Happy Birthday to Two Very Special Women!

Two of my dearest, and longest-term friends, celebrate birthdays within 10 days of each other. I made a 3-D Pop-up card (below) for each of them.  But first about them:

I first met Debbie as "Mrs. Donaldson," when she was to interview me for my second job after college, and the first in what would be the field of my choice: public relations in the health industry.

Debbie was the Program Coordinator for the Philadelphia Chapter of the March of Dimes, and I was applying to be its Communications Coordinator.  Debbie found herself located in Philadelphia when her husband, Tom, was stationed in the City for the Navy.  She hired me, and we had a wonderful time working together, and building a friendship as well.

Debbie, Tom and their beautiful family traveled the world with the Navy. They're now located back in Virginia, near their daughter Krista and her young family.  I hope we'll see the Donaldsons in 2014 on a visit, now that they're not too far away.

That's Mary Beth, second from left. She is hugged by Dani at left and her
son, AJ. Next to AJ is MB's daughter, Nicole. Out ice skating.

The other young'un is one of my most favorite women, my baby sister Mary Beth.  Mary B is the "new 50" this year -- you know, 50 is the new 30 -- because I swear MB looks more like a sister to her two beautiful daughters Danielle and Nicole than their mother.  Check this out:

She was always the most athletic of the sisters, for sure (check out this t-ball picture from a zillion years ago), but now, as climbs to the top of the halfway point to 100, she has taken on a new passion: running.  Can you believe this woman is now running half-marathons!!?  I admire her more than she can possibly know. While I spend marathon sessions on my butt making cards, she's out running hers off.  God bless!!!

... and happy birthday to you both!

I made these cards using Jillibean Soup's papers and embellishments from the Birthday Bisque line.  The template is my own, developed from the pattern provided free by http://extremecards.blogspot.com.  I love the celebration of a 3-d pop-up card, and am hooked on making them!  :)

 

My Blogaversary Approaches -- and some Introspection

Have you seen what I just noticed -- over there in the right hand column?  This picture:

That means in just 100 days, I will have been blogging for 4 years. Four years of bloggy goodness ...

So far that is:

654 posts (that's an average of more than 3 posts per week)

..with 306,203 page views to date (not including your view right now!) ... 6492 comments ... 1,363 followers from ten countries.

I'm thinking about what kind of celebration I should have to celebrate the actual Blogaversary -- definitely a giveaway because we all like presents! -- but what to do in the meantime? 

Well, I think I am going to look at why I blog, what posts have had the most impact, and perhaps evaluate what I should do in the future to improve the blog.

Do you have any ideas for me?  I'd love to hear your comments!

In the meantime, here's the first installment of why I craft -- and blog about it. 

#1 -- I craft to make others feel appreciated in receiving something special/handmade:



What do you do to share your talents in an altruistic way?

Our local hospitals (and senior centers, hospice facilities, nursing homes, etc.) offer volunteer opportunities for "off-site crafters."

Most of these crafters make knitted goods for babies, pillowcases for cancer patients, etc.

I've called and made myself available to make cards for those (adults and children) who are in the hospital for a long time, and perhaps have few visitors.

I'm also making (free or as a fundraiser for the auxiliary) note card sets for the hospital gift carts so those who are hospitalized can keep in touch with friends "on the outside."

This 3-D pop-up box card I have made celebrates the volunteers at our local hospitals. I am sending mine to the office Directors at the three hospitals most local to me, as well as to the senior center, as a thank you during NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK (April 6-13, 2014).

I developed the logo (butterfly tree in the back) and the theme as well.  

FYI, I used CTMH Lollydoodle bulk paper (pink side) for the interior of the box; the rest was from stash. I cut the box card using a template I found on http://extremecards.blogspot.com.  I developed the logo using an image from http://clickartonline.com that I purchased. 

St. Patrick's Day greetings to you and yours!

Supplies:

Cutting template by Extreme Cards (http://extremecards.blogspot.com)
Paper: Pear (green) and Daisy White by Close To My Heart; Shamrocks by Best Creation; gold metallic by Bazzill
Rhinestone resin sheet by The Buckle Boutique
Leprechaun cut using "Everyday Paper Dolls" by Cricut/ProvoCraft
Vines cut using a Cheery Lynn Design die and Big Shot
Glue: Liquid Paper by Close To My Heart
Tape Adhesive by Scor-Pal
Electronic Cutting machine: Silhouette Cameo

Happy Birthday Blog Hop: Celebrating with a Pop-Up Card!

Welcome to the Happy Birthday Blog Hop

It's Connie Can Crop's birthday weekend and what better way to celebrate than with a super blog hop full of fabulous projects, a spectacular lineup, and yummy presents for 2 lucky followers!!

