Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Miscarriage and Infant Loss Awareness Blog Hop - October 15, 2014





Welcome to the Miscarriage and Infant Loss Awareness Month Blog Hop.

 You should of arrived here from Alicia's Blog, if not, please start at the beginning at Jessica's Blog! 


Today, October 15,  is National Miscarriage and Infant Loss Awareness Day. 

This hop was created for those that have either have Angel Babies, for those that suffered a devastating loss with the loss of their own child or someone in their life that has an Angel baby or lost a child. 

Here are a few statistics to keep in mind regarding Miscarriage and Infant Loss: 

75% of all conceptions end in miscarriage
30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage (1 in 3)
15-20% of confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage
The majority of miscarriages happen in the first trimester
Chromosomal Abnormalities are the most common reason for miscarriages and still births
90,000 children die annually before their first birthday
Nearly 2,500 babies are lost a year in the US due to SIDS
Nearly 30,000 babies are year are born stillborn. This number jumps to 4.5 million worldwide
Stillbirth occurs 10 times more frequently than SIDS
More babies die as a result of stillbirth than all other causes of infant death a year


The above reference statistics can be found on both of the following websites if you would like to find out more information: 

**http://www.hiringforhope.org/pregnancy-infant-loss-awarenes…
** http://miscarriage.about.com/…/a/miscarriage-statistics.html


Too many people in this world grieve in silence over the loss of their children. This hop is meant to CELEBRATE them! You will see many different stories from the wonderful ladies in this hop. Some have themselves loss their beautiful babies, some had family members go through a loss, and some are here to show their support for the women who have gone through it. 

How can YOU show your support today? Here are a few examples:

Keep your headlights on all day
Keep your porch lights on all day
Wear pink and blue ribbons
Light a candle and display it in your window
Release butterflies 

The theme for this hop is any project centered around Angels, babies, pink and blue ribbons, condolence cards, tributes, and  layouts!

There will be a blog prize from Craftin' and Stampin' from online Close To My Heart store. 

The "Your Own Kind Of Wonderful" stamp set is the prize for today's hop. To be eligible, please visit each blog and make sure to comment and follow along the way. Winners will be announced on the Craftin' and Stampin' blog on 10/18/14.




I decided to share a drawing I made of a pink and blue awareness ribbon with my favorite related quote around it. "It takes more bravery to find out who you are beyond your pain, than to merely survive it. I also included the date my angel baby was due. For me, I thought that was more special than the date I miscarried. I wanted it to be a positive date, rather than a painful one. Making this and looking at it daily has helped me during my journey of healing. It is a lifelong battle, and something many of us can unfortunately relate to.





You are now off to Melissa C's blog. 

Here is the lineup should you get lost:

Posted by at 20 comments:

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Barnyard Bash Blog Hop - Sep. 21, 2014

Welcome to the Barnyard Bash Blog Hop Day #2




Old Mac Donald had a farm E..I..E..I..O
With lots of barnyard critters and tons of fabulous inspiration!
We are so glad you came back for our 2nd day of the Barnyard Bash.

Connie Can Crop is playing Old Mac Donald for this hop and is the first stop on this super fun Blog hop so if you missed out on yesterday please start at Connie's blog for the day #1 projects. 

This is a two day blog hop and we appreciate your leaving a comment for all of these talented friends who are here sharing their ideas and creations.

We have two awesome sponsors and giveaways for this hop!


Connie Wallenbrock
You could win an awesome package of  Prima Goodies from Connie's Crafty Cart. 

AND


Lucy Kelleher
is giving away a $10 gift certificate to CTMH


What do you need to do to win? Easy... become a follower of each of the fabulous blogs in this hop and leave each of them a comment letting them know what you like best about their projects.

You will have until 12:00 am Monday to finish the hop and leave your comments.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday at Connie Can Crop.

Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment along the way!

Grab your pitchforks and your overalls because this hoe down is about to begin!!


