Long time my friends

Hello everyone--- it's been way to long and I am feeling a need to craft again.  Since my move to Florida I have been wrapped up with work, getting my life started here, and simply getting settled. 
I have my craft room ready to go and I just ordered a ton of new items from CTMH preview for the new book.  So excited to get creative again.  I have missed you all and this great community of crafters.  I have so much catching up to do!  Can't wait to start sharing
 

Update on Life.......

Hello my friends--I know it has been a long time but want to bring you up to speed on what has been going on.  If you did not know I was laid off from the company I worked for in Dallas for the past 6 years in March.  I needed to focus on my job search and what seeking what God had in store for my life.  We things have started to settle down a bit and boy has life taken a crazy turn in the last two months.  I no longer live in Dallas.  That's right folks--I have packed up and am moving to the Miami Ft. Lauderdale area.  I received a wonderful job offer from a well known apparel company after just 5 weeks of searching.  I am one week into the job and really liking the people and the opportunity to build this life in Florida.  Never thought of moving here but here is where I find me.  I have found a place to live and will be heading back to Dallas for a few days to load up and move all my stuff--which there is a ton.  So in looking at everything and what it is going to take to get up and running again my goal is to be back to crafting after the July 4th Holiday.  I know that is a long time to be away but God sent me on a journey that I needed to travel--on this journey I have found peace, happiness, and joy in my everyday life once again--things I had lost.  I am still following the blogs and seeing what everyone is posting and finding that passion to cut and paste and be creative.  I can't wait to get all my stuff here and my new scrap area set up so I can be creative once again.  In my new space it is separate from the rest of my townhouse and away from distractions and it has a window!  Natural light--oh how I have missed you.
I can't wait to start sharing with you all once again.
Make this a great one-

It's a blog hop!!!!!!!!!!!

GOOD MORNING!  Hope you holiday weekend is off to a great start.  Today Pink by Design is teaming up with Lovebug Creations and their rumple ribbon for an awesome Blog Hop
Not only will you see some great ways to use Pink by Design stamps but some killer ways to use ribbon on your projects as well.

I wanted to have a white card base but needed to have a way to anchor the ribbon--so I simply cut another white pc 1/4" smaller than the card base.  This allowed me to still have the white card I wanted and a way to hide my ribbon ends.  TIP-i never never never wrap my ribbon all the way around I always fake it.   The Lovebug Creations rumple ribbon I used for this are Caddy Blue, Olive You, and Sunset my fav!!!!!

So your next stop is Tanya: http://scrappinkymomma.blogspot.com
If you are just joining us head on over to Lovebug Creations blog to start from the top.

Have a great weekend-

Colorful Smile

Hello everyone--Today I though I would share a colorful smile--the past couple of weeks have been one long trial for me.  So I felt like I needed some color and a smile.  The stamp is PBD and the paper punch is from fiskers.

I am starting to get back to some what of a normal day--when you get laid off and it comes as a surprise it sort of knocks the wind out of your sails.  I have been wrapped up in seeking direction for my next career move and networking to help get that next job.  Not that I want to count any chickens before they hatch but the good lord has sent a few things my way and I do know that it will all be alright.  When one door closes another one will open.  I am grateful for all prayers as I know they work.
Make it a great one-

Pink By Design Release Blog Hop

Hello there peeps--I know it's been awhile but now I know I will have more time to craft--long story but if you all could just keep me in your prayers I would be forever grateful.  Now on to the real point of this post--the PINK BY DESIGN NEW RELEASE BLOG HOP!  There are so many great projects for you all today and mine of course is simple and easy.

