Pay It Forward

I'm sure many of you have seen this going around, but I really want to participate.  When I stopped by to visit one of my friends, I found that she was doing a 'Pay it Forward' post.  This is copied from her (Thanks Amy Jo @ Scrapping, Card Making and Living with Fibro).

"Pay It Forward" is the idea of blessing someone with a random act of kindness without expecting anything in return. It’s passing on a kindness, hoping that your recipients will do the same, and forming a never-ending chain of goodwill. But it isn’t only kindness, it is also a means to connect and share instead of just keeping it to ourselves.

"I promise to send an original creation to the first 5 people who leave a comment here. They must, in turn, post this on their blog, and send something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status."

Here's what you need to do:
1. Leave a comment on this post. I will send a handmade gift to the first 5 people who comment.
2. Create a post on your blog offering the same.
3. Send a handmade item to your first 5 people who comment.
4. It must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011.

Please do not sign up unless you are fully committed to making your 5 items!


Make sure you leave your e-mail address so that I can e-mail you for your address. :)

Scrapbookaholic Challenge

Hello my friends!  I know it's been a VERY long time since I have posted anything!!  I'm sure your lives have been as busy as mine; isn't summer always that way?!!!!!!  This week at Scrapbookaholic by Abby the challenge is to create anything summer!!  When I hear summer, I think camping.  With camping comes fishing. :)  Summer also means Birthday's for us.  We have one in May, one in August and mine is July.  So for the challenge I thought I would combine fishing with Birthdays. 

You can see that the little fish is hiding in the waves; when you pull it out you'll see that "Fishing you a Happy Birthday" is stamped on the back of the fish. :)

The waves are from Paper Doll Dress up.  I merged two waves together using my Gypsy and layered them using foam squares.  The fish is from Create a Critter. 

The sponsor for the challenge this week is Sakura of America, they make AMAZING Gel Pens.  I used the white gel pen on the waves as well as the fish.  We'd love to see you create something that represents summer!!!  Make sure you stop over at Scrapbookaholic By Abby to participate in the challenge, you'll also love to see what the other DT member have created (they are all AMAZING)!! :)

As always, thanks for stopping by, and make sure you join us for some fun at Scrapbookaholic by Abby!!!

Scrapbookaholic by Abby Challenge

**It looks as though this post did not go up on time, SORRY!!**

I am so excited to be able to participate in another Scrapbookaholic by Abby challenge!  This week the challenge is to use red, white and blue. :)

I went for a more non-traditional approach.  I have a family friend that lost her husband last week.  He was very sick, but it was still hard.  I made this card for her to let her know we are thinking of her.

The heart was cut from Home Decor and More and the paper is just from the scratch paper I had.

Like I said, not traditional red, white and blue; but it means something. :)

Make sure you stop by at Scrapbookaholic by Abby to see what the rest of the DT has made!  You'll love their projects!!!!!!  We'd love to see what you make as well!!!  Please stop by and join us!! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by!!!! :)

Beach Party Blog Hop!!

I'm so happy that you are here!!  I am so excited to be a part of this super fun blog hop!!  I love the summer time, it means running through the sprinklers with my little ones. :)  Unfortunately, I don't live next to a beach, so the sprinklers are as close as I get.  During this blog hop we're celebrating the summer/beach days.  If you live anywhere near me, we have been freezing for WAAAAAAY too long; we're happy to see summer/warmer weather here! :)

Well, I hope you are here after visiting Celeste L. at Touched by a Butterfly; isn't she amazing?!!!!!!!  I love her style!! :)  If you just happened to stop here first, make sure you start at the beginning with Abby at Scrapbookaholic by Abby.  You'll love to see what everyone else has in store for you (plus you'll want to know what prizes are in store)! :)

For the first day of this hop I created a card. Very simple, but fun.  It seems like lately I've been having one problem/emergency come up after another problem/emergency.  That was my inspiration for the card.