This weekend, we're celebrating the birthday of our host, Connie, with this one-day blog hop.  Connie Can Crop is the first stop on her birthday blog hop. Leave a comment for all of these talented friends (and a birthday greeting for Connie, if you will!) and you have a chance to win these prizes: 

We have TWO awesome
sponsors and giveaways for this hop!

 

ABusyBee is giving away 3 delicious Spring Colors of Skittles!! What's a skittle?? Check out her store HERE:

Connie is  giving away a gorgeous 6x6 paper pad and  may just throw in some fabulous LoveBug Creations Rumple Ribbon too!!

So what do you need to do to win? Easy... become  a follower of each of the fabulous blogs in this hop and leave each of them a  comment letting them know what you like best about their projects. Then come back to Connie Can Crop and post that you followed the rules.  You will have until 12:00 am Monday to finish the hop and leave your comments.  Winners will be announced on Wednesday at Connie Can Crop.

Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment  along the way!

Gonna Party! 

It's Connie's Birthday! 

Let's go! 

Here's my project:

Have you gotten into the new craze of making 3-D pop-up box cards?  They're all the rage now. In fact, many people are already getting sick of seeing them. I, for one, can't get enough of them because they're unique, special, and I bet people will take some extra care with them. They'll likely stay on a recipient's desk or tabletop for quite some time!

Last month, I showed you the pop-up birthday card I made for one of my cardmaking students, Susan. (If you didn't see it, here's the link.)  Well, she loved it so much that she commissioned me to make a card for a friend of hers.  Here it is:

The friend's birthday coincides with the opening of the baseball season, and Jane's quite a baseball fiend -- especially Phillies baseball.

To make the base of this card, I relied on a brand new box card file from the Silhouette Online Store, created by Lori Whitlock.  What I especially like about this file is that it has shaped pop-ups for securing the sentiment and baseball.

For the background paper, I used a glittered baseball pattern that I have had for a while. I think I got it at a local scrapbook store that has since closed. It's by Best Creation Inc. (www.bestcreation.us). I backed it with Close To My Heart cardstock in Barn Red. The red/white polka dotted paper on the front is by Recollections for Michael's.  The ribbon is Rumple Ribbon by Lovebug Creations. I printed the sentiments and Phillies logos on my computer. Baseball stickers were provided by the client; I believe they're by Jolee Boutique.

Here is another 3-D pop-up card that I recently made, using Close To My Heart's new Timberline paper and "Happy Camper" stamp set. Isn't it adorable?For this one, I used a template that I found on an excellent blogsite called Extreme Cards. This site has free templates that you can hand-cut, or download to cut on your Silhouette. It's far easier to make these cards than it looks -- give it a try!

Now, continue on the Happy Birthday Blog Hop by visiting our next stop along the way, to the fantastic blog by:

SHARON

Here is our complete line up in case you get lost along the way:

1. Connie- www.conniecancrop.blogspot.com
2. Jenny - www.crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com
3. Janet  - http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/
4. Sandy - http://simplycraftycreationsbysandys.blogspot.com/
5. Beth~ http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com
6. Shawnee-http://sunshinycards.blogspot.com
7. Ellen-http://cardmonkeyspaperjungle.com
8. Sharon - http://piece-ofheart.blogspot.com
9. Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/
10.  Alicia http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
11. Angela - www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com
12. Jessica http://craftinandstampin.blogspot.com
13. Kathy - http://kathyand3kids.blogspot.com
14. Lori - http://scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/
15. Robin L. - http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com
16. Holli - http://SunflowerHolli.blogspot.com
17. Carri - http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/

Be sure to leave everyone a comment 
to be entered to win!!

GOOD LUCK!

OH, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Connie!! 

All Aboard the Babycakes Express! "It's All About Baby" Blog Hop, Sept. 14

It is my pleasure to participate in the It's All About Baby Blog Hop, hosted by Miranda at Nana's Scrap Spot. As I'm the last stop on this great event, I'll make this a "linger longer" sort of post to describe my project in depth.

I thought of this project when considering what to make for a monthly "scraps to treasures" blog hop. I'd recently emptied a cylindrical container that held Panko bread crumbs -- and if you're like me, you'll relate to this: I looked at that container and instantly thought, "What can I make from this?"

...and don't ask me WHY, but I thought of a train, using Close To My Heart's newest "Babycakes" line of paper. Here is the finished project: 

Starting with the engine, I covered the clean can with a wrap of the dotted Babycakes B&T Duo. I trimmed it out with the zip-strips on the edge of the designer paper.  I made the engineer's house just by guessing the measurements ("eyeballing"). I decided to make windows all the way around, and cut them out using an X-Acto knife. I lined the windows with scrap acetate, to give the structure body.