I chose to dust off my Cricut and carts for this project. The carts just make it super easy to create, and I've wanted to cut this farm image forever and never did. So, I cut the "farm" and all it's layers using Nate's ABC's at 5 inches. Then, I cut the goat and all the layers from the same cart at 2 inches. The only thing I did not use from this cut was the "don't eat the grass" sign, so I just cut it off. This card was pretty easy and super fast to create, but I think it's adorable for a barnyard theme. Hope you enjoyed, and thank you so much for hopping!

 I am the last stop on the hop, so be sure and comment on EVERY post for BOTH days if you would like a chance to win the prizes announced previously. Hope you enjoyed the hop.


Here is our complete line up for day #2 in case you get lost along the way:

Here is our complete line up for day #2
4.Darlene (The Crafting Journals)-http://www.thecraftingjournals.com
Posted by at 15 comments:

Friday, July 18, 2014

Down By The Seashore Blog Hop - July 19, 2014

Welcome to the Down by the Seashore Blog Hop


Sit back and enjoy the view as we whisk you away to the Sea with amazing projects full of bathing beauties, salty air, sandy toes, and crashing waves.

Connie Can Crop is the first stop on this relaxing Blog hop. This is a one day blog hop, and we appreciate you leaving a comment for all of these talented friends who are here sharing their ideas and creations.

We have an awesome sponsor and giveaway for this hop, Scrappy K Designs.


She will be giving away 2 sets of yummy flat back flair buttons of the winner's choice. YAY!

What do you need to do to win? Easy... become  a follower of each of the fabulous blogs in this hop and leave each of them a comment letting them know what you like best about their projects. Then stop by our sponsor's page at be sure to like her on facebook!!

You will have until 12:00 am Monday to finish the hop and leave your comments.
Winner will be announced on Wednesday at Connie Can Crop.
Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment  along the way!

Without further ado, here is my layout. There is no picture on it yet, but there is a space for one. :)


Here are some detail shots:



Up next is: Sarah

Here is our complete line up in case you get lost along the way:

Thanks so much for joining us!
Posted by at 12 comments:

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

5 Year Anniversary of Jessica's 30th Birthday Blog Hop!

Welcome to Jessica's 5 Year Anniversary of My 30th Birthday Blog Hop!!



You should of arrived here from Alicia's blog, but if you did not, please start at the beginning at Jessica's Blog!

For today's blog hop, we are celebrating..you guessed it, a BIRTHDAY!!!
PLUS the 5 years will represent Jessica's 5 Favorite things:
1. Close To My Heart (We ALL know Jessica lives, breathes, and SLEEPS Close To My Heart)!
2. Jaded Blossom Stamps (Jessica is one of their TOP stalkers, lol)
3. SVG Cutting Files (Jessica LOVES the ease and the creativity in Anne's projects!)
4. Kiwi Lane Design Templates (Jessica just found and wondered how she EVER went this long without using them in her layouts!)
5. Die Cutting Machines (Jessica uses her Cricuts/Cameo/Evolution Advance in almost EVERY project!)

So, EVERY project will be birthday themed using one of the 5 items mentioned above!!!! Now, you KNOW every hop HAS to have some giveaways!!!

Here are our sponsors and prizes!!
  • Jessica - Craftin and Stampin; Close To My Heart FREE TO BE ME Paper Packet, Jaded Blossom WEDDING CANDIES Stamps, $5 Gift Certificate to SVG Cutting Files
  • AJ's Scrapbooking and Cards - The Scrapbooking Queen Royal Sayings Stamp Set, Freckled Fawn; Flair Buttons-- Set of Two Buttons and Filigree Rhinestone Stickers
  • Connie Can Crop; 12" Border Template Set "Chevrons" from Kiwi Lane Designs
  • Michele Smith - Jolee's Boutique Sweet Shop Stickers, We R Memory Keepers Enamel Dots, and American Greetings Birthday Stickers
  • DoYouScrapbook.com; Echo Park Designer Die

Now that we showed you the prizes, onto my project -

I used this free cut file from Birds Cards for my card base. It is the tenth file down, called 3 gift box card. I sized it approx. 9.6 inches high, and 11.1 inches wide using Silhouette Studio, and cut it with my Cameo. 

