Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

My second Christmas card of the year...

FRONT

INSIDE

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ Dark Blue / Lime cardstock from DCWV The Christmas & Winter Combo Cardstock Stack

♥ White Glitter cardstock from DCWV The Christmas & Winter Combo Glitter Cardstock Matstack

♥ Stripe paper from DWCV The Winter Combo Printed Matstack

♥ Lime cardstock embossed with Cuttlebug Snowflakes Limited Edition folder

♥ Snowman cut from Doodlecharms and embellished with Starry Night Stickles

♥ Top Hat cut from Create A Critter

♥ Ribbon from Michaels' Celebrate It Holiday Ribbon Bow-tique

♥ "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from Recollections ~ North Pole

♥ Mittens from We R Memory Keepers ~ Holly Jolly

♥ Stampin' Up! Concord Crush and Pear Pizazz ink

Challenges:
♥ Gaby Abby Challenges with SEI: Week#10 ~ Santa / Snowman

Until next time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~

Deck the Halls

My first Christmas card of the year (and quite possibly one of my FAVORITE cards ever!)...

FRONT

INSIDE



JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ Mint Green cardstock ~ Recollections Soda Pop
♥ Deep Red cardstock ~ Recollections Essentials
♥ Orange Metallic cardstock ~ DCWV Hippie Chic matstack
♥ Silver Metallic cardstock ~ Recollections Precious Metals
♥ Ornament patterned paper ~ DCWV 'Tis the Season stack
♥ Ornament and Deck the Halls sentiment cut from Winter Frolic
♥ Ornament stamp by Imaginisce ~ Tree Trim
♥ Sizzix Thin Ice embossing folder
♥ Stampin' Up! Poppy Parade ink

Challenges:
♥ My Pink Stamper ~ 12 Days of Christmas - Day 6: Christmas / Winter card or layout

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

It's Great to be a Queen!

It’s official!  I have been selected as a 2011 Winter Paper Queen over at Paper Playtime!  I am completely honored and excited to be part of this talented group of Paper Queens (and a King!).  For those of you who have never visited Paper Playtime, you HAVE to go check out this blog.  Each week, they have a fun new challenge with a variety of sponsors as well as projects made by the Paper Queens / King.

I know the craziness of the holidays is in full swing, but when you need a little scrappin’ break or find some “me” time, be sure to visit the amazing 2011 Winter Queens.  I will be adding a list of all their blogs over on my sidebar so you can find them anytime.  In the meantime, I've listed them below.  I know you will love their work as much as I do!  And be sure to follow Paper Playtime for great challenges in the new year!

2011 Winter Paper Queens and King

♥ Michelle - http://mumoftwoblog.blogspot.com/

♥ Melissa - http://apaperjourney.blogspot.com/

♥ Sandra - http://www.365daysofcricut.blogspot.com/

♥ Georgiana - http://www.carsonscricutcreations.blogspot.com/

♥ Pam - http://simply-pam.blogspot.com/

♥ Carley - http://www.the-real-icarley.blogspot.com/

♥ Glenda - http://glendascards.blogspot.com/

♥ Lisa - http://www.crop-and-create.blogspot.com/

♥ Don & Judy - http://airingout-don.blogspot.com/

♥ Corri - http://www.buglvr.blogspot.com/

♥ Sharon - http://meemeescreations.blogspot.com/

♥ Sheree - http://cravinscrappin.blogspot.com/

♥ Janis - http://www.pausedreamenjoy.blogspot.com/

♥ Maria - http://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/

♥ Theresa - http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/

♥ Heather - http://www.princesspaperprojects.blogspot.com/

♥ JD - http://jdscricuteering.blogspot.com/

Until next time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~

Lots of News and a Fun Secret!!

Wow… what a week this has been so far.  I have lots of happy, fun scrapping and blogging news to share with you… as well as a special secret that I can’t tell you about until tonight!  I hope I can wait that long!!

♥ On Monday, I found out I won two 12x12 DCWV paper stacks!!  The new Street Lace and Colorful life stacks… I am in love!  DCWV paper is at the top of my paper list.  Their designs are simply amazing, and I just can’t get enough.  Special thanks to Erin over at the DCWV Diary blog for the great giveaway!

♥ Blog candy is officially in the mail for Theresa and Carol ~ the winners of my Black Friday and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree blog hop giveaways.  They may even have received their goodies already.  Congrats again to Theresa and Carol.  I can’t wait to see what you design with your new stamps.  Hope you enjoy!

♥ In other news, check out the fun new badge on my left sidebar!  The Fantabulous Cricut Design Team chose me as one of their Top 5 for last week’s Gifts Galore challenge!!  As you remember, I submitted my gift box and tag collection.  I can’t believe I won!  I’m so excited.  And I’m even more excited because my sister-in-law didn’t get her exchange gift finished for our Stampers 10 party so we are going to exchange gifts between the two of us!  She’s geeked to be getting my tags and box… and I’m looking forward to seeing her SU! Sweet Treat Cup creation.  Rumor has it that she will be filling it with SU! brads.  Too fun!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!  I know I will.  Be sure to come back and visit me later to hear all about my big secret!

Until next time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~

Homemade Gift Box and Tag Collection

I am supposed to be at my SU! demonstrator's annual Stampers 10 club and Hostess Christmas party.  I am both a 2010 Stampers 10 member and a 2010 hostess, but due to the mixed blessings of this beautiful winter weather, I am sitting home... staring at the homemade gift I made for tonight's gift exchange instead of actually participating in the exchange itself.  After my DH and I ventured out this afternoon to finish the last of my Christmas shopping (he still has a few things left on his list ~ but I'm done!) and slid through almost every turn, we decided to stay home and stay safe tonight.  So after I finish this post, we are going to curl up on the couch and watch a Christmas movie while enjoying leftover Mickey birthday cake from my nephew's party yesterday.

Since I won't get to share my homemade gift with my fellow Stampers 10 ladies, I thought I would share it with you.  I covered a $1 recipe box from Michaels in beautiful DCWV Christmas paper (special thanks to Momo @ Made by Momo for the great tutorial!) and made a dozen Christmas tags to put inside using the Very Merry Tags cartridge.

The Box

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ $1.00 Recipe Box from Michaels

♥ DCWV paper from The Christmas Combo Stack (JoAnn's)

♥ Dotted Scallop edge punch by ek Success

♥ Star cut from George and Basic Shapes using card stock from Recollections Spice Market value pack

♥ Button from Favorite Findings ~ Modern

♥ Merry Christmas ribbon from Michaels' Celebrate It Holiday Ribbon Bow-tique

  

The Tags

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥All Tags cut from Very Merry Tags

♥ Paper from DCWV and Recollections

♥ Bling from Recollections

♥ Stickles

♥ 1/8" ribbon from Michaels Celebrate It Holiday collection and Offray

♥ Pentel Sunburst White Gel Pen for stitching

Snowflake Tag 

Santa Stocking and Ice Skates Tags

* Challenges *

♥ Covered Box and Tags... Fantabulous Cricut: Challenge Me Monday #39 ~ Gifts Galore

♥ Snowflake Tag... Paper Playtime: Challenge #28 ~ Snowflakes

♥ Santa Stocking and Ice Skates... Gaby Abby Challenges with SEI: Week 9 ~ Glitter It Up

Until next time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~

Happy Birthday to a special little boy!

Yesterday was my nephew's 2nd birthday.  It's hard to believe how fast two years has gone!  He is getting so big ~ in size and in personality!  :-)  We celebrated with a small family party at my brother's.  The theme was Mickey Mouse b/c my nephew LOVES Mickey Mouse.  He could watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 24 hours a day if someone kept pressing play for him.

I made him two Mickey birthday cards... one from me and my husband and the other from my parents.  I used the Mickey & Friends and Mickey Font cartridges for the first time... along with my first Action Wobbles!  Oh my... Action Wobbles are absolutely the most fun thing in the scrapping world right now.  I was on the phone with my mom went I put Mickey's head on the card and got to see Action Wobbles in action for the first time.  I just started giggling mid-conversation.  It was awesome.  If you have not tried these fabulous little guys yet, you are missing out!

Aunt Jen & Uncle Brandon's card

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ Black cardstock from Recollections

♥ White cardstock from Georgia Pacific

♥ Red cardstock from Recollections ~ Primary value pack

♥ Flesh cardstock from The Paper Company ~ Cypress value pack

♥ Mickey cut from Mickey Font cartridge and attached with Action Wobbles to create a bobblehead effect {way cool!}

♥ "Oh Boy!" cut from Mickey Font cartridge

♥ Red layer embossed using Mickey Celebrates Cuttlebug folder

♥ White stitching added using my favorite Pentel Sunburst gel pen



Grandma & Grandpa's Card

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ Black cardstock from Recollections

♥ White cardstock from Georgia Pacific

♥ Blue, Yellow, and Red cardstock from Recollections ~ Primary value pack

♥ Flesh cardstock from The Paper Company ~ Cypress value pack

♥ Mickey cut from Mickey and Friends cartridge

♥ D cut from Mickey Font using Mickey Charm feature

♥ Red layer embossed using Happy Birthday Cuttlebug folder

♥ White layer on inside inked with Poppy Parade by Stampin' Up!

Until next time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~

Blog Hop Winner!

And the winner of the Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree Blop Hop candy is...

Theresa
who said "I love your ornament. As far as my fave, I have several that my kids made when they were little..while it's more than one..they are my faves."

Congratulations, Theresa!  Please e-mail your address at jdscricuteering{at}gmail{dot}com so I can get your stamps off to you right away.

Special thanks to all who visited my blog during the hop.  I read each of your comments and am very excited about all the new followers.  I hope to find time soon to visit your blogs as well.

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree Blog Hop

Happy Holidays, Cricuteers!

Welcome to the last stop of the Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree Blog Hop!!  If you have come from visiting Amy at http://amychomas.blogspot.com/, you are in the right place.  If you just happened upon my blog, I highly recommend you hop back to Michelle at http://totally-stamps.blogspot.com/ and start from the beginning so you don't miss any of the fabulous projects being shared.  If you get lost along the way, below is a list of today's rockin' lineup.

