Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Year!!!




Everyone in the Pansy Patch would like to wish you and yours a wonderful, Happy New Year!! 

See you next year!!!

Nancy                  Rachel                    Sarah

Monday, December 30, 2013

Snowman Door

Before the holidays come to a close, I wanted to show you what I made for the girls front door.  I saw this on Pinterest and thought it was so cute.  It is so easy to make.


I used my Cricut cart doodlecharms to make the circles.  For the eyes, my circles are 4" and the mouth and bottom of the snowman the circles are 2".  I freehand cut the carrot nose out of pumpkin pie CS and tied him up with ribbon.  Since their front door is metal, I used magnets to hold the pieces on.  There he is greeting everyone as they came in for the holidays!  Rachel wanted one for her room as well and she used the Tombo glue trick.  When the holidays are over they'll just put them away until next year.

Everyone is getting ready for New Year's Eve.  Joe and I stopped bye to see our new little granddaughter Jennifer today.  She is really growing fast.  She is up to 8lbs. 8ozs. and is now 21 inches long!  What a joy!  Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday break. 

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Cricut Window Display

Awhile ago, I started making some window displays for the Wellness Center.  Depending on the holiday, I cut out the items with my cricut and then put small drops of Tombo glue on the back of them and let them dry overnight.  Then my daughter takes them to work and puts them up in the window.  After the holiday, they peel right off and she stores them to use again for the next season.  I forget where I read about the glue technique but it works great.  I had made a lot of different snowflakes in the past for Christmas, but this year I decided to make something different.  The picture was hard to take as it is on a window, but I think you get the idea.


I used the Christmas Cheer cricut cart for all the items.  I used colored pom poms for the reindeers - of course, red for Rudolph and brown for his friends.  I decided to put packages in the sleigh, a tree on the ground and sprinkle candy canes around the sky for decoration.  I used a peel-it on the sleigh which says Merry Christmas!  My favorite part were the reindeers!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!  My husband and I decided to go food shopping early this AM and we came out to snow - everywhere!  It was a slippery ride home and as soon as we got into the garage the snow stopped and the sun came out and melted the snow away!  Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah


Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas!!

Below is a picture of the Christmas wreath that Sarah wanted to share with you.  She made this at Girls Scouts for the family's door.  I think she did a great job!


All of us at the Pansy Patch would like to wish you and your family a Joyous and Wonderful Christmas!!


 Nancy                Rachel                   Sarah


Thursday, December 19, 2013

Christmas Angels

I have another Christmas angel for you today - I just fell in love with these when I saw them.  There are a lot of tutorials out there on how to put them together.  I liked how Dawn from DOStamping did hers.  The best part about making them is that you use your bow maker die from SU!  I love that you can use something to make different items.


Here's a bunch of them that I made my daughter to take to work to give to the other nurses.  Another good thing is that you can use up some scrap paper as well.  I decorated some of the faces with some tiny gems and some I stamped using Peachy Keen face stamps.


Here's a closer look.  Rachel and Sarah already took theirs and I picked out a cute pink one to give to our newest little angel - Jennifer!  Everyone will be here on Sat. for Xmas and we can hardly wait to see her again.  We're already fighting over who is going to hold her!


Here's the final basket of angels waiting to go to their new home!  These really came together quick.  I tied them up in a plastic bag with some ribbon and used the Merry Christmas stamp from Tiny Wishes for the sentiment.  I also put some on the top of presents - which are finally all wrapped!

Well, it's going to be a busy few days.  The last day of school is tomorrow for the girls and we're all going out to dinner to celebrate.  The weather is suppose to be in the 60's this weekend.  Crazy weather!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Monday, December 16, 2013

Angel Punch Out

I have another angel for you.  Last year we made these cute angels into ornaments by punching a hole in the top and stringing a ribbon through for hanging, but this year we made a few to put on some special cards.  I found this angel punch on Valita's Fresh Folds Blog and fell in love with it.  It looks more involved than it is and comes together pretty quick.  These angels disappeared fast and I only have 3 left.  Instead of hand drawing faces, I used some Peachy Keen stamps I had and put some crystal effects on their heads as well.


