Belated Unscripted

Here's my project for Unscripted Sketches this week...only a FEW days late! My computer is not always working so well and crashed completely over the weekend. Even now I'm running on borrowed time......

I found out last week that my cousin is having a GIRL! So finally I can make cute pink and purple and frilly baby items!!!

Hopefully the computer will cooperate and I'll be back soon....but cross your fingers just incase!

Smiles,

Designer Spotlight

Good morning! Welcome to Unscripted Sketches Christmas in July. Today is another Designer Spotlight day and it's shining right on me! The holidays are so hectic both at school (I teach first grade) and with trying to fit everything in with my family and traveling to see the inlaws, so I try to plan ahead a bit. It just doesn't always work! This year I'll also be going to Grad school so I really need to plan ahead.

One thing I make sure to do, is thank those people who are always helping me out during the year, like coworkers, classroom volunteers, family and friends. A sweet treat can be so much more special with a bit of special packaging, which is what I'm showing off today.

I found this sweet mini paint can at Michaels for a couple bucks and was able to dress it up simply, but elegantly with some SU Christmas dsp and ribbon. I added a tag (with to/from on the back) and put the santa hat on to make it a bit more festive. I couldn't leave the top bare either:

I'm not sure what will go in this, but that's the great part of planning ahead. I almost baked cookies just for the sake of photos but it's been HOT here for two weeks, and if I bake them I will eat them. I've been good about exercising and losing weight so I don't want to do that! These can be filled with candy, cookies or even tiny gifts. We'll see when the time comes.

I didn't want to just show off packaging that I spent money to buy before decorating. Luckily I save EVERYTHING just incase. You really can use just about anything.

This jar has been with me for many years. I think it came with a Christmas cross stitch kit from a former coworker who taught me to crochet and knew my love of crafts. So the hat came with it too! I just added a tag and I can either fill it with something yummy or add ingredients for a friend to make their own something yummy...festive pot holder and all!

At school we do a Secret Santa every year (for those who want to participate) and I have not yet met a recipient that didn't list CHOCOLATE as something they like. This funky little test tube will look great filled with some M&Ms (red and green of course). I kept it from a watch my father-in-law brought back for me from a trip in the Carribean. I knew I could use it eventually!

And while I'm sure I could spend a week going through the basement and finding things I've kept "just incase" I wanted to make a few simple tags for last minute things. This may go on a plate of cookies, a candle, or a bag of candy. The perfect size (2 1/4 x 3) to go on something small:

They are all together with my Christmas decorations now so I should be all set come December 1st. Now just what should I fill them with? Leave me a comment with an idea or what you traditionally give as little thank you gifts.

Smiles,

Another Saturday...

...another Unscripted Sketch. This week there's a piggyback color challenge--I used Close to Cocoa, Glorious Green, Real Red and a scrap of blue snowflake paper I had.

Today I'm at work at Hallmark for my LAST day....truly the end of an era for me. I've worked there for 13 years (just under half my life) and though I need to get away, I'm sad to be done. I'll be happy to have my Saturdays back, but sad to no longer buy anything with a discount. I suppose I can save my money for stamps and cardstock rather than Vera Bradleys now!

Hope you head over to Unscripted Sketches for a fun sketch, another guest designer, and all the Christmas in July fun!

Smiles,

Another patriotic color combo

Good morning! Today is a happy morning for me, I don't have to be at work until 10 so I get to workout first. Somehow on summer vacation with all my spare time I love working out. Just wish I could keep it going on September....maybe this will be the year!





Today is another Sketch it Saturday for Unscripted Sketches. I stuck with a Real Red, Night of Navy, and Whisper White (with a touch of Kraft) color combo to make a truly patriotic card that goes with the Pals Paper Arts inspiration challenge.

This is on it's way to Pennsylvania to my great-great aunt. I figure she's seen as many 4th of Julys as anyone--we'll be celebrating her 107th birthday at the end of August.

For now, head to Unscripted Sketches to check out the rest of the DT's work and see who today's guest designer is. Remember to play along because those who play along 3 times in the month are entered to win a Distrezz-It-All from Thoughts2Paper!

Smiles,

Sending happy thoughts

Yay, I finally have something to share! This weekend is the OWH blog tour and I didn't think I could participate or even make a card, but with a bit of cleaning I've got something created. Thanks to the colors Stacey chose this week for her Curtain Call Color Challenge too! (I did end up having to add orange for the flame though!)

For my card I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch and added bling (in the form of Stickles on the candles) in honor of Glitterbabe Stef's new challenge blog. I knew as soon as I came across my envelope die in my cleaning, I had to create a card for a hero that looked like a hero sending a card. Does that make sense? I love mail, that's all I know.

If you haven't already, head over to Unscripted Sketches for Christmas in July. Yesterday there was a bonus sketch (trying to find time to play!), today you can meet our new designer Linda (then head to her blog HERE), and tomorrow is another Sketch is Saturday with a guest designer. BINGO starts Sunday too (wish I could play, so sign up since I can't!).

Smiles,


Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Kraft, Night of Navy dsp
Ink: Real Red, Basic Black
Stamps: Tag Time (retired SU), On Your Birthday (SU!)
Other: Sizzix stamp die, Sizzix envelope die, Silver stickles, dimensionals