Here's a view of the front of the Engine:

I decided to make the "nose" of the Engine using rosettes that I stacked on top of the removable plastic can lid, leaving the can empty for a gift onesie for baby. If I was feeling really industrious, I'd design and make the matching onesie -- maybe later!

On the tip of the "nose", I put a beautiful rhinestone gem that I cut from some scraps from The Buckle Boutique.  I'm newly appointed to The Buckle Boutique's first Design Team ... you can see my first post for them by clicking HERE.  (It's a whole different project that I'm featuring today! Talk about industrious!!  I've been BUSY!!)

I crafted the hinged roof over the engineer's house, punching the edge with a CTMH new scallop edge punch. (Love that thing!!) 

TIP:  Oh, let me give you a hint on the rosettes:  Normally, I'd make these using hot glue to hold them securely. But this year, CTMH introduced Adhesive Dots that are super-duper strong and WAY easier to use for rosettes. Really! Try them!

The wheels are also made with rosettes, these cut from CTMH "Whisper" cardstock.  The monkey hanging from the roof is from the "Wild Things" CTMH stamp set.  I dubbed the train the "Babycakes Express" and set the little sign on my computer, trimming it and inking the edges in CTMH Exclusive Ink in Sunset color.

Moving on to the Cage Car:

This car was cut on my Silhouette Cameo using a file purchased from the Silhouette Online Store. 

I had to manipulate the file a little bit -- and the Silhouette Designer Edition software makes this super-easy! -- to be the right size.  Again, the wheels are rosettes cut from CTMH Whisper cardstock. 

The adorable giraffes (love them!) are from the Cricut Create a Critter cartridge, cut in 7.5".   I inked the edges of the giraffes, and also tied bows on their necks using yellow seam binding ribbon.

For the "box car", I further manipulated the file for the cage car (above) by running the Cameo's digital "eraser" through the horizontal center of the cage. I joined the sides together digitally, added the word CIRCUS, and dropped the flourishes onto the swirled top edges.

Pardon my pun (but I'm like that!), but since this is a "box car", that is what this car holds -- a dozen 1.75" cube boxes that can hold candy or other baby gifts like socks, gift cards, binkies, etc.  The back of the car has intentionally off-center stacked layers under a sign that says "It's about to get Wild Around Here!"  I tied some giraffe-stained ribbon to the sign. It's wild!

The only other detail that I want to show you is how I opted to link the rail cars together. I cut apart a CTMH "Base and Bling" Necklace to use the discs to be attracted to magnets I put on the railcar perimeter. Nifty, huh?

BACK to the BUSINESS of the BLOG HOP:

If you care to comment on my post here, and also choose to become a follower of my blog, I'll put you in the running for my delicious BLOG CANDY!  You see, writing this post in this yummy brown color has gotten me thinking about ... CHOCOLATE!  And I have an extra Close To My Heart "A Chocolate Affair" stamp set to give away to a randomly picked person who comments/follows this blog.

As I mentioned earlier in the Hop, I'm the last (and not least) stop on this fun Hop. So there's no one to send you off to -- I'm just going to say THANK YOU for hopping along with us.  Do come again!

P.S. -- If I can help you purchase any Close To My Heart products, it would be my honor to be your Consultant.  You can find an online catalog at http://cardmonkey.ctmh.com.

Defiantly DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,

Pocket Full of Sunshine Blog Hop

Welcome to the Pocket Full of Sunshine Blog Hop!
 

If you have just stumbled upon the hop, Lissa Marie is our host at So Many Crafts, So Little Time today. Start there so you don't miss a thing.

But, if you came from Lucy's sweet blog, you are in the right place.  

Grab a cuppa'Joe or favorite beverage, and relax as you browse through the awesomely bright and cheerful projects we have made for you, and get ready to win some blog candy!

Now, I don't know about where you are, but summer's struck!  Last week, temperatures here in the Philadelphia area just missed 90 degrees -- egads, that's too hot for what's still technically spring. But this weekend, we're back to almost winter. I mean, seriously??  60 degrees?  Mother Nature ... gee ...

Anywhoooo, traditionally, Memorial Day Weekend is the first time that we fashionistas (HAHA!) here in the Northeast can break out our white pants/skirts, sandals and summer handbags. Here's my take on a paper-crafted pocketbook for the:

POCKET(books!) FULL OF SUNSHINE 

BLOG HOP!
 

I made this cute PAPER purse using Close To My Heart's "Surf's Up" paper, cutting it with a file by Silhouette America on my Silhouette Cameo.  I trimmed it out with white stitching from my sewing machine around the cute edges and the darling buckle tag closure. My pocket(book) isn't full of sunshine per se ... it's loaded with Hershey's Kisses, "nom-nom, yummy," as my dear granddaughter Charlotte would say. 

