Thursday, October 10, 2013

October Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop


Thank you so much for joining us for the October Stylin’ Stampin’ Squad  Blog Hop! This month we are focusing on the Fall season. It’s the time of year when fireplaces start crackling with warmth and we dig out our sweaters. This month’s blog hop will showcase many of the Stampin’ Up! products that are available to make  Autumn themed creations. We hope you enjoy seeing how we use the products to create our projects and feel inspired to come up with some great projects of your own.

You should have just left stop number 11 on the Stylin’ Stampin’ Squad blog hop – Annie Lee at Love Me Cards. If so, you are in the right spot. If a link doesn’t work or you get off track, you will find the full blog hop lineup below. 
 For my first project I made a box that can hold a rather large amount of candy or a small gift. The box is 6 inches by 3 inches. I used the Sweater Weather DSP to decorate the box along with the Wonderful Stamp set and coordinating die. I almost forgot that the sentiment comes from the Photopolymer Stamp Set Another Thank You.

It was rather simple to make and easy to decorate. 


My second project is a quick Thank you card. You can never have to many of those laying around to send to those helpful people in your life. I used the Gently Falling Stamp set, Beautiful Baroque Embosiing Folder, and the Photopolymer Stamp set Another Thank You, and some chrochet trim

I hope you are inspired by these Fall projects. Make sure to continue on through the entire Blog Hop, you won't be disappointed.




Blog Hop Participants:
  1. Shellie G. of Craft Smashup
  2. Pam S. of Stampin' in the Sun!
  3. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
  4. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
  5. Jennifer C. of Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life
  6. Cynthia R. of Ink-a-Doodle Creations
  7. Jamie H. of Unique Ink
  8. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
  9. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
  10. Diana E. of Stampin' Fun with Diana
  11. Annie L. of Love Me Card
  12. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose
  13. Heidi B of Stuck on Stampin'
  14. Bree R. of Craft-somnia
  15. Anastasia R. of Stampin'Blondie

Thursday, August 8, 2013

August Blog Hop

 
Where do the months go? It once again is time for the Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop. This month we are focusing on the New Holiday Catalog. That catalog is packed with great ideas and great products. 

As I sat there staring at my new products I just couldn't decide what I wanted to make or what theme I should go with since this Catalog has Halloween, Fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Oh it is my favorite time of the year and I can't wait to start decorating my house. Which for me begins in mid-September because I decorate my house with lots of Fall decor then Christmas decor comes up after Thanksgiving.

Well I decided to share two projects and my first is a Thanksgiving themed project. Now this is an easy peasy project. I used a Decorative Window Gift Box and added a bow which was made with the Gift Bow Bigz die and some Sweater Weather DSP. I wanted to add a sentiment or something so I pulled out the Tags for You Stamp set and stamped the Happy Thanksgiving on some Whisper White card stock and punched it out with the Label Bracket Punch. I did shred some Crushed Curry card stock and crinkled it up and put it in the box, now to decide on what treat to put in the box.

Items Used: Decorative Window Gift Box, Gift Bow Bigz Die, Sweater Weather DSP, Tags for You Stamp Set, Bracket Punch, Chocolate Chip Ink Pad, Crushed Curry Stampin' Write Marker.



Now my second project is a Christmas project. It's never to early to get started with those. When I first saw the Holiday Catalog I just knew that I would be ordering the Santa's List Stamp Set. It is just one of those classics that I couldn't pass up. I also paired it up with the Season of Style DSP stack, and the Expressions Thinlits dies.

The thinlits come with three words, Thankful, Merry, and Love. They are so pretty and the words are larger than I originally thought. They will be great to use on Scrapbook pages too.

Did you notice that my envelope also matches my card? Now you can do this too. In the Holiday Catalog you will find Envelope Liners Framelits Dies. How awesome are these. It literally took me 30 seconds to add the liner to this envelope. What a fun little detail to add to your envelopes.

Items Used: Santa's List Stamp Set, Black Stazon Ink, Chery Cobbler Ink, Crumb Cake Ink, Cherry Cobbler card stock, Crumb Cake card stock, Whisper White card stock, Early Espresso Cardstock, Blender Pen, Expressions Thinlits, Season of Style DSP stack.

Now that you have seen my Holiday Catalog creations make sure to hop along and get inspiration from all of these wonderful SU! demos. Next on the list is Tonya's blog.




