Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies

Hello All!  My sister surprised me and came for Thanksgiving.  It was the best T-day!  The time whooshed by and now it's already December - yikes!  Jenna is hosting her second cookie exchange party in a couple weeks.  Here are the invitations.

They are "exploding box" invitations and the theme is "Visions of Sugar Plums."

Here is what is each guest received:

The image is from A Day for Daisies (Jewelry Box Ballerina) colored with copies and her tutu is embellished with Stickles and popped up with layers of vellum.

The box is made from Bazzill Diamond cardstock and the purple layer is Bazzill Purple Palisades cardstock.  The flourish is a Memory Box die, Frostyville Corner Die.

I used Aileen's Glitter Snow and embellished it with diamond glitter.  The candy pieces are miniature Christmas ornaments.

I'm linking up!

Coastal Charm:  Show and Share No. 239

Cherry Blossom Bridal Shower - Invitations

Hello everyone!  I wanted to share the  invitations I've been working on for my best friend's bridal shower. Lots and lots of coloring but I'm really happy with them. The image is from A Day For Daisies, "cherry blossom cluster" (find it here) and I believe it was part of last week's release.  I designed the invite using MS home publishing software --oh yes, it's super old but I've been using it for so long, that it's totally my go-to program for invitations and especially when I have lots of them to do :)

I printed them on Cryogen white cardstock from Paper Temptress (here) which is perfect since it has a slight iridescent sparkle to it; plus it's copic friendly and wonderful to color on.  I added the little gem as a nod to the solitary diamond in an engagement ring ;)  The shower is in a couple weeks and since I'm hosting it, I'll have a few more crafty things to share soon.  

Happy Crafting! <3 Lisa

Bittersweet

Hello All.   Today is my last day as a designer for A Day For Daisies.  :(  When I saw this sad, little mermaid, "Mermaid Sympathy," among Tammy's new releases today, I knew it would be my swan song image.  *sigh*  I did some paper-piecing --her hair and tail --and embellished her locks with turquoise Stickles.  Oh she looks soo sad!

So, A Day For Daisies has been my tether to paper crafting for the last few months.  I have thoroughly enjoyed creating with these incredible images and  will still be doing so *BUT* I am really itching to try my hand at refinishing furniture.  Isn't that funny!?  I have scrapbooked since 1998 and was planning parties way before that yet in the last year, I have become obsessed with restoring and refinishing furniture.  I think above all I just need to create whether it be with paper or otherwise, I just have to have an outlet.   I hope my paper crafting friends will stick this out with me!

Happy Crafting! <3 Lisa

Mermaid in a Snow Globe!

Well all, my term on the DT for A Day For Daisies is (sadly!) coming to an end :(   I have one more week left but I really hate goodbyes so I decided to do this now.  I am very grateful to Tammy for taking a chance on me and allowing me to stay on for as long as I have.  It's been such a joy! :)

Ok, so, onto the fun stuff!  A new challenge begins today at A Day For Daisies and it is to use glitter - woohoo!  I love my glitter *giggle* - and since the new release are snow globe images (CA-UTE!), it's the perfect combination!  I used Tammy's "Mermaid in a Snowglobe" image - oh she is such a cutie!  I love how she's pressed up to the glass...and that gave me an idea :)  I wanted my own little ADFD mermaid in a snow globe!  I printed the image on heavy vellum and colored it with prismacolor pencils.  I fussy-cut out the mermaid and mounted it on a thin strip of craft plastic.  I gently rolled up the image and slipped it inside the clear ornament, leaving the craft plastic to stick out the bottom a little; this way, I could move the image around.  Once she was in place (looking out the glass), I hot glued the plastic strip and cut off the excess.  I put some "bubble" beads, beach sand, glitter, and tiny shells as well.  I used an empty ribbon spool to create the snow globe base.  Oh, and I made a matching card to create a little gift set :)

Happy Crafting! <3 Lisa

Mother and Child

My Mom's birthday is not for a couple weeks yet but when I saw this beautiful image, "Mother and Jane," from the A Day For Daisies new release this week, I wanted to it use for her card.  I am a huge fan of Tammy's mother/child images.  They convey such love and tenderness!

