My Craft Spot Mini Release Day 1: Daisy Dies!

Hello, my sweet friends! It's time for the surprise My Craft Spot mini release! :o)

Kimberly was just too excited to wait for the next full release to share TWO of her new metal die sets! Join us today and tomorrow as we showcase these new goodies! Kimberly is offering an amazing prize each day, with the winners randomly chosen from comments left on the My Craft Spot and Design Team blogs. The more blogs you leave a little love, the more chances you have to win. :o) She is also picking a winner from customer orders! (Prize details below!)

Today we are showcasing the new Flowers- Daisy metal dies! For my project, I made a friendship card for someone I hold near and dear to my heart. She has helped me through some trying times lately. :o)

These daisy dies are already one of my favorite of all the amazing My Craft Spot goodies! There are so many options and are such fun to use.

Each layer of my flowers is popped up with foam tape for dimension, inked with Victorian Velvet distress ink, and was given a coating of elegant shimmer with the Wink of Stella Glitter Brush (clear). The sparkle is stunning in person... just not so easy to photograph. The beautiful leaf dies are inked with Forest Moss and embossed with the Victoria Cuttlebug folder. The scalloped pearls are from Wild Orchid Crafts, while the others are from Recollections.

When I saw the new dies, my heart instantly went to friendship. The sweet sentiment is from the Clock Time stamp set. I stamped around it with an Ornate Labels- Christmas frame and cut it out with the coordinating Ornate Labels metal dies.

The beautiful papers are from Authentique's Classique: Pretty collection. My base is created with Spellbinders Romantic Rectangles. The center popped-up frame was made with Floral Ovals and Classic Ovals- Large. I sprinkled several little sections of pearls nestled within the frame and flowers. (It's hard to be intentionally 'sporadic' in placement!)

Here are both new sets of metal dies! :o)

Flowers- Daisy

Speech Bubbles

Kimberly is giving away a $15 gift certificate EACH DAY of this mini release, randomly chosen from comments left on our blogs!

Additionally, since these new goodies are available for purchase right now, Kimberly is picking a winner from customer orders for a $20 gift certificate!

Be sure to visit My Craft Spot to see the inspiring creations from my talented teamies! Thank you for celebrating with us and I wish you a blessed day! :o)

Challenges entered:
 *613 Avenue Create~ Anything Goes (Optional: Sentiment)
 *Craft Your Passion~ Flower Power
 *Die Cuttin' Divas~ Anything Goes
 *Divas By Design~ Anything Goes
 *Fussy and Fancy~ Words- It's About Feeling
 *Pile It On~ Embossing (My leaves are embossed)
 *Simon Wednesday Challenge~ Anything Goes
 *Through the Craft Room Door~ Anything Goes
 *Through the Purple Haze~ Anything Goes (Optional: Handmade Flowers)
 *Word Art Wednesday~ Encouraging/Uplifting Sentiment

Surprise My Craft Spot Mini Release!

Hello, sweet friends! Ready for a fun surprise?! Kimberly was too excited to wait until the next big My Craft Spot release to show you TWO new metal die sets! You are going to LOVE them and you only need to wait until Thursday to see them! They will also be available for purchase from the very first day- no waiting! :o)

See you Thursday! Have a sparkly day! :o)

Just for Little Girls at My Craft Spot!

This is my second post of the day!

For the Blog Hop with a Difference, please click HERE or scroll down.

As promised, I am back with another post! :o) Today starts a new challenge at My Craft Spot and it's especially sweet: Just for Little Girls!

This coordinates perfectly with this month's I Feel The Love Project recipients. We are creating cards for Friendship Home, which supports and shelters victims of domestic violence and their children. I wanted to include a card for an especially tiny person, which this challenge is ideal for. :o)

The precious little elephant is from the Silhouette Online Store, as is the scalloped star base. For her ground I layered the floral border from the Fancy Edges 2 metal die set and Buttercup crinkle ribbon. (Ruffly sunshine is guiding her to brighter days ahead.)

The sentiment and elephant stamp are from Stamping All Around Spring, which I've cut out with the Tiny Doilies metal dies and popped up on a Tiny Doilies 2 base. I chose one that could be used for a birthday card or an encouragement card. I used Stone twine for the balloon string.

My papers are from Wild Rose Studio's Bluebell collection, which are inked with Dusty Concord. Victorian Velvet was used on the pink. I've been anxious to use this sweet little mouse paper... how cute are they holding their love letters? I hope it entices a smile from the little girl who will soon hold this. :o)

Thank you for visiting! I hope your day is filled with sparkles and sunshine. :o)

Challenges entered:

 *613 Avenue Create~ Anything Goes (Optional: Use a Sentiment)

 *Crafty Catz~ Anything Goes

 *Cut It Up~ Shaped Cards with Animals

 *The Pink Elephant~ Anything Goes

 *Through the Purple Haze~ Anything Goes (Optional: Handmade Flowers)

 *Word Art Wednesday~ Encouraging/Uplifting Sentiment

Getting to Know Me: A Blog Hop with a Difference

This is my first of two posts today! 

