~~~ SpantastiKreations ~~~

It's Fall Y'all!

2011-11-11T21:42:00.001-05:00

Hello my dear friends!

It's Fall, my most favoritest time of the year.

I love the colors of fall. I love the cool crisp air of fall.

And, I love the cozy feel of jeans and hoodies.

I know we're all buzzin' around trying to get ready for the hustle and bustle of Christmas (and my shopping is DONE!) but before we get too deep into the Christmas spirit let's do a few more fall projects.

As many of you know I LOVE to make little gifts for the kid's school teachers and the principal. I wish I could do something for every staff member of the school because they are so wonderful but who has that kind of time or money? Anyway, Halloween is no exception to my ~~brown nosing~~ gift giving.

Since I've gone back to school (full-time) this fall I am pressed for crafting time. So, I cheated and bought them a gift but I still made them a card.

Here are the 3 cards I made. I LOVE the Simply Charmed cartridge and these adorable little scarecrows.

I wanted the card to match the scarecrows I gave to the teachers and principal.

My daughter was so excited, Mrs. Conrad (the principal) took her into her office and let to choose the spot this adorable little scarecrow would stand. She chose the spot right next to the pens we gave her at the start of the school year. :)

Here are close ups of each card. I used Glossy Accents on the shoes.

So fun.

I hope you all have a wonderful Fall and a tremendous Thanksgiving. Then, let the Christmas projects begin.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

Scrappin Sista's Birth Month Guest Designer

2011-10-27T00:05:00.000-04:00

Guest Designer for Scrappin Sista aka Christel :)

October is Christel's birthday month and she has been celebrating with some awesome designers all month long. I am so honored and privileged to be among such talent.

Unfortunately, I haven't had a whole lot of time to get into my scrap space over the last several weeks but I was able to sneak in and complete a project for Christel this past week.

I wanted to make a simple but sparkley card and that I did.

I have been desperately trying to use only scraps with each of my latest projects or at the very least mostly scraps. With this project I was successful....scraps only.

The scalloped squares were made using my Spellbinders and the butterfly bling was something I received in on of Christel's swaps some time ago. I inked all the edges :)! I love inking it really pops everything. The sentiment is 1 stamp of a 4 stamp Stamin' Up set I purchased at a local thrift shop for $4. (It's amazing what kind of scrappy things you can find there if you are persistent and look hard enough) This stamp says:

cel*e*brate \se-le-brat\ v

(ca 1669) 1 a: to honor (as a

holiday) by ceremonies b: to

mark an anniversary or event

CELEBRATE

often iu a social gathering

with acquaintances, friends and

loved ones b: a horn-blowing

confetti-throwing good time

Fitting for a month long birthday celebration don't you think?

Happy Birthday Christel! I hope your birthday and birthday month was the best it's ever been.

Don't forget to hop on over to Christel's blog and show her some birthday love.

Keep Kreating Friends,

Erin

Purplefuntastick Bonanza Bash

2011-10-04T07:55:00.002-04:00

Welcome to the

Purplefuntastick Bonanza Bash!

This is a hop in honor of our dear friend Kari's Birthday

H-A-P-P-Y B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y

Kari!

If you are just visiting my blog and would like to hop from the very beginning you can start at Kari's (click here) blog. There are prizes and inspirations along the way that are sure to please. If you've arrived here from Her Craftiness (click here), Lynne you are hopping along the right trail.

Today I wanted to share with you a card I made using a leftover tag I had made in a swap a little while back. This was my first attempt at tags and I gotta say I was pleased with the outcome and I really like how it looks on this card.

I know it's simple but to be honest with you

I LOVE SIMPLE.

Once again I want to wish Kari a very happy birthday and I hope your day is GREAT!

Your next stop along the way is Susan's (click here) blog.

Don't forget to hop on over to Kari's blog and wish her a very happy birthday too.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

Quack.....Quack

2011-09-11T21:50:00.002-04:00

Hey ya'll!

I wanted to share a little something with you tonight.

My cousin Kathy is having a baby! Congrats Kathy & Dave!

Although I am VERY happy for them and know they will make great parents I'm a little upset w/ them because they did not find out the gender of the baby. They want it to be a "surprise". GRR, LOL!

It seems that in this day it is SO hard to find anything that is gender neutral, even if it's "neutral" it seems to have a gender feel about it. Well, I was able to find the cutest ducky hooded towels and I had to make a card to match of course.

Isn't it cute? The front says "Welcome little one" and the inside says "Babies are God's opinion that the world should go on"

I love how I was able to match hemp to the buttons. So fun.

I also made a little tag blanket.

It's so soft and cuddly. It's 12x12 and I'm sure little what's its name will love it.

I'm remembering 9/11/01 today and watching documentary after documentary and the images seem just as shocking to me today, 10yrs & a million replays over, as they did on that horrible day. I'm so grateful for our country and our military.

Thank you Lord for protecting us in spite of our actions against you as a country.

Keep Kreating &

Never Forget,

Erin

Another Back To School Project

2011-09-01T13:12:00.000-04:00

I have already gone back to school. My first day was 8/29 and so far I am passing all my classed w/ flying colors. :)

My kids go back to school on Wednesday (9/7) and they are both looking forward to it. My son Jason will be in Kindergarten this year and the big exciting thing for the kindergarteners is that they get to eat lunch in the cafeteria and not the classroom. My daughter Jaelyn is going into 1st grade this year and the exciting thing for her is that she will have a new teacher (Mrs. Donato) new to Discovery AND her classroom is on the 2nd floor this year.

Ah, the simple things in life....

