3 x 3 Valentine

Wow! Can you believe it's almost February?

It's Monday so that means it's Challenge Me Monday at Fantabulous Cricut.  Our challenge this week is to create a 3 x 3 Valentine.  OH MY - I don't often do square OR small, so this challenge was a fun one for me.  Also, several of us on the design team received products from this week's sponsor,

MY CREATIVE TIME,

to use with our creation.  I received Emma's stamp set, Classroom Valentines.  Each sentiment is circular with a cute image to stamp in the middle.  The middle stamps are separate so it's easy to change colors.

Here's my design:

I thought this paper from the DCWV All About Boys stack was the perfect companion for the stamp.  The square and heart layers were cut from George and Basic Shapes.

After looking at the card, I decided it would also make a cute lollipop holder so I cut and 3 x 7 piece of cardstock, scored on the long side at 3", 6" and 6.5".  I punched a small hole for the sucker stick, inserted the Carmel Apple sucker (yum!) and then taped it closed.

So, if you're not into small, square cards, you might want to try a lollipop holder.

You can play along with our challenge by linking up the the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Me Monday post. Be sure to use a Cricut cut.   Also there is a Design Team Call so be sure to read about it and consider applying.  FCCB has a wonderful group of designers and a FANTABULOUS leader in Robin.

NOTICE:  BrendaB - your name was selected as my blog candy winner from the Cards for Kids blog hop.  You didn't leave a way for me to contact you.  You have until Friday to send your contact information to lsuesart at aol dot com.  If any of you know BrendaB, please pass this on.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn



Let Your Dreams Take Flight

I hope you're having a wonderful Sunday.  I'm thinking about going to the movies to see "Joyful Noise."  My daughter saw it and said it was just delightful.  The audience clapped at the end.  I'm all for a "feel good" movie right now.

Today is my design team day for Getting Cricky's Simply Sunday Challenge. Our theme for the challenge is Fantasy.  We're thinking mermaids, fairies, make believe, and the like.

This little Tink is actually a sticker!  I think the Tinkerbell cartridge has a very similar cut, but how easy was this!  I've been hanging on to the yummy purple sparkly paper, but I knew it was the perfect background for Tink.

The sentiment if from Kristal's Winged Things set.  Here is a preview of the set:

As you can see, I combined 3 of the stamps to create the sentiment I wanted ("Let your", "Dreams", "take flight").  That's the exciting thing about the K Andrew Designs stamps - you can customize them to meet your designing needs.  You'll find all of Kristal's stamps HERE.  And remember, different charities benefit from every stamps set sold.

Head on over to Getting Cricky to see the other design team member's Fantasy creations and then link your own design to the post.  You'll have two weeks to complete your project.  We'd love to see your creation.

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a lovely day.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

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Birthday Surprises and Blog Hop Winner

Saturday is my daughter's birthday.  Even though she's been away from home for almost 16 years, I still love to send her surprises for the holidays and especially her birthday.  I created a few things to help her celebrate.

First, I made her a birthday banner.  I cut the banner pieces and the letters from Birthday Bash.  The dimensional flowers on each end are from Flower Shoppe.  The silver patterned paper is more of the custom designed Neenah cardstock that I get at The Paper Garden Boutique in Sacramento.

Next, I made her a gift card wallet using the same papers.

Finally, using an idea I saw on Pinterest, I made her a personalized monogram shadow box.  The last name is cut from silver and black vinyl and adhered to the outside.  The corners are from Paper Trimmings.  I welded the monogram letters using my Gypsy and also cut the red letters separately.  The font is from Art Nouveau.  I used foam dimensionals to pop the monogram off of the background paper.

And now for my Cards for Kids Valentine's Day blog candy winner.

There were 26 comments and Random.org selected comment #11

BrendaB

Congratulations!!! 

Please contact me at lsuesart @ aol . com (no spaces).  You'll have until next Friday to get me your mailing information.

