11 Months to Christmas Blog Hop

Hi Crafters,
I am excited to announce that I have joined the fun again this year for the monthly count down to Christmas blog hops. I had a lot of fun creating Christmas cards year long last year and look forward to doing it again. I do have a confession though...not only did I create Christmas cards all year, I also taught a series of 4 Stampin' Up Christmas card classes but in the end I didn't end up sending out one single Christmas card! I was dealing with my (all day) morning sickness from the beginning of November until the end of December and truly not in the holiday spirit. The good news is I will super prepared next year lol. More good news is that my monring sickness has finally subsided and I have been back in my craft room a bit lately.

Well, I best be letting you get on with your hop, LOL. If you have arrived from Kerry's blog you are right on track, if not and you would like to start at the beginning you want to head to Shari's blog. This year we changed things up a bit and each month has a theme. This month the theme was snow. I stretched it a bit by just justing snowflakes on my cards! Below are the cards I created this month and the details are listed below them. We also have a guest designer this month the very talented Nikki from Limited Run Digital Stamps.

Your next stop is Georgiana's blog. Enjoy the hop and happy crafting!
Tara

Details:

Cardstock: scraps bin

Patterned paper: DCWV Christmas Stack

Digital Stamp: Limited Runs 'Brill'

Sentiment Stamp: Justwordz Christmas Set

Paper Snowflake: SU retired punch

Snowflake gem: Dollarama

Baubles: Homemade

Stickles

 

 

Details:

Cardstock: scraps bin

Patterned paper: DCWV Christmas Stack - look familiar :)

Paper Snowflake: SU retire Die (Snowflakes #2)

Sentiment Stamp: SU Teeny Tiny Wishes

Snowflake gem + gems: Dollarama

Twine: Twinery

Ribbon: Offray

SU word window, modern label, 2.5" circle punches

5 Months to Christmas Blog Hop

Hi Everyone and welcome to the 5 Months to Christmas Blog Hop,
If you have arrived here from  Sally's blog you are in the right spot.

Well, I bet a few of you who have been following my blog regularly thought I would not be participating this month because of the big move...well it just so happens I am the queen of planning ahead! I was able to get my cards created before I had to pack up my scrapbooking room!
If you are new you might be wondering how this monthly blog hop works.... there is a group of us crafters that have committed to creating two Christmas cards and (one die cut and one stamped image) posting them on the 25th each month.
Thanks for stopping by today. Shari's blog is your next stop.
Happy Crafting!
Tara
P.S. Right now I am at my parents house borrowing their wireless. I hope to have internet again soon so I can visit all my wonderful blogs friends again. See you soon!

Card #1 (Stamped)

Details:

Cardstock: SU and Staples Brand

Ribbon: Offray

Digital Stamp: Meljen's designs

Stamps: SU-  Teeny Tiny Wishes

Spellbinders: circles
Cricut Cut: Scalloped circle- Accent Essentials 

Pearl pen
Snowflakes Cuttlebug embossing folder + Cuttlebug
Prisma Coloured pencils + Gamsol
Glossy Accents

Card #2 (Die Cut)

Details:

Cardstock: Recollections

Sentiment: Pink by Design - Winter Fun set

Cricut Cut: Wrap it Up 2.75" and 1.5"

Stickles

Ribbon: Offray
Gems: Offray
Swiss dots Cuttlebug embossing folder + Cuttlebug

6 Months to Christmas Blog Hop

Hi Everyone and welcome to the 6 Months to Christmas Blog Hop,
If you have arrived here from Shari you are in the right spot. If you want to start at the beginning then head to Mary's Blog. How fun is this anyways?! I always had so much fun making Christmas cards in the fall and early winter but who knew it was so much fun to make them all year long?! If you are new you might be wondering how this works.... there is a group of us crafters that have committed to creating two Christmas cards and (one die cut and one stamped image) posting them on the 25th each month. Here are the two cards I created this month...

Card #1 (Stamped)

Details:

Cardstock: scraps

Ribbon: Offray

Stamps: SU Teenie Tiny Wishes
Digital Stamp: this was a freebie I picked up a very long time ago

Gems: Dollarama

Ticket Punch: retired SU
Prisma Coloured pencils

Glossy Accents *Okay and I finally found that you can over use this stuff...my paper is very warped

Card #2 (Die Cut) Like how I used my first card as inspiration for my second? Cricutized!
***This is probably my favourite Christmas card I have made to date this year! The dark picture really doesn't do it justice in 'real life't just sparkles!

