Something Sweet

I realized yesterday that the 28th is quickly approaching and I did not yet do February's SFYTT.  Nothing like Cosmo Cricket to get the crafting started.  CC and paper piecing to the rescue.

I really wanted some extra texture on the cupcake, so I used my crimper on a strip of PP and then stamped the liner.  By stamping after crimping the liner stayed the same size as the rest of the cupcake.

Besides February's SFYTT, this one is also for MFW's paper piecing challenge.   Paper piecing is one of my favorite techniques and has always been my go to when working with images that need to be "colored".  I only started coloring with Copics in September, so I have even paper pieced body parts using skin tone paper :>)  If only it was so easy for us to get a perfect tan for ourselves that way!
It felt so great to get crafty.  My paper cutter and ATG have been getting a lot of use the past few weeks, but not on cards.  My DD's Girl Scout troop was getting ready to celebrate World Thinking Day and all my free time has gone to preparing for that.
I hope you are all enjoying your weekend.
Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Stamps - Signature Greetings and Baby Button Bits (PTI), PP - Togetherness (Cosmo Cricket), CS - Cream (PTI), Buttons - PTI, Ink - Chocolate Chip (SU), Die - Notebook Edge (MFT), crimper, and dimensionals.

Valentine's Day Blog Hop

Welcome to the Valentine's Day Blog hop organized by Taylor Usry :>)  Today's the day to share a little extra LOVE.  Plus wouldn't it be great to have a chance to WIN prizes?!!! 
You should be arriving here from Kristi's Blog, Kristi's Creative Cafe.  If you stopped by to visit me, well then awwwww, you are just too sweet!  But if you want to get in on the blog hop you need to start at Taylor's blog HERE.  Prizes will be given out to random commentors on random blogs throughout the hop - the more blogs you visit and leave a little love, the greater your chances of winning a prize, and there are lots of prizes to be won!  You have until Thursday at 6:00 pm EST to leave a comment to be included in the prize draws.  Next up on the hop is Alison!  Check out the entire list of blogs below, along with a list of all the sponsors - fun, fun, fun!!!

I have a friend who got engaged toward the end of last year and I immediately picked up the Amber Ink "Love Bunny Proposal" Digi image.  Such a cutie and so fun with a little bling added in :>)  My card is based on Card Patterns sketch 101.  It is also for the Desert Islands Crafts Challenge blog - this is a new blog that started up and the challenge is to use 3 things from a designer's desert island itinerary - love the concept!  Well my card uses 5 things from this challenge's list:  piercing and stitching, a die cut, embossing, a copic colored image, and sparkle.
Have fun spreading the love and Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Image - Love Bunny Proposal (Amber Ink), PP - Wine Spots Tiny Whisper (AmberInk iPaper), Sentiment - Enjoy the Ride (PTI), CS - Cream (PTI), Embossing - Swirls (Cuttlebug), Rhinestones - stash, copics, Die Cuts - small heart (Cuttlebug Kids) and large heart (SCAL software), Ink - Cranberry Crisp (SU) and dimensionals.

BLOG HOP LIST- in case you get lost ;>)