Here's another Medallion tree that I made for my sister-in-law.  I made a lot of these last year on this post.


I have to remember to start a lot earlier next year on my Christmas goodies, as I am running out of time and didn't make a lot of things that we planned to make.  Presents are wrapped, cards are mailed and now we start baking.  The girls only have school this week and then they are off until after New Year's and we have a lot of plans.  It is really cold here but it is suppose to warm up later on in the week, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.  Have a great week!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah



Thursday, December 12, 2013

Festive Flurry Snowflakes

I decided to make these really cute snowflakes for my daughter to take to the Wellness Center for Christmas.  I was brave and ordered 3 packs (30) to make from SU.  If you are interested in making these there is a lot of how-to videos on Youtube.  I have to say they weren't too hard to make, but they did take more time than I thought they would.  Hot gluing the two different snowflakes took a lot of time, patience and a lot of glue.  Once I realized that I couldn't rush the process things went along smoothly.  The glue needed a least a minute to set up for each one.  I set up everything assembly line and before long it was done!  I have to say that I'm really happy with the results and can hardly wait to see the looks on the patients faces. 


Here's a close up of the finished product.


On the back I decided to stamp a greeting with the Endless Wishes stamp set I had just purchased and used my white craft ink with the little snowflake to finish it off.  I really liked putting 2 different stamps sentiments together on a block to stamp.


I wrapped them all in plastic bags and tied them up with a little poem I had used the other year about snowflakes.


Here's the poem:

Snowflake Legend
 
Long, long ago, a shining star
Led the way to a CHILD born in a
Manager.  It is believed that SNOWFLAKES
Are little pieces of that gleaming star that
Guides us to the light of the world,
Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
 


I put everything in a basket with some ribbon and decided to add some candy canes to go along with the snowflakes!

I'm sure everyone is rushing around like crazy trying to get everything done in time.  I spent most of the day shopping today getting last minute items.  We are suppose to get a snowstorm this weekend and wanted to try and finish up before it starts.  I always have the family at my house the Sunday before Christmas and before I know it will be here.  Have a wonderful weekend.

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Monday, December 9, 2013

Paper Pumpkin Noel Christmas Cards

I signed up to receive the monthly Paper Pumpkin from SU.  For November they sent out cute Christmas cards to make.  They must have known that I needed some help in this area.  The package included enough to make 4 cards plus their envelopes.  They came together really quick and easy and I have a lot of the stars left over for other projects.  What I like about each month are the stamps that you get, as well as the ink spots.  I hate to buy ink when I'm not sure if I'll like the color, so this way I get to try it out first. 



A lot of the bloggers out there have videos on the Paper Pumpkin kits, and I saw this on Rachel Tessman's blog and really liked it.  She had a lot of other ideas that you make with the kit.

It is definitely snowing outside, but as my husband reminds me - it is December!!  The girls had a delayed opening today for school and are hoping for no school tomorrow - so they're happy campers!  I'm not finished with my shopping yet, so I hope it melts fast!!  Have a good week!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah



Friday, December 6, 2013

Triple Circle Christmas Card

I really don't make a lot of Christmas cards.  A few for my family and close friends and that's it.  I think because I'm more involved in making items for the Wellness Center for my daughter which I really enjoy.  This year I saw a framelit by Sizzix - the Triple Circle Flip It and really liked it.  I think the best thing about this set is that is comes with 10 different pieces to use.  Some for the outside and some for the inside which I could use on other cards as well.  I thought it was a pretty good deal.  Here are two of the cards I made.



The other thing I liked about this framelit was that I could use up some of my scrap paper.  I don't know about you but I find I have a lot of it hanging around!  Last year I had purchased from SU the stamp set - Jolly Bingo Bits -  which fit perfectly in the circles.  I can see using these framelits for a lot of other occasions.

Well, the decorations are up just in time as a storm is rolling in this weekend.  The girls are looking forward to some snow.  Hope your weekend is filled with making lots of holiday memories.