The paper I used is from the DCWV travel pack.  The castle is from the Birthday Cakes cartridge.  I tried using an Action Wobble (first time, and I think it's super cute).  I used a Sakura gelly roll pen on the castle as well as to write the phrase. :)

I hope you like it, or at least I hope it makes you smile!!!  You're next stop is Carley over at The Real iCarley.  You'll love her project!!!!!!!!!  Make sure you tell her I say 'hi'! :)

If you get lost the line-up is below.  Thanks again for stopping by!!!! :)



Abby www.scrapbookaholicbyabby.com
Sandra www.365daysofcricut.blogspot.com
Pammejo www.pammejo-scrapbookflair.blogspot.com
Michelle www.scrappinwithmybug.com/
Meighen www.scrappin3rdeeschik.blogspot.com
Maria Elena www.mariaelenaworld.blogspot.com/
Liz www.lizspaperloft.com/
Kristin www.pinkldycrafter.blogspot.com
Kim www.rickettscricuts.blogspot.com/
Karla www.kalittlescrapcorner.blogspot.com
Gaby www.gabycreates.com/
Erin www.erinleecreative.com/
Erika www.cricutlove1.blogspot.com
Emily www.createserendipity.blogspot.com/
Christine www.scrapbookingtechnique.blogspot.com
Celeste L www.touchedbyabutterfly.blogspot.com
Celeste B www.ccscards.blogspot.com <----- Me 
Carley www.the-real-icarley.blogspot.com <----------- You're next step!!!!
Candace www.papercraftsbycandace.blogspot.com/
Angelica www.handmadebyangelica.com/
Amber  www.stayingcrafty.blogspot.com
Ashley www.myscrappinpalace.blogspot.com
Alina www.neverstopscrapping.blogspot.com

Very Delayed - but a WINNER

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!  First I'd like to say I'M SO SORRY!!!!!!!  I have been so involved in everything going on in my life that I completely forgot to post a winner to the Bake Sale Blog Hop.

It was so much fun to participate; I hope everyone had a great time!!! :)  So - on to the winner. . .

shersl84bed !!!

She said... My favorite bake sale goods are peanut butter fudge. mmm

Your jar makes me want cookies!

Smiles Sher

Thanks Sher!!!  Shoot me an email at ccscardsandcrafts (at) gmail (dot) com with your address and I'll get your wall decor sent to you. :)

Thanks to everyone for stopping by! :) 

Scrapbookaholic By Abby Challenge

I'm so excited for this one!!!! :)  The challenge this week on Scrapbookaholic by Abby is to make a gift box or bag using Hello Kitty.  I loved making this one!! :) 

My little girl has a birthday this week and I wanted to make sure she (we) had some 'Thank You' cards on hand for any gifts. 

The box is from Tags, Bags, Boxes and More; I used my Gypsy to stretch it a little bit.  The kitty is actually from the Hello Kitty Font cart.  Since my little girl is our little princess, I thought this would be a cute one for her.  The string is just something I had on hand.  I added a bit of bling to make it sparkle (because Heaven knows my little girl loves BLING)!!!  All of the papers used were from my scrap pile. :)

Now, make sure you go see what all of the other DT members have created (you will LOVE them)!!!!!  We'd also like to have you play along with us!!!  All of the info is at Scrapbookaholic by Abby; you'll just link your project up there.  The best part is that if you participate you have a chance at a wonderful prize!!!  You'll have to jump over to Scrapbookaholic by Abby for all of the details and to see the prize! :)

Thanks so much to BudgetGadgets for being our sponsor this week.  Abby has all of the info over at her blog, if you get a chance go visit them of FaceBook (click here to visit them).

Remember - Jump on over to Scrapbookaholic by Abby for all of the details and to play along with us!!! :)  Thanks for stopping by!!! :)

Bake Sale Blog Hop Day 2

If you're looking for the Flaunt It Friday's Happy Hauntings Blog Hop Click here or scroll down. 

**I have to apologize - for some reason my post didn't go live on time!**

Welcome to day two of this yummy hop!!!!  For today's treat we made . . .

HOMEMADE OREO COOKIES!!!!!!

For those of you that know me, you know that I love simple. :)  These cookies are VERY simple.  To make the cookies you will need:

• 2 packages of cake mix (I used Chocolate Fudge, but any other kind would work)
• 1 1/2 cups Shortening
• 4 eggs

Mix all the ingredients together.  Roll the dough into small balls, place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.  Let cool.

