Wordless Wednesday...

Another cutie from summer vacation.

A very special thank you to Sonny at Sunny Spot Illustrations for featuring me today as Tuesday's Talent. Please stop by and say hello! Sonny has a fabulous new blog and on Tuesdays she will showcase some of her favorite artists. I look forward to seeing her weekly features and hope she will share more of her own works, too.

DCRU DT Challenge 9 - Possibility City

It's Tuesday! And you know what that means- A CHALLENGE!!! This week you can create a layout, card, or project that uses AT LEAST 2 products sold in the DCRU store. I know the possibilities are pretty much endless, but that's what makes it fun!

I altered a journal "Butterfly Wishes" using the beautiful Quickutz Butterfly and Spellbinders Labels One from the DCRU store. The paper is Marrakesh from Basic Grey. I added rhinestones to the butterfly for a little sparkle.



So dig through your stash and see what 2 products you have that DCRU sells. When you visit the DCRU DT blog, remember to leave a direct link to your creation and your first name by midnight on Saturday to be eligible to be in the top 3 or the winner!

DCRU DT News and JustRite Stampers Witch Way to the Treats

Thank God it's Friday! Of course, now that the boys are back to school they are bringing the germs home and I ended up with a sinus/ear infection this week. So I'm behind in sharing some Die Cuts R Us Design Team news. One of our members, Diane, decided to step down earlier this week. You can still visit Diane at her blog or at her Etsy shop. She also happens to be this week's feature on the blog of EtsyGreetings team member, Aletha, and you can visit Aletha's blog here. Stop by both blogs and say hello! Wishing you only good things, Diane!! We'll miss you! Our newest DT member is Sarabeth and you can visit her blog here. Stop by and see what a fabulous talent she is!! We all look forward to working with her. And take a peek at the DCRU DT blog today to find out which paper crafting tool Amber considers a must have.

Last week I made a ton of scalloped embellishments using my new favorite JustRite stamp set, Witch Way to the Treats. Even Andrew helped. He also loves Copic Atyou Spica Glitter pens. He's so precious.


Since I had 3 posts for DCRU, the intention was to showcase the stamp set by showing you the treat bag toppers I made with help from my young assistant. But instead I added them to my Etsy shop and shared the chocolate kisses with my little boys. Here's one of our favorites!



Then I had another delicious idea~cupcakes!
Both boys helped me make and eat this yummy project! You can find this Limited Edition set, Witch Way to the Treats, at the Die Cuts R Us store here. It's a Limited Edition so when it sells out, that's it! Don't forget to join the DCRU DT challenge this week! Make a Halloween card, layout or project and link it here by tomorrow night at midnight or you'll turn into a pumpkin. Just kidding! But take a look, there's a chance to win a prize!! Enjoy the weekend!!

Tuesday's Spooktacular Challenge at DCRU!

I'm so excited today is my turn to host the Tuesday Challenge at the DCRU DT blog. The challenge for this week is another fun one. Create ANY Halloween project and use a stamp. If you have the JustRite Stampers set Witch Way to the Treats that Die Cuts R Us carries that's great, use it! If not, no worries, any stamped image will do. Just have fun!! Remember, anyone can play and feel free to combine our challenge with other challenges. Also remember that your spooktacular creations are due by Midnight Eastern Time Saturday, September 26.

Here's my card and it was so fun to make. Frankenstein in the doorway and the witch flying by are from the Limited Edition Witch Way to the Treats Set. It's such a versatile set. You can mix and match the 10 centers and borders any way you like.Hope you'll join us in this week's challenge. Witching you all a spooktacular day!!

Batty Wishes WSC98

I had this wonderful watermark made right before we left for vacation last month and realized that I haven't even had time to use it. Anyway, I just did a quick card for the Weekend Sketch Challenge #98. I saw the sketch on Beate's blog over at Fresh & Fun and this is what I came up with. It wasn't that easy adding the watermark. I need more practice. What do you think?

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Simply Stamping with Die Cuts R Us!

Die Cuts R Us not only has the best selection of die cuts but also has a number of decorative stamp sets which are just perfect for your card making, scrapbooking, paper crafting projects and even home decor! At the DCRU store, there are fun sets by JustRite Stampers, American Crafts, The Greeting Farm and even a Cricut stamp set so that you can create your own stamp. But one of my personal favorites is "Butterfly Wishes" an absolutely beautiful stamp set designed for The Greeting Farm by our very own Design Team sister, Jessica Diedrich!There's so much you can do with your stamps and today on the DCRU blog, I highlighted a few of my favorites. Head over and take a peek. Be sure to come back and visit me as I'll be hosting next week's challenge. It'll be sweet, not scary, I promise!! Have a great day!

Working on Wednesday

The Die Cuts R Us Design Team blog has a "Working on Wednesday" post wherein our DCRU friends and the DT members can leave a little note about what they are working on today. Being that I was under the weather last week, I'm sure my family would appreciate it if I "worked on" cleaning up the house a bit! EEEKK!!

I'm finishing up today a number of Halloween goodies for my Etsy shop and a few Custom Halloween treats. I love Halloween; it's such a fun time for all! Maybe I'll get to cleaning. What are you working on today?

Tuesdays Challenge at the Die Cuts R Us Design Team Blog

Happy Tuesday to you! I can't believe it's already mid-September. I'm pleased that my boys are (so far) very happy in 4th grade and preschool. Whew...we'll see how long that lasts. My little one is a bit more clingy but he's adjusting well. He forgets all about me once he sees cars and trucks to play with at school.

I've gotten many sweet messages and I thank you!! I'm doing well and look forward to getting back to long walks with my doggy and my boys. One thing about that crazy doggy of mine, we took him to a dog swim at our swim club and this Duck Toller can't swim! What Duck Toller can't swim? Poor Harley! Oh, yes, they closed the pool after the dog swim. It's the end of the season last swim and the doggies love it!

This week's challenge at the DCRU DT blog is to create something using any kind of media - paints, chalks, pens, glitter, water colors, embossers, markers, you name it! Take a peek at Gwen's Monday post and see how she transformed plain die cuts. Sweet!

For my challenge card, I decided to embellish the dry embossed owl with chalks and just a wee bit of Atyou Spica Glitter Pen for his beak. I kept it simple, what do you think?




Whooo whoo wants to leave me a comment?? Whoo Whoo is going to join the DCRU DT this week?? Ok, enough owl jokes...

Regarding the DCRU DT challenges, we have a new system in place to reward you for participating! Here is how it works. If you participate in a challenge you will automatically receive one "ticket." If you make the top three, you will receive 2 additional "tickets." AND if you are the week's winner, you get 3 additional "tickets!" At the end of the month, every ticket will be put into a pot and a winner will be drawn to receive a
SUPER fab prize pack! Good luck to you!!

Blog candy winner, DCRU Challenge and Why I Can't Breathe!

I'm a day late with announcing a winner of the Halloween blog candy. I won't keep you waiting, the winner is:

GINNY!!

Hooray, Ginny, let me know where to send your goodies!! Congratulations and thanks to all those who left me messages on and off the blog. You are all big sweeties and I'm grateful!


The challenge at the Die Cuts R Us Design Team blog this week is to make a Pop-Up Card. You should see all the great pop-ups the design team came up with! Amazing!! I'm just adding a photo of my card here. The recipe is on the DT blog.




I'm taking it easy the next few days as I recover from yet another pneumothorax. (Is this the 15th time? I've lost count.) The last time I had one, it took 4 months until I was pain free and then I went out and trained for a 1/2 marathon. Yeah, I'm a tough girl but I don't think I'll be signing up for a marathon anytime soon. Come back next Tuesday and see what the DCRU DT has for their next challenge! Be sure to join us, we love company!!
P.S. Thanks to those who sent good wishes and prayers!! I truly appreciate it!

Blog Candy for my Etsy Anniversary!

Happy Saturday!! Hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Today I've been selling my handmade paper crafts on Etsy for one year and it's been quite a year. I've met a number of incredibly talented people from all over the world (you know who you are). My handmade paper designs have been shipped to 5 different countries and are for sale in a hospital boutique in Ohio and an art store in New Jersey. I'm designing for my favorite online store, Die Cuts R Us and working with the most amazing design team!! I'm truly blessed, that's for sure.

In appreciation and celebration of my past year, all items in Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art are 20% off. Take a peek and see what's new!

Now for some Halloween candy, blog candy that is.



Today's candy consists of:

Making Memories "Spellbound" 90 brad pack
Heidi Swapp Halloween Rub-Ons-1 black, 1 white
Making Memories "Spellbound" Mini Book Kit including 1 5x7 spiral bound mini book, 10 sheets of cardstock, 2 1 yd. ribbons, 234 tiny alpha stickers, 17 icon stickers, 12 tag stickers

If you'd like a chance to win the Halloween blog candy, here's what to do:

1. Become a blog and/or Facebook follower and leave me a comment with your favorite Halloween memory. It's easy to follow, just click on the appropriate button on the right sidebar.

2. Mention my blog candy on your blog. If you link back to my blog and let me know you've done so, you'll be entered twice. Dont' forget a comment so I can find you if you win.

Be sure to leave your comment by Tuesday, September 8 at midnight EST. The winner will be chosen by a random drawing (random.org). I'll announce a winner on Wednesday, September 9 so stop by again.

I appreciate everyone who visits me here, on Etsy and at the DCRU DT blog. Please spread the word about my blog candy. This candy is open to everyone worldwide. I'll be back on Wednesday. Good luck!!

Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art's One Year with Etsy Sale!!

Remember when you turned one? Ok, I don't remember either but you know from the photos that it was a big deal. A reason to celebrate!! A party, a fiesta! Woo hoo!!

This Saturday marks Cara's Scrap 'N Stamp Art's first year of selling handmade with Etsy. In appreciation for the generous support I have received this past year, all store items are 20% off from today through Monday at 11:59 PM EST. Please use code "Weekend Deals" in the Notes To Seller upon checkout. This offer is not to be combined with any other store coupons. I can refund the difference via PayPal or you can wait for a revised invoice.

Come back and visit here on Saturday because that's when I'll post some blog candy!! It will be sweet, for sure! See you then and, as always, thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

$250 Shopping Spree at Scrapping Cottage

How would you like to win a $250 shopping spree at the Scrapping Cottage? That's right - the winner will get to choose $250 worth of products at The Scrapping Cottage! Just visit their website at this link to find out how you can win. They carry CottageCutz dies which are made exclusively for them. This surf shack is a fav!

Positively Stunning Negative Challenge at DCRU

Like I said yesterday, I know you paper crafters have stashes of scraps and negatives. Here's your chance to put them to good use! Check out the DCRU DT blog for details on this week's challenge which is to make a project using your negative scraps. My negative scraps from last week's challenge were still on my desk so I used those to create this wedding card.



And here's the anniversary card from the week prior so that you can see where the negative scraps came from. Do you think I put my negatives to good use?



Get out your scraps and negatives and let's see what you can create!! Thanks to Diane for this great challenge!!