Dot & Whimsy

Well, I've made it to July 24th and have not shared a 

single "Christmas in July" project up until now!

That's almost unheard of...for me anyway :)
But today is the day.

have teamed up this week to bring you some inspiration

from both of the companies!

Be sure to visit the Xyron Blog to see all of the projects!

 My first project uses a recycled glass jar with a 4" opening at the top.

 I embellished the top of a 4" Jumbo Bottle Cap from Maya Road with some 

patterned paper by Doodlebug Design.  After cutting the circle, I placed the paper

through the Creative Station to add a nice, even coating of permanent adhesive.

The metal flower bottle top was colored with a red alcohol marker,

topped with paper and then attached with Xyron 3/16" Adhesive Dots.

A wooden knob was painted lime green and attached with Xyron Adhesive Dots.

I added some ribbon to the jar by running a length of ribbon through

the Xyron 1.5" Sticker Maker.  A matching bow was added to the tag on front.

Two of the Raspberry Berry Beads were adhered to the side of the tag

with Xyron 3/16" Adhesive Dots

And lastly I have a quick, quick card that I made up with some of 

the Paper Twist Ribbon from Maya Road and papers/stickers by 3 Birds Designs.

I slightly unwound the paper and then rolled it into a flower shape.  

A 1" circle was covered in adhesive with the 1.5" Xyron Sticker Maker and

then the rolled flower was attached to it.

That's all from me today!

It's challenge time again at May Arts Ribbon!

As the banner says...they give you the ribbon...you create.

You must be one of the first 20 people to sign up, so go --here-- for more info.

 Here is a look at the Inspiration Board and Retro Themed Ribbons:

Seriously yummy, right?

For my take on the challenge, I was able to use all but the bottom right green

ribbon in my design.  I came up with this cheerful Spring Banner that now

graces one of my larger grapevine wreaths:

To begin, I started with six sheets of scalloped rectangle chipboard by Maya Road.

 I cut each piece down into a triangular shape as shown above.  

Next, I painted the very top with a lime green acrylic paint.

I used the orange scallop grosgrain ribbon as the base of the carrot.  After cutting

the desired lengths for each chipboard piece, I ran the ribbon through a 3" Xyron Sticker Maker.

Just apply the strips of ribbon to the triangle and wrap the excess around to the back.

 Where the grosgrain ribbons met, I accented those areas with the yellow loop trim.

 I accented the top of each carrot with pink pom trim and the new gorgeous

sequined elastic trim.  I tied all of the panels together with the turquoise sheer

ribbon and then attached it to the wreath with a heavy gauged wire.

 5/8" Sheer/Ruffle Edge  

1/2" Pom Pom String

There is a ton of cute inspiration up today on the May Arts Blog;

come on by and check things out :)

Hello!

Today I'm bringing my latest design for 

featuring the fabulous Photo Frames that can be found in most Pink Paislee collections. 

 Today I’ve chosen the cool, crisp colors and patterns from the Portfolio Collection and

 have picked out not one, not two, but all four of the Photo Frames included in the pack! 

I started out with the idea to layer the frames all together and then place on a layout…

but after a little Pinterest research, I came up with an altered Photo Display using 

three large binder clips, a sheet of scalloped chipboard and some Pink Paislee goodies.

  Here is a look at the completed project…I’ll get into all of the details following:

 All righty, to begin I started with a plain 4.25″ X 8″ scalloped chipboard page (Maya Road) that

 I painted a warm yellow (and yes I cheated…just paint the areas that will show).  

Next, I spritzed on a light coating of Black Velvet Color Shine. 

After all was dry, I machine-stitched on a 4″ X 7.75″ piece of Black LUXE Chevron Paper.  

This next photo will show placement of the three binder clips.  I added these to the chipboard 

before I attached the black photo mat holding the layered frames.  Note that you will need to make

 sure that each clip is even at the bottom and in line with the other clips; once that is done 

your frame with stand just beautifully!

 For the layered Photo Frames, I began by arranging them so that each would overlap without the 

‘window’ below it showing through.  Then I applied small square foam adhesives between each layer.  Attach the bottom frame to a black cardstock mat with foam dots.