For the Icing you will need:

• 8 oz Cream Cheese
• 1/2 stick butter (1/4 cup)
• 2 tsp. Vanilla
• 2-4 cups Powder Sugar

Mix all together and set in fridge.  After the cookies are all cool frost the back sides and put two together.  ENJOY!!!!! :)

These are really easy to make with little helpers, and they'll LOVE THEM!!!!!  Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win my yummy blog candy!

Your next stop is Tracy at Craft Junkie Too.

Just in case you get lost here's the line-up:

Georgiana ~ Carson's Creations
Cheryl ~ Cards by CG
Carri ~ Doubleclick Abusybee
Me
Tracy ~ Craft Junkie Too
Tara ~ Homemade Happiness
Jenny ~ Crazy About Cricut
Pat ~ Pat's Scrap

As always, Thanks for stopping by!!!!!!!!

Bake Sale Blog Hop

If you're looking for the Flaunt It Friday's Happy Hauntings Blog Hop Click here or scroll down. 

Hello my SWEET friends!!!!  Come on!!!  I couldn't help it!!! :)

Well, the hop was supposed to start on the 13th, but due to technical difficulties we started a day late (sorry about that).  I feel so honored to be a part of this hop!!!! :)  I hope that you came after visiting Carri at Double Click Connections aka A Busy Bee.  Isn't she AMAZING!!!!!  I love her work (this time it was especially yummy looking)!!  :)  If you just happened to stop here first, make sure to start at the beginning with Georgiana at Carson's Cricut Creations.  All of the ladies have some amazing goodies to share!!!

For today's project, I wanted to show you a favorite of mine. :)  Cookies in a jar!!!!!!

Now I have to say, I sort of messed up a little bit.  Like most projects, I love to have my little ones help.  Well, I was trying to get them to be patient with putting the items in and they jumped the gun a bit and put the chocolate chips in the wrong order. :)

To make this yummy treat you will need:

• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• Quart glass jar (aka large Mason Jar)

Combine the flour, baking soda and white sugar.  Place half of it in the bottom of the clean jar.  Follow with half of the chocolate chips.  Next layer with the brown sugar.  The next layer is the second half of the flour mixture topped with the last of the chocolate chips.  You can change the order if you'd like, but you see what happens when you put the chocolate chips covered by flour. :)

You can make a tag or a card (you'll see mine tomorrow) that has the following information:

In a large bowl combine 3/4 cup of butter, 1-2 eggs (this depends on where you live and how dry your climate is), and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until creamy. Add in the contents of the jar.  Drop by tablespoonful onto an un-greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

The one suggestion that I have before you give these as gifts (or sell them)is that you try the cookies first.  Depending on where you live you may need to add more flour to the jar or tell them to add more butter or liquid (I always have to add a little more flour).  :) 

You can also decorate the jar to be for whatever occasion.  This one is going to go as a simple 'Thank you' to a friend of mine for watching my little ones for me for a few hours.  These are great for any and all occasions!!! :)

Ok, now to candy for YOU!  I can't seem to get a good picture of it, but I have some kitchen wall decor to give to one lucky person. :)  All you need to do is leave a comment with your favorite Bake Sale goodie!!! :)  That's it!!!! 

Your next stop is Tracy at Craft Junkie Too.

Just in case you get lost here's the line-up:

Georgiana ~ Carson's Creations
Cheryl ~ Cards by CG
Carri ~ Doubleclick Abusybee
Me

Tracy ~ Craft Junkie Too
Tara ~ Homemade Happiness
Jenny ~ Crazy About Cricut
Pat ~ Pat's Scrap

Happy Hauntings Friday the 13th Blog Hop

Hi Everyone!!!!!!!  I know I'm super late on posting!!  I couldn't get this up yesterday because of blogger problems, and have been at work (a few emergencies came up at work too).  I'm here, a little late, but still here. :)

So, welcome!!!!!!!!!  I hope you are stopping by after visiting Monica at Simply Cricutting, if not start at the beginning at Flaunt it Fridays!!  This week at Flaunt it Fridays we are challenging everyone to use the Happy Hauntings cartridge.  Unfortunately I do not own that cart (although, I think I really want it); so instead I used October 31st cartridge.