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Monday, December 2, 2013

Pumpkin Bread & Box

We hope that everyone had a great holiday weekend!  It's hard to believe that another Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is sneaking up.  Everyone at the Pansy Patch had a great time.  We were so thankful this year for our newest member -Jennifer Faith - and the complete recovery of her Mom!  The day before Thanksgiving, Joe and I with the girls babysat for Jennifer.  What a joy that was!  It has been a long time since I changed a diaper and fed someone a bottle - especially a preemie - but everything went well and we had a good time!  My daughter is going to have two willing babysitters this summer!  We had Thanksgiving at our house and it was definitely filled with a lot of happiness, love and fun - everyone fighting over who was going to hold Jennifer!

I usually make a bunch of cookies around this time of year to give out, but with all the excitement going on I was short on time for Thanksgiving.  I saw this great recipe for Pumpkin Bread and box tutorial on Stamping up North and decided to try it out.  The boxes were really easy to put together and so was the recipe.  I used little aluminum loaf pans I had purchased in Walmart's and they fit perfectly.


I decided to make a belly band so the bread could be removed easily and the boxes reused if they wanted.  I can see plenty of uses for these little gems!


The girls helped us decorate for Xmas on Friday and we spent most of the weekend trying to finish up.  I love to see the house all decorated with lots of goodies and lights!  It definitely is one of my most favorite times of the year!  Have a great week!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah



Monday, November 25, 2013

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Centerpiece

I started this pumpkin project a few weeks ago and then it was put on hold while my daughter was in the hospital giving birth.  I wanted it for my centerpiece for Thanksgiving, so I thought I had better finish it.  I saw this on Pinterest and went to the website - The Kraft Journal - for the directions.



I really liked how this turned out.  I put it on one of my pumpkin platters with some dried pine cones and berries for a base.  To make my leaves I used the Autumn Accents Die which also has a cute little acorn.  My crafting friend from Florida - Martha - sent Denise and I a bunch of great buttons.  The one I glued to the stem fit the bill - hanging dried corn!  Great timing!

Joe and I spent some time with Jennifer last week and loved every minute.  Both her and my daughter are doing well.  We have a lot to be thankful for this holiday!  I have Thanksgiving at my house, so lots to get down before Thursday.  Rachel and Sarah have half days and are off Wed.  They are going to help me get ready as my list is way too long!  Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.

All of us in the Pansy Patch would like to wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!


        Nancy              Rachel              Sarah

Monday, November 18, 2013

Emboss Resist Thanksgiving Cards

 I decided to make some Thanksgiving cards using the emboss resist technique.  I like how this technique looks and saw a lot of cards made with the Magnificent Maple stamp from SU.  I didn't have that stamp, so I borrowed it from my friend Denise.  After using it I decided to buy it - love how they turned out.


Recipe:

Stamps - Magnificent Maple, Thankful for - SU
Inks - Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, Old Olive,
          Versa  Mark
Paper - Old Olive, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Shimmering White
Accessories - Expressions Thinlets Die, Clear Embossing Powder

I decided to use different colors - Old Olive, More Mustard and Chocolate Chip for my A2 base cards. For my second layer - 5 1/4" x 4" -  I used Very Vanilla, as well as for the inside, where I stamped my sentiment.  For my third layer - 5" x 3 3/4" - I decided to try different color papers to see if there would be any difference - 2 cards were made with Very Vanilla and the rest in Shimmering White.  I used my daubers and applied my colors over the layer.  After they dried, I stamped my leaf in Versa Mark in different positions and then embossed them with clear embossing powder.  I then used my brayer and went over the cards using my Close to Cocoa on two of the cards and Chocolate Chip on the rest.  Then I took a tissue and wiped over the leaves.  You could see the difference using the different colors.  I liked the end result of the Shimmery White paper the best. You can finish them off in a variety of ways, but I decided to use the Thinlets Die  - Thankful - in Very Vanilla.  Here's a close up one.


