Camping Survival Kit Made with Decorated Paint Can

I made this out of scraps from my Back Country layouts. It is amazing to me how much paper is in a Level 2 kit and how much is leftover after you complete the Kit of the Month.

This is just a paint can covered with paper, stickease and chipboard elements. The checklist on top of the can reads:

  • sunscreen
  • bug spray
  • matches
  • wipes
  • trail mix
  • garbage bags

You could make a little smore’s kit too and put it in there. I think this is such a cute and simple gift for someone who likes that kinda stuff. Me, personally, I like plumbing and my king size bed 🙂

Blessings-
Sarita

Camping Survival Kit Made with Decorated Paint Can

I made this out of scraps from my Back Country layouts. It is amazing to me how much paper is in a Level 2 kit and how much is leftover after you complete the Kit of the Month.

This is just a paint can covered with paper, stickease and chipboard elements. The checklist on top of the can reads:

  • sunscreen
  • bug spray
  • matches
  • wipes
  • trail mix
  • garbage bags

You could make a little smore’s kit too and put it in there. I think this is such a cute and simple gift for someone who likes that kinda stuff. Me, personally, I like plumbing and my king size bed 🙂

Blessings-
Sarita

Sweet and Simple Cards, Leadership in California!

One week from today I will be in Sunnny California for the Close to my Heart Leadership Conference. I am SO excited. We have had cooler weather here, so I am looking forward to the California sunshine!

But I am most looking forward to seeing the NEW Idea Book, products, new programs, hanging out with Melissa. If we get any sleep it will be amazing. We both have a HIGH energy level and a passion for Close to my Heart and our business. We met at convention last year and have networked over the computer. We spoke on the phone for the first time today and I can tell God paired us up for a reason! I can’t wait!

In the meantime, I have been creating up a storm for my clubs and classes. Both cards were made using the Wishes book.

Enjoy the Day!
Sarita

Mother Daughter Moment

I had the sincere honor and pleasure of taking my daughter to Lifest 2 weeks ago. Well, actually she took me. When she got her birthday money in May she said ” I am going to Lifest”. So I thought I might go with her. LOL! We had an amazing two days praising God, enjoying music from our favorite groups ( Toby Mac, Super Chick, Skillet, LeeLand), eating good food (bad for us) and laughing a lot!
I had been told that going to Lifest would be so great and life changing, but I never suspected that weeks later this whole experience would still be with me. In my heart, mind and soul.
Time away with Savana was eye opening. She is so determined. I learned that when we were putting up the tent. She really doesn’t give up. I was laughing so hard, because she is such a character. I love spending time with her when I don’t have to remind her of chores or guitar practice. We were just mother and daughter together, what a true blessing. Thank you Lifest! We will be back next year for sure.

Taking Risks


Everything I need to know about risk and reward I learned from my 11 yr old daughter. She participated in a Children’s Talent Show last Friday. She was nervous and I kept telling her all she had to do was her best and that is all anyone can expect. She had some fierce competition. When a band of tweens started rockin’ out on their electric guitars and flinging around the stage, I was a little nervous myself. I could tell by the time she got on stage her confidence had not been shaken. She was strumming those guitar strings and singing “Daughters” by John Mayer with her heart and soul.
She took a big risk. She entered a talent show last minute in a town where she didn’t know a single person and only had her family there to cheer her on. The reward was 1st place and a $100 gift card for Bay Shore Towne Center. She was in shock and so happy. I personally was in shock too when they said her name. I almost dropped my camera. We all assumed the band was going to take it. In the end it was her passion and enthusiasm in addition to her talent that made her the winner.
She took a big risk getting on that stage and it reminded me of my favorite quote.
“To try is to risk failure. But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. They may avoid suffering an d sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live. Chained by their attitudes they are slaves; they have forfeited their freedom.Only a person who risks is free.–Anonymous Chicago teacher

So, what are you waiting for? Are you playing it safe on the bleachers, watching the show? Well, this is a great time to take a chance and join Close to my Heart. Don’t forget about our great special this month that puts a little more money in your pocket with 5 FREE items added to your kit. This means you can get product worth up to nearly $100 for no charge, just for signing up in July! So, for your sign-up fee of just $99 you’ll receive about $400 total retail in product! It’s an incredible deal that will really jumpstart your business and your artwork! What a small risk for a GREAT reward! Take a chance and sign up today.

