Tuesday, January 31

Love You ALWAYS

I am happy to say I just finished a card in record time.  I have been wanting to improve on my skills making CAS cards and really thought the sketch at Less Is More this week would help me out a lot.  I started with some basic white cardstock and pulled out my MS papers from last V-Day!  Grabbed the keys and did a bit of distressing here and there.  The rest came together so quickly.

 
 RECIPE BELOW

I also had a few challenges in mind that I wanted to play along with:
My Craft Spot - Anything Goes
The Outlawz - Greeting Cards: must use hearts GC13012
Anything Goes - #59 To The One I Love
Unity Stamp Company FB Challenge - show us your Valentines
Whimsical Designs - Anything Goes
Simon Says - Anything Goes
Allsorts Challenges - #139 One or ore hearts
{ippity} OpportUNITY - Jan 29th LOVE challenge

Less is More - #52 sketch (used the sketch but not entering the challenge)


Base card stock - White by Recollections
DP - Key and Heart by Martha Stewart
Twine - Cappuccino by The Twinery
Key - Metal Art by K&Company
Heart Stamp (under key) - Unity: WE Treasure YOU
Key Stamp (under sentiment) - Unity: WE Treasure YOU
Sentiment - Unity: the TIME is NOW
Ink - Tim Holtz Distress ink (Vintage Photo and Antique Linen)



Keep Crafting
:O) 
Jessica

Monday, January 30

Livas Crafts: TALENT GALORE


 Today while poking about, I found some awesome talent at Livas Crafts.  So far, I have been drawn into her cards, layouts, altered dimensional decoupage box, and more.  I plan to poke around some more once I post this  to tell you to head over and see for yourself what I am talking about.
* * * * * * * * 
Liva is also offering some fun blog candy, too.

So go poke about and make a new friend!!!
Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica


Last Call for Winners to contact me and Check Out Kenzi's Blog

I announced the winners from the Blends Join Hands Blog Hop last Wednesday and still need to hear from a few of the winners.  
 Check HERE to see if you were
one of the lucky winners!
If I don't hear from you by Thursday, February 2nd 
I will be calling new winners so that
I can get to the Post Office
and do some Mailing!

****************************************
I also want to take a minute
to direct you over to Kenzi's Blog.

Her blog shows her wonderful talent, so
stop over and check it out!!
 
She is having a giveaway too!

**********************


Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Friday, January 27

DT Friday at CSDivas: Altered Taco Box

It's Friday and that means I am creating and posting for 
I am highlighting an altered item I finished to give to my daughter Ariana.  

A while back, you may recall, I had made a few "special boxes" for my kiddos.  If you would like to peek at those, click HERE to see Lance Jr.'s and HERE to see Gabriella's.  My intentions were to make one for each of the three smaller kids.  Well, as my mind wandered down new paths, and I got caught up in other crafts probably, I neglected to finish a box for sweet little Ariana. 
Mommy is so sorry honey!  I Love You!  
I would love it you would stop over, browse around
The Mansion (our blog) and become a follower if you like what you see.   

I am entering my project into the following challenges:

Unity Opportunity - Ippity challenge: Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
 Old:  Box      New: Papers and embellishments      Borrowed:  Vintage Button        Blue:  Flowers
Creations by Gill M - #1 3D Decoupage Creation
 Lots of Mod Podge (hope that counts)

The Kraft Journal - #55 Tie It Up
Bakers Twine

Crafts and Me - #68 Pink and Sparkly
 Lots of bling, sparkly butterflies, and glittery chipboard alphas

{Cupcake Inspirations}- #144
LOVE these colors and found the perfect papers to use!

I will also be linking this project up to the FWF at Unity today.


Remember, all of the details of this project came to be can be found HERE.

Here is the finished "Special Box"

All stamps used are from the Unity January KOM - {HEART and SOUL}

 and
Here is Ariana with a big smile....Project Success!!!!


Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

The "New and Improved" Ribbon Carousel and Giveaway

 Have you been over to the Ribbon Carousel Blog yet???

They are debuting the Brand New Ribbon Carousel© and it is GORGEOUS!!!

  Specifications: Each Ribbon Carousel is approximately 6.85" square and 13.5" tall.  The manufacturing and assembly of each Ribbon Carousel© is in Washington State, USA.

 They are also featuring the newly released colors
of Twinery Twine available at their shop, too.
 
They are also generously giving away 
one Ribbon Carousel©
to a lucky random winner....so head over and
grab your chance to be one of the first
to own this Beauty!!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Thursday, January 26

Krafty Girls is Headed Our Way

Happy Thursday everyone!!!
There is a new challenge blog headed your way. . . . 

to spread the word about
their new challenges.  
The prize to be won is
* * * *


HOW COOL IS THAT?
My son says he wants Mommy to have this cart so he
can make a card to match is "Lighting Ah-queen"  slippers....LOL!

Here is how you can enter to win
 
(copied from Krafty Girls Blog)
You have four ways to win:

1. Become a follower of our blog here and leave a comment under this post letting us know.
2. For a second entry, go to our Face Book page and like us. You can find us here: 


3. For a third entry, you can create a post about our new challenge blog to help us spread the word.  Please leave a comment under this post with a link to your post.
4. Add our giveaway button to your blog's sidebar.  (To add the button, just copy and past the code underneath the button and paste it in a new HTML section of your sidebar.)  Please leave a comment under this post with a link to your blog.  


GOOD LUCK
TO 
ALL 
WHO ENTER 
TO WIN!!!


Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Wednesday, January 25

Facebook Pay It Forward Status Challenge

For the Blends Join Hands Blog Hop *WINNERS* . . . click HERE

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


A short while ago, a friend updated her FB status with this message . . . 
"Pay it forward 2012. . . I promise to make a homemade card for the first five people who comment.  In turn you MUST re-post this to your status.  The rules are you have to make it by hand and deliver within 2012"

I thought to myself that this would be fun.  I guess I wasn't the only one.  Before too long, I already had my five responses.  Well, I do like to keep my word, after all, that is what we are known by mostly, right???  So, tonight I created my 5 cards.  

I decided to use the image you see here because all 5 of my friends that will be receiving the cards are from Ohio, California, Illinois and Canada.  They are all special people in my life, and I am thankful to call them my friends.  I decided to pair the image with the sentiment you see at the bottom.  Both stamps are from the Unity December 2011 Kit of the Month - {...filled with love}.  


This is the first time I got to use this image and I was dying to make a card with it.  I just love the versatility it has.  You can change the colors of the buildings, add some glossy accents here and there, make it a day or night scene, and so much more.  

I used the sketch for the current January Unity KOM Sketch Challenge.  
 The base card stock is from Recollections.  The image and sentiment were printed on white card stock using Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo and colored with my Whisper Strokes Dual Tip Watercolor Markers (Vintage and Pastel). 


The background masks were cut from Lacy Labels using paper I received from my dear Blend, Cindy at cre8ivecindy.  I inked the edges of the dp with the same TH Distress Ink.

I will enter this card into the following challenges . . .
One Stitch at a Time - #97 Round and Round 
***I am ecstatic to be a new DT member at OSAAT***
I would love it if you could stop by and check out the challenges every week!!!!

Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Hop ***WINNERS***

I couldn't wait for the Hop to draw to its end so I could pick some winners.  I decided to pick the winners by placing everyone's names on slips of paper.  I counted all of the extra entries for those who shared the news of the hop and for those who linked a project.


I did take some pictures throughout the process to show how fair the drawing would be.  
Cutting slips of paper
Double checking all comments
Still checking comments (LOL)
Writing names on slips
Loads of entries - YIPPEEE!!!

Basket full of Names

Then I decided to let my two little ones, Lance Jr. (4 ) and Ariana (3), serve as my "Winner Selection Team".  They couldn't wait to join in the fun!!!  

I created this video, but have to apologize for the poor lighting and the shakiness.  My camera battery was dying, so it was plugged in under my computer desk while I recorded.  And the lighting in my craft room is always fallible.    However, you can see the legitimacy of the drawing and the names on the slips crisp and clear.    I will clarify the names and winners at the end of the video, too.



Thanks again for all of your loving support!!!  
You helped make this celebration a Huge Success

* * * *WINNERS * * *  
Pink By Design - $10 Gift Card

Set of 5 Handmade Corsage pins

Set of 5 Handmade Corsage pins

Goody Bag #1 - Unity Stamps
Goody Bag #2 - Unity Stamps

Goody Bag #3 - Unity Stamps

3 Girl JAM Crinkle Ribbon Valentine Bundle

GRAND PRIZE WINNER
4 sets of Whimsical Designs Stamps
All winners - CONGRATULATIONS!
Please send me an email at 
strgazrblueyes22477{yahoo}com
Please put Blog Hop Winner in the subject line
and be sure to include your name & mailing address 
in the email
so that I can coordinate with all sponsors 
to get you your wonderful prizes!!!

 Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Tuesday, January 24

Chick Challenge #14

I am doing a quick share tonight as my time is quite limited with the continuation of my Blends Join Hands Blog Hop.  If you missed it, there is still time to HOP...just GO HERE to start at the beginning.

I am also completing several projects that I have committed to other individuals for their upcoming Blog Hops and such.

Base card stock is by Recollections
DP is K&Company (boxed stack) scraps and leftovers
Tag was in my stash, I stamped the Thanks sentiment from the {Ippity} set Thanks for All Things using VersaMagic-cloud white
Center circle was cut from the Lacy Labels cartridge from same base card stock and dp from the same stack
Center image is stamped from {Ippity} set Where You Should Be using VersaMagic-cloud white
Ribbon from 3 Girl JAM - Baby Girl
Twine is from The Twinery
Pearls are from my stash
 



This card was created with several challenges in mind.  First off, I started with the sketch at Chick Challenges #14 hosted by {Ippity} Chick, Heather Flaherty.  

Diana of DLArt hosts a weekly challenge called Thankful Thursday and I have been trying to catch them all.  A new challenge is posted every Thursday, but runs for two weeks.  I am entering the 1/12/12 Thankful Thursday challenge with this card since I used up some scraps from my stash.  Sentimental Sundays has been a wonderful go to challenge blog for inspiration.  I am playing along in the Sentiment Sundays #86 - Die Cuts (not premade) challenge.  Paper Playtime is another fabulous challenge blog and I love their tiered challenges.  They are a biweekly challenge blog and flip-flop between Cricut Creations (1st Monday of the Month) challenge and the Say it With Sentiments (3rd Monday of the Month) challenge.  The challenge this go around is #65 - Tags and a Sentiment.

Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Monday, January 23

Makin' It To The Mailbox Mondays (MITTMM) #11


For the mini trivia giveaway winner announcement - click HERE
For the Blends Join Hands Blog Hop - click HERE 
For the first post from earlier today, showcasing Teresa's card - click HERE 
 
 Welcome to the 11th week of  
Makin' it to the Mailbox Mondays!
I started this installment series to showcase the generosity that floods our Crafty Blogging Community.  So many times we receive a very generous prize from a dear friend and this is where we can shout out "THANK YOU" to those who really deserved it.

You are the people behind the
Magic of Making My Day!!!

I want to take this opportunity to shout a huge

 Thank You Clip Art

 to all of you who have shown me your kindness and  your generosity.

Every week (if time allows and if it applies), on Monday I will be posting a new installment of Makin' it to the Mailbox Mondays, where I will give a proper shout out to the generosity I have experienced first hand each and every week!  I hope you will take the opportunity to visit all of the wonderful and talented bloggers that I mention each week, to see their beautiful creations.  Those of you who know me, know I wouldn't steer you in the wrong direction.  There is so much to see and all of these fine ARTISTS are just a click away!!!

First up, I would like to offer a sincere THANK YOU to my dear sweet Blend, Nataliya of Love Crafts Forever.  She was hosting a Blog Giveaway just before the New Year and I was 1/2 of the winners.  Nataliya's creations are amazing and I have learned a great deal from her.  She is a super sweet Blend and I can always count on reading lovely, uplifting comments from her on a regular basis. 


THANK YOU SO MUCH  Nataliya!!!
****************************************** 


I had to show a great picture of the wonderful card that accompanied my package.  The goodies were fabulous, but this card brought a tear to my eye.  Thank You so much Nataliya!  I know this card meant a lot to you and I will treasure it always.  I am going to find a shadow box to fit it in and keep well!  Your fairy will be in safe hands!
******************************************

My last sincere THANK YOU  this week goes out to the wonderful people at Ribbon Carousel Challenge Blog and Unity Stamp Co.  I was ecstatic to find out I was a random chosen winner for the RCC34 Challenge.  I just received my Itty Bitty's in the mail today.  There was a fun little extra inside, too.  I had won 2 Itty Bitty's in the challenge, but was surprised when I opened the package and had received 3 ---BONUS! 
The 3rd was a duplicate itty bitty that I already own, so since I had planned on giving away some Unity Stamps for the trivia giveaway from last week, and because I just announced the winner today, that winner will be receiving the BONUS stamp. 
I don't want to share a picture here as I want this to remain a surprise.


THANK YOU SO MUCH Ribbon Carousel and Unity Stamps!!!
******************************************
 ****************************************** 
I hope that if I have inadvertently left anyone out of this gracious THANK YOU, that you all know you are all included in my thoughts, past and present.  Please, if you wish for me to do a shout out to you in a future Makin' it to the Mailbox Monday, don't hesitate to remind me of a prize you sent my way, and I will do my best to give you the credit you so rightfully deserve!!!

Also, if you would like to show off your own winnings, just title your post Makin' it to the Mailbox Monday and if I am your follower, I will gladly stop by to read it once I see it at my dashboard.  Or, if you'd like, you can leave a link with your comment below.  I would love to see the happiness that greets others in their Monday Mailboxes :O)


DON'T FORGET TO:


Happy Crafting and Until Next Time
:O)
Jessica

Mini Trivia Giveaway WINNER announcement

Happy Monday to all of my fine Blends.  

Have you gotten the chance to Hop through the 
Blends Join Hands celebration Blog Hop yet?
If not, start HERE

I am running a bit behind due to the fun celebration that started yesterday and will be posting the weekly Making It To The Mailbox Monday {MITTMM} episode later today.

Please feel free to peek around to be sure you haven't missed
any of the fun!!!

************************

Now, the moment has arrived to announce the
winner
 of the mini trivia giveaway
I was hosting
last week.

I received
5 responses
to the trivia question
and all entries had the CORRECT answer!
So,
without
further
ado
I will yell into the living room
and
ask my dear sweet Lance
to pick
a number
1 through 5
and
this
will
be the
winner . . . .

*

*

*

*
Lance picks #2
*


*

*

*

The winner is.......




Congrats Robin!!!

Be sure to contact me at strgazrblueyes22477{yahoo}com
to claim you prize.

Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Did you HOP yet? Teresa made a card, too

Happy Monday to all of my fine Blends.  

Have you gotten the chance to Hop through the 
Blends Join Hands celebration Blog Hop yet?
If not, start HERE

I am running a bit behind due to the fun celebration and will be posting the weekly Making It To The Mailbox Monday {MITTMM} episode later today.

I am happy to post a couple of cards today after a fun-filled weekend.  Teresa visited again and OF COURSE we did some crafting.  I think I need to set up a guest room so we can have these "crafty retreats" ALL the time.  LOL!!  I am sharing her card with all of you and letting you know that each time we talk, I share the comments you send regarding her creations, and she appreciates each and every one of you!!!!

Teresa was really inspired to play with the current challenge theme at Create Me Pink - #6 - Color Splash (Black, White and a splash of color).  We spilled all of my stamps out onto the floor and got a few Cricut cartridges out to get started.  She had a general idea at first, but was pleasantly surprised that her creation took a completely different path to the finish line. 
She started with a basic white texture card stock and randomly stamped the swirl image (by inque boutique) using Ranger Archival Black ink.  She wanted the image to look washed out and distressed so I handed her some sandpaper and let her "have at it".  She then decided to use the Serenade cartridge to cut the tree, clouds, and birds.  She wanted the birds to meet with a heart in the center, so she cut that from Cricut Classic Font cartridge.  The sentiment is from My Pink Stamper - Love-a-licious set. and stamped using VersaMagic in cloud white.

I will enter her  card into the following challenges (GOOD LUCK TERESA)!!!

:O) Jessica

Sunday, January 22

* * * * Blends Join Hands Blog Hop * * * *

***NOW CLOSED***

 

Blends Join Hands Blog Hop - January 22, 2012

Hello Friends!!!

It is with great pleasure and TONS of excitement that I get to announce
“TODAY IS THE DAY”

  Please feel free to grab this button and display it on your blog to 
encourage your friends to join in on the fun, too.

I know I say this a lot, but I truly feel blessed to have met some wonderful people (you) in this journey of blogging. I have gained so much knowledge about art which has always been my passion. And now, I see opportunities that I never would have imagined were possible! 

I feel like destiny has met me at my door and I continually feel guided down "the right path" every single day!!! 

Thank You for being part of that!!!

I have invited my nearest and dearest Blends (Blog + Friends) to join 
me in this celebration.  Each Blend will take one of my past creations
and let that inspire them to create a new project!
 I am so excited to see what they will be making and can't wait to "party"!

There will be some fun prizes up for grabs along the HOP ! ! !

I am honored to have Stephanie of Whimsical Designs as our Grand Prize Sponsor







One Random Hopper will be selected to win
the entire New Release of Whimsical Designs Stamps
 This is a fabulous stamp set with wonderful and unique images and sentiments.  You are
sure to find a sentiment to fit every occasion!!!!
* * * * * * * * * *
I am also honored to have Julie K of A Little Bit of Bling and 3 Girl JAM
as an additional Prize Sponsor

One Random Hopper will be selected to win
the entire Valentine's Day Bundle
 This ribbon is so fun to use in projects, the colors are vibrant, and
the prices are OUTSTANDING

* * * * * * * * * *

I am offering not 1, not 2, but . . . 3 Unity Stamp Goody Bags to 3 lucky Hoppers!!!
Each bag is filled with 16 random Unity Stamps






Unity Stamp Company

I had so much fun stamping the goody bags, with Unity Stamps of course, and 
getting them prepped to go to their new homes!!!

I am also offering 2 Lucky Hoppers
1 set (5 per set) of my Handmade Corsage Pins
for you to use in your own creations

For a final prize to a lovely Hopper
I will offer one
$10 Gift Certificate to be used at
Pink By Design






? ? ? How about THOSE PRIZES ? ? ?
And, there is SURE to be more
awesome CANDY along the way!!!

Here is the WONDERFULLY TALENTED Lineup:

1 . Jessica - Jessica's Craft Shaque  http://jessicascraftshaque.blogspot.com
2.  Candace - Scrappin' 2 Lil Princesses  http://scrappin2littleprincesses.blogspot.com/
3.  Luisa - Creative Designs by Luisa  http://www.creativedesignsbyluisa.com/
 4.  Cindy - Tools of a Cropping Queen  http://toolsofacropingqueen.blogspot.com/
 5.  Lisa - A Mermaid's Crafts  http://indymermaid.blogspot.com/
 6.  Beckie - Just B Creative Crazy  http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/
 7.  Julie - A Little Bit of Bling / 3 Girl JAM  http://jk-littlebitofbling.blogspot.com/
 8.  Carri - Double Click Connections http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/
9. Sonia - Cards, Crafts, and Kids Projects  http://cardsandschoolprojects.blogspot.com/
10.  Cindy - cre8ivecindy  http://cre8ivecindy.blogspot.com/
11.  Robin - The Cricut Scrapper  http://thecricutscrapper.blogspot.com/
 12.  Nataliya - Love Crafts Forever  http://lovecraftsforever.blogspot.com/
13. Stephanie - Whimsical Designs  http://www.whimsical-designs.com/ 

Now, for the Rules (pretty simple)

1.  Hop along to each of the Hop Stops

2.  Leave a comment and become a follower at EACH stop, if you aren't already

3.  Stop back here and let me know what you thought about the entire Hop
and tell me which Project was your favorite


4.   For an extra entry into the drawing for any of the prizes here,  join in on the fun!!
Create a project by using one of my past creations as inspiration.  Post about it on your blog, explaining which project inspired you, and leave me another comment  with the link to your project!  
You will have until January 25th at Noon (EST) to finish the Hop and Link Your Projects.