It was a beautiful day here - 60 degrees!  But the cold weather is coming back tomorrow.  Rachel had a run in with a basketball at school on Friday and fractured a bone in her knuckle!  So for now, she has a splint on it until she sees the Orthopedic Surgeon tomorrow.   Little Jennifer goes for her 1st checkup tomorrow as well.  Not a dull moment around here!  Sarah and I are holding down the fort.  We hope you are having a good week!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Pinwheel Birthday Card

In the midst of trying to get my Thanksgiving cards ready, I needed a birthday card.  I decided to use my pinwheel sizzix die again.  I really like how these little pinwheels dress up a card.


Recipe:

Stamps - Outlined Occasions,
Paper - Whisper White, Melon Mambo - SU
Accessories - Strip Embossing Folder - SU
Embellishments - Ribbon from Michael's, flower brads from Making Memories

My card is an A2 size with a layer of Melon Mambo 4 1/8" x 5 3/8".  I then used my embossing  folder but only for half of the layer in Whisper White.  I stamped my sentiment in Melon Mambo and tied my ribbon around the two layers and then adhered them to my base card.  I used some scrap paper in my bin for my little pinwheels and popped them up with some dimensionals.  This card came together pretty quick which is what I needed.  Now it's back to Thanksgiving cards.  Have a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah



Monday, November 11, 2013

Turkey Punch Card

I started going through my stash for Thanksgiving cards and came across this cute little Turkey!  Unfortunately, I don't know where I saw it at, so if it's yours, please let me know so I can give you credit. 

Recipe:

Paper - Very Vanilla, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, More Mustard - SU
Ink - Chocolate Chip - SU
Stamps - Sentiment - Michael's $1 bin
Accessories - Top Note Die, Circle Punches - 1 3/8", 3/4", 1/4", double circle, Square  punch - 3/4", Scallop Circle Punch, Boho Blossom Punch - SU
Embellishments - Brown Ribbon

Folding my CS in half, I used my Top Note die to cut out my card, making sure the top part of my fold was placed under the top cut mark of my die so it wouldn't be cut.  I then sponged it with some Chocolate Chip ink.  To make my turkey, I used my 1 3/8" circle punch for the body in Chocolate Chip.  Then I used the 3/4" circle punch in More Mustard for his face.  I used the 1/4" circle punch in Real Red for his buttons and the double circle punch in Chocolate Chip for his eyes.  You can use the square punch to cut out his hat in Chocolate Chip and then just trim it to approx. 1/2" x 3/4" using some of the left over for the brim.  I just cut a small piece of Pumpkin Pie in a triangle for his beak.

To make his feathers use your scallop circle punch.  Punch one in each color. For each color cut off 5 scallops and then with the remaining scallops score after 2, leave 5 and then again at the remaining 2 to the center.  Fold each score line over and you have the feathers.  Do this with each colored scallop.  I used dimensionals and popped the turkey up on the scallops and glued the pieces of Boho punch in More Mustard for his feet.  Then just adhere your turkey in the center of the card and stamp your sentiment.  Tie your ribbon on the top and your little turkey is ready to go!  Here are some pictures creating the feathers with the scallop circle.


I just drew the lines so you could see the process.


Here is where I cut the 5 scallops off.


This is what each scallop will look like after you score them.

It was a busy weekend.  My new granddaughter's name is Jennifer Faith.  She and her Mom came home from the hospital on Sat. and both are doing well.  She has gained 2 ozs. and now weighs 4 lbs. 6 ozs.  Of course none of the clothes my daughter has fit her, so tomorrow it's off to the baby dept. to get some preemie outfits!

I hope you enjoy making this cute turkey.  Have a great week!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Thanksgiving Card

I had started coloring some cards before things got hectic around here and finally got to finish some.  My friend Denise loaned me this stamp and I had several images left that I didn't use last year.  I really fell in love with all the animals sitting around having a great "Thanksgiving" dinner!


This stamp is from Art Impressions, and I used an EK Success Corner Adorner Punch on the corners of my card to insert my image.  I fell in love with these punches at the first scrap booking show I ever went to.  I did a make and take with one and just loved how the image is presented.  I have several of them and use them quite often.  My A2 size card is done in More Mustard and my image is stamped on Very Vanilla. I used my SU markers to color the image and some pale yellow chalk for the background.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers and good wishes.  I'm happy to say that my daughter and granddaughter are coming along nicely.  It was quite a merry go round last week but it looks like everyone will be going home next week!  I held the baby for the first time today and loved every minute.  I especially love all the cute hats she getting to wear - she is already very fashionable!

