Little Reminder January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

 Hello and Happy New Year!  Welcome to our January Stamp of the Month Blog Hop.  If you have come here from Haley’s Blog then you are on the right track! This month’s set is a fun one that I am very excited to use this coming year!  My family is celebrating 2 babies and 1 wedding in 2012. You can see why I will be getting a lot of mileage out of this set!
 I chose to make a simple celebratory card for the New Year.  I hope you enjoy.  It may be hard to see but I stamped the Let’s Celebrate in Bamboo for the background and then stamped it twice in black.  I thought the bling added some pizazz.  I like the contrast of the natural Kraft cardstock with the wild zebra print of Roxie and then some sizzle from the splash of lagoon. Maybe that’s what I am hoping and wishing for my new year.  How about you?

 Products Used:

 Z1375 Kraft cardstock
x7140B Roxie Level 2 paper pack
x5904 Splash of Lagoon cardstock
Z1360 Rhinestone Designer Brads
Z1463 Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes (Butterflies)

Well, now it’s off to Angela’s Blog to see what she whipped up with this stamp!  Don’t forget to add this to your order this month for only $5 when you spend $50.

Pinterest is my Happy Place

This super simple yet elegant Christmas decoration was inspired by Pinterest. So, I actually went back to something I pinned and recreated it!
    

My version is in the following picture.  I received so many compliments and they were incredibly easy and fun to make. I used the evergreen from the trees in my yard. I also happened to have mason jars. PERFECT!  I added this fun striped ribbon that I got from SU and walla!

Have you found Pinterest yet?  If you have talked to me lately, chances are pretty good you have.  Think of it as a virtual bulletin board where you can pin ideas for just about anything to it. I love looking at my boards- which I have several including Home Decor, DIY (secretly this is my husband’s project board, but he doesn’t know that *wink)., Scrapbooking, Paper Crafts, Recipes and my new one, Preschool Teaching Ideas.  I even have a board on there for my teenage daughter with things she might like or things I want to remember to show her. There are many great conversation starters on my Wordy Wise board.
So, everytime I see something on a blog or a website  that I want to save- I no longer print it off YAY!! ( so it’s very eco-friendly). Nor do I bookmark it in my favorites.  I clearly can’t remember how I even filed them in Favorites , much less FIND IT.
So, what’s the big deal you say? Great! I can put pictures on a board- sounds like tons of other websites.  No, no no my friend, here when you “pin it”  to your board and then go back to it, you are taken directly to the website it was pinned from!! Now, I know you must be smiling by now.
Here’s the really fun part, people who have your same interests and styles can follow all of your boards or just one of your boards.  So, then there is a whole community of pinning and repinning fools! You can add comments, mention people and even “like” a pin.  I have really learned a lot about my friends this way. What you pin says a lot about you.
So, when I am having a bad day or just need a shot of inspiration or have crafters block I have a place to go that immediately makes me smile.  All the things I love in one place. So, I am not only saving the environment, I am also saving time. Okay, if you are on Pinterest you know that might be a little white lie.  It can be addicting as all get out!  So, beware of the time sucker it could become. However I do think the pros outweigh the cons.
 If you would like an invite to Pinterest just email me and I will gladly welcome you into our circle. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.  If you are on Pinterest simply click this button and you will be taken to my boards!  See you there!! 

Follow Me on Pinterest

I Did Not Fall off the Face of the Earth!

So, you may be asking, Where in the heck is Sarita? Although it may look like I fell off the face of the earth, I am still alive, kickin’ and extremely well!  It is rather comical actually, how I think I am in control of my life and just when I have it all figured out, God sends me down a completely different path.

One day back in mid September I opened up my church service bulletin. Like I always do I went right to announcements.  I was really surprised to find out that our church’s preschool, Mustard Seed was looking for a new Preschool Director.  Now, you may not know, but I spent my “past life” in early childhood. Matter of fact, before my husband was being deployed to Iraq in 2004, I was the director/teacher at my former church’s preschool.  

My immediate gut reaction was, they need me. Not, how in the world could I work full time again, or this will rock our world.  In that moment I simply felt called to do this work.  So, I applied and kept going on with my life and my business.  After what felt like an eternity I was contacted for an interview and shortly after was offered the job.  My first day was Oct. 31 and I haven’t looked back or barely taken a breath!

It was a busy time to jump in. We had picture day, Parent/Teacher Conferences, mini- Thanksgiving Meals. I also celebrated my grandma’s 90th Birthday as well as my 40th birthday.  Then it was on to a wonderful Christmas program and lots of learning and adjusting in between.  So, I am very grateful to be on Christmas Break now. 

