Craft Room and Office Makeover

I am so excited to reveal my new craft room and office! I have been dreaming of this day for a long time and I am grateful to be sharing this moment with you. As a crafter, I have like so many fellow crafters, dreamed of a space where I can work and play. I can't wait to show you the before and after with an organizational giveaway too!

Heidi Swapp - November Mash-Up Blog Hop

Welcome to our first Heidi Swapp Mash-Up Blog Hop! To start, go check out Heidi's blog today!

The definition of a Mash-Up (according to the Urban Dictionary) is, "v. To take elements of two or more pre-existing pieces of music and combine them to make a new song. n. A song comprised of elements of two or more..."

A Heidi Swapp Mash-Up is taking elements from two or more collections and combine them to make something fabulous! We have asked each media team member to name two Heidi Swapp products and compile a Mash-Up List. Then, each team member took the full list and used that (and more!) to create their first Mash-Up project!

Here is the Mash-Up List:

At least 1 Day Glow Photo Corner
Sentiment Stickers
Color Magic Paper
Note Card (either Vintage Chic or Color Magic Notes)
Buzz Words
Color Magic Chipboard Alphas
At least 2 Pattern Papers from Different Heidi Swapp Collections
Neon Glow Tape
Staple
Handwriting - either your own or Heidi's digital words

For my Mash-Up project I created this "Zinger" layout. Come on, tell me I wasn't the only one disappointed about Hostess closing their doors this month. You see, I just had my first Zinger a couple of months ago. Heidi kept on mentioning in her videos how much she loved Vanilla Zingers and one weekend I saw them at the store and grabbed a box.

Now, I was there for "weekend snacks" and bananas for the little man. You wouldn't believe how many laughs there were in line at my Zingers, chips, bean dip, and banana groceries. Even the cashier had to make a crack at me. By the time I got home, I was ready to dive into those bad boys. They were good. My husband, Dave, had his first that weekend and said they tasted like stale Twinkies. Either way, by the end of the weekend I vowed to never buy a box again because I ate the whole thing in two days and gained two pounds!

So, I was quite surprised when my sister gave me my birthday gifts. Inside the gift bag was one Chocolate Zinger. Kind of glad I only got one, but I really do want to know what happened to the rest of the box. My sister said that she respects Heidi and everything but Chocolate Zingers are way better than Vanilla ones. It was a good laugh. I had no idea that that afternoon would be the last time I ever ate a Hostess treat. If I knew, maybe, just maybe the box would have lasted longer. Just maybe...

I added Pink Paislee rubons to my layout so that my only Day Glow Photo Corner left (in green) would match my layout. lol...

I cut a Banner Delight made from Color Magic Paper into a little flag. Cute?!?

Bring on the staples! ;) I also added more rubons to the bottom left corner so that the Sentiment Sticker would look like one too!

Now, we want to give you a chance to play along!!! Take our Mash-Up list and let it help you create your next project! You can upload your project to Heidi Swapp's Facebook Fan Page with a link to your project online or Instagram it by adding @heidiswapp and the hash tag #HSMashUp ! Those that play along will be entered to win this Vintage Chic Collection! One random winner will be picked by Monday, December 3, 2012.

Create Well: Now, to see more Mash-Up inspiration from the media team, click over to see Lindsay, Kim, Maggie, and Jamie's blogs!

{Mo}tography Class Giveaway!

I have to admit that I am using my cell phone more and more for my everyday photo taking instead of my DSLR. You are too, right?! Come on, admit it. My camera is too big to whip on out while in the store. In fact, I have been asked to leave the mall when I have had my DSLR. It is too big to pull out to capture my "everyday."

That's why I am excited for this {Mo}tography online class! Heidi Swapp and Jessica Sprague are teaming up to show us how to get the best out of our camera phones WITH video lessons! I don't know about you, but I need a little visual hands-on help when it comes to learning my smart phone. This class is for both i-Phone and Android users and only $19 so why not sign up?!