Details:

Cardstock: Recollections

Sentiment: SU

Cricut Cut: Jolly Holidays

Punches: Su Modern label punch

Stickles

Pearl Pen
Gems: Offray

Ribbon: Offray

Bakers twine: Twinery

Cuttlebug + Swiss dots embossing folder

Oh and the best news....this month is officially the half way mark to Christmas! In honour of this special occasion a few of us along the way are offering up some Christmas blog candy as an early Christmas present to you! Here is the candy I have for you.....

Please leave me a comment with you contact info. by June 29, 2012 if you are interesting in adding these super cute stickers to your Christmas stash and I will randomly pick someone to win this prize.

Thanks for stopping by today. Georgiana's blog is your next stop.

Happy Crafting!

Tara

Here is the entire blog hop in case you get a little side tracked ;)

1.) Mary: http://www.maryshappyplace.com/
2.) Kerry: http://mommakcrafts.blogspot.ca/
3.) Sally: http://sallyastill.blogspot.com/
4.) Heather: http://princesspaperprojects.blogspot.ca/
5.) Shari: http://sharispinkpalace.blogspot.ca/
6.) Tara: http://tarashomemadehappiness.blogspot.ca/
7.) Georgiana: http://carsonscricutcreations.blogspot.com/

Remember Gus?

Hi Crafters,
Remember Gus? Well....I played some more.... I just love changing up the colours!!! It is so awesome to see how the same image and same layout can change so much by just changing up the colours. What do you think? Do you do this too?
Happy Crafting!
Tara

Details:

A2 Size card

Cardstock: scrap pile except Staples Brand white for my base

Patterned papers: again scrap pile

Digital Stamp + sentiment: Bugaboo

Ribbons: Offray

Embroidery floss + Buttons: my stash

Glossy Accents: his glasses

Prisma Coloured pencils + Gamsol

8 Months Until Christmas Blog Hop

Hi Crafters,
I'm back!!! I enjoyed my break very much but I missed blogland and all my crafty friends! Thanks to everyone who sent me sweet comments and emails over the past month. I loved hearing from all of you! Today is a special day...not only am I posting again but I am also taking part in a blog hop! The 8 Months Until Christmas Blog Hop. I am the last stop on the blog hop so if you would like to start at the beginning you will want to head to Georgiana's blog. Each person on the hop today has created 2 Christmas cards to share (one colouring an image and one using a die cut). We will have this blog hop once a month all year! Just think of all the Christmas cards I am going to be able to make in advance this year. I will be so less stressed come December :)  I hope you have enjoyed the blog hop today and are inspired to start your own Christmas cards earlier this year. They truly are fun to make all year round! Below are the two Christmas cards I made this month.
Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!
Tara

Details:

Cardstock: Recollections, Staples

Patterned paper: Nikki Sivils

Cricut Cut: Snow Friends cut @ 3"

Gems: Dollarama & Offray

Bakers Twine: Twinery

Punches: SU

Stickles

Glossy Accents

Details:

Cardstock: Recollections

Patterned paper: DCWV Christmas pack 2008ish

Digital Image & sentiment: Bugaboo

Button: Stash

Gems: Dollarama

Bakers Twine: Twinery

Punches: SU

Stickles

Glossy Accents

Prisma Coloured Pencils

Here is the blog hop list just in case...

Georgiana: http://carsonscricutcreations.blogspot.ca/

Heather: http://princesspaperprojects.blogspot.ca/
Kerry: http://mommakcrafts.blogspot.ca/
Mary: http://www.maryshappyplace.com/
Shari: http://sharispinkpalace.blogspot.ca/
Tara: http://tarashomemadehappiness.blogspot.ca/

Birthday Sundaes Challenge # 47

Hi Crafters, 

  Today at Birthday Sundaes there is a new challenge. This week's challenge is a colour challenge, use the color green. This week we also have a sponsor. It's Bugaboo Stamps. I used one of their images today and he is just too stinkin' cute! I just LOVE their images!  The winner of the challenge will receive 7 digital images of choice.  Woo Hoo!

Hope you can join us this week and happy crafting!

Tara

Details:

Cardstock: Scrap pile

(I'm starting to put a dent in it again...anyone else's get totally out of hand often?)

Image: Bugaboo

Prismas + Gamsol

Sentiment: Pink by Design, Birthday, Birthday Set

Cricut cut: Baby steps 3.5 and 3.75"

Punches: Circle and scallop - Fiskers

Gems: Dollarama

Birthday Sundaes Challenge #46

Hi Crafters, This week the challenge on Birthday Sundaes is to create 'a birthday card with a birthday sentiment on the front'. We are sponsored this week by Sweet n' Sassy Stamps so make sure you look over the rules so you qualify for the prize! Below is the card I created for some inspiration. Hope you like it!
Can't wait to see your creations!
Happy Crafting!
Tara

*I wish you could see the shine on this card!