5.   For another chance to get some extra entries into the drawing for any of the prizes I am offering,
SPREAD THE NEWS!!!  
Just stop back to let me know how you did it...sidebar, blog post, FB share, etc.....(1 extra entry for each time you spread the news) 

* * * * *ONLY THOSE FOLLOWING THE RULES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE RANDOM DRAWINGS FOR THE PRIZES * * * * *

The winners will be chosen by Random and announced ~HERE~ after I have gathered all the comments and consulted with all of my Blends!!!


Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Saturday, January 21

sending a line . . . .

Did you miss my Blog Hop Reminder and Candy Teaser???
If So, GO HERE

Hello to all my fine and lovely crafty friends.  I hope this Saturday is being good to you and you are all enjoying doing whatever makes your sweet little hearts content today.  I myself, am loving the quiet time I am having right now.  The sweet hubby took 2 of the kids with him to visit his mom, while I stay home with the little ones (who are napping right now).  I also have my sweet 16 year old daughter to help out, should I need it.  So, I saw this color challenge over at Just Some Lines last week and have been sifting through tons of ideas that came to mind the instant I seen it.  I am ecstatic to say, I finished it and LOVE the finished card.  I will share the details at the bottom of this post if you want to read and find out how this card came about.  So, here it is....I would love to hear your opinions!!!!



I will be entering this card into the following challenges:

 INGREDIENTS
 Card base - white card stock 6" X 6"
core'dinations card stock borders cut at 1 1/4" then distressed and sanded
postal background stamp and postage stamp - both by Tim Holtz from French Market
sentiment stamp by Unity (from grab bag)
ink is Studio G and Darice
buttons from stash
Crochet flourish from Purple Pumpkin (Lucky Dip Bag)
Tag, hand cut and stamped with postage mark lines also from Unity (from grab bag)

Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

SNEAK PEEK * * * Blog Hop * * * CANDY Teaser

It is with great pleasure and TONS of excitement that I get to remind you that tomorrow
is the Blends Join Hands Blog Hop
celebrating the 1st Birthday of Jessica's Craft Shaque! ! !

Please mark your calendars and join in on the fun
tomorrow on January 22, 2012!
I have invited my nearest and dearest Blends (Blog + Friends) to join 
me in this celebration.  Each Blend will take one of my past creations
and let it inspire them to create a new project!
I am so excited to see what they will be making and can't wait to "party"!

 Please feel free to grab this button and display it on your blog to 
encourage your friends to join in on the fun, too.

SNEAK PEEK * * * Blog Hop * * *  CANDY Teaser


I am honored to have Stephanie of Whimsical Designs as our Grand Prize Sponsor



One Random Hopper will be selected to win
the entire New Release of Whimsical Designs Stamps
 This is a fabulous stamp set with wonderful and unique images and sentiments.  You are
sure to find a sentiment to fit every occasion!!!!

* * * * * * * * * *

I am also honored to have Julie K of A Little Bit of Bling and 3 Girl JAM
as an additional Prize Sponsor

One Random Hopper will be selected to win
the entire Valentine's Day Bundle
 This ribbon is so fun to use in projects, the colors are vibrant, and
the prices are OUTSTANDING

* * * * * * * * * *

I am offering not 1, not 2, but . . . 3 Unity Stamp Goody Bags to 3 lucky Hoppers!!!
Each bag is filled with 16 random Unity Stamps



Unity Stamp Company


I am also offering 2 Lucky Hoppers
1 set (5 per set) of my Handmade Corsage Pins
for you to use in your own creations

For a final prize to a lovely Hopper
I will offer one
$10 Gift Certificate to be used at
Pink By Design
















? ? ? How about THOSE PRIZES ? ? ?
And, there is SURE to be more
awesome CANDY along the way!!!

Look forward to seeing you there!!!

Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

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