Blog Hop Participants:


  1. Shellie G. of Craft Smashup
  2. Pam S. of Stampin' in the Sun!
  3. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose (You are Here)
  4. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
  5. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
  6. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
  7. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
  8. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
  9. Heidi B of Stuck on Stampin'
  10. Jennifer B. of NW Stamper
  11. Bree R. of Craft-somnia
  12. Diana E. of Stampin' Fun with Diana
  13. Annie L. of Love Me Cards
  14. Jennifer C. of Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Celebrate Banner

Simply Created Banner Class
Friday, August 23rd at 6:30 PM
Class Fee $35.00

Make it a girl's night out and come out and craft with me. You will be making this adorable Celebrate Banner. This banner will be great item to have around for birthdays or any celebration!

This class includes the Build a Banner Simply Created Kit. You will have left over canvas banners, alphabet and image stencils, jute twine, and a Stampin' Spritzer  to take home with you to create more banners.

RSVP and Class Fee is due by August 15th.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Holiday Catalog

The annual Holiday Catalog releases tomorrow, August 1st. It is loaded with so many great items, you are going to have a hard time choosing what to order first!

This Christmas card is one I created for a swap I participated in at the SU! convention. I just love the Santa's List Stamp set. I also used a DSP from the new paper stack and some of that beautiful Cherry Cobbler ribbon. You know it is never to early to start on those Christmas cards because you and I both know if you don't start early then it probably won't get done.

If you want to see more contact me to get a free copy of the Holiday Catalog.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

My Paper Pumpkin

There is a sweet deal going on right now. Join for only $10.00 a month for the first two months. You must join by August 31st. 

You might be asking what is My Paper Pumpkin:
It is a paper crafting kit delivered right to your door each month. Normally the price is $19.95 a month which includes shipping. 
You are billed on or around the 10th of the month.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly.

To sign up go to: www.mypaperpumpkin.com

Make sure to list me, Rose Castillo as your demonstrator.
To make this deal even better, the first person to sign up will receive a free My Paper Pumpkin Kit from me.
(Must purchase MPP for a minimum of one month)

Thursday, July 11, 2013

July Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop







I can't believe it is already July. Half of this year is already over. Since it is a new month it is also time for a Blog Hop with the Stylin' Stampin' Squad. This month we are having a birthday bash as Stampin' Up! is celebrating their 25th Birthday. 

So I kind of had a hard time trying to figure out something birthday related when it hit me that all birthday cards don't have to be balloons and cakes so I decided to make a little ensemble with a card and gift. I guess I will be ready for the next birthday party!
 With the release of the new catalog last month, I have been in awe of all the new items so I am slowly growing my collection with new stamp sets and accessories. One of those new stamp sets is Flower Shop. I just adore all the flowers in this set. I had stopped buying so many flower sets a while back and now I realize that most of my flower sets are now retired or outdated and this new set is so refreshing.

I paired the set with some washi tape, something I had been wanting to use on well, anything. I had gotten the Epic Day Washi Tape but hadn't gotten around to even opening the package until this weekend. I love it. It is so easy to use and forgiving when you make a mistake too. The colors Calypso Coral, Smokey Slate, and Basic Gray are so beautiful together too.

Items Used:
Flower Shop Stamp Set, Calypso Coral & Smokey Slate Stampin' Write Markers,  Epic Day Washi Tape, Whisper White,Calypso Coral & Smokey Slate Card Stock.

To go along with my card a made a cute little package to put some some candy in or maybe some cash. I used an old SU! button container and some Epic Day Washi Tape, the Fun Flowers Bigz Die, and a large Pearl. I came together rather quickly and is super cute.

Ok, who wants to invite me to their party so they can get a super cute card and gift?

Items Used:
Epic Day Washi Tape, Fun Flowers Die, Large Pearl, Calypso Coral, Basic Gray, and Smokey Slate Card Stock.


Now that you have seen my creations make sure to stop by Tonya's Blog, you won't be disappointed! Also make sure to hop along to all the blogs to see some great ideas and to be inspired.




Blog Hop Participants:
  1. Pam S. of Stampin' in the Sun!
  2. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose
  3. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
  4. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
  5. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
  6. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
  7. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
  8. Jennifer B. of NW Stamper
  9. Bree R. of Craft-somnia
  10. Diana E. of Stampin' Fun with Diana
  11. Annie L. of Love Me Cards
  12. Jamie H. of Unique Ink
  13. Jennifer C. of Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life

Friday, June 14, 2013

Card Class

I really am trying to get back into the swing of things but it just seems like life has been so busy. I have managed to sneak in more crafting and I have even planned a Card Class for June 22nd at 10:30 am. Class Fee is $25.00 and it includes everything you need to make 10 cards. (Don't forget to RSVP by Thursday.)

