Challenges, challenges, and more challenges....

Please bare with me guys!  This post might be a little long.  I'm going to keep it as short and sweet as possible.  I have been coming across more and more challenges lately, but thats sorta a good thing, bc it keeps me working and motivated.  I made 2 different cards today for 4 different challenges. 

In honor of MY PINK STAMPER, Robyn, birthday and challenge, I made this card.  I just got a set of her stamps today, so put them to good use.  I LOVE them btw!!!  For this challenge we had to use a birthday theme.  This card is also for the TWO SCRAPTASTIC GALS Cricut Cartridge Chaos Challenge (CCCC).  The cartridge chosen was Create A Critter...also my fave right now!  Been using is since I got it.

My stickles isn't quite dry...I got impatient.....

Used my My Pink Stamper stamps that I got in the mail today....

Card: 4.25x5.5

Cartridge: Create a Critter

Stickles: Yellow & Black Diamond

Stamp: MPS Even More Punny-licious

Paper: CTMH Zippidee

Ink: CTMH Black

Embossing: Cuttlebug (not sure the name of the folder, but it says happy birthday all over it.  Also used CTMH Liquid glass for his wings.

   This card is for MOJO MONDAY 175 challenge.  We had to use a sketch to create the card.  This card is also being submitted into the 365 Cards challenge. This challenge required us to use layers.  My bunny is layered, the back is layered, the front strip is layered....I'll be lucky if this fits in an envelope...LoL!

I love the lil bunny!

Lovin me some MPS Stamps and PK Stamps!!! 

 Card: 4.25x5.5

Cartridge: Create A Critter

Stamps: MPS Even More Punny-licious & PK Funshine Face Parts

Paper: CTMH Zippidee

Ink: CTMH Black & Cranberry

Ribbon: Japanese brand

String for Balloon: STMH Sassy Strands - White Daisy

If you made it to the end....THANKS FOR HANGIN IN THERE!!!

Always Kiss Me Goodnight...

Since I realized that you can do vinyl with the cricut, I have been DYING to do my own home decor.  I have been picked out what I wanted for my bedroom and already had that in mind, with a picture of me and my hubby above it.  I FINALLY cut and hung that yesterday.  I love how it looks and was glad that it is vinyl and can be repositioned.  Haha!  I did have just a little issue with it.  I don't have a 12x24 mat, so I had to cut it all out on my 12x12.  I used Gypsy font for my "A" and I used Opposits Attract for "lways kiss me" and "goodnight."  So here's what it looks like....and I love it! 

I tend to just decorate my house the way I want it and not ask the hubby about it anymore, bc he never has an opinion...or if does by chance speak up it's always "I don't care."  Welp...since he "doesn't care" then I do what I want.  *big grin* 

So now...I need some good sayings for my livingroom.  I have two that I'm liking, but neither one screams "PICK ME".  So I'm asking for your input and want to know if anyone else has other sayings.  I kinda want something to do with family.

The two that I have are...

1. "Having someone to love is Family.  Having a place to go is Home. Having both is a blessing."  (i really like that one, but I'm not sure yet)

2. "In our home let love abide and bless all those who step inside."

Any other suggestions???

P.S. I just got 3 new cartridges in the mail today.... Disney Classics, Happily Ever After and Best of Pixar.  If you know me, then you know I'm a Disney FANATIC!!!!  So I am extremely excited to get started with these!  I already have ideas.

Bitten By the Bug and Cricut Cardz Challenge....

I have been running around like a maniac today.  Had to go get finger prints and some silly test done for the daycare job, so that I can start on Monday.  Been lookin for a place to get scrubs too, and for a decent price.  Otherwise I would have had this card done today and posted. 

I am just on a roll lately with these challenges...hehe!  I'm having fun and getting some work done.  That's all that matters, right?  Welp...I am entering this pretty lil butterfly card into the Bitten by the Bug Challenge and Cricut Cardz Challenge.

