this weekend is the big Regional Celebration in Phoenix for CTMH consultants. I'm so excited to be able to go. When I registered, I had the option to sign up for a card swap. I thought long and hard about this before I clicked on the little box saying I wanted to participate. I had two whole months after all to get everything done.

Tick, tock.

Well, here it is two days before we leave and I am still stuck down in the swap mines! And not only that, but I'm waiting for a delivery today that has the remainder of the things I need to finish my cards.

I never said I was good at time management.

So while I'm waiting for the MIB (that's Man In Brown), I'll share a birthday card I made this last week. Remember when I told you about my calling at church last month? I was in charge of making and sending out the ladies birthday cards and I loved being able to do that. Well, I should never have said those words because I've since been released and called as a councelor in the Relief Society. But luckily for me, the new secretary had no problem letting me keep the card making assignment.


Stamps: CTMH Cupcake Sprinkles
Inks: CTMH Chocolate, Blush, Tulip
Papers: CTMH That's Amore Reflections Kit

And if you've lasted this long through my post, thank you!

Go have a cupcake.

These Friends Of Mine

Can a friend be someone you've never met? I'm finding this whole blogging experience increasing my "friend" quota, even if these lovely people have no idea who I am.

When I have some down time at home, (read: when the stars align and all is right in the universe) I browse through my list of crafty comrades and see what fabulous things they are creating. I read about their lives, good and bad, and I start to feel like I really know them. And then I think, "Man, I kinda feel like a Peeping Tom."

I suppose if I left more comments on others blogs, they would know I'm stalking enamored by all their talents.

Why am I talking about all of this? Because my "FRIEND" Sparkle had a challenge on her blog and I got up my nerve to participate.

The first 5 people to respond to this post will receive something made by me.

It will be my choice what I send to you.

But...there is a catch...ready?

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2- What I create will be just for you.

3- It'll be done this year!

4- You have no clue what it's going to be. I have tons of ideas, but who knows what it will be? Not you, that's for sure!

5-The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog! (then come here and post, I WILL check your blog *wink*)

The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did will win a homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

Any of my friends up for the challenge?

To My Stud Muffin

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

I'm not one for all the mushy, cuddly, whoop-dee-doos that come with this day. I don't really wear jewelry or like to receive flowers...doesn't Engineer have it easy? The only thing I like to get from him is a card. I've saved all the cards he's given me over the years. They are always funny and make me laugh, but the best part is the way he signs them. Over the years, and after much teasing, they've gone from being signed with "just his name" to "Love, just his name". But I have to say he is more of a romantic than me most of the time.

Which brings me to his card. I wanted something that would let him know just what I thought of him.


Stamps: Stamping Bella Matilda Muffinbread, CTMH Storytime Alphabet (retired)
Inks: CTMH Tulip, T!M Holtz Distress Ink Vintage Photo, Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: CTMH That's Amore Reflections Kit

That's about as much mushy, cuddly, whoop-dee-dooing as I can put on a card. But I think it gets my point across.

Hope you have a love-filled day!

Something Little For Something Sweet

Tomorrow I'll be teaching a project at my CTMH consultant unit meeting. With it being Valentine's Day, how could I not do something that had a heart on it.


Stamps: CTMH Heartfelt
Inks: CTMH Blush, Tulip, Chocolate
Papers: CTMH That's Amore Reflections Kit

I used my Cricut and Design Studio to create a large petal card. Surprisingly, I do not have this Sizzix die. But with my cricut I can make it whatever size I want, so I'm not too sad about that. As you can see, it is just a square with semi-circles on each side. To make the pouch, you need two petal cards. Fold only two sides of each card and that gives you the heart shape. I used a 3x6 inch piece of cardstock (scored in half) to attach to the folded petals of each card. This makes the bottom of the pouch. The heart on the front of the pouch was stamped with Blush, the using a sponge dauber, I added some Tulip to the center and Chocolate to the edge.

I realize my instructions are brillant and crystal clear. It may have helped had I taken pictures of the putting together process...but I didn't think of that. Let me know if you are trying to make this and are completely lost!

Invisible Butterflies

How about a little Spring on this chilly winter day? And while I know it's not anywhere near the cold temps some of you may be having, the 40+ degree weather here is keeping most of us indoors. Which isn't a bad thing if all you want to do is craft. But it is a bad thing if it keeps three boys cooped up inside all day...ask me how I know.

On to the card. This is my contribution to this month's card swap. Every month, the consultants in my unit (of course, by my I mean the unit to which I belong, hi Sue!) make cards featuring the next month's stamp of the month. After I finished mine, I showed the boys. They all really liked the "invisible butterfly".


Stamps: CTMH Butterfly Wings (March SOTM)
Inks: CTMH Twilight, Cocoa, Versamark
Papers: CTMH Emporium Reflections Kit and Creative Basics Kit

To get your own invisible butterfly, simply use clear embossing powder on the stamped image. Or a butterfly net, but I doubt that would work.

Also notice the Designer Pewter Brad? Aren't those pretty? And you could have your very own set if you submit a card for this month's sketch challenge...hint, hint.

February Started Without Me!

Wait, don't go! I'm still here!

I have a question for you...What do you get when you put 9 adults and 9 kids in the same house? Give up? Yeah, I do too, but whatever it is, my house sure looks it. We had a small family gathering here last weekend.

Small: because we were still missing 6 adults and 2 kids.
Family: because, well because it was something you invite family to.
Gathering: because our oldest got baptised.

Engineer said we were getting old because we totally have forgotten what it's like to have babies in the house...okay, not totally forgotten. Some things you just can't forget.

But, you didn't stop by to hear family stories. How about a nice card?

I killed two birds with this one. I used this month's sketch challenge to make this month's birthday cards for the ladies at church. Not very girly I know. Living with 4 guys has knocked the "girly" out of me I think.

So here is the sketch,



And here's my card, now if you have a birthday this month and are in my ward, don't peek.




Stamps: Penny Black Catch A Star!, CTMH Say It In Style
Inks: CTMH Moonstruck, Topiary, Honey, Brilliance Graphite Black
Papers: CTMH Stardust Reflection Kit

And with that, I'll call it a night.