This stamp set is so cute.  Full of fun sentiments that will bring a smile to every kid and kid at heart's face.  I also used a spring mount from Closet to My Heart on the Dino to make him pop off and wiggle.
The Dino shapes are perfect for coloring but I stamped on a pattern paper and colored in his spots.
This set is called DINO-MITE

  I will be using this sentiment again but next time with a turtle die cut how cute will that be!
Your next stop on this blog hop is the last and it is over at PINK BY DESIGN BLOG just click through.  Don't forget we have a live u-stream tonight at 7:30 CST on the Pink by Design channel.  You must check it out--they are always such fun.  We will be making a project as well and all that you need is listed over at Pink by Design Blog!
Make it a great one-

Dry Embossing

So today I have another post over at Pink By Design--it's tip and technique Wednesday and this week is one of my favs--dry embossing.
It's easy, clean, and packs a big punch!
Here is one of the projects for today--

Head on over to check out all the fun--www.pinkbydesignstamps.com
See you back here on Friday with another fun project.
Make it a great one-

Pink by Design Challange

Hey everyone--sorry for last week--I will post the winners on Tuesday.  I was in Vegas for work and again my real job gets in the way of my fun hobby!  Story of my life.

Well there is a fun challenge going on over at Pink by Design this week and it's sweet treats--anything that involves a sweet treat--a card, layout, gift, tag, etc--no limits on the type of project.
Here is what I did--every week there are prizes so head on over and join in the fun.

Head on over to Pink by Design blog and start linking--www.pinkbydesignstamps.com
Make it a great one-

Pink By Design Valentine's Day Blog Hop

Hey Hey there--it's Valentine's Day and we are bring you a great blog hop brought to you by Pink By Design!  I am stop number two!

I made a really simple but fun card to make--and I love the finished product.

 It's a simple A2 white card base but easily dressed up.  I started by stamping the sentiment in the corner.  Then I stamped the sub on white and in the pattern paper.  Once I selected the portions I wanted to be patterned I simply cut it out and glued it on.  I used some CTMH glitter gel in the small circles (which actually have hearts under them).  

I then used the bubble stamp and CTMH Ruby ink to stamp the air bubbles.  I took glassy accents and added drops to each to make the shiny and pretty cool if you ask me.

I attached the sub to the card with a wobbler--I simply love these things!

This week I am giving away a D sized CTMH stamp set and if any of this weeks post get 50 plus comments I will give away another each of those posts as well--so many chances to win all you have to do is leave a comment! Easy right?

OK so your next top on the blog hop is :
Gloria at  www.gloriasgoofycraftspot.blogspot.com 

There are some great projects and an amazing prize--so start hopping!

Morning! Today I have a card I made for a very special little girl named Avery--my god daughter and a pure bundle of joy.  At one she has four teeth and can sign "more" and "please."  Such a smart little girl.  She is in LOVE with Minnie Mouse so this project was perfect for her first birthday!

So I used some pop dotes to add some dimension to the cuts--

which you can kind of tell from the pictures.  I also used glassy accents on the dots to give them some bling--every girl needs a little bling--

Don't forget that every comment is an entry for that stamp set and if we hit 50 comments on any given post this week I will do a second giveaway!  Leave those comments--

Make it a great one-

Long time.....

Morning everyone--it's has been a while.  Just when I thought work was going to slow down a bit--I WAS WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK so I have some fun projects to share this week and for every comment this week you will be entered in the drawing to win a D sized Close to My Heart Stamp set.  Winner will be announced next Monday.

So here are a couple of projects I did for Pink By Design.  We have a fun Valentines Day Blog Hop Lined up for you all on Thursday so make sure to check out all the great projects.

This was made with a fun set call Spectacular from Pink by Design.  I have a thing about glasses and simply love this set.

Here is another card that I layered the die cut with pop dots--it ended up being a 1/2" thick..   The Pink by Design Stamp set I used here is called Rain or Shine.

I have project for everyday this week so make sure to stop in everyday and leave those comments for your chance to win a new Stamp Set!
Make it a great one

Trick of the Trade Monday.....