Card Classes are a great time to build a supply of cards, chat with other crafters, and be inspired. I hope to see you at a class soon.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Sytlin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop June



 
This month's Blog Hop is centered round new products from the Annual Catalog that just released May 31st. There are so many new products in this catalog that I just love. I'm sure everyone is going to inspire you with all the new product so make sure to go through the entire Blog Hop and check out all of the wonderful creations. Oh, and don't forget to leave a comment and let everyone know you love their work.

My First card uses one of my must have stamp sets in the new catalog, Positively Chevron. It is a background stamp that is big enough to cover an entire card front. The second stamp set I used is Flower Shop which I almost overlooked the first time but noticed my second time around. What makes this set even better is it has a matching punch. Who doesn't love that combination? I also decided to add a little dimension by adding a button that I made with the Simply Pressed Clay and Molds. I colored it with my stampin' write marker too. I'm loving the clay and molds and can't wait for them to come out with more. Last but not least I decided to use some of that new Stretchy Ruffled Ribbon in one of the new In Colors, Baked Brown Sugar. I love this ribbon, ok well I love most all things in the catalog.
Items Used: 
Stamp Sets- Positively Chevron, Flower Shop, Teeny Tiny Whishes
Paper- Strawberry Slush, Pool Party, Summer Starfruit, Whisper White
Ink- Summer Starfruit, Strawberry Slush
Misc- Stampin' Write Markers (Strawberry Slush, Summer Star Starfruit, Pool Party, Baked Brown Sugar), Baked Brown Sugar Ruffled Stretchy Ribbon, Pressed Clay and molds, Pansy Punch

For a second card I decided to show you a card I made a couple of weeks ago. I made another card but decided it wasn't quite what I want so I think I will set it aside and work on it a little more. Anyway this card is made with some more awesome new stuff. Mosaic Madness comes in  a bundle too which includes a matching punch. Need I say more? Love! There is even more to love because there is a coordinating embossing folder and Designer Series Paper. 
Items Used:
Stamp Sets- Mosaic Madness, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper- Strawberry Slush, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Quatrefancy DSP
Ink- Strawberry Slush, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Markers
Misc- Big Shot, Mosaic Punch, Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder

That is all I have for today with my new stamps, ink, paper, and embellishments. I hope I have inspired you. For more inspiration head on over to Tonya's blog



Blog Hop Participants:
  1. Pam S. of Stampin' in the Sun!
  2. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose
  3. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
  4. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
  5. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
  6. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
  7. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
  8. Heidi B of Stuck on Stampin'
  9. Bree R. of Craft-somnia
  10. Diana E. of Stampin' Fun with Diana
  11. Annie L. of Love Me Cards
  12. Jamie H. of Unique Ink

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Wow!

Wow! I can't believe I am actually blogging today. I have been MIA lately. In March I started to feel really sick and shortly after I found out I was pregnant. It was a complete surprise and instantly took all my energy. I am now about 18 weeks pregnant and finally getting back into the groove of things. I have only been crafting when I had to because I just didn't have the energy or creativity to do it.

Since I already have two little ones and I work three days a week, my energy levels would already get low but add pregnancy and wow, I couldn't keep my eyes open after putting the little ones to bed. Which is usually when I do most of my crafting. Needless to say I hadn't pulled off staying up past midnight very much lately but now that I am feeling a more normal, I hope to craft away at least until the baby comes. I even have a card class planned for this month, if you are interested let me know. Also, I do have a few cards to share with you so I better get back on schedule with my blogging.

The card featured here is a case from Justin Krieger. He is a very talented man. I just love the simplicity of this card and hope you enjoy it too!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Stylin' Stampin' Blog Hop



Wow! Time has surely flown by. It is May and time for another Blog Hop. I hope that you will take the time to hop all the way through, this group is full of talent that you don't want to miss out on. This month we are focusing on stamp sets that are retiring May 31st. Maybe we will inspire you to get a stamp set before it is gone forever.

One of the first stamp sets I noticed was retiring was Aviary. I don't know when I became such a bird lover but somewhere along the way I have bought just about every bird set SU! has come out with. Aviary was first on my list when it came out a couple of years ago. I will be sad that it will no longer be available but it will remain in my SU! stamp stash.

Along with this retiring stamp set is a favorite color, Baja Breeze which is also going into retirement. I have loved this blue for a long time and I am sad to see it go. I'm sure I will move on but for now I mourn the loss of this color. I paired the Baja Breeze with Basic Grey and Cajun Craze, this color combo comes from the Color Coach which is a great tool to use when you aren't sure what colors to go with for a project.

I hope I have inspired you today. If you own Aviary pull it out today and create a card or go and purchase it and create away!

Items Used: Aviary Stamp Set; Basic Grey, Baja Breeze, Cajun Craze Card Stock; Basic Grey & Cajun Craze Stamp Pads; Baja Breeze Seam Binding; Big Shot; Chevron Embossing Folder

Now head on over to Tonya's Blog for another great stampin' project.



Blog Hop Participants:
  1. Pam S. of Stampin' in the Sun!
  2. Nancy B. of Lady Stamps-A-Lot
  3. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose (You are here)
  4. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
  5. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
  6. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
  7. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
  8. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
  9. Heidi B of Stuck on Stampin'
  10. Bree R. of Craft-somnia
  11. Diana E. of Stampin' Fun with Diana

Thursday, March 7, 2013

March Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop



Another month has flown by and it is time for the Blog Hop. This month our theme is Spring. There is so much that can be celebrated in Spring. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone came up with and I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss out either so make sure to hop along to all the blogs.

My first card I used a layout from a card that I saw in the annual catalog on page 166. I was a little stumped when creating so I flipped open the catalog and looked and all the beautiful samples. When I saw the one on page 166, the idea to use the pinwheel sizzlit came to mind and this is what I ended up with.

Items Used:
Stamp Set: Best Dad Ever
Paper: Sycamore DSP, Summer Starfruit, Tangerine Tango, Pool Party, Sahara Sand
Ink: Island Indigo
Other: Pinwheel Sizzlit, Big Shot, Brad, Adorning Accents Embossing Folder

Stampin' Up has been releasing some awesome single stamps and I couldn't pass up the Ears to You Stamp Set. Those bunnies are just to cute. I don't own many Easter stamp sets so this was the perfect reason to purchase it.

I paired the stamp with some springy colors and it made for a great simple Easter card.

Items Used:
Stamp Set- Ears to You
Paper- Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Ink- Pool Party, Wisteria Wonder, Pink Pirouette
Other- Big Shot, Honeycomb Embossing folder, Labels Collection Framelits, Paper Piercing Pack

I hope you enjoyed my spring cards, make sure to head on over to Tonya's blog for some great project ideas.




Just in case you get lost along the way here is a list of all the blogs participating this month:
  1. Shellie G. of Craft Smashup
  2. Annie L. of Love Me Cards
  3. Nancy B. of Lady Stamps-A-Lot
  4. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose (you are here)
  5. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
  6. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
  7. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
  8. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
  9. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
  10. Heidi B of Stuck on Stampin'
  11. Jennifer B of NW Stamper
  12. Bree of Craft-somnia
  13. Diana E of Stampin' Fun with Diana

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Still have time to Sale-A-Bration

There is still time to get those cute Sale-A-Bration items for FREE! When you spend $50.00 on product you get to chose one of the Sale-A-Bration items for absolutely free.

This card showcases several of the free items you can choose from: Sycamore Street DSP, Vine Street Embossing Folder, and the greeting was stamped with the Feeling Sentimental Stamp Set. I love how they all coordinate together.

I used the Oval Framelits to cut out the sentiment and used the new Bitty Butterfly Punch from the Spring Catalog. That little butterfly is adorable. It even coordinates with the larger butterfly punch from the regular catalog.

I did remake this card and only changed one thing. I used the Honeycomb embossing folder instead of the Vine Street. I love embossing folders! I think that they add so much to a card and I often have a hard time not using one.

Make sure to check back tomorrow as it is time for the Stylin' Stampin' Blog Hop.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

February Stampin' Squad Blog Hop


I Can't believe its already time for another Stylin' Stampin' Blog Hop. This months theme is Fabric. Stampin' Up! started selling Fabric a couple of years ago that match DSP and SU! colors. 

If you just came from Nancy's Blog, I hope you enjoyed her awesome projects. If this is your first stop, make sure to hop along to all the participants blogs, you won't be sorry because this group is filled with talented SU! demonstrators.