♥ Michelle ~ http://totally-stamps.blogspot.com/
♥ Susan ~ http://itsmesusanp.blogspot.com/
♥ Carol ~ http://cardstockscissorsandglue.blogspot.com/
♥ Jenny ~ http://crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/
♥ Kathy ~ http://kathy-thebeautifullife.blogspot.com/
♥ Debbie ~ http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/
♥ Misty ~ http://abusyplace.blogspot.com/
♥ Iva ~ http://ivarai.com/
♥ Bonnie ~ http://ascrapabove.blogspot.com/
♥ Nana ~ http://youniquereflections.blogspot.com/
♥ Laura ~ http://lauraleesdream.blogspot.com/
♥ Marianne ~ http://paperorfabric.blogspot.com/
♥ Christel ~ http://onescrappinsista.blogspot.com/
♥ Rebecca ~ http://rebeccasaylor.com/
♥ Carol N ~ http://stampincarol.blogspot.com/
♥ Kee Kee ~ http://life-is-scrap.blogspot.com/
♥ Amy ~ http://amychomas.blogspot.com/
♥ JD ~ http://jdscricuteering.blogspot.com/ <-- That's me, Cricuteers! 

For today's project, I made my first Christmas ornament of the year.

I found these fun styrofoam snowballs in the Make It Christmas section at Hobby Lobby (sale price: $1.00!!) and thought they be so cute in an ornament.  They are also quite fun to play with... but beware... if you spill any, they will go EVERYWHERE!  I made the mistake of breathing on my scrap table after dropping a few.  I'm sure you can imagine how that turned out!  LoL.

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:
♥ Clear glass "flat" ornament from Michaels "Celebrate It Christmas"
♥ Styrofoam snowballs from Hobby Lobby "Make It Christmas"
♥ Ruby Red vinyl from Cricut
♥ White vinyl from The Paper Studio (note: TPS vinyl comes with 2 pcs of 12" x 36" per package - that's 2' more than Cricut!)
♥ "Let It Snow" and snowflakes cut from Winter Frolic
♥ Forest Green 1/8" satin ribbon by Offray


Now on to the candy... One lucky Cricuteer will win this beautiful set of Christmas stamps.  Aren't they fabulous??  I've been so tempted to use them myself.  To enter this giveaway, please follow my blog and leave a comment below telling me about your favorite Christmas ornament.  One comment per Cricuteer please, and U.S. residents only (I love my international Cricuteers, but I hope you'll understand!). I will pick a winner on Sunday evening using Random.org.

 Thanks for hopping with us today, and we hope you all enjoyed the Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree Blog Hop.  Come back and visit soon!

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

Giveaway Alert!

*GIVEAWAY ALERT*
Obsessed with Scrapbooking is giving away not one, but TWO, Scotch 3M PINK ATGs!  If you don't already follow this great blog, you should!  Go visit!  You won't be disappointed.

My Biggest Cricuteering Project Ever!

On Saturday morning, just hours before my sister's sweet 16 birthday party, I put the finishing touches on the LARGEST project I have ever completed using my Cricut... and by largest, I mean in size and time and supplies!  For weeks now, I've had the idea in my head to make my sister a paper cake for her party.  But there was no way I could have imagined how great it would turn out.  I owe part of the credit to my mom who unknowingly purchased a random clearance serving tray at Wal-mart at some point in the past that would transform my little paper cake from my original two layer design into a fabulous three tiered, ROTATING paper cake.  Yes, I said ROTATING!!!  When I asked my mom if she had a tier cake / appetizer server, she pulled this fantastic little gem out of storage... still brand new in the box!  You should have seen me jumping up and down, dancing in my scrap room after I plugged it in.  I was a little excited to say the least.  But I still had a LOT more work to go.  So after many hours working in my scrap room and  the living room... and even recruiting my DH to help, I put the finishing touches on the biggest cake I have ever made.

Without further ado, here it is... in all its glory... sitting on the table at my sister's party...

The monograms on the second tier spelled out SWEET using stars for spacers, and each piece on the bottom said 16.  Only 11 pieces would fit on each layer, but my sister was going to have 13 guests including herself.  So that is why there are two extra pieces of each layer sitting beside the cake.  I filled each piece with gummy treats (wrapped in plastic bags)... sour worms in the green pieces and sugar-y bears in the pink pieces.  YUM!

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:
♥ Green and pink card stock from Recollections South Beach Value Pack
♥ Black and white card stock from my paper stash
♥ Cake pieces cut using Tags, Bags, Boxes, and More
♥ Monogram labels cut using Mini Monograms and Gypsy Font (I just LOVE being able to layer images to make "cut outs"!)
♥ Cake layers and cupcake wrapper box cut using Sweet Treats
     ~ embellished with pink and lime green Stickles
♥ 1/8" black and white satin ribbon from Offray
♥ Pink and green satin polka dot ribbon on connecting poles from The Robert Stanley Collection at Hobby Lobby
♥ Black and white polka dot ribbon on base from The Ribbon Boutique at Hobby Lobby
♥ Pink and green shreds from Hobby Lobby's Christmas collection

I am submitting this project to the following challenges:
♥ Fantabulous Cricut: Challenge Me Monday #38 Ribbon Challenge ~ use ribbon somewhere on your Cricut project
♥ Made by Momo: Tuesday Challenge ~ Make a Treat Box or Bag

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

Blog Hop Winner!!

Thank you to all who visited my little corner of the blog world this weekend as part of the Black Friday Blog Hop.  Your comments were wonderful.  I enjoyed reading each one of them, and I look forward to sharing inspiration with my newest Cricuteers.

Sheree asked at what size to cut the Shopping Bag because she doesn't have a Gypsy.  I made my bag to hold just the card itself, not the holder it came in from the store.  For just the card, you should be able to use a 5" cut.  You will have extra room at the top of the bag to tuck some tissue paper or pretty shreds.  Hope this helps!  :-)

Using Random.org, I have "drawn" the lucky Cricuteer who has won the cute Sugar & Spice stamp set.  Congratulations to Carol who said "I love the bag, you've done a great job for your first hop! Thank you for sharing your talents. I had the best time hanging with my husband, that was the greatest deal."  I have to agree with her.  I spent Black Friday shopping with my DH, too... he went to Michaels, JoAnn's, and Hobby Lobby with me, and I will to Gander Mountain with him.  :-)  Carol ~ I have your e-mail, and I will be contacting you shortly to get your address so I can get these stamps off to you in time to enjoy this holiday season.

Reminder to all ~ I will be participating in the Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree Blog Hop this Saturday, and I will have more yummy blog candy for another lucky Cricuteer.

I have a beyond fun project to post for you all, but I'm feeling a little under the weather today and want to give the project the attention it deserves... so I may not post it until tomorrow.  We'll see how I'm feeling after dinner.  Hope you all had a fabulous holiday weekend!

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

Black Friday Blog Hop

Good morning, Cricuteers!

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving and are all rested up for the fantastic Black Friday Blog Hop we have for you today.  If you are a first time visitor, welcome to JD's Adventures in Cricuteering.  I am excited to share my adventures with you.  If you've come from visiting The Daily Scrapper at http://www.abusyplace.blogspot.com/, you're in the right place!  If you just happened across my blog and would like to join in the fun, you should definitely head to Crazy About Cricut to start at the beginning.  Each blog has created a project centered around the shopping or using the colors black and green.  Be sure to visit all the talented crafters for inspiration and fun blog candy!

Just in case you get lost along the way, here is today's lineup:
♥ http://www.crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/
♥ http://www.onescrappinsista.blogspot.com/
♥ www.gabycreates.com/
♥ www.pinkcricut.com/
♥ www.caramiller.com/
♥ www.almabrooksblog.blogspot.com/
♥ http://www.love4stamps.blogspot.com/
♥ www.abusyplace.blogspot.com/
♥ www.jdscricuteering.blogspot.com/ <-- That's me, Cricuteers!
♥ http://www.craftyscentiments.blogspot.com/
♥ http://www.scrappinwithmybug.com/
♥ www.cricutlove1.blogspot.com/
♥ http://www.craftypinknaynay.blogspot.com/

Now onto my project...

I absolutely love gift giving.  I love shopping for the perfect gift, wrapping it beautifully, and adding a customized card or tag.  There's something so satisfying about finding a gift that is just perfect for someone and watching their reaction as they open it.  While I enjoy the gift giving that traditionally comes along with Christmas, I know many people who are simply stressed by the thought of it.  As my gift to those people, I created this fun shopping bag gift card holder.  I have to admit I've been known to give gift cards at times ~ there are some people who are just too hard to buy for and rather than getting something they don't like / need, I believe it's better to let them pick their own present.  But I try to jazz up the gift a little with a fun card or wrapping such as this...

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:
♥ Black & silver glitter cardstock ~ DCWV The Glitter Stack
♥ Red metallic cardstock ~ Recollections Gemstone value pack
♥ 1/4" silver satin ribbon ~ The Ribbon Boutique
♥ Shopping bag cut from Tags, Bags, Boxes, & More (pg. 55)
     *I shut off the aspect ratio link on my Gypsy and "stretch" the width to fit a gift card without adding more height.
♥ Scallop-top tag cut from Tags, Bags, Boxes, & More at 1" (pg. 32)
♥ Tag tied with black embroidery floss by DMC

In honor of my first blog hop, I am having my first blog candy giveaway!!!  I will be sending one lucky Cricuteer this fun set of Christmas stamps.  Aren't they cute??  I was tempted to get a set for myself!  To be entered, please follow my blog and leave a comment below sharing your best Black Friday deal (from any year!).  One comment per Cricuteer please, and U.S. residents only (I love my international Cricuteers, but I hope you'll understand!).  I will pick a winner on Sunday evening using Random.org.

Now hop on over to visit Yolanda at http://www.craftyscentiments.blogspot.com/.  Her designs are wonderful.  You won't be disappointed!

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

My First Blog Awards

On Sunday, Kel and Laurie over at Serenity Scrappers gave my week an awesome start by giving me my first ever blog award... the I Got The Attitude Blog Award.  Then today, Rhonda from Scrap Happens awarded me with the Stylish Blogger Award.  A big thank you to these fabulous ladies for these fun awards!

As part of  accepting these awards I am supposed to tell you all several things about myself... 3 for the Attitude Award and 8 for the Stylish Award.  And then I am supposed to pay these awards forward to friends in the blog world.  So first I'll start with fun facts about JD.
     ♥ I love Ben & Jerry's Mint Chocolate Cookie ice cream.
     ♥ I am a self proclaimed addict of all things scrap related.
     ♥ I love country music.
     ♥ I live four houses away from my parents and across the street from my childhood best friend.
     ♥ Traveling to all 50 states is at the top of my bucket list.
     ♥ I'd rather be home reading or scrapping than out on the town.
     ♥ I set my alarm to wake up in the middle of the night last night for Customs Crops' Pink Tuesday sale.
     ♥ I spent 31 nights in hotels last summer for work (on the upside, most of those nights were in Charleston, SC - what a beautiful city!)
     ♥ I am also addicted to taking pictures (which sometimes drives my DH crazy).
     ♥ I can fall asleep after being in the car for less than five minutes (which also drives my DH crazy).
     ♥ I am proud to be part of such a wonderful community of scrapping bloggers.
 
Whew!  That was some list!  I think I will leave you with that for tonight and check back in this weekend to pass these fun awards on to other deserving bloggers.
 
A big thanks again to Serenity Scrappers and Scrap Happens.  You ladies rock!
 
Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

Thanksgiving Blessings

In just a few days, families will begin gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving.  My DH and I will head to my aunt and uncle's for an early dinner with my family and then out to his parents’ for a late dinner with his family.  The holidays have always been a special time with our families, but the events of 2009 really changed things for my DH and me.  For those of you who don’t know, we lost my husband’s father last year in addition to our little angel Faith.  Despite all the sadness these losses brought into our lives, they have also opened our eyes to the blessings around us.  There are still tough days, but we have settled into our new abnormal and have a renewed appreciation for all the blessings God has given us.

While we will not gather with all our family and friends this Thanksgiving, we will be thinking of them… those who live close but have others to spend the holiday with, those who live many miles away, and those who are blessed to enjoy this time at the Lord’s table in Heaven.  We will miss them all.

In honor of Thanksgiving, I am entering the following card into two fun challenges this week.  The first is the Gaby Abby Challenges with SEI 7 ~ Anything Thanksgiving challenge over at Scrapbookaholic.  The second is Challenge Me Monday ~ Challenge #37 Thankful For... at Fantabulous Cricut.  Fantabulous Cricut challenged us to create a project about something we are thankful for.  No, I am not thankful for turkey... well, okay, this week I am very thankful for turkey... and stuffing... and mashed potatoes... but yeah, that's not what I am thankful for in this card.  I made this card especially for my grandma, and I am so very thankful for her.  She is the recipient of many of my cards, and I truly enjoy the time I spend crafting special cardsto send her.  And above all, I am truly thankful for the phone calls we share each time she receives one of my cards in the mail.

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ Cardstock ~ Stampin' Up! (Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Crushed Curry) and Recollections (Spice Market - brown)

♥ Ribbon ~ American Crafts Fall 2010 Dollar Spool Collection (I'm totally addicted to these liittle spools!)

♥ Button ~ Favorite Findings Ocean

♥ Turkey and Gobble cut from Create A Critter

Until Next Time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~

Blog Hop News and My New Christmas Tree!

Happy Thanksgiving Week, Cricuteers!

It’s been a while since my last post.  I’ve been so busy getting ready for the holiday season and working on some fun projects that I can’t show you just yet.  One is a surprise for my sister is having her 16th birthday party this coming Saturday.  I’m trying a project that I’ve never made before and am hoping it turns out the way I am envisioning.  Wish me luck!

The other projects are for two upcoming Blog Hops I will be participating in.  The first is the Black Friday Blog Hop hosted by Crazy About Cricut.  This shopping themed hop should be lots of fun for those staying home this Black Friday as well as those returning from the craziness that will surely be found in stores everywhere.  I will be doing my first blog candy giveaway in honor of the hop.  Be sure to join us Friday morning starting at 12 AM Eastern time.  The second hop is the Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree Blog Hop hosted by Totally Stamps (http://totally-stamps.blogspot.com).  This hop will feature great Christmas themed projects and is taking place on Saturday December 4th.  I will have more blog candy that day, too!

In addition to all the crafting and craft planning I’ve been doing lately, we spent last night decorating our house for Christmas.  We aren’t having any company for Thanksgiving this year so I wanted to get my decorating done early.  I just love coming home from shopping on Black Friday morning, turning on the Christmas lights, and curling up on the couch to watch a movie.  I so enjoy this time of year!  I even put a little (and I mean, little) tree in my scrap room / office. I found this fabulous PINK SPARKLY tree at Hobby Lobby… for only $2!!!  It’s only about 5 or 6 inches tall, but absolutely just too fun not to have in my crafting space.

That’s all for now.  Be sure to visit me this Friday the 26th for the Black Friday blog hop and next Saturday December 4th for the Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree blog hop.  I’ll have some fun projects and blog candy to share with you!

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~


P.S. What do you think of my new Winter blog makeover?  It's even snowing thanks to Small Bird Studio!

Finding Inspiration...

I found out yesterday that my aunt's mom (my dad's brother's mother-in-law) passed away on Thursday night.  Although not officially related, she was almost like a part of the family.  She would attend various family functions with my aunt and uncle... holiday celebrations, bridal / baby showers, graduation parties, and more.  The visitation is tomorrow, and I knew I wanted to make a card for my aunt, uncle, and cousin.  I just wasn't sure where to start. So I turned to my fellow paper crafters in the blog world for inspiration.  {I am so thankful for all of you!}  Several of this week's challenges caught my eye and sparked an idea in my head.  So I pulled out one of my new Cuttlebug folders and created this sympathy card.  Strangely I wasn't really sure about this folder when I purchased it, but am now glad I did because it worked beautifully for this card.

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:
Card Front
♥ Paper from Recollections ~ Kraft, Brown from Spice Market, and Green from Cypress
♥ Embossed with Cuttlebug ~ Bird Call folder
♥ Tiny round brads from The Paper Studio ~ Metal
♥ 1/8" ribbon from Offray ~ Leaf and Brown
♥ "in sympathy" sentiment from The Paper Studio ~ Everyday Expressions
     ~ inked with Stampin' Up! Early Espresso
Card Inside
♥ "God be with you" cut from Lyrical Letters

I am submitting this card to the following challenges:
♥ Made By Momo ~ Anything Embossing (use heat embossing or dry embossing)
♥ Cooking With Cricut ~ Fall Colors
♥ Fantabulous Cricut ~ Challenge Me Monday #34: "Bird Bonanza: Create a project using something having to do with a bird (bird cage, owl, bird, etc.)"

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

Winter Wedding

The first snowflakes of the year have official fallen here, and this year, we actually have a Winter wedding to attend.  Being in the Midwest, most of our friends and family choose to get married in the Spring or Summer... or Fall... well, really just any time when there isn't a risk of snow on the ground.  :-)  But for the first time in a long while, we'll get to worry about staying warm at a wedding instead of staying cool!  It's kinda funny... my cousin on my dad's side is getting married on December 3rd of this year, and my cousin on my mom's side just got engaged and is planning a December 3rd wedding next year.  Popular date!

I decided to do something completely out of character for myself and make my cousin's wedding card... wait for it... EARLY!  {GASP!}  I never do such things!  Don't know what's gotten into me... guess it must be the snowflakes (or the cool new Martha Stewart punch set I picked up at Michael's last weekend!).  AND to add to the "who are you and what have you done with JD?" confusion... I tried a new-to-me card style: the Gatefold, AND I even finished the inside of my card!  YAY ME!!!!

[Please note: All paper used is metallic and shiny... yet metallic and shiny tend not to photograph well.]

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

Card Front

♥ Metallic Blue, Silver, and White paper from Recollections Precious Metals and Gemstones value packs

♥ Wedding Cake cut from Wild Card

     ~ Silver layers created by cutting a second cake from Wild Card and trimming just the portion I wanted

♥ Pearls from Recollections

♥ Snowflakes ~ punch scraps from interior of card

♥ "For the Newlyweds" sentiment from Stampin' Up!

     ~ inked with Stampin' Up! Not Quite Navy

♥ Oval cut from George and Basic Shapes (oval 2)

Card Interior

♥ Layers edged with Martha Stewart Snow Flurry punch

I am submitting this card to the following challenges:
♥ More Than Favors ~ Anything Goes
♥ My Creative Time ~ Throwback Thursday: "ANY project of your choice just as long as it has to do w/FOOD"  (mmm... wedding cake!)
♥ The Paper Variety ~ Wedding Themed Project

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

Papercraft Star Challenge #19

Last week, I participated in my first Papercraft Star challenge.  I decided to keep the momentum going this week and join in the fun again.  This week's challenge was to use the following picture for creative inspiration:

I just got my new Paisley Prints stamps from Stampin' Up! and have been wanting to try them.  I am not a big shape-stamp person.  I typically just use stamps for sentiments so this was a personal challenge for me.  I kept wanting to open my Cricut, cut some cute leaves and run them through my Cuttlebug for that extra something special, but I managed to stay strong even though I was suffering from major Bug withdrawal!  LoL.

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ Kraft cardstock - Recollections

♥ Leaf paper - DCWV Amber Autumn Matstack

♥ Pear Pizzazz cardstock - Stampin' Up!

♥ Leaves - Paisley Prints by Stampin' Up!

     ~ colors: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake

♥ Button - Favorite Findings 'Clean'

♥ "Just A Note" - TPC Studio 'Greetings'

I'm not quite sure if I'm a shape-stamp person yet, but I'm willing to try them some more before passing final judgement.  I can say that I am very excited to try the rest of the Paisley Prints set with my Perfect Paisley Cuttlebug folder!  I just can't stop thinking about my Bugs, can I?  Hi... I'm JD, and I'm a Cricut / Cuttlebug Addict.  LoL.  And on that note, I'm off to hug my Bugs ~ so they know I still love them!  :-)

Until next time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~

Think Pink!