Taylor Usry - http://taylorusry.blogspot.com
Libby Hickson - http://stampinlibby.blogspot.com/
Cindy Coutts - http://cindycoutts.com/
Cyndi Bundy - http://scrappychickcyndi.blogspot.com/
Amber Hillman - http://ambersantics.blogspot.com/
Angelique Nederpel - http://scrapping-angel.blogspot.com/
Tanya Johnson - http://little-scrapper.blogspot.com/
Suzi McKenzie - http://mrsweyremaster.blogspot.com/
Cathy Wallington - http://ellieskeeperscreations.blogspot.com/
Pam Hornschu - http://1pamperedstamper.blogspot.com/
Wendy Price - http://paperinkandsmiles.blogspot.com/
Patricia Hays - http://thinkingofinking.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Maria Levine - http://riacreations.blogspot.com/
Sandie Dunne - http://sandieshores.blogspot.com/
Juanita Gillen - http://stampintwilghtmom.blogspot.com/
Janelle Stollfus - http://rainpuddlesdesign.blogspot.com/
Mary Collins - http://www.softangelkisses.blogspot.com/
Berenice Rendon - http://karbersweetescape.blogspot.com/
Cheryl Gorka - http://shestamps.blogspot.com/
Jessica Fitzgerald - http://jkfitzgerald.blogspot.com/
Dee Morris - http://sprytebyrd.blogspot.com/
Darsie Bruno - http://www.craftingwithdarsie.blogspot.com/
Sandy Allnock - http://acolourfulworld.blogspot.com/
Margie Cortina - http://ohbumbleismemargie.blogspot.com/
Kathy Fronczak - http://pixieduststudio.blogspot.com/
Cat Darling - http://catscraftycorner.blogspot.com/
Joyce Martens (Jolara) - http://jolaras.blogspot.com/
Erin Leveille -http://stamptillucramp.blogspot.com/
Gudrun Loennecken- http://papirbloggen.blogspot.com/
Mackenzie Bruckler - http://midnightscramper.blogspot.com/
Melissa (Pink Cat) - http://pinkcatstudio.blogspot.com/
Patty Tanuz - http://cardsbypattytanuz.blogspot.com/
Emily Leiphart - http://www.leiphartonart.blogspot.com/
Jane Matsumoto - http://whoopsiedaisy-jane.blogspot.com/
Kimme Leach - http://kimme-thelifeofaprincess.blogspot.com/
Kerry Kung - http://kerryischilling.blogspot.com/
Heather Lee-Reppen - http://inkonmyear.blogspot.com/
Rachel Sztonyk - http://gingerbreadgallery.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Dove - http://just4funcrafts.blogspot.com/
Lysa - http://lysaq.blogspot.com/
Erica Johnson-Wanzer - http://www.inkedupandreadytoplay.com/
Tina Kiehn - http://kiehn10.blogspot.com/
Sugar Whiting - http://sugscardsnmore.blogspot.com/
Karin Martin - http://karin-withaniforpaper.blogspot.com/
Sunghee Chon - http://www.creativityinprogress.com/blog/
Tanis Palmer - http://tannyps-rubbish.blogspot.com/
Lindsey M-P - http://www.bashfulblogging.blogspot.com/
Kristi Parker Van Doren - http://kristiscreativecafe.blogspot.com/
Julie E - http://www.lastminutecrafter.blogspot.com/ That is where you are right now :>)
Alison Heikkila - http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/
Audrey E - http://hippieaud.blogspot.com/
Laura Drahozal - http://www.rememberinglifesmoments.blogspot.com/
Louise Healy - http://www.artfullyarticulate.blogspot.com/
Wendy Jordan - http://www.papertherapy-wendy.blogspot.com/
Lynell Harlow - http://www.dreamweaverstencils.blogspot.com/
Terrece Siddoway - http://www.made4ubyt.blogspot.com/

Prizes:- StampInsanity - with a set of choice for one winner
- Meljens designs - 4 digis to one winner
- Pixie Dust Studio -   2 digis to one winner
- Lizzie Anne Designs - $10 gift certificate (from Taylor)
- Christian Paper Crafts - 1 year general membership
- Paper Pretties - 3 total winners: 1 person will receive Timeless Love stamp set; 2 people will receive 5 digis of their choice from the store
- Karber Digital Images - 2 digis to one winner
- Di's Digi Downloads - 5 digi images to one winner
- The Scrappychick Boutique - 2 6x6 Cosmo Cricket paper pads to one winner
- Stampendous - 4 cling rubber stamps from new release to 1 winner
- Pink Cat Studio - 5 digis of winner's choice to one winner
- Amber Ink - $10 gift certificate (and more if people use an Amber Ink product - see deets on their blog)
- Simply Betty Stamps - 3 digis of the winner's choice
- Mark's Finest Papers - set of their choosing to the winner
- Dreamweaver's Stencils - a couple stencils, pearlescent embossing paste and a palette knife
- Chi Chi Memories - Meaning of Love Digi Stamp Set to one winner
- Little Potato House - $20 gift certificate
- Kenny K digis: 4 digis to one winner (AND: 2 digis to anyone who uses a Kenny K image for their hop card)

