Valentines Banner(aka: I told you I would use that...)

Hi and welcome to my Throwback Thursday/Told You So post!! My DH is known for his eye rolling technique when I'm insisting that we shouldn't toss something because it can be used later.  I hate to admit that I probably save way more than I should, however, I do manage to use just enough to tell him 'I told you I would use that...'  Today I'm sharing a banner that not only uses more of those circular I 💓You pieces, but it also uses a worn out hair pony.  Yes, you read correctly... a hair pony! I regret to share that I didn't have a before picture of it. You probably would have questioned my sanity, but the 'after' is so pretty, I think you'll agree that I did ok! 

 My girls loved having pretty hair ponies to match every outfit and over the years I can't tell you how many were broken or worn out and tossed.  Except this really sweet pink sheer fabric pony...it had rhinestones on it... and it was just so darn cute... even if the elastic was severely stretched out and not functional any more...  So DH really almost rolled his eyeballs completely around when I put it in a container to save for 'later'.  I think there may have been an "Are you kidding me?" or a "You have lost your mind." but in the container it went-for several years...

When we moved, I rediscovered it, took it out of the container, and put it in a tiered basket stand so I would be more likely to use it.  When I decided to use the circles to make a Valentines banner for our mantle, I spotted the pony and KNEW this was what I was saving it for!

 

the paper part of the banner-layers of slightly grunged pretty paper

the finished project- just look at that pretty pink 'ribbon' separating the pieces!

This banner was truly a 'stash' project! The circles and the pony of course, but the twine that was used to string everything together came off of a Christmas gift.  Saving that was a no brainer, as it was a huge piece of fabulous twine!!  When I asked DH to help me hang the banner, he commented on how cute it was.  Then DD2 looked at it and asked "Is that my old pony on there?"  Cha! Ching! Score one for the hoarder thrifty crafter!  DH just laughed and said "I know... Now I'm not allowed to comment on you saving trash anymore...".  Of course, we all know he will and it will be complete with another wonderful eye roll.  But that's ok.  I'll just have to prove him wrong again!

Project Recipe: Paper-whisper white, pretty in pink, Patterns Love DSP (ret), Ink-real red, soft suede, crumb cake, Stamp Set-Sweet Centers (ret), Accessories-Banners and Hearts framelits, an old used up pony, twine, Very Vanilla lace trim

One Last Valentine and please stop this ride...

I know Valentines Day is officially over, but wanted to post the cards my preschoolers received this year. I had intended to post this sooner, but somehow everything went crazy and I ended up finishing these Sunday night and then I didn't get time to post the picture until today!  This picture shows two of the cards.  I made 30 and used a variety of colors for the interior hearts.

This project was great for using up a lot of the 12x12 white paper I had that wasn't SU.  I also used a few sheets of non SU colored paper as well.  The hearts were cut with the hearts framelits and I used my trimmer to cut the slots for the pencils. I stamped some hearts on the labels using pretty in pink and then printed the sentiment using a wp program on my computer. It says "Valentine, you have the WRITE stuff!"

I usually try to do 2-3 posts a week and last week I barely managed one! If it wasn't for scheduling posts ahead of time, my Monday post wouldn't have made it!  It was one of those weeks that reminds me of being trapped on a carnival ride going out of control.  I wanted to yell "Stop this ride! I want to get off!" but instead I just closed my eyes, held on, and hoped for a new week!  I had parent-teacher conferences, field trips, and Valentines parties at work.  Then there was Girl Scout cookie booths, music practice at church, a birthday party to prepare for, and a house that looked like a cyclone hit it!  This did not include the cards I needed to finish, the gift bags for my sister's patients that needed to be put together and dropped off, and the SU club projects I needed to prepare...  This week is not looking like it will be much better, but next weekend, I get a mini vacation!  I'm counting the days!

I'm positive it's negative...I think...

Hello everyone!  As I have mentioned before, I'm somewhat addicted to pinterest (no, really...just one more pin...Oh wait! There's 5 more...) but I have found a drawback.  I pinned a wonderful Valentine card and made my version by looking at the picture, but when I went to link to the blog to give proper credit, I couldn't find the card on her website... I'm sure it's on there somewhere, but whoever pinned it, didn't pin the actual link only the blog. Grrrr.... So... the inspiration for this card came from Nature of Crafty Things blog, but I can't give you the direct link! Anyway, here is my card...

Wondering how I punched those pretty hearts in different places? I DIDN'T!! I used the new hearts framelits from SU!  It also did the cool embossed layers around the cut out hearts!  Of course, since my supply of scraps are limited (did anyone really buy that line?!) I knew I needed to do something with those heart cutouts.  So, my second design is a complete negative (or would that be positive, since it's the center?) but using the same supplies!  The DSP is also the same paper, but the opposite side.

I am getting closer to completing my Valentines and I'm hoping I can keep the mojo going a little longer to finish!  I keep finding all of these other techniques and stamps I want to use that aren't Valentines!!  I'm hoping this weekend will allow for some uninterrupted craft time so I can finish them and then maybe even get some scrapbooking done.  Monday will be here before I know it and I don't have a page to post yet! AAAAHHHH!!!!

If you are looking for the candy give away, you will find it here!  Hope you have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Card Recipe:  Cardstock-real red, pretty in pink, Raspberry Tart DSP (ret), Ink-stazon black, real red, Stamp Set-Just Believe (sentiment), Accessories-heart framelits

The Gnomes Part 2

If you came here today expecting a dignified post and intelligent conversation, SORRY!!  Remember my Gnome Sweet Gnome  card?  I was trying  to come up with a cute little saying to put inside and my blogging friend, Lisa,  gave me several ideas.  I settled on "Gnome-one is as special as you!".  She also planted the seed of a sequel as she was wondering where they were off to and what adventure they would have.  Well...I can't tell you all of the details, since neither would kiss and tell, but Chip and Rocky (he's a little chipped and she's made of stone, get it?!) wanted me to share their latest adventure...

That's right, they fell in love, are now happily married and living in Boulder (sorry...couldn't resist)!

Check out Chip's fancy suit and his crystal effects hat, jacket, and shoes.  Of course, Rocky is all dressed up as well.  Did you know that when you put lots of dazzling details on vellum, it wrinkles?  I didn't. However, since it is her wedding day, we are calling them ruffles and just attached the vellum to a piece of blushing bride card stock!!

I had so much fun with this card, especially since it really wasn't for anyone other than me!   Oh, just a heads up that Chip and Rocky are keeping in touch and may show up on my blog again for another adventure.  I hope you have enjoyed my 'pun'filled adventures of Chip and Rocky! If not, I blame Lisa! She started it!!

On a more professional, crafty note, I used my heart framelits for the first time on this card. I LOVE THESE THINGS!!! Can't wait to see what SU comes out with next in this department!!

Card Recipe: Cardstock-very vanilla, Sending Love DSP (ret), real red, vellum, Stamp Set-Gnome Sweet Gnome, Ink-stazon black, assorted markers, Accessories-very vanilla seam binding, cherry cobbler & original dazzling details, crystal effects, snow burst embossing folder, hearts collection framelits