Happy 4th of July!!!

Hope you are all enjoying your day!  

After creating all my projects for Sister Stamps last week, I was inspired to pick up my copics again.  I inked up SNS Betsy.  

I remembered a card that my "neighbor", Donna, had made 2 years ago and had to revisit her blog to find it.  Click {HERE} to see Donna's gorgeous card!  Knowing that I wanted to somehow CASE Donna's card, I had to "fussy cut" Betsy.  I inked up just the sparklers and stamped it on the card stock. Using the starburst/fireworks image from Paper Smooches Metropolis set, I stamped random areas with Versamark, added clear embossing powder, and heat embossed the cardstock.  Now it was time to distress all around the cardstock with Tim Holtz Chipped Sapphire.  It definitely made it easier for me to distress and darken areas without a colored image present.  Once satisfied, I adhered Betsy in her right place.  The sentiment from PTI was stamped on a cut cardstock using the circle clip from the Clip It Kits from Lifestyle Crafts.  Voila!!!  All done!!!

Well, I'll be spending my 4th of July evening with some of my girlfriends for dinner and a movie - -  Magic Mike.  YIKES!!  Do I really want to see this movie?  My hubby will be home with the kiddos so I can enjoy some girl bonding time.  I don't get that very often so I'm taking full advantage of it!  :)

Anyway, Happy 4th and stay safe!

Sister Stamps Release Day!

Today is the day . . .  Sister Stamps Release Day!  Woohoo!!!

If you came here from Debi's blog, you're all good!  If not, head on back to the Sister Stamps blog to get started on your hop!

It's almost sad to end the hop.  I've had so much fun creating with these adorable images and got a chance to really "craft"!  :)  I hate to say it, but I pretty much forgot how to post, link, and navigate through my blog, especially taking my photos and editing them.  Yep, had to relearn everything . . . that's my fault for being away too long.  Hopefully, this will help me get back into crafting and sharing something of substance.  HEE, HEE!!!  No promises though . . .

Ok, here's my last and final project.  I created a shadow box using Lori Whitlock's SVG 8x10 Shadow Box.  You can find it at the Silhouette Online Store or at Lori Whitlock's Shop.

I decided to color Miyoko and Mariko.  The Sister Stamps name was created in the ECAL software and  I just welded the letters together.  I also put together a 3D #1 representing Sister Stamps 1st Birthday using the 3D Number Party Kit.  The teeny tiny lantern above the #1 measures approximately 1.5 inches.  It wasn't easy trying to glue the lantern together, but happy that I did it!  It's from the Crisp Days of Fall Kit from SVGCuts.

Here's Miyoko.  With my Copic Multiliner pen, I drew in lines for her hair.  Just wanted to try something different.  Miyoko was masked only exposing her kimono which I stamped with another sakura stamp.

Here's Mariko.  I just luv her in deep red!  The lanterns hanging above her is from Lawn Fawn's Lunar Lights set.  All the other embellishments within the shadow box is from Bo Bunny's Serenity Collection.

Your next stop, Ms. Amy Young!  Thanks for stoppin' by . . .  don't forget to get your Sister Stamps!

**************

THANK YOU SO MUCH JENNY!  THIS WAS SO MUCH FUN AND I'M GLAD I WAS ABLE TO JOIN IN ON YOUR CELEBRATION.   CRAFTING AGAIN DEFINITELY BROUGHT ME BACK TO MY "HAPPY PLACE" & REALIZE I NEED TO DO THIS MORE OFTEN.  WISHING YOU MANY, MANY MORE YEARS OF SUCCESS WITH SISTER STAMPS!

がんばってね！ おめでとう！

{Good luck!  Congratulations!}

Baked With Love - Meet Miyoko!

Hello and Happy Saturday!  Can you believe it?  Tomorrow is the BIG Release!  I'm sure y'all are just rubbing those hands together in anticipation.

Today is Day 3 in the Sister Stamps #8 Release.  If you came here from Debi's blog, you are on the right track.  If not, head on over to the Sister Stamps blog and start hopping' from there!

Here is Miyoko.  So dainty holding her sweet cupcake.  I finally got to use my Sizzix Flip-its die . . . this is the square one.  I randomly stamped around the cardstock with a cherry blossom stamp that I've had for many, many years.