I colored the image with copics and cut it out with a large oval Nestabilities (it's matted on Bazzill pastel pink cardstock).  I used Memory Box printed papers, Wild Orchid Craft paper rose and the other embellishment is a holiday pick from JoAnn's.  There is a sheer ribbon accent in the corner but unfortunately it doesn't show up very well.

My mom is my best friend.  She is the first to my rescue and has always been my sounding board.  There isn't anything I can't talk to her about.  She is the kindest, most compassionate person you will ever meet; although she can be fierce if one of  us has been done wrong.   She's funny and crafty and about a million other wonderful, beautiful things but she doesn't see it even when you insist.  She can also make a mean potato salad :)  She is everything I want to be and everything to me.   I love you Mom.  <3  I am ever thankful for you.  Happy Birthday!

My Favorite Things: A Day For Daisies, My Cat Lilybelle, and My circa 1900s Mantel!

Happy Friday All!  Oh my goodness, December is whizzing by and I'm still not finished with my Christmas shopping - YIKES!!  Dan and I have been working like mad around the house and it is crazy how much time goes into even the littlest project.   But it's so rewarding when a room comes together so it keeps us moving onto the next!  We are now working in dining/living room and I cannot wait to share the pictures of that room.  I am so excited about one of the improvements we are putting in there that I have to show you!!  But first, I want to share a card I made using this A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E. A Day For Daisies image (from the wonderful new release today).  I couldn't resist using Tammy's "Kitty Gift" image because it reminded of my LilyBelle - see her crazy little frizzy fur!?  She is a Himalayan mix and her coat has really gone through some phases - hee hee!

Here she is the day I brought her home July 13, 2009:

 and here she is now:

She is my constant companion and is always crafting with me...you know, chasing ribbon or sleeping on my table or batting about a bead she found on the floor :)  So.darn.cute!

Ok, enough of my going on about Lil; now it's time to get on with GUSHING about my latest Craigslist find! *giggle* I am so excited about this -- an antique Victorian double mantel!!!  

She is a beauty  - see for yourself:

SWOOONNN!  Look at those columns and that mirror!!!!  and you will never guess what I paid for her!   ONE HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE smackeroos - WHAT WAS THAT!?  yeppers $125.00 -  I couldn't believe it - I did one of those cartoon moves when I saw it:

I did not pass go, I did not collect $200, I moved directly to the phone and (1) called the owners, (2) arranged pick-up, (3)  rented a U-haul (cause she's 7 feet tall and 4 feet wide), and (4) changed out of my jammy jeans (no, I'm not kidding, my sister got them for me for Christmas last year) and was on the road less than 15 minutes later to Bowling Green to pick 'er up.   As it turned out, it had been listed previously for three times as much and it wasn't selling.  The owners were moving and it needed to go ASAP so they dropped the price.   Here's another look:

This amazing piece of history was removed from one of the historic homes in Bowling Green during renovation.   We actually passed the house it came from on Main Street on our way to get her!  I have written down these details and am placing them inside the mantel when it's installed (hopefully soon).  

Happy Crafting! <3 Lisa

Merry Little Christmas

I have been on an ornament-making kick lately!  I found these plain ceramic ones at Michael's for $1.49 each and I grabbed a couple.  I also found at AC Moore a DIY rub-on kit by Grafix --Grafix Rub-Onz-- and I knew I had the makings of a really easy-peasy project :)  I used a new image, "Little Lamb" from A Day For Daisies (released today!).  I found some clipart online of the Star of Bethlehem and layered the image and then added a shaped text box, "Baby's First Christmas" along with the date.   I printed the whole thing onto the Rub-Onz paper and then used Prismacolor pencils and Glaze pens to add color.  The adhesive gems were added after I transferred the image onto the ornament.  There is a new challenge starting today at A Day For Daisies also!  Anything Goes! More info HERE.  Come join in the fun! Happy Crafting! <3 Lisa

A Day For Daisies - New Release Today!