For the My Craft Spot post, please scroll up.

Happy Monday, sweet friends! I'll be back later this morning with a new project, but first I have a special post! What a joy to participate in a different type of blog hop: one in which we share a little bit about our work and creative process as we get to know each other better. :o)

I am honored to have been tagged by my sweetest friend Lisa of A Mermaid's Crafts. You can learn more about her (and be inspired beyond compare) by reading her blog hop post HERE. She is even lovelier than her work, which is saying a lot. :o) Lisa is a cornerstone in my life. Our friendship is a rare treasure... the kind you cling to for dear life. She is the one I turn to with the happiest of news to share, as well as the scariest. Much is made of 'moments,' but what sticks with me is the opposite. The transition from fellow crafting blogger to cherished friend was so seamless that I have no idea when it happened. Her love and joy for crafting are infectious. I am forever thankful that we were brought together through a love of pretty papers.

In many ways, my paper crafting journey began as a distraction. I was heartbroken and empty, as my ultimate passion of dance was slipping away. Injuries were mounting and pain was chronic. Creativity has always been a part of my life, so while sidelined I searched for a new outlet.

I happened upon an online group of paper crafters and my curiosity was piqued! I quickly became enamored with the patterned papers, flowy ribbon, and endless embellishments. I fumbled my way through the beginning, using a black Crayola marker through alphabet stencils for sentiments. (Make it work!)

Kaleidoscopic Sparkles sparkled to life in May of 2011 so I could play along in National Scrapbooking Day fun. I had just received my first die-cutting machine and was exploring the new design options that had opened up to me! Several months into this new creative journey, I found the true purpose for my work: the I Feel the Love Project. We create for those in need of love and hope. I still wasn't dancing, but my artistic passions were weaving together to form an intricate choreography of love.

Why a blog name that gives no indication of paper crafting? When asked, I refer back to what I wrote as I began this new journey. Every craft (dance, card-making, baking, photography) is its own beautiful sparkle. But together they portray every joyous beat of my heart in a bouquet of kaleidoscopic color... like shimmery sunbeams engaged in a ballet upon a sunset-clothed ocean. The pattern changes and the emphasis shifts, but that's what makes it lovely. The dance is only known by One, and I continue to learn it a tiny bit at a time as I seek, explore, and create.

What am I working on right now?
I am preparing for some upcoming My Craft Spot fun and sweet creations for this month's I Feel the Love recipients. :o) I am also working on finding creative balance to enliven dormant parts of my crafty heart.

Why do I create what I do?
I create because it brings hope, love, and joy to the charity's recipients. It shows them that they never fight alone. There is no greater feeling than using a passion for a heavenly purpose.

How does your creative process work?
It begins with a prayer. I pray for God to guide my heart and hands... for our love to flow through every inch of what we're about to create. This is vital, since most of my work goes to people I will never know. But God knows the precious hands who will hold each project... I let Him show me what will bring a smile to their battling hearts.

What is my Signature Style?
I do not have one! I just create from the heart, driven by a need to love. :o)

How does my work differ from others of its genre?
It doesn't. We all inspire each other... differences do not matter.

Some of my work inspired by loved ones:

Some of my work inspired by those caring for children with cancer:

Some of my work inspired by children fighting for their sweet lives:

I have tagged two friends who will share their posts with you on Monday, August 4th. I am so thankful not only for them, but for every friend I've made. You all are beautiful people and I count myself blessed to know you! :o) Please visit them, as you will be continually inspired. They tap into different styles and genres, so you never know what will be waiting for you when they post. :o)

Kate of Small Bits of Paper

Kate's heart is one of the most beautiful on Earth! (I'm not even exaggerating.) Regardless of how hectic her life is, she is never too busy to help a friend. Love shines through everything she does, as it bubbles up out of her every moment. :o) She cherishes her family, which is one of my favorite things about her. Her faith is her strength and I am grateful to be walking the narrow path with her! It's simply an added bonus that her talent is also a joy to behold. :o)

Shelly of My Paper Love

When I first encountered Shelly, it was like getting a new magazine of inspiration... and years later, it still hasn't ended. Her work is filled with such sweetness and beauty, whimsy and charm. It's invaluable to have crafty stops that light up the heart and she has long been one of mine. :o) Not only is she talented, but she is also a sweetheart! If I had to describe her work in a single word, I would say joyous. She is a blessing and I am grateful to know her. :o)

You deserve a sparkly gold star for sticking with me this long! :o) I hope you will visit Lisa, Kate, and Shelly... you will be happy you did! Thank you again for tagging me, Sweet Lisa! :o)

A Dabble into Scrapbooking!

