Cuttlebug Challenge, Relax, Rejuvenate, Be Inspired Blog Hop!

Who: Cuttlebug Challenge Blog
What: Fun Blog Hop to get to the DT and some really cool members!
When: Friday, May 1st, at 8am EST until Sunday!  YAY!
Where: Cuttlebug Challenge Blog

Welcome Cuttlebug Challenge blog hop participants!!  I’m glad you stopped by for a visit.  You are now on the second blog in the HOP.  If you happen to stop by here first, simple visit the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog for all the details!

So how do I relax/rejuvenate??  Well after a long day sometimes it is very difficult to relax and rejuvenate. Here is what I do to unwind enough to get my creative soul moving again.  First, I make a relaxing cup of tea (licorice is my fav) and then I curl up the corner of my comfy couch and listen to my favorite tunes.  Sometimes I get out my crafty magazines and peruse the pages for extra inspo.  This let’s me unwind just enough to refresh my spirit! 

Once I’m recharged though. . . look out world!!  It’s down to my studio for some crafty goodness!  How do you relax?  What is your inspiration?  Let me know how you unwind and get into the crafty spirit.

For you blog hop fans, one of my fav flowers is the PEACH BLOSSOM.  I love it when the trees are full of these blossoms.  It’s so beautiful and you just know good things are to come! 

So what is the reason for the flowers?  Well in order to be eligible for some FABU prizes you will need to do the following:

 

1. Follow my blog by becoming a follower to the right or adding this blog to your google reader feed/typad.
2. Leave some LUUUURVE in my comments (I yikes lurv)
3. Collect all flower names for each of the blog participants (my name is Michele Ciola btw) and email the list to cuttlebugchallenge@gmail.com 

That’s it!! 

For more details and a list of all the prizes.  Check out the sponsor thread at Cuttlebug!  Ok on to your third stop on the blog hop!!  Please visit the fabulous:

MEDA – HANDMADE BY MEDA!! 

Have fun and tell all your friends to join in the fun!!!  LOTS OF PRIZES TO BE HAD!!! 

For your convenience . . here is a list of all the fabulous ladies participating this weekend!! 

Eva  http://evafromca.blogspot.com/
Michele  http://creative-mayhem.blogspot.com
Meda  http://handmadebymeda.blogspot.com/ 
Spike  http://spikescreativeside.wordpress.com/
Lea  http://leascupcakesandsunshine.blogspot.com/
Betty  http://bettybrett.blogspot.com/
Karen  http://reallifeinpictures.blogspot.com
Peggy  http://cardcrazy.wordpress.com/
Ching  http://www.notleftstanding.blogspot.com
Cassie  http://www.fortheartofit.blogspot.com
Jenyfur  http://torn-paper.blogspot.com/
Sally  http://sallysangelworks.typepad.com
Roe  http://creativeliberties.blogspot.com/
Tracy  http://www.luv2cre8joy.blogspot.com
Jenn K.  http://scrappinforlife.blogspot.com/
Alyson  http://allisonscraftymoments.blogspot.com
Mrs. J  http://www.mrsjscreations.blogspot.com/
Nathalia  http://funkyphreshpapierkreations.blogspot.com/
Danni  http://www.dannisdoodles.typepad.com
Beth  http://beth714.blogspot.com
Eveline  http://vanheijstditjesendatjes.blogspot.com
Amber  http://thecountryscrapper.blogspot.com/
Maggie  http://stamping.craftgossip.com/
Kim  http://radiogirlcards.blogspot.com/
Heidi  http://vanlaardesigns.blogspot.com/
Jenn M  http://captainscrappyjm.blogspot.com/
Becky  http://bouncyflouncyfunfunfun.blogspot.com/
Libby  http://libbysscrapz.blogspot.com
Christine  http://creativejourney.typepad.com/creative_journey/
Shannon  http://shannonssentiments.blogspot.com

I’m on Twitter!!

Have you found Twitter yet?? I HAVE!!  Look out world.  This social marketing site is so interesting! I’ve connected with so many people and have made quite a few business contacts as well.  If you aren’t on Twitter yet, go check it out at:

 

So follow ME on twitter and join the crowd.  It’s really fun and you never know who you might meet. 

Etsy Photography Tips at MHR!

A graphic designer is giving wonderful tips on how to get that perfect image for your Etsy store!  With a feature post over at My Handmade Registry, you will be able to take your photographs from drab to fab in no time! 

