Saturday, December 31, 2011

January 2012 Stamp of the Month Blog Hop

Here's a toast to the future, a toast to the past, and a toast to our friends, far and near. May the future be pleasant; the past be a bright dream; and may our friends remain faithful and dear......

Happy New Year and welcome to the Stamp of the Month Blog Hop! What a way to start out a brand new year, by hopping through over 50 plus consultants' blogs and seeing all the fantastic creations they've made using this month's featured stamp of the month "Little Reminder", S1201. If you are coming here from Judy Faye Garner's Blog you're on the right path....and don't forget to check out all the consultant's this month for all their amazing ideas. 

Celebration is what I think of when I see this set....the celebration of life, new life.  This treat bag would make a great party favor for a baby shower, along with this coordinating gift tag.

Sometimes its nice to get back to the basics....I wanted to use an earth toned base cardstock, but I found the plain cardstock a bit to plain....it needed something.  A paint brush, an old shipping box (for a back splash), chocolate re-inker (Z2211) and colonial white cardstock (1388) and wallah....a chocolate speckled base cardstock.

First for the treat bag, after creating the cardstock, I turned to my trusty Cricut and the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge available only through CTMH (Z1686).  Using a 12x12 sheet of colonial white cardstock, place it on the cutting mat and load, then adjust the right/left to (R/L 2 1/4 inches) and the In/Out to (I/O 2 1/2 inches), select the Shape 7 and cut at 3 1/4 inches.  Once shape has been cut out with the cut out shape to the left side of the 12x12 cardstock, cut the cardstock to 10 x 11 13/16 inches.
From the top across the 11 13/16 inch side score at 1/2 inch and from the bottom of the 11 13/16 side score at 1 1/2 inches.  Score all the remaining measurements from the 10 inch side at 3/8; 1 3/8; 2 3/8; 6 1/8; 7 1/8; and 8 1/8.  At the bottom of the 11 13/16 side cut at score marks 3/8; 2 3/8; 6 1/8; and 8 1/8 up to the 1 1/2 inch score line.  Fold at score marks.  Turn the treat bag upside down, cut a piece of clear plastic ( I used an old protector from my Cricut cutting mats) and glue over the cut out shape on the inside of the bag.  

Once dry, about 20 minutes to be safe, stamp images directly on the bag.  One of the stamps was actually worded "Welcome Little One", I carefully cut the word "One" off the saying, so I could substitute the number 1 in its place.  Using Cocoa ink (Z2114) I stamped the words "Welcome Little" and on the excess scrap cut away from the 12x12 cardstock I stamped the number 1and five butterflies from an older stamp set from convention 2010 (Pictures This, one of my all time favorites).  Next, stamping with the same set I stamped a swirl pattern near the 1 1/2 inch score line at the bottom of the bag and four butterflies in Smoothie (Z2196).  Have fun cutting, that's really back to the basics after having the Cricut for a while.  Notice the Cocoa butterflies are all popped up and one smoothie butterfly is popped up.
  Next, the little embellished token at the top of the bag.  I used an oldie but goodie and still available, Colonial White Mini Medley Accents (metal tag) Z1276.
How about a tag too? 
 Products used are CTMH unless otherwise noted......
  • Kraft Cardstock Z1375
  • Cricuit Art Philosophy cartridge Z1686
  • January SOTM "Little Reminder" S1201
  • Smoothie Cardstock X5763
  • Metal Brads Z1366
  • Milepost Shapes Z1464
  • Cocoa Ink Z2114
  • Smoothie Ink Z2196
  • Art Philosophy Tags Z1686 (Part of the Cricut Bundle Collection)
  • An assortment of miscellaneous ribbons
  • Coarse gold glitter
 Now "Hop" on over to Jean McNutly's Blog and see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great ideas!   Enjoy.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Roxie Mini Valentine Mailbox

Quick preview of part one of the Roxie Mini Valentine Mailbox I've been working on this afternoon. 
Check back in a few days for more updates on this project.
 
 Below are the before pictures.



Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Three Meat Lasagna

With the holidays come and gone and just about the last of the leftovers gone too, its time for some good old fashioned Italian comfort food.  This is my spin off of Mom Appel's family recipe.  Now, I don't measure when I cook so I'll try to be as precise as possible.  Its Italian, made with love so it will all work out just fine.
First, brown one-half pound of ground beef, ground Italian sausage, and ground venison in a large frying pan.  If you don't care for venison, substitute a quarter pound of each Italian sausage and ground beef.  Once browned, drain excess grease from mixture, and move meat to the sides of the pan, leaving about a four inch circle in the center of the pan.

Mince 6 cloves of garlic, chop one-half of a sweet white onion, and about an eight of a cup of fresh parsley and add to the center of the meat mixture in pan on medium heat.  Let sit for about 2 minutes, watching not to burn before mixing it into the meat.  Once mixed add a teaspoon of salt, pepper, oregano, basil and dried tomato seasoning (Magi if you have it).

Add one 8oz can of Hunts tomato sauce, two 14.5oz cans of Italian diced tomatoes, and one 26oz can of Hunts pasta sauce, lower heat to a simmer and cook for about 2 hours. This makes the flavor come out.
Next, boil the pasta, the whole package of Lasagna pasta for about 10 minutes, al dente style.  Remove from boiling water, rinse with cool water and lay out to dry.

Combine the following indigents for the cheese mixture of the dish.  Two eggs, slightly beaten, 2 cups Ricotta cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Once sauce is done layer, first placing spoonfuls of sauce on the bottom of the 9x13 baking pan, next with noodles (usually 4 per layer), sliced stewed tomatoes (2 cans per recipe), cheese mixture, sauce and repeat.  Finish with the remaining sauce and fresh shredded mozzarella on top.
Preheat oven at 400 degrees, bake for 40-45 minutes until pasta is fully cooked, let stand for 20 minutes before serving.
Enjoy.  Yummy yummy, out of the oven.  Makes 9-12 servings.  AND don't forget the garlic cheesy  toast!