I sprayed the image with Perfect Pearls spray and it is awesome!

Details:

Cardstock: Scrap pile

Ribbon: Offray

Lace: Stash

Pearls: Dollarama

Perfect Pearls

Sentiment: Pink By Design 'Birthday, Birthday' Set

Ticket Corner: Stampin' Up punch

Prisma Coloured Pencils + Gamsol

JustWordz DT blog hop!

Hi Crafters,
Today is the farewell blog hop for us Justwordz DT members. I write this post with a little ache in my heart. I have been part of this fabulous DT from the beginning and I will miss it dearly but the good news is that I still have all three sets of the JustWordz stamps so I will be able to continue creating with them to my hearts content :)  If you have ever wanted to get your hands on these incredible sentiment stamps now is the time. There is also a giveaway going on and some blog hop candy so make sure you have gone to the JustWordz blog and checked out all the details before you continue on the hop today.
Below is my card inspiration for you this week. A bit racier then my usual style but when I saw that digi I was sent I went with it!

One last thing before I go....I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to Kim (owner of JustWordz stamp line) for letting me have so much fun playing with your stamps! I have got to know you well and I am so glad I was able to be part of your design team but also that I am now able to call you my friend. I wish you all the luck in the world on your next chapter! :)

You next stop is Samantha!  Enjoy your last dose of JustWordz DT inspiration!
Happy Crafting!
Tara

Her dress is covered in glossy accents you can't tell from the picture but it really pops!

Details:

Patterned papers: Scrap pile

Ribbon: Offray

Gems: Dollarama

Sentiment: JustWordz Chistmas Season set

Cricut Cut: Accent Essentials but @ 2 3/4" and 3"

Prisma coloured pencils + Gamsol

JustWordz DT Friday!

Hi Crafters, Are you ready for another dose of JustWordz inspiration? This week not only did I use JustWordz stamps I also used an image from Redonkulous Designs. These two stamp lines pair up so nicely together. Okay honestly, JustWordz pair up nicely with anything from a stamped image to a Cricut cut because there are endless sentiments you can create with them!

I try something different this week on my card. I wanted the dress to be white but well you can't actually colour in white (well maybe you can but not on white paper lol) I instead used a Versamark pen, Heat and Stick powder and loose Ice Glitter. It didn't turn out exactly how I pictured but not bad and it was super fast to do! You should see her dress shine in real life!

Make sure you stop by the JustWordz blog and check out the rest of the DT creations!
Happy Crafting!
Tara

Details:

Cardstock: Recollections, Staples Brand

Digital Image: Redonkulous Designs

Sentiment: JustWordz Party Time Set

Stampin' Up border punch

Gems: Offray

Cricut Cut: Rectangle scallop from Designer Calendar cut @ 3"

Ice Glitter

Versamark pen

Heat and Stick powder + heat gun

Prisma Coloured Pencils + Gamsol

Birthday Sundaes Challenge # 44

Hi Crafters,
Wow, when the challenge went up for Birthday Sundaes this week I can say it was a true challenge for me. As I have said before I am a 5 1/2 by 4 1/4 kinda gal and this one threw me for a loop! The challenge is to create a 'Stair Step (or side step, center step) card.' I rose to the challenge though! Below is the card I have created for this weeks inspiration. To see some more great inspiration check out the rest of the DT at the Birthday Sundaes blog. Also, double and triple check the rules this week to make sure you are following them as I would hate for you not to be in the running for the fabulous prize up for grabs. This week we are sponsored by Stamp Fairy!
Happy Crafting!
Tara

Details:

Cardstock: Textured pieces from my scrap pile

Cricut Cut: Sophisticated cut @ 3"

Sentiment Stamp: Pink By Design - 'Birthday, Birthday' Set  

Ribbon: Offray

Gems: Dollarama

JustWordz DT Friday

Hi Everyone,
Welcome back to another JustWordz DT post. This week I went back to the basics and used the JustWordz Everyday sentiment set. This is always my 'go to' set if I need just the perfect sentiment! And what do you think...isn't this just the perfect sentiment for this image?!

