Nearing the End of 2010

Isn't that just amazing? What a year!

Speaking of years.....did you see that the ENTIRE 2008 Kit of the Months will be retiring at Unity. Ahh...such a feeling of nostalgia when I think back to my first year with Unity.

These are some amazing kits--I made a TON of cards with them and lots of those were published in Paper Crafts. Yep, 2008 was my first time getting published in Paper Crafts! :)

Let me remind you of a few....

Bliss & a Birdie

It's the Little Things

Remember Happiness

Friendship. Love. Miracles.

Thinking About Good Times

Enjoy Your Story....Laugh

Little Reminders

NOW is your LAST chance to get these! So GO TO IT! :)

Hip HOPPING Towards WCMD

World Card Making DAY is coming soon!! Are you ready? Be sure to hop on over to Paper Crafts Connection to see the fun post {and opportunity to win!} :)

I was inspired by an amazing creation by Kim Hughes (love that chica!)

Today is the LAST day for the September Kit of the Month - When I am With You.... SO I just had to play with it. :)

LoVe this one! :) :)

Start your hop over at the Unity blog to see all the specials for TODAY! :) FUN STUFF!

Hop on over to the FABULOUS ERYN! She ROCKS anything and EVERYTHING crafty! :)

Pleating.

Morning! I am up over at Paper Crafts Connection today and talking about paper pleating! :) I highlighted some different possibilities for you to easily add some pleated paper to your projects.

If you are looking for a more uniformed pleat, just be sure to score your paper before you fold. The example below is scored at every 1" and then 1/2".

Like to pleat? Want to give it a go?

I posted a challenge HERE for you to link up your creation and a chance to win a box of goodies from me! :) :) I would LOVE for you to play along! :)

Go-to Challenge. :)

It is the LAST Wednesday of the month, time for another Go-to Gal Challenge. :)

Today we are playing with some yummy AMERICAN CRAFTS! :)

I am in Chicago....checking out all of their NEW GOODIES. Did you see any of the peeks over at Moxie Fab World on facebook? I am IN LOVE! :)

So here are the card details: I cut out some birdies from the Craft Fair line, made a branch and the card base with some patterned paper from the Romance line, added the Everday cloud paper, and topped it off with a Remarks sticker. Easy peasy---but SO cute!

Be sure to check out my fellow Go-to Gals listed below.

I am POSITIVE they will knock your socks off!

Betsy

Jess

Kim H.

Kim K.

Teri

Have a WICKED Wednesday! :) :)

Wednesday!!

Yep. I can't believe how fast the weeks is going. In a week I will be in Chicago checking out all the CHA yumminess. :)
It is my turn over on Paper Crafts Connection. :) So be sure to hop on over and check it out! :)

More craftiness to come later. :) :)

Paper Crafts Magazine Presents: A Card Style Mystery Blog Hop

Morning! :)

Card Style is just AMAZING! :) Do you have your copy YET?

Not only does it inspire you to kick up your go-to style but it also pushes you to try out some others. :)

Are you READY for FUN & CUTE?

Fun & Cute.

For my FUN & CUTE card I picked a Lizzie Anne Design image...they are almost always 100% fun & cute! :)

AND of course, I had to add a bright and fun color combo (YELLOW is a SURE HIT!), a bit of scallops to increase the cute factor and some trendy clouds.

The gingham ribbon just seals the FUN & CUTE deal.

Who doesn't love a card that is FUN & CUTE?

Seriously.....cute cards are the BEST to get.

They bring priceless smiles.

How do you do it?

WELL.......just grab a cute image, some fun colors and add cute paper and you are DONE!

EASY PEASY! :)

Did you know that you have 20 chances to win by leaving comments on all 18 mystery blogs in the hop plus a comment both in the Moxie Fab World and on the Paper Crafts Connection blog.

3 winners will be chosen!!

So don't forget to post HERE telling me about your go-to embellishment for a chance to WIN! :)

All comments must be posted by Sunday, July 18.

Winners will be announced on both the Moxie Fab World and Paper Crafts Connection blogs on Tuesday, July 20.

If you just started the HOP then be sure to hop on over to the Paper Crafts Connection blog so you don't miss ANYTHING! :)

Now hop on over to the next blogger by clicking on the Card Style icon below or HERE. :)

I wonder who it is? Hee hee hee!! :)

Fancy Go-to Gals

It is the last Wednesday of the month. YEAH!! Time for the Go-to Gals Challenge.

Today, we are play with Fancy Pants Designs. FUN stuff!!!!! :)

This first card uses My Family Glitter Cuts, Ruste Sun Sunny Day patterned paper & My Family Cards.