  

Now for the good stuff!

Our sponsor today is ME!

I will be awarding a $20 Close To My Heart gift certificate to one lucky blog hopper, to be used at my CTMH site at cardmonkey.ctmh.com.  To be qualified for this drawing, please comment on all participating blogs. Just be sure to leave a comment at So Many Crafts, So Little Time to let us know you have done your part to be entered into the drawing.

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for more blog candy offered throughout the hop. Some blogs are offering extra perks on their own! If they are offering even more blog candy, they all have their own requirements for you to win, so don't forget to read the rules for each one.

Thank you for taking the time out to check out my project, if you like my project and you are not already a follower, you are encouraged to add your email in the subscribe area to get updates right in our inbox or follow my via BlogLovin! Keep clicking for more Pockets Full of Sunshine!

Your next stop is with SARAH.

Here is the line up to help you navigate
through this fun blog hop:

Lissa Marie:  http://somanycrafts.com
Janet:  http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/
Anita:  http://anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/
Cicily: http://pinkdalmationscrapper.blogspot.com/
Lucy: http://love2createitall.com/
Ellen:  http://cardmonkeyspaperjungle.com/
Sarah:  http://itswhatkeepsmesane.blogspot.com/
Teresa:  http://freshandrenewed.blogspot.com/
Beth:  http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com/
Shawnee:  http://quiverofangels.blogspot.com/
Holli:  http://sunflowerHolli.blogspot.com/
Jessi:  http://mylifeinartsncrafts.com/ 
Daphne:  http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com/
 

OH, and
Happy Memorial Day!   

Thank you
to all military personnel
(past and present)
for your service.

Bunny treat basket from Silhouette

Wasn't this weekend's "Anything Spring" Blog Hop fun? It sure did trick me into thinking that Spring was around the corner -- and here I sit, with a winter storm approaching! 

First, the business at hand: Congratulations to Karen Ladd (Comment #9) who was selected randomly by Random.Org to receive my blog candy. Karen, please e-mail me at cardmonkey@comcast.net to provide your USPS address so I can send your packet of Springs and the $10 CTMH gift certificate and Idea Book!

And now, more Spring!  Are you getting ready for Easter? 

It's hard to believe -- it comes so early this year -- that Easter is just 12 days away! 

I have the excitement of planning an Easter Egg Hunt for granddaughter Charlotte. I don't know who's happier about that -- me or her ♥.

PROJECT RECIPE:  I made this cute 3D Bunny to hold an egg and some candy on the Bunny Trail. The cut file is from the Silhouette Online Store; I cut two -- one in pale pink and one from the striped liner paper. The pink ear inserts cut separately from a dotted hot pink.  At the base of the bunny, I added a border die cut from Cottage Kutz that I cut in white hand hand-colored using Copics, with little touches of Stickles on the bunny tails and CTMH Liquid Glass on the Easter Eggs.  I adhered the border with foam dots for dimension.  I finished it off using a Peachy Keen face stamp that I modified with a nose line and whiskers to look like a bunny, and I tied a delicious piece of Lovebug Creations' Rumple Ribbon from the Caddy Blue On the Edge Collection for the bow.  It went together pretty quickly, so I think I'll make some more for that Hunt. Isn't it sweet?!

And speaking of sweet, how about this cute picture of Charlotte, taken this weekend while she and her parents were out at the Outlet Mall, shopping.  Char's not much on shopping -- she goes for the rides!!
 

   

♥

This little girl makes 

every winter day feel like 

summer to me.

♥ 

  

Happy Birthday, Star!

By the time that my friend Star reads this blog post, we will have met for dinner to celebrate our birthdays. Hers is tomorrow (8/27) and mine was last Sunday (8/19), and so we have double the fun on our dinner out with our hubbies.

Credits:  Studio cut files from Silhouette Online Store; Stickles

Star and I have known each other for 33 years, when she and I worked together at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. How lucky am *I* to have met her, and her sweetheart, Bernie.  Now, not only do we have our long friendship in common, but now we both make cards!


In case you're wondering, I always try to find a card with a star on it -- made easier now that we craft the cards.

And we exchange a little something, usually crafty, like a magazine or a book.  This year, I made her this 3-D box, and stuffed it with 3-yard sample bobbins of some of my favorite twine.  The card, box, star-shaped ribbon confetti, and even the cardboard bobbins for my twine were all cut using my Cameo, and files purchased from Silhouette Online Store.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Star!!

DeFiaNtLy DiFfeReNt & CreAtiVeLy Yours,