I highlighted all the layers while I was adjusting the box, so they would still stay proportionate. However, after I cut them all out, I decided I wanted a border of cardstock to show, so I cut about a quarter inch off two edges of each piece.

All the patterned papers are Close To My Heart, and I inked everything using Close To My Heart's chocolate ink. I have no idea what the papers are called, but they are a year or two old. Then I tied a ribbon with a pretty bow, because it needed a little something extra.

Be sure to FOLLOW and COMMENT on ALL blog stops in order to be eligible for the prizes!!!

Now, onto Lori's blog.

Here is the blog lineup in case you get lost!

Winners will be announced on July 1st (since Jessica is away celebrating CONVENTION AND HER BIRTHDAY in CA with Close To My Heart!!!)
Thanks for hopping!!!
Posted by at 12 comments:

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Krafty Girls DT Challenge # 25 - Flowers

Hey ladies! I'm here with a post for the Krafty Girls Design Team Challenge #25 - Flowers! Who doesn't love flowers? Make sure you head on over to this post to see all the other beautiful creations the girls made. Then, make up a project with flowers and link it up.

Here is the card I created for the challenge:


I used Silhouette Studio to design the card, then I sent it all to my Cameo to cut out. This is a quick and easy card to cut and put together, but it gives you a beautiful wow factor. I wanted to go with a white base and background, so the flowers would pop. 

You can find the Background 12 as a free personal use cut file, here. All I did was make it a compound path so that it would cut the pieces out of the middle.


The rose is in the Sil Store, #58803. For this I didn't do any editing other than change the size. The base layer will be green, the second layer light pink, the third a darker pink, and finally the last layer is the same lighter pink you used for the second layer.

Here is what I mean:

Base layer
Second layer
Third layer
Fourth layer

Now that all your pieces are cut, it's time to assemble. You can either adhere the background flat to the card, or use small pieces of dimensional adhesive to add some more interest, like I did. Just make sure you can't see the adhesive from the front, and be sure to put a couple pieces in the middle so it doesn't sink.

Next you're going to layer your flower in the order of the pictures above. Glue it to the card, and if desired, add a bow. You can also put a sentiment on this card, but I thought it looked nice without one.

Hope you enjoyed this post, and be sure to check the Krafty Girls page for all the wonderful projects. Until next time, happy crafting! :)
Posted by at 6 comments:

Sunday, June 15, 2014

SBC Challenge #22 Bookmark Card using TSC digi stamp

Hey guys! I'm back for challenge #22 with Scrapbook Blessings Club. As always, it's "Anything Goes." Meaning, you can literally create and link up ANY type of project, but you get an extra entry if you play along with our theme of a Bookmark Fold Card. Hop on over to this post to see all the wonderful cards my dt sisters created and to link up your creations. You'll also find a tutorial there on how to make this card, in case you've never made one before.

I also used a Digi Stamp from The Stamping Chef. Here is a link to the image I used, called Betty Butterfingers.

Now, let me show you what I made. The idea behind these cards is that you're giving the recipient a removable bookmark to use as well. There is some type of perforated edge they can just carefully pull the bookmark off with. It's like a gift and a card in one.



I made this card base using my Silhouette Cameo. Leave your email below if you'd like the .studio file for it. It's super simple, and you could probably recreate something similar yourself.


Hope you try and make one of these cards yourself! Be sure to pop on over to SBC and link up.



Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Owl Be There For You - Besties digi stamp

Hello, all! I'd love to share my latest card with you. I used a "My Besties" digi stamp, and colored it in using Prismacolor pencils. Here is the link to purchase this cute little owl, if you would like to color him (or her) too. I believe you can also buy them pre-colored, in case you need a quick card, or don't feel comfortable coloring yourself.