I wanted her to stand out in front of the patterned paper so I decided to cut a circle out of vellum and cut a border to frame Miyoko.  I think it helped in making her the focal point for the card.

When you "flip" the card, this is what's behind . . . I added this sentiment from the Yummers set by Paper Smooches.  The little "Happy Birthday" sentiment is by PTI.

This is why I used "Baked with Love".  I created a gift set to go with the card.  I made a mini cupcake box/holder and a pedestal to go with it.  The cupcake box is an svg file from Lauren Meader's, Hey Cupcake!  I sized the box down quite a bit to fit 2 mini cupcakes.  The bow on the front of the box is from designer, Patricia Zapata.  You can find it at the Silhouette Online Store or at A Little Hut.  The pedestal is from the Popular Street Tulips kit & the doily that sits on top is from the Doilies collection by SVGCuts.

Take a look at the yummy mini Red Velvet cupcakes!  So oishi (delicious)!  I admit it . . . after taking these pictures, I popped those cupcakes right into my mouth!  :)

Okie dokie, you might just wanna head on over to Amy's blog for more inspiration.  She's the master of Copic coloring!  :)  See you back here for my final project and for RELEASE DAY!

Let's Celebrate - Meet Takeo!

Today is Day 2 of Sister Stamps new release.  Did you arrive here from Debi's blog?  Yep, your on the right track . . . if not, head to the Sister Stamps blog and you can start hopping in the correct order.

I bet you couldn't get enough of seeing all the creations by Jenny, Debi, Aunty Jan, and the past Guest Designers using these cute and kawaii stamps!  Well, there's more!

Meet Takeo.  He is just adorable and reminds me of my first son -- so carefree and energetic.  I can totally picture Takeo running around and having a blast in the summer sun.  What fun to be running with all those balloons too!   I actually made this card for my son since his birthday is at the end of July.

Here's a close up of Takeo.  See the balloons?  I added some Glossy Accents to make them shiny.  Ok, I know, I went a little light on the sky.  I'm a bit rusty and haven't colored or created much lately.  Almost embarrassed to show this to y'all.  Along with the card, I'll give my boy this tool box so he can put in his many Beyblades.  It's a craze with young kids, I can't begin to explain how to play them.

The tool box is the Tool Box svg file from Crea8ive Cutz.  I incorporated the handle at the top of the tool box from the My Day With Dad Kit by SVGCuts 'cause it looks so realistic.

Now, hop on over to Ms. Amy's blog!  She'll have something amazing to show you . . . thanks for stopping' by and see you back here tomorrow!

ON A SIDE NOTE:
I just wanted to say how touched I am that some of you have missed me over these long, long, months. I have definitely missed you too!!  Life is just way too busy and with 3 kids, it just gets busier.  There's always life changing events happening in our family, the latest being that my hubby has gone back to the fire station.  He was at the Headquarters working in the Community Relations/Educational Department with the Honolulu Fire Department for the past 2 years.  Hubby decided to get back in the field to gain experience so that when he goes for the Captain's promotion, having the office and field experience would benefit him in the long run.  Now this all translates into me being home with the kids by myself for a 24 hour shift (3 shifts in a rotation).  We've done it in the past so we are used to the transition.  Anyways, I really appreciate all of you!  :)

A Gift For You - Meet Mariko!

Hello world!  I'm poppin' into my most neglected blog for some very special previews.  That's right, in the next couple of days, I'll be sharing some projects that I've been working on for Sister Stamps.  I'm sure you've seen the 3 new images being released on July 1st . . . soooo, soooo cute!

If you came here from Debi's blog, then you are on the right track.  If not, click {HERE} and it will take you right to the Sister Stamps blog.  There you will find the complete Blog Hop list. 

I'm thrilled and honored to help Jenny and her sister, Denise, celebrate Sister Stamps' 1 year anniversary or better yet, its First Birthday!  Jenny has called upon past Guest Designers to help in this celebration & I know you'll be blown away by all the creations.  Are you ready?  Here we go!

Today, I'm sharing with you Mariko.  She is definitely ready to get this party started.  I did a shaped card using my Nestabilities.  Along with this card, I created an oval gift box which I embossed with the Cuttlebug Oriental Weave embossing folder.  This gift box was cut with my Eclips machine using the Sew Crafty Kit from SVGCuts.  Luv, luv, luv SVGCuts!