Hello All!  There is a lovely new release today at A Day For Daisies and you will want to check it out!  There are a number of images --all amazing! -- but I am quite partial to Tammy's mermaid images so I couldn't resist making an ornament for my Christmas tree using, "A Wish Under the Sea."  I printed the image, combined with a text box, "Magical", on heavy vellum, colored with primsacolor pencils and embellished with Stickles and Smooch Illumniate.  The ornament was $1 from Michaels and I put glue around the edge and dipped in Epsom salt.  I love the icy-looking "frost" it created!

Now I can officially say, this is my annual ADFD Christmas ornament - Here is last year's - SNOWFLAKE FAIRY.

I'm sorry for such a short post; I'm running behind this morning!

Happy Crafting! <3 Lisa

A New Challenge at A Day For Daisies (and a picture of my table)!

Happy [belated] Thanksgiving Everyone!  I hope your holiday was wonderful and  that you're not too stuffed today *giggle*  My table arrived right on time and wow, is it GORGEOUS!  LOOK AT THOSE LEGS! :)

The dining room is not close to being finished yet; I still need window treatments, a sideboard, two armchairs, art on the walls and inverted wainscoting...but all in due time.  For now, I'm just really excited to see that table!! :) I am going to keep working on it and I'll post updates along the way.  Now, on to the Challenge...

It's a color challenge at A Day For Daisies!  I love these bright, summery colors!  Here is my inspiration using one of the Under The Sea New RELEASE today,  "Three New Friends."

I used papers from DCWV Citrus stack.  The image is colored with copics and I used "fantasy film" on the mermaid's tail.

Enjoy your weekend!  Happy Crafting, <3 Lisa

Getting Ready for T-Day!!

Good Morning Everyone!  I hope you had a great week :)  I am looking forward to the weekend - as usual! - even though it will be a busy one.  Lots of preparations underway for the Thanksgiving holiday and thanks to A Day For Daisies, my Thanksgiving table setting is going to be GORGEOUS!  I have purchased my first "formal" dining table.  I never would have believed I could be so happy about a table but she is a beauty.  It will be delivered on Wednesday --whew! that's cutting it close, isn't it!? -- and I wanted it's holiday dressing to be special.  I used Tammy's re-released image, "pretty turkey," and created napkin rings from Bazzill cardstock, nestabilities and grosgrain ribbon.  I want to make some place cards also.  I am painting the dining room to paint this weekend --all in preparation of thearrival of the guest of honor --The TABLE!  I will definitely post pictures of the dining room, table, etc. next week. Until then, happy crafting! <3 Lisa

Jolly Ole Saint Nick

My goodness I am late!  Typically I set up my posts the night before new release day but I am just getting to my "night before" list and it's already the night after!  UGH.

A Day For Daisies' new release "Vintage Seasonal Fun" is based off some old Christmas illustrations from the 1900s.  The image I used, "Saint Nick" is done in Margaret Evan Price style.  I love the swirls of magic around Santa as he gets ready to go down the chimney!  The image is colored with copics and I pulled out all the glittery, iridescent, sparkly stuff I could find for the swirling magic and snow :)  I used Bazzill cardstock for the card and the "Believe" and swirls are $1 stamps from Michaels (I love my $1 stamps!).  So please head over to A Day For Daisies and check out the other fabulous images in this week's release.

Happy Crafting! <3 Lisa

Trick? or TREAT!

 Hello Friends!  Wow, October is almost over and I cannot believe it!  I have a few things left to do to be ready for trick-or-treaters and I am not sure is just a weekend is enough time. :)  At least I was able to play with another adorable Halloween image from A Day For Daisies, "spider cupcake" from the new releases.  PLUS today begins a new challenge - to use metallics in your card or project!

Here, I cut a box using Cricut cartridge Tags, Bags, Boxes & More and using the Happy Hauntings cartridge, I cut out the spider web frame from silver cardstock to go around the window of the box.  The image is colored with copics and the cupcake liner was paper-pieced with purple metallic paper.  The orange sprinkles were made by crushing organge metallic beads!  The little window card came from the $1 bins at AC Moore.  I used sticker letters for the trick and treat.

