I've got some exciting news........

I have some very exciting news for you.  I can hardly believe it!!!  I am proud to announce that I am officially on the Creative Team for Peppermint Creative as an Hybrid Artist.  How exciting is this.  I've been reading guide lines, contracts, etc. to try to make since of it.   My brain is overloaded at the moment.

I will be posting my very first project for Peppermint Creative in the very near future.  (Have it done, just working on all the details).

In the meantime, go and check out all the digital kits, elements, vector art, ect. that Peppermint creative  has to offer.   While you are there check all the design teams projects.  Gosh, I hope I can keep up with these ladies.

An Apple a day...........

An apple a day keeps the doctors away, or so they say.   I don't know if this actually works, because I haven't done it.  Maybe I should test this well known rhyme.  It would be alot healthier than all the junk I like.  Is it too late for another New Year's Resolution?

This week at The Cutting Cafe the design team were given the choice of using Birthday Fun, Fun With Dress Forms or the Apple Box set.  I chose the Apple Box set.  To celebrate the Holiday, "St. Patricks Day" the project was done in green colors. 

 (Sentiments in the set)

 

 

For this project I used digital paper that I got free at kevinandamanda.com.  I also used craft cardstock that I purchased at Hobby Lobby.  To cut out the apple, I used the print and cut feature on my handy dandy Silhoutte Cameo.  Did I ever tell you how much I love this machine?  For the light green square I used the color picker in the Silhouette Studio program. 

 

 

 

 

 

Here comes Peter Cotton Tail.........

I can hardly believe that Easter is just around the corner.  For this weeks project for The Cutting Cafe,  I used the Bunny treat box.  I altered the ears just a bit in Silhouette studio.  My idea was to make it look like a Peep.  Not sure how close I got, but here it is.  I know the eyes look crooked but it's the way it is laying in the cellophane.  Sorry for the quality of the picture, I couldn't find my camera card and had to use my cell phone.

Wagon full of wishes...............

This week project for The Cutting Cafe was definitely a challenge for me.  Regina did an outstanding job (as usual) on this cute little wagon.  It's not near as cute as hers but is a ldifferent idea.  That is the joy of crafting, we all have our own ideas.  I decided to use my Silhouette (again ;o)) and make a card out of the wagon cutting files. 

This LITTLE RED WAGON BOX template - cutting file features the following: 1 wagon - approx. 3.5 in width by 2 inches high 3 boxes - in small, medium and large size 22 sentiments Several other items to decorate the wagon The file com...

created by Regina Easter at The Cutting Cafe



(sentiments in the set)
 

 

Here is the card I made using the wagon set from The Cutting Cafe!

 

Happy Birthday..........

Well it's that time of year again when alot of our family are having birthdays.  It's hard for me to believe, but my youngest son turns 17 next month.  Just doesn't seem possible.  Sometimes I tell my self  "Whoooohoooo, I'll have more room in the house, less laundry to wash, less dishes to clean, etc."  But I mostly tell myself,  "How will I handle missing my kids that I love so much and have had at home every day since they were born?"  Guess every mom goes through this so called "Empty Nest."

This weeks project for The Cutting Cafe is done using

 POSTAGE STAMP SHAPED CARD TEMPLATE - CUTTING FILE.

This POSTAGE STAMP SHAPED CARD template - cutting file features the following:

1 postage stamp shaped card - approx. 4 by 4.5 inches. (with a top layer)

2 mini postage stamps (photo not shown below)

7 other mini postage stamp images (approx. .835 by 1 inch)

The file comes in the following formats: PDF, SVG, MTC, WPC and JPEG

(here are a few images from this set)

Oh, I also used the FUN WITH PARTY HATS......PRINTABLE STAMP SET

(here are a few images from this set)

This stamp/cutting file is so versital and can be used for just about any event.  Since I have so manyfamily and friends birthday's coming up, I thought I would make it into a birthday card.

With being so busy with everything, the silhouette makes it so easy to create quick and easy projects.  Again, I used the print and cut feature and added some sparkle to the birthday hat.  Hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to stop by The Cutting Cafe!

LOVE is in the air............

Since it's Valentines in just a few days, I decided to pick the

HEART GOODIE BAG HOLDER...TEMPLATE - CUTTING FILE

for The Cutting Cafe project.

