Hi Everyone,

Do you like Cappuccino?  We sure do!  In fact it's become a family tradition.  Several years ago I came a across recipe for a Cappuccino Mix.  I usually make it just before Thanksgiving, because on Thanksgiving Day my husband and girls always put up the outside Christmas lights and decorations.  That evening after our Thanksgiving meal we have our annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony. My husband sets out the lawn chairs and I make us our first cup of Christmas Cappuccino of the season.  We bundle up, sit back and enjoy our Christmas lights.  This is how the cappuccino mix got the name, Christmas Cappuccino!  I like to make an extra batch or two for family and friends.  It really makes a nice gift, but best of all my family loves it.....

When I saw this weeks Crazy 4 Cocoa Challenge (C4CC3, create anything BUT a card)  I new just what I wanted to do.



If you stop by in a few days, I'll have the recipe for the Cappuccino Mix posted.

I wish you all a safe and blessed Christmas.

Cheryl



Supplies

Stamps:  Sweet n' Sassy Stamps
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Gina K. Designs Pure Luxery
Accessories:  ribbon, Spellbinders, button, Baker's Twine, Felt Ric Rack, Felt, Sizzix, Mason Ball Jar

Crazy 4 Cocoa Challenge

Hi Everyone!

I hope you're having a HO HO HO week... full of Christmas shopping, baking, gift wrapping and family memories! 

I have a quick post tonight.  This easel card is for the Crazy 4 Cocoa Challenge, week 2.  This weeks challenge was to make a Christmas card using of course, a Cocoa image.   I've had this easel card idea in mind for days now, but just haven't found the time to make it happen.  Since tonight was the deadline, right after dinner I set out to make my Cocoa Christmas card.  Well.... it was one of those nights where that "mojo thing" just wasn't happening!  Honestly, I think I pulled out every piece of designer paper, card stock and embellishments I own!  Nothing was working, and in the back of my mind I kept telling myself  "you have to finish what you start", something I'm trying to teach my daughters!  Anyway, after more time than I care to admit, this is my Cocoa Christmas Easel Card!  I think Clean & Simple sums it up the best.
  

Tonight, I realized that if I continue to participate in the Crazy 4 Cocoa Challenges I really do NEED more Cocoa stamps.  I'm sure this will make complete sense to my husband!

Thanks for stopping by....... Have a wonderful week!

Cheryl

Supplies

Stamps:  Sweet n' Sassy Stamps
Ink:  Memento
Paper:  American Crafts (DP), Stampin' Up
Accessories:  Copics, Spellbinders, Bakers Twine, Seam Binding and a Button

CAS96 Bows

Hi Everyone,

Today is all about Tags.  As it gets closer to Christmas, I'm finding I need for more tags.  Tags for wrapped packages, gift bags, wine bottles and food gifts.  What ever you give, it's always nice to have a pretty tag attached to it.  I have to tell you, I've never been a big fan of those packages of generic Christmas Tags you can find in any discount store this time of year.  You know the ones I mean.  They usually come 50 to a package and are 1 inch by 3 inches.  They rank right up there with premade "sticky bows"!  

Well today, I decided to see how quick and simple I could make Christmas tags.  I used some designer card stock from K & Company, pulled out a couple of Spellbinders and some To/From stamps.  How easy is that? 

These three tags came from the same piece of card stock.  And, it was sitting right on my work table.  It was a scrap from another project! 

I hope I've inspired you look through your designer paper and scraps to see what tags you can make.

Supplies

Stamps:  A Muse and Paper inspirations (old)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  K & Company - Specialty paper Pad (Let it Snow) from Michaels
Accessories:  Ribbon, Tulle, Twine, Martha Stewart Punch and Bling

Thanks for stopping by.
Cheryl

Crazy 4 Cocoa Challenge

Hi Everyone,

I'm full of excitement and pride today!  My daughter, Sarah and I just got back last night  from the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  I'll share that story with you in just a bit, but first I'm sure you came to see Cocoa!   

The day before we left for Colorado Springs,  I saw this Crazy 4 Cocoa Challenge.  I had hoped I would have time to play before leaving.  Who was I kidding?  So first thing this morning I just had to put the laundry and unpacking aside...  I just love Cocoa.  He's so cute, and it is the first Crazy 4 Cocoa Challenge! 

The challenge was to make something for someone you love.  The only requirement was to use a Cocoa Mouse image.  I wanted something more than just a card, so this is what I came up with.  It's a cocoa pocket card.  My younger daughter, Katelyn loves hot chocolate and I thought this would be a fun way  to let her know how much I missed her over the weekend.  All though, she was very happy to stay home with her dad.  She's not much of a traveler.  Their plan for the weekend, lots of pizza and Laurel and Hardy movies!

Here are the measurements for the pocket card.



Start with heavy piece of card stock 5 1/4 x 11 1/2.  Score at 3 3/4, 4 and 7 3/4. 

Turn card stock around and measure up 1 1/2 from bottom left corner. Then, with your paper trimmer cut from the upper right corner down to the 1 1/2 mark.  Fold in on score line and tape to form pocket.  I hope these instructions are clear.  If not, please contact me.  



As I mentioned above, my daughter, Sarah and I got back last night  from the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Sarah, a sophomore in high school is on her school's Air Rifle Team.  For those of you who have never heard of Air Rifle, you're not alone.  I had never heard of it either, until my daughter decided she wanted to try out for the team last year!  It's all about marksmanship and concentration....AND it's an Olympic sport.

The coach took five shooters to the Winter Air Gun Competition in Colorado Springs over the weekend. The site of the competition was at the Olympic Training Center.  It was an incredible experience for the kids.  They all did very well. 

This is Sarah after her last match on Sunday afternoon. 

Supplies

Stamps: Sweet n' Sassy Stamps and Stampabilities (sentiment)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black and Copics

Paper:  K & Company

Accessories:  Spellbinders, Martha Stewart Punches, Baker's Twine, Jingle Bell, Seam Binding Ribbon (colored with Copics to match)  

I apologize for such a long post today......Have a wonderful week.

Cheryl



  

Happy Monday.  I hope you had a happy and restful Thanksgiving.

Today's Clean & Simple Challenge at SplitcoastStampers is to use a flower accent on your card/project.  My flower is handmade.  They're so much fun to make, and easy too!  Several months ago I found this great tutorial  by Jenni.  Her flower was the inspiration for mine.  The ribbon I used has a beautiful sheen and color to it, however this picture just doesn't do it justice. 

 

Here's my second card.  This is also for today's Clean & Simple Challenge. It's 4 1/4 square with a coordinating envelope.  I was trying to come up with a few ideas for Christmas thank you notes.  I was going for cute and easy.  Something I could make into sets.  The jury is still out on this one...

Suppy List

Stamps: Miss You - unknown, Thanks - A Muse
Ink:  Memento
Paper:  Archiver's Kraft
Accessories:  Lace, Pearl, Michaels Christmas Pick, Handmade Ribbon Flower, Michaels Paper Bridal Flowers, Bling

Have a great week,

Cheryl

Christmas Tags

Happy Monday!  I was playing around with Christmas tags last night and wanted to share them with you.
I used my new Gina K labels set.  As I was playing, I realized the possibilities are endless... with this adorable set.  I just need more time.

Supplies

Stamps:  Gina K. Designs, Sentiment-Hero Arts
Paper:  Stampin' Up
Ink:  Memento, Tuxedo Black & Rhubarb Stalk
Accessories :  ribbon, Baker's Twine, Tulle, Michael's Paper Bridal Flowers, Flat Pearls and Michael's Christmas Pick.

I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Cheryl

CAS93 Happy Fall

Happy Monday!  Thanks for stopping by.
 
When I was trying to decide what Christmas image I was going to use for my card today, I realized that I've made very few Fall/Thanksgiving card or projects this season.  I really enjoy Fall and all that it has to offer.  The leaves changing color, pumpkin bread, picking apples, but most of all I enjoy Thanksgiving.  For me, it's a time for reflection.  A time for family and traditions.  So, I quickly switched gears and started thinking Fall.  

You can find the CAS93 (Clean & Simple) Challenge at SplitcoastStampers.

Today's CAS (Clean & simple) Challenge was to use this sketch as inspiration.

Supplies:
Stamps:  A Muse
Paper:  Kraft
Ink:  Memento Rich Cocoa
Accssesories:  Ribbon, Tombow Markers and Martha Stewart Doilies

Happy Fall

Cheryl

One-Layer Wednesday

I can't believe I'm actually posting for a second time today. 

There are about 4-5 weekly challenges I enjoy.  Even if I don't have time to play, it's always fun to see what they are.  Tonight I just happened to pop over to Susan Raihala's blog, Simplicity to see what the One-Layer Wednesday (OLW) Challenge was.  This week Jennifer Styles is hosting the OLW Challenge on her blog, Syles Ink.  The challenge was to make a card using two or more of the elements mentioned in the title of her blog post ( birds and the Bees, and the flowers and the trees).  Additionally, your card needed  to incorporate a sentiment, and could be any theme.  Standing in front of my craft table attempting to pick up my mess from earlier today, this Inkadinkado stamp caught my eye.  That's it, I thought to myself.  That's the image for my OLW card. 

I couldn't believe how quickly this card came together.  This never happens.  I could see myself making a few sets in different colors.

Supplies

Paper:  Stampin' Up
Ink:  Memento Potter's Clay
Stamp:  Inkadinkado (image) A Muse (sentiment)

Cheryl

Sketch Challenge 306

I love today's sketch at SplitcoastStampers!  I'm definitely going to use this one again.

 

I colored Santa's Coat with Copics.  I'm still working on my blending technique.  The doilie behind the image is from Martha Stewart.  The collar, cuffs and bottom the jacket has iridescent glitter.  It doesn't show well in the picture.

Supplies:

Stamps:  A Muse
Paper:  American Crafts, Stampin' Up, Gina K Designs
Accessories:  Ribbon, Button, Baker's Twine, Martha Stewart Doilies, Spellbinders

I hope to have some Christmas Tag and a Christmas project to show you soon.  Thanks for stopping by.

Cheryl

Mojo Monday on Tuesday

It's been a busy week and it's only Tuesday...  Alright, let me tell you about today's card.  I wanted to make a special card for my oldest daughter Sarah, because I was taking her to get her driving permit this afternoon.  As I was trying to come up with a layout for my card I remembered yesterday's Mojo Monday Sketch.  It was perfect for what I had in mind.  If you are looking for some great sketches, check out the Mojo Monday Sketch Blog.  You won't be dissapointed.

Here's my card.  The envelope was made from a map I picked up at the Thrift Store. I love the way it added to the whole driving theme.  The punch art design came from my Stampin' Up Demonstrator, Mandy Grant. 



This is my daughter, Sarah.  This picture was taken just a few weeks ago when we went to pick up her Letterman's jacket. It's been pretty exciting around our house lately!

Have a great week,

Cheryl

Today's Clean and Simple Challenge

Today the CAS Challenge at SplitcoastStampers was a color challenge.  The colors we were asked to use were soft pink, old olive, kraft and/or white. I didn't do much stamping on this card, but had fun playing with my Sizzix dies.

Supplies:

Paper:  Stampin' Up, Pink Pirouette, Old Olive, Kraft, DP- from my scraps
Ink:  Memento, Rich Cocoa
Accessories: Sizzix, Bling, Tulle, Sponge

Thanks for stopping by.....Have a awesome week.

Cheryl

SplitcoastStampers Sketch Challenge 305

This card is 4 1/4 square...I just love this size. I used the sentiment from Gina K's new Winter Wings Set. Now that I have this adorable set out, I have to make another card using one of the main images! To find this Sketch Challenge and how to play along, go to SplitcoastStampers. From the Home page move down to Weekly Challenges.  They are always a wonderful source of inspiration!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Gina K. Designs - Winter Wings
Paper: Stampin' Up - Solids    Designer Paper - From My Stash
Ink: Memento - Rich Cocoa & Potter's Clay
Accessories: Spellbinders, Vintage Lace, Glitter Leaf (Hobby Lobby), Sponge  

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheryl

CAS91 With Sympathy

I can't believe it's already November!  Where has the year gone?  Before you know it, it will be Thanksgiving.  Ok, someone stop this Speeding Train...I need to get off! 

Let me show you today's CAS (Clean and Simple) Challenge at Splitcoaststampers - The Challenge was to make a CAS sympathy card. Not my favorite type of card to make, although I have to admit it's nice to have some in my stash....Thanks Jen  (Jen is our CAS Challenge Hostess).  I can't forget to give credit to Gina K Designs for this Gate Fold "with a twist" card.  Please check out Stamp TV for a great tutorial on this Gate Fold .



This view shows how the card opens.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Cheryl

Herman and His Twin Brother Sherman... Munster

With Halloween just a few hours away I wanted to post my last project.  Well, my last Halloween project!
I was looking for a fun little treat box for my daughters.  Something small and cute that I could sit on their bedside table. Just a little something from Mom on Halloween.

After searching the internet for ideas I stumbled upon Cambria Turnbow's blog and found this cute idea/tutorial.  After reading over her instructions, Cambria mentioned the original box design was by Jody Morrow.  I hope you take a minute and pop over to their blogs.  These gals are so talented! 

And the back view

I hope you have a safe and Happy Halloween! 

Cheryl

Quick & Simple

I wanted to share a some Halloween goodies I made last night.  I have two daughters, one in high school and the other in middle school.  I slipped these decorated Hershey candy bars in their backpacks this morning for a little Halloween surprise .  I thought they might enjoy them at school today. 

I used scraps already out on my work table, a few tags, Baker's Twine and some Tulle!  The nice thing is it was quick and simple!

Cheryl

Ways To Use It Challenge WT294

Today's card is another Splitcoaststampers challenge.  The Thursday Challenge is "Ways To Use It". Today it was "Frames".  I had to think about this one long and hard.  I wanted something a little different....

I cut a circle from the center of my card so you can see inside to my Framed image.  What do you think?

Supplies:
Stamp - Michaesl Dollar Bin, Spellbinders, Designer Paper - We R Memory Keepers, Solid Card Stock - Stampin'Up (retired Kraft and Lavender Lace), Baker's Twine and a button.

Thanks for stopping by.....

Cheryl

My Very First Post!

I'm so excited....  I've been thinking about starting this blog for over a year now.  I would always tell myself  I don't have the time, or there are so many other things that need my time and attention.   And then there was that nagging fear that blogging would be way to hard for me to figure out.  Well, I finally did it and I'm glad I did!
   
So..... let me tell you about today's card.  Actually, I have two.  The first card is for today's Sketch Challenge over at Splitcoaststampers.



Supplies:

Penny Black Stamp, Copics, Spellbinder Dies, Martha Stewart Web Punch, Handmade Felt Flower, Button and Baker's Twine.

Here's my second card.  It's 4 1/4 square.  I just love this size. 

Supplies:

Studio G Stamp (Michael's $ Bin), Copics, Spellbinder Dies, Martha Stewart Web Punch, and Baker's Twine.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheryl