My Mojo...and Monday Mojo #322 :)

As you can see by how long it's been since I've posted...I have not felt creative at all lately! It is so sad to see all these wonderful toys (stamps, inks, papers, embellishments, etc.) sitting in my craft area...and not have the desire to play with them! I don't know what my problem was but I am thinking it was something along the lines of being abducted by aliens :) Whatever the reason, I have a bridal shower to go to this weekend and needed to do something. 

I struggled with ideas because I barely know the bride to be (although I am looking forward to getting to know her better) and both her and her groom to be are coming from established homes. Honestly...I'm not even sure if it is tradition to bring a gift but I feel bad going empty handed!!!

Thanks to the internet this is what I came up with

It's a cute poem that corresponds to different cleaning products, which I thought was a great idea because EVERYONE could use more cleaning products!!!  Here is the link to where I found the poem, and here is a close up picture of the poem.

I wanted to make a card to match so I used the sketch over at Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge.

It's all made with Whisper and Slate cardstock from Close To My Heart (CTMH). The background script is embossed with the Cuttlebug and then I inked over it with Slate Ink. The flowers and the shape for the sentiment are cut from the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. The sentiment is from the CTMH stamp set "You Are My Happy". The glitter on the card and the poem is Stickles...I am addicted to this stuff!!!

Have a wonderful day...and get crafting!!!!I am hoping that the bride to be enjoys this as much as I did making it!!! Thank you for taking the time to stop by and look...I hope you enjoyed it as well!!! Don't forget to go here and look at all of the other amazing cards that have been made using this Monday Mojo sketch.

Rema

Playing a little catch up...

I have tried to be better about posting regularly, but I have totally failed this past month! I so wanted to be able to complete all of the challenges for the month of October over at Heart 2 Heart challenges...but I was sick for a couple of weeks and didn't make it. Even though it is to late to enter them...I still made the cards just so I could complete my goal :)

Here are my creations...better late than never!

"Little Black Dress"

For this card I put velcro on the flower so that the flower can be used on either a hair clip or the bracelet. The flower is made from a silk scarf that I found for a quarter at a thrift shop and a metal flower from the base and bling selection.

"Lace"

I used the stamp from the Cricut Artiste stamp set to make the lacey pattern.

"Lots of Layers"

This card is using the Cricut Artiste cartridge also...and the November SOTM "Illuminate"

Thanks for looking and if you have any questions about the products I used for any of these cards, please either leave me a comment or send me an email!

If you are interested in seeing what the Heart 2 Heart challenges are all about...here is the link

http://heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com/

Rema

dragonflycre8tions@yahoo.com

You Better Shape Up...'cause I need a man...

And My Heart Is Set On You...

I LOVE the movie Grease...my husband would truly hate me if I had the soundtrack because how can you not sing along at the top of your lungs!!!! 

The theme this week at Heart 2 Heart Challenges is "You Better Shape Up"

As soon as I read those words I started singing...be honest...you did too didn't you?!

You are supposed to create a "shaped" card and I knew right away what I wanted to do...

continue singing :)

I used the Cricut Craft Room to weld the heart and the U together and then I copied and pasted it, lined them up together and used the flip key, then made sure that all of it was welded...

I wanted to stick with the whole "Grease" theme and I remember that Sandy was in leather when she was singing this song...black leather wouldn't have worked with the heart so I tried to make the red heart look like leather. I embossed the heart with the Cuttlebug (I cannot remember the name of the folder but it's a bunch of little random sized squares.) After that I inked the paper with Cranberry Ink then covered it with Liquid Glass. I just put spots of the Liquid Glass all over the heart and then rubbed it in with my finger...messy...yes...but so worth it!!! If you haven't used this product I highly recommend you try it...it dries super fast and it's not sticky at all!!!

 

Most everything I used is Close To My Heart...although I did use some Stickles glitter glue (another favorite of mine!)