Since this month we are focusing on Fabric, I thought I would make a cute little drawstring bag. It is perfect for putting a small gift inside. I used the Timeless Portrait Fabric, Basic Black Ribbon, the Primprose Petals Ribbon from the Spring Catalog, and an antique brad. I was just given a sewing machine, and I  honestly barely know what I am doing with a sewing machine but creating this little bag was so easy. I just winged it. I used a sticky round to create the ribbon flower and then pushed the brad through the middle. So simple and yet so cute. I can't wait to use it for a gift. 
That is all I have to share with you today. I hope you enjoy all the wonderful project. Now hop on over to Tonya's blog.



Blog Hop Participants:
  1. Shellie G. of Craft Smashup
  2. Annie L. of Love Me Cards
  3. Nancy B. of Lady Stamps-A-Lot
  4. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose (You are here)
  5. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
  6. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
  7. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
  8. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
  9. Justin K of JK Cards
  10. Heidi B of Stuck on Stampin'
  11. Jennifer B of NW Stamper
  12. Bree of Craft-somnia
  13. Diana E of Stampin' Fun with Diana
  14. Darcy J. of Dj's Stampin Place
     

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Cute Monster Party Details

As promised, I am back with lots of photos of the party details. First, I want to show you the birthday boys, Kaiden and Malachi. This was Kaiden's first birthday and Malachi's third birthday. Both of my boys were born in January, with only four days separating the days, so a combined party is so easy. I settled on a theme months ago with hopes of getting a head start on decor and planning. Well I did some mental planning but that is as far as I got. Life with two little boy's, the hubby, a part time job, housework, Stampin' Up!, and all the other stuff is a pretty full schedule. I've learned that staying up late is usually my most productive time. So the past couple of weeks I've had a lot of late nights.

Kaiden was pretty oblivious to the party happening around him but Malachi on the other hand was beyond excited and couldn't wait for the party.

Malachi's favorite thing was the bounce house, we had to pry him away from it to do the cake and open his gifts. He didn't want to be bothered to eat, its not everyday that you have a castle in your backyard that you can jump in. My hopes of getting pictures of the boys together never happened but I was able to sneak a couple pics of myself with each of them. I love them and they are my world!

Now for the decor, I created two happy birthday banners with the Perfect Pennant Die and Typeset Alphabet from Stampin' Up! I added some cute little monsters that I printed and then cut out on a few of the pennants. I also created a banner with each of the boys names on them. I hung them all on the dinning area wall. I pushed our table against the wall for the drinks, cakes, cake pops, cupcakes, monster suckers, utensils, napkins, and plates. I had planned to put the food out on the table too but it was getting to crowded and I didn't want to ruin the cuteness of the table by cluttering it.

Just a side note, I believe you can click on the pictures to enlarge them so you can see them better.t

We live in SoCal so the weather is cold but no snow and thankfully no rain. Well it was even colder than normal so we couldn't plan for everyone to stay outside in the backyard so we emptied our house of our furniture in the living room and the family room and set up tables and chairs. I used orange, turquoise, lime green, and yellow as my colors. I did throw in a splash of pink for the girls but it was a boys party so we pretty much stayed with those four colors. For the center pieces I created monsters with tissue paper balls, pipe cleaners, googlie eyes, mouths that I cut out and hot glued on, and some fuzzy balls. Each seat had a monster coloring page that I got from Better Homes and Gardens website for free and a monster mask kit that I bought from Oriental Trading. There were buckets on each table with crayons for coloring.

One of my favorite things was the Adopt a Monster stuff animals. I found the idea at One Charming Party blog with a pattern to follow. I asked my friend Monica for some help with the sewing. I wouldn't have been able to do it with out her or her mom.  We were able to make 30 monsters for party favors and two large monsters for my boys for keepsakes. I will forever be grateful for their help!!!

To display the monsters at the party I used the entertainment hole in our living room. I made a banner that said Adopt a Monster to hang above the monsters. Each child chose a monster before they left the party. They also got a candy bag with a monster activity book, monster bubbles, and a 4 inch monster ball. Monster items came from Oriental Trading.

Since it was Kaiden's first birthday I needed a smash cake so my mom made the green and orange monster cakes. I made the cake pop eye balls and the monster cake pops.

As a kid I remember my mom making cakes for everyone's birthday but it had been years since she had done that. I guess the grand kids brought out the baker inside of her. I had seen the monster cake idea on pinterest from Makoodle. I printed the cake idea and handed it over to my mom. She made two small cakes. I put one eyeball in Kaiden's and three in Malachi's since those were their ages.

I also decorated their initial as a display item for the table. I bought the letters at the craft store and the painted them. I was going to leave them like that but then decided to add the eyes, mouth, and antennas. I really like the way the monster initials turned out.

