My Pink Stamper NSD Designer’s Choice Blop Hop **GIVEAWAY**

**Giveaway Closed**

Happy National Scrapbook Day!  I'm so glad that you have decided to celebrate the My Pink Stamper way and have joined us for our Designer's Choice Hop.  If you arrived here from Edna's blog (Create with Expression) then you're in the right place.  If you arrived here on your own, I invite you to hop over to My Pink Stamper so you can start at the beginning and see all the wonderful designers' projects.

Isn't it amazing that we have a day just to celebrate preserving memories?  Scrapbooking really is the perfect combination of creativity and history, and I don't do enough of it.  The stamp set that I have chosen to showcase today is That's Punnylicious:

I LOVE all of Robyn's Punnylicious line.  They're so fun!  The occasion that I chose to scrapbook for today isn't exactly a wonderful memory, but an endearing one, and something that should be documented nonetheless.  My son broke his arm last weekend on the play set in our backyard, poor kid!  Later while we were sitting snuggling he told me that he was trying to be Indiana Jones.  He had flicked his whip up over the top of the play set, thinking that it would wind around something so he could pull himself up.  It didn't quite work that way, poor little guy.  I couldn't help but smile when he told me.  I don't love that he got hurt, but I do love his very vivid imagination.  He's such a character and I wouldn't have him any other way.

Stamp:  My Pink Stamper That's Punnylicious
Cuts:  Cricut Create a Critter (monkey, vine, bananas), Plantin Schoolbook (scallop border, grass), Silhouette Playground
Paper:  Making Memories (stripes), AC Cardstock, Stampin Up
Embellishments:  assorted buttons, linen thread

**GIVEAWAY**- Leave a comment for a chance to win your very own That's Punnylicious stamp set!  Thank you My Pink Stamper for your very generous donation.  Don't forget to include your email address so I have a way to contact you.  I will choose a winner on Wednesday, May 9th.

Thanks for stopping by.  The next stop on the hop is Chelle's blog (Paper Krate).  I have also included the entire hop order below.  Have fun hopping, and have even more fun celebrating National Scrapbook Day.  I hope your day is a creative one! 

My Pink Stamper

Renee (RockinRenee)

Angela (Simple Creations)

Cristi

Carissa (Sprinkled with Glitter)

Shelley

Helen

Edna (Create With Expression)

Andrea  -------->>you are here<<

Chelle (Paper Krate) --------->>go here next<<

Missy

Tracy (CraftJunkieToo)

Roberta

Michelle(Meesh’s Pieces)

A little baby goodness

A few days ago, for my monthly craft night the theme was babies and weddings.  I'm at a time in my life where I am not needing a lot of either of these, but I still like making them!  So I was happy to have an excuse to make some.  Here are the baby cards:

Stamps:  My Pink Stamper Sweet Baby

Cricut Cartridge:  Create a Critter

Paper:  AC Cardstock, and I'm not sure where the blue plaid came from ;-)

Edge Punch:  Fiskars

Embellishments:  American Crafts ribbon (I really like this striped ribbon, see below!)

Stamps:  My Pink Stamper Sweet Baby

Cricut Cartridge:  Kate's ABC's, George & Basic Shapes

Embossing:  Cuttlebug Swiss Dots

Paper:  Roberts Crafts, Stampin' Up!, AC Cardstock

Edge Punch:  Martha Stewart

Embellishments:  American Crafts ribbon, Stickles

Feeling Crabulous!

Hello!  I have a little something to share with you today that has been sitting in pieces on my desk for about two weeks now.  It's been a little crazy around here, and promises to get even crazier as I prepare for family to arrive, and then to move shortly thereafter.  Fun times...

Yesterday I felt a little like old mother Hubbard because it had been one of those days where there had been a little too much, "She did this," and "He did that," so kids went to bed EARLY!  Which means that I had a little peace and quiet to play in my craft room.

Have I ever mentioned that I like red?  I really like red.  To look at my projects you would probably never know that, but it's my favorite color.  Especially today since it's Canada Day!  I haven't been able to celebrate it for a few years, but I'm happy to report that this year I have some Canadian friends with whom I can celebrate the land of my birth.

I just love this little crab from the Create a Critter cartridge!  And of coarse Robyn of My Pink Stamper has the perfect sentiment to go along.  Have a Crab-u-lous day comes from the set Biggie Punnies which was part of her most recent release.  If you would like more information on where to purchase her fabulous stamps, click here.

Stamps:  My Pink Stamper Biggie Punnies
Cartridge:  Create a Critter
Embossing:  Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirls, Swiss Dots
Paper:  AC Cardstock, Stampin Up
Embellishments:  Michaels (ribon), American Crafts (ribbon), Stickles, and I have no idea where the button came from!  ;-)

I hope you have a Crabulous day!