Supplies:
  • Kraft colored card base (cut to 5.50 by 11; scored/folded at 4.25)
  • White layer cut from Spring Holiday Cards (hide contour)
  • White scalloped circle cut from Lacy Labels
  • Cuttlebug floral screen embossing folder (white layer)
  • Prismacolor pencils
  • CTMH liquid glass; CTMH "owl be there for you" sentiment stamp


Posted by at 4 comments:

Friday, May 2, 2014

SBC Layout Friday

Hello, lovelies! Melissa here with a layout for you all. When I first started crafting, I started by scrap booking. Since then, I have evolved into cards, home decor, altered art, etc. I haven't done a traditional scrap layout in quite some time. So, today I have a single photo shadowbox frame to share with you. You can make these in any size you want as long as that size frame is available. The bigger the frame, the more photos you will be able to add.

Tip: Distress the edges of your photo and papers to add interest. I used the edge of my scissors, and then inked everything in brown ink. It really makes things pop, especially when you don't have a large area to work with.

Here is my final layout prior to being put in the frame. I wanted you to be able to see it without a glass glare.


Then here it is in the shadowbox frame. I'm sorry for the glare, but there was really no way to avoid it.


Recipe:
  • Papers - Recollections Sweetest Thing
  • Cardstock - Close To My Heart Avonlee, Kraft
  • Recollections swirl bling and leather adhesive backed flowers
  • Sentiment stamp is from Close To My Heart, but I am unsure of the name of the set
  • Ink - CTMH chocolate 


I think the hardest part of this entire project was deciding what papers to use. From there I just started to distress and layer. The bling were bits and pieces from various swirl designs left over from other projects. I rarely use bling as is, because I feel like you get more mileage out of them if you piece them here and there as needed.

As always, thank you so much for stopping by! If you have any questions, please let me know.
Posted by at 1 comment:

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Scrapbook Blessings Club DT - Special Occasion Card

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Melissa here to share a wedding card with you. We all know wedding season is upon us, so I thought it'd be fun to share this with you. Hope you enjoy. As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.

Tip of the Day: Use dry and wet embossing to really make your special occasion cards POP!

Front of card

This is called a criss cross card. Here is a Youtube TUTORIAL you can watch if you'd like to learn how to make it. Once you get the basic concept down, you can adjust it to be whatever size you want to fit your needs. I promise it looks harder than it is.

Here is the front and back of the insert piece. I stamped a sentiment, and embossed the back of the piece to match the front of the card. Again, to give it a special touch.

Front of insert piece
Back of insert piece

I wanted this card to be fairly simple in color scheme. I only used white (you could do off-white/cream also) and shiny gold cardstock.

Recipe:
  • White cardstock
  • Shiny gold cardstock
  • Fiskars border punch
  • Sentiment stamp
  • Gold embossing powder and Versamark or equivalent
  • Cuttlebug and embossing folder
I really hope you enjoy this card! Please feel free to come visit me at my blog. :)


Hope you have a blessed day and thanks for stopping by,
Melissa
   
Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Scrapbook Blessings Club Designer Announcement

EXCITING NEWS! I'm now a Designer for Scrapbook Blessings Club. :) It's about time I stop neglecting my blog and Facebook page. I figured this is a great way to jump back into it head first. I would love it if you would visit the blog and the Facebook page and welcome all the new ladies to the team. This is a very exciting time for us as we expand into bigger and better things.



Here is the link to the SBC blog:
http://scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com/

and Facebook Page(s): Be sure to like them so you don't miss anything fun!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheScrapBookblessingsClub/

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scrapbook-Blessings-Club/137130179694725


So, I was told to feature my favorite tip or tutorial, but there's no way I can narrow it down to just one, so I'm going to leave you with a ton of crafty inspiration.

My Pinterest Board has oodles of my favorite tutorials, tips, and projects others have done. Be sure to share your favorites with me in the comments, as well!

 Until next time, Happy Crafting! :)
Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Valentine's Day!


Well, it's been quite a while, but I'm back. I will have some very exciting news to share publicly with you all very soon. Please stay tuned to see what's to come! For now, I leave you with two Valentine's Day projects I made with my Cameo. I swear I fall in love with this machine more and more everyday! Best tool ever. :)



Posted by at No comments:
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