I have already fallen madly in love with these two boys.  They are curious, fun and so loveable. One of them gave me my first day on the job hug. It made my day!

WHO LOOKS LIKE THIS AT 90?? Isn’t she a beautiful woman? I want to be her when I grow up!

Celebrating my birthday also included Thanksgiving with my family and of course PACKERS!!!!!!

So, the big question I have been asked is “What about your scrapbooking?”  Scrapbooking and creating is a part of me. My silly husband was entertaining thoughts of turning the cottage into a MAN CAVE!  HA! HA! What a silly boy! No worries there, I will be creating and blogging and will always be with CTMH.  Matter of fact, I use the Cricut just about every day and even brought in stamps to make gift tags with the children.  So, it’s all good!

My good friend and downline, Joanne is on her way over to show me the new catalog!! I hear it is to DIE FOR!! I can’t WAIT to see it!  So, if you are sticking with me, I will be here.  

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  It was our best one in a long time!  Sofie is doing so well and it takes the edge off a bit. We don’t always have to be in a heightened state of alert.  So, we were able to enjoy the season without melt downs and mayhem.  I couldn’t ask for anything more!  We are looking forward to an adventurous, busy and blessed 2012!

Many Blessings to YOU!!!

Cozy Christmas at the Cottage This Weekend

Don’t forget! This weekend the cottage is open and I can’t wait to see you!!
We have a lot of catching up to do! I just finished my first month at my new job.  I LOVE being the preschool director at Mustard Seed in Wind Lake. I have been extremely busy, but it’s all good!

Here is a sneak peek at just some of the fun things we have for sale this weekend! My Mom is talented beyond measure. She has made the most beautiful scarves and hats. Joanne has created some really unique purses, and there is so much more!

HOURS:
Friday Dec. 2 6:00-9:00 pm
Saturday Dec. 3 10:00-4:00 pm
Sunday Dec. 4 10:00-4:00 pm. ( I will be in and out. Joanne will be here all day)

We will have a slew of used and new Close to my Heart Stamps, handmade cards, tags and other goodies!
Get a sneak peek at our AWESOME Rock the Block promotion. This is the coolest project ever! I can’t wait to get my hands on it!  The E size stamp set is to die for!  Trudy will have hers there to show you.
 
(this set will only be available for this promotion. Dec. 19-Jan.31)
Plus, there is an AWESOME Willow House Sale! Place your order by Dec. 15th to ensure Christmas delivery!! Click on any picture below to see a larger view!

See something you want now, head to http://sarita.willowhouse.com
and start shopping!
See you this weekend!! Contact me with any questions
Sarita

Mad About You- Heart Treat Holder

 

Here we are and it’s December already! Welcome to the CTMH Stamp of the Month Blog Hop. If you came here from Haley’s Blog then you are on the right track.

This month we have a stamp set that are sure to fall in love with. Mad About You has 14 fabulous stamps that add up to one great must have set!  Three of these stamps coordinate with shapes that can be found right on our Art Philosophy Cartridge for the Cricut.

I decided to do some random stamping on the heart basket shape you can also find on the AP cartridge. I used the rose pattern side on the Roxy Level 2 paper pack. I just used the fit to page button which ended up being 11.5″  So, it is a nice size. I can so see doing these for a Valentine decoration or to give away (filled with chocolate of course!)  Here I hung it from the sconce from Willow House.

The part that I loved was using the pleated ribbon from the Designer Ribbon Red Collection. I made the handle with the “zip strip” and then attached the ribbon. I stamped on a chipboard tag and tied it on with some hemp.  Easy peesy!!

 

Now, you can keep hopping on to Amy’s Blog. I am sure you will find something fabulous there!
Enjoy!!
Sarita

Handmade Photography Props With Barn Wood

Well, this was fun! I was asked by Kathy at KK Photography to make some vintage inspired props for her upcoming Christmas photo shoots.  I am really into these chicken wire frames lately. They work so well for just about anything you want to display.

Here I used Cricut Art Philosophy to make the pennant shape and the letters. A little hint- for my paper I grabbed a sheet from a Mistletoe Level 1.  Since it is preprinted it adds a lot to a project!  I can’t wait to see how this looks in Kathy’s photos. She is so talented!

I started out with an old wooden door. We scored this in our pick a few weeks ago.  I used a white wash technique and she is using it as a wooden floor now.

Another barn wood piece. Here I chose a dry brush technique for the wood.  Then created the letters using vinyl. To add some dimension I also used Glitz Glitter Gel. It looks like a glistening snow up close.  I can’t wait to see the little ones holding this sign in photos.  I will be sure to share them with you!

If you are a photographer I would love to make some props for you as well!

Creative Cottage Designs Barn Wood Sign and Display

Here are some pics of our booth at Fall Fest a few weekends ago.