This HEART GOODIE BAG HOLDER template - cutting file is approx. 4.25 by 4.5 inches...the file comes with an optional heart frame...(heart frame not shown in sample project)....This file comes in the following formats: WPC, PDF AND SVG

 I added  "I Love You" with a font from Silhouette Studio.

Side view

I used the Silhoutte Cameo and my printer.  I used a free digital paper I found on line.  I can't seem to find the author, but if I do, I will come back and link it to the paper.

Spring Showers Bring May Flowers.....

We are having spring like weather today.  It's beautiful, but enjoy it while it's here, because it will change. The weather here has been so confusing.  One day freezing "coat" weather, the next day warm "flip flop" weather.  It's no wonder everyone is sick with something.  Showers sound wonderful.   We have been going through a three year drought here in Oklahoma so we desperatley need the rain!!!!!!!!!

This set from The Cutting Cafe' brings lots of hope of what's to come.....SPRING!!!  One Spring Day printable stamp set has 90 plus images.  Some are black and white and some are in color. 

Here is a sneek of the One Spring Day~Printable Stamp set

 

For this card I used my Silhouette (again).  I colored everything in Silhouette Studio and used the print and cut feature.  I backed the card with black cardstock and added a black bow.  For the striped background I used a digital paper you can find here.  I layered the flowers to see some of the outline. 

 

 



Onesie FUN!!!........

For my Cutting Cafe project this week I used the set:

 ONESIE SHAPED CARD....TEMPLATE - CUTTING FILE.

Here is a sneak peek.........

When I start playing with this set, I just wanted to keep going, making more and more.  This set is VERY fun.  You can turn the onsie into a t-shirt and make "Big" Sister or "Big" Brother shirts.

You can make a Valentines Day, Daddy's little slugger, Daddy's little Princess,  Mommy's little monster.  The possiblities are endless.

 Here are the ones that I made.  All very simple.  I hope that you like them.

 I used the silhoutte Cameo's print and cut feature.  I'm addicted to it. There are good addictions :O) ...I also used the pattern paper that came with the studio program. 

Okay, so what do you think?  I have had a ton of fun making these.  I will have more to add in a couple of day....Some "BIG SISTER~BIG BROTHER" shirts, not onesies.  I did use the onsie set though. 

Here is one more that I would like you to see.  I used: 

A BUNCH OF MONSTERS.....PRINTABLE STAMP SET

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

These would make the cutest birth announcements, baby shower invites or even birthday party invites.  Regina has a very cute Party Hat set and A Birthday set as well.

Don't forget to stop by The Cutting Cafe'!!!!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.............

Well, I've been watching many videos and asking many questions to figure out how to get to you my VERY FIRST digital stamp. It is free for the takin'.   I hope Im doing this right...guess we will find out.   I designed it in Photoshop Elements 10.  I know it's nothing fancy, but thought I would give it a try.

JUST CLICK ON THE HEART TO DOWNLOAD.  I would love to know how the download worked for you.  I did test it and it seemed to work fine. I was also able to use it in Silhouette Studio and used the cut and print feature.  I would also love to see your creations with this digi stamp.

If you have any comments or suggestions feel free to share.  I'm learning and have lots more learning to go.  It's all for fun and sharing what I make for my cards, scrapbook pages, etc.  For this heart, I learned how to make an out line of a stamp (with it being an outline instead of filled).  I also learned how to make a dotted circle (this video was VERY helpful), but had much more success using CS5.  I've had the program going on two years and have never used it.  It was much easier doing the dotted circle in that program verses PSE.  I will share something maded with the dotted circle later.  Now I have to get to my project for The Cutting Cafe'.

I loooooove chalkboard crafts.....

For this weeks project for The Cutting Cafe,  I used the FUN WITH HEARTS.....PRINTABLE SET.

Here is a Sneak Peek

                           

This FUN WITH HEARTS printable stamp set features 48 images...there are 23 different hearts...each are approx. 2.5 by 2.5 inches and 1 inch....also there are 2 wings...large and small to work with the 2 different size hearts.

I used my newest favorite toy.....my Silhouette Cameo.  The print and cut feature is so much fun. All I want to do right now is Print and Cut!......  And The Cutting Cafe has tons of sets I can't wait to try.