Card: 4.25" x 5.5"
Paper: Michael's
Cartridge: Gypsy Wanderings
Butterflies: 2.5"
Stickles: Xmas Red, Star Dust, and Pink
Ink: CTMH Black
Ribbon: CTMH

2 Peachy Keen Challenges and a 365 Cards Challenge....

I guess I'm just in a super creative mood today.  I have found a Peachy Keen challenge that I decided to try out today and it turned out pretty awesome.  I also wanted to submit a second card into another Peachy Keen challenge.  This first card I am submitting into the X's and O's Challenge.  Somewhere on the project we have to have x's and o's.  I love this challenge, bc it reminds me of my mom.  She always put's xoxoxo with her signature on things to her girls (there are 4 of us). 
So here is the card for that challenge.....
~4.25"x5.5"
~Paper from Michael's
~Love Struck Cartridge for heart
~Flowers from Prima Flowers
~"XO" stamp is CTMH set So Lucky
~Ink CTMH Bubblegum



This next card is also for a Peachy Keen challenge....Twist.  We had to use a sketch and also tents/shades of the same color.  I used yellow for my card.  I typically don't use yellows or oranges, but I have some Stampin' Up paper that I haven't used yet.  Thought I would give it a try and I like the way it turned out.  I am also entering this card in the 365 Cards "Happy" challenge.  The challenge also requires you to convey the word happy in the card.  Which I think I did with the yellow "happy" color and also in the present and ice cream.  Those two things tend to make ppl happy. 

~Card 4.25"x5.5"

~Stampin' Up paper

~CTMH Ink: Goldrush

~Brads are CTMH and SU

~Ribbon from WalMart

~CTMH stamp set: Happy Birthday

~Cuttle bug used for embossed ice cream, present and leafy print

~Pop dot from Michael's used under "happy birthday"

Love and So Lucky To Have You....

I stumbled upon this blog 365 Cards....and found that this is right up my alley.  I love to make cards so this should be a fun place for me to get inspiration for making cards everyday!!!  The 365 Cards challenges was to make a card about love.  I came up with a few cards, one of which was made today with inspiration from a sketch from OWH Stars and Stamps.  I am also entering the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge, for a neglected cartridge...which would be Love Struck 2010.  I used it all of once since I got it.

This first card is for the 365 CARDS challenge and FANTABULOUS CRICUT challenge. 
This card is 4.25"x5.5".  Paper is from Michael's.  Heart was cut at 4" from Love Struck 2010 cartridge.  The stamp is from CTMH and is called Togetherness.  The flowers are Prima Flowers.  I won them at a scrap retreat.  So I'm not sure exactly where they are from. 

This card is for the OWH challenge.  
This card is 5.5"x4.25".  The paper is from Michael's.  The stamp is from CTMH collection So Lucky.  The heart border was made using my Gypsy and the Love Struck 2010 cartridge.  The ribbon is from Wal-Mart. 

I also made this next card along with the first card I posted.  I used the same paper and same cuts.  I just changed the hearts up a bit.  I also used CTMH stamp sets All My Love and Togetherness.

On a different note....I FINALLY got a call back from the daycare center across the street from me and they offered me the position I wanted!!!  YAY!!!  I get to get out of the house and meet some people!  LoL! 

Valentines Day Card...

Happy Thursday my blogger friends!!! 

I promised you a new card today and have come to post it for you now!  Aren't you excited???  I used a set of my favorite paper from CTMH.  It is called TOPSTITCH.  I just love it and I am running VERY low and it and I just "have to" purchase more, bc I just "need" it.  Good reason, right?  I think so!  Well...I won't keep you waiting....

CTMH: All paper, ink (bubblegum & chocolate), brads and "Sweet Heart" stamp (All My Love). Card is 4.24" x 5.5".
Cartridge: Create a Critter (shocker, I know). Birds cut at 2".  Heart cut at 3".
Stickles: Icicle (bow, heart), Cinnamon (eyes, stamped heart).

On another note, I am working on selling my cards and getting my name out there.  You can find me on facebook at Cards By LaLa, if you are interested in purchasing or just helping me get advertised. 

Thanks for stopping by!!!

News....

Hello blogworld!  Today feels like it has been a SUPER LONG day for me.  I'm not really sure why.  I have had a pretty relaxing day for the most part.  Got to do some shopping...and then chill out at home.  Maybe it's because I got up before my normal 630am.  I hand trouble falling asleep and then I got up at 550am.  Hmm!  Maybe?!  I was going to post a card that I have made, but I am feeling too tired to really get in my room and take the pics and post them, so I'll do that tomorrow.  But I did want to share...... MY FIRST BLOG AWARD!!!!  I am happy, pleased and excited that I got the

from my fellow blogger....Stamper Girl. She was kind enough to pass the award along to me and I would like to say THANK YOU to her for that!!!

8 Things About Me:

1. I have been with my hubby for 9 years, married for almost 7 years.

2. We don't have any kids (just our lil Chihuahua)

3. I'm pretty spoiled by my hubby!!!

4. Being creative makes me happy (paper crafting, crochetting, photography, etc.)!

5. I went to modeling school in 2002.

6. I have 6 sisters and 1 brother.

7. Pink is my favorite color.

8. I was born the day after Christmas....NO LIE!

I’m following the guidelines below for this award:

• Thank and link the person that gave you the award.
• Post 8 things about yourself
• Pay it forward by nominating 8 more bloggers
• Let them know they got the award.

I have given this award to.....
1. Angela
2. PinkBlingCrafter
3. Creative Cutter
4. Samantha J Designs
5. Always Crafting
6. Jennys Cards
7. Madison
8. Melissa

I will post my card for you guys tomorrow!  Nighty night!

Cricut Cardz #57 AND CPS #201 Challenge

Good morning everyone!  I am in a insanely good mood this morning.  I really don't know why, bc I slept like crap last night.  I was going to go to bed a little early with the hubby.  But he passed out before I could actually get there.  So instead, I stayed up until 11pm making this lovely card for TWO challenges.....CRICUT CARDZ CHALLENGE #57 & CPS 201 P1 CHALLENGE.

Cricut Cardz Challenge #57 - Make a card with any cartridge or theme using black, white and red ONLY!

CPS 201 P1 Challenge - Make a card using the sketch.

So here is my lovely black, white and red card done using the CPS sketch.  Hope you like it.

~CTMH - white card stock, cranberry ink, tulip scallop felt & flower brads

~Best Occasions Mixed Media Pack - black paper & butterfly

~Stickles - Star Dust

~Card is 4.25" x 5.5"

Fabulous Cricut AND Peachy Keen Stamps Challenge

Hello fabulous people!!!  I hope you all had a great day today!  My day was just ok.  Had a strange morning...got up and took hubby to work and once I got back home, I started feeling dizzy and groggy.  So I laid down and next thing I know I am waking up to my telephone ringing at 11am.  WOW!  Didn't mean to waste my day.  Anywho...I still managed to make a card (and a set of them at that).  I didn't want to "just make a card" though.  Yesterday was my grandmother's dogs birthday (she made it a point to let me know via facebook since I had posted about my dogs losing his tooth...silly story, but my dog is known for eating anything he can find on the floor...so I went to go take it from him and discovered he was trying to eat his own tooth).  I was staying with my grandmother a few months ago, while the hubby was in recruiting school.  I got my dog about a month before we moved from her house and my dog and her dog became almost inseparable.  Therefore, I made a card "from Squirt."  LoL!  I even put his paw print on the card as his signature on the inside...cute, huh? 

I am also entering this card into the Peachy Keen Stamps Challenge and the Fabulous Cricut Challenge.  The Peachy Keen Challenge was to use their sketch, which I have done. 

The Fabulous Cricut Challenge was to to incorporate something sweet into the project (i.e. ice cream, cake, candy, etc.), which I have also done.  GO ME!  Hehe!  I think I am starting to get a hang of this blog/challenge thing and I rather like it! 

Here is my card....

I used:

~CTMH paper pack - DAYDREAM.