Jessica explains more about the class on her blog here and is giving away phone wallpaper and blog bling to get you excited about joining the online party!

If that wasn't cool enough, Heidi and Jessica are offering a free spot in the {Mo}tography class to a lucky Create Often reader! Oh yeah!!

If you think that is awesome, my dear friend and fellow Heidi Swapp Media Team Member, Lindsay Bateman is in Maui right now. Since she is away from her blog (getting a tan without us), she wanted me to give her free class spot away here too!

That means, I have TWO free class spots to giveaway! This giveaway is now closed. Kim W and Michelle are our winners and have been notified by email! Thank you for entering!

To enter to win:

1. Comment below.  

Make sure that I have a way to get in touch with you if you win. If your email address is linked to your Blogger Profile, then, you are covered. If not, feel free to add your email address in your comment like emailaddress(at)dot(com).

2. Pin this giveaway on Pinterest! Then, come back and comment again telling me you did.

3. Tweet this giveaway on Twitter! Then, come back and comment again telling me you did.

4. Share this giveaway on Facebook, tagging @HeidiSwapp! Then, come back and comment again telling me you did!

5. Lastly, feel free to Instagram this giveaway! Tag me @createoften and use the hashtag #Motography. You will automatically be entered to win when you do!

Woohoo! That is five chances to win!!!

I can't wait to take the class and learn how to capture my everyday with my smart phone! Hope to see you there too!

Create Well: Learn simple ways to capture your everyday while having fun too at {Mo}tography!

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

This giveaway is now closed, thank you!

I am super excited to be doing this giveaway! I have been a huge fan of Shabby Apple for a few years now! Not only are their products beautiful, but their photographs are super inspiring! ;)

Here are some of my new favorite things...

A Preppy Lady (even the name is cute) are the perfect shade of green.

This dress, Arripidae, is divine!

Plus, I would wear this Hyannis Nautical Skirt all year long!

To enter to win a Shabby Apple $50 gift card, just comment here. Then, "like" their Facebook page, share this giveaway on your Facebook wall/Twitter, or Pin these photos on Pinterest. Comment here that you did to be entered to win again. That is 7 chances to win! Whoohoo!

Along with this giveaway, Shabby Apple is also offering a 10% off discount code to Create Often readers! When you order, just enter createoften10off.

Happy Day

Did you know that it was a "happy" day? Well, it is!

Doesn't that mocha my sister is holding look inviting? Yeah, it's THAT kind of "happy" day. The day is always brighter with a mocha in hand.

I am extremely excited about this coming weekend at Craft Warehouse! I am looking forward to the Facebook Party that I am hosting at Craft Warehouse's Facebook Wall. Make sure you come and "see" me this weekend and leave me some love. ;) You could also join in the fun games and giveaways that are planned there too!

Create Well: Grab a cup of coffee and get "happy" too!

Smash Book - Colorê Scrap Guest Design Feature

I am so excited to have had the honor to be featured this week at Colorê Scrap, a Brazilian Scrap Challenge Blog. They personally asked me to design a SMASH page for them and here is what I came up with. I created the video of these pages for the blog and to inspire the team to create SMASH pages themselves! How awesome is that?!

You can see the post and video, here...

You can go and create your own SMASH page and enter to win a huge prize pack including the Yellow SMASH book and tons of goodies here! The only requirements is that you need to use American Craft Thickers letters on your page too. (Inspired by the "Grow" title on my page by Dear Lizzy for American Crafts.)

Plus, after my video, they give an amazing tutorial on how to create your own homemade journal. It really is great inspiration.

Unfortunately, it is all in Portuguese, but, Google Translate is so {awesome}! Didn't know how easy it was to learn a new language. ;)

Create Well: Be inspired by others all over the world.

Samantha Walker Blog Hop - Love Is In The Air

Yeah! It is Valentine's Week here at Create Well, Create Often and to start the inspiration off is Samantha Walker's Creative Team Blog Hop and giveaway! Samantha Walker will be having a blog hop once a month where her Design Team will be sharing their creations with her brilliant products! If you are coming from the artistically famous Angi Barrs, welcome! If not, you can start the hop here. I am so excited about this because Spellbinders is the sponsor for this month's give away! Read on to see which set and how to win.

Let me just tell you, I am starting to like card making. It is growing on me. But, I have to be honest. Valentine's Day has been haunting me. Since Christmas ended, Pinterest and every online paper crafter's website has been advertising for the holiday. Valentine's Day is a card maker's dream. Card makers probably fall asleep counting red and pink hearts, dreaming of what Valentine they will create the following day.

For me, I have created probably the same amount of cards, just none I would be willing to give away to anyone I know and defiantly not good enough to share with you today. ;) I am a mother with a four year old that has to have a collection of cards for class, Sunday School, family, and teachers. I am getting anxious just typing about it.

So, this year, I have decided to end my misery and create digital Valentines. This is an easy way to create a handmade card. But, it saves time by having it printed at your local printers as a 4x6 or even as a postcard. If you print it as a postcard, you can have your child sign and add a treat to the back.

This first digital card is of my little man... I liked making the photo the focal point of the card and felt like I could still use "reds and pinks" without making it too feminine. I used The Cuckoo 4 U Strawberry Love Digital Paper Pack. 

I also created a clean and more universal card that I can give away. I made a copy of the card so that I can change out the sentiment. It can read, "missing you", "hello", or of course "Happy Valentine's Day".

To create the card in Photoshop -

1. Open a new document 6x4, white background, and 300dpi. 

2. Drag the flowers from the Cuckoo 4 U Strawberry Love Flowers Digital Embellishment Kit to your 6x4 project in Photoshop. 

3. Click on each layer (on the sidebar it will list each flower as a different layer). Move each flower where you would like it to go. 

4. To adjust the size of the flower, click on "Edit" then use the drop down menu to click on "Transform" and then "Free Transform." Or for Adobe Photoshop CS2-5 use Ctrl+T. Make sure before you start changing the size to hold the shift button and you adjust. That way it doesn't distort the image.

This is a great way to start learning how to digital scrapbook. Try out a few 4x6 cards before jumping into making a 12x12 page.

How easy was that? Easy enough that I am going to be sleeping like a baby this week while every other card maker will still be having visions of red and pink hearts dancing in their heads. ;)

Now how about that giveaway?!  A big thanks to Spellbinders for giving away the popular Blossom and Tags Accent Set by Samantha Walker!

To enter, just leave a comment on my blog between February 8th and February 12th. Winner will be announced on Samantha's Facebook page on Monday February 13th. 

For additional entries:

1. Receive an additional entry for commenting on each of the other blogs in the blog hop. 

2. Go here and follow Samantha Walker's blog 

3. Follow her on Facebook

4. Sign up for an e-mail subscription to Samantha's blog and you will automatically receive a link to a free SVG cutting file that you can download and use on your personal electronic cutter. Link will be e-mailed early next week.

To receive the additional entries, and get the link to the free SVG file, mention in your comment on Samantha's blog that you have done so! 

WOW, that is 13 chances to win!

 

To continue the blog hop, go to the talented Jamie Cripps' blog, Bits of Paper. By the way, she IS a cardmaker, and a very good one at that. So prepared to be amazed and inspired by her skills. (PS, I wonder if she dreams of red and pink SVG hearts instead?)

Create Well: Use your digital skills to create your Valentines this year so that you can sit back and smell the roses. ;)

Samantha Walker - New Beginnings Blog Hop

Welcome to the first Samantha Walker Blog Hop of 2012! If you found me from Angi Barrs' blog I am so happy to have you here! Samantha Walker will be having a blog hop once a month where her Design Team will be sharing their creations with her brilliant products! You can start the hop here.

