Spooky Sweets In a Mason Jar

Happy Halloween! Today, I know you are all busy getting the kids costumes ready and carving your pumpkins. So I feel extra special that you found time to stop by my blog today! I wanted to share with you a special treat our family made for Halloween - homemade strawberry jam! And my-oh-my it is yummy! And because it is not possible to do a taste test over the blogosphere, I am more than happy to send you the recipe. 

Canning jars is so much fun but took a little team work. We all had a blast cutting up the strawberries. Of course we had to sample them as we went along, just to be sure they were yummy (*wink). 

Other than having a belly full of strawberries, the best part was decorating the jars. As a paper crafter, how could I resist? I used orange cardstock and Spooky Sweets II stamps from Papertrey Ink, some gorgeous plaid fabric (in the best colors for Halloween) and tied it all together with a black satin bow. Super easy, right? I think so!

Now, I have already given out a jar to my friends and family. We even ate all our supply within a few days. We had jam on pancakes, biscuits, and on our toast for breakfast. So fresh, it was amazing. And being that we live right next door to the strawberry capital of the world, we had the best, most ripe pick of the season. 

If anyone wants this recipe, just leave me a comment and I will gladly email it to you. Something this good is worth sharing and I am more than happy to share! 

Thanks for stopping by and have a happy and safe Halloween!

Merry & Bright

I know it's not even Halloween yet, but I am super excited for Christmas time! I was in the mood to create a little holiday card based on the Laura's sketch over at 2 Sketches 4 You. This card is a little different because I am not typically fond of traditional green and red colors during the holidays. My Christmas tree is typically white with vintage mercury glass ornaments in pink, turquoise, or pale green colors. This card reminds me of my tree. I just love it!

I used Rustic Cream cardstock embossed in snowflakes. I highlighted the raised parts of the embossed snowflakes in a shimmery pale pink color (it's hard to see from the photo, but boy-oh-boy, is it pretty in person). 

I used my brand new stamps, Merry Little Christmas, from Papertrey Ink. I wanted soft, muted colors, yet still bright and cheery. To accomplish this look I first inked my stamps extra wet, then stamped onto scratch paper first - then, without reapplying the ink, I stamped directly onto my patterned paper. 

I added some lace trim on the side and Pure Poppy Baker's Twine around the border. Last, I grabbed some white tissue paper, ran it through my flower die cut in several layers, spritzed it with S.W.A.K. Glimmer Mist, and a Sweet Blush button from Papertrey Ink. 

Oh! And I almost forgot....I added some mica flakes in between the tree branches and on the snowy hill. Good 'ol Martha Stewart just has everything a crafty girl could ever need!

Thank you so much for looking and have a happy Halloween tomorrow! Be safe!

You Are A Peach & Exciting News!

Hello everyone! I wanted to share the newest card I've created while playing along with Papercraft Star and some super exciting news (I'll get to that in a second *wink).  This card was based on an inspirational photo by, who else, but the one that inspires us all - Martha Stewart! 

I kept with the color theme of soft greens and browns, but changed the pear fruit-them with peaches! I just adore fresh peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream...oooh yummy! Ok, let me keep on track here. I used a new plaid patterned embossing plate I recently found and used a brown and white checked bow to keep the theme flowing. I just love that embossing plate!

I stamped a peach image that I've been saving and colored it with Copic markers, added a gorgeous leaf and a simple green button. Last, I stamped a beautiful sentiment "You Are A Peach" from Papertrey Ink. 

And now for the part where I tell you my exciting news! Beth, over at Papercraft Star, has asked me if I would be their guest designer for November! Ya-hoo!! I just love the challenges over at their blog. I have won two challenges (so far *wink)  - they give out great prizes and each challenge is so unique. So, I hope you will all join me next week as I reveal my design for their blog. I have my card ready to go but I can't reveal it just yet - you'll have to wait until next week. You're going to love it!

Now I'm off to go enjoy a nice lobster dinner with my family. My mother-in-law has been visiting us from Idaho this week and tonight is her last night before her long drive home [insert sad face here]. But we will be visiting her during Christmas and I can't wait because she has snow! Something we never get here on the coast of California. 

Cardstock: Spring Moss, Fine Linen; Papertrey Ink

Sentiment: Signature Greetings; Papertrey Ink

Grid Paper: Seaside Retreat; Webster's Pages

Plaid Embossing Plate: Basic Grey; Sizzix

Vintage Inspired Quick Cards

I can tell that Halloween is almost here because my children won't stop asking me if they can put their costumes on in search of the all night quest to fill their bags with candy. My son has been wearing his hat for his costume everywhere we go....in the house, at restaurants, and even at the dinner table. Such a goofball! 