Hello, sweet friends! I am posting on the My Craft Spot blog today. It's a first for me... a double layout for scrapbooking! :o) This took quite a bit of time, especially since slowed with my arm injury, but I am just thankful to be able to do some crafting at a snail's pace. I miss my Copics, but hope to return soon.

I've had it on my sappy heart to squeeze in some time for preserving special memories. It was hard for me (the challenge of NEW), but I had such a blast and it was fun incorporating Kimberly's goodies into such a large design.

Note: I promise my layouts are both 12x12 and even! I did not realize I had the camera angled. Lesson learned! :o)

My first scrapbooking project is for the memories my sweetheart and I will make this upcoming holiday season, so I was guided by my whimsical side.

This album starts with a wintry backdrop, with touches of Christmas cheer sprinkled throughout. (Decorated trees, red and green lollipops, festive sentiment, etc.)

My little village scene, comprised of the cafe, two cutie pies, and title, are cut files from Treasure Box Designs. This Cocoa Cafe cut file came with a blank regular sign, which to me means tiny doily fun instead! :o) The "Friendship Warms the Heart" sentiment is from Stamping All Around Christmas. I cut it out and layered with the coordinating Tiny Doilies and Tiny Doilies 2 metal dies. The snow and whipped cream are embossed, but sadly is washed out in the pictures. (We agreed we want to live in this sweet cafe!)

I forgot to take one particular picture! I adhered these photo mats as pockets, with two journaling tags nestled behind them. The 'pulls' for my tags were created with the Ornate Labels metal dies. The stamped border and sentiments are from Ornate Labels-Christmas, as is the heat-embossed scrolling snowflake border.

Doesn't she just melt your heart? I love that she has a cookie wafer in her hot cocoa... it's one of the sweetest accents in this entire cut file! I love all of their appearances. For personality, I used my favorite set of Peachy Keen face stamps: In the Garden.

The other side has a larger mat for an extra special photograph. To pair with the sweetness of the Cocoa Cafe, I fussy-cut lollipops and used one of my favorite of Kimberly's products: the Jar Basics metal dies!

I made a mason jar filled with holiday treats. :o) My sentiment is from Tiny Tags 3, which is cut out with the coordinating Tiny Tags metal dies. I used the same beautiful traditional twine throughout my double layout.

The sweet reindeer is also from Treasure Box Designs. (Bobble Buddies- Reindeer.) He's so precious!

Lastly, the sappy title and adorable photo mat border. :o) Tons of dimension and embossing throughout the entire layout, which angled pictures would have shown, but I was rushed. My papers are from Recollections' The Ballet, which I've already stated is a favorite. I bought two stacks two years ago because I love so much of it and am down to one sheet of my beloved purple snowflakes! The hanging snowflakes are Memory Box Precious Snowflakes, while all of the individual snowflakes are from Cheery Lynn Designs. :o)

Thank you for fluttering on by! I wish you a blessed day! :o)

Challenges entered:

 *613 Avenue Create~ Anything Goes (Optional: Party)

 *Craft Your Passion~ Christmas in July

 *Craftin Desert Divas~ Christmas in July

 *Crafting for all Seasons~ Christmas in July

 *Crafting From the Heart~ Anything Goes

 *Die Cuttin' Divas~ Christmas in July

 *DL.Art Thankful Thursday~ July Linky Party (Anything Goes)

 *Papertake Weekly~ It's a Jolly Holiday

 *Pause, Dream, Enjoy~ 3 or More Patterned Papers

 *Simon Says Stamp~ Emboss It (all of the snow, whipped cream, and snowflake flourishes are embossed. So sorry I didn't take angular shots to better show most of them!)

 *Through the Craft Room Door~ Anything Goes

 *Word Art Wednesday~ Encouraging/Uplifting Sentiment

Anything Goes at 7 Kids College Fund!

Happy Wednesday, my crafty friends! I hope you're having a beautiful week. :o)

Today begins a fun new challenge at the 7 Kids Challenge Blog, so I hope you'll join us! I was in need of a pretty little gift, so I turned to the gorgeous Graphic 45 Sweet Sentiments collection. I made a pillow box using one of my favorite designs, which is part of my contribution to this month's I Feel the Love Project recipients. We are showering love upon victims of domestic violence and their children.

With such beautiful paper, I did not want to over-embellish it. After wrapping it with tulle and tying a floofy bow, I centered it with a lovely burlap butterfly. It and the tiny trail of flowers behind it are from Petaloo's Apricot Burlap Blossoms and Butterflies collection. For my sentiment, I used one of the lovely banners included in the Sweet Sentiments paper pad.