October is almost over... I can't believe it!  Where did the month go?

I'm not sure how many of you know, but in addition to being Breast Cancer Awareness month, October is also National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month.  Because P.A.I.L. hits so very close to home for me, I have spent the month honoring my daugher Faith who became one of God's littlest angels in May 2009.  However, as the month ends, I also wanted to do my part for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Robyn at My Pink Stamper along with Tammi at Creative Critters Cricut Club are celebrating "Think Pink" week.  They are asking us to send cards to two of our fellow scrappers who are currently fighting breast cancer with major surgeries this week.  Please visit their blogs for more details ~ including addresses where you can send your own cards.

My thoughts and prayers go out to both Monique and Brenda.  Wishing them both faith, hope, and strength during this difficult time...

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ White cardstock by Georgia Pacific

♥ Pink and Patterned paper from K&I Memories Funky Paper Pad II

♥ Circles cut from Mini Monograms

♥ Support Ribbon cut from Designer's Calendar (a great hidden treat on this cartridge!)

♥ Polka Dot ribbon from The Ribbon Boutique @ Hobby Lobby

Challenge Entries:
♥ My Creative Time ~ Polka Dot Challenge (use Polka Dots and your Imagine or if you don't have an Imagine, use Imagine patterned paper to create an Imagine-like project)
♥ OWH Stars and Stamps ~ Almost Anything Goes (no glitter ~ not safe for soldiers!)

Until Next Time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

MPS Live Color Challenge

Robyn from My Pink Stamper and Karlee from Karlee's Krafts hosted a live chat last night.  I joined late due to attending a high school football game for my cousin (aka the "bulldozer").  When I finally got connected, I was so excited to hear Robyn is releasing FIVE new stamp sets!  I love her stamps and finally got my first set a couple weeks ago.  YAY!  :-)  During the chat, they also issued a color challenge... make a card using pink, green, and purple - in under 30 minutes (yikes!).  So I cranked a little music, grabbed some supplies, and I was off!  With the exception of a few random texting distractions and a Stickles situation, I came close.  It was fun working with a time limit.  I think I'll have to try it again in the future... maybe I'll get more done that way!  LoL.

I just love this little pink penguin.  What do you think?

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ Patterned paper from DCWV - Sweet matstack

♥ Solid paper from Recollections - Soda Pop and Butterfly Wings packs

♥ Penguin cut @ 3" from Create A Critter

     ~ embellished with Pink and Lavender Stickles

♥ Winter Wishes sentiment from Imaginisce Snowy Jo collection

     ~ inked with Stampin' Up Concord Crush

♥ Green snowflake ribbon from Michael's Celebrate It Holiday collection

     ~ NOTE: this ribbon also comes in PINK and PURPLE and is only $1.99 for 3 yards!!!

Until next time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~

Papercraft Star - Challenge 18

Beth over at Papercraft Star has left me a couple messages now saying I should join in their fun weekly challenges.  So I decided this was going to be the week.  I wanted to start last week, but didn't get my card finished in time.  This week's challenge was simple... make a thank you themed project using dry embossing, a Cricut cut, metal, and anything else you want.

When we got home today, our house was only 62 degrees!  We've been trying to avoid turning the heat on, but after freezing last night despite the three blankets and flannel sheets on our bed, we gave in.  I may have to give up scrap shopping for the winter in order to pay the gas bill, but at least my fingers will be warm enough to craft.  LoL.

In an effort to hold on to the fading memories of summer, I turned to my A Day At The Beach paper pack from The Paper Studio for this week's challenge.  It may be freezing outside, but this paper just called to me and I couldn't say no.  If I wasn't already a self-proclaimed paper addict, I might worry that my paper talks to me, but really... I'm perfectly okay with it.  :-)

Anyways, it's getting late and I'm rambling... so on with the card!

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:
♥ Patterned paper from The Paper Studio - A Day At The Beach
♥ Card base - Crushed Curry cardstock from Stampin' Up!
♥ Flower - Melon Mambo cardstock from Stampin' Up! and Green from Recollections - Spice Market
     ~ Cut from Accent Essentials at 1", 1.5", and 2"
     ~ Melon Mambo layers embossed with Cuttlebug Swiss Dots
     ~ Green layer embossed with Cuttlebug D'vine Swirl
     ~ Brad from The Paper Studio - Pewter Flowers
♥ Thank You ribbon from American Crafts Premier Ribbon (I just love their dollar ribbons!)

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

P.S. Please head over to Papercraft Star and vote for me beginning Saturday at 12 noon.

16 and Licensed to Drive!

Sunday was my youngest sister's Sweet Sixteen birthday!  I still can't believe she's 16!  At the risk of sounding sentimental and embarassing her, I still remember when she was born.  I was in 7th grade and spent the entire day waiting for someone to bring a message to my class saying that my dad called.  I don't think I paid attention to a single thing any of my classes that day!

I wanted her birthday card to be special with lots of bright colors and sparkles.  I absolutely love the invite card on Wild Card.  It was the perfect start for a fun birthday card!  What do you think?