Friday, December 23, 2011

CTMH While Supplies Last

While Supplies Last Associated Elements & Accessories

link12" x 12" SWEETHEART LEVEL 2 PAPER PACKET

WAS: $12.95   NOW: $3.00    77 % off   X7134B

linkSWEETHEART MY STICKEASE® ASSORTMENT

WAS: $4.95   NOW: $2.00    60 % off  X7134C

linkCREATIVE BASICS® WINGS COLLECTION

WAS: $7.95  NOW: $3.00    62 % off  X5812

link8 1/2" x 11" CARDSTOCK COMBO PACK, SPRING HARMONY

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $7.00    12 % off  X5687

linkCARDSTOCK COMBO SET 8 1/2" x 11" BASIC ANTIQUE

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $7.00    12 % off X5691

linkCARDSTOCK COMBO SET 8 1/2" x 11" AUTUMN HARVEST

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $7.00    12 % off X5689

linkCARDSTOCK COMBO SET 8 1/2" X 11" AUTUMN GARDEN

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $7.00    12 % off X5703

link8 1/2" x 11" CARDSTOCK COMBO PACK, WINTER COZY PALETTE

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $7.00    12 % off X5801

linkCARDSTOCK COMBO SET 8 1/2" x 11" WINTER CLASSIC

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $7.00    12 % off X5690

link8 1/2" x 11" CARDSTOCK COMBO PACK, SPRING BLOSSOM PALETTE

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $7.00    12 % off X5755

link12" x 12" CARDSTOCK COMBO PACK, SPRING HARMONY PALETTE

WAS: $9.95   NOW: $7.00    30 % off X5682

link12" x 12" CITRUS LEAF CARDSTOCK

WAS: $9.50   NOW: $6.00    37 % off 1228

linkCARDSTOCK COMBO SET 8 1/2" x 11" BASIC TIMELESS

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $7.00    12 % off X5705

link8 1/2" x 11" CARDSTOCK COMBO PACK, SUMMER CELEBRATION PALETTE

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $7.00    12 % off X5768 

link12" x 12" ORANGE CARDSTOCK

WAS: $9.50   NOW: $6.00    37 % off 1281 

link8 1/2" x 11" CARDSTOCK COMBO PACK, SUMMER CARNIVAL PALETTE

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $7.00    12 % off X5767

linkMINI-MEDLEY ACCENTS LAGOON COLLECTION

WAS: $4.95   NOW: $2.00    60 % off Z1340

linkMAGNIFIQUE MY STICKEASE® ASSORTMENT

WAS: $4.95   NOW: $1.00    80 % off X7127C 

link BLOCK BUDDY® SET

WAS: $4.50    NOW:  $2.00    56 % off Z1289

link 4" x 4" MY ACRYLIX® BLOCK

$10.50    Y1008

link

12" x 12" BLISS LEVEL 1 KIT

WAS: $9.95   NOW: $3.00    70 % off X7132A

linkTWINKLE BRADS JOLLY ASSORTMENT

WAS: $3.95   NOW: $0.80    80 % off Z1220

linkIRRESISTIBLES™ MIRACLE CHIPBOARD DIE-CUTS

WAS: $3.95   NOW: $1.00    75 % off Z1354

linkMY ACRYLIX® BLOCK ORGANIZER

WAS: $22.95   NOW: $17.50    24 % off Z185

linkSOPHIA LEVEL 2 JOURNALING SPOTS

WAS: $3.95   NOW: $1.00    75 % off Z1357

link 12" x 12" LUCKY LEVEL 1 KIT

WAS: $9.95   NOW: $2.00    80 % off X7137A

link 12" x 12" MAYBERRY LEVEL 1 KIT

WAS: $9.95   NOW: $2.00    80 % off X7136A

link KRAFT COLOR-READY BORDERS

WAS: $5.95    NOW: $5.00    16 % off Z1377

linkMINI-MEDLEY ACCENTS OUTDOOR DENIM COLLECTION

WAS: $4.95   NOW: $2.50    49 % off Z1277

link TOP COATS™ FRAMED-IN

WAS: $4.95   NOW: $1.00    80 % off Z1211 

link 6" x 6" MEMORY PROTECTORS® (10)

WAS: $2.95   NOW: $1.00    66 % off 4112

link MINI-MEDLEY ACCENTS HOLIDAY COLLECTION

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $2.00    75 % off Z1121

link FESTIVE MEMORIES CARD KIT

WAS: $14.95   NOW: $3.50    77 % off X8626

link DESIGNER RIBBON ROUNDS™ COLLECTIONS

WAS: $5.95   NOW: $4.00    33 % off Z1127

link WHITE DAISY CROCHET FLOWERS

WAS: $12.95   NOW: $2.50    81 % off BULK147

link MINI-MEDLEY ACCENTS AUTUMN GARDEN COLLECTION

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $2.00    75 % off Z1119 

link EDGE ANCHORS™ RUSTIC COLLECTION

WAS: $5.95   NOW: $1.50    75 % off Z1287

link SWEET HOME LEVEL 2 MY STICKEASE® ASSORTMENT

WAS: $4.95   NOW: $1.00    80 % off X7116C

link CHERRY-O LEVEL 2 MY STICKEASE® ASSORTMENT

WAS: $4.95   NOW: $1.00    80 % off X7123C 

link SPLENDOR DESIGNER BRADS

WAS: $4.95   NOW: $1.00    80 % off Z1317

link OPAQUES CHERRY-O PEARL STICKERS

WAS: $4.95   NOW: $1.00    80 % off Z1319

link TINY TABS

WAS: $3.95   NOW: $1.00    75 % off Z1271

link MISTLETOE LEVEL 2 ASSORTMENT

WAS: $4.95   NOW: $2.00    60 % off Z1330

link HOOLIGANS LEVEL 2 ASSORTMENT

WAS: $4.95   NOW: $2.00    60 % off Z1332

linkREMARKS GLITTER RUB-ONS

WAS: $13.95   NOW: $3.00    78 % off Z1221

link DESIGNER RIBBON ROUNDS™ BLACK COLLECTION

WAS: $7.95   NOW: $4.00    50 % off Z1034

 Like what you see?  Its easy to get too.....just click the "Shop With Me"button on the upper right hand side of my blog, create an account, click on shop online (left side of the site), and scroll down to "While Supplies Last".

 Its never to late for more Christmas shopping.