I used Road Show brads & Banner Wishful Thinking pp on this one. Did you see the little KOM Unity peek too? :) :)

Finally, here is some more Wishful Thinking patterned paper (Heartfelt & Sprinkles) with an Alpha Sticker. :)


Be sure to check out my sweet GTG friends......
Betsy
Teri
Kim H.
Kim K.
Jess

Have a wonderful Wednesday! ;)

HIP HOP- Samantha Walker Style

Happy Thursday!!

There is a TON of exciting things happening today at Unity.

Did you see the FABULOUS new SAMANTHA WALKER releases? YUM!!!

There is some fun over at Paper Crafts Connection too.

Here are a couple cards using the Sentiments O'Simple. :)

Now hop on over to the AMAZING ERYN!!!

Wednesday- Dads & Grad Post #1

Morning all!

I am playing with burlap today and working on my Father's Day and graduation gifts. :)

Here is a little canvas that I am sending off to my dad. Yep. That is my dad---> the one with the beard<---- with Jordan & Maxwell. Do you see any resemblance? :)

This 6x6 burlap canvas is from Canvas Home Basics.

I attached the picture with a little cross stitch and then made a button/chipboard charm string. Just attach the chipboard stickers to the twine and adhere to the buttons. Super easy. :)
I love how this turned out...you will most likely see that again! :)

Next up is a card and gift box for a graduate. The little to-go box is full of inspirational quotes with a little of the all important money that every new grad needs! :)
I ran some burlap through my die cut machine to make the circle.


I have some more burlap fun over at Paper Crafts Connection so be sure to hop on over there. :)
Oh...and do come back tomorrow for some more dad & grad stuff! :)
Happy Wednesday!

Card Creations Vol. 8 Week Blog Hop

Have you all ran out and bought your copy of Card Creations yet? Well you best go NOW if you haven't.

I am so honored to be in such an inspiring publication. It SERIOUSLY is one of my all time favorite Paper Crafts publications EVER! :)

Now it is time to gush a bit about the Cappella line from BasicGrey. Seriously.....BG captured elegance. The color scheme, large flowers, and designs are the perfect balance between trendy and timeless sophistication. Yep. I am IN love. :) Aren't you? So fitting, considering the entire line is about LOVE!!

So now on to the BEST part---> You have 12 chances to win the 11 Top Ten Collections from CHA Winter shown on the Moxie Fab World blog.

Just leave a comment here telling ME about something YOU LOVE. That is easy enough, right? It can be a person, a product, a memory, or a place. ANYTHING goes. ALL LOVE. :)

One winner will be chosen from all the blogs so after you comment here be sure to head over to....
Rae Barthel
Betsy Veldman
Teri Anderson
Jessica Witty
Maile Belles
Kim Hughes
Latisha Yoast
Julie Cameron
Kim Kesti
Debbie Olson
Moxie Fab World

All comments will close at midnight on Sunday, May 30th.
The winner will be announced on Moxie Fab World on Tuesday.

Don't forget to go and check out all the Idol Gallery excitement on Paper Crafts Connection. :)

Have a super Friday! :) :)

Go-to Gal Designer Challenge #2

Go-to Gal Challenge #2 is to play with some My Little Yellow Bicycle. :)

What fun and diverse collections!!
I started off with a little bit of Fresh Print Clothesline.


Then I played with the Snugglebug Girl.

I finished up with some Snugglebug Boy!

Be sure to hop on over to see what Betsy, Jess, Kim H., Kim K. & Teri created! :)

You are going to WANT to check out Paper Crafts Connection AND Moxie Fab World too. :)

CC8 Week Day 2

Card Creations Week continues so be sure to check out Betsy's AMAZING Tuesday Trigger (courtesy of Jess! :) ) on Moxie Fab World AND meet the cover girls over at Paper Crafts Connection.

My CC8 inspiration today comes from Maile Belles on page. 29. Love how she made those waves. :) Super sweet & cute.

stamps: merry marine ink: memento paper: PTI cardstock & pp other: PTI ribbon, zva rhinestones

Have a terrific Tuesday! :)

Card Creations Vol. 8 Week!!!!!!!

If you don't have it yet then you best go out and get it because this one is a MUST! :)

So much inspiration.

There are lots of fun things going on this week to celebrate it too!

Be sure to check out Moxie Fab World and Paper Crafts Connection so you stay in the loop and don't miss out on any blog candy!

