Holiday Shoebox Swap

by Holly

by Chris

by Yoo-rah

by Tammy

by Letitia

by Shelley

by Rae Anne

by Michelle C.

by Michelle B.

by Mary

by Liz

by Lisa

by Kristy

by Kirsten

by Katrina

by Jen

by Julie

by Denise

by Dee

by Christy F.

by Joan

by Celina

This past weekend, I was the organizer of a Christmas-themed Shoebox Swap. We held the event at Lone Star Retreat and Event Center in Georgetown. It is a great place and I highly recommend their facilities. We had 24 stations set up---one for each participant. Each participant designed a card and cut up all the pieces for the others to make it. Then we rotated from spot to spot and made one anothers' cards. It's like centers in school, but for adults!!! If you ever have a chance to participate in one of these events, I highly recommend it. If you are interested in attending one in the future, let me know because plans are already in the making for another one.

Goldfish Soap In A Bag

Remember winning goldfish at the carnival "back in the day"? My son is having a carnival themed birthday party and I made these as prizes for the goldfish booth. The kids have to throw ping pong balls in little water-filled fish bowls. When they win, they get their own fish for a prize. I think it's a more animal-friendly prize because those poor goldfish would always die as soon as you got home. Now they can peel off the plastic wrapping and take a bath with it! Stay tuned for more party creations!

Austin Shoebox Swap Doorprize

Here is my doorprize for the Austin Area Shoebox Swap that was held this weekend. I used a Lauren Meader template for the stationery box. I got the clear paint can from Archiver's and added some designer paper (K & Company), a belly band, and ribbon to give it some extra pizazz. I filled the paint can with fun ivory/black embelllishments from Archiver's.

Big Top Invitations

Here are the invitations I made for my son's circus/carnival themed birthday party. I really wanted to use red and white striped paper for the tent, but I couldn't find it anywhere. I think I like the mulit-colored striped paper better after all. For the clown, I used the Paper Dolls Cricut cartridge. I love that cartridge because it's so versatile. The peanut on the inside of the card was made from a bikini top on the Cricut. I just cut off the straps to the bikini, drew some lines, and sponged it with brown ink. You probably can't tell from the photo, but the balloons are shiny. I made them shiny by adding crystal effects. I made 30 invitations and it took me 3 weeks. I am so glad to finally get to work on something else!

Girl On Swing

I found this paper and Memory Depot and I bought all they had left. I just fell in love with the color combination. I never thought of using Teal and Eggplant together. And I just love this stamp set from A Muse stamps. It's perfect for a graduation or promotion.

Blooming Faces Teacher Gift

My son's Pre-K Teacher has been so awesome this year. We decided to show our appreciation for her by collecting money and purchasing a BIG Visa card for her. Being a crafty gal, I just COULDN'T bear the thought of just handing it to her in a card. So I made a flower pot for her. The stems of the flowers are pencils. To save time (this was a last minute idea, of course), I bought pre-made flower diecuts from Archiver's. Then I put each child's face in the middle of a flower. Included with the flower pot was an excellent poem that I got from Geeta's blog. It was just perfect for the occasion.

Forever In Your Heart

Although you are not their mother

You care for them each day.

You cuddle, sing and read to them

And watch them as they play.

You see each new accomplishment

You help them grow and learn.

You understand their language,

You listen with concern.

They come to you for comfort,

And you kiss away their tears.

They proudly show their work to you,

You give the loudest cheers!

No, you are not their mother,

But your role is just as strong.

You nurture them and keep them safe,

Though maybe not for long.

You know someday the time will come,

When you will have to part.

But you know each child you cared for,

is forever in your heart!
Author Unknown.

Masculine Birthday Card

I have the hardest time coming up with masculine cards. I came up with this design last night and am quite pleased. I think I am going to make about 10 of them so I don't have to come up with another design for the year.

Image: DRS Designs

Paper: Be Bop Swingin' Stripes, Ruby Red, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Tuxedo Black

Embellishments: Grosgrain Ribbon, hole punch, dimensionals