Well, I do everything I can to catch the cheap back to school sales for any and all of their supplies. In doing so we end up w/ the simple things. Plain blue notebooks, solid colored folders, boring binders. BORING? Did someone say boring? Well, NOT if I can help it. I took my son's "boring binder" and made it into an original, one of a kind, just for him binder.

It's not much but it will definitely not be anything like any of his friends.

I hope you and your children are all enjoying your back to school time. (More time to craft right moms?)

I made a gorgeous new Autumn banner for my mantel I will be sharing w/ you probably sometime over the weekend.

Have a great Labor Day

Keep Kreating,

Erin

Teacher Gifts

2011-08-25T23:55:00.000-04:00

It's Back To School time all over the country!

I LOVE back to school time. It means Fall (my FAVORITE) is almost here, it means new, fresh & crisp school supplies, it means new classes and new friends, it means new beginnings.

My kids don't start school until September 7th!

I love to give the teachers and principal gifts for just about every occasion including the start of the new school year. This year my daughter will be in 1st grade breaking in a new teacher to Discovery and my son will be in Kindergarten. Discovery also has a new principal, Mrs. Conrad will make a great addition to "the team".

Since I have been LOVING my vinyl aka Contact paper it's only fitting that I would tie it into the teachers gifts this year.

Here's what I made to share with our teachers/principal...

This project was fun, easy and affordable.

These are pens, wrapped in floral tape with a blossom glued to the top. I stuck the pens in a glass container filled w/ green glass "stones".

Easy Peasy lemon squeezy!

The nicest thing is that I was able to find many of the materials at The Dollar Tree. The floral tape was purchased at JoAnn's and the pens were purchased at Office Max.

What teacher or principal can't use some pretty pens on her desk?

I hope you are all enjoying this Back To School season.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

My First (Blog-worthy) Vinyl Project

2011-08-15T20:34:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting to try my hand at vinyl for the LONGEST time.

I honestly don't even know what I was so scared of but I finally just took the plunge and did it.

I purchased an 18" x 24' roll of white Contact Paper for $5.99 at Target and went to town. I found a very helpful and comprehensive video on YouTube by Above Rubies Studio explaining all the settings to cut vinyl with the Gypsy. They have a ton of helpful videos. I'm sure you can find the perfect one to suit your needs.

I had wanted to create something for my kids boring bedroom door.

Here is what I did....

It works out really well that both my children have the same initials. Yes, I did plan it that way and in many cases I have been somewhat sorry I did but not today. :) I LOVE how this turned out. The kids were surprised when they came home to find it on their bedroom door too, which was fun!

I have a few more vinyl Back to School projects to share with you over the next few days. I hope you will enjoy them.

I can't wait to do more w/ the vinyl/Contact paper. Unfortunately I have been unable to find any other solid color in the Contact paper aside from the white so it looks like I will have to find another source for colors but for now the white is working just fine for me.

If you know of any affordable sources for vinyl I'd love for you to share your wisdom with me.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

Where In The World Have You Been?

2011-07-30T21:00:00.000-04:00

Where have you been?!?

Where have I been?

I cannot believe it's been 6 weeks since I posted on my blog, how irresponsible of me. LOL

Some of you know (some of you don't) that I have been somewhat preoccupied with....well, life. Me and my most precious Kreations have been going thru some MAJOR changes in our lives these past few months and sometimes life just takes over. Ever since we moved at the beginning of May it seems as if I have been consumed with one thing right after another. What's most important is that I am (VERY slowly) learning to take one step at a time and that I cannot worry about what I have no control over. God will provide and take care of us even if it's not exactly in the way that I think it should be. I have a roof over my head, we have food on the table (and in the cupboards too, lol), and my babies are healthy and happy.

My kids finished their first year in tee-ball (turned coach pitch) and they both did GREAT.

Here they are in action on their first game day.

LOVE this photo of the kids on the bench from behind. My son is the 3rd from the left and my daughter is right next to him. She wasn't the only girl on the team but she was the only one in this pic.

Batter up! Yeah, she missed this one but she ended the season being a pretty good hitter. (PS: That's Coach Pfak behind her, she had a crush on him, lol)

Jason hit this one out of the park! OK, not really (the park is HUGE) but he had a hit on his very first swing. He'd been training all his life, literally, for that very moment.

I was so VERY proud of my kids this season. Not because of their game play (although that was great) but because of their behavior. If I'm lying I'm dying they were the most well behaved children on the team. Along w/ Lena whose mother was RIGHT there being involved every step of the way.

Kids surprise me. They adjust to change much better than we adults do and they are stronger than we grown ups give them credit for. I love how strong they are. Yes, they are still kids and have a melt down here and there but they are doing great.

Back to school in a few short weeks.

I am officially the mom of a 1st grader and a Kindergartener. :'( Both Jaelyn and Jason finished off their school year with flying colors.

We are sad to see our beloved principal Mrs. Botticello retire and our favorite Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kenny also retire but they both deserve it even thought they will be GREATLY missed.

My return to school in the fall is still up in the air. There are a lot of unanswered questions that REALLY need answers in the next few weeks (more like yesterday) before I know for sure what I will be doing or where I will be going. Again, things that are totally out of my control. One day at a time, one step at a time.

I have still been crafting here and there and I promise to share w/ you soon. I have some vinyl projects I've been doing and I gotta say....What the heck took me so long to dive into vinyl? I LOVE it. If you haven't tried it you really gotta give it a try.

Well, I promise I won't let my posts be so few and far between in the future.

Thank you all for stopping by and for still supporting me even though I have become a lazy blogger. LOL

Keep Kreating

Share more w/ you soon,

Erin

Royal Purple Freedom Hop

2011-06-10T00:05:00.005-04:00

Hello friends!