Plus, lots of fun happenings over on the Go-to Gals' blogs--->Did you see Kim's fun LO? :) Be sure to check them all out this week too! :)

I just ADORED Laura O'Donnell's card on page 135 of Card Creations Vol. 8 and was inspired to make this MONSTROUS card below. :)

stamps: Little Monsters paper: october afternoon pp & PTI cardstock ink: memento other: MAMBI gem, gel pens

I thought I would leave you with a little trick. I used an 8x8 pad of October Afternoon for my monsters and just used the edge of it for my sentiment. Trim and stamp. Super easy and resourceful, right? :)

Lots more to come this week. :)

Paper Crafts Inspiration

I hope your Tuesday is going well!

I was admiring (more like drooling) over my May/June Paper Crafts again and got inspired to make some cards of my own.

I loved how Vanessa Menhorn put the buttons BEHIND the butterflies on p. 74. Genius!! :)

stamps: brilliant blooms patterned paper: Studio Calico

Winter Sims had a delightful color combo on page 49. :) GORGEOUS!!

stamps: hello friend

I loved how Niki Estes put the ribbon tabs along the circle to make a sun on page 67. It inspired me to think of it like a mane too. FUN!

stamps: a little love

Kelly Marie Alvarez created the cutest banner amongst the clouds with twine on p. 77. SO crafty!! :)

stamps: banner birthday

Some more fun with the current Color Play on page 32. :)

stamps: spring rain

More inspired creations to come.....so stay tuned. :)

AND THE WINNER IS.................

Cari D. Cruse said...
I just love the Paper Crafts Gourmet publication - paper crafting and yummy food recipes ... both favorites of mine! :D
April 30, 2010 8:31 AM

Cari- PLEASE email me (maren@zanynotcrazy.com) your contact information so we can get that Going Retro kit in the mail. :)

Didn't win? Well...don't forget you have until Friday to enter the challenge!! :)

More info HERE.

Also---don't forget to hop on over to Paper Crafts Connection to see if you won over there.

I am in recovery mode from a 12K race yesterday.
My legs are NOT happy with me. :)
More later....

FRIDAY. Flair. Unity. Paper Crafts.

YIPEE!! What a wonderful week. Are you ready for the topper? :)

Well first...let me give you some background.

I am one of the luckiest women around.

I get to work with AMAZING WOMEN. ALL of whom I CALL friends.

These women {and those other women (all you UNITY GALS) & even those Unity boys not pictured} have brought me such joy, inspiration and encouragement. I am SO grateful!

Today I am going to combine my love of Unity & Paper Crafts.

All week long, we have been celebrating Unity's 2nd year anniversary.

Paper Crafts Connection is joining the party. :)

Be sure to hop on over there for a chance to WIN some UNITY!!! :)

I am sure you all love Paper Crafts as much as me. The inspiration is endless.

So grab your Paper Crafts May/June issue and let's get inspired. :)

Take that lovely Thank You Photo card from Deb Rymer on p. 46. WOWZERS. Such a perfect Father's Day card, right? Well I thought so! Here is what it inspired from me....
Stamps: Going Retro

Okay. On to p. 73. Maile Belles took ribbon scraps to a NEW LEVEL. I am in LOVE!! :) Here is my take......

Stamps: Garden Variety

ON to one of my favorite Paper Crafts publications....go grab your Stamp It! Cards.

Flip to page 9. Betsy {ubber talented chica} used some 2-step stamping to add glitter to her image. So easy! Thanks Betsy...this one is FOR you! :)

Stamps: Get Scrappy with Material Girl

Mrs. Witty showed us how to emboss on transparencies. SWEET!!! You can see all the steps on page 13. Thank you, Jess! Here is my take.....

Stamps: Material Girl

Okay. So now that you have checked out your Paper Crafts publications are you ready to ink up some UNITY???? Because I have a challenge for YOU!!! :)

I would LOVE to see what YOU do.

Make a card, layout or project inspired by something in your Paper Crafts publication.

Link it up to HERE OR in the SCS Gallery, using keyword: USCAC5

You have until 10am CST, Friday, May 7th.

Just be sure to add the page & title of the publication you are inspired by and use those Unity stamps. You can use the color combo, sketch or some neat little technique..anything goes! Add a link to your creation below and I will showcase your creation NEXT Friday and you could WIN a PRIZE!!! :)

BUT WAIT....you have a chance to WIN a new release!!

Post a comment below telling me about your favorite Paper Crafts publication and/or Unity kit and have a chance to WIN the new Going Retro kit! :)

Yep..that means you have 2 chances to WIN!!!

Don't forget to check out all the Friends WITH FLAIR inspiration posted over at the Unity blog. :)