Have I really . . .

{Sorry for the absence . . . when I said I needed a rest and break over the long Labor Day weekend, I meant it.  No blogging so I hope I didn't miss anything.}   :)

. . . been blogging for 2 years?  Yep, I think so!  I set up my blog around August of 2009 and did my first posting in September.  Well, well, I suppose I should do a giveaway then.  I will be doing 4 giveaways for my 2nd Blogaversary . . . one per week.  Craft stuff is filling my bin that I've gathered over time.  Sometimes I find great deals and sometimes I just buy duplicates for the "just-in-case".  Can't hoard it all so this is my way to give back and say THANK YOU to those that follow my blog and to those that I've built a wonderful friendship with through blogging.

I don't have any strict rules for this CANDY giveaway.  All you have to do is comment and answer the question:

What was your most favorite Halloween costume that you wore during childhood (or adulthood if you still dress up)?

Comment here by Tuesday, September 16th and I will pick a winner using Random.org.  PLEASE, PLEASE . . . do not link my giveaway on your blog or post about it.  This is for those sweet people that come by here . . . you've given me nothing but luv and encouragement over these past 2 years!

By The Numbers . . . A "21st" Birthday!

Phew, I made it to Friday!!!  It was sure a busy week for me, but let me tell ya, I had a blast posting everyday!  Haven't done that in ages!  This week over at the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog, we're doing things "By the Numbers". Meaning? All you have to do is use a number on your project! Paper, stamp, embellishment, doesn't matter.  Easy, peasy right? 

Here's what I came up with.  I made a treat bag for a special friend who is turning "21" soon.  Ok, not really 21, but she's 21 at {HEART}!  Found the tutorial {HERE} . . . it's super easy and makes for a fast gift wrapping.  This treat bag measures 4 1/2 x 10 inches.  Yes, it's GIGANTIC!  It's the perfect size for what I have inside too.

Here's a closer look at Birthday Anya 2. 

The FFF challenges runs until Thursday, entries are due by 12 PM CST.  The winner will receive a free single TGF stamp of choice!  Please upload your challenge cards to TGF Galleria> Farm Fresh Challenges 2011> Farm Fresh Fridays 2011> By the Numbers.

That's it for me today.  I think I need a must deserved break from blogging this weekend . . . will be back soon though.  I'm feeling a bit generous and I'm in a celebrating kind of mood.  So, if you have a sweet tooth, I'll be back with some CANDY!!!  :)

Release Day! Happiness Always . . .

Today is the day!  It's September 1st and it's release day for Sister Stamps!  Yay!!!  Before I get to my last and final project, I just want to say thank you Jenny for giving me this opportunity to participate in your release of these kawaii images.  What a privilege and honor to work along side you, Denise, and Debi!  Arigato, arigato!  :)

Ok, I saved this one for last since it took me some time to put together.  I worked on this project for days . . . I could have finished it all in the same day, but hey, I got 3 kids, a busy schedule and very little time to myself.  I'm so glad I finished and I get to share it with you!  Here's my project:

This is an Explosion Box.  I've made these before, but wanted to try this topper.  My sweet blogging friend Kris did a wonderful tutorial on how she made her top.  Click {HERE} for Kris' tutorial.

Once the lid is taken off, this is what the inside looks like.  There she is, Ayako!  She's the last of the 4 images being released today!  The sentiment from SU says, "Happiness Always". 

Here's a top view to show you the floating cherry blossoms.  I cut clear acetate in a spiral, attached one end to a panel and attach the opposite end to the trellis.  Yep, created a scene for Ayako.  The trellis was made using the MS Garden Trellis border punch.  I added some grass as well.

Ayako and the butterfly (from the Kiyomi stamp) were propped up with more acetate.  I have to mention that I colored Ayako's hair black, but I've added a tinge of BV08.  I remember my grandmother having a purple tinge in her all white hair.  Don't know if it was from the chemicals in the hair products she used or if it was her trying to be a hip grandmama!  :) 

Well, I'm so happy to have shared my creations with you . . . now go out and grab your Sister Stamps!  :)  There are numerous locations on which to purchase them.  Don't forget to click on over to Debi's blog.  She has more CANDY to give away!  Thank you for sticking it out with me the whole week long.  C u back here tomorrow . . . it's TGF - Farm Fresh time!  :)