I had this pumpkin wreath sitting in my closet.  It was very plain (and I got it on clearance for around $1).  So I decided to add the 'Beware' in the middle.  It was cut at 2.  The black is actually a piece of cardboard with this wonderful felt type paper.  I don't even know how to explain what it is. :)  I used some hot glue to attach it.  I added a little bit of glitter and glow in the dark paint (just for fun). :)

For my second project (using any cut from the cartridge) I decided to do a scrapbook page.  For those that know anything about me, you know that I am TERRIBLE at scrapbooking.  My philosophy is plain and simple.  I did cut out a headstone from the Wrap it Up cartridge at 2.  Again, it's not the fanciest thing, but it a big challenge for me. 

Your next stop on the hop is very talented and super amazing Carley over at The Real iCarley!  You'll love what she has in store!!! :)

Now if you get lost along the way, the line-up is below.  Remember - we'd love to see what you make!!!!  Join us in the fun and make sure you link your project over to Flaunt it Fridays!!!

1. Flaunt It Friday's http://www.flauntitfridays.blogspot.com

2. Sandra http://www.365daysofcricut.blogspot.com

3. Sharon http://meemeescreations.blogspot.com

4. Lisa P. http://www.crop-and-create.blogspot.com

5. Corri http://www.buglvr.blogspot.com

6. Monica http://simplycricutting.blogspot.com

7. Celeste  http://ccscards.blogspot.com

8. Carley http://www.the-real-icarley.blogspot.com

9. Laurel http://www.blog.littlepeaceofmyheart.com

10. Deborah www.bugjuiced.blogspot.com

11. Lisa N. http://prettypaperprettyribbons.blogspot.com

12. Mel http://scrappymel.blogspot.com

13. Yolonda http://www.craftyscentiments.blogspot.com

14. Jess http://myscrapdiary-jess.blogspot.com

15. Brynn http://flairandfrillscreativity.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by!!  Make sure you say 'hi' to Carley for me!!!

Flaunt it Fridays

It's been a while, but I'm so happy to post for Flaunt it Fridays!!!  This week the challenge is to use the castle on the Wrap it Up cartridge.  I'm so excited!!!  I just got this cartridge on Wednesday (a two month late anniversary gift from the hubby)!!  So, here's my first creation with this cart!

Since Mother's Day is just around the corner, I wanted to make a card for my Mother-in-law.  Making something for family means (of course) that I have 'little helpers' that are involved.  Both of my little ones helped pick colors and put it together. :)  The castle was cut at 4'.

Make sure you stop over at Flaunt It Fridays to see what the rest of the team has come up with!!!  We'd love to see what you create! :)

A little honesty

Ok, it's time to come clean.  I feel terrible to have to tell everyone, but I'm going to be cutting my posting to twice a week.  It's been coming on for a while, and I know that a few of you have noticed.  I have a few things (actually, a lot of things) going on in my life right now that makes it very hard to create, post, and visit others.  I'm going to try to visit, but it's very difficult.  I'm so sorry!!!!  I wish I had more hours in the day to visit all of my wonderful friends!!!!!  I hope you understand!!! 

Basket Case Blog Hop

**For my Flaunt it Friday post click here or scroll down**

Welcome to the Basket Case Blog Hop!!!!  I hope you came after visiting Kristen @ My Fantabulous Life!  Isn't she amazing?!  If you just happened to visit me first make sure you start at the beginning with Rhonda over at Scrap Happens (you'll love her!!!!)!!! :)  You won't want to miss anything! :)

First I have to apologize, it has been a very hard week and I had a problem with my first project.  I had it all ready, and at the last minute (right before pictures) it was completely ruined.  So, I created something else at the last minute.  **I'm so sorry Rhonda!!**

This is something I am going to create with my little ones for Easter.  For those that know a little about me, you'll know that I love to create with my little ones. :)  Using the Animal Kingdom cartridge and the marker attachment I made 2 bunny outlines.  You could easily do these on a computer, this was just a little quicker this way.