Welcome to the

Royal Purple Freedom Hop

Hosted by the Fabulous Faith

If you have arrived here from the Bodacious Brie

you are hopping along the right path. If you'd like to start at the beginning of this hop please visit the Fabulous Faith

Many of us in this hop have been or know someone who has been a victim of domestic violence. Did you know.....

About 4.8 million intimate partner-related physical assaults and rapes occur every year while many more assaults and rapes go unreported entirely. Over 3 million children witness violence in their home each year and those who see and hear violence in the home suffer physically and emotionally. These statistics are sad and overwhelming, but help IS out there for those that choose to break the silence.

Together we can make a difference!
Help us instill some hope where very little probably exists and give 24 families a chance at recovery when we are able to donate $1,000 to the Bradley Angle House.
When you create and send your purple themed card(s) with a hope filled message inside you could make all the difference in the lives of and individual or family that is hurting both physically and emotionally and feeling hopeless.
Not only does creating a card give hope and encouragement to a person in need it also gives YOU a chance to win the grand prize for this hop...what is it you ask?
A prize basket valued at (way) more than $100.
Some of the generous sponsors of this hop are:

Peachy Keen Stamps, K. Andrew Designs, Verve, My Creative Time, Our Daily Bread Designs, Pink Cricut, Erin Lee Creative, Robert's Crafts, along with many other generous individuals.

This prize basket is EPIC!

Want more chances to win the grand prize?
Additional entries will be given for each $1 donation you include with your card. $1=1 entry, $5=5 entries, $10=10 entries....you get the picture. It's all up to you!
Cards must be postmarked by June 30th for inclusion in the HUGE basket drawings and can be mailed to the following address:

Royal Purple Hop
c/o Vicki Smith
P.O. Box 1496
Millbrook, NY 12545

For this hop I have created the pretty purple card shown here:

The purple sentiment is from Scrappy Mom's and says:
With Prayers & Positive Thoughts.
I thought this sentiment was PERFECT. This is exactly what these ladies need.
I will be sending this card off with a well thought out, handwritten note of encouragement and a prayer that this card, as well as the many other cards the ladies in this hop as well as many of you hoppers will be sending, will be a blessing to someone in need.

Your next stop along the way is the Terrific Tanya. To start at the beginning or see all the blog candy being offered be sure to check out Faith's Blog.

Faith: http://faithfulecreations.com/
Raven: http://love4stamps.blogspot.com/
Linda: www.thefruitofmyhands.blogspot.com
Brie: http://vintage53.blogspot.com/
Erin: http://www.spantastikreations.blogspot.com/
Tanya: http://www.ScrappyScavenger.blogspot.com/
Amanda: http://www.scrapanddash.com/
Kimmare: http://kimmarieskorner.blogspot.com/
Jackie: http://jackrabbitscrappin.blogspot.com/
Lori A: http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/
Gina: http://californiascrappin-gcinderella21.blogspot.com/
Monica: http://scraps2treasure.blogspot.com/
Anita: http://anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/
Sue: http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/
Gaby: www.gabycreates.com
Debbie W: http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/
Jen R. http:/www.memorieswithjen.blogspot.com/
Deborah http://www.scrappingmamma.net/
Ellen: http://www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/
Gill: http://creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/
Lori: http://lorisartsyobsession.blogspot.com/
Krista: http://www.kristaspapercafe.com/
Carol: http://www.cardstockscissorsandglue.blogspot.com/
Nancy: http://fancywithnancy.blogspot.com/
Vicki: http://paperandprims.blogspot.com/
Emily: http://www.createserendipity.net/
Kristal: http://gettingcricky.com/
Amy: http://amychomas.blogspot.com/

You're Invited

2011-05-25T12:05:00.003-04:00

Please join us for the

Royal Purple Freedom Hop

June 10th, 2011

Hosted by the lovely Faith.

Here is what she had to share with us:

Domestic Violence is a silent killer that is directly responsible for the deaths of 3 women every day on average. One in eight women will experience Domestic Violence in their lifetimes and women experience about 4.8 million intimate partner-related physical assaults and rapes every year while many more assaults and rapes go unreported entirely.

Even more upsetting is the fact that over 3 million children witness violence in their home each year. Those who see and hear violence in the home suffer physically and emotionally. These statistics are sad and overwhelming, but help IS out there for those that choose to break the silence.

Together we can make a difference! Help us instill some hope were very little probably exists and give 24 families a chance at recovery when we are able to donate 1k dollars to a local shelter! WE NEED YOU!!!

There will be plenty of wonderful projects to view along this hop as well as some pretty spectacular blog candy as well.

In addition to hopping along with us on 6/10 you too can help make a difference in someones life. You can also make a card (A2 sized preferable) and add your own personal message of hope and encouragement. You never know when your small act of kindness to someone may make all the difference in the world to not only them but their families and their children as well.

If you would like to participate and send a card(s) you may send it to the address on the right side bar of my blog.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

Check out this AWESOME give away....

2011-05-19T08:57:00.000-04:00

Check it out....

Scrappin With Cricut

is giving away the Circle exclusive

Cricut Everyday cart once she reaches 500 followers.

This cart is awesome. Hop on over for your chance to win.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

YAY! I have a new blog button!

2011-05-17T19:50:00.001-04:00

YAY....I'm so excited I have a new blog button.

I am so grateful to Amy from Love To Crop!

for creating it for me. She did such a great job matching up the colors on the button to the already existing colors on my blog.

THIS button is grab-able so feel free to pop it on your blog if you are a regular liker and follower of my blog.

Thanks again Amy I LOVE it.

Hop on over to Amy's blog

and give her some love.

Keep Kreating,

Erin :)

Made it Myself Monday

2011-05-16T20:21:00.000-04:00

Hey ya'll!

Alex from You Had Me At Craft

has begun a weekly linking party on her blog called...

We can link up and show off ANYTHING crafty. Paper crafts, kitting/crocheting, cooking, wood working, absolutely anything past or present.

I had the chance to work on some layouts this weekend. One of my son's school pics and the other of my daughters school pics.

Here they are....

Isn't he handsome?

Oh my, she's so grown up!

I wanted to keep the "sketch" somewhat the same because they are their school pictures from the same year.

I LOVE them. Of course I pretty much love anything that involves pictures of my babies. LOL

Why don't you play along this week and show us your craftiness?

Can't wait to see everyone's projects.

Keep Kreating

Erin

Queen of my Craftroom: Tropical Challenge

2011-05-12T11:13:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!

Michelle from Queen of my Craftroom

posted a new challenge for ya'll this week.

The challenge was to make anything with a tropical theme. Anything goes as long as it has a tropical theme.

This challenge was perfect timing for me here in WNY. We are experiencing Summer like weather and I am LOVIN' in. But as luck would have it we'll be back in the 50's next week. :'(

Any-whoo....I wanted to share with you my tropical project for this week's challenge....

This lovely card is full of fun and texture. I love how it came out and I wanna be there right now. LOL

Now it's your turn to create your own tropical project. Head on over to Queen of my Craftroom

and share your projects with us.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere! May 7th & 8th

2011-05-08T00:05:00.005-04:00

Welcome to day 2 of the

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere! Blog hop hosted by Kathryn from Creations With Kathryn

If you have arrived here from Jessica's blog

you are moving along in the right direction.

This has been a fabulous Spring-y weekend. I am so happy to have a break in the weather.

Today I wanted to share with you one of my most favorite flower cards I have made in the past.

It's so bright and happy and I love the colors.

Your next stop along the way is the talented Alina!

I hope you are all enjoying the hop today and I also hope you have a fabulous Mother's Day.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere! May 7th & 8th

2011-05-07T00:05:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone & welcome to the

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere Blog Hop.

Hosted by Kathryn from Creations With Kathryn.

If you have arrived here from VinDeeLoo's This 'n That you are hopping in the right direction. If you're just stalking my blog and would like to start at the beginning please go to Kathryn's blog.

I don't know about you but I am SO ready for Spring. We have had a few nice days but all in all our Spring thus far has been wet and cold.

For my project this time around I wanted to keep it simple and sweet.

I made this Sympathy Card:

I am loving my newest stack from MME. Both the background papers are from that same stack.

This flower was made by punching out 6, 2" scalloped circles out of newspaper which I Glimmer Misted and joined together with a large headed brad.

I love the simple elegance of this card.

I hope you are enjoying the projects on the hop so far.

Your next stop is Alina's Blog, Addicted to Scrapbooking.

Happy Hopping &

Keep Kreating,

Erin

Mom's Day Blog Hop

2011-04-30T00:05:00.004-04:00

Welcome to the

Mom's Day Blog Hop

hosted by Nicolette from Beyond Scrappin

If you have arrived here from Jennifer's blog you are headed in the right direction. If you would like to start the hop from the very beginning you can start at Nicolette's blog.

I love Mother's Day especially since I had the privilege of becoming a mother myself 6yrs ago. I have the best mother in the world and I challenge you to prove me wrong. LOL

I think Mother's Day is a fabulous time to honor and recognize your mother (or those that are like your mother) for all they do and have done for you.

For my project today I chose to make a card.

This project has been dancing around in my head for some time and thanks to my Gypsy I was able to make it a reality.

This is an A2 scalloped card I welded with my Gypsy and a cute little nesting doll from Simply Charmed.

Here's a closer look.

I love how adorable she is. I slanted her face/head a little bit just to give her a little personality.

I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day.

Don't forget to tell your mother how much you love and appreciate her. If your mother is gone, remember the good times and thank the Lord He placed her in your life for the time He did.

Your next stop along this hop is @ Creating A Crafty Life.

Happy Hopping
Keep Kreating,
Erin

A Quick Easter Layout

2011-04-27T00:05:00.002-04:00

Happy Wednesday Friends!

I hope that you all had a lovely Easter Holiday.

Michelle from Queen of my Craftroom posted an Easter Layout challenge.

I wanted to do a LO for my kids and I wanted to be sure their favorite colors were incorporated. My daughters favorite color is purple and my son's favorite color is green.

Here is how it turned out.

I love when I can use inexpensive and recycled elements in my projects. The paper doilies were $1.00/50 and the ribbon came on a sucker or something. I can't even remember but I saved it and with a little needle and thread was able to make this cute little ruffle on the bottom of my page.

Here are a few close up shots.

I created one spot for each of my children and one spot for them together in their Easter duds.

I Cuttlebug'ed the rabbit with Swiss Dots and inked the raised images with a brown ink. I also Cuttlebug'ed the greenery with Divine Swirls. These are my 2 most favoritest folders.

I was also able to Stickle the center of the flowers.

I hope you enjoyed my Easter Layout.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

PS: I may be MIA for a short period of time. We are in the process of packing up, moving and unpacking. But, have no fear I won't be gone long.

Have Your Cake And Eat It Too?

2011-04-25T00:05:00.002-04:00

Hello friends.
The Scrappin' Roots Monthly Layout Challenge has been canceled this month due to my upcoming move.

I wanted to share a little something different with you all today. I know I almost always post a paper crafted project but not today!

Last year I had the privilege of making a towel cake as a gift for a friends bridal shower (scope it out below).

The bride's niece (she's 9) loved it so much she told her mother that she wanted to give one to her soon-to-be step mother. Her mother asked me way back then if I would put one together as her gift to give to her step mom at her bridal shower.

I didn't really have a plan or a pattern of decoration for THIS cake I just figured out once I knew the colors and bought the towels I'd go from there. Here is how it turned out and I absolutely LOVE it.

I cannot believe how perfect it came out.

I lined the top and bottom of each layer with grossgrain ribbon in solid brown and mint w/ brown polka-dots. The polka-dots are what inspired me to use the buttons (Which were 50% off at JoAnn's, SCORE!) and to steer away from flowers. I actually forgot to get something for the top of the cake and when I was putting it all together, falling in love with it more and more, I got to thinking...."What kind of topper would Buddy The Cake Boss put on top of this cake if it were actually fondant?" I think I got it right! I believe he would have gone with a bow of some type. I LOVE how well it matched the green & brown polka-dot ribbon.

I think this cake looks good enough to eat and I want to display it in my own house, don't you?

What other kind of crafting projects do you do aside from paper projects? Do you do any?

I hope you have been inspired to try something different and new.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

Cristina's Blogaversary Blog Hop

2011-04-23T00:05:00.003-04:00

Welcome to

Cristina's Blogaversary Blog Hop.

***If you are looking for the Home Decor Blog Hop please click here.***

Cristina from Crafting with Cristina is celebrating her

ONE YEAR blogaversary!

HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY CRISTINA

*cheers and roars from all her fans*
If you have arrived here from Elsa's blog you are on the right path. If you just happened to be ~~stalking~~ visiting my blog you can start hopping at Cristina's blog.

I have been following Cristina's blog since, I believe, July and I LOVE every single project she posts. She has such a fine attention to detail and she uses techniques I never would have thought of if it weren't for her blogging and YouTube(ing).

~Is that a word? It should be.~

Cristina and I both live in Western New York and I have had the privilege to meet her and crop with her at Michael's along with a couple other area bloggers. I love the crafting and blogging world. If it weren't for our ability to blog I never would have met Cristina and she's not only talented she's a sweetheart and funny as well.
*Warning: She can and will talk your ear off. LOL*

To celebrate her ONE YEAR BLOGAVERSARY she has organized this hop and I am honored she has asked me to be a part of it.

We had the freedom to do any project we wished to do that was inspired by her. As soon as I heard this I KNEW I wanted to make this.....

This is a Ghiradelli Chocolate Square holder.

These are quick and easy to make.

Cristina has an instructional YouTube video you can view here.

You could also use tea bags instead of chocolate if you prefer.

Here are a few more pics.

Yummy! Who doesn't LOVE chocolate?

The beauty of these little things is that once the base of the project is done the rest is really up to you. You can decorate them any way you choose. You can use stamped images on the outside or the inside. I chose to decorate the outside of this one with a doily and a paper flower. (You can view my tutorial of these flowers here.)
Isn't it pretty? I found that, like Cristina said in her YouTube tutorial video, double sided card stock really is the best thing to use with this project but I have made a few with solid card stock (to be used as shower favors) and they came out nice too.

I hope this project inspired by Cristina has inspired you to try something different and new.

Your next stop in this celebratory hop is Joanna's blog.

Happy Blogaversary once again Cristina!
Keep Kreating,
Erin

Home Decor Hop

2011-04-22T00:05:00.002-04:00

Hello my fellow blog stalkers and welcome to

THE HOME DECOR BLOG HOP

This hop is being hosted by the Fabulous Faith from

Faithfule Creations

If you have arrived here from Tiara's blog you are headed in the right direction. If you just happened to be visiting and would like to hop from the beginning head on over to Faith's blog.

Faith and her children recently moved into their own place and she's been busy, busy, busy making her house a home. She had the fabulous idea for this hop. Not only to inspire her and give her some home decor ideas but to inspire the rest of us as well.

I love to make & create things to decorate my home. It's very satisfying to me to see something I worked hard on and created myself displayed in my home.

For this hop I created an altered clock. I had seen an altered clock on a blog several months ago and I knew I wanted to give it a try someday. Well, this is someday.

Here's how it turned out.

I totally LOVE how this turned out.

Not sure if you can tell in this pic but the numbers are ever so slightly misaligned BUT you can still tell the time. LOL

Here are a few more close-ups.

Loving the colors.

I got this paper on clearance from Michael's 7/$1

I made the 12, 3, 6 & 9 a little fancier.

I took these photos without the plastic face cover to avoid any annoying glare.

Here are the directions...it really is super simple.

1) I purchased an inexpensive ($4) clock from Dollar General. I chose the clock based on the color of the frame and the hands. (The face was a picture of the Last Supper. LOL)

2) Remove the plastic face cover. There are usually little tabs that can be released from the back of the clock to make this very easy.

3) CAREFULLY pull off the second, minute & hour hand. It may be a little tough but slow & steady they will come off.

4) Measure the inside circle of the clock. This one measured 8 3/4". I cut the background using the circle on George & Basic shapes.

5) Find the center of the circle and punch a hole (I used my Crop A Dial) for the stem that the hands go on. Then using a little ATG I adhered that circle to the face of the clock.

6) Next, I cut all the numbers from Plantin Schoolbook. I chose to make the 12, 3, 6 & 9 slightly larger than the other numbers.

I then glued them to circles in coordinating colors.

7) To give it that extra pop I inked all the edges of the circles.

8) I carefully glued all the numbers to the face of the clock beginning with the 12, 3, 6 & 9 and then fitting in the remaining numbers.

9) Place the hands back on the stem and replace the plastic face cover.

And there you have it, an altered clock that you can create yourself to match any decor. Wouldn't an altered clock like this be great in a kid's room or a baby's room?

I hope you are enjoying all the fabulous home decor projects in this hop. Your next stop is Chris's blog.

Start Decorating & Keep Kreating,

Erin

Queen of my Craftroom 3-D Challenge

2011-04-18T22:08:00.000-04:00

Michelle from Queen of my Craftroom

posted a 3-D paper project challenge.

I love to make altered items or 3-D projects and I love that I get to share them with you. The project I made for this challenge is actually one part of a gift set I gave to my kid's teachers for Easter.

This is a set of glass bead magnets and the decorated box they were presented in.

These were super simple to make.

I purchased glass beads (the clear kind with the flat bottoms) from the floral department at JoAnn's. I cut small circles out of patterned paper and used Mod Podge to adhere it to the bead. Once that was try I used E6000 glue to attache the magnet to the bead & paper. I love how the bead magnifies the patterns on the paper. I also purchased these small jewelery gift boxes from JoAnn's and decorated them with the same patterned papers that I made the magnets out of.

I hope they liked them. I know I can't wait to make a set for myself.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

28 Candles Blog Hop

2011-04-16T08:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the 28 Candles Blog Hop

Kimi from Lovebug Creations IS HAVING A BIRTHDAY and she is TWENTY EIGHT! *sniff*sniff* They grow up so fast.

She's hosting this fabulous hop to celebrate her special day.

If you arrived here from Zeni's blog you are totally hopping in the right direction. If you just stopped by to see what I've been up to this is it and you can hop along too. Just head on over to Kimi's blog and start from the very beginning.

I am very honored and excited to be among such talented ladies. Again, I feel starstruck and like I am among crafting royalty.

For my project I wanted to do something a little different than a card and I came across this project that Brenda from Qbee's Quest posted some time ago and I just had to give it a try.

It's an Explosion Box Purse

Here it is open.

I stamped some flourish and stickled it to give it a little pizzaz.

Of course I had to include a decorated tea light. It's supposed to look like a little cake or cupcake. Can you tell?

Happy Birthday Kimi.

I hope you will give this Explosion Purse a try. Brenda's directions are SUPER easy to follow and understand.

Your next stop along the way is Anne's blog

Here's a list of the entire line up just in case you get lost along the way.

Kimi & Pamela - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/
Missy - http://happystampindesigns.blogspot.com/
Tanya- http://scrappinkymomma.blogspot.com/
Michelle - http://www.scrappinwithmybug.com/
Laura - http://lifeasanarmywife-lauradietsch.blogspot.com/
Sarah - http://www.pinkcricut.com/
Candace - http://papercraftsbycandace.blogspot.com/
Sarah W - http://creatingmyfavoritememories.blogspot.com/
Kim - http://rickettscricuts.blogspot.com/
Liz- http://www.mywhichcraft.blogspot.com/
Zeni - http://www.scrappyzeni.blogspot.com/
Erin - http://spantastikreations.blogspot.com/ <~~~ You are here!
Anne - http://anniebeescraftroom.blogspot.com/ <~~~~Your next stop
Gaby - http://www.gabycreates.com/
Karen - http://osebastian.blogspot.com/
Paula - http://www.owlbescrappin.com/
Martha - http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/
Dianne - http://diannesscrappycreations.blogspot.com/
Kimmarie - http://kimmarieskorner.blogspot.com/
Victoria - http://victoriascraftycreations.blogspot.com/
Sonia - www.scraps4fun.com
Lisa - http://prettypaperprettyribbons.blogspot.com/
Jennifer - http://kozfam5.blogspot.com/
Nicole - http://creationsbymommy.com/
Amy - http://amydesigns.blogspot.com/
Stacey - http://creatingacraftylife.blogspot.com/
Becky - http://beckscricards.blogspot.com/
Alina - http://neverstopscrapping.blogspot.com/
Haidee - http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/

Happy Hopping
Keep Kreating My Friends,
Erin

My Heart BelongsTo Daddy Blog Hop

2011-04-09T00:05:00.003-04:00

Welcome to SpantastiKreations

This is the My Heart Belongs To Daddy Blog Hop

hosted by Jennifer from Scrappin Lil Turtle.

If you have arrived here from Tanya's blog
you are scooting along in the right direction. If you are just visiting my blog today and would like to start at the beginning of the hop you can start at Jennifer's blog.

Jennifer organized this hop in honor of her father who
has passed and who she loved very dearly.

She asked that we either honor our fathers or create a masculine project.

My father passed away when I was 4 so I don't remember too much about him but I did create a masculine birthday card.

I designed this shape card using my Gypsy and my Simply Charmed cartridge.

I LOVE how it turned out. Thanks to the fabulous hide feature on the Gypsy I was able to avoid cutting the cutsie smiley face that was originally intended for the tie.

I sent this card to my brother (from another mother) for his birthday and being a 39 yr old man I didn't think he'd be into the cute smiley face, lol.

I inked the edges on both the shirt and the collar. I added tiny collar buttons and a pearl tie "pin".

I certainly hopes he likes it half as much as I do.

Your next stop along the hop is the fabulous Pam from Scrapbook Flair

Happy Hopping
Keep Kreating,
Erin

Cards for Colton

2011-04-06T09:47:00.000-04:00

Scrappy Friends,

There is a young man that could really use some cheering up and get well wishes.

Colton Bradenburg has been fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukeima since 2007. He is currently receiving chemo treatments that have really taken a toll on his body. You can read Colton's story here on his CaringBridge page.

What I would like to do for Colton, with help from you my scrappy friends, is to flood him and his family with get well, cheer up & be happy cards. They are looking at a somewhat lengthy stay at St. V's and we all know how horrid a hospital can be after a few days. Colton LOVE John Deere and his (stuffed) cow Francis.

Cards can be mailed to Colton right at the hospital:

Colton Bradenburg

C/O St. Vincent Hospital
835 South Van Buren Street
Green Bay, WI 54307-3508

If you would like to drop a line of encouragement to his parents I am sure they too would appreciate the fun mail. Their names are Sarah and Nathan Kopf.

You can keep up on Colton's fight on his FaceBook page

Fight Back! For Cole.

Thank you in advance my scrappy friends. Let's all work together to put a smile on the faces of this wonderful family.

~Erin

Paper Flower Tutorial

2011-04-04T00:05:00.001-04:00

Hello friends. I am posting my first ever tutorial today. :)

I came across the directions for these paper flowers while blog ~~stalking~~ hopping a few weeks ago.

I have seen these flowers or flowers very similar to them elsewhere but I didn't quite understand the directions on how to make them. I am a VERY visual person. Unfortunately, I cannot even remember the blog I got these simple instructions from and I feel really bad that I can't give credit where credit is due.

Anyway, I decided to do my own tutorial for you and hope that you understand it and make a few dozen for yourself.

The first thing you need to do is start out with 8 circles of 2 different (but coordinating) papers for a total of 16 circles.

For this flower I used a 1 3/4" circle.

Next glue the circles together so you have one pattern on one side and the other pattern on the other. You will now have a total of 8 circles. (This step could be skipped all together if you start out with double sided paper or card stock.)

Your next step is to fold the circle in half. (Please excuse the grungy looking mat.)

Then you fold the circle in 1/4's.

The next step is to fold flaps in as pictured. The fold runs from the bottom center to the 1/4" fold on both the right and the left side.

You will then turn the circle over and fold the left and right flaps to the center fold. Your "petal" should look like the "petal" pictured above.

For the base of the flower you can use any circular cut in any color (It won't be seen anyway). I used a 2" scalloped circle punch and made a N,S,E & W grid line.

I began to line up the flower by gluing the "petals" on the N,S,E & W lines.

Finally I glued in the remainder of the "petals" and topped off the flower with a button and some hemp.

I love these flowers I think they are so pretty. You can use them on layouts, cards, you could even use them as garland. The possibilities are virtually endless. You could make these flowers using any patterned papers and any sized circles. I must admit I REALLY love them.

I'd love to see your versions of these flowers if you choose to make some for yourself. Just post a link to your blog in the comments section and I would LOVE to see your creations.

Hope you enjoyed my first tutorial.

Keep Kreating,

Erin

April Showers Blog Hop....Day 2

2011-04-03T00:05:00.003-04:00

Welcome to day two of the

April Showers Blog Hop hosted by Kathryn from

CREATIONS WITH KATHRYN.

If you have arrived here from Laura's Blog you are on the right track. If you just happened to stumble upon my blog today you can start hopping at the very beginning from Kathryn's Blog .

For my project yesterday I showed you the front of my slider card.

Love it right?

Here is the rest of the project...

Too cute ain't it?

I cut the the sun and the flower from Create a Critter.

The sentiments were printed on my computer.

The flower's face is stamped using Peachy Keen's Laffy Taffy faces.

I hope you are enjoying your journey on the hop. Your next stop is Sigrid's Blog.

You have 2 chances to win the blog candy (an altered mini-notebook and a set of paper flowers) for this hop. Please leave a comment (including your email address) on this post as well as yesterday's post to be be eligible to win.
A comment on both posts is not necessary in order to win it just increases your odds. Good Luck.

Keep Kreating,
Erin

April Showers Blog Hop

2011-04-01T21:00:00.002-04:00

Hello!

Welcome to the April Showers Blog Hop hosted by Kathryn from CREATIONS WITH KATHRYN if you have arrived here from Laura's blog you are hopping in the right direction. If you just happened to stop by my blog for a visit and would like to start at the beginning hop on over to Kathryn's blog.

I am so excited to be finally entering into the Springtime season.

It's been such a long and bitter cold winter here in Western NY and I am so ready for it to be over.

For today's project I made a slider card.

I created this 5"x5" card using my Gypsy.

The cloud and the raindrops were cut using Indie Art.

The lightning bold is actually silver and the white part of the raindrops are Stickled.
The sentiment was computer generated using the Crulz font. LOVE that font don't you?

Come back tomorrow to see the remainder of this project.

Your next stop on this hop is to the talented Sigrid's blog.

I hope you enjoy all the projects along the way and find some Springtime inspiration.

Oh yeah, blog candy.
I will be giving away an altered mini-notebook and a set of paper flowers.
You will have two chances to win.
Please leave a comment on today's post as well as tomorrow's post with a way to contact you should you be the lucky winner.
A comment on both posts is not required to win it just gives you and extra chance and increased your odds of winning. :)

Keep Kreating,
Erin

UGLY Paper Challenge

2011-03-28T21:49:00.000-04:00

Michelle from Queen Of My Craftroom posted an

Ugly Paper Challenge.

We all know that we have some UGLY paper in our stashes. Perhaps some comes in a stack or some is given to you. However you come across it you just know you will never use it but at the same time it's paper and how can you get rid of it? LOL

I have some ugly paper that I've been holding on to for whatever reason. Perhaps for such a time as this?

Come On Get Happy....

In case you didn't realize or don't know this is supposed to be the Partridge Family Bus. :)

Isn't this paper ugly? Normally I would say yes but cut a cute bus from DoodleCharms and suddenly it's not so ugly anymore.

This is a Stair Step Card. I got the inspiration and directions for this type of card from Jessica The Creative Stamper Spot. I really like this fold and I will most definitely be using it again.

I hope you enjoyed my ugliness.

Keep Kreating,
Erin

PS: Don't forget the Scrappin Roots Monthly Layout Challenge is still going on thru April 5th.