Three things I like are hearts, polka dots and flowers.  When I saw this set, I knew I would use it for my Valentine's Day projects.  How could I pass it up, three of my favs in the same set.  Whooo Hooooo!   I knew that I wanted to make a card and I really like all the chalkboard crafts that you see on Pinterest and craft blogs, so I put the two together and came up with this.  Hope you enjoy!!

Here is the heart with flowers.......



And here is the heart with polka dots.

 

To get the chalkboard look I used black cardstock, white stamp pad and a white watercolor pencil.  Embellished with red ribbon and a button slide from Stampin' Up!

 

 

 

 

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.........

For my project this week for The Cutting Cafe, I used the HEART BAG CUTTING FILE/template. Thought it would be perfect for the next holiday quickly approaching.   I also used the ASSORTED BANNER TEMPLATES AND CUTTING FILES.  It comes with 3 different banners to add to your cards or projects. 
I think this bag would be the perfect size for friends, coworkers or your childs Valentine's party at school.  Just enough candy that you wouldn't have to break anyones New Years Resolution.

 

For this project I used the print and cut feature on my Silhouette Cameo. (Did I ever tell you how much I LOOOOVE my Cameo?~ hehe)  I added the scalloped banner around the top of the bag.   I also added twisted rafia for the handles and made a small crochet flower. To give it a finished look I added a small button brad.  Oh, I used a free digital paper I found online.  I can't remember where though.  I have started saving them by the designer so that in the future I will be able to tell you where to get them.

I had an extra heart from this set, so I did something very simple and just added it to a box I found in my craft stash. 

 

Don't forget to stop by The Cutting Cafe, you won't be disappointed!!!

A few of my scrapbook pages..........

 

We took my son, Chris, on a cruise for his graduation gift.  He graduated in 2010.  This "pirate" in Cozumel was amazing!

 

 

 

Just enjoying the fresh air.....

Driving by........

I have had sooooo much fun doing these projects.  Today, however, has been a day of challenges.  I've had computer trouble, blog trouble (which explains the way you are veiwing everything) printer problems and Silhouette Studio has given me fits.  To top it off, I got ink on one of my FINISHED projects and had to redo it.  

Anyway, I am happy to tell you, after ALL of that, I am ready to unveil......... 

Finished project! I used the cute car from the Feb 14 printable set at The Cutting Cafe!

This set has 82 images!  It has been so fun working with this set, Thanks Regina

 

Just a close up to show the 3d details

Card Details:
I used Silhouette Studio to import some digital paper (sorry, I can't remember where it came from) Then I printed it on my printer and cute it out with the silhouette cameo.  Oh, I designed the rest of the topper in Photoshop.

The next two projects are also from the same set. 

I used one of the circle cards from the Silhouette Store and the circle stamp from the Feb 14 set.

 

This is a little memory album I picked up at the Dollar Store.

I used one of the printable stamps and the heart stamp from the same set.  The tag is from the Silouette store.   I added cute little button brads that I got from Stampin UP.

Don't forget to stop by The Cutting Cafe. 

Thanks for stopping by!











 

A New Venture for the New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone!  Hope the New Year finds everyone in the best of health.  A new year means, a new and fresh beginning, new goals and New Life!  With the new year comes new goals.  One of my new goals this year is to get "out of the box" on different aspects of my life (I tend to like to stay inside my box).  One of my "out of box" goals is to share my love for crafting. 

So today is the day that I get to share one of my new 2013 goals.  As a design team member for The Cutting Cafe', here is my very first project.  For the first project we got to pick anything we wanted to use from the store.  So, I decided to use something that would go with the next holiday.....Valentine's Day, of course. 

Card Details:
Background printable stamps - Tiny solid dot
Assorted Heart Card Templates - Cutting Files (card nine and card nine optional heart)
fine red glitter (not sure of the brand, I took it out of it's original package and but in a cute jar)
Used my Silhouette Cameo to cut the card out.  Glittered the additional heart and assembled. 

I did a second project and made a little treat bag out of The envelope from:
Assorted Heart Card Templates and Assorted Heart Borders.
To do this project I used my Silhouette Cameo.  I opened the envelope and opened the heart borders over the top.  I filled in each heart red and printed it out.  I assembled the envelope, sealed it and then folded it into a little treat bag.  I crocheted a little heart and attached it to a tag and used a small stamp from Papertrey Ink. 