 A sweet doily border accents the top Photo Frame.  I added Gold Gelato by Faber-Castell to the Artisan butterfly and colored the star with a permanent black marker. 

To the top, I added a couple of the photo tabs, along with my daughter’s nickname spelled out 

with Heidi Swapp’s Clear Mint Letters.  Meh, it was lacking that ‘something’ so I decided to

 type out her full name in a New Courier Font (Bold 24 pt) and then printed it out onto a 6×6 Portfolio page.  I used a 1/2″ circle punch to cut out each letter and added to the top with foam dots.

   You could also try incorporating this idea into recipe, note or place-card holders. 

Now wasn’t that F*U*N!!!  I hope you get the chance to try it…would make a wonderful

 Teacher’s Gift or try something masculine for Father’s Day.

Glad you've come by today!  

I'm gradually adding to the giveaway pile...I'll be sharing soon :)

There is no doubt that love is in the air! 

Time to  share a fun and functional heart-shaped treat box covered in loveliness.  

It all begins with a paper mache heart box from Maya Road and gorgeously crafted 

papers and accents from Authentique's Lovely Collection.

 Can't you just imagine receiving this sweetly decorated box filled to the brim 

with delicious handmade goodies or a variety of chocolate candies...oh yeah!

 To begin, I traced the box shapes onto the"Adore" 12x12 Paper and cut out. 

 As you can see, the lid comes with an acrylic 'window';  I carefully removed this so that

 I was able to trace the inner aspect of the heart.  After attaching the paper to the lid,

 I reattached the window with adhesive.  

 I fashioned a small heart from the "Crush" 12x12 Paper by using a quilter's template. 

 Next I layered on a small paper doily from my stash and topped that with the sweet

 girl and greetings motif cut from the "Greetings" 12x12 Paper. To the bottom

 I gathered a cluster of blooms from Petaloo, as well as some that I die-cut and 

rolled myself from the "Crush" paper.

 I used a scruffy walnut ink pad to gently distress the edges of the paper.  

A band of "Crush" paper covered the top's edge along with some pretty pearl, 

lace trim that I got in a bundle from Hobby Lobby.
And nothing says "Valentine" like a red/cream gingham bow, which completed my sweetheart box. 

 Supplies:
Authentique Paper- Lovely: Adore Paper; Crush Paper; Greetings Paper; Details 12x12 Sticker Sheet
Maya Road- Heart Box
Petaloo-Pink Dahlias

My Favorite Things- Flower Die

Authentique will be showcasing the newest collections: Winter, Renew, Spring & Hope

at the blog throughout the month...collections sell out quickly, so don't  miss out!

Queen of the Witches!

For today's blog hop with 

I've concocted yet another Halloween goodie to 

hang in my scrap room :)

First, you should be arriving at my blog from Rose's Happy Place!

Next, please excuse the photo...it was rainy when I took the photo

(so glad for the rain though!) and hard to find adequate natural light.

I used two parts EAD for this little plaque: 

Queen of the Witches Rub-Ons and Holiday Owl Stickerz

I traced a design (using an album shape from Maya Road) onto chipboard

and then one a little larger for the backing.  I then traced mirror images onto

patterned papers by My Mind's Eye.  And you know me, I had to trim the edges

in baker's twine!  I then layered the two pieces together with foam dots, which

allowed enough room to be able to slide the ends of the pipe cleaner down into.

For the owl, I applied it to a piece of kraft paper and then trimmed out.

Now it's time to head over to Amy Tsurata's Blog!

Thanks for hopping with us!

I just love banners.

I'm so glad that someone decided to

bring them into the forefront of crafting!  I have made

banners for myself and to sell...can't get enough of 'em!

When I received my box of goodies for designing with 

I quickly jotted down the idea for a sweet banner

for Sydnee's room!

After painting the Maya Road scalloped banners in a 

bright candy pink, I distressed the chipboard with a bit of 

walnut ink.  The triangle portion of the banner was covered in 

patterned papers by My Mind's Eye and then embellished with all sorts 

of yummy goodies!

I love these scalloped dies by Lifestyle Crafts...they work with 

all sorts of die-cutting machines...and who doesn't love doilies?!?