Okay, how stinkin’ cute is Joanne’s little picket fence and all of her decorations?! She is so talented and I love working with her!!  The Creative Cottage Designs sign was made using old barn wood, dry brush white paint technique and vinyl.  I even added some bling to give it some character.  Why not right?

 

 

 Scott’s rustic spice rack and Joanne’s Halloween Blocks- SO CUTE!

 

Check out what Joanne created. She painted and old dresser and gave it new life with chalkboard fronts. Perfect for labeling for the kids and changing it out as they grow older.

What better way to spend the day with the hubby. He loved talking to everyone and seeing friends and family.

Until Next Time-

Happy Crafting!

Sarita

 

Life is Good! Cards With Paper Flowers

 I am all about value and variety. I need things to have multiple functions, that includes my stamp sets. So, when I saw the Remarkable Wreath set by Close to my Heart I was in love. I knew it was a must have because it had great sentiments, pennants (SO CUTE!) and could be for all seasons and reasons.

So, if you like this too, be sure to come to my 3 for 5 card class on Tuesday November 8. We will make a Christmas Card, a Thank You Card and a Birthday Card. We will also use some of my favorite new products such as; Just Blooms Flutter Paper Shapes and corrugated stars from Milepost Shapes. Technique of the evening will be rolled paper flowers and folded leaves.

Supplies to bring- Adhesive (liquid and tape).  Space is limited so don’t wait!

RSVP NOW

 

Sophisticated Halloween in Minutes With Your Cricut Part 2

Halloween Candle Wrap_Cricut_My Creative Cottage

Take a plain dollar store candle and glam it up for any occasion.  I used my friend the Cricut again as well as the coveted Art Philosophy Cartridge from Close to my Heart.  I was making it for Halloween thus the color combo, but really it could be for all sorts of seasons and reasons.

Directions and Supplies:
Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge from Close to my Heart
Scraps of cardstock
Cut a border ( pg 65 and is what I used)

HINT FOR CRICUT EXPRESSION MACHINE: When you cut a border and you need it a certain length use the fit to length button on a Cricut Expression. It will then measure it by the length and not the width as it usually does.

Flower  (used a stamped scrap and  pg.68 Font + shift key) and again with a smaller scrap for the center.
Added bling with our
Z1466 Bling Asst. (pins)

Hint: The delicate border was a bit difficult to adhere in the back. So, I used the pins to reinforce it. By tacking it down directly to the candle the pins it added a vintage feel and served a purpose!

Sophisticated Halloween in Minutes With Your Cricut

One of my favorite and most versatile staple for parties is my  French Wire Tiered Stand  It can be taken apart and each piece used separately.

This weekend I was playing around a bit and made the most sophisticated and simple tray liners using my CTMH Cricut Art Philosohy Cartridge.  As you can see, this went along great with the mask I made and the candle wraps which are featured in part 2 of this post.

Sophisticted Halloween Decor with Cricut_My Creative Cottage

I used the basic scallop shape. Then I pressed the same key, chose the Decorative Layer Function Key while using the Shift Key to get the funky design.   It cut it at the same size keep in mind.  It made it so easy!

Halloween Party Decor2_ Cricut_My Creative Cottage

Halloween Party Decor_ tray liner_My Creative Cottage Here I used the design that was left on the mat, also known as the negative space.  I LOVE using leftovers and really have a hard time throwing those scraps away.

To adhere the 2 pieces together I chose an adhesive spray. You could use whatever you have available.

Once the 2 pieces were glued together I cut an “X” in the middle of the shape so it would easily slide over the pole.  It was so easy.

 

PROJECT TIP: If your stand does not come apart, just cut a slit from the outer edge of the scallop liner to the middle point.  Then you can wrap it around the post in the center and it will lay flat.

Supplies Used:
Mischief Level 2 Paper Pack ( could use any elegant Halloween paper)
Grey Wool Cardstock
CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge

FINISHING TOUCHES:  I thread some ribbon through the openings.  What I really wanted to use was black glittery tulle. However, that is fun of how I create. I use what I have in my crafting arsenal.  I can always add more to it later.

Can you just imagine the possibilities for other holidays, birthdays and many other occasions!?  You could even laminate your liners and use again year after year. I would suggest clear contact paper for laminating.  It is super inexpensive. I know that from my preschool days.

Now, I just need to whip up some goodies and fill these trays up.

Check out my  All Things Fall Pinterest Board for some great recipes, Like this one. FOLLOW ME for more great project ideas.
scarecrow crunch 1
Scarecrow crunch recipe from Ryan Bakes.

Until Next Time-

Happy Creating!

Sarita