Check out the rest of the DT inspiration and the blow out sale at the Justwordz blog!
Have a fabulous weekend!
Tara

Details:

Cardstock: Recollections

Patterned paper: Scrap pack

Sentiment: JustWordz Everyday Stamp set 

Digital Stamp: Karen's Doodles

Yellow Mini Brads: stash

Gems: Dollarama

Fiskers border punch

Punches: Stampin' Up

Prisma coloured pencils + Gamsol

Glossy Accents

Birthday Sundaes Challenge # 43

Hi Everyone,
This week the Birthday Sundaes challenge is to use an inspiration photo (please visit the Birthday Sundaes blog for the photo) + your card must include hearts on it somewhere. Below is my take on it....I'm not going to lie...I LOVE how this card turned out! (It's totally going to be a keeper lol)! Check out the rest of the DT inspiration at the Birthday Sundaes blog.
Happy Crafting!
Tara

Details:

Cardstock: Staples + Recollections

Digital Stamp: Meljen Designs

Baker's Twine: Twinery

Sentiment Stamp: SU 'So happy for you' set

Button: Stash

Cricut cut: layers 

Cuttlebug + swiss dots embossing folder

Liquid Pearls

Stickles

Prisma Coloured Pencils + gamsol

JustWordz DT Friday

Hi Crafters,
I am so excited to share this card with you. I actually made it a little while ago but wanted to wait and share it closer to Valentine's Day. The digital stamp I used is by Redonkulous Designs and the image is stinkin' cute! Also, the sentiment I was able to make with the JustWordz Party Time stamp set is perfect! Head over to the JustWordz blog to see more DT inspiration and also to check out the fabulous BOGO offer that Kim is offering right now while supplies last!
Have a wonderful weekend and happy crafting!
Tara 

Details:

Cardstock: White base - Staples Brand, red- Recollections

Patterned paper: From a day by day scrapbooking calendar from 2011 (yup sadly I just broke into it)

Cricut Cuts: Ovals from Baby Steps (used center point feature, tag from Plantin Schoolbook

Sentiment: Justwordz Party time stamp set

Digital Stamp: Redonkulous Designs

Buttons: Stash

Baker's Twine: Twinery

Gems: Dollarama

Glossy Accents

Ink: Martha Stewart chalk ink

Birthday Sundaes Challenge # 42

Hi Fabulous Crafters,
You are going to LOVE this...the challenge for Birthday Sundaes this week is an 'anything goes week' All you need to do it create a 'birthday card with a birthday sentiment' on the front! Make sure you follow the rules as we have a great sponsor this week. We are sponsored by Karen's Doodles and the prize is 3 digital images of the winners choice! So check out the rest of the DT inspiration at the Birthday Sundaes blog and then get crafty!
Happy Crafting!
Tara

Details:

Cardstock: Recollections + Staples Brand

Patterned paper: Scrap Pile

Digital Stamp Image: 'Bigsby the King'  Karen's Doddles

Prisma coloured pencils + Gamsol

Gems: Dollarama

Baker Twine: Twinery

Stickles

Glossy Accents

Stampin' Up Ticket punch

Sentiment: blog candy I won from Kim @ JustWordz (Thanks kim)!

Justwordz DT Friday!

Hi Crafters,
I was so excited when these cutie turned up for me to use on a card. They are from Redonkulous Designs and just too stinkin' adorable! They paired up perfectly with my JustWordz stamps too (although with these stamps everything pairs up because you can just make your own perfect sentiment each time)! Don't believe me check out the JustWordz blog to see more great inspiration and the entire line of stamp sets available.

Oh and really big news! JustWordz is having a huge sale!!! Buy one get one FREE! If you have ever wanted one of these stamps sets now is your chance!!! There is also a chance to win a set so what are you waiting for head over the the JustWordz blog now!

Happy Crafting (and shopping ;) )
Tara

Details:

Cardstock: Recollections + white Staples Brand

Patterned paper: Scrap Pile

Sentiment: Justwordz Christmas Set

Stickles, stickles and more stickles (I really wish you cold see the sparkle on this one)!

Gems: Dollarama

Prisma coloured pencils + Gamsol

Cricut cut: Oval + Scallop oval 3.5" Baby Steps (cut using center point feature)

Birthday Sundaes Challenge #40

Hi Crafters,

This week on Birthday Sundaes the challenge is simple 'a birthday card with a birthday sentiment'. Want more great news...we also have a fabulous sponsor this week  Meljen's designs. I used her cutie called Robbie the Robot. Check out the Birthday Sundaes blog to see the rest of the inspiration from the design team!

Happy Crafting!

Tara

Details:

Cardstock: Recollections

Digital Image: Robbie the Robot

Sentiment Stamp: Pink By Design

Punch: Stampin' Up

Baubles: Hand dyed

Cuttlebug + Gears embossing folder

Prisma Coloured pencils + Gamsol

Glossy Accents

JustWordz DT Friday!

Hi Crafters,
It's time again to show you some JustWordz inspiration. I just can't tell you how much I am in love with all these stamp sets. When using these stamps you always have just the perfect sentiment! Here is another card I created using the Christmas set and a digital stamp from Wee Stamps. How cute is she!?

Don't forget to visit the JustWordz blog and see the rest of the DT creations for this week!
Happy Crafting!
Tara
P.S. Can you believe we are in Dec. already!? My wedding is only 29 days away!!!

Details:

Cardstock: Staples Brand + Scraps

Sentiment: Justwordz Christmas Set

Cricut Cut: Little shapes on the bottom from Accent Essentials cut @ 1/4"

Ribbon: Offray

Silver baubles

Silver and red pearl pen

Stickles

Silver embossing powder + heat gun

Snowflakes embossing folder + Cuttlebug

JustWordz DT day and a fabulous Black Friday deal!

Hi Everyone and welcome back to another Justwordz DT Friday! I am so excited to share my card with you today, it is one of my favourite ones that I have created lately! The image I used was a freebie from
Stamping boutique I coloured it up with my Prisma coloured pencils and Gamsol and then used stickles and Glossy Accents to give it a neat 'real' window effect. I also used my new favourite tool my heat gun (why oh why did it take me so long to get one of these) and some gold embossing powder for my sentiment. Thanks for stopping by today and don't forget to check out the JustWordz blog and the rest of the design team for some great inspiration! BUT WAIT...I also have another fantastic reason for you to head over to the JustWordz blog...Kim has put all her stamp sets on sale for Black Friday for the AMAZING price of just $13.64 a set!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?! Why not get a set of each and have hundreds, no wait thousands of sentiments to choose from when creating your cards!
Happy Crafting and Shopping ;)
Tara

Details:

Cardstock: Recollections

Patterned paper: DCWV

Digital Stamp: Stamping boutique

Sentiment: JustWordz Christmas set

Ribbon: Stash

Gold Embossing powder and heat gun

Stickles

Glossy Accents

Prisma coloured pencils + Gamsol

Gems: Dollarama

Birthday Sundaes Challenge #36

Hi Crafters,

This week on Birthday Sundaes the challenge is to use old/neglected stash. Well, don't we all have piles and piles of that! We are also sponsored this week by Karen's Doodles  and what fabulous digital stamps she has. It was so hard to pick which one I wanted to use on my card this week but then I remembered I have a  little girl like obsession with princesses and so my decision was made, lol. For my old/neglected stash I first used some really pretty colour cardstock that I have been hoarding forever. I also used my Butterfly embosslits folder that I purchased from Stampin' Up and never seem to remember to use. I also used this fabulous trim that I bought in a bunch of different colours a while ago and have yet to even take the plastic. off. My stickles are something I love and have just recently been digging them out again. I really wish they showed up better in pictures as this card has four different coloured stickles on it and just sparkles!

I can't wait to see what oldies but goodies you find hiding in your scrap space and put to work this week. Check out the Birthday Sundaes blog for the rest of the fabulous DT creations and to see who our guest designer is this week!

Happy Crafting!
Tara

Details:

Cardstock: source unknown (that's how long I have had it! Sorry)

Digital Stamp: http://karensdoodles.com/

Trim: Multi Craft Imports

Ribbon: Offray

Butterfly: Sizzix butterfly embosslit

Sentiment Stamp: Michael's

Clear babbles

Stickles

Prisma Coloured pencils + Gamsol

Justwordz DT Friday!

Hi Everyone,
Welcome to Friday (finally)!!! It is time again to get some fabulous Justwordz inspiration! This week we were given Redonkulous Designs digital stamps to work with again. These digis are fabulous and they just keep getting cuter and cuter. Here is the card I made matching one of these digis up with Justwordz Party Time stamp set.

Details:

Cardstock: Recollections + scrap pile

Digital Stamp: Redonkulous Designs

Sentiment Stamp: Justwordz Party Time Set

Ribbon: Offray

Border Punch: Ek Success (American Girl series...it's hot pink)!

Babbles: undyed

Prisma Coloured Pencils + Gamsol

Stickles (on his ball even though the camera didn't pick them up)

Now head on over to the Justwordz blog to get more inspiration for the rest of the Design Team. There is also challenge going on over there to make a Christmas card with a snowflake on it. You should really enter this while you are there as there is the chance to win a fabulous prize! 

Happy crafting everyone and have a wonderful weekend!

Tara