Thanks to everyone for hopping along.  Remember you have until February 7 to link and mail your entry.  You can be a part of bringing a smile to the face of a deserving child.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn



Love You Larry

Just a reminder:  you have until tonight (Thursday) at 9:00 PST to comment on the Cards for Kids Valentine's Day Blog Hop to be eligible for the drawing for my blog candy.  You'll find the link
HERE

Our Delightful Challenges theme is also an "Anything BUT a Card" challenge.  After making so many cards during the holidays, I think we're all excited to create something a little different.  For today's challenge I made a Valentine bag.  I remember how much my kinders and first graders looked forward to exchanging Valentine cards and they especially loved making the sacks for them to be placed in.

My Digital Delights by Louby Loo image is Love You Larry.  Larry and Lara Ladybug are two of my favorite images from Digital Delights.  You can find the image HERE.

The papers are from Bazzill Basics and KI.  I added a doily and popped the Copic colored image with foam dimensionals.  I added Glossy Accents to his hearts and cheeks.

Here's a close-up of the image

and the tule bow with the stamped sentiment from the K Andrew Designs It's Valentines set on two scallop punch hearts.

You can play along with our challenge.  You do not need to use a Digital Delights image, but if you do you can add your entry twice.  Just link your project to the Delightful Challenges post.

This week's sponsor is

I'm going to enter this project in the Heart Song Inspirations "red and white" challenge.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

"Anything But a Card" at Cooking with Cricut

If you'd still like to join in the Cards for Kids Valentine's Day Blog Hop, click HERE.

My blog candy winner will be posted on Friday so you have until 9:00 pm PST on Thursday to add your comment.

It's Wednesday and my design team day at Cooking with Cricut.  This week our designers/ hostesses chose a fun challenge - Anything but a Card and use polka dots and the color yellow.  If you've been in the Valentine mode, this makes you think differently or at least outside the box.  And speaking of box, that's what I chose instead of a card.

 

This is the heart box from Tags, Bags, Boxes, and More.  OK, I am still in the Valentine mode, but I did find yellow and polka dots.  Sometimes it pays to have as much patterned paper as I have LOL!

The tag was punched and I added the sentiment using the monogram feature on A Child's Year (I actually used the inside of the cut).  I added a doily, a bow, and a few Gel Pen dots and that's it.  A quick and easy treat box.

Click HERE to see what the other design team members created for this challenge.

You can play along with us at Cooking with Cricut.  Just link up your project.  Remember, anything but a card, use a Cricut cut somewhere on your design, and incorporate yellow and polka dots. 

And don't forget that you can still leave a comment for the Cards for Kids blog hop and be entered into my blog candy drawing.  You have until 9:00 p m PST on Thursday.  My winner will be announced Friday, January 27th.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn



Cards for Kids Valentine's Day Blog Hop

Hello all my Bloggie Friends and welcome to the

Cards for Kids Valentine's Day Blog Hop!

If you have come from Kate's blog you're in the right place.  If you just stopped by my blog and would like to hop along, please go to Faith Abigail's blog and start at the beginning.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show someone how much you love them.  The purpose for this blog hop is to send a little love to those that need it most!  Each of us has created a Valentine's Day card to be given to an ill child and we're asking YOU to do the same.  Simply create a Valentine card, link it to Faith Abigail's blog, and then mail it to:

Faith Abigail

10621 Fuller Ridge Circle

Charlotte, NC 28270

The link will be open until February 7, 12:00 am EST.

On February 10th, all of the cards that have been received will be donated to a local children's hospital.  Please include a small message inside your card.  Envelopes are not necessary.

Now, what would a blog hop be without prizes?  We have some amazing prizes donated by some very talented and generous women.  And, there are lots of ways to win!

Kristal Andrew of Getting Cricky with K Andrew has donated one of her great Valentine Stamp sets.

Nicole of The Twinery has donated The Ultimate Color Sampler Pack featuring fourteen gorgeous colors of twine.

Monique Griffith of Monique Griffith Designs has generously donated FIVE of her fantastic Cricut Kits: The Simple Life, Toy Story, The Stampede, Mom and Me, and Catch a Wave.

All winners will be chosen by Random.Org.  In order to win you must:

  -  Be a follower of Faith Abigail Designs  (one entry)

  -  Like Faith Abigail Designs on Facebook  (one entry)

  -  Leave a comment on this blog post  (one entry)

  -  Leave a comment on each designer's blog post (one entry for each)

  -  Post about this blog hop on your blog, website, or Facebook and then link back to Faith Abigail    (one entry each)

  -  Create a Valentine's Day card, link it to Faith Abigail's post and mail it the address above.  You may create, link, and mail as many cards as you'd like  (TWO entries for each card submitted)

And now to my project:

I just love this My Mind's Eye double-sided paper and this cute little stamp that my BFF picked up for me.  I used Copic Markers and Stickles on the stamp.  I hope this will be a smile to a child.