Well it's Monday and I am still in NYC this week.  I had some time of the New Year's Holiday to get a few projects done.  One of the bits of info I have learned from some friends that work for a very large card company is that keeping the color combo simple is one of the first keys to having a hit on your hands.  Today's card used that idea as its core--a simple saleable color combo--RED and CREAM

Stamp set is CTMH Mad About You (S1112) an old Stamp of the month

Cricut cut is from the CTMH Art Philosophy Cartridge (p 25) which I cut and layered by 1/4"

The Red paper and ink are both the Ruby Color from CTMH.

Pattern paper is Lilybee Designs North Pole CCP276

Ribbon is old CTMH Colonial White Grosgrain


Have a great week, make it the best yet (even though it is only the first week of the year)-

Call me maybe....

It's the first Friday of 2013 and I am off to New York City today.  Market week starts Monday and we have a lot of work to do to get our showroom ready for our customers.

Today I have a card that just makes me smile.  Again it is simple but love the pop culture play on words.

So this cut is from the Cricut Suburbia Cartridge (p41) and I used all three layers all cut at 4 3/4"

The sentiment is from Pink By Design and the set is called...."Call me"

Pattern paper is We R Memory Makers Love Struck "MY VALENTINE"

I used the SU White craft pad and my white signo pen.

To make the dial glittered I sent it UPSIDE down through my Xyron--one of my all time favorite paper crafting tricks.

Hope you have a great weekend and I will see you back here next week for a couple of projects as well as a video about one of my newest favorite paper crafting tools!

Make it a great one-

First card of the New Year......

Well it's only the second but I am on track to keep my crafting up this year.  I love simple cards and with Valentine's Day coming up in a few weeks thought I would just get a jump on my least favorite holiday of them all.  It's not that I hate the idea of the day because I am single but rather the color combos limit me to some degree.
This card was easy as well as using a cartridge I have not used in I am not sure how long.

The cut was done at 4" and is from the Love Struck Seasonal Cricut Cartridge.

The Stamped Sentiment is from CTMH Mad About You Set (S1112) which is a SOTM from last year.

I used CTMH Red Glitz to accent the stamp (Z1484)

I also used the SU White Craft ink pad.


Hope your year is off to a great start.  I am headed back to work today so wish me luck--I am sure it is going to be more fun than I think I can handle.
Make it a great one-
Bryan

Happy New Year!!!

Well my blog friends--it has been way to long and I am trying to get 2013 off to the right start.  Last year brought some unexpected changes at work that sort of through me for  a loop the last 6 months.  My job has shifted a bit and I hope this will allow time for some things other than paper pushing, late nights in the office, and way more travel than one person should get to do in one year.
I have some exciting ideas for this year and look forward to sharing them with you all as well as hearing what you all have to say as well.
I have greatly missed the creative outlet this blog has allowed me over the past few years and the dust build up in my craft room is uncalled for a crying shame if you ask me.
This year will bring more give aways, the true return of my CTMH club (taking sign ups now), a return to more scrapbook layouts, and using what I have in an effort to reduce my stash that has grown beyond the needs of any one crafter.
Looking forward to the journey ahead and glad that you will be taking it with me!! Be blessed!
Make it a great one-
Bryan

NEW Pink by Design SNEAK

Hey everyone--sorry for the poor posting--work has been crazy and I am in the peak of the busy season--the holidays can't come soon enough.

Today is a release day for Pink by Design and we are in the middle of a hope--if you have come over from Paulamorethanfavors than welcome to my humble little blog.  Paula is so talented!!!

Well here is a Sneak of a new Pink By Design set called Craft On (just click to take you to the store)

So you can mix and match your sentiments to make a ton of different says for all sorts of cards and projects--when I opened the pink envelope the first thing I thought of was an invite for drinks for my friends.  This one was super simple.  I used a pre-made card base and black ink--really that was about it.  I placed the stamps on the card then stuck them to my block.  Stamped and done!  Easy right.

To just add a little something to set it off--I used a green pearl in place of the olive--there is nothing more than a simple card that makes an impression--

Make sure to check out all the PDB designers as there are tons of SNEAKS today and a big release tonight--make sure to check it out and head on over to pick you new limited release stamps up int eh PBD store.