Here is a close up of Mariko!

Here's the top view.

Now head on over to Amy's blog!  Thanks for stoppin' by and see you back here tomorrow!

Happy Birthday to you . . .

It's Krista Palakiko's birthday today and a few of us are throwing her a surprise birthday blog hop.  If you've come here from Joni's blog, then you are on the right path, but if you just popped in you might want to hop on over to the beginning at the Lollipop Crafts blog.  Why?  Well one lucky hopper will win a SURPRISE PRIZE!  All you need to do is hop along to each friend’s blog, leave some love, then head back to the Lollipop Crafts blog and let them know you completed the hop.  Who knows maybe along the way some of Kris' friends might be giving away RAKS of their own, so make sure you stop and give some love to everyone.  The winner will be announced on Sunday, March 18th.


Well, well, what can I say?  I've had the privilege and the honor of getting to know Kris both through blogland a few years ago and meeting up with her while she was here on Oahu tending to her beautiful son who was born a bit early at the Queen's Medical Center.  She is nothing but a sweet and generous soul who always thinks about others.  Well, today we celebrate Kris as we think of her on this special day!


I recently purchased the Sizzix Eclips machine which I've had my eye on since last year.  Couldn't decide whether to get the Silhouette Cameo or Eclips, but in the end, my mind was set.  I've been cutting up paper like crazy and playing around with numerous SVG files.    FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

I cut out these 3D letters using the 3D Letters SVG Kit from SVGCuts.  It was pretty fun, but I do have to admit, the "S" was the hardest to put together because of its curves.  I added some details to the letters . . . a cloud, a white picket fence, and some butterflies.  The little girl sitting up there on the "R" is Maisie Sitting Pretty from Lili of the Valley and the bunny on the "S" is from the Lucky Bunnies - Clear Stamp Set from TGF.

Here's another view.

I just want to wish Kris the best birthday ever!  You are dear to my heart and nothing but LUV 4 U!

Now, hop on over to Sony's blog {HERE}.  Remember, if you get lost along the way, the  MASTER LIST is on the Lollipop Crafts Blog.  Thanks for stopping by today!  :)

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!  :)

Boohoo . . . It's a Wrap!

Happy Friday my sweet dear friends!  I'm torn in my emotions today as I write this post.  Today is my last post as a DT member for the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog.  I still can't believe 6 months have passed since I started with the team.  It was such a refreshing experience and I had the opportunity to meet some of the most wonderful, talented ladies through this experience.  I'm definitely sad, but happy that there will be a whole new team to carry on creating with Marie's cute images! 

Now that my term is done, I can sorta take a step back {take a break of sorts} and just visit everyone on the blogs more often and create when I want and if I want.  hee, hee!  :)  Asa's 1st birthday is soon approaching as well as the holiday season so I'll be pretty consumed in taking care of "business".  Don't worry, I'll be around!

For my last post, the team was instructed to CASE another DT's card.  What our team decided to do was surprise Rachel, our wonderful Team Captain, by CASE'ing one of her cards!  This is a tribute and a HUGE thank you to her for all that she did during this term (believe me, Rach is so on it when it comes to organization).  Here is Rach's card that I chose to CASE:

I used Miss Anya . . . oops, I mean Miss Anyas'!!!!  :)  I chose 1 Miss Anya from each set (Miss Anya Collection, Miss Anya Love, Rain Snow Shine, Miss Anya Dressy, Miss Anya Lounge, Miss Anya Hats Off, and Miss Anya Bags), but only colored the one image in the middle. 

Notice that all the six Miss Anya's are stamped in Memento Desert Sand on Kraft cardstock?  This represents the Design Team - - - Jess, Sparkle, Leanne, Emily, Tasha, and myself.  The one colored represents Rach!  :)  Too corny, but thought it was fitting for my last card. 

Here's a closeup of Miss Anya Bags . . .

Please upload your project in the Galleria under the FFF section.  Thank you so much for all your support!  I so appreciate you stoppin' in to visit me . . . this is not a farewell, just a "I'll-see-ya-around-blogland"!  Have a great weekend!