Along with the wonderful prizes being offered by our sponsors, I'm offering an assortment of embellishments and a K Andrew Designs mini Valentine stamp.  All you have to do is leave a comment (which will also count as one entry for the sponsor's drawing).  I'm not requiring you to become a follower or place my blog button on your sidebar, but I would be thrilled if you chose to do so.

I'll post the winner on Friday's blog. 

Thank you for visiting and looking at my Cards for Kids Valentine's Day card.  Please continue to our next designer, Lisa  to see the wonderful creation she has to share.  She's an amazing designer!

Here's a list of all of the participants to help you along or you can return to Faith Abigail Designs to start from the beginning.

Amy @ http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/  having computer problems, post will be late

Beckie @ http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/

Brandy @ http://craftingwithfaith.blogspot.com/

Cathie @ http://www.creativecutterroom.com/

Charlotte @ http://alittlebitofdetail.blogspot.com/

Jessica @ http://cricutafterdark.blogspot.com/

Kate @ http://www.smallbitsofpaper.blogspot.com/

Larelyn @ http://handmadefromtheheart-designsbylarelyn.blogspot.com/  You are here!

Lisa @ http://indymermaid.blogspot.com/

Marlene @ http://www.scrappincookie.blogspot.com/

Melissa @ http://cricutkateer.blogspot.com/

Melanie @ http://melaniemakes.blogspot.com/

Michele @ http://chelemom.blogspot.com/

Sabrina @ http://scrappinwithsabrina.blogspot.com/

Suzanne @ http://cricutcraftingrammy.blogspot.com/

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Hats Off to You!

Happy Monday!  I hope this week will be a great one for you.

To those of you who left comments during the U R So Sweet Blog Hop, thank you! I know you saw some terrific projects and got lots of sweet inspiration.  You'll find the WINNER of my Blog Candy at the bottom of this post.

First, I'd like to share another card for my Getting Cricky design team post and using Kristal's Fashionable Friends stamp set.  I know you've seen a week's worth of projects using these stamps, but this one may surprise you because it's a masculine card.

All of the cuts are from the Cricut Old West cartridge.  I did a lot of inking to give dimension to the cuts.  I think the looped Baker's Twine makes a great embellishment for this western-themed card.  The background paper is not embossed.  This is the actual paper.  Neat, huh?

You can see all of the K Andrew Design stamp sets HERE.

And now for my blog candy winner.  I received  27 comments.  Two commentors placed my blog button on their sidebars, so they each got two additonal chances.  The Random.Org Number Generator selected comment #9 and that person is:

**Melissa - Sunshine Honey Bee**

Congratulations, Melissa. I always appreciate the sweet comments you leave.  Please contact me so that I can get your blog candy in the mail.

Please come back tomorrow for a very special Blog Hop.

Faith-Abigail is sponsoring the Cards for Kids Valentine's Day Blog Hop.

All of the participants have created Valentine cards for kids which will be mailed to Faith-Abigail and then delivered to a Children's Hospital. 

The unique thing about this hop is that it's also a challenge.  Faith-Abigail is asking you to link up a card and also mail it to her so that the hospital will have lots of cards to distribute.

And, we have three wonderful prizes offered by our generous sponsors:

K Andrew Designs Art Stamps

Monique Griffith Designs

The Twinery

Until tomorrow.

Hugs and Happy Crafting

Larelyn

Getting Cricky" U R So Sweet" Blog Hop

Welcome to the "U R SO SWEET" Getting Cricky Blog Hop!!

I am so happy to be a part of this month's Getting Cricky Design Team Blog Hop!!  This month's hop is EXTRA SPECIAL. All week long, the Design Team has been featuring many of Kristal's stamp sets in anticipation of the hop...  If you've missed out on any of the week, be sure to check out my previous posts or click HERE and scroll down for links to all of the Design Team members' promotion week posts.
If you've joined me from Jamie's My Amusing Life, then you are in the right place!! If you just stopped in to visit my blog and want to hop along, please be sure to CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Kristal's blog (you'll want to catch up on all the FUN!!)...