The treat in the box is an extra-large marshmallow, cut in half, and dipped in Halloween-themed sprinkles.  This was a quick and simple little project but I just love how it turned out.

Hope your weekend is WoNdErFuL!
<3 Lisa

Halloween Gift/Treat Bags!

 The week's new releases from A Day For Daisies  were so inspiring to me!  There are many wonderful images and among them my favorites - children in simple masks.  I started thinking about how adorable it would be to host a "mask parade" party (kind of a play on the word "masquerade"!) and the kids could craft their own masks.  I would sooo do this but my !ittle girl is all grown! *giggle*  So I decided to make treat bags for the handful of little ones I know between friends and neighbors!

I used Tammy's "Elephant Mask" digi and incorporated the sentiment (I used Microsoft Home Publishing) and then printed onto Cryogen cardstock.  I colored her up with copics and cut out the image with an SB classic rectangle. I cut out another rectangle (but this one was scalloped) from purple cardstock and punched holes in each scallop to tie a small scraps of ribbon (grosgrain 1/4" white ribbon colored with copics to match).  I mounted the whole thing onto printed cardstock and put it on the bag using pop dots(so I could run the orange ribbon behind the image and around the bag.  The bag can double as a treat bag too!

Then I couldn't help but make a sample of the mask!  The precious elephant mask is a free printable from from artistshelpingchildren.org.  I printed it several times on several colors of cardstock and then cut out and layered with pop dots.  My favorite part is her big pink bow and sparkle eyelashes (I used fake eyelashes that  from Walmart!)  The gift bag contains several copies of the mask printed on different colors of cardstock and I threw in a few choices for ribbons, a set of eyelashes, pop dots, child-safe scissors, small bottle of glue, and of course, a few "treats"!

So there you have it! Be sure to check out the other images released today as well as the amazing inspiration from the other design team members!

Happy Crafting! <3 Lisa

Rock-A-Bye Baby

I forgot that Fridays of vacation weeks are  kinda of a bummer ;)  Oh well, if vacations lasted then they would not be sooooo enjoyable!

I have been able to steal away to the craft room to make some inspiration for the new A Day For Daisies challenge (begins today!)  The challenge is to add doodling to your card (I added pink hearts to mine).  My image, "Rock a by" comes from Tammy's wonderful new releases this week, "It's a Child's World."  Tammy's inspiration for these beautiful drawings comes from one of her favorite illustrators, Margaret Evans Price.  Ms. Price was the co-founder of Fisher-Price Toy as well as an illustrator of beloved children books.
See Tammy's complete release HERE.

Happy Crafting! <3 Lisa

Bewitching!

Hello Everyone!  I am soooo excited it's Friday because today happens to be my last work day for the next 8 days - WooHOOO :)  Oh vacation is GOOD :)

A Day For Daisies has a wonderful new release today --Vintage Halloween!  My card features "Vintage Witch" and she's colored with copics.  I used Pink Paisley polka dot paper for the background; Fancy Pants paper pack for the sentiment (embellished with orange/black rhinestones from my stash); and I cut the diecut frame using my Cricut and the Happy Hauntings cartridge.  I am not certain about the orange striped paper; it is something I've had in my stash for a long time.  Last week, ADFD announced their newest challenge - "Gimme Some Texture" - and since I had so much fun adding texture to my project last week, I got a little texture-y this week and added the feathers around the sentiment :)

Well, I'm off to work!  Happy Crafting <3 Lisa

Oh Hello Wonderful FALL!

A wonderful new challenge begins at A Day For Daisies today and with it comes some lovely new images!  The challenge, "Gimme Some Texture!" , is to create texture in your project by using embossing and/or elements like burlap, chunky glitter, raffia, etc.  Use your imagination!  I created texture on my image, "Acorn Cutie C," by using (a) Glossy Accents for a smooth and shiny acorn, (b) an embossing folder for a rumpled acorn top, (c) combed felt for her downy hair and a layered petal skirt for a fluttering skirt --even though that may not be a texture it looks really cute ;)  I also added the fiber since the colors were perfect and it looked so tactile :)   I  made this little project into a small picture complete with a (cardstock) stand so it can sit on my desk!   I just love Fall and this makes me happy to look at :)  This challenge was so much fun and I would love to see what you all would come up with.  I loved figuring out how to get the different textures...so c'mon, give it a try!