Award? For ME? Thanks

Well, I have been bestowed the Lemonade Award. Thanks SO much to Jaime!! It is so fun and a nice surprise to get something like this. I have been discovering a lot of super fab blogs through this hop.

Now the rules for accepting this award are as follows:*Comment on this blog*Cut and paste this logo on your blog*Nominate 5 – 10 blogs that show great attitude and gratitude*link your nominee’s with your blog post*Comment on their blogs to let them know they won.*Link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation.
DRUM ROLL PLEASE… and the award goes to ~

Have a blessed day!!

Sarita

2 Cards Made Using “You’ve Got Flair” and Embossing

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! We will be featuring July’s SOTM, which is You’ve Got Flair, a set of 8 stamps. If you have come here from Helen’s Blog, you are on the right path! If this is your first stop, you may want to go back to Jena’s Blog and start from the beginning!
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This is simple to do – just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Embossing and Sanding Technique

My favorite part of this card is the embossed paisley pattern that matched the stamp.  After I ran the piece through the Cuttlebug machine, I lightly sanded over  it so the pattern would pop.  I also inked the ric rac with a blue ink.  Otherwise it would have gotten lost as white.
Circle card with embossing and sanding technique_My Creative Cottage
Circle card with “You’ve Got Flair” Stamp Set

A note card made with embossing and You've Got Flair_ My Creative CottageKissing Technique

Here I inked up the large “A” alphabet. Next, I impressed ( or kissed) the paisley stamp on to the already inked stamp. That is how I got this pretty paisley A.

Now “Hop” on over to Chris’ Blog to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas!

In case you lose you spot along the way, here are all the participating blogs!
Jena Devries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Sherry Thompson http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Deb Young http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://www.creativeimpressions-pinchme.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Cibele Glazer http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/
Laurie R Newton http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Sarita Schraeder http://www.blessedscrapper.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Paige Dolecki http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Jamia Bankhead http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/
Heather Painchaud http://www.twindragonflydesigns.blogspot.com/
Julia Menssen http://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/
Lori Miller http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Pamela OConnor http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Reba Poquette http://www.thedirtyscramper.blogspot.com/
Anne Beck http://www.anniemuses.blogspot.com/

Being There

Last week was sweltering and fun! I helped with arts and crafts at Vacation Bible School. I was very lucky that my partner in crime, Trudy, was right there sweating with me! We ran 60 kids through in a 2 hour period. What a blast! It is because I work from home that I was able to do that. The person who was in charge of it originally had to get a job so she asked me to take over a the last minute. What irony! I have a job that allows me to be there when I am needed.

So, ask yourself these 3 questions…

*Have you ever thought about doing what I do along side of your family activities?
*What would keep you from trying CTMH this month? (you can always go back to being a customer:)
*What would you do with an extra $400-500 per month?

We have a great special coming up in July that gives you even more with your $99 starter kit. Join now and don’t miss out team retreat in August and CTMH Regionals in Minnesota in October!!

Official Website for Blessed Scrapper!!

So, I have had my domain name blessedscrapper.com since 2003. I have had different web sites linked to it. My most recent was my Close to my Heart corporate site. Well, since I have been doing a lot more with my blog as of recent I decided to change my domain name to link up to my blog. So, if you are looking for my other site you can click on the link on my side bar.

It may seem impulsive but I have been thinking about this for a long time. My web address has been on my car for a long time now. So, I wanted those curious ones who actually take the time to check out my site to get a little more ME! And since life is all about give and take, I hope you will leave me a shout out in the comment section so I can learn more about YOU! I want to know what you are thinking! I hope to “see” you soon!

Sarita

Thank You Card Class and Catchin’ Up!

I am SO excited. I am having a thank you card class on Monday and it is FULL! I actually have to add a second date. I LOVE meeting new people and watching them work with the stamps. The coolest thing is there are 3 sets of mother/daughter teams coming. I LOVE that I can offer an activity that can keep families connected, not to mention the GREAT stress relief it offers!

This week was busy with 2 hostess clubs and a birthday party for Savana. It was too hard to do something in May for her ( her actual bday 5/5) But it worked out great. She had a few friends sleep over in the tent in the backyard and of course did the s’more thing and it was SO FUN! I am still exhausted. The best part was how they embraced Sofie and included her in everything. They played flashlight tag and had a blast! Those moments that I sit back and watch the girls like that are just some of my most gratifying ones.