~Cricut Cartridge - CREATE A CRITTER (for cupcake cut at 2.25") & ACCENT ESSENTIALS (for scalloped circle cut at 3" & white circle cut at 2.5")

~Peachy Keen Stamps - EVERYDAY CHARACTER FACES (first time user and I have to say that I LOVE them!!!)

~CTMH stamps - CUPCAKE SPRINKLES

~CTMH ink - BLACK

~Stickles - CRYSTAL

~Ribbon (store bought)

~Card is a 4.25" x 5.5"



BLOGOVERSARY GIVEAWAY from CANADIAN NICKEL SCRAP'N

I happened upon Canadian Nickel Scrap'n during a blog hop.  She has a lot of really cool and crafty projects that she has done.  You should check out her page!!!  She's doing a BIG blogaversary giveaway.  CLICK HERE to see the page and the awesome stuff she's giving away! 

Cricut Expressions + Cartridges Giveaway by SweetMagnoliaRose

Expressions + 3 Cartridges giveaway at http://sweetmagnoliarose.blogspot.com/.

Cartridges are Stretch Your Imagination, Celebration, and Sentimentals. First winner will be picked February 14th.

My Pink Stampers Blog Hop Challenge

I decided to join in Robyn's (aka My Pink Stamper) blog hop fun last night.  I went to all the blogs and had to collect the "magical" phrase that let me know what the challenge was all about. 

Here is my fun creation.....

So far, I think this is my favorite card I have ever made. It makes me happy every time I look at it...LoL!  Maybe it's all the pink??? 

 I took this before the stickles was dry...that's why it still looks wet.  It's really very glittery now that it is dry.

 I love this lil ladybug.  My aunt loves ladybugs, so I think that I'm going to include this in her packet of cards she ordered from me. 

The paper and card stock are, of course, from CTMH.  Paper pack is called Cherry-O. 
The card itself is 4-1/4" x 5-1/2".
I used chipboard hearts from CTMH and used CTMH Tulip ink to add some color to the hearts.
The brads are also from CTMH as well as the green frame behind "love bug."
I used Create A Critter cartridge to cut out the lady bug and the "love bug" phrase.
The ribbon is from eBay.

I am a CTMH consultant, so if you see any paper you like or anything you would like to order, please feel free to shoot me an email!!!  I will be happy to help you out!!! 

Have a fab Saturday everyone!

Squirt, sprained ankle, mini albums....FUN STUFF!

 Good afternoon, ya'll!  I had planned on putting up a project last night...buuuuuut.......I had somewhat of a crazy evening.  I had my job interview yesterday morning at 10am.  I didn't know that they were all showing up later, bc of some icy weather.  So I was 10 minutes early and ended up sitting there for about an hour before they actually got around to interviewing me.  I didn't really care that much, but it's not typically good for you to keep potential employees waiting like that.  Doesn't look good.  I also had my weight loss meeting last night and weigh-in.  I LOST 5.2 lbs!!!!!  WOOHOO!!!  So excited about that.  That leads me to my crazy evening....I was on a high from losing that much and was playing with Squirt, my lil Chihuahua.  I was trying to avoid stepping on him and ended up rolling my left ankle and I really thought I had broken it.  It hurt and I heard crackling, and them my foot went numb for a minute.  I went to the doctor today and found out that it was just a bad sprain...not happy that I can't really work out, but SUPER glad it's not broken!!! 

This is my lil guy when I first got him at 8 weeks.

 This is my lil guy at almost 5 months.

I would also want to share a project that I did for my sister.  I made 2 mini-albums for her of my niece and nephew (who stole my heart the moment I found out she was pregnant!!).  It was fun, but challenging, since I had to hunt down pics of my nephew.  I basically did a timeline of each of their lives.  Since my niece was barely over a year old, hers wasn't that hard to do.  They each had 12 pages and the albums are 3" x 3". 

