“The Family Tree”

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The Family Tree…

In the backyard of my childhood home stands a ginormous Silver Maple tree.

That gigantic tree has been the backdrop for tons of family pictures during it’s 40 plus years.

I’d always thought of it as “my tree” because I was the one who drug it up from the woods

and had planted it.  Up until recently, possibly last year, I found out that it wasn’t my tree.

Dad told me that my tree didn’t make it and he had replaced it with this one.   (Sigh!)

One of my favorite pictures was this one taken on Thanksgiving Day 2006.

The guys were out in the yard playing catch with the football and I asked my sister-in-law

to snap a family picture.  The guys lifted my youngest up in the tree, football still in hand.

As we get my parents house ready to sell, it dawned on me that I need to get another

family picture by “my tree” while we still have the chance.

This past week-end, we had one last large family get-together at the home

and took one enormous family picture around that old tree.  (35 in all with only 3 missing.)

We also took this one of my family…Just as we were, sweaty and all.

It was a beautiful evening spent celebrating family.

It was also a little bittersweet as I know Mom and Dad would have loved it.

For my Xyron Design Team project this week, the team got the opportunity to pick any

collection we wanted from Photoplay Paper.

The moment I saw the Memory Lane Collection I knew it was perfect for my pictures.

I received the collection which included 12 sheets of beautiful double-sided paper and a full

sheet of beautiful cardstock stickers and a package of the ephemera cardstock die cuts.

Everything went together smoothly with the help of my trusty Xyron Mega Runner*.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Xyron Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

BTS Vinyl Pouch

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BTS Pouch made with StyleTech Vinyl…

A little BTS project to make with the bigger kids.

I wanted my project to be bright, fun and colorful so I used

Styletech Fluorescent Craft Vinyl from Tape Technologies.

How to make the BTS Vinyl Pouch…                                                           (*affiliate link)

  • Cut two pieces of self adhesive vinyl 4 1/2″ x 8″.
  • Cut a piece of cardstock the same size.
  • Using Vinyl Transfer Tape*, apply vinyl onto cardstock.  Turn cardstock over and add second piece of vinyl onto the back of the cardstock.
  • Smooth out any air bubbles with Bone Folder*.
  • Trim vinyl and cardstock piece to 4″ x 7 1/2″.
  • Score vinyl using a Scoring Board* 2 3/4″ and 5 1/2″.  Fold pouch on creases.
  • Cut 1″ strips of vinyl.
  • Cut vinyl to size and score 1/2″ down the strip.  Use strips to cover sides of pouch.
  • Cut additional strips to decorate pouch.
  • Cut small flowers using Sizzix Triplits Dies ~ Flower 2* to embellish.
  • Add Doodlebug Adhesive Enamel Sprinkles* in center of flower.

  • Punch small hole in top corner and add book ring.
  • On the inside add a piece of hook and loop tape.
  • Use a corner round punch to round the corners of the flap.

For more fun, try making a larger pencil pouch.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Tape Technologies Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Simple Water Colored Posies

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Simple Water Colored Posies Card

My love of water color started in my High School Art class.

Unfortunately for me, I’m not very good at drawing.

Except simple little objects.

For my Xyron Design Team project this week…

Derwent Academy sent us some awesome goodies to play with.

For my card…I cut the watercolor paper to 3 ¾” x 5″ and drew simple little flowers

on the bottom.  (Can’t get much easier than this.)

I colored in my flowers and leaves using the water color pencils.

I used the lighter pencil first and then added a little shading with the darker pencil.

You don’t have to fill the entire image.

Use a wet paint brush and go over pencil marks to blend the colors.

For my Words…I took a small piece of the water color paper and did a scribble background

with the blues and purple water color pencils.

Blend the colors together with a wet paintbrush.

After the paper was completely dry, I inserted it into my Xyron 3″ Sticker Maker*.

The Xyron Sticker Maker* is great to use when cutting out small dies.

It adds complete adhesive and makes the perfect little word sticker.

I used my Xyron Creative Station* to add adhesive to the back of my layers.

That way, I don’t have to worry about any warpage on my watercolored layer.