Thanks for looking and if it's been a while...go watch Grease and sing along...really it's kind of therapeutic...just like crafting :)

Be sure to go over to Heart 2 Heart to check out all the other cool shapes!

http://heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com/2013/10/you-better-shape-up.html

10 Foods That Make Me Think of....HOME (Family)

This is the first time that I am joining in the Monday Listicles...what can I say...it's about food :)
The topic is "10 Foods That Make You Think Of..." I am going with foods that remind me of home, which of course means family to me. These foods are in no particular order and I listed some of the "bad" with the awesome!!!

Pancakes...My mom is FAMOUS for her pancakes! They are so amazing that they are the highlight of every trip home for all family and friends. I should say that she has even been known to make the powdered portion and send it out to family members who live out of town so they can enjoy them...although I have never been a recipient of said special treat...I would say that's a hint...if someone shows mom my blog :)

Mom's Chocolate Chip cookies...really...they are just the Nestle Toll House recipe...so why do they taste so much better when she makes them? Literally, it was as if everyone from miles away could smell when she was making them...they swarmed the house every time!!!

Thumb Cookies...OK, so the recipe is actually called "Chocolate Mountains" but trust me when I say that they should be called thumb cookies. It all started with my sister JJ calling out..."Mom, what do you do when you get your thumb stuck in the mixer?"

Clean the Refrigerator Out Stew...I DON'T LIKE THIS...but it does remind me of home. This was when my Grandma would just take all of the leftovers out of the fridge and dump them in a pot-calling it stew. I still cringe at the thought :(

Fried Bread...man do I miss this! This was a rare treat we usually enjoyed at our aunt and uncles house.

Lumpy Cream of Wheat...don't knock it till you try it! For some reason even when I try I can't get it lumpy!

Fried Oatmeal...this is the bomb (meaning it's crazy good) of breakfast foods. There are eight kids in the family...mom had to be creative with leftovers and we always hoped there would be enough oatmeal left! Especially with mom's homemade syrup...my mouth is watering now!!!

Rice Pudding...another thing I always wanted to have leftovers of...rice! I have no idea how mom made this...but let me tell you, store bought of any brand is no comparison!!!!

Burnt Meatloaf/Burnt Flank Steak...I know it sounds strange but we would practically beg mom to burn these meats. Now before you think I am completely strange (which you would be right...but I digress) you should know that she cooked them in a Cast Iron pan that just caramelized the meat soooo perfectly. I sure do miss that pan!!!

Rabbit...OK...I REALLLLLY DO NOT LIKE THIS...but again, it does have memories for me. My dad was quite the practical joker (so he thought), I just thought he was down right mean :) We raised rabbits, but I was only 5yrs old so to me they were pets. Dad told me we were having chicken that night and when he thought I had eaten my "drumstick" he asked how I liked the rabbit...lets just say that rabbit flew (across the room at my dad...but I missed.) Now I'm not so trusting-lemme see the wings if you want me to eat chicken!!!

There are so many more foods that make me miss my family...but these are some of the first things that come to mind. I truly regret not spending more time in the kitchen with Mom and Grandma...such a wealth of information...if only I could have understood "a pinch of this" type of measurements!!! Needless to say, I am not a cook...my husband does all of our cooking.

Now that my mouth is watering...it's time to get some sleep! Looking forward to some sweet (and savory) dreams tonight :)

If you are still awake and want to see what the "Listicles" are all about or want to read about other bloggers food memories, just follow the link below and have fun...maybe even give it a try yourself!!!

http://www.northwestmommy.com/2013/monday-listicles-120

"Thanks" Card using Cricut Craft Room

My card today is for three different challenges...it will be my first time playing along with two of them and I had a great time! I chose the colors based on the color dare over at Color My Heart...Cranberry and 1 other color (neutrals don't count)...can you say FALL :)

I chose to use Goldrush as my other color...I also used a little Desert Sand for some of the leaves.

 The sketch I followed was the Mojo Monday Sketch #314...

I also followed the technique challenge over at "Just Us Girls" (JUGS). The challenge was to try the die-cut inlay technique, they have a video on their website showing how to do this. It's hard to see in the picture but I used this technique in each of the 3 layers...the decorative shape in the background...the leaves in the banner...and the "Thanks" in the sentiment.