I purchased cupcakes from Sam's Club so that I didn't have to stress about them but they needed some personalization so I made monster picks to put on them. I printed the monsters and punched them out with the 1 3/8 inch circle punch and layered it on 1 3/4 inch circle and sandwiched a toothpick in between. I already owned the cupcake stands so that was a no brainer for displaying them on the table.

Also on the table was the monster bowl that held the monster suckers. I found this bowl at Marshall's. I added some crinkle paper, an eye, and a mouth and it transformed into a monster. The monsters were so cute, I got them from Oriental Trading too. They pretty much were the only place I found monster items at so I placed an order from them and even got free shipping.

The great thing about the bowl is I can reuse it in the house or for a gift with a plant or flowers.

For more monster personalization I added eyeballs to some of the drinking cups and the pails that held the utensils. Of course the napkins, cups, plates, and forks all matched the party colors. For food I served pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, chips, and lemonade.

This blog post is getting pretty long so I will share one more picture. I wanted to show you that I cut out monsters and put them around the house peeking out from behind pictures and mirrors. You can also see one of the centerpieces. on the console. There is another banner on the mirror and a couple of monsters on the vases. In the other room I made a banner of monsters that I hung on the fireplace, you can see it in the background of one of the other pics above.

I put a lot of do it yourself stuff into this party, it cost me a few hours of sleep but I loved how it turned out. After everyone had left and we sat on the couch worn out, Eric asked "was it worth it?" and I replied "yes." That was all that mattered. There was more that I wanted to do but didn't have the time or energy to do but it still turned out great. I love my boys and would do it over again in a heartbeat. Although I don't plan to have huge parties every year. I do plan to make each birthday a day to celebrate these precious boys that God has blessed us with.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Cute Little Monsters Invite

I am so excited that my Cute Little  Monster's Birthday party was a success and it is over. It was fun planning but I am tired.

I wanted to share some of the details from the party and I thought I'd start out with the invite. I created the digital file in MDS2. Unfortunately the monsters are not SU! but by Babystar design. I did purchase the Make a Monster stamp set but with the holidays time got away from me and I needed to get these done and produced quickly so I turned to MDS2 and a little later I had my invite. I ordered them and was able to pass them out right after Christmas.

After the invites were created and I got them passed out, I went to work on the party decor. I will share that tomorrow.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

January Stampin' Squad Blog Hop


It's that time again, it's time to Blog Hop with the Stylin' Stampin' Blog Hop. I love getting all the inspiration from all of these wonderfully talent SU! demonstrators. Whether this is your first stop or one of many, make sure to hop through the entire Blog Hop. You won't be disappointed!

For my first project I decided to do a Valentine's Card using some new product from the Spring Catalog. I am in love with More Amore Specialty DSP because even though its got pinks and reds, its not to girly. I have a house of boys so I am forever going to need things that aren't to girly when making items for the hubby and boys.

Items Used:
Stamps- Hearts a Fluter, Delightful Dozen
Paper- More Amore DSP, Primrose Petals, Pool Party, Very Vanilla
Ink- Pool Party, Primrose Petals
Other: Big Shot, Oval Framelits, Hearts a Fluter Framelits, sponges

My second project was super easy make but very cute. I got the idea from Erin Kuennen, she doesn't have a blog but she made one for me for a Christmas gift. So cute and simple. I made one for my reveal gift for a Secret Santa thing I did this Christmas season. Anyway I used some of the awesome Sale-a-bration Sycamore Street DSP, I added rhinestones to the center of the flourishes, added some of the Sale-a-bration Sycamore ribbon, and then hot glued a clip. Super fast, super cute, and a great way to display little notes or a picture.

I am so excited for Sale-a-bration, there are so many cute items to earn!

Items used:
Sycamore DSP, Sycamore Ribbon, and Basic Rhinestones

Thanks for stopping by! Now make sure to hop on over to Tonya's blog.


Blog Hop Participants:
  1. Annie L. of Love Me Cards
  2. Pam S. of Stampin' in the Sun!
  3. Nancy B. of Lady Stamps-A-Lot
  4. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose
  5. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
  6. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
  7. Patricia T. of Sunnyone Stampin'
  8. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
  9. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
  10. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim
  11. Terry B of Goin' Over the Edge
  12. Justin K of JK Cards
  13. Heidi B of Stuck on Stampin'
  14. Jennifer B of NW Stamper
  15. Bree R. of Craft-somnia
  16. Diana E of Stampin' Fun with Diana