Each of Kristal's stamp sets benefit charity. At least $1 per stamp set goes to benefit the charity noted on the stamp set package. Kristal is donating to the following charities: Cancer Angels, Storefront Shelter for Homeless Children, Intrepid & Fallen Heroes, E. Glaser Pediatric AIDS  Foundation, Doorways Shelter for Women & Children (Domestic Violence), Wayside House for Women, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Adopt a Classroom, and Autism Research Institute. Kristal will donate $1 for every stamp set sold, retail or wholesale to the charity noted; and over time believes this will add up to some wonderful miracles for these special people. So you can feel good that each time you purchase a K Andrew Designs art stamp set, someone around the country is receiving some good help!

K Andrew's stamps are all made and assembled here in the USA, which is very important to Kristal. This ensures all product materials are safe and that jobs are being provided and maintained here in America.  You can learn even more about Kristal's stamps (and pick some up for yourself) by visiting her online store: K Andrew Designs.

Now for my Sweet project:

Each pair of hearts has a Dove chocolate in between - I don't think you can get much sweeter than Dove chocolate!  Unless you add the sweet stamps from three of Kristal's sets. 

All during Stamp Promotion Week, I featured projects using the
Fashionable Friends set.  For this project, I again used Fashionable Friends but also included images from two of Kristal's newest sets, It's Valentines and I Heart You.

Here is a preview of all three sets:

Now for some exciting news!  I you spend $25 on stamps, you get the Mini Heart Bonus Set

FREE!  And, if you use this code, larelynfreeship, when checking out, you'll also get

FREE SHIPPING.  Woohoo - you don't want to miss out.

All of the stamp sets can be purchased HERE.

 Finally - whew, there's just so much to share - BLOG CANDY!!!! 

I will use Random.Org to select one name from those of you kind enough to leave a comment.  That person will win a new Martha Stewart Stamp Around the Page Stamp set which includes 6 templates with stamps, the MS stamp base, and a set of ink pads.  This set is the perfect background for Kristal's sentiments.  Please include a way for me to contact you.  AND, if you want more chances to win, here's how:  for each person who adds my blog button to their sidebar (just tell me in the comment that you did so), I'll enter your name 3 times!

What more can I say?  U R So Sweet for joining us.  I hope you're having fun and getting lots of inspiring ideas.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,
Larelyn

Now you can hop on over to your next stop: 
Letillia, Diva of 5

........................................

Time for Tea

It's time for another Delightful Challenge.  This week's challenge is about creating something using a vintage or distressed style.  Well, vintage usually takes me out of my comfort zone, but the image I chose from Digital Delights by Louby Lou is so sweet that it wasn't difficult to create this look to showcase it.

The image is Tea Time with Boo Boo Bear and it's colored with Copic Markers.  I used K&Company papers and added pearls, tule, organdy ribbon, a doily and a Prima flower colored with Copics to match the colors used on my image. I inked all the paper edges and the doily with Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Barn Door and Vintage Photol) and also did a little tearing to add to the vintage feel.

You can find this image at Digital Delights by Louby Loo.  You'll also see Wendy's newest Valentine Toppers.  I created this cute little "Kiss" holder using  the Angel Donita topper. 

To see more designs using the Valentine Toppers Set, click HERE.

If you'd like to enter our Vintage/Distressed challenge, just link your project  to Delightful Challenges. We'd love to see your creations.

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Larelyn

Ta - Ta!

Sometimes a simple sentiment is the perfect sentiment. 

 Today I'm sharing my 4th card in the Getting Cricky / K Andrew Designs Promotion Week featuring my choice of stamp sets, Fashionable Friends.

For those of you who like the CAS style, this one's for you!  A stamped image, an embossed and sanded mat, two jewels, the perfect sentiment, and call it done!

Don't forget that you can purchase ANY of the K Andrew Design stamps and receive free shipping just by entering this code:  larelynfreeship. 

If you click HERE, it will take you to the Getting Cricky post with all the DT links (scroll down to Simply Sunday Challenge) so that you can see even more designs using the different K Andrew Design stamps.