My little ones are going to color the bunnies (which is always a blast for them to do and for me to watch). :)  After they are colored they will cut them out (using childproof scissors).   If you're anything like me you have a bunch of these puff balls around.

We're going to use the puff balls to decorate if they would like.  I used one on the nose, but knowing my little ones they'll decorate everything with these. :)  After they're decorated put them on a paper bag, attach a ribbon and you have a fun homemade Easter basket. :)

Now if you're like me, one of the fun parts of an Easter basket is the candy!  What would a hop be without candy, too?  Well, I have a little bit **sorry, I didn't take a picture**.  All you need to do is leave a comment on this post.  You don't have to be a follower, or anything; just comment.  A random winner will be picked on Wednesday, April 20th.

You're next stop is Carolee's Scrappin' Spot, and you'll love what she's created!!!!!!

If you get lost, here's the line-up:

SCRAP HAPPENS

you had me at scrap

Jean's Crafty Corner

My Fantabulous Life

C.C.'s Cards and Crafts <--you're here

Carolee's Scrappin' Spot <---------    You're next step!!!!!

Tamminnie's Designs

TouchedbyaButterfly

Homemade Happiness

Unique Monique

Living Life and Loving It Every Day

Small Bits Of Paper

Cute and Some

Michele's Scrapy Creations

4 Goofballs

Serenity Scrappers

Love To Crop!

Tryin' 2 Craft

Minta's Creations

Country Bumpkins Scrapper

Make sure you go visit Carolee's Scrappin' Spot next!  Thanks for stopping by! :)

Flaunt it Fridays!

Wahoo!!!  It's another Flaunt it Fridays!!!  These are so much fun!!!!!!  This week at Flaunt it Fridays the challenge is to use the fish from Simply Charmed.  Well, like most times, this is not a cart I own.  So this week I decided to use Animal Kingdom.

Recipe:
fish - cut from Animal Kingdom at 1.
paper - DCWV & scraps
ribbon - ? :)
stamp - My Pink Stamper stamps
stickles

We'd love to see what you create this week with us!!!!  Make sure you stop by Flaunt it Fridays to see what the rest of the DT has created and to play along with us!!!!

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Scrapbookaholic by Abby Challenge

This week over at Scrapbookaholic by Abby the challenge that we have going on is to create something with an animal and using the color orange.  The reason for that is because this month the ASPCA celebrates the 'Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month'.   So in honor of that I decided to make this cute little frame.  I know most people would have put a cut-out of a dog or cat, but I chose a deer.  We love taking pictures of them, so I thought it would be fun!

Recipe:

• Deer - cut from Create A Critter at 2.0
• Flower - no idea! :)
• String - you're guess is as good as mine
• Phrase - no brand name, just something my MIL gave me

I just put the phrase in there for now.  I have too many pictures that it's hard to decide what to put in it. :)  Thanks so much for stopping by!!!  Make sure you stop by Scrapbookaholic by Abby to play with us!!!!!!!

Flaunt it Fridays!

**Sorry for posting this late, for some reason it didn't post correctly!!  Sorry about that!!!!!**

I'm so happy to be a part of the Flaunt it Fridays DT!  I just love a fun challenge!! :)  This week on FIF the challenge is to use the sheep on the Country Life cart.  Well, this is another cart on my wish list; so I had to use a different cartridge.  I decided to make this cute diaper card.  The yellow part comes out for you to write on (my camera died so I didn't get a chance to take a picture of it out).

Recipe:

• Sheep cut at 3. from Animal Kingdom
• Diaper pattern is from Homemade Gifts Made Easy (you can see the template here)
• Sentiment was just something I created and printed out on the computer
• Sharpie marker to emphasize the little cuts for the face, feet and to color in the nose
• Glossy Accents for the nose (to make it stand out)
• Flocking on the body (a little hard to see)

Make sure you play with us at FIF or at least check out what the other DT members have created (you won't be disappointed)!!  We'd love to see what you create!!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!! :)