This month, I have two burlap hybrid projects to show! The first one is this re-purposed frame into an earring holder. For Christmas, I got these great feather earrings from Forever 21 (thanks Mum!). They go great with my purple hair extensions. ;) I think it is so funny that I spent an afternoon making this for my $4 earrings. Ha!

To create the frame follow these instructions:

1. Find a frame at a thrift store or re-purpose one like I have done. Remove the glass and back. Spray paint it the color of your choice. I used black for a classic look.

2. Next open Photoshop and create a new project by clicking on File, then New. Make your project 8.5 x 11 inches. Use 300 resolution on a white background and click on OK.

3. If you are new to Photoshop, find the tool bar and put your cursor over the tools. Find the Ellipse tool. Click on it. Then find the circle (or oval shape) and click on it. Then, on your document click and drag your mouse to create a circle. I made mine large enough to fit in the file leaving the edges clear. Make enough room for step 4.

4. Do this again to make a "mat" around your first circle.

5. Open your file of digital pattern paper. Drag the paper you wish to use for the mat into Photoshop. I used the Circle Grey paper from  Samantha Walker's Honey Golden Sunlight Paper Pack. Then you want to make sure this layer is large enough to fit in the circle. On the right, you will see a list of your layers. Click on the paper layer you just added. Drag it to go above your mat layer. Then, on the top of your screen you will see "Layer" click the drop down menu and click on "Release Clipping Mask" (or short key for Photoshop CS2 Ctrl+Alt+G). This will make your gray paper into the mat.

6. Do step five again with the center circle this time. I used the Honey Comb from the same pack. It is vintage-chic with the bees on it!

7. On your tool bar you have a text tool. Click on it and then click again on your project. Find a font you like and begin typing. I used the year my husband and I were married. I wanted it to be something my husband could stand to look at. ;) A quote would work well too.

8. Save the project as a Photoshop document (Click Save As and then to your computer). I also saved it at as a JPEG by clicking Save As, JPEG, and then to my computer at 12, the highest quality image.

9. Next use a t-shirt printer transfer. I got mine at my local craft store. I followed the instructions on the package. It has an online program to reverse the image which I did. I then printed the image on the transfer paper.

10. According to the transfer's instructions, iron it to the burlap. Make sure the edges are all done. Burlap is a hard surface to iron to, so go slow in removing the backing.

11. Using a staple gun, staple the back of the burlap to the frame starting with the top then going to the bottom, side, to side, and then filling in the gaps.

12. Cut the excess burlap off and hang!

Here is another burlap project using the Harvest Moon Mega Pack. I love how many elements are in this kit. There are many you can use anytime of year! This digital frame was used with a quote this time (inspired from Pinterest). It is easier to make since you don't need to create any shapes using a digital frame.

"We are constantly invited to be what we are." - Henry David Thoreau

To be entered to win a $10 gift certificate to use in Samantha Walker's digital store and a can of Preserve Your Memories II Acrylic Spray care of Preserve Your Memories, make sure to leave a comment on my blog. One random winner will be picked from all the comments left on the design team members' blogs. To help increase your chance of winning, make sure to follow Samantha's blog or facebook page. Then, comment again letting us know you have! (Note: Shipping for the Acrylic Spray is only available in the US due to mailing aerosol restrictions.)

Click on the link below to go on to the next team member's blog to see what they've created!

Create Well: Use burlap and iron-on transfers to create a home decor piece you would be proud of!

Helmar Blog Hop Winner!

Thank you for all the sweet comments about my Helmar project for this last weekend's blog hop. It was a blast seeing all of the creative projects from the team. It also got me in the Christmas spirit!

The winner of Helmar's Premium Craft Glue and the SMASH book was randomly picked by Random.org.

Susan Garman said...

Your tree is just beautiful. I love all the little goodies including the reindeer, lights, garland, doves, blackboard, ornaments, can't remember everything. :).

I already follow Helmar and will begin to follow you on your blog and Pinterest, (can't wait to repin some of your ideas).

Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing, especially that most entertaining video.

December 3, 2011 8:48 AM

 Email me at createoften(at)gmail(dot)com with you shipping information!

Merry Christmas and congratulations! 

Helmar Holiday Blog Hop - DIY Winter Lights & Giveaway

It’s that time of year where we all start thinking of the holidays so what better way to get your Holiday spirit than a great HelmarHoliday Hop? Filled with so much Holiday cheer and some amazing projects featuring all the different Helmar Adhesives. 

Hello everyone and welcome to my stop on the Helmar Holiday Hop. If you have been following along, you should have hopped here from Angie Blom's blog. If not, you just have to stop at the Helmar Blog and start from the beginning. There are goodies along the way and we don’t want you to miss a thing!

I have a soft spot in my heart for Christmas trees. My dear sister use to decorate them professionally and taught me her secrets. Every year I look forward to the time I get the decorations out. I am always looking for unique things to add to the tree each year and this year is no exception. But, this year I wanted little handmade lovelies to adorn my tree. 

I will stick anything in my Christmas tree. My husband put his foot down on my sticking a vintage pinhole camera in the tree this year. ;) You can find several art pieces on the branches. I love adding some personal touches. Plus, I never get bored looking at it for an entire month! 

These handmade white balls can be strung on your tree, hung as garland, or individually placed carefully on a branch with pre-strung lights. I made this fun video to show you how I made them!

Enlarge to see detail

To treat you all this holiday season, I am giving away two of my favorite things... a Red SMASH book and one 1.70 oz. tube of Helmar's Premium Craft Glue! All you need to enter to win this prize is to post a comment and tell me what items you can find in my Christmas tree. You can also have another chance to win by following my blog, follow me OR Helmar on Facebook, Twitter, or Pintrest and comment here that you have done so. That's six chances to win!

Make sure you leave a comment at every stop because the elves of Helmar will be giving away prizes to some lucky Helmar fans. Now hop on over to Linda Baldock's blog to see another amazing Helmar Holiday project. The Holiday Hop will be open for comments until 11:59 P.S.T December 4^th, so take a look and enjoy a little holiday spirit from all of us on the Helmar Team. Thanks again for stopping by today and Happy Holidays.

Create Well: Merry Christmas and Happy Creating!

Another Red Smash Book Page

There are days I can't help but SMASH. You know the ones...


- it's raining - again


- the fire is too hot to sit next to. yeah, you make a mean fire when your husband is gone at work, but sometimes it comes to bite you in the behind... you are sweating now and can't even be in the living room, dining room, or hallway...


- you just finished reading Hunger Games and can't get to the store to get the next book in the series fast enough...


- the coffee pot is empty and you can't stop moving and in my case, that's when the layering doesn't stop ;)

Here is another SMASH video, of course sped up for viewer's enjoyment. ;) A double layout this time!





Take a peek at another mini book page, at Helmar today. This one is from Amy Tangerine's American Craft's mini book. Go here to check it out!

Liz said...

thanks for the chance to win. I love the "It happened this year" pack.

New follower to your blog..which is beautiful...following My Memories

Also, Liz is the winner of the giveaway below for the Memories Suite v.2 software! Contact me at createoften{at}gmail{dot}com!

Create Well: Having one of "those" days? Just create.

Create Well Sponsor - My Memories Digital Scrapbooking

I don't know how many times I have just wanted to quickly get a layout done digitally. Photoshop can be just as time consuming as a paper layout sometimes. Our sponsor for this month is My Memories Digital Scrapbooking. I was shocked at how easy it was to create with their digital scrapbooking software, My Memories Suite, especially the first time! This is a program that you can use if you don't own Photoshop. It is perfect for the new digital scrapbooker or one who may want to save time too.

I was sure that with my style being unique, that I wouldn't find embellishments or titles that would suit me. Boy, was I wrong! Their product that comes with the software is classy. Also, you can go to their store and purchase kits for the software just like any other digital scrapbooking store.