Happy Friday! <3 Lisa

Here there be Dragons!

Happy Friday Friends!  There is a wonderful new release today at A Day For Daisies...Dragons!  I made a tea bag holder using *this* tutorial from Splitcoast Stampers and although mine is in fact holding tea packets, Beate uses Ghirardelli chocolate squares in her holder and I *love* that idea (I just didn't have any on hand!).  Anyway, I colored up my sweet image, "Dragon Flight," with copics and coated the wings with eucalyptus Stickles and glossy accents.  The printed paper behind the image is from Recollections (pet pad) and the cover of the tea bag holder is Bazzill african daisy cardstock.  I used clear velcro tabs to close the holder; the brads are from Basic Grey.   Who knew I could be so into dragons!? ;)

BANANAS!

Hello Friends!  It has been B-A-N-A-N-A-S around here!  Work has been crazy, Dan and I have been painting like crazy...whew!  I even missed my post last week :(  (because it rained like crazy and caused flash flooding - scary) BUT I'm on the ball this week and when I saw Tammy's Banana Fairy (and banana bunch!) I had to play with them! :)  These darling images are new releases this week *and* there is a new A Day For Daisies challenge -- the challenge is to create a beverage-related gift.   Tammy has created some precious teacup fairy images as part of this week's release, also, so you will definitely want to check them out!

My best friend, Rhonda, and I work together so at least we have each other to lean on during this super-busy time at work.  We try to do nice little things for each other -- Rhonda will bring me pumpkin spice coffee and I'll treat for lunch and vice versa -- anything to bolster our spirit and make the best out of the stress!  So this gift was made with her in mind -- that and when work makes us BaNaNaS - we're going to make Smoothies from them - LOL!  I paper-pieced the banana and colored the fairy with copics.  I gave her wings a thick coat of Stickles and then cut out the entire image and mounted it on a felt circle.  The recipe card was computer-generated.  Since the mug is the gift (when you bring it to the smoothie place, you receive a discount on their smoothies!) I wanted to put a bow on it but dressed it up by adding a wine glass charm made from a hoop earring, plastic beads and a shrink plastic banana charm using Tammy's banana bunch image!

Have a wonderful FRIDAY!!!
 <3 Lisa

A little Christmas...

Hello Everyone!  I'm sorry it's been so quiet here in the Land of Encraftment but I have been a maniac around the house with painting!  Now that my sunroom is completely done, and the backsplash is up in the kitchen, I wanted to have it painted before posting the pics here!  Plus, it is the super busy time of the year at work so it's been crazy :)

Now, on to my A Day For Daisies project this week...Tammy has created some absolutely wonderful Christmas images!  I used "Holly Dance" and created a brooch to wear on my winter coat.  I colored the image with copics and did some paper-piecing too; then embellished with Stickles and adhesive gems.  I glued a pin bar on the back (you can buy them at the Michael's) and then dipped the image in UTEE!  Please be sure to check out the other design team's creations as they are spectacular!

Happy Halloween! I'm just practicing...

...for Fall because I am ready for it ;)  Luckily A Day For Daisies' new releases this week are all about Halloween - YaY!  I've used "Miss Star Witch" and I'm featuring her on my treat/luminary box.  I modified a 2-5-7-10 box and added 1/2" fold at the top to hold the crepe paper ruffle.  I just love the look of vintage Halloween items and so I tried to make mine look like them.  I used white crepe paper and colored it with a yellow Bic Mark It marker; I have used copics also but since I wasn't doing any blending and wanted just a bright yellow, I used the Bic markers (ink is much cheaper ;)  I used a Martha Stewart punch anywhere punch and then laying wax paper behind the punched area, I filled in the stars with Glossy Accents.  After it dried, I cover the stars with a light coating of Stickles.  They really look so cool when the box is lit up (using a floral spot light taped inside the bottom of the box)!  I am really ready for Fall; it is my all-time favorite time of year. 

Happy Crafting! <3 Lisa