Scrappin Roots Monthly Layout Challenge: Springtime/Easter

2011-03-25T08:26:00.001-04:00

Hello friends and welcome to the second

Scrappin' Roots Monthly Layout Challenge

Every month (on the 25th) I am hosting a layout challenge.

Many of us started out scrapbooking and many of us have let it go or put it aside for other paper crafts. This challenge was created to help us get back to our "Scrappin' Roots"

This month's challenge is Springtime/Easter

and I have asked my good friend Ann Marie from Yours TruLee to be this month's guest designer. I have known Ann for just about 10 yrs. and I can honestly tell you she is one of the sweetest and kindest persons you could ever know.

Here is the layout she has created for this month's challenge....

It's gorgeous isn't it? I love the 3-D butterflies.
Thank you so much Ann for sharing :)

Now it's your turn.

Get out your pretty Spring or Easter papers and create a layout of your very own to show off.

-Your layout can be one or two pages.

-You can post your layout with or without pictures.

-Your layout should be something new that you created specifically for this challenge.

-You can post the link to your layout using Mr. Linkey below.

-You MUST have fun.

-You have until Midnight (PST) Tuesday April 5th to post your layouts and a winner will be chosen on Wednesday April 6th.
The prize for this months challenge will be a set of flowers handmade by yours truly. Me, not Ann, LOL. :)

Ann is offering some blog candy on her blog as well. Hop on over there and take a peek.

I can't wait to see what ya'll come up with.

Keep Kreating,
Erin

Winners Times Two

2011-03-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

FINALLY!

I have not one winner to announce but TWO!

I was honored to have been a participant in two St. Patrick's Day themed blog hops and there was blog candy up for grabs in both hops.

For The Shimmering Shamrocks Blog Hop the candy was Stickles and the winner is.....

#73 Misty from DeLiteful Gifts

For The Lucky Leprechaun Blog Hop the candy was a $10 gift certificate to Michael's or JoAnn's and the winner is....

#18 Ann Marie from Yours TruLee

Congratulations Ladies!

Please email me your mailing address so that I can get your prizes out to you ASAP.

The Scrappin Roots Monthly Layout Challenge will be returning on Friday March 25th. Our guest designer will be Ann Marie from Yours TruLee.

Hope you will come back on Friday and see the gorgeous layout Ann has to share with us.

In the meantime....

Keep Kreating,

Erin

Guest Design Post @ PurpleFuntastick Creations

2011-03-22T00:05:00.003-04:00

Hello friends and welcome to

SpantastiKreations.

Today I am honored to be a guest designer over at Kari's blog, PurpleFuntastick Creations.

Kari is celebrating March being National Craft Month by having a guest designer post every week. When she asked me to be one of her guest designers I was more than happy to. I have known Kari via Facebook and Blogging for only 8 months and although we have never met face to face I consider her a friend. She has been a blessing and encouragement to me in more ways than one.

Kari asked that my project be Spring themed and to me Easter shouts Spring to me. Everything is new and green, fresh and coming back to life. Much like our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ when He rose again, coming back to life to provide us a way to salvation and Heaven so many years ago.

Here's what I made for my Spring project.

I know too cute right?

I made this basket using a 12"x12" piece of card stock.

I scored the card stock at 3" and 9" on all sides.

On the right and the left sides of the card stock I cut along the 3" and the 9" score lined to the center section.

A little ATG here and a little there and voila!

As you can see I also put coordinating patterned patterned on all the panels. I also used my Crop A Dial to attach the handle.

The adorable little chick was cut from Simply Charmed and

the word Easter was welded on my Gypsy and I glittered each letter to help it stand out.

I filled it with some orange Easter grass and plastic eggs and it's ready for decoration or gift giving.

This is another project I liked so much I have decided to make 3 more for the teachers, assistant teacher and principal for Easter. I love giving them little gifts every holiday. Yeah, I may be a brown noser but I know they appreciate them. The principal LOVES to see what her next card will look like and she's even told me she looks forward to them.

I'm sure it's true too because I have seen some of them hanging in her office. :)

I hope you enjoyed my basket today. Hop on over to Kari's blog and become a follower if you are not already. She's got a lot of really cute projects to share.

Thank you again Kari for having me as a guest designer on your blog this month.

Keep Kreating Friends,

Erin

*~*~*~* SpantastiKreations *~*~*~*

It's Fall Y'all!

Scrappin Sista's Birth Month Guest Designer

Purplefuntastick Bonanza Bash

Quack.....Quack

Another Back To School Project

Teacher Gifts

My First (Blog-worthy) Vinyl Project

Where In The World Have You Been?

Royal Purple Freedom Hop

Peachy Keen Stamps, K. Andrew Designs, Verve, My Creative Time, Our Daily Bread Designs, Pink Cricut, Erin Lee Creative, Robert's Crafts, along with many other generous individuals.

This prize basket is EPIC!

You're Invited

Check out this AWESOME give away....

YAY! I have a new blog button!

Made it Myself Monday

Queen of my Craftroom: Tropical Challenge

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere! May 7th & 8th

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere! May 7th & 8th

Mom's Day Blog Hop

A Quick Easter Layout

Have Your Cake And Eat It Too?

Cristina's Blogaversary Blog Hop

Home Decor Hop

Queen of my Craftroom 3-D Challenge

28 Candles Blog Hop

My Heart BelongsTo Daddy Blog Hop

Cards for Colton

Paper Flower Tutorial

April Showers Blog Hop....Day 2

April Showers Blog Hop

UGLY Paper Challenge

Scrappin Roots Monthly Layout Challenge: Springtime/Easter

Winners Times Two

Guest Design Post @ PurpleFuntastick Creations

~~~ SpantastiKreations ~~~