Inside of the box is an array of sweet flowers from the Tattered Lace Lacy Daisy metal die set. I LOVE this line, as everything is so elegant. I kept the two sizes of lacy daises separate, but layered the shadow dies. They are centered with pearls to coordinate with the Wild Orchid Crafts pearl sprays I tucked within the tulle. The papers are also from Sweet Sentiments.

You have two weeks to play along with us, so I hope to see you linking up at the Challenge Blog! We love seeing your creations! :o) Have a blessed day, everyone!

Products from 7 Kids College Fund Store:

Graphic 45: Sweet Sentiments Paper Pad

Tattered Lace: Lacy Daisy Dies

Petaloo: Apricot Burlap Blossoms and Butterflies

Zip Dry Paper Glue

Challenges entered:
 *613 Avenue Create~ Anything Goes
 *Charisma Cardz~ Anything Goes
 *Crafting From the Heart~ Anything Goes
 *Crafty Catz~ Flowers
 *Creative Fingers~ Anything Goes
 *Love to Create~ Petals and Pearls
 *Really Reasonable Ribbon~ Things with Wings and Ribbon
 *Through the Craft Room Door~ Anything Goes

Anything but a Card at My Craft Spot!

Happy Monday, my sweet friends! I hope you had a blessed weekend. :o) I'm a bit behind on your inspiring blogs, but will try to visit you later today. I am still struggling with the pain from my arm injury, but there has been improvement.

A new challenge begins today at My Craft Spot! This week we are asking you to create anything but a card. The possibilities are truly endless! For my inspiration, I made a sweet little friend for a recipient of this month's I Feel the Love Project. :o)

A Pouch Pal, soon to be filled with a little surprise in the pocket:

This cutie pie is from the Christmas Pouch Pal cut file set from Treasure Box Designs. I used Core Couture paper for every millimeter of him, as he is sparkling with love. :o)

My snowy paper is from Bo Bunny, which I've decorated with a few of my favorite things! I created a banner with the Tiny Tags metal dies and lined it with a fun pom trim that reminds me of snowballs. :o) I combined two stamp sets to decorate my wintry banner. The snowman and the word 'snow' are from Stamping All Around Christmas, while 'hugs' is from Tiny Tags 3. 

The gorgeous layered snowflake in the center is from the Memory Box Precious Snowflakes metal die set, which I've accented with rhinestones. (How could I not?)

Thank you for visiting! Have a sweet and sparkly day. :o)

Challenges entered:

 *613 Avenue Create~ Anything Goes

 *A Gem of a Challenge~ Animals

 *Creative Fingers~ Anything Goes

You Are Amazing!

Happy Wednesday, my sweet friends! I hope you're having a beautiful week. :o)

Today I'm featuring some fabulous Memory Box stencils carried by 7 Kids College Fund!  For my stenciling inspiration, I made a tag for someone who loves fashion and all things pretty!

The background design is the gorgeous Flourish stencil, which I inked with Tim Holtz Tumbled Glass distress ink. The dress form is from the Dress Maker stencil, which I fussy-cut so I could pop it up with foam tape for dimension. I inked the stand with Walnut Stain and the dress with Tumbled Glass. I laid the beautiful Tessatina stencil atop the blue ink and sponged in the pattern with Dusty Concord. 

The fun measuring tape stencil is part of the Dress Maker set, which I accented with pearls. I added lace and ruffly ribbons, along with flowers and a button for an assortment of prettiness. :o) The Wild Orchid Crafts flowers sparkle with Wink of Stella and the leaves are from the Tattered Lace Lacy Daisy metal die set. The pearl strand is also from WOC.

The sentiment is from My Craft Spot's Tiny Tags 3 stamp set, which I cut out with the label die from the Jar Basics metal die set. I used my favorite purple Jute String for the My Mind's Eye button. This was a FUN little project! :o)

A week remains in our current challenge at the 7 Kids Challenge Blog, so I hope you'll play along with us! Have a blessed day! :o)

Products from 7 Kids College Fund Store:

Memory Box: Dressmaker Stencil

Memory Box: Flourish Stencil

Memory Box: Tessatina Stencil

Tattered Lace: Lacy Daisy Metal Dies (leaves)

Tim Holtz Distress Ink: Dusty Concord

Tim Holtz Distress Ink: Tumbled Glass

Tim Holtz Distress Ink: Walnut Stain

Memento Ink: Tuxedo Black

Wink of Stella Glitter Marker: Clear

Challenges entered:

 *613 Avenue Create~ Anything Goes

 *Crafting From the Heart~ Anything Goes

 *Creative Fingers~ Anything Goes

 *Love to Create~ Fussy and Fancy OR Clean and Layered

 *Pause, Dream, Enjoy~ Tags

 *Pile It On~ Add Some Flowers

 *Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge~ Anything Goes

 *Through the Craft Room Door~ Anything Goes