Here is the first layout I created and it only took me twenty minutes (that is including the time it took me to learn the program and looking at all the goodies it came with!).

Just for Create Often readers, My Memories is giving $10 off the software. Copy and paste the code STMMMS44496 to receive $10 off your My Memories Suite v2 purchase (which will make it only $29.97!). Go here to find the software.

In addition, My Memories is also giving a copy of their software, My Memories Suite v2 away! All you need to do is to go to their website and come back to comment and tell me what is your favorite kit is! You can also have another chance to win if you like them on Facebook! Just make sure you come back and comment that you have liked them on Facebook to get the extra entry to win! Also, you can find another promo code on Facebook that you might want to use in their store too! ;)

Create Well: Save some time. Create digitally.

Paper Tree House God's Promises Faith Blog Hop

Welcome to the God's Promises Faith Blog Hop!  If you arrived here from Susan's beautiful blog you are in the right place.  If you just arrived at my blog, you should go to Paper Tree House Studio  in order to start at the beginning.  Every month a group of brave women get together to showcase the Glory of God.  This month we want to showcase His faithfulness during trying times, so kick back, relax and let the Lord touch your heart with His Truth! 

During the hop you will find many chances to win prizes! All you have to do to be considered for one of those prizes is leave a comment and become a follower of the blogs you will hop through.  For the Grand Prizes , make sure to leave a comment, become a follower, and "LIKE" Paper Tree House on Facebook.  This will allow you to find out about future hops we will be having.  

Check out Paper Tree House for the list of grand prizes they will be giving away!
 
"I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done." Psalm 143:5

It is easy to forget what promises God has already fulfilled in our lives when we are going through the storm of today. I was encouraged and reminded of the miracles in my life lately. I felt it was a good time to share a little of my testimony. Maybe it will encourage those that are going through the same struggle now.

I am not sure why I said yes and married him. I saw signs of unhealthiness but didn't listen to my instinct. I was in, what I thought was, love. Why God let me marry I am not sure. I remember praying about His will. Maybe His will was for me to grow closer to Him instead. But I was selfish.

It was five years later that I grew closer to the Lord. I started serving Him with my whole heart. Then, it seemed, as if my whole life turned upside down. I was angry that he cheated, left, and my life started to spin out of control. This is quite hard to write. Not because it is painful, but I don't want it to look like a sob story. It isn't.

God had a better plan. He helped me see that I wasn't alone. I had Him to get through the pain.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-29

So, I focused on Him and not on myself. When I gave the problem to God he gave me such peace that is indescribable. He gave me, most importantly, forgiveness in my heart.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

I realized that I didn't need a man to make me whole. I needed to love God and learn to love myself for what He created me to be. I had a purpose and served in ministry. I was needed by God, the children in my classroom where I taught, my family, and friends. Life was good again.

"The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made." Psalms 145:8-9 

It was about two years later that I began to pray for someone special to come into my life. My heart was ready. But, mind you, I was picky. I didn't know where I was going to find anyone with my long list of qualifications. I only worked, went to church, and spent my time at home. God heard my prayers...

"Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me." Psalm 66:20

Dave came to the school where I worked to "check out" this girl he was told that he had to meet. So, he volunteered in his friend's daughter's classroom party. So, as he held a closed garbage bag filled with balloons in the hallway, he took a peek through the window of the classroom that I was teaching in. A teacher walked by and said, "Hi! You must be the new janitor! Nice to meet you...," as she continued to introduce herself. (Ha! That make me laugh so hard!)

I guess Dave decided I was worth working for. Did I know that Dave was there at school? No. It wasn't until I was practically forced to give my number to a friend so she could give it to Dave. We went out on a blind date and the rest is not "history" but a dream come true. An answer to prayer. A promise that God loves me.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give your hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and find me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me...