Go to The Cutting Cafe and check out the store and all the great ideas everyone has!

Blog Help and Suggestions :0)

I'm going to just put this out there.  If anyone would like to help me with my blog design or have other tips to make my blog  more successful, I would greatly appreciate it.  It can be very time consuming, but I do enjoy it. 

Hello Kitty Hats that I made for Christmas gifts

Here are some of the Hello Kitty hats that I made for Christmas gifts this year!

Thank you Crochet in Color for the free pattern.

The Before and After pictures of my new craft room!

Here are some of the before pictures of what will end up being my craft room.  It consisted of fixing holes in the wall, taking down the popcorn ceilings, ripping out the carpet (which I thought would be easy....oh no, not at all)  Once I pulled the carpet out, I had to pull all the tack strips out and then AAAALLLLL the staples they used to put down the padding.  So with that said, these are what the first set of pics are about.

 

This next set shows my son, Chance, laying down the floor.  I'm still amazed at the job he done.  It's perfect.  He hasn't had any prior experience, but just went at it and got it done.  I had helped him do his room a week before, so we were on a roll....

 

 

Okay, Finally here are the pictures I've promissed.  My new stamp room!!!

It isn't completely done, but it is very workable.  I'm still looking for a couple of things to finish and make it operate smoother. 

 

 

I'm still working on finding organizing shelves and bins.  That's a tv under my desk (in the box).  I want to put it up and I want to put a big slouchy chair in there too.  I wouldn't ever have to leave my room.  It is very small, but it is now FINALLY mine.  I'm ready to get my creative juices flowing.  I've already started working on my first design team project for The Cutting Cafe.  You'll have to go and check out all the creative projects everyone has been working on. 

 

 

I'm one of the newest team members for The Cutting Cafe'!

I have some great news.  I've been selected to be a part of  The Cutting Cafe's design team.  I have not ever done anything like this.  I am VERY excited!!  Now to get busy and learn how to blog better and get started on my first project.

 Wish me luck!

 

Thanks Regina for inviting me to be a part of your team.  Can't wait to meet everyone. 


Please Visit the the Cutting Cafe to see all of the wonderful cutting files, images and ideas and more.

(Double click the picture and it will take you to the Cutting Cafe!)

ENJOY!!!! 

Here are a couple of pictures of the center pieces I made a friend.

Here are the bags (center pieces) I made for a friend of mine (I think she found the idea online somewhere.) It was her Dad's 70th Birthday and he loves Superman! 

I bought the shapes at the Silhouette store and used my Silhouette Cameo to cut them out.  My friend and I assembled 24 bags front and back.  First I cut ALOT of stars and superman logo's out.  Next we had an assembly line going to glue the 3 parts of the logo (red, black and yellow) together.  Then we did the same with the stars and sandwiched them together with a wood skewer in the middle.  (Hot glue actually worked the best for this part) Finally to assemble we cut styrofoam and hotglued them towards the top and left enough room to put the shredded tissue in.  This way we didn't have to fill the whole bag with tissue.   The tables looked great!!!

Too many projects....not enough time!

I just recently bought a new cutting machine, the Silhouette Cameo.  I've used it a couple of times.  The main thing I did so far is for a friend of mine.  Her Dad is turning 70 and he loves Superman, so we made some pretty awesome center pieces.  (Pics to come)  Anyway, I've been watching vidoes on how to use the machine and found this one helpful for some of the Christmas gifts I will be making. 
There are alot on Pinterest as well....you can check my Silhouette board out here....LOTS OF GREAT INFO!!!  Just in time for Christmas gifts!  Have a Blessed Weekend.

Contact me at tanya.alley@yahoo.com if you are interested in how to get a FREE collection of Ink pads. 

Just joined Stampin' Up!  I was a demonstrator over 15 yrs ago.  Having no space at all, I eventually got out of it.  Well now my 21 old son is out on his own and was able to make his very small room into a very small craft room.  So I am attemping it again.  Wish me luck.

http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/22124.asp

Getting ready to make some Christmas presents.  These are for my OSU friends....  It's suppose to be cold this weekend, so it will be a perfect time to be Hookin'!  Lol!  Just finished my second cup of coffee.  One more then I will grab my hooks and yarn and get with it.  Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Made these this summer......I learned how to crochet flowers and now I want to put them on everything!