I used the Cricut Craft Room (using all three of the CTMH cartridges) to design and cut the cards and just cut this out 4 times (Cranberry, Goldrush, Desert Sand and a pattern paper from Huntington) 

I love it because now...the work is already done for me to be able to create 3 more cards...it's so great when a project can create more than one item :)

Thank you for looking and be sure to check out the other talented creations over at...

Mojo Monday - http://mojomonday.blogstue-other.html

Color My Heart - http://colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com/2013/10/color-dare-64-cranberry-plus-one-other.html

Just Us Girls - http://justusgirlschallenge.blogspot.com/2013/10/just-us-girls-210-technique-challenge.html

If you have any questions and/or are interested in any of the products I used...feel free to comment here or send me an email :)

Rema

dragonflycre8tions@yahoo.com

Thinking of You....paper ruffle ribbon

I have been such a blog stalker for a while now and have loved looking at the sketches and the creations over at Retro Sketches...today I have finally played along!!! This sketch was just to much fun not to!

Here is my interpretation of the sketch...

and here is the sketch...

I did put the sentiment in a different location...but I tried the other spot and it just didn't look right!

Here is a close up of the paper ribbon and following are a few pictures on how I made it...feel free to comment below if you have any questions!!!

 

Thanks for looking and be sure to go over to see all of the other talented entries...

http://retrosketches.blogspot.com/2013/09/retrosketches-83.html

Thank You...

The challenge over at Heart 2 Heart this week is to go Au Naturale...I chose to go with the natural colors.

I used the Stitch Guide (diamond shape) to create the border above and below the thank you. I saw the card that Jen created over at Freshly Made Sketches and fell in love with the look! The stamp is "A True Thank You"

I also created my card based off of this sketch...

I hope you enjoy the card and please go over to the following blogs to check out the other talented creations!!!

http://heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com/2013/09/au-naturale.html

http://freshlymadesketches.blogspot.com/2013/10/freshly-made-sketches-106-sketch-by-amy.html

UR Amazing Card (Mojo313)

This is a quick card I made using the Monday Mojo sketch #313 

I used the Laughing Lola paper, Framework Alphabet and Love This stamp sets.

For the scalloped circles around the letters...I used an EK Sucess punch (the purple layer is the punch) and layered it over the white circle.

Here is the sketch and be sure to check out all of the creative entries over at the Monday Mojo Challenge! http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/

CTMH MyCreations Kraft 3-Ring Album

I am so excited to share this project I have been working on...it has a few firsts for me...

*my first fabric covered album (love YouTube for the directions!)

*my first YouTube video!

I used the My Creations Kraft 3-Ring Album and covered it using the For Always fabric. I have seen people do this before and thought it was out of my skill set...I was wrong...I LOVE how easy my trusty glue gun makes things :)

Here is the video to show all of the pages...be kind...it is my first attempt at a video :)

Here are a few pictures of the album...

 Here is a close up of the flowers I made for the cover. The flower is made with the For Always Textiles and the other one is made with the Ruby Chevron Ribbon.

***I had a question about the pages and how I made them, so here are a few pictures to show the base of them...it takes 4 sheets of cardstock to make 1 full page. Two pages will be 8x8 and the other two will be 9x8

Score the larger sheets at 2" and tape or glue that section to the 8x8 pages. After you have the 2 sets you need to tape or glue them together (be sure the seams are on the inside so that the pages will open correctly)

When completed they should look like this. I hope this makes sense...if not, just let me know :)

Hope you enjoyed the video...and I also hope that you create your own project with the My Creations Kraft 3-Ring Album!!!

Rema

(By the way...here is the link to the YouTube video I used to learn how to cover the album with fabric.)

Alphabet Soup "Get Well" card (H2H & Mojo312)

This week over at Heart 2 Heart Challenges is all about dishing up some Alphabet Soup. The interpretation is to use multiple alphabets...I did that...but I also took it somewhat literally! 