That was almost seven years ago. God has redeemed me many times over. This is just one of the perfect examples of His love for me. Dave is much more than my husband or friend, he is a daily reminder to me that God answers prayer and keeps His promises.

When you seek me with all your heart I will be found by you." Jeremiah 29:11-14

I keep these verses in what I call my "truth" journal. It is a small composition book I keep with me always with verses to remind me of the love God has for me. A SMASH book is another great way to keep your "truths".

To win a black SMASH book (yes, girls, I am giving away the above hard-to-find SMASH book!) post a comment in this blog OR/AND become a follower of this blog, become a friend on Facebook, become a Twitter follower, post on your Facebook page or blog about this giveaway. Make sure you copy and paste a link to your blog if you post about this giveaway in the comments. That's six times you can comment on this post to win! 

I hope this post blessed those that might be going through the same trials. Realize that you are not alone; most importantly remember God's promises!

Don't forget to enter to win Paper Tree House's giveaways too! Now, it's time to go to Candy's blog, Sweet Stamper.

Create Well: "I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done." Psalm 143:5

Faith Blog Hop Winner!

Thank you so much for all the sweet comments left this weekend! I hope you were all blessed with the all the encouraging words written through out the blog hop. I know I was!

Now for the winner of the giveway... I am so excited because I always use Random.org to pick my winners fairly and who would have thought number 1 would have been chosen!?!


Mendi said...



What a wonderful site and blog hop! I had never heard of Paper Treehouse before. I love your layout Jen! :)


May 26, 2011 10:29 AM

Yeah! Mendi, email me at createoften(at)gmail(dot)com with your shipping address so I can send you your goodies! ;)

Thanks for all the comments! You made my weekend!

Faith Blog Hop

Join me this weekend for the Faith Blog Hop! We will be inspired by Proverbs 31. I will also have a sweet giveaway on my blog for it too! Make sure to come back and check it out!

Bring on the Party!

It hasn't been quiet around here because there hasn't been anything going on. Last weekend, my sister and I were able to assist in a National Scrapbook Day make 'n' take. It was a blessing to work with so many women (I am not sure how many people went through my line. Maybe 100?) There were some women that had never scrapbooked before and left with a finished mini book ready to just put their pictures inside. I had to decorate an apron and create my own mini for display at my station. I can't wait to share them!

This week, my sister Becca, needed a photo shoot for a church event coming up. I love being able to help out with promo items for church. It is weird going around the corner of the building and seeing a poster made with the photos I have taken. ;) The above photo is my attempt to try out Martha Stewart's scoring board for the first time. I wanted a cupcake holder in the colors of the event. Of course no one can beat Debee Campos' cupcake photos. She {ROCKS} the cupcakes. Plus, hers are homemade. Mine I bought from a local grocery store's bakery. I am also using this photo for an entry in our Scrap Club at the end of the month. There is nothing better than killing two birds with one stone. ;)

I am also getting ready to teach a mixed media class at Craft Warehouse in June. Stay tuned in for more details...

I am also preparing for a HUGE Blog Party next weekend at the Craft Warehouse blog. There will be challenges and prizes Friday through Saturday... So much fun. Make sure to check it out at 8am, Friday May 20th! Make sure to check out the details at the link above!

And There is a Winner!

Yeah! I picked a winner from Random.org and the winner of the Paislee Press digital Dialogue kit is...

Cheri said...
I posted a link to your blog on my facebook page.

February 27, 2011 7:20 PM

Yeah Cheri! Email me at createoften(at)gmail(dot)com to get your code to use to get your kit in Liz's shop. Thanks to all you sweet gals who commented. It blessed my heart to read them through out the weekend. 

Friends, Love, and Faith Blog Hop

Welcome to Paper Tree House Studio's Friends, Love, and Faith Blog Hop. Today, we're out in force on the internet -- showing our faith and giving the glory to God! United, we stand as Christian paper crafters and blog owners to make a presence on the internet for all to see. If you are hopping with us, you should have hopped over from Kari Sanchez.  If you happened to just come across this post and you want to join in on the fun, make sure you jump over to the beginning so that you do not miss out at Paper Tree House Studio.

We're celebrating the theme of faith and we're happy to share our projects with you based on the verse:

"...those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

First, we would like to take a moment to thank our generous co-sponsors: Zutter, Paper Trunk, Create 365, Memorable Seasons, Scrapbook News and Review, as well as Papperie.  Together with Paper Tree House Studio, these companies have donated some wonderful prizes for today's blog hop.

Prizes? Oh, yeah! There will be three lucky grand prize winners for today's event.

To enter, simply hop through the blogs and take note of all of the participating Design Team members of Paper Tree House Studio, and make sure to jot down the "blessed words" they will have in their post, and leave a comment on their posts. Once you gather all of the words, you will have another special Scripture to inspire you to create while leaving His legacy. Then send us an email at mypapertreehousedt@gmail.com listing each of the Paper Tree House Studio Design Team Members who participated in today's hop and the new completed Scripture. It's that easy. All entries must be received by Monday, February 28, 2011 at 12 noon, EST and seven winners will be randomly chosen to win.

What are the prizes?

One Cricut Gypsy from Paper Tree House Studio
One Bind-it-All from Zutter

One baggy of goodies from Create 365
One baggy of goodies from Papperie
One baggy of goodies from Paper Trunk
One year subscription to Scrapbook News and Review
One $15 gift card to Memorable Seasons so that you can purchase your favorite goodies!!

In addition, many of our participating bloggers will have amazing blog candy and RAKS available for one of their blessed visitors by simply leaving a comment and becoming a follower on their blog. (Scroll down to see the RAK that I am giving away!) That's a lot of chances to win, so let's get to the Hop!

"...those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

It seems that I am always learning that I need to trust fully on God. Are you going through a tough time right now? We all seem to have or had something going on in our lives that has or is making us lean on His understanding. I know that with God's help that I can make it. How do I know that? I have begun making a journal of all the times that God has pulled me through the struggles of my life. When I look back at my life, God has really helped me run this race without getting weary. It is when I forget what he has brought me through that I get tired. My prayer this weekend is that you remember that God can help give you the strength you need to get through! 


I love you and hope that this blog hop will encourage and energize your spirit! The beautiful and talented Liz Tamanaha from Paislee Press, is giving away the Dialogue digital collaboration kit from Paislee Press and One Little Bird Designs. Feel free to leave a comment telling me what has encouraged you so far during this online crop and blog hop. You can have another entry to win by posting this link on Facebook, Twitter, becoming a follower here, a follower on Facebook, or on Twitter. That's six chances to win! Wow! Make sure to post a different comment on this post for each entry.

 

I loved this kit so much that I used some of it to give my blog a makeover. Everything needs a little love now and then. ;) Enter to win by Monday, February 28, 2011 at 12 noon, EST.


Next on the blog hop is Dolores Cancel who will totally inspire you! Make sure to take a peek! 

Create Well: Keep a journal of what God has done in your life. Keep it close by so that when you are down and discouraged, it will lift you up! 

Pencil Lines - Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday Pencil Lines! Join Pencil Lines all day for the celebration with RAKs, sketches from each designer, and inspiration galore! ;)

Pencil Lines Birthday Party

Can you believe that tomorrow, Pencil Lines is celebrating 4 years of inspiration?

Tomorrow we are celebrating with sketches past and present. The design team have picked a sketch from the archives, and will be sharing with you why they love sketches so much.

On the hour, every hour from 8am GMT, a sketch will be posted along with a RAK from one of our sponsors. That is alot of prizes and alot of inspiration! At 8pm GMT we will post a brand new sketch as normal.

To start the celebrations off, go to Pencil Lines and get a blinkie to spread the word on your blog, leave your name at Pencil Lines, with a link to your blinkie! A winner will be drawn on Sunday at 8pm GMT!