I loved him at this age!!!  He was just so sweet!!! (he just turned 8)

She is a lil snobby Diva, but I love her like nothing else!!! (she'll be 3 in May)

  I used 2 cardboard-ish type coasters that I purchased at the 100 Yen store in Japan.  They are kind of similar to chipboard, but not quite as stiff.  They use them as recyclable coasters.  I used CTMH paper to cover the 2 coasters completely.  I believe the coasters themselves were a little bit larger then 3" x 3".  For the pages, I cut various colors of CTMH card stock at 3" x 3".  I believe the pics are cut at 2" x 2" and the paper behind them is just an 1/8 of an inch larger.  Then I just decorated each page with various embellishments.  I used my eyelet hole punch to make the holes in each upper left corner.  I did place eyelets in each page and on the front and back cover.  I then used a key ring to hold all the pages together.  The key ring is one that snaps shut (not your typical key ring) and I also got that in Japan. 

I loved doing this project, bc I don't personally have kids and that's what I like to scrapbook.  So I tend to adopt other peoples kids.  Haha!  So if you become my friend and have kids, I'll probably end up claiming them as well!  Hehe!

Slow Day...

So today has been a very rough, yet boring day for me.  I'm sure I've mentioned before that I live in  REALLY small town in North Carolina.  NOTHING to do unless you want to drive at least an hour north.  I think I might actually be slowly going crazy.  Haha!  I have finished with the main portion of my schooling for Medical Transcription and I am doing my best to get a job in that field.  It's proving to be tougher then I thought it would be.  So, in the mean time, I am thinking about getting a part-time job at the day care center across the street.  Planning on putting in my application tomorrow, so wish me luck on that. 

To try an beat my bordom, I have been watching some movies and then I remembered that I have this box that I purchased from Close to my Heart a while back, that I am going to make a recipe box out of (I am a Close to my Heart consultant - if you haven't already figured that out).  I went into my office/scrapbook room to work on that.  I got distracted with finishing up my mother's birthday card and then I found another card that I started a few weeks ago and needed to finish that as well.  I'm working on 2 sets of 12 cards for my grandmother and aunt.  They bought "all occasions" cards from me, so I need to get that done. 

Anywho...I will post the recipe box pics once I finish that. For now, here is the "Get Well" card that I finished up for the packet of cards that I'm also working on....

~The card is 5-1/2" by 4-1/4".
~I used Splendor paper pack from Close to my Heart (CTMH).
~Ink colors are Goldrush, Heavenly Blue, Moonstruck, Topiary (all CTMH).

 ~I used a CTMH stamp called True Friends D1406 to stamp "For my friend."
~The pearls are from Kaiser scrapbook. I got them in Okinawa, but I believe I have also seen them in Wal-Mart as well.
~The ribbon was purchased from a lady on ebay.  She sells them in sets for under $5.  I bought a ton when I was in Okinawa, bc there are no craft stores out there...well, not that I found anyway.

~I used Simply Sweet Cricut Cartridge to cut out "Get Well Soon."
~The flowers on the front and inside of the card are from a CTMH stamp set and I can't remember the name of it.  I tried to look it up and it's no longer available. 

P.S. I got my first set of Peachy Keen Stamps in the mail yesterday.  I ordered Everyday Character Faces and Funshine Face Parts.  I can't wait to actually use them.  I have seen other people's projects with the cut faces and I can't wait to start using mine!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOOOOOU!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANYONE BORN IN JANUARY!!!

January 14 is my mommy's birthday!  I don't get to be with her, but in honor of her birthday I made this cutsie "Happy Birthday" bear card.  My mom loves purple and green together, so those ar ethe colors I used, along with red, which is her favorite color. This one I will be sending to her and I made another one, slightly different, to keep.  I wanted to have this up last night, and I almost did, but the hubby called me to pick him up from work earlier then I had anticipated.  Therefore, once again, all things were dropped to go hang out with him some.  I'm trying to have something up about every other day.  I don't want to give the hubby an excuse to fuss about all my scrapbooking stuff.  LoL! 

Below is the cute bear card....

