Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween y'all!  Wow, it's been a while since I last posted anything or been around blogland for that matter.  I've been really busy with life, but trying to get some Halloween projects done too.  Here is a creation that I sort made up.  I made 12 of these to give to my hubby's 7 secretaries, my DS's teacher, my DD Tiny Tots teacher, and some friends.  It all started when I saw my sweet blogging friend, Kris' post about her lollipops.  Click {HERE} to see her post!  I changed up the dimensions of the lollipop wrapper to fit a Dum Dum Lollipop instead of a Tootsie Roll Pop.  Some of you know that I was an elementary school teacher before becoming a SAHM.  I remember singing "5 Little Pumpkins" with the kids thus coming up with this project.  I cut the houses with Tim Holts Townscape die and the tree with Tim Holtz Branch Tree.  I used EK Success Pumpkin punch as well as MS Grass and Iron Fence punch.

Here's a closer look.

Sorry for the bad photo.  Here is the song/poem, 5 Little Pumpkins attached to the back.  The Haunted House is from the Lawn Fawn Happy Haunting set. 

On a very sad note, we recently lost a very dear and wonderful human being last Wednesday, Dean Harvey.  Dean is my hubby's cousin and they were extremely close.  Some of you know the story behind how my baby boy, Asa, got his middle name.  Click {HERE} to read a previous post about my story.  Anyway, here is a picture of Dean and Asa meeting for the first time last December (2010).   Asa was only a month old.  

Click {HERE} to read an article written about Dean weeks before he passed away.  The article tells of his CJD and the journey he's taken living with this most terrible disease.

I luv this picture of Dean with the sunset behind him.  This day last August, he and his wife Kathi, renewed their vows at Maili Beach in Waianae.  With family surrounded them, the day was perfect. 

We miss you so much Dean!  You are now in the presence of the Lord.  You now have your strength and your winning smile! 

Thanks everyone for sticking with me through this post.  I have another project that I made for Halloween.  Hoping to share it this week.  My Asa is turning 1 soon and I'm trying to get all the details done for his 1st birthday party.  Yep, crazy Mama trying to do everything myself and I really, really don't have the time.  Plus, Dean's funeral service will be 2 days before Asa's party.  Boy, our family will be so busy but just happy that we can all be together supporting each other during this time of loss and this time of celebration.  So, if I'm not around to check you out, you know what I'm doing . . . family stuff and party stuff!  Urgh . . . once the everything is done, I'll be relieved.  Okie dokie . . . catch ya laters!

September C.A.T.S. - Flowers

Good morning!  This post is long overdue . . . notice that my title says "September C.A.T.S.".  I know, it's almost half way through October.  So funny 'cause my C.A.T.S. partner, Enjoli, and I emailed each other to say that we will be late in making our deadline.  She's so busy with work, caring for her kids, and her new venture with Sugar Shack Crafts.  For me, I had a lot on my plate too.  Anyway, we finally got around to completing our card and tag set for one another.

Here is what I received from Enjoli.  She created an easel card using Ayako from Sister Stamps.  I really luv the washi paper Enjoli used with the pattern of cherry blossoms scattered throughout the paper.

Now here is the tag that came with the card.  Cute, cute, cute!  :)  Thank you so much Enjoli!

Since the theme for September was FLOWERS, I decided to make my own flower out of felt.  Wanna know how I made that flower?  Check click {HERE} for a video tutorial by Beate Johns.  Whenever I need ideas or inspiration, I head on over to Beate's blog.  She's so creative! 

The image on the belly band of this card is from the CC Designs Laugh Lines called Flower. 

This is what the insert looks like.  The sentiment is from Purple Onion Designs called Flower Quotes.

Here's my tag.  Doesn't look like much, but hang on.  This is how it works.

This is a Telescope card/tag.  I first saw this on Creations by Patti's blog and then on Jenny's blog, Crazy for Papercrafting.  It must've been a sign for me to try it and I luv'd the idea.  When you slide the middle layer over, the largest piece is revealed.  There she is!

Here's when you slide the smallest layer over to reveal the middle layer.  I created another insert for this pocket tag to write a little message.

Well, that's it for me!  I've had so much fun participating in my GF Joy's C.A.T.S.  If you want to participate, check out her blog for more information.  Have a great weekend!

An ODD Trick or Treat . . .

Hey all!  :)  I think my brain, my hands, and my being has been on a vacation.  I must say, I really needed it though.  It got me to wanna ink up something and color. 

Well, I took the plunge and got me SOME ODD GIRLS!  What did it was seeing that SOG Kimono Kaylee and I had to have her . . . then I got me more!  Some in digi and some in clear stamps.  For today's card, I used Gwen from the clear stamp set, HollyDay Gwen.  The set comes with a couple of sentiments and some holly berries including Gwen.  Since Halloween is just weeks away, I thought I'd tackle my first Halloween card for this year. 

I colored her with copics and stuck to the purple and black theme.  The background behind Gwen was inked with one of my new Tim Holtz Distress Ink Fall Limited Edition set, Seedless Preserves.  I slightly distressed the edges with Black Soot.  Behind that, I punched 7 Spiderwebs with my MS punch and adhered them to the back of the circle.  Added a few spiders, twine and a tag . . . voila!  Done!  :)

Here's a close up of Gwen and her spidey friends.

I decided to enter her in some challenges.  Boy, it's been ages since I've actually done that.  Well, that's it for me.  Thanks for stoppin' in today!

Challenges:

Some Odd Girl Blog - Sketch Challenge

Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Halloween or Goth

Pixie Cottage Challenge #91 - Dark & Spooky

Truly Scrumptious #67 - Distressing

Cupcake Craft Challenges 163 - Halloween

Lollipop Crafts #52 - Critters

Winner!!!

Helllllooooooo!!!!   Boy, my brain and my body has been on a break!  Then again, what's new?  :)  Seriously, my family and I have been fighting off a cold and it's still lingering.  The baby has a bad cough and runny nose, my DD still has the sniffles, and I have the bad cough.  I hope you're all staying well and healthy.

Anyway, just wanted to pop in and announce the winner of my Week #4 giveaway.  I so enjoyed all your creative answers throughout the past 4 weeks and this past week was no exception.  DREAM JOB?  As a little girl I've always wanted to be a teacher.  Guess what?  It was my job up until I had my firstborn and then became a SAHM.  But, I think my ultimate dream job would be . . . a Forensic Scientist.  I luv the mystery, the gross-ness, the blood, the "everything" involving a crime/murder scene.  Yes, I enjoy watching CSI, NCSI, The Last 48, Hawaii 5-0 . . . oh, that's when I have the time to watch them.

Ok, I think I've shared too much.  I did receive a couple of emails to enter the giveaway which I included in the random draw . . . the winner of my Week #4 giveaway is . . .

Creative Grammie!!!!

Congratulations Creative Grammie!  Please email me with your mailing info. so I can get your goodies to the post office.  Thanks again everyone for participating in the giveaways and mahalo much for always stoppin' in to visit!  :)