One of my very favorite aspects of crafting is digging waaay back in your

stash and coming up with some gems that you'd forgotten about...like the glitter

alphas by K & CO :)

Fun little 3-D Stickers by K&CO and puffy 

dimensional stickers by Martha Stewart, matched the papers perfectly.

Each panel was outlined in a shabby silver tinsel trim!

You must get some of these!  I'm in love with these 3-D Acrylic Flowers

from PRO 31...they have tons of colors and an 

assortment of shapes on hand.

And while you're at it, you must have some of the 

beautiful Wheat Sprays...and what's not to love about

a dear white dove?  They offer small and large sizes.  Did you know

that you can alter the color by adding alcohol inks?  That's a pretty cool fact :)

the other end to whatever you'd like to hang it from.To attach all of the banners together, I used a length of
blue Rose and Sequin Trim and Fabri-Tac. 

Let me know if you have any questions about this project.
I know that photos can be a little deceiving about dimension and those
little details...I'll be happy to share.
Glad to see you today...I appreciate you coming by!

Ahhh, to be a child of the 80's

Guess jeans, Swatch watches,OP t-shirts, penny loafers and

BIG HAIR!

My kids found this picture of me, taken when I was 18.

Now, was that some hair, or was THAT some hair?  I have riotous curly hair

and this particular day it happened to fix just perfectly :)  Julia Roberts had nothing on me hahaha!

I did this layout for my sponsored challenge over at the My Scrapbook Nook

MOVIE MADNESS CROP.

The challenge is entitled "The Red Carpet"

and the only instructions are to use shades of red on a layout or card.
I used the April Nook Kit featuring STORYTELLER by Crate Paper.
The Maya Road chip frame also came in the kit, and I spritzed it with Mister Huey's
REAL RED...perfectly matches these papers.  For the flowers I used the
I Top Punch from Imaginisce and the Trio flower punch from EK Success.

You still have plenty of time to come over and play along with us!

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Tomorrow I'm up at Imaginisce for our Canvas Corp. Blog Hop.

I have some really fun stuff to share with you.

Also tomorrow is the Monday EAD Blog Hop.

Lots to do...lots to see!

Have a blessed Sunday

It's the countdown to the weekend...happy Thursday!

First up, I want to make mention of the truly sweet and adorable

I have it

.
.

oh wow!

El-to-the-yumm-o

Grab yours today...new members receive a fabulous GRAB BAG
plus you receive your 13th month FREE!
 If you sign up, please tell them that Shellye sent you :)

Erika Gasser
Aleksandra Gadji
Patricia Roebuck
Bente Fagerberger

Leah Killian
Stacey Michaud
Carol Monson
Danni Reid
Jessy Christopher
Katarina Damm-Blomberg
Hilde Aaslund
Anna Sigga
Marinette Lefevre
Lilith Eckles
Shellye McDaniel
Pamella Brown
Gina Rodgers
Deanna Misner
Nicole Nowosad

Congratulations to our new team members...
they are truly amazing...really, truly :)
 I invite you to our wonderfully inspiring Message Board...
drama free and fun LOL
Come on by and see what we're cookin' up for you!

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If you love designing cards or other paper/craft projects with stamps and
would love the opportunity to design with Ippity brand stamps,
then give Heather a holler! She's hosting a Guest Design Team Call and
will accept applications until the end of this month.
IHI was my very first Design Team and
I love how much it has evolved in the past year.
 So if you're thinking that you would like to give a Design Team
 a go, this would be the perfect place to get your start :)

And being that it's Thursday and all....

I have a Totally Terrific Thursday card to share today.

Again, I have pulled out the {Storyteller} Collection by Crate Paper
and the {How You Doin'} Ippity Stamp Set

I'm so in love with Mister Huey by Studio Calico...in my
 personal opinion, it's the best spray mist that I've used to color
 plain chipboard.  The {Real Red} is simply a perfect match
 to the Storyteller papers.For the butterfly centers?
I really wanted to bring out the green in the leaves of the paper,
 so I took three decorative stick pins from Maya Road and snipped
 off the pin part...voila!