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Halloween Surpise and Blog Candy

Just a quick note to let you know what's going on.........we got a Halloween surprise!  Our daughter was admitted to the hospital Tuesday with a severe case of  preeclampsia.  The girls were on their way to my house for Halloween when we got the call that they were going to do an emergency csection, so we all headed down to the hospital.  Our beautiful little granddaughter was born 5:10 pm weighing 4lbs. 4 oz. and 18 3/4" long at not quite 35 weeks.  It has been a very long week for us.  Our daughter has been on a merry go round but is slowing coming out of it.  The baby is doing great!  The Dr.s say she is progressing forward everyday.  We would appreciate your prayers for both of them.
 
Last night after we got home from the hospital, we filmed a quick video to see who would be the winner of the  blog candy.  Rachel has tried to upload it several times but to no avail.  With an extremely busy week ahead of us, we decided just to announce the winner.  Sarah pulled the name "Meredith" out of the hat.  Congratulations Meredith!!  Please send me an email with your contact information and I will get the package out ASAP.
 
Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Halloween Candy Treats

BLOG CANDY - DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT HERE BY MIDNIGHT TOMORROW - OCT. 31 TO WIN SOME GOODIES!!

Well, it's hard to believe that tomorrow is Halloween!  I didn't have a lot of extra time this year and was having a hard time deciding what to make for the hospital.  Then I saw these "simply created" kits from SU and thought I would give them a try.  I was really surprised with the results.  Here's one of the trays already to take to the hospital.



You get everything you need - all you supply is the candy and the ink!  In each set you get the tags, the plastic bags, the embellishment sheets, the labels and the twine which is even cut for you!  I loved how quickly this came together!

Everyone at the Pansy Patch hopes you all have a great Halloween!

Nancy            Rachel           Sarah


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Envelope Treat Pocket

BLOG CANDY - DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT HERE BY MIDNIGHT THURSDAY, OCT. 31 FOR SOME GOODIES!

We have been so busy with "baby items" lately that we are playing catch up with Halloween items.  I saw this cute Pocket Treat on Chic'nScratch and knew I wanted to make some. She always comes up with great ideas for the holidays!   As I mentioned in another post, I had purchased the Envelope Punch Board a few months ago and really like it.  I really like it now that there are so many different ideas to use it other than making envelopes - and this is one.  Even if you don't have the board, you can use your score board to achieve the same pocket.


Here's a picture of a few that survived Halloween Friday.  This is another great way to use up some scraps.  The girls had a good time - Sarah the "Nice Witch" and Rachel - Super Woman!!  My town is having Halloween this Thursday and the weather is suppose to be warmer - it was way too cold Friday night!!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Halloween BOO Wall Hanging

During one of our craft days at Denise's, she showed us this cute walling hanging she made from the website - Create with Connie & Mary.  I thought it was so cute and finally got some time to make some for my daughters.  The best thing is that it is made with coasters - the ones you can get from restaurants like the Olive Garden!

Here's the first one I made:


I couldn't stop with one, so I made the second one using the same DSP but different bling.


I don't have the Circle Framelit they used, so I cut out my black circles with my Doodletype Cricut Cart.  I used the Plantin School Book Cricut Cart to cut (2 times) out my letters at 1 1/2" in some orange glitter paper I had on hand from Michael's.  I sponged my ghost with some black ink and slipped him under the scalloped circle.  This way if he tears he can easily be replaced.  My daughter's really like them.

Tomorrow is Trick or Treat night at my daughter's town.  Sarah has decided to be a witch, but Rachel hasn't made up her mind yet.  You can tell it's Halloween time as the weather is getting colder.  Don't forget to post a comment for our Blog Candy that ends at midnight on Oct. 31.