Here is what I "cooked-up"

I tried to make it look like a bowl of soup on a matching plate with the burlap being used as a place-mat. It didn't quite turn out as I envisioned...but I like it. On the bamboo background paper I stamped a wood grain image from the Huntington WOTG Stamp Set. The letters "get well" letters are stamped with Versamark Ink and then embossed with White Daisy embossing powder. I also stamped a few other random letters in the White Daisy ink, using the second generation technique.

In addition to the Heart 2 Heart Challenge, I also have used the sketch over at Mojo Monday for the pattern of this card...here is a picture of the sketch.

Be sure to check out the other creative entries over at...

http://heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com/2013/09/alphabet-soup.html

http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2013/09/mojo-monday-312.html

Supplies used:
Huntington WOTG (paper and stamp set)
Bamboo Cardstock
Lagoon Cardstock
Goldrush Ink
Versamark Ink
White Daisy Ink
White Daisy Embossing Powder (Not Available...you could use Clear Embossing over White Daisy Ink)
Burlap ribbon
Eclectic Edges Stamp Set (Not Available)
A Typeface Stamp Set
You Are My Happy Stamp Set (National Stamping Month exclusive...only a little time left to get this cutie!)

Thank you so much for looking and feel free to comment or contact me if you have any questions!!!!
Rema
dragonflycre8tions@yahoo.com
321-443-3598

Good Times...Mojo311 and Heart 2 Heart Challenges

Today's craft project was so much fun! This weeks Heart 2 Heart Challenge was a continuation of the song from The Sound Of Music..."My Favorite Things" They left it us on how we chose to interpret that...whether it was something from the lyrics in the song or our favorite things. Now that made it tough...cause when it comes to crafting, I have A LOT of favorite things. So much pressure...how do you choose just one?!?!?

I ended up using a few...the colors Purple (Gypsy) and Lagoon, random stamping to make your own paper, BLING, Butterflies, Laughing Lola paper (isn't it gorgeous...LOVE IT!!!), the new awesome "You Are My Happy" stamp set...it's an exclusive for National Scrapbooking Month (and is a total steal for only $10 with a qualifying purchase of $50 during the month of September), and did I mention Bling???? LOL

Here is the Mojo Monday Sketch pattern that I used for this card...

I don't normally do anything more than inking the edges on the inside of the cards, but I had to do something since I didn't ink the outside (shocking...I know)

Here are the links to the two challenges that I entered this card in...be sure to check out the other talented crafters!!!

Heart 2 Heart Challenges     http://heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com/

Mojo Monday     http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/2013/09/mojo-monday-311.html

Thanks for looking and have I hope you have a fun-filled crafty day!!!

Rema

Here are the supplies I used for this card...

Gypsy paper

White Daisy Paper

Laughing Lola Paper

"You Are My Happy" MyAcrylix Stamp Set

Gypsy Ink

Lagoon Ink

Lagoon Alcohol Marker

Cotton Candy Alcohol Marker

Scalloped Border Punch

My First Heart 2 Heart Challenge

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up in String...

This is the challenge over at the Heart 2 Heart Challenges Blog and sounded like a fun challenge to me!!!! If you want to see the details and the beautiful creations over there just click here!

I love working with the Kraft paper and I thought for this card I would just stamp the background with one of the sunflowers from the Friendship Bouquet stamp set. I also stamped the medium sized sunflower and cut it out. I tied it up with the Bakers Twine and used the 3-D Foam Tape to make the flower stand out!

It seemed a bit plain...or as my husband said...boring...so I added some seed beads to the centers of the flowers and this is what I ended up with...

It's still not how I had first envisioned the card, but I think that is the best part of creating...you never know what the end result will be!

As always...just leave a comment or email me if you have any questions! If you are interested in any of the products I used just click on the item listed below and it will take you directly to my website!

Kraft 12x12 Cardstock ~ Honey Paper

Exclusive Ink Desert Sand ~ Bakers Twine

Sponge Daubers ~ 3-D Foam Tape

My Acrylix Stamp Set "Friendship Bouquet" (not available through website...comment or email if you are interested and I will see if I can get this for you)

Seed Beads (Wal-Mart has these)

"Thank You" Mojo Monday 310

Sometimes it is so hard for me to find the inspiration that I need to craft because I tend to over think the details. That is why this weeks Mojo Monday sketch is so perfect! 