Make it Monday with PTI

During their ongoing anniversary celebration, PTI announced a new feature - Make it Monday challenges.  The first challenge is to create a Go To Sentiment card.  Each day, the PTI DT will highlight a project by a participant and one of those highlighted will be chosen as the winner for the week.  Well, I had to give it a try :>)

During the last PTI blog hop, Ted created tent topper cards.  I have never made one before, but I was inspired, plus it seemed like the perfect way to show off a sentiment!  I really like the tent topper results - something different, but it still fits in an envelope. 
Have a wonderful weekend.  I am hoping to find some crafting time :>)
Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Stamps - Handwritten Notes, Holiday Trees, Signature Greetings, Enjoy the Ride, and Tiny Treats Birthday (PTI), CS - Aqua Mist, White and Melon Berry (PTI), Ink - Blue Bayou and Groovy Guava (SU) & Snow (PTI), Button - Melon Berry (PTI), Die - Mat Stack 5 (PTI), Punch - Corner Rounder (Creative Memories) and embroidery Floss (DMC).

Flashback Friday 8.0

This week's Flashback Friday challenge is to repost your first 3-D project.  Normally, I have a little bit of trepidation about reposting my creations - you know some things don't need to be seen a second time ;>)  This time however, I am so excited, because I enjoy creating boxes so much.  My first "box" was made in May 2009 and it was just one of those times that the planets aligned and I was actually able to achieve the idea I had in my head - LOL!

If you want more details on my Bug Collection Box flash on back to this post.  This is the template that started it all for me :>)  I still have the box because I could not bear to part with it. 
Be sure to play along and repost your first 3-D project!  How easy is that?!!!  No need to create something new, unless you have never made a 3-D project before :>)  Pssst - the prize for challenge 8.0 is from Nikki Sivils!
Smiles,
Julie

PTI Anniversary Challenge

PTI is celebrating 4 years and to get the party started there is a challenge today to repost your favorite PTI project from the past year.
My favorite was our family photo Christmas card.  I am hopelessly addicted to aqua mist and once you combine it with ocean tides and spring moss, well it does not get any better than that!  This card was the first time that I used PTI twill tape and let's just say you will be seeing it again :>)

Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Stamps:  Background Basics: Tin Types (PTI) and Christmas in the Air (Verve), Twill Spring Moss Ribbon (PTI), Embossing Folder - Snowflakes (Sizzix), Die - Labels 1 (Spellbinders), Ink - Aqua Mist & Fresh Snow (PTI) and Blue Bayou (SU),  CS - Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides, White and Spring Moss (PTI), and Embroidery Floss (DMC).

Inspired by Card Patterns

Yep, inspired, I didn't exactly end up using the Card Patterns' sketch this week.  I had one of those I can't get this idea out of my head kind of moments and then finally (fortunately) admitted defeat :>)

 The mixer and sentiment are new images from Amber Ink.  Fun puns for every occasion.  I used a digi, but most of the Amber Ink images are available in clear stamps too.  This is the perfect type of Valentine's Day card for a "guy" ;>)  Simple with just a bit of stitching. 
My card is for the following challenges:
Paper Sundaes - Valentines
Tuesday Throwdown - Stitching

Sometimes less is more and believe me that was definitely the case with this card. I figured I might as well share the "hot mess" I started out with.  (Thanks Allison for reminding me of the phrase "hot mess"!)

LOL!!!  Thank goodness I gave up on it!  I will say I do like the hearts though so I am going to have to figure out a way to use 'em.
Yay, it's Friday!!!  Let's keep our fingers crossed for a weekend without snow .
Smiles,
Julie
Details:  Image - Mod Kitch Kitsch and Say it Like It's 1959! (AmberInk), CS - Kraft and Black (PTI), copics and black thread.