Sweetheart Cupcakes

First of all, we want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day - we hope you have a wonderful day no matter what you decide to do.  I usually post craft/cards but every once in awhile I share a good recipe that I have stumbled onto.  Today is one of those posts.  I usually make Joe/kids a pink cake with lots of red hots, but I saw this recipe on Allrecipes and decided to try it.  Fortunately, it worked out as I didn't have a back up plan! 

It makes 24 cupcakes using a white cake mix and then just coloring the batter into 2 different colors.  I had everything on hand except the raspberry candy oil, so off Joe went to the store.  I was going to make it without it but I'm so glad I didn't.  It made the taste so yummy!

I am always on the look out for a good icing and on the bottom of the recipe is also a delicious recipe for icing.  The nice thing about this recipe is that you could use any food coloring for any holiday.  This icing makes a lot which would be perfect for a cake as well.  I'm definitely going to be making this again in the future.

I love when you cut into the cupcake and you can see the different colors!  How neat it that!  I have to warn you that one is not enough!!  The sun is out and melting the mess, so we are on our way to NJ.  We'll drop some off for my daughter and family and also bring some to Jennifer and her Mom who we are meeting for dinner. 

Thanks for stopping by,

Nancy

Sunshine Wishes Valentine Card

I have another Valentine Day card for you today!  I am definitely on a roll.  I made a couple of these to mail out and in my hurry to get them to the post office I didn't take any pictures.  Has that ever happened to you?  Fortunately, I was hand delivering one to my daughter and her finance, so I torn her envelop open and took a picture.  I saw this in different versions all over youtube and loved how it turned out.

One of my resolutions this year is to try and use some of the stamp sets that don't have much ink on them.  This stamp set - Sunshine Wishes - is one of them.  I used the framelits for the hearts and word love.  To organize my stamp sets, I took pictures of each stamp set and put them in a binder and then stored the actual stamps alphabetically on my shelf.  I also just keep the matching/dies with the appropriate stamp set.  I love this system, but now realize that I should probably take pictures of the dies/framelits as well, so I know what I have of them.  Another project!!  I love this DSP - All My Love.  The hearts are made using Real Red CS and some scraps of the DSP.

For my inside sentiment, I used the Sealed with Love stamp set again and some scraps of the DSP.  I thought it needed something else on the front, so I used some red rhinestones I had in my stash.  I got another envelop out for them, so all it good!!  Have a great weekend.

Thanks for stopping by,

Nancy

I entered this post at Simply Create Too Challenge #146.

Hey Love Valentine Cards

Here is another cute Valentine Day card that I made.  This is using the new SU's Hey Love stamp set.  I used some of these stamps on Jennifer's classmates Valentine boxes.  I think they are just adorable!

I used Basic Black CS for my base card and the the first layer is with the new All My Love  DSP.  I just stamped two of the Hey Love stamps for my sentiment, colored them in with my markers and layered the rectangles with Basic Black CS.

For my inside sentiment, I used the Seal with Love stamp set and used up the scraps of my DSP.

This card came together really quick.  I love making Valentine Day cards.  So cheerful and bright!  Hope everyone is having a good week!

Thanks for stopping by,

Nancy

Valentine Card with Party Pandas

Today I have another Valentine's Day card using the Party Pandas.  This stamp set is perfect for Valentine's Day cards.  Since I have a bunch of kids to send cards to, I made another version.  This time I used Whisper White, Real Red and Powder Pink CS for my card.

I used my floating hearts embossing folder on the Powder Pink CS and then my Sweet & Sassy Framelits to cut out a heart in the middle.  I stamped my cute little panda on a scrap piece of Whisper White ad then mounted it under the Powder Pink CS covering up the balloon.

I then put my cards together and punched out a small heart in Red Glimmer paper to take the place of the balloon.  I then added some extra hearts using my punch. 

For my inside sentiment, I used SU's Sealed with Love stamp set again.  I love the script on this sentiment.  I have been working on my goodies for the Wellness Center and hope to finish them up soon.  Have a great week!

Thanks for stopping by,

Nancy

Valentine Covered Containers

I'm back today with some cute containers that I covered for Jennifer's teachers for Valentine's Day.  In the past, I have covered some small - coffee cups for Halloween for Jennifer's classmates, but decided to get some bigger containers with flat lids to make for her teachers.  I just loved how they turned out.

I found these containers at Hobby Lobby.  They were the only ones with lids.  They came 5 to a package.  I needed to take one apart to use as a template which I will keep for future use.

I made a template out of cardboard extending it about 1/4" so I would have a hangover.  Then I traced it on some DSP and using my green glue I wrapped each of the containers.  Since each container is not a perfect size there was a little extra on the bottom which I just cut off.

 Then for the lid I used my Spellbinders Scallop Circle die.  I also had some washi tape in my stash and I decorated each rim. 

I used the Heart Happiness stamp and the Sweet & Sassy Framelits to cut them.

I then added some 1/4" ribbon to the lid and secured the heart.  I forgot to take a picture, but I found some little enamel hearts that I added to the lid just to dress them up.  I loved how they turned out and they came together so quick and easy.

Jennifer is coming up this weekend, and we will fill them with candy hearts for her teachers and dress them all up in some in Valentine bags to hand out.

Thanks for stopping by,

Nancy

Hershey Heart

Everyone here has been sick with the virus going around, and as usual I get it last!!  I just sent Joe out with a long list to the grocery store in anticipation of the snowstorm that is expected this weekend.  It will be our first major storm of the season and from the looks of it - it will be a big one!!

I was in the process of starting to make some Valentine goodies and decided to start posting them so if you want to make some there is still enough time.  If you are like me, you don't have a lot of time and need to get started as soon as possible.

I saw this adorable Hershey Heart on Pinterest and knew it was from one of my favorite bloggers - The Bee House.  I have made a lot of her crafts.  She does such a great job in explaining how to make them!

I'm going to make some in pink as well.  You could decorate these a lot of different ways, but since I make a lot of my items for the Wellness Center I try to go easy on myself.  I used one of the stamps from the P.S. I Love You SU stamp set.  I love this set and use it a lot!

I just stamped and punched out the sentiment with a 1" circle punch.  Remember - the kisses fit tight so you may have to manipulate the paper.  Make sure you adhere the tab lining up the score line with your pencil line.  Her directions are very detailed.

Well, I have to go and get another box of tissues - I hope you enjoy making these adorable hearts!

Thanks for stopping by,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Valentine Berry Basket

Well, I finally got everything done!  I didn't want to post these until late today, so Rachel and Sarah wouldn't see them.  They have been searching all over for their goodies!  It's getting hard to hide things anymore.  When I saw this die from SU I knew I had to have it - I think it is so great!  SU has a video online and there are a lot of bloggers with a bunch of ideas for this great basket.  You can use this in so many ways.  It was a little pricey, but I think I will get a lot of use out of it.  I thought for my first time using it I would make some Valentine baskets.

These are the first two I made in DSP for some friends.  I used the chalk talk die cut for the tags.

Then I made some more out of CS and decided that the paper flowers I made the other week would be perfect glued on the side.

I used my heart embossing folder on the baskets made out of CS with some heart brads to hold the handle together.

I really like how they turned out.  A little grass, some goodies, a tag and we're all set to go.  I got Jennifer some books as she loves to be read to and a bag of mini gold fish - her favorite snack!  Well, as they say it's not fit for man or beast outside.  It is freezing here and the prediction is more wind tonight, colder temps. and snow tomorrow.  Joe took out the snowmobiles today, so I know what he plans on doing this weekend.  Everyone in the Pansy Patch wishes you a wonderful Happy Valentine's Day!!

Thanks for stopping by,
Nancy, Rachel and Sarah

Valentine Treat Bag

When my friend Denise was here the other week, one of the SU tools she brought with her to play around with was the new mini treat bag thinlits die.  I had already made a bunch of treat bags but decided to cut out a few while she was here in case I needed some more.  Well, guess what - I did need some more and decided to put these together even over my husband's protests that I'm giving all of his candy away!!

The treat bag really comes together really quick and easy.  The only other piece I had cut out was the heart but there are a lot of other die cuts included which is always nice.  So, here I am putting them together, and I decided to put a doily on the top - only one problem, I only had one left and it was snowing out.  So, I decided to make my own!  I used my die from Taylored Expressions - Large Layering Doily - with Whisper White and I loved how it turned out.  It needed something to break up all the white, so I ended up using SU Petite Patterns stamp which a friend had found for me at a house auction for 25 cents!  Gotta love those bargains!!

I put two chocolate hearts in the bag and then tied them up and they are ready to go!  Well, now I have to put together the girls Valentine goodies!  I saved them for last as they are always snooping around!  Some exciting news for us this week is Jennifer is now up and walking!!  I always put together a family calendar which just came a few weeks ago and there is a picture of her last February so tiny and small and now she's on the move!  Hard to believe what a difference a year makes!

Thanks for stopping by,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Cute Little Valentine Treat Box

The girls had no school again today, so they finished up some treat boxes they were making for their friends.  I saw this tiny box made with the envelope punch board on Poodles blog and knew it would be perfect for the girls.  They're not into giving cards away anymore but wanted something small they could give their friends.  I think they turned out so cute!

Here's a picture of what's left over that I'll send to the Wellness Center with my daughter along with the other treat bags I had made earlier.  Another project to use my scraps - Yea!!!!  Two Hershey's Kisses fit perfectly in the bottom.  You can rest assured that there were no kisses left over!!  I'm in the process of finishing up some other projects I made - I love this time of year!!

Thanks for stopping by,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah


I submitted this to cardstv-3D treat bag or box Challenge for Valentine's Day

Valentine Treat Bags

Well, I can't believe that I'm working on Valentine projects - but I am!!  I saw this cute little treat bag over at Papercraft Button's blog and decided to try it out.  When put together they measure just over 2" x 2"which is just the size I wanted.

These came together really quick and the best thing was that I used up a lot of scrap paper!!!  When I moved my scrap room this summer I found a bunch of Mat Stacks (6 1/2" x 4 1/2") by Diecuts with a View.  I remember buying these years ago when I first started scrap booking.  These were perfect for this project.  I just tore out a bunch of red/pink papers and started scoring.  I used my scalloped tag topper punch from SU for the flap and my 3/4" circle punch.  My little heart is a cute little punch that the girls had from American Girl.  I had a regular heart punch, but I liked how the heart looked with tiny scallops.

A few tips if you decide to make these.  After you score, make sure that the side you cutup  into is the smaller measurement side.  I did the opposite side first and the bottom won't come together correctly. Tying it together with the twine works better if you put the twine down into the hole, wrap it around and use a paper clip to hold the flap down while you tie your bow.  Works great when you have a lot to tie together.  I made about 30 bags and it probably took about 2 hours to complete.  I put a Dove's chocolate heart in each bag!

I haven't been able to do much crafting lately so it feels good to get something accomplished.  It's a special day here - Rachel is at the orthodontist getting her braces off after 3 1/2 years!!!  She can hardy wait!  No cutting off the corn on the cob for her this summer!

Thanks for stopping by,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Heart Tins

Cleaning out my craft room, I came across a few of these cute heart tins I had used a few years ago for teacher's gifts.  Keeping up with my promise to use up things, I decided to decorate the 6 I had left being stored in a huge box on the shelf.  Now I have room for something else - I don't think that was the plan - oh well!  I originally purchased these at Michael's in the wedding department.

The last time I made these, I cut paper to fit around the heart, but I had purchased some washi tape awhile go and it fit the bottom of the heart perfectly.  This was so much easier than adhering the paper.  Here's what it looks like from an angle.

I couldn't have asked for a better design.  I think I picked this up for the baby shower and ended up not using it.  I used my crop-a-dile (the largest hole) to punch out holes on either side.  Make sure the holes are up high enough - but not too high - so the ribbon is centered in the middle when tied.   I cut 2 lengths of 1/4" ribbon each about 6".  Then I tied a knot in one end and pulled it through the hole with the knot on the inside.  Then do the same with the 2nd piece of ribbon.  Fill up your heart with some goodies - I used some candy hearts and place the top on.  I then used a glue dot to adhere my sentiment in the center and tied the ribbon in a knot.  I really like these as little favors.  You can do so much with them.

Well, it's off to watch the Super Bowl game!  The girls are hoping for no school tomorrow as snow is coming in with another snowstorm the middle of the week!  Hope you are keeping warm!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

I entered this post in the CardsTV 3-D Valentine Challenge #1

Hanging Heart Valentine Card

In between projects, I decided to make another Valentine card.  I cased this from a card I saw on Pinterest, but had to use different supplies.

Recipe:

Stamp - Tiny Wishes, Whimsical Words - SU
Ink - Real Red - SU
Paper - Real Red, Whisper White, Gold Fold Sheets - SU
Accessories - Heart Embossing Folder - Sizzix, Heart to Heart Punch, Heart Punch,
                       Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch - SU, Bow Maker
Embellishments - Red/White Twine - The Twinery, Red Ribbon - 1/8"

I made this card an A2 size in Real Red and the layer is in Whisper White.  I embossed it with my folder, and since I don't have any heart dies, I punched out a template with my heart punch, traced it on the layer and then cut it out.  I was pretty happy with the way it turned out.  I taped down my twine and used my bow maker for my double bows and used a mini glue dot to adhere it on my layer.  I then made my sentiment and popped it up on my layer.  I also popped up my layer on my base card.  I then punched out a small heart with my gold foil paper and popped that up as well.

I decided to put a few gold foil hearts on the inside of the card as well.

I think most of us are freezing out there, but that didn't stop Joe and I from babysitting yesterday.  I couldn't believe how warm Jennifer was.  She was definitely a good electric blanket and we loved every minute we spent with her.  She is really growing fast, so we want to cherish this stage while we can.  Hope everyone is keeping warm.  See you soon!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Valentine Butterfly Card

I have been working on some Valentine projects for the Wellness Center, but took some time out to make this card I saw at Pinterest.  I didn't have all the supplies, but just substituted what I did have.  I liked the clean lines in this card.

Recipe:

Stamps - Floral Fillers, Whimsical Words - SU, Michaels
Ink - Melon Mambo - SU
Paper - Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Pretty In Pink - SU
Accessories - Embossing Folder - Elegant Bouquet - SU, Spellbinders Circles
                       Butterfly Punch - SU
Embellishments - Making Memories Hearts, gems

I made this card into an A2 size using Pretty in Pink as my base color.  My Whisper White layer I embossed with my folder.  Then I used my circle Spellbinder dies and made my three circles in different colors and sizes.  I adhered them together and then attached my little red hearts.  I popped this up on my layer with dimensionals and attached some gems to my butterfly before I adhered it with some glue dots.

I guess I'm into decorating the inside of my cards lately, as I stamped my butterfly on the inside as well. 

The girls finally went back to school today.  I can see a shorten Easter vacation in their future!  I have no desire to go outside at all!  It's pretty cold here and there is no relief in sight!  I'm starting to think spring flowers and Joe is planning his garden, so that's a good sign.  Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Heart to Heart Valentine Card

Well, we were all snowed in today.  No school, shopping, etc., just watching the snow come down.  As beautiful as it is, it can now stop if it wants too!!  Oh well, it gave me time to start making some Valentine items.  I saw this cute card on Pinterest and decided to make it.  The only thing I changed up was the sentiment as I didn't have the one they used.

Recipe:

Stamps - P.S. I Love You - SU, Happy Valentine's Day - Michael's
Paper - Real Red, Whisper White - SU, DSP Valentine Scraps
Accessories - Heart to Heart Punch - SU
Embellishments - Real Red 5/8" Ribbon - SU

This card was pretty quick to make.  It is an A2 sized card in Real Red with one layer of Whisper White - 4" x 5 1/4".  I used my punch on the bottom of the card, stamped my sentiment in the middle and tied my ribbon around the layer.  I used some scrap Valentine paper in my box and popped that up behind the punched out area.  Then I popped up the layer on my base card.

I also decided to decorate the inside with some extra hearts.

 

 

 

I brought this sentiment stamp at Michael's years ago, and it is still one of my favorite stamps - and it was in their $1.00 bin!!!  Well, hope everyone is doing OK with the snow.  Today I am definitely envious of my friends in Florida!  Keep warm!

 

Thanks for stopping bye,

Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

 









Valentine Card

Here's another Valentine card that I just finished.   I usually don't make any New Year's resolutions, but decided I'm going to try and use items - stamps, paper, etc. that I haven't used for awhile.   I used one of my last sheets of Pixie Pink that I was stashing away since SU discontinued this color.  It was one of our favorite colors along with Green Galore.

Recipe:

Stamps - Romantic Sentiments Set, 10 Design Centers & Borders - Justrite
Ink - Pixie Pink
Paper - Pixie Pink, Whisper White, DS Paper - SU
Accessories - Scalloped Circles - Spellbinders, Circle Punch
Embellishments - Lace, flowers and seed beads

This is an A2 sized card with a simple layer of DS paper.  I stamped out my sentiment with my Justrite stamps, punched it out and place it on my scalloped circle. I glued some small lace across the middle of the card and popped up my circle sentiment with some dimensionals.  I felt it needed something else, so I layered a few flowers and added some seed beads on top of them. 

We're looking forward to a quiet weekend. We are suppose to have some snow coming in tomorrow.  Hopefully, it won't be too much.  Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Love Monster Valentine Card

I thought I had better start making some Valentine cards, as before I know it the holiday will be here.  I had purchased this set last year and fell in love with all the "Love Monsters"!  I just thought they were sooooo cute!

Recipe:

Stamps - Love Monsters - Taylored Expressions
Ink - Black Stazon, SU Markers
Paper - Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Pink
Accessories - Layering Doily Die - Taylored Expressions, Heart Punch - Michaels,
                       Circle Die - Spellbinders

I made an A2 sized card in Crumb Cake and layered it with a scrap of pink I had left over and some Very Vanilla.  After I stamped my "Love Monster," I colored it in with my markers and actually cut it out!  I adhered my circle die onto my Doily die and then popped up my cut out stamp with dimensionals.  I stamped my sentiment and made a small banner out of it and adhered it to the card.  I thought that it needed something else, so I decided to decorate the card with some small hearts.  I really liked how it turned out.  Here's a picture of the rest of the stamps in the set.

I stamped up some more and cut them out so they are all ready to put on some cards.  Joe and I spent the afternoon with our new granddaughter Jennifer.  There is nothing like a little baby to put a smile on your face.  This is one of Joe's favorite pictures.  He just loves her little hands and feet!

She now weighs in at 9lb. 6ozs.  It didn't take her long to catch up with the rest of the babies.  The girls are looking forward to spending time with her next week when they have off Monday for the holiday!  Hope everyone has good week!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Happy Valentine's Day!!

This is what Rachel and Sarah woke up to this morning!  My husband and I have been getting them balloons since they were babies on special occasions and we couldn't pass this monkey up when we saw him!

Everyone in the Pansy Patch wants to wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!!

       Nancy              Rachel               Sarah

Valentine Button Card

Here is another Valentine card that I made.  I really like how this turned out.

Supplies:

Paper - Scraps from left over projects
Punches - different heart sizes
Embellishments - Pretty in Pink ribbon - SU, Red heart buttons from Walmarts

This turned out to be a really simple card to make.  It is an A2 size card - 5 1/2" x 4 1/4".  I punched out several different sizes of hearts on the bottom of the card and backed them with different pieces of DSP by taping them.  Then I adhered my ribbon on the top part of the card and decorated it with several heart buttons.  For a finished look, I layered CS on both inside pieces of my base card - and I was done!

We got about 10 inches of snow over the weekend!  Joe took out the snowmobiles and we had fun driving around the yard.  Not as good as the trails, but better than nothing!  Hope you have a good week and a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Valentine Treat Holders

Here is the last of the Valentine goodies that I made for my daughter to take to the Wellness Center.  These are so great!  They can be used for any occasion by just changing up the papers and embellishments.  This was the first die that I purchased from SU and I have really got my $$$ worth out of it!

Supplies:

Paper - Real Red, Pretty in Pink, lots of scraps - SU
Ink - Real Red
Stamps - PS-I Love You, It's a Holiday Wrap - SU
Punches - Scalloped Punch, Various circle punches
Accessories - Two Tags Die, 1/4" ribbon, Dimensionals, score tape, snack bars

I got this idea from  Card Corner by Candee. On her blog she mentioned a youtube video from Stamp with Dawn .  This treat holder came together really quick.  I stamped and punched alot of the Valentine sayings first, put them together and then made my holders.  This is another great way to use up your scraps of paper that are lying around!  The hardest thing for me when putting these together was tying the bows and not eating the candy!  I put a bowl of nuggets that I had covered with the labels that I stamped with a cute little Valentine bear in the center of the tray for decoration.  I will definitely use these treat holders again for other holidays.

Well, it's snowing!! It looks like we are going to get alot of the "white stuff".  The girls have early dismissal so they will be happy!  Hope you have a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah

Valentine Nurse Purse

I have been going back and forth for months trying to decide whether I should buy SU's Petite Purse Die.  Then while checking out some pictures on the web from Leadership I saw an example of the petite purse but for a nurse!  I just fell in love with it and ordered the die right away. I thought what a great Valentine goodie for my daughter to take to the hospital for the nurses in her department!

Supplies:

Paper - Whisper White, Real Red - SU
Stamps - Teeny Tiny Wishes, It's a Wrap Holidays - SU
Accessories - Petite Purse Die, Glue Dots, Score Tape
Punches - 3/4" Circle, Word Window and Itty Bitty Shapers Punch Pack
Embellisments - Twine

I can't say enough about this die.  It was so easy to use and it cut the paper like butter.  I cut my 8 1/2" x 11" paper in half on the 11" side which enabled me to make two purses out of one sheet of CS.  I used my score tape on the two sides and the purse was together!  Since I was making alot of them, I used my mini glue dots to put the handles on instead of using brads.  I stamped my sentiment and tied it on the handle with my twine.  The example that I saw on the web used a large red cross sign, but my friend Denise let me use her cross punch from the punch pack which I mounted on a 3/4" circle of whisper white paper.  I used the Valentine holiday stamp on Avery labels and put them around Nugget Bars to add to the goodies.  I put two nugget bars in each purse and there is still room for more which surprised me.  I just loved how these purses came together.  I will definitely be making more of these for different occasions.

Well, it is still very cold and windy here.  I am definitely ready for spring!  Have a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping bye,
Nancy, Rachel & Sarah