I have been wanting to use the new "Flowering Thanks" stamp from Jeannette's stamp archive and I paired it with the Chantilly paper and fabric. For the ruffle I just hot glued the fabric to a scrap piece of paper (just in case I made a mistake or didn't like it enough for the card) and gathered it up as I went along the strip.

I also used the 3-D Foam Tape to give the stamped image some dimension and the Edge Distresser on the edges of the papers.

All of the items used are from the current Close To My Heart Idea Book...if you are interested in the products you can just click on the items listed below the picture and it will take you directly to my website.

My Acrylix "Flowering Thanks" ~ Archival Black Exclusive Inks 

Clear Detail Embossing Powder  ~ Exclusive Inks Pear

Exclusive Inks Cotton Candy  ~  Chantilly Textiles (Fabric)

Chantilly Paper Packet   ~  White Daisy Cardstock

Pear Cardstock  ~  Watercolor Pencils

Sponge Daubers  ~ 3-D Foam Tape

Edge Distresser

Awesome thrift store find!

Until recently, I absolutely HATED going to any flea market or thrift store. As kids we used to have to go with my dad and all I could remember is how BORING it was and how everything seemed so dark and dirty in them. While I still think that there are some that are dirty and chaotic (after working in retail for so many years...I kind of have a bit of OCD with my shopping...I can't function if things are not straight and organized), I do appreciate the fun of finding inexpensive items that you can "re-purpose" or recycle.

I don't know why...but I am on this flower kick. I am obsessed with making them (I don't even wear them...but I love them.) My main problem is that fabric can be so expensive, especially since there is a learning curve with me making these flowers and more seems to go in the trash then onto the actual flower. I was so excited when I toughed it out and went into our local ASPCA Thrift Store...and it was CLEAN...and for the most part...organized. And then it made it even better when I found two sheer curtain panels for only .50cents a piece! I can probably get about 10 flowers out of each panel...ohhh...I will be so ready for the farmers market or the upcoming craft fair season :)

Here is a sample of the first flower I made from one of the panels...

 A close up of the flower...

If you are curious how to make this flower this is a wonderful tutorial and they even have printable patterns for the circles. I didn't do the biggest size circle for this one because I didn't want the flower to be that enormous!

Here are a few other flowers that I played with tonight also...

Now I need to go back to that thrift store and find some other items that I can alter...or distress...or cover...or paint...way to many options (maybe I should stay focused on one thing for a while...yeah right!)

Thanks for looking and just comment or email me if you have any questions!

Rema

Cricut Artbooking Luminaries and more...

Aren't these just to cute!!!

 Imagine how cool they will be with the lights off and the glow of the candle showing through them!!! 

I created these with the new CTMH Cricut Artbooking Cartridge. They are my variations of the ones that are in the 2013 Autumn/Winter Idea Book (on page 17)

Fall is my favorite time of year, the colors are so rich and I LOVE the changing colors of the leaves. That has to be one of the hardest parts of living here in Florida...we really don't get much of a fall. I guess that is why this time of year my projects tend to revolve around the yellows, browns, reds and oranges (even my summer one blends right in with the others). Next on my agenda is to try a winter one...other then the one with the sunflowers that I already agreed to make for someone (love you sis!)

I wanted to share some other projects I have been working on as well...just a few quick pictures for now...I will share more info on them later (it's late and I need to get some sleep...I was just so excited that I was able to create today)

These are the Create-n-Take projects we will be doing at my Open House this weekend.

These are the gifts that my guests are going to recieve...using the August SOTM

And lastly...this is part of my new obsession...I found that I CRAZY about making flowers-they are soooo much fun. My husband is laughing at me because I don't even wear them :)

Like I said...sleep is calling so I will share the details later! Thanks for looking and have a wonderful night :)

Sweet Dreams,

Rema