And because Halloween is just around the corner, I was short on time and needed to make some really quick greeting cards. I thought it would be a nice way to start off the holiday season by sending out some cards to friends and family. And being that I love all things vintage, I used my scanned images from my vintage postcard stash. Yes, I have a lot of these as I used to sell vintage toys and goodies in an antique store - after it closed I still have lots of goodies leftover. So here is what I created....

Each card took about 5 minutes to make from start to finish. Yes, only 5 minutes! So I only spent about 30 minutes in total and now I have some truly unique greeting cards to send in the mail! I hope you find some inspiration here to create something simple, yet truly special. Because receiving a card in the mail can be such a surprise!

For this first card, I used a single piece of double-sided patterned paper, cut it in half and used both sides. Then added vellum for the matting behind the postcard and tied 3 simple buttons. 

This second card is the same concept with reversing the patterned paper, except I used Kraft paper for the matting and added 3 little flowers. 

This third card is my first favorite - I used one side of patterned paper, vellum matting and simple twine.

For the fourth card I used the same patterned paper, added a ribbon behind my vellum matting and punched two stars.

This fifth card is super simple too - I used a single sheet of patterned paper, added lace and ribbon and placed the postcard on Kraft paper matting. I just love that the lace matches the witch's silvery long hair!

And for my last card (my favorite) I used a single sheet of patterned paper, tied a satin bow, used Kraft paper for the matting and added a flower with a glittery orange button. 

I'd love to know, which card is your favorite?

Patterned Papers: 

Toil & Trouble, The Girls Paperie; Blackbird, My Mind's Eye; Nook & Pantry, Basic Grey

Halloween Treat Pockets with Crate Paper

I remembered that I never posted these on my blog, although I did make them some time ago. So, here are my super-duper-easy-to-make Halloween treat pockets using Crate Paper's Restoration line and stamps from Papertrey Ink. These pockets were inspired my Melissa Phillips who was inspired my Michelle Wooderson. So I'm really not sure who to give the credit to for this adorable little gift idea - but both ladies are incredibly talented. Now, on to the how-to...

First, I took a 12"x12" Kraft cardstock and sliced it right down the center at 6" wide. Then, I folded the bottom about 4.5" and machine-stitched around the bottom and sides to create a little pocket. 

The fun part was using the Restoration papers to decorate the pockets. These papers are so beautiful and are double-sided so it made mixing and matching the papers a breeze. To make the patterned papers fit inside the pockets, I simply measured about 1/4" smaller than the stitching. Although, you could stitch directly over the patterned paper if you choose, but I guess I didn't think of that until it was said and done.

I used Papertrey Ink's Spooky Sweets II stamp set to stamp the spider in the corner and the quote on top, "Best if eaten before October 31." I added a lacey trim, a satin bow, and the border at the bottom are stickers from the Restoration line. Like I said, super-duper-easy-to-make.

Last, I used glassine bags (also from Papertrey Ink), stamped some cute little spider webs directly onto the bags, then used a tab punch to adhere to the bag. I inked around the edge of the tab to make it look a little Halloweenish (yes, I know that's not a real word) and stamped "Eat at your own risk" in black ink. 

Now I have some fun little treat pockets that I will fill to the brim with candy and give them as special gifts for my family. And because they were so easy to make, I might just save this idea to use later for the holidays - I'm thinking cookies, peppermint, gingerbread....oooh the possibilities!

Thanks for stopping by and again for all your comments that just make me smile!

Vintage Paper Goods - Little Golden Book

Well, I'm on a mini-vacation this week. My soon to be mother-in-law is visiting us all the way from Idaho this week. So we took a few days off to spend some time with her. Before breakfast this morning, I woke up early to make something a little different. I was inspired by Betsy Veldman's challenge to create something using a vintage item of choice!

I created this card using Cosmo Cricket's Wanted papers and an image from the Little Golden Book titled, Fury Takes the Jump. And yes, it's the real page from the book! I know, I know...you're probably thinking I am crazy, but I found this book at a garage sale for only 25 cents. While most of the pages are in great condition, sadly there were two pages that were torn. Either way, I felt that I would get the most use out of this book by using the images to create something new. 

The book is Copyright 1958. Before making this project from the book, I did read the story to my children. It was so funny because the words used in the story are so different from the way we speak nowadays. How the times have changed...sigh!

Well, I hope I've inspired you to rummage a good garage sale or find some vintage things in your attic to create something new. You never know...you may just end up loving something even more with a fresh new purpose! 

Thanks for stopping by and for any comments!

Vintage Postcard Meets Crafty Opportunity

If any of you know me, then you know I love everything vintage. Tablecloths, linens, pottery, china, children's books, chippy paint...the list goes on and on. So it's only natural for me to create a vintage style card, inspired by my love for the tattered and worn. 

I came across a nice little stash of Halloween themed postcards. So I found it a perfect opportunity to scan the images to preserve them, print them, and make some fun cards. I based this card on the challenge over at Waltzingmouse sketches. Last week, I was the random winner of their Rescue Remedies stamp set - I can't wait for it to arrive so I can share with you some ideas I have for the set. You can purchase the set here - and no, I am not a paid sponsor, just a happy winner!

Thanks for stopping by and for your comments. Have a great day!

Patterned Paper:: Toil & Trouble; The Girl's Paperie

Sentiment:: Spooky Sweets II; Papertrey Ink

Die Cuts:: Provocraft, Sizzix

Ink:: Fresh Snow; Papertrey Ink

And the Winner Is....

Remember the giveaway I am offering on my blog? Well, just to remind you, I am giving away a brand new shiny bottle of Glossy Accents and a bottle of Crackle Accents made by Ranger. I've been having so much fun with both these products lately that I wanted to share the fun with one of you lucky readers. So let's stop wasting time and announce the winner!

And our random winner is...

Gail!

Congratulations, Gail! Just send me an email at paperlovesglue at gmail dot com with your mailing address. I will personally wrap your goodies up and take them to the post office. I hope you make lots of fun things and share them with all of us on your blog! 

And thank you to everyone else who played along. I will be having another giveaway really soon. So stick around - it could be you!

Countdown to Halloween...

Can you believe in less than one week, Halloween will be here and October will be over? I can't. Time is just flying by. But the kids are excited to put on their costumes and start their night-long quest for candy! 

Anyway, recently I purchased several of the digi stamps over at the Greeting Farm. My daughter and I sat down and spent some time coloring with Copic markers. She just loves those markers and feels like it's such a treat when I allow her to use them. This is one of the images my daughter colored! I think she is pretty good! 

Then, we decided to make a card out of this happy little witch. I supervised and provided direction while my daughter did the piecing together. She saw the look of pleats in a magazine and wanted to try - so we kept it simple. 

Then we added some black glitter buttons and place black cardstock behind the orange frame. Last, we applied foam tape to adhere the witch so it looks like she is flying over the card. I totally enjoyed getting crafty with my daughter - it was a great way to spend some time together and she loves the final result!

And here are the Copic markers my daughter used for this card. 

And don't forget that I will announce the winner this evening for the Glossy Accents and Crackle Accents!

Patterned Papers; Frame; Stamp:: Recollections; Michael's

Witch:: Hallo Witch Digi Stamp; Greeting Farm

3 Little Pumpkins!

Hello everyone! I decided to play along for the first time with the latest sketch over at Cardabilities. I really love that this sketch looks like an ornament tied with a bow, but because I thought that might be a little obvious, I kept with a Halloween theme and decorated it with those adorable little pumpkins. Aren't they cute?

And don't forget, tomorrow I will announce the winner of the giveaway here at my blog. It could be you!

Patterned Papers:: Blackbird; My Mind's Eye

Baker's Twine: Chocolate; Papertrey Ink

Sentiment:: Spooky Sweets II; Papertrey Ink

Pumpkins:: Blackbird Chipboard; My Mind's Eye

Two Challenges.

Good morning! I created this card based on Kazan's sketch No. 64 over at 2 Sketches 4 You and combined it with challenge No. 18 at Papercraft Star, who required not a layout, but specific items to include in your card...

• Create a Thank You themed project; 
• Use dry embossing; 
• Use Cricut cartridge or other die cut; 
• Use metal on your project; 
• Add anything else you desire

For the dry embossing requirement, I used a woodgrain impression and created a "letterpress" look to it by adding white ink over the plate, then running it through my Cuttlebug. It's very suttle, but you can see it in the next photo. For the die cut requirement, I used a flower die and stamped each petal with two inks. Then you can see my cute little pins met the metal requirement.