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ Patterned paper from The Paper Studio - Birthday Extravaganza pack

♥ Yellow paper from DCWV - Amber Autumn Matstack

♥ Paper for Keys from Stampin' Up! - Old Olive and Melon Mambo

♥ Envelope, Card, and all Layers cut from Wild Card

♥ Keys cut from Going Places and top layer covered in Star Dust Stickles

♥ Colored gems from Recollections

♥ Buttons - random finds from my button jar

♥ Sentiment - Happy Birthday from TPC Studio stamped in Peach Parfait ink from Stampin' Up!

Until next time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~



Happy Halloween!

Ahh... the excitement!!!  I FINALLY got Martha Stewart's Drippy Goo punch last week!!!  I had my 50% off M.S. at Michael's coupon ~ but my local Michael's does not carry Drippy Goo.  So I had to wait *impatiently* for Hobby Lobby to have a 40% off coupon.  I almost gave in and bought it at full price ~ but somehow... the good Lord only knows how... but somehow, I managed to wait.

Once I finally had that drippy little punch in my hands, I couldn't wait any longer!  I. HAD. TO. USE. IT. RIGHT. AWAY!  So off I went... to make a card for my favorite person to make cards for... my Grandma.  Oh... and did I mention I just recently stocked up on Stickles, too?  This girl is in LOVE!  ♥ ♥ ♥

Without further adieu...

And I was having so much fun with Drippy Goo that I just couldn't stop... so the inside got goo'd, too!

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ Paper from Recollections - Halloween value pack

♥ Ribbon from Michael's (at least 5 years ago - LoL!!)

♥ Embossing - Spots & Dots by Cuttlebug

♥ Stickles - Orange Peel & Black Diamond

♥ Sentiment - cut from Wild Card cartridge

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

More Great Giveaways!

Wow... there is a LOT of great blog candy going around right now!

♥ Obsessed with Scrapbooking is having a giveaway in honor of Hello Thursday.  Be sure to visit her and check out the latest, greatest releases in the Cricut world.

♥ Stacy over at Scrap with Stacy is giving away an awesome collection of Tim Holtz goodies.  Check it out at http://love4stamps.blogspot.com/2010/10/give-way.html.

♥ Saundra at Luv Scrapping Together is celebrating 100 followers with some fun blog candy, too.

Until next time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~

And my wish list keeps getting longer...

Earlier this summer, I purchased a pack of 12" x 24" mats with every intention of purchasing some frosted vinyl to create an etched glass looking design on the door from our deck into our grown-up playroom (a converted "in-law" apartment off the back of our house).  Well... the mats are still in the package, and I have yet to buy the frosted vinyl.  But I now have another want to add to my 12" x 24" wish list... DCWV Adhesive Backed Paper Stacks.  Oh my goodness... these stacks are amazing!  A little pricey for my already out-of-control scrapping budget, but Christmas is just around the corner.  Oh Santa... 

Be sure to visit DCWV Diary to check out these great new stacks!!

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

P.S. Be on the lookout for more fun adventures very soon!  I'm very good about taking pictures of my projects, but not so good about posting them in a timely manner.  I sensing a future New Year's Resolution. 

Oh My!!!

** Blog Candy Alert **

Not only does Karen at Feline Playful have an amazing blog where she gathers various challenges from all over the blog world into one at-your-fingertips place, now she is offering an amazing blog candy package in celebration of reaching 500 followers!  Be sure to visit Feline Playful to follow this awesome blog and join in the blog candy fun!!

Until next time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~

Original Scrapbox Giveaway!!

The Original Scrapbox is hosting another great giveaway!  This time they are giving away the newest member of their amazing storage solutions - The PaperTower.

Visit any of the following websites for more details:

     ♥ Pink Cricut

     ♥ Rashelle Workman - A No. 2 pencil stat!

     ♥ My EyeQ Sue Neal

     ♥ Elizabeth Mueller

     ♥ Marvelously Messy

     ♥ Nap Time Crafting

     ♥ Priscilla Styles

     ♥ Brown Paper Packages

     ♥ Mod Podge Rocks

     ♥ Rachelle Writes

Until next time, Cricuteers!
~ JD ~

Bridal Shower Coordinating Card & Envelope

Friday night, I finally had the chance to meet my cousin's wife-to-be at, of all places, her bridal shower.  Better than not meeting her until the wedding, right?  :-)  When I sat down to make her card, I hit a huge creative wall.  So I reached for my trusty new friend... Wild Card.  After a little Cricuteering with some heat-embossing and gel-pen stiching thrown in for good measure... voila!  All that was missing were the signatures!  This one-of-a-kind, customized, coordinating bridal shower card and envelope were ready for giving.

JD'S SCRAP-IPE:

♥ Navy solid paper from Recollections

♥ Silver solid paper from Recollections - Precious Metals

♥ Heart White embossed paper from ??

♥ Card, envelope, and envelope sentiment cut from Wild Card

♥ "For Your Shower" sentiment stamp from Stampin' Up! Teeny Tiny Wishes

     ~ Heat embossed using VersaMark ink and Stampin' Up Silver Embossing Powder

♥ Silver stiching ~ silver gel pen from Creative Memories

♥ Snowflake brad from Recollections

Until next time, Cricuteers!

~ JD ~