A simple bow finishes off this simple watercolored card.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Xyron Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

How to Create a Beaded Bridal Pouch

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A Gift for that special Bride…

Create a special pouch for the Bride-to-be to keep her wedding day jewelry safe while in

transport.  Personalize it with Joy Iron On Embroidered letters.

To make the Bridal Pouch here’s what you’ll need:

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Directions:
  1. Fold over one end of the felt approx. 4″.
  2. Sew along the edge of each side to create the pouch.
  3. Iron the beaded trim onto the opposite end of the felt by laying a fine cloth over the trim and ironing over it for 25 sec.
  4. Cut excess felt around the top of the beaded trim to create a scalloped edge.
  5. Position the letters spelling “Bride” onto the front of the pouch with the shiny side down.
  6. Cover letters with a fine cloth.
  7. With firm pressure iron cloth over the letters for 25 seconds.
  8. Turn flap of the pouch over and iron the back for an additional 25 seconds.
  9. Add Velcro to the flap to keep the pouch closed.

You can also use the beaded-iron on trim to make into a bracelet, belt or headband.

For the beaded bracelet…

  • Measure the size of your wrist.
  • Cut a piece of  felt approx. 3/4″ longer than your trim.
  • Arrange trim onto felt so that only one end has the extra felt.
  • Lay a clean soft cloth over trim and iron onto the felt.
  • Cut excess felt around the beaded trim to create a scalloped edge.
  • Add hook and loop tabs* to the end of the felt.

This project was sponsored by Joy SA.

Shop Handmade – The Wedding Store

*Disclaimer:  This post uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Cheery Little Birthday Card

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A Cherry Little Birthday Card

Who doesn’t love receiving a Cheery Little Birthday Card?

I know I do.

This week the Xyron Design Team is all about Lawn Fawn…

and I had a blast.  I loved using their dies to make this fun card.

Here’s what I used:                     (*affiliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

  • When working with small dies, I like to run the paper through my Xyron 3″ Sticker Maker*.
  • Rub and peel the top cover off the paper.

  • Run the paper and die through your die cutter for the perfect little sticker.
  • Just the perfect amount of adhesive and so easy to use.

  • Look how cute this terra cotta pot turned out.
  • Ink the edges of the paper pieces with Vintage Photo Ink* for a realistic looking pot.

The card was so easy to put together using the Xyron Sticker Maker* for all my little pieces.

A really fun card to make.

A special thank you to Lawn Fawn for sending the dies and paper used on this project.

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Xyron Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

Celebrate with Matte Removable Vinyl

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Create Festive Door Decals for the 4th of July!

I was decorating and getting the house ready for our 4th of July Pool Party…

when I got the idea to use my new Matte Removable Vinyl to create 4th of July door decals.

They were super simple to make and they add a fun festive touch.

To make my 4th of July Door Decals…

  • I cut the vinyl letters and number using my Silhouette Cameo 3*.
  • I cut additional small white stars to stick onto the blue number.
  • I easily transferred everything onto my door using the Vinyl Transfer Tape*.

I put one onto the backdoor heading into the pool area and the other onto the door leading

into the house from the garage.

Because family don’t use the front door!

I also used the vinyl to jazz up the plain metal tin to hold cutlery.

Did you know that this vinyl will remove cleanly for up to two years?

This vinyl  film is great for decorating a kid’s room, a classroom or just about anywhere

you just  need a temporary graphic.

And, with 27 colors available, it’s not hard to find the perfect color for whatever you can

dream up!

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Tape Technologies Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Sparkle your 4th…

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Sparkle your 4th…

For the 4th of July, I decided to create a round-up of my past 4 favorite patriotic projects.

Enjoy!

Recycle your old blue wine bottle into a festive display.

Enjoy the party with friends.  (maybe even empty another blue wine bottle)

To make the project… read here.

Red White and Blue Table Top Decoration

White picket fences, fireworks and the good old red white and blue. 

A 4th of July Celebration Centerpiece with Fireworks, Flags, Banners and Pinwheels all

rolled into one.     To see how I made it… read more.

Welcome your visitors with an Americana Wreath for your front door.

How to make the Americana Ribbon Wreath

  • I used a 14″ ruled wreath from Smoothfoam.
  • Glue one end of the ribbon down onto the foam wreath and wrap the ribbon tightly around the first section.  Glue second end of the ribbon in place before starting second color. (I used Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive* to glue my ribbon in place.)
  • Using a thin floral wire, wire the small floral stems onto the base of the wreath.
  • Glue larger flowers and leaves onto the wreath over the wire.
  • Add large stemmed butterfly and ribbon to hang.

So many possibilities.

For more information… read more.

Deck out the deck with a fun denim banner made from old jeans.

Got any old worn blue jeans ready to be thrown out?

I started with my old blue jeans and 3″ Iron-on Embroidered Varsity Letters from Joy

in red and blue.

For more pictures and instructions read here.

Shop Dollar Tree for Red White & Blue Party Supplies*                      (*affiliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

      

For Creative inspiraton…Make Sure to Follow me.

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Scootin by with Newton’s Nook and Xyron

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Scootin’ by to say hello!

This week the Xyron Design Team teamed up with Newton’s Nook for some fun inspiration.

And…a great chance to win some goodies for you.  (see below)

Click on each of the links below to leave your comments all week for a chance to win a Xyron Mega Runner and a $25 Newton’s Gift Card.

XYRON FACEBOOK

NEWTON’S NOOK BLOG

 

For my project, I picked out this cute little “Newton Scoots by” stamp set and matching dies.

I also picked out the Floral Lace Stencil* to use on the background.

I used my stencil brush and a light blue dye inkpad to create the subtle background.

Using my Xyron Creative Station* made quick work in putting all my layers together.

I’ll be honest…this was the first time I’ve used a stamp and matching die set.

I love how clean it looks.  Super Easy to use.  No messy fussy cutting needed!

“This is a sponsored post.  As a member of the Xyron Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.

*Disclosure:  This blog uses affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Personalized Pool Party Glasses

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Keeping Cool and Living the Dream…

Here in the Midwest, summer has turned H-O-T!

And because we have a pool, we get a lot of extra visitors. 

To help us all keep cool…we keep the blender whirling.

This is one of my favorite Summer activities.

Today… I’m participating with several designers of the Designer Craft Connection

in a Designer Challenge using Adhesive Vinyl from Styletech Craft.

For a full list of the participating designer’s projects CLICK HERE.

How to make personalized Pool Party Glasses.                  (*affiliate link)

  • Pick up a couple of inexpensive glasses at Dollar Tree*.   While you’re there…don’t forget to pick up the cute palm tree swizzle sticks.
  • Clean the glasses with warm soapy water to remove any grease or residue.
  • I used my Silhouette Cameo 3* to create and cut the words “just chillin” and “living the good life” out of Self Adhesive Glitter Vinyl Sheets- by Styletech*
  • Remove the background vinyl from the words using a vinyl weeding tool or metal pick.

  • Pick up the words off the backing paper with Vinyl Transfer Tape* and apply directly onto glass.  Rub the words to make sure they’ve stuck before removing the transfer tape.
  • If you can…Wait 4 days for the adhesive to fully cure before using the glass.
  • It is recommended to hand wash only.

Ask for Self Adhesive Glitter Vinyl Sheets- by Styletech from Tape Technologies* at your local Scrapbook Store.

Shop Your Fav Brands at Scrapbook.com

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Home is Where the Heart is Stitched Sampler

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Celebrate special occasions with a personalized stitched sampler.

A great gift idea for a wedding, anniversary or new home.

Home is where the Heart is products used:                      (*affiliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Create custom numbers to match the project by spraying numbers with glimmer mist. 

Allow numbers to fully dry before using .

Directions:

  1. Cut a shapes using the picture above.
  2. The flowers were made using a simple hand drawn flower shape and traced onto the felt.
  3. Add red ink to the tips of the cream flowers with a stencil brush.
  4. Machine stitch the gray scalloped square onto the tan square
  5. Machine stitch the roof onto house and machine stitch onto the gray scalloped square.
  6. Iron numbers onto the center of the red heart.
  7. Arrange and adhere smaller pieces onto house using fabri tac glue.
  8. Hand stitch smaller pieces and buttons into place using needle and thread.
  9. Add finish piece into a shadow box frame.

Look for Joy® iron-on embroidered alphabet letter sheets at your local craft store.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Creating with Joy Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The views and opinions are my own.