Cardstock: Vintage Cream & Sweet Blush; Papertrey Ink

Impression Plate: Woodgrain; Papertrey Ink

Die Cut: Beautiful Blooms II #1; Papertrey Ink

Stamps: Vintage Labels, Spiral Bouquet; Papertrey Ink

Ink: Raspberry Fizz, Sweet Blush, Fresh Snow; Papertrey Ink

Let's Be Merry & Bright! And Giveaway!

Hi everyone! Tonight I wanted to share with you a fun idea for using Glossy Accents on your projects. This glossy stuff is so much fun - I just love the way it adds that bit of texture, shine, and third dimension. I based my card from Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge No. 19 that called for some stamping and a bow. From there, I added my own details...

For my stamping I used the Lawn Fawn's Cozy Christmas set to stamp that cute strand of light bulbs - don't they have the cutest little happy faces? I colored them with Copic markers then added a zig-zag stitch around my cardstock (gotta keep those papers together!). 

I decided to have a little fun, so I got out my invisible marking pen and did some free-hand drawing from felt pieces to create the snowy hill and the little snowman. I cut them out, outlined the edges with my Copic marker, dabbed some glue, and pieced them all together (not too shabby, 'eh?)!

Then, I tied some baker's twine around the card, added a cute sentiment and a little button, and adhered to my cardbase. (Now this is where the fun part comes in....) Last, I applied Glossy Accents over each bulb, let it set to dry (about 20 minutes), and voila! Shiny, happy, Christmas bulbs!

And now for the giveway...I am giving away a brand new shiny bottle of Glossy Accents and a bottle of Crackle Accents by Ranger to one lucky person (because free stuff is fun)! For a chance to win, simply become a follower of my blog before midnight, October 24. I will announce the winner on October 25. 

Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

Cardstock:: Bazzil Basics; Vintage Cream, Papertrey Ink

Stamps:: Cozy Christmas, Lawn Fawn

Twine:: Baker's Twine Pure Poppy, Papertrey Ink

Snowman and Snowy Hill:: white felt hand-cut and pieced by me!

Copic Markers:: Frost Blue B00; Lipstick Red R29; Pale Cobalt Green YG41; Pale Yellow Y11

Other:: Glossy Accents by Ranger

Look Who's on Cosmo Cricket Today!

So tonight on my ride home from work, I was catching up on my mobile blogging. Traffic was slow because it had been raining with thunder and lightning all day - but it was so cool! I love it! Anyway, back to the blogging...I made my daily visit to the Cosmo Cricket blog and spotted who else but MY own card on their blog for the second time! That is such an awesome surprise and just turned my rainy day to sunshine - thanks, Cosmo Cricket!

Hop on over to Cosmo's blog to see their original post and get inspired by all the fun projects featured today. Congratulations to Tanisha, Jennifer, and Danni for having their projects posted too!

Recipe Box. Made With Love.

Hello everyone and a happy Monday to you! I wanted to share my newest project that I created over at the Hybrid Chick blog. I created a super-easy-to-make recipe box, including my own recipe of my most requested cookie...the Snickerdoodle!

So hop on over to the Hybrid Chick to learn how to make your own recipe box and get a fabulous recipe while you're there! I hope you all enjoy...happy baking!

You're So Sweet. *2 Sketches 4 You*

Taking photos with the rain and the clouds overhead is very challenging. I had to dry off the bricks and place a cover over my camera. I guess you may not have even noticed? So let's forget I said anything - lol!

This is the second card I created from sketch challenge No. 60 over at 2 Sketches 4 You. And I had so much fun with this one - there is a little of both wet and dry embossing going on with this card. Can you see it? 

I started by using my Cuttlebug to dry emboss those little polka-dots and did a zig-zag stitch onto a shimmery cardstock. Then I added my lace and ribbon around and adhered to the card base with foam tape. Then, I used a Spellbinders die cut for my scalloped circle and stamped some polka-dots to keep with my theme. 

Then, I stamped that cute little cupcake and heat-embossed to give it some texture. I stamped my sentiment and used foam tape to adhere my cupcake. Isn't this sweet? 

There is still time to participate in the giveaway here at my blog and win some free goodies! Simply become a follower before midnight, October 24thand you will be entered to win! I will announce the winner on October 25th. Thanks for stopping by and for any comments! 

Cardstock:: Vintage Cream, Sweet Blush; Papertrey Ink

Cupcake and Sentiment:: Cupcake Collection; Papertrey Ink