My Pink Design Team - June

I am so excited to be joining with Robyn at My Pink Stamper and my fellow Pink Designers to share this month's project.  If you stopped by today on your own, be sure to head over to My Pink Stamper  when you're done so you can see all of the wonderful projects this month.  We were asked to create a project that was bright, fun, and of coarse using My Pink Stamper stamps!  As I was pondering what I would make, my mind kept going back to one cartridge that to me is the perfect example of bright and fun - Create a Critter!

We have a new park in town, and in it they have a really fun water play area for the kids that I know we'll be spending a lot of time at this summer.  I'm sure they'll make a splash!

After being cooped up during a long cold winter, and then a cold, wet spring, I feel like we need to just get out and play.  So Robyn's stamp "Live Life to the Fullest" from her Spectacular Sayings set was perfect.  And then to go along with my splash/underwater theme I used the "That's Fin-tastic" stamp from Even More Punnylicious - I just inked the "Fin-tastic" part.  Aren't the octopus and sea horse cute?  I can't believe I haven't used them before.  Add a scallop shell for some journaling and there you have it!

Stamps:  My Pink Stamper Spectacular Sayings and Even More Punny-licious
Cricut Cartridge:  Create a Critter
Paper:  Doodlebug Design (stripes), Provo Craft (orange floral), AC Cardstock, DCWV (foil)
Embellishments:  Offray (ribbon), Doodlebug Design (button), Stickles

Thanks so much for stopping by!  If you would like to purchase My Pink Stamper stamps, you can see a complete list of retailers here.

My Pink Stamper NSD Challenge #6 - Tag You're It! **GIVEAWAY**

The party continues for National Scrapbook Day at My Pink Stamper with challenge #6 - Tag, You're It!  Incorporate a tag into your project.  If you would like more information about this project and to join in the fun, head over to My Pink Stamper!

Giveaway
In celebration of National Scrapbook Day, and since it was just Cinco de Mayo, I thought I would give away the My Pink Stamper Set Spanish Sayings.  To be eligible you need to leave a comment here, and I will choose a winner on Wednesday, May 11.

More My Pink Stamper New Releases!

And the fun continues with another new set from My Pink Stamper called Biggie Punnies!  I love all of Robyn's "punny" sets - they're just so fun and work so well with Cricut cartridges.  This set is one of her larger 6 x 8 sets.

Biggie Punnies

Don't you just love the expression on my son's face?  What can I say?  He's four...

Stamps:  My Pink Stamper Biggie Punnies

Cricut Cartridges:  Country Life (carrots), Winter Frolic (tag - enlarged and elements removed with the Gypsy)

Paper:  American Crafts (City Park line), AC Cardstock, Provo Craft

Edge Punch:  Martha Stewart Apron Lace

Embellishments:  DCWV (buttons), American Crafts (ribbon), linen thread

One of the many really great things you can do with these stamps is bend them a little as you are mounting them on your acrylic block.

Stamp:  My Pink Stamper Biggie Punnies

Cricut Cartridge:  Create a Critter

Embossing:  Cuttlebug D'vine Swirl, Sizzix Zebra

Paper:  AC Cardstock, Stampin Up

Accessories:  Eyelet Outlet (frog eyelets), Stickles

FCCB Bunny Hop Challenge!

I did a little experiment, and low and behold, it turned into a challenge - a bunny hop challenge to be exact.  I wanted to try making a carrot shaped box to put some Easter treats in.  I used the tree box from the Tags, Bags, Boxes & More cartridge, cut some green grass with Plantin Schoolbook for the leaves, put a bunny on it and there you have it.  Very simple, but very cute.  Well, I think so anyway!  ;-)  And of coarse Robyn at My Pink Stamper has a perfect stamp to go along!

Cricut Cartridges:  Tags Bags Boxes & More, Create a Critter, Plantin Schoolbook
Stamps:  My Pink Stamper Even More Punnylicious
Paper:  AC Cardstock, Roberts Crafts, Bazzill
Embossing:  Cuttlebug Swiss Dots

A Charming Blingey Challenge!

In my search for some inspiration this week I thought I'd participate in a couple of challenges:

Peachy Keen Stamps Challenge #47 - Think Bling
The Cuttlebug Spot - Oh So Charming

This was a really fun challenge for me, first of all because this is a great sketch (as usual) but also because I was able to try a new technique.  This is the first time that I have used Polyshrink (Shrinky Dinks) in my Cricut.  It was pretty easy!  I just used a regular blade, and I used the "Multi-Cut" feature set on 2 - although I'm not sure that was even necessary.  I used Sharpies to color the bunny and then pulled out my heat embosser.  Of coarse it didn't take long before my children were in there with me making requests!  It's actually a great project for tweens - they can make earrings, charms for necklaces and bracelets.  But that will be a topic for another post...