Make sure to head on over to 217Creations and check out Elizabeth's great project
Make it a great one-

Back to the Grind

Today is my first day back at work and I am off to San Fran for a few days on business.
I wanted to share a tip about Sympathy cards.  It seems that I have had to make my fair share of them and what I have learned is that simple is best--what is important is that the receiver of the card knows you are thinking and praying for them.
Here is a very simple card--the base layer is a pattern paper from a 6x6 DCWV pad and I dry embossed with a SU embossing folder.  I cut around the edges and added a little ink.  The sentiment is from CTMH!

The inside is a part of two part sentiment set from CTMH

I have a couple more cards for you this week so keep coming by--I also have some give aways coming the first of December to celebrate the 12 days of Christmas!
Make it a great one-

Heat Embossing!!!

Today we are featuring heat embossing over at Pink by Design--you have to check out the great projects that the team made to share with you--there is even a video link to a how to video if you have never tried it.
Here is a preview of my project

SO head on over to Pink By Design Stamps and check it all out--you still have time to link up for the challenge on Monday and have a chance to win and exclusive stamp of the month set we are giving away
See you back here on Friday and have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving
Make it a great on

Pink By Design Challange

Hello everyone--Well it is thanksgiving week and I am thankful to be on vacation for one whole week.

Well today is exciting as my team over at Pink by Design and I want you to take part in the challenge we came up with--it is pretty simple--just a Thank You Card!  Right--simple.  I know it is a busy week but I am giving away an exclusive Pink by Design Stamp of the Month that you can only get by joining or winning here this week.

Ok all you have to do is go to pinkbydesignstamps.com and link your thank you card (which we would love to have Pink by Design stamps used but not required).  Leave a comment here saying you completed the link up and the winner will be announced next Monday--you have all week to do it so get to crafting.  If we reach 20 or more entries I will add in another winner of a Pink by Design stamp set of their  choice.

Here is a preview of my project for this challange

Alright I have two more projects to share this week --I know it is a slammed packed week with the holiday and all the cooking but I really do hope you join the challange--I love seeing what you all create!

Make it a great one-

Thanksgiving Card

Well this week has been crazy with customer appointments, the election, and a Board of Directors meeting at work--seems every minute is just jammed packed.
I need a little creative break so I made a simple Thanksgiving card.

Card base is a simple A2 card from Kraft paper.  I cut all the layers all at once and then trimmed them down--still all stacked removing the bottom layer each time--this way you get perfect fitting layers each time.  I used my all time top pick ribbon from Joann's that I buy multiple spools of each time because I use it so much.  I tied a simple knot nothing fancy.
The stamp is from CTMH and in the current idea book-I stamped the base of the pumpkin then used versamark ink and brown embossing powder to second step the pumpkin.  I also used the same brown to emboss the 'Thanksgivin'.  I used a moss green powder to accent the leaves and vine .
This would make a perfect thank you card for someone who has invited you to the big turkey dinner!
Make it a great one-

Decorated Treat Box

So I have gotten on a kick of giving yummy treat for celebrations.  Recently I missed a birthday of a friend (who also happens to be the guy who helps run the wine shop I frequent-not a bad friend to have if you like wine) of mine because I was in NYC on business.
So to celebrate and let him know I did not forget and that I was sorry for missing the party--I bought bite size cupcakes from my fav place in NYC and brought them home--well you know I could not just give them in the box they came in!
So I took a white baked goods box from Joann's and worked some paper magic-

I measure the box and cut everything 1/8" short so that it would fit perfectly on the box, inked the edges, used some red line and started the over haul.

To create the 'window' I layered up my two pcs of paper and paced my spellbinders die and sent it through my cuttlebug--this took all of 5 minutes and the box was as big a hit as the bit sized cupcakes!

We are off on another week (this year had  flown by) so make it count!
Make it a great one and we will see you back here soon!