You can easily go from this A to Z with these techniques:

  
© Doodlage

If you haven’t checked out My Handmade Registry and you own an Etsy store, you really should come check us out!  Shoot even if you don’t own a store, come visit us and post a wishlist!  That way your friends and family will have a better idea of what to get you for any occasion!  

Distress Ink and Chipboard Tutorial

I found this really cool tutorial by Scrapperlicious on how to use your Tim Holtz distressed inks on your chipboard!  So now I’ve officially been enabled and will need to run out and buy some reinkers.  Visit her blog for the full tutorial.  I just love this look! 

What will you come up with using this technique??  I have some ideas . . hmmmmm . . .

Marks Paper Company!!

WOW!  What a great week this has turned out to be.  I feel so very blessed by what all has been happening lately that I can’t thank the Lord enough!  I’m so very happy to share with all of you the wonderful news!  I have been selected to be on the HYBRID team for Mark’s Paper Company!!!!!!!!!

Can you believe it??????  I’m just stunned!!  I LUUUUURVE their papers and their coordinating digital kits!!  Have you seen them??????? 

Well feast your eyes on this wonderful bit of scrappy goodness: 

PLUS they are having a SALE.  From today until 4/7/09 you can get these digital kits at the sale price of $3!!!!  The papers are absolutely beautiful and I love the detail on the buttons and journaling blocks.  These are a steal at the price!  

Oh I also wanted to share with you the talented bunch of gals I get to design with.  They are wonderful!!! 

 

The new team members are:

• Maggie LaMarre
• Patricia Komara
• Cathy Pascual
• Deanna Kroll
• Cindy Gilchrist
• Pamela Young
• Moi

Thanks so much to Marks Paper Company for letting me set foot in the door!  I look forward to all the creative projects we are going to work on together!!! 

Be Inspired Cuttlebug Challenge #25 w/Sheetload

I was honored when my good friend, Maggie, asked me to participate in this week's Be Inspired Challenge. Of course, I jumped at the chance! Who wouldn't want to work with clear cards?? Btw, have you seen the new Shortcuts products from Sheetload? Well, then get your little mouse a workin' and check out their site!

Also don't forget to take part in the Cuttlebug challenge after you do some retail therapy that is. ha! (Your ears perked up didn't they?)

Now for the challenge: Use ShortCuts Clear or Frosted Card Blanks along with this great sketch in the most recent Sheetload download:


to create your project! You'll be glad you did because there are prizes involved!!

For more details, visit the Cuttlebug Challenge blog and while you are there don't forget to check out the EXCLUSIVE sneak peaks of the NOT YET RELEASED Cuttlebug folders!!! They even have an official PROVOCRAFT survey for you to fill out!

I TOLD YA . . lots of exciting things going on!

And without further ado, here is my card I created for the challenge:



need more inspiration? No problem. Check out the ideas from both the Cuttlebug Challenge DT and the Sheetload DT!

Will this inspire you today?? I hope so.

Welcome Unity Blog Hoppers!!!

The World Record Unity Stamp Blog Hop starts today at 11am CST!! I'm so excited and can't wait to see what everybody has come up with. They even had cute new blinkies made:


Isn't that adorable!!! LOVE IT!!

Ok . . . begin the Inspirational Blog Hop by starting at

http://theunitystampco.blogspot.com/

if you haven't already done so . . then filter your way down through all the stops. You will surely be inspired!!

My project for you today is a quick and easy Thinking of You card.


Materials used are:

Stamp: Unity Argyle Stamp
Ribbon: Making Memories Moss Grosgrain
Cardstock: Bazill
PP: DCWV Luxury Stack
Rubons: American Crafts Mini-Marks
Bling: K&Co Brenda Walton
Ink: Close to my Heart White Daisy
Misc: Clear Embossing Powder, Embossing Pad, Heat Gun, Transparency, 3D Foam Tape, Paper Piercer, Adhesive

Instructions:

1. Stamp heart image on transparency with white ink then clear heat emboss; cut out.
2. Cut out card back and patterned paper front... slightly smaller in width; clip edges.
3. Place cut out heart on card front using 3d foam tape; pierce around design
4. Glue down ribbon strips and bling; apply rub-on sentiment
5. Adhere card front to base and you are done

You next stop is to see the wonderful JENN BALCER!! Have a great blog hop and enjoy your day!!

Leave a comment here and either follow me on my blog or on Twitter (LillyPotDesigns) and you will be eligible for a great scrappy prize!!

"To the world you may be somebody, but to somebody you may be the world" - unknown