Cricut Cartridge:  Create a Critter
Stamps:  My Pink Stamper - Even More Punny-licious
Paper:  Doodlebug Design, AC Cardstock
Embossing:  Quickutz Flowers
Embellishments:  Stickles, Offray (ribbon), Polyshrink, Sharpies

PKS Monochromatic Challenge

There is a great sketch and challenge going on right now at Peachy Keen Stamps.  The challenge is to make a card that is monochromatic, with black and white allowed.  One of my nieces is having a birthday this weekend, and I had this planned out for her and then realized how beautifully it fit with the challenge.  And it gave me another excuse to play with my My Pink Stamper stamps.  I love all of Robyn's punnies!

Cricut Cartridge:  Create a Critter
Stamps:  My Pink Stamper Even More Punny-licious (Yappy Birthday and paw print)
Paper:  Roberts (black), Doodlebug Design (glitter paper), CTMH (stripes), Stampin Up (violet), Georgia Pacific (white)
Embossing:  Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and Lifestyle Crafts Polka Dots
Decorative Edges:  Coluzzle, Martha Stewart Scallop Dot
Embellishments:  Darice (gems), Michaels (ribbon), Crystal Effects

MPS Design Team Challenge

It's that time again - Robyn at My Pink Stamper has put a call out for her next design team.  The challenge:  to make a project using her three favorite colors - pink, green, and brown.  Making this Easter topiary is something that I have wanted to do for months, well, since I first saw the idea.  I have to give credit where credit is due:  I first saw the topiary idea here.  So adorable!  But of coarse I had to tweak it a little to make it my own.

The biggest change I made was I wanted to give the flowers dimension, so after cutting them out I used the tip of my glue pen to form the flower around - kind of easing them into making the petals stick out.  Here is what I used:

• Small clay pot:  painted with acrylic paint and sealed
• Foam ball and a foam egg:  these you can get in the floral department at your local craft store.  I got mine at Joann.  The foam ball is hot glued into the base of the pot and you need it there to keep the dowel in place.
• Wooden dowel
• Easter grass or paper shred
• Coordinating paper and ribbon:  The paper I used is called Cherry Cobbler by Doodlebug Design, and the cardstock is from AC Cardstock.  The ribbon is from Michaels.
• Your choice of critter cut:  The bunny and basket came from Create a Critter
• Silver brads
• Hot glue gun
• Lots and lots of flowers:  These flowers came from the Forever Young cartridge, flower5 set on Shadow.  After cutting the flowers I first punched a 1/16th hole, eased them into a "sticking up" position, placed the brad through the hole, glued the underside of the flower around the brad, then stuck it into the foam.  You could also use corsage pins for this - they would be really pretty!

And now to give a little further credit...

It has been one year since I got my first "baby bug" Cricut for Christmas, which also marks one year as a fan of My Pink Stamper.  I discovered Robyn looking for help with learning how to use my Cricut, and I owe the fact that I learned so quickly and had so much fun along the way to her amazing videos and inspiration.  Thank you!

"Deck the Halls" with a Fantabulous Cricut Crawl!

Welcome to Divine Domesticity and the third Fantabulous Cricut Crawl...Fantabulous Cricut's version of a blog hop!  I'm so glad that you decided to join in the holiday fun with us!

In honor of this joyous season we're having a "Deck the Halls" Crawl in which each Design Team member will be showcasing a Christmas or holiday themed home decor project - all made using a Cricut of coarse!  I'm the first stop on the crawl, and I'm so glad that you have found your way here.

I have been using these glass blocks for about 3-4 years now, but this is the first year that I have been able to decorate one using a Cricut!  I have to say, it's so much easier!  If you are looking for a quick and easy project with maximum "ooohh, aaahhh" factor, this is the project for you.  I made these for a boutique that I participated in recently - hence the price tags.  Incidentally, don't mind the price.  I know, I know - I was practically giving them away.  I was mostly looking to use up some supplies that I had on hand.

I bought these blocks at Home Depot and my husband was good enough to drill the hole in the back so I could put the Christmas lights in.  In order to do that you have to have a diamond tip drill bit, and quite honestly, it's a bit of a pain.  Thankfully, a lot of craft stores sell these blocks with the holes already in them, and some even with slits in them so you can use the blocks as a piggy bank.  Isn't that a good idea?  I might have to try that...

Cricut Cartridge:  Create a Critter (Peace), Beyond Birthdays (Peace on Earth), Winter Frolic (Merry & Bright and Frosty)
Ribbon:  Costco
Battery operated LED lights:  IKEA (go after Christmas and stock up when they're 75% off)
Vinyl:  Roberts Crafts


And now it's your turn.  We would love to see your Christmas/holiday themed home decor projects that you have made using your Cricut.  And when you're done, make sure to link up your project to FCCB's Fantabulous Cricut Crawl post to be entered into the contest!

If you just happened upon my blog today - welcome!  If you would like to join in with the Fantabulous Cricut Crawl, you can here.  Make sure to check out each DT member's blog for some awesome inspiration!  Some DT members will have PRIZES along the way, AND there will be a Grand Prize up for grabs at FCCB for one participant that submits a "Deck The Halls" project at FCCB!

The next step on the crawl is Angela at Simple Creations Paper Crafts!

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #36 - Achoo!

The theme for this week's challenge at  the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog is - Achoo!  Get well, being sick, flu-bug types of projects.  Very appropriate considering we have certainly had our share of "bugs" around this house the past couple of weeks.   This is the only "flu-bug" I'd like to be getting this winter!

Cartridges:
Create a Critter (ladybug and "bug"
Wild Card ("flu" and "?")

Embossing:
Quickutz - Polka Dots

Cardstock & buttons:
DCWV

Punch:

Fiskars Apron Lace

Glitter Glue - Studio G

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #35 - Shape/Color Challenge

Welcome to my first design team submission for the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog!  The challenge for this week is to use the color green and a circle in your project.  So I decided to use a green circle!

The little peppermint was made using the Simply Charmed cartridge, and the "Sweet" comes from the Create a Critter cartridge.  The background was created using the D'vine Swirl Cuttlebug folder.  Cardstock from DCWV.

I need to spend more time at the Cricut website!  As I was looking for the link for the D'vine Swirl folder I noticed that they have a lot more Cricut Companion folders - Winter Frolic, Simply Charmed, Boys Will Be Boys, just to name a few.  I love these, but as luck would have it I haven't been able to get my hands on any of them yet.  I live in the area where so many papercrafting/scrapbooking companies are headquartered (Provo Craft for a start) and yet the local stores have the worst selection of Cuttlebug products.  So aggravating!

Critter Sketch Challenge Blog #28 - Red with Stripes

As I have said many times before, I love a challenge!  And I found a new one this week at Critter Sketch Challenge Blog.  The challenge this week was using the color red in combination with stripes, so how could I not join in.  I LOVE red!  It is my signature color (said with a heavy southern accent - name that movie!).

The striped paper is from Making Memories, the stamp is from Stampin' Up!, and the critter is from Cricut cartridge Create a Critter.

My Creative Time Throwback Thursday Challenge - Frame It!

It's so nice when a challenge and a project come together so nicely.  A friend of mine just had a baby so I decided to be oh-so-trendy and use pink and brown to create my chickie ensemble.

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #23 - The Great Outdoors

Woo-hoo!  Do you see my new blinky?  My submission for last week's Fantabulous Cricut Challenge was chosen as a Top 5!

Today I tried to make the ever elusive man card.  We have lots of fishermen in my family, so a fishing card was a natural choice.  That, and I don't really have any other outdoorsy-type images...

I love Create a Critter!

MPS Critter Challenge

My family and I are going to a rodeo tonight, so a cow just seemed fitting.  Well, that and I just found this totally adorable barnyard paper from Doodlebug Design.  If you want to join in you can check out the challenge here.

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge - Smile!

I had fun with this one - I hope it makes you smile too!

I love a challenge!

This is one of those cards that I was working on in my head for weeks before I actually put it together.  Wow, now I am suddenly feeling inadequate with all the pressure I've just put on myself!  ;-)

The Create a Critter cartridge is just full of hidden gems!  I LOVE this little fish bowl and have been dying to make a card with it, so when I saw that the theme for Challenge Me Monday at Fantabulous Cricut was "At the Zoo" I took my chance to make my fishy card.

A word to the wise:  when you are using this cartridge to make a fish to go inside your fish bowl, DO NOT assume that if you leave your size dial at the same setting that the fish will be the correct size!  I cut the fish bowl at 3 1/2" and ended up with a fish that was enormous!  I ended up cutting the fish at 1".  Now what am I going to do with an enormous paper goldfish cracker...?

Christmas in July

Phew!  I'm sorry this was such a long time coming.  I hope it was worth the wait!  I had a lot of family staying with me last week.  It was wonderful, but sad to say that they are all gone now, including my mother's Cricut Expression!  Waaahhh!  And not only does she have the Expression, but she bought a Gypsy while she was here too!  That's OK, I've got a couple of new additions also.  I bought the Mini Monsters and Forever Young cartridges and can't wait to try them!

To celebrate the fact that we have been dangerously close to triple digits here in Utah, I thought I would make a Christmas card!  ;-)

 This was made using the reindeer from the Create a Critter cartridge, since that is the only Christmas image I have!  Hmmm, another shopping opportunity?