That's all for today...I should have a brand new blog look within a day or two,
so don't be shocked if you don't recognize it the next time you stop by.
See you soon!
Shellye

Welcome to the EAD 

Monday Blog Hop & Give-A-Way

You should be here from Rose's Blog

Sometimes I feel like Uncle Billy from It's A Wonderful Life.  

You know Uncle Billy always sported the string tied onto several fingers so-as-not-to

forget something important.  I may wear a coat to work, but not need it in the morning and then leave it at work!  Or my half-eaten lunch that gets left at work for four days.  In the past I have

stapled a sticky note to my keys simply saying "don't forget"...I know immediately with 

the reminder that I have a box to carry home or need to stop somewhere before I leave.

With that concept in mind, I came up with this super-cute 

reminder fob!  I can tuck it into the safety of a large pocket in my bag and then pull it out 

and attach it to my keys when I need to remember that all-important-thing!

I used a Maya Road sheer journal card and rubonz from EAD.

You could also create personalized backpack tags, luggage tags, etc.

Quick and fun!

I'm the caboose this week...hope you've enjoyed this week's blog hop :)

Shellye

Yes, it is November 15th and I have the majority of my Christmas buying done.  I'm in the midst of compiling photos for my mother's annual calendar.  When I mentioned that I might not have time to pull a calendar out of the hat this year, I swear that I saw a tear...well, and the whining pretty much gave away her dislike of that idea LOL.  You know, she's my dear mom and she doesn't ask much of me at all...so one way or the other, I will have her gift done by December 25th (in years past some of the pages are still wet with glue...nothing like a little procrastination).

Tyler will be 18 shortly after Christmas.  I think this is the first year that he's only asked for ONE video game.  *sniff* he actually requested 'grown up' gifts this year like a Fossil watch, Oakley sunglasses, cologne, a pair of blue jeans, lounge pants, socks and underwear :)

Zachry; not much on his list either.  The generic blanket term "clothes", two XBOX games, one PSP game, socks, underwear and a Kindle.  Oh and Axe...he's gotta smell good too!

Sydnee...well, she's nine and of course her list keeps growing.  Luckily everything she's asked for is fairly inexpensive and of course she won't get all of it anyway hehehe

I had a FIT when I saw this cute coverlet from JCPenney.

She's been begging for a hot pink and zebra room and yes, I've been warding her off. Anyway, she'll get her wish in a much more palatable tone than screamin' hot pink and big honkin' zebra strips @@

 For my project this week at I Heart Ippity, I decided to design a cute door hanger to go along with Syd's NEW bedroom color scheme :)

I dressed the Maya Road frame in My Mind's Eye Fine & Dandy, used a computer font for the name plate and then stamped the cute girl image.

And YES, it will be wrapped and given with the coverlet and pillows!

It's up, it's up!  

My HELLO FALL project is up at LYB Blog today.
I will share a few photos here, but be sure to stop by their blog to see the full tutorial, more photos and leave a little much-appreciated L♥O♥V♥E ☺
My project is two-fold...a Fall Family Tree Display that partly doubles as a place setting name plate/accent

--the Fall Family Tree--

I will be posting my latest CARDS Challenge tomorrow...a little prize in store for one lucky winner.

Congratulations to Michelle Price for winning my challenge from last week, "GIVE THANKS"

The Message Board is back up and running, so stop by and check out the super challenges and wonderful inspiration.

There is a section that I'm quite excited about: December Daily.  Yep, I'm taking the plunge this year.  I've already started on the base pages and look to have them all sewn up by the weekend. If you're not familiar with December Daily, there is a great write-up of tried and true methods and ideas found at The Nook Forum!  I'll show off my album just as soon as I'm done.

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My oldest son, Tyler and his fellow De Kalb Bears Varsity football team will be playing for an Area win in our district this Friday night.  To say we're excited is truly an understatement.  Driving around our small town, you will see that most every business has their windows painted up and flying a DeKalb Bears sign outside their door.  We're hosting a city-wide Pep Rally Thursday night and selling car flags, pom poms, hamburgers and hoodies LOL! Community pride is something that I hold very dear.  Small towns have their moments, but it's times like these that I'm glad to say that I'm a small town-girl :)

GO BEARS!

Be back soon enough!  Be blessed!

Shellye