~Bear and Accessories - Create A Critter cartridge.
~ Purple card stock is from Close to my Heart - Purple Pansy
~Design card stock is from Scenic Route.
~String for balloon is from the 100 Yen store in Okinawa, Japan (but I'm sure it's the same stuff you can find here at WalMart)

 I used Stickles for the eyes, nose and mouth - Cotton Candy, Pink, Black Diamond.  I think it turned out cute.

 I used my cuttlebug to create the "happy birthday" embossing for the background of the card.  I used the Purple Pansy Close to my Heart marker to make one of the "happy birthday" pop out. 





Thank Ewe Card...

So today has been a fairly lazy day for me.  I just finished up school a few days ago and now I'm not sure what to do with myself.  I still have another course (for practice) that I have to do, but trying to get in the mood to do it today was NOT happening.  Just too tired 

I have decided to join a....more or less.....support group to help me keep motivated to workout.  Our first meeting is tonight, so wish me luck on that.  It's a 12 week "program" and there are prizes at the end for whoever loses the most fat percentage.  There's not much else to do in this small town.  So I'm hoping this helps keep me motivated and keep me from going insane from bordom!!!

Anywho...I started working on this card yesteray and finished it today.  The hubby came home earlier then I thought he would last night, so I dropped what I was doing to spend time with him.  He works crazy hours and I have to spend time with him whenever I can.  I'm working on cards that I am selling.  So far my only clients have been family, but I'm working on it.  Here's what I came up with....

RECIPE:
~Cricut cartridge - Just Because Cards - Used with Gypsy
~Cuttlebug - used to make the flower border at the top
~Colonial white CTMH card stock
~Daisy white CTMH card stock
~Black CTMH card stock
~Red paper is Scenic Route Sonoma paper pack
~Pearls are from CTMH
~Ink is CTMH - color Twilight
~Black ribbon

SIZES:
~Card is 5.5" x 4.25"
~Sheep is 3.75" in height (using Gypsy)
~"Thank Ewe" is 2.25" in height (using Gypsy)
~ The piece "thank ewe" is glued to is 3.5" in height (using Gypsy)

My Pink Stamper DT Challenge Submission...

MY PINK STAMPER, Robyn is having a design team challenge call. There are two spots in her DT for 2011 available. I've never done a challege before, let alone tried out for a design team.  So cross your fingers for me!  I LOVE Robyn and all her videos and projects!  She's awesome!  Thanks for the opportunity, Robyn!

What you need to do:
Make a card, scrapbook page, or other Cricut project with your favorite cartridge using her favorite colors...Pink, Green, Brown, and a color of your chosing.

I decided to make a card, since that's what I love to do best.  I made a birthday card (5.5 x 4.25) for a special lil girl. 
Here's what I came up with....

Recipe:
~All card stock is from Close to my Heart: Citrus Leaf, Ocean, Watermelon, Chocolate, and White Daisy.
~Hippo (3"), water (2"), grass (1.5") and flower (used from hippo's back) were made using the Create A Critter Cricut cartridge (just got it and first time it's been used).
~"Hippo Birthday to You!" is from Close to my Heart stamp collection You're Great D1434. The ink is chocolate, also from Close to my Heart.
~Green and white striped ribbon.
~Dots are made using my cuttlebug.

First Time Blogging

Happy New Year everyone!
So this is the first time I have ever blogged.  Not 100% sure what I'm doing, but I'm just going with it.  This is the year for trying new things, so why not, right?  I have seen so many beautiful crafting blogs out there and I decided that I would also like to display some of my work.  I got into scrapbooking about a year and some change ago.  We were living in Japan and my neighbor had invited me to a scrapbooking club and I've been doing it ever since. I also got my cricut last Christmas and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the thing!  Cards are my favorite thing to make, so I think I'm going to start with sharing Christmas cards that I made for my husband to give out to some of the teachers in our area.  He's in the Marine Corps and has recently been selected for recruiting duty.  Not really sure how I'm liking our small lil' own, but we've only been here for about 2 months.  I'm hoping for the best.  Anyway, on to the cards.  I hope you like them.