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Skeleton and Blog Candy

Look whose hanging around in my kitchen!  When I was crafting with Denise the other day, she cut out this adorable fellow on her Silhouette Cameo with a SVG file for us to put together.  I was really impressed how the machine cut all these bones like butter.  It even cut the little holes to put the brads in....and no tearing!  I think this machine will have to go on my wish list!


Rachel called when she got home from school today to inform me that we hit 10,000 hits on our blog!  Good thing she pays attention to the details!   OMG!  I couldn't believe it!  We started a blog wanting to have some fun, and we sure are and hope that our visitors are enjoying our blog as much as we do.

The girls wanted to have some blog candy to help celebrate, so Sarah and I went shopping at Michael's and we came up with some goodies.



The lucky person will win two sets of clear stamps from Inkadinkado - Warm Holiday Wishes and Autumn Foliage along with 2 sets of 3D stickers.  Please leave a comment below and let us know what you like about Halloween the most.  I know, for me, it's the candy!!!  I try very hard not to eat much, but when Halloween rolls around all bets are off!  You have to midnight on Oct. 31 to enter.  We'll pick a winner over the weekend.  Again, thank you for visiting our blog.  We enjoy reading your comments and your emails!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Halloween Card - Thinlet Style

Today was spent crafting with my friend Denise.  Since Halloween is around the corner we decided to make a Halloween card.  She had seen this card done by Lynn Weiss and wanted to try it.  This is not my typical card type but with her goodies we ventured ahead and were pleased with the results.  Here is the front of the card.


and here is what it looks like when opened up.


We used the Thinlets Label Die and the new Bite Me stamp set.  I really like these Photopolymer sets.  I have the Thank You set and made a lot of cards for my daughter to use and love how it embosses.  We made a few changes on the inside of the card as well as using dimensionals to pop up the words in the circles so they would stand out more.  You an do a lot with these flip cards.  They're easier than I thought they would be.  So, one card down and a lot more to go!  Hope you have a good weekend.

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah




Monday, October 14, 2013

No Sew Baby Blanket

I wanted to make my daughter a blanket for the baby, but I was running out of time.  Then I remember the other year when Rachel and Sarah make no sew pillows for 4H.  So I did some investigating on the web and found a lot of patterns/instructions for blankets.  My biggest problem was selecting which fleece I wanted to use.  They have so many pretty patterns out today.  Here's a picture of the finished project.


I should have taken a picture of the other side as well.  It is solid pink on one side and this cute baby pattern on the other. 

The only tools you need are - Scissors, yardstick, ruler and fleece.

First cut off all the rough edges and salvage.  Depending on what size blanket you want cut 2 pieces of fleece in the same size square.  I cut 2 pieces of fleece in a 45" square - one was pink and one in a baby print.  Place wrong sides together on a flat surface facing each other.  One thing I found out is try not to pull the fleece too much as it really stretches.  Just flatten it out with your hands.  Then at each corner cut a 6" square out.  I used a yardstick from one end to the other to keep my next step straight.  Cut 1" strips up to the yardstick going around the entire blanket. I used a ruler to mark off the one-inch points where I was going to make the cuts.  When I finished one side I put a few pins in to secure the side until I came back to make the knots. 

When the girls did their pillows they just tied the two pieces of fringes together, but I decided to try the suggestion  of "looping" the strands together. They were suppose to hold better and create a nicer border, which I think they did. Keeping the two strands together, raise them up and then bring them back through the circle, from the back to the front. Here's where you manipulate the strands to tie a firm but not tight "knot." You want it to be fluffy, not real tight.  It's so neat looking and lays together great!  I think this will be great in the stroller.  My daughter loved it and couldn't believe I made it  - and I couldn't either - but I did!!  I can see more of these blankets in my future - but for me to curl up in during the winter!

It was suppose to rain all weekend, but the sun managed to come out and we had a nice long weekend.  Have a good week!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Baby Shower Guest Book

I wanted to have some type of Guest Book for my daughter's shower but couldn't make up my mind what I wanted.  Then I saw this on Pinterest and fell in love with the concept. 


My husband painted a frame in white for me.  I then strung some thin cording back and forth for the clothesline.  I used small eyelets to hold the cording and pink plastic clothespins to pin up the onesies I had cut out in Pretty and Pink.  I decorated a piece of Melon Mambo with some lettering and finished it off with some flowers I had already quilled.  The sign says "Please leave a note, well wish or some words of wisdom for the new Mommy".  I loved how this turned out!  Sarah greeted everyone as they came in and Rachel was in charge of the games.  They both did such a great job for their Aunt Jeannie!

We are all looking forward to a long weekend with Monday off for the girls!  I can see Halloween goodies in our future! 

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Monday, October 7, 2013

Baby Shower Gift Boxes

We had a few games that we played at the shower Sat. and I needed to put something together for the winners.  I had purchased some of SU Decorative Window Gift Boxes last month in case I needed them for Xmas and decided to use them for the shower games instead.

 
 
These were so easy to put together!  I put a little straw in the box, fill them with the goodies and topped them off with bows that I had made with my new SU bow maker.  I had just received my order from SU which included the stamp set - Chalk Talk - and used the circle stamp.  I stamped it with Melon Mambo, punched it out and tied it on with some twine and it was done!  I really liked how these bows dressed up the boxes.
 
The food was delicious and we had a great time at the shower.  The weather was beautiful and I think everyone enjoyed themselves!  Now all we need is the BABY!!!!!  She will definitely be the best dressed kid in the neighborhood and be surrounded with lots of love!  Have a good week!
 
Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah
 
 
 
 


Thursday, October 3, 2013

Baby Carriage Card

This is the card I decided to make for my daughter for her baby shower this weekend.  I have seen it done several different ways on the web.


Recipe:

Paper - Pretty & Pink, Whisper White - SU
Accessories - Large Scallop Die, Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots,  Martha Stewart Punch, Heart Punch, circle punches
Embellishments - Pink Ribbon

Fold a piece of 5 1/2" x 11" CS in half.  With the fold on the top, leave 5 scallops showing on the large scallop die and pass it through the big shot.  Then run the front side through the embossing folder.  Cut out about 5 scallops for the opening in the center of your image - like a piece of pie.  I punched out a strip of whisper white using my Martha Stewart punch and glued it down for the trim of the carriage.  I used my
1 1/4 " circle punch for the wheels and my heart punch to decorate it.  I have seen the wheels done with 1/2" circles inside, as well as with buttons.  I then used my handheld heart punch to decorate the carriage top with hearts and added my ribbon.  You could also use some brads in place of the ribbon. I liked how the card turned out and can hardly wait till my daughter sees it.

We have a busy weekend ahead of us with a lot of fun planned.  Next week I'll post some more goodies I made for the shower.  Thank goodness Rachel helped me wrap up all the goodies her Mom and I got for the shower or I would still be wrapping!!  Have a wonderful weekend.  The leaves are changing colors and the mountains look really beautiful here!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Friday, September 27, 2013

Baby Shower Favors

I was trying to decide what I wanted to make for favors for my daughter's shower, and I saw these cute carriages on Pinterest.  It turned out that they were made by the same person - Brenda Quintana - that I had used for my Xmas Trees last year.  I thought they were so cute and unique! I decided to make them in the Melon Mambo paper that I had used for the invitation.  Rachel and Sarah like Pretty and Pink, so that was the other color I used.  We're going to put one by each place setting.  I think they will definitely add to the decorations. 


 
 
The only thing that I did different was punch small hearts for the wheels.  I used the stamp -Thanks So Much - from the Tiny Label stamp set for the sentiment by the handle.  Having made the Xmas trees last year, I was used to the folding, etc.  One nice thing about her directions was when cutting the paper she gave directions to make eight carriages which certainly made the process go faster.  The only thing that gave me trouble was the wheels.  She suggested cutting the paper larger if you had a problem inserting the kisses, but when I did the candy kiss fell out.  So I had to struggle putting in the candy kisses.  One thing I found out is that the candy kisses may look the same size, but they are not!  If one is too big try another one!  The one advantage was if the paper ripped I got to eat the candy!!!
 
I was really happy how they turned out.  I didn't realize she had a lot of other items made with the candy kisses.  When I have more time, I'll have to revisit her blog.  Well, I have some more to make so I had better get going.  Have a great weekend!
 
Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah
 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Craft Fun

I had another fun day crafting with friends at Denise's.  We decided to make some Halloween cards.  I had seen this card on several blogs and wanted to make it.


Recipe:

Stamps - Frightening Feline - SU
Ink - Stazon
Paper - Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White and DSP Scraps - SU
Embellishments - Ribbon, Googly Eyes
Accessories - Label Die, Embossing Folder

I used my Pumpkin Pie to make this A2 card base.  Then added a layer of Whisper White - 4" x 5 1/4".  I have seen this done with washi tape, but we didn't have any Halloween tape, so we used some DSP scrap paper instead.  We angled the paper and then trimmed off the excess.  We used the label dies and embossed the pumpkin pie die cut.  Then we stamped our "little feline" and popped it up with dimensionals.  We put on some googly eyes and a collar of ribbon and we were done!  I thought it turned out so cute!

Our friend Martha is heading back to Florida - have a safe trip and we will see you next summer!  It is so much fun to stamp with friends.  Everyone can do the same card but they all look a little different.

On a sad note, the girls Holland Lop Rabbit - Gilbert - died yesterday.  I have to say that Gilbert was the nicest rabbit we have ever seen.  All he wanted was for you to visit with him and hold and pet him - which we all did!  The girls were involved in 4H and he definitely added to their trophies and ribbons along the way.  We will miss you Gilbert......and we will never forget you!


 
Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Friday, September 13, 2013

Baby Shower Invitations

For the past week, I have been working on invitations for my daughter's baby shower.  I found this cute little dress on Pinterest and made a template out of cardboard.  I decided to cut them out in Pretty & Pink but then couldn't find any DSP that matched the pink!  I thought pink was pink - not so.  There are a lot of different shades of pink out there!  So I decided to pick out my DSP first (lesson learned) and ended up cutting more dresses out of Melon Mambo.  I was really happy with how they turned out.


Recipe:

Stamps - Sent with Love - Stamps by Judith
Paper - Melon Mambo, Whisper White - SU
Ink - Melon Mambo - SU
Embellishments - Ribbon, Pearls, Gel Pen - Michael's
Accessories - Heart Punch, Embossing Powder - Iridescent Ice, Gel Pen

I originally wanted to use an A2 size card but it was too small and an 5" x 7" was too big, so I settled on 5" x 6".  I cut out all my base cards first and then my DSP layer  of
4 3/4" x 5 3/4".  I used my computer for my sentiment and printed it out on whisper white.  Using the Bigz Petal Cone Die, I cut out the banner.  I used my light box to trace it on the printed sentiments and cut them out.  My printed invitation on the inside was done on my computer and printed out on a whisper white layer of 4 3/4" x 5 3/4".  I then embossed my little dresses only on the bottom half.  I tied ribbon around the waist, did some lines with my gel pen on the top of the dress, placed my pearls and the dress was ready to mount with some dimensionals.  I also used dimensionals when placing the banner.




Sarah had picked out this cute pink baby ribbon at Michael's, so I decided to cut a length of it and glue it on the inside layer next to the fold just for fun!  I then went to work and made the envelopes using my Envelope Maker.  I had purchased this awhile ago from  We R Memory Keepers and really liked the results. I also made envelope liners in the DSP paper.  On the back of the envelope, I used my stamp and punched out a Melon Mambo heart to add the finishing touch.  We took them to the Post Office to mail yesterday and the lady there was so nice.  When she saw the envelope she said "I know I have a stamp that would look great on these cards".  After going through her drawer, she came out with a cute  heart stamp which finished the whole thing off!  It was a lot of work, but I'm so glad I made them.  Of course, I saved one for the scrapbook!

The weather here has been so crazy lately.  It was so terribly hot for a few days and then last night a storm brought in cooler weather for a pleasant change.  All of a sudden we have tomatoes - lots of tomatoes!  I guess they needed some last heat to ripen them up.  I see some canning in my future this weekend.  Hope you and yours have a great one!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah