2011 in Review

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all have survived the Holidays!!

I've been on vacation since 12/22/11 and don't go back to work until 1/4/12.  I have to be honest though-- I'm exhausted!  My girls are 10 years old and they wear me out!  

I have (again) gained more appreciation for mothers who do not work outside the home.  You ladies work harder, longer hours, with less pay, and more frustration than any "job" I know of.

As I reflect back on 2011, I am thankful for so many things.  My family is my life (no matter how crazy they make me!).  My husband is completely and wholeheartedly supportive of everything I do.  I am thankful for my blogging friends who continuously inspire me every day.   I am most thankful that I have gotten back into crafting after so many years of not doing anything.  I realize that this isn't just something that I enjoy doing- it is something that I need to do.  Being in my craft room brings me peace, it is my stress reliever, and it is my mental "recharger".  This year, I feel like I have come back to life (2010 and 2011 were not my best years!).  This has been a year of "firsts"- and I can't wait to see what 2012 brings!

I wanted to share a few of my favorite projects of 2011:

My very first project I posted!

The first challenge ever entered!

My first project post as a Design Team Member for the first Getting Cricky design Team

My first project that I made that I actually hung on my wall at home!

My first project post for my web store 3 Girl JAM!!

My first Layout!  (I'm getting pretty good at them now- I made 7 pages yesterday!)

And finally--
NOT the first Christmas cards I ever made- but definitely my favorites!

Thanks for taking a walk down 2011 Memory Lane with me!!

Check out the sites below and link up your favorite projects of 2011 too!

More Than Favors
Cooking With Cricut
Whimsical Wednesday
Free Pretty Things
Pink Cricut

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

We've had a very nice holiday so far!

Christmas celebration with my side of the family last weekend.

Mackenzie's artwork that she made for Aunt Angie.

I gave my sister a YourStory- she was so excited!

Grandma Florence (my Mom), Mackenzie, Grandma Bobbie (Josh's Mom), and Avery

Mackenzie playing piano at our Church's children's concert.

The girls' Christmas morning haul!

Mackenzie's crafts

Avery's take!

I got a few good things too!

The best part of today has been just being with my husband and girls.  Looking forward to a wonderful dinner, games, and movies later.

I hope you all have a fantastic day celebrating with the ones you love.

Christmas Cards

Hi Everyone!

I've been so super busy lately!  I miss my craft room and I miss all of my bloggy friends!

2 more days and I will be on Vacation from work until January 4th!  YAY!!!

I've mailed out a few Christmas cards already, but still have some more to get out- at least they'll be mailed before Christmas- hopefully they'll get to their destinations before then too!

I made all different kinds this year.

Here are just a couple:

Simple and sweet- and full of sparkles!

Scandinavian Christmas Cards and 3 Girl JAM Hot Chocolate Ribbon.

Hopefully I'll get more posted before Christmas.

(Just 2 more days.......)

Some challenges:
Paper Playtime: Anything Goes
Frosted Designs: Ribbon

The Paper Variety: Anything Goes

Stop by 3 Girl JAM today- I am a Guest Designer for Party Time Tuesdays Challenge site!

Thanks for stopping by.

Blog Hop Winners....

Hi Everyone!

Oh My Word....

Where has the week gone!

Time flies when you're ........

something, something.

I hope to get my head on straight pretty soon!  

:0)

Anyway---

The winner from last weeks Christmas Decorations Blog Hop- hosted by Becka from Creations with Becka is:

Sugarlips said...

Very cute wreath! i love the colors!

The winner from the Christmas Gifts Blog Hop hosted by Carla from Racin' Crafts is:

Cathie w said... this is so pretty ...love the idea for this one

Ladies- please contact me at littlebitofbling at gmail.com with your mailing address so I can send out your goodies!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

For another great Giveaway- 

check out 3 Girl JAM!!

Christmas Decorations Blog Hop

**Click HERE for the Christmas Gifts Blog Hop**

Welcome to  the Christmas Decorations Blog hop with Creations with Becka .   If you just happened to stop by to say Hi, then please start at the beginning of the hop over at Creations with Becka . Please make sure you stop by every blog on the list and leave a comment so you are eligible to win the grand prize blog candy- which is a cricut cartridge.

Today we thought it would be fun to showcase Christmas Decorations for the Holiday season. There is a great line up of wonderfully talented ladies who have some awesome decorations to share with you.

I wanted a Christmas Wreath to hang on my front door.   I have tons of Christmas paper that was screaming for me to roll it up and glue it to a piece of cardboard!  I love making these wreaths because they are actually pretty quick and super easy.  This is only the 2nd wreath I have made and the total time spent on this project was about an hour-and-a-half.

Supplies needed:

A piece of cardboard cut into a circle (about 11" in diameter)

8 pieces of 12"x12" paper- (5 pieces will be cut 6"x6"  and the other 3 pieces will be cut 4"x4")

Ribbon

Christmas ornaments

A Hot Glue Gun 

Directions:

First take the 6" pieces and roll into a cone shape- staple the pointed end to hold it together.

Glue each cone to the cardboard circle- leave about a 7" circle in the center.

Next take the 4" pieces and do the same- gluing them just over the bottom layer.

Glue ornaments in the center opening and tie ribbon around tops of ornaments.

I also laced a sheer ribbon through the paper cones and added a poinsettia to add some texture.

That's it- easy peasy!  You can add whatever you like and dress it up to fit any decor!

Comment below for your chance to win some surprise blog candy!

Thank you for visiting my blog today, your next stop is Beckie. 

Don’t forget in order to win the grand prize blog candy from Becka at Creations with Becka you must comment on every blog in the hop. Happy hopping!

Here is a complete list of the stops on this blog hop in case you get lost.

Becka http://creationswithbecka.blogspot.com Oma Gloira http://omascrafts.blogspot.com Julie K http://jk-littlebitofbling.blogspot.com/ BeckieWoodallhttp://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com JamieLarson http://babyjaydensmommy.blogspot.com/ Lisa Grave http://lisa-scrappingspot.blogspot.com/ Anna Bee http://annabeedesigns.blogspot.com/ Crystal Kovach http://crystal-kovach.blogspot.com Susan http://cricutandgrasshopper.blogspot.com/ Tonya Morgan http://ittybittyladybugs.blogspot.com Dana Tarchala http://Danascraftycorner.blogspot.com

Christmas Gifts Blog Hop Day 2

**Click HERE for the Christmas Decorations Blog Hop**

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to Day 2 of the Homemade Christmas Gifts Blog Hop hosted by Carla from Racin' Crafts.

This is a short Hop today with 7 crafty ladies with some great ideas.   Make sure you check out everyone's creations!

Today's gifts are T-Shirt Scarves!

Black & White Infinite Scarf

Pink & Black Braided Scarf

Pink & White Braided Scarf

Mackenzie's Red Infinite Scarf

I used 4 different T-Shirts to make the Scarves. 
There are tons of U Tube videos showing how to make the T-Shirt Scarves.  Be creative and mix and match colors and techniques to come up with your own creation!

The Pink & Black Flowers were made of left over pieces of T-Shirt. Mackenzie recycled the White Flower from an old dress that didn't fit anymore.

I have some blog candy for someone too!  One commentor on today or yesterday's post will win some Christmas goodies (it's a surprise!).

Your next stop is Barbara.

Here is the whole line up:

1. Carla- http://racincrafts.blogspot.com
2. Erin - http://deeplyrootedlife.blogspot.com/
3. JulieK- http://jk-littlebitofbling.blogspot.com/
4.  Barbara B- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
5.  Lynda - http://memoriesintyme.blogspot.com/
6. Ashley - http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/
7. Gina - http://californiascrappin-gcinderella21.blogspot.com/

Homemade Christmas Gifts Blog Hop

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to the Homemade Christmas Gifts Blog Hop hosted by Carla from Racin' Crafts.

This is a short Hop today with 7 crafty ladies with some great ideas.   Make sure you check out everyone's creations!
And- stop back tomorrow to see some more handmade gift ideas!

My Homemade Gift is for the Christmas season- not just Christmas day.

It is an Advent Calendar.

From the outside it looks like a book.

When you open the front cover, you see:

We have never had an Advent Calendar so I thought this would be a great way to teach my girls the story of Jesus' birth.  Each box of the calendar contains a Bible passage that tells a little bit of the story, and each night they read the new passage and we discuss it as a family.  Oh-- and there's candy and other goodies in each box too!  Talk about motivation to get ready for bed each night!!

Thanks for letting me share a bit of our new Christmas tradition with all of you.

Since I mentioned candy--- I have a little to share with one lucky follower.

And since it's Christmas time, it's just going to have to be a surprise!  No peeking!

Your next stop is Barbara.

Here is the whole line up:

1. Carla- http://racincrafts.blogspot.com
2. Erin - http://deeplyrootedlife.blogspot.com/
3. JulieK- http://jk-littlebitofbling.blogspot.com/
4.  Barbara B- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
5.  Lynda - http://memoriesintyme.blogspot.com/
6. Ashley - http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/
7. Gina - http://californiascrappin-gcinderella21.blogspot.com/

Winner, Winner, Winner!

Hi Everyone!

I have some winners to announce from a couple Blog Hops I was in this weekend!

The winner of the Christmas Cards Blog Hop hosted by Becka is:

Jamie from Scrappin' 2 Baby Girls

Jamie said... your cards are absolutely adorable!! I love how you used the ribbon for the belly of the penguin sooooo cute! thanks for sharing. i already like 3 Girl JAM on facebook.


The winner from the Christmas cards and Cookies Hope hosted by Dena is:

Liz from Trying to Craft

Liz said... love this bowl? container? serving dish, yeah there it is, the right word LOL I have never seen one like this before

Congrats ladies!!  Thanks for including an e-mail- I'll be in touch soon to get your mailing address!

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Cards Blog Hop

**For the Christmas Cards and Cookies Blog Hop click HERE**

Today is the Christmas Cards blog hop with Becka from Creations with Becka.  We have an exciting line up of ladies who have all created Christmas cards to give you ideas of homemade cards you can all make to send to your friends and family this holiday season. If you came from Carrie's blog then you are in the right place, if you just stopped by please start at the beginning of the hop at Creations With Becka.

I love Christmas!  Christmas celebrations, Christmas cookies, Christmas cards, Christmas cookies,  oops- did I say cookies twice!?!  Well, I'm not sure I'll make many cookies this year (I'm leaving most of them to my Sister to do), but I'm making tons of Christmas cards!!  I love making cards because I can put my special touches on them and make them specifically for one person (or family)- you can't get that in a store!

I have 2 that I HAVE to share!

The first one is from one of my favorite Cricut cartridges- Scandinavian Christmas Cards.  

LOVE this one!

This is a regular A2 sized card.

I cut the image out at 3.5" and glued it all together.

The background paper is Teresa Collins Christmas (wrapped up in some 3 Girl JAM Tuxedo Black Crinkle Ribbon) and topped off with some T.C. bling!

Lots of layers- but so fun to make!

For my other card, I used the Cricut Winter Frolic cartridge (that I bought at Michaels on Black Friday!)

This is a 5"x5" card.  

The background snow mountain image is cut at 4" and topped off with DecoArt Snow Writer.

The penguin was cut at 3.5"
The sentiment is from Pink Design.

I used the Snow around her hat and used stickles on the lollipop.

Her belly is made with 3 Girl JAM Sterling Silver Crinkle Ribbon and the bow down the side of the card is Tuxedo Black.

(These are 2 new colors available to purchase)

I am giving away the Celebrations Bundle (Tuxedo and Sterling) from 3 Girl JAM to one lucky follower who comments below and goes over the the 3GJ Facebook page and "Likes" them!

Your next stop is Heather!

Here's the whole line up in case you get lost:

1	Becka	http://creationswithbecka.blogspot.com
2	Oma Gloira	http://omascrafts.blogspot.com
3	Carrie Uhing	http://paperglitterstamps.blogspot.com
4	Julie K	http://jk-littlebitofbling.blogspot.com/
5	Heather Howard	http://handmadebyhh.blogspot.com/
6	Sherry	http://macybella.blogspot.com/
7	Tracy	http://owlbecraftin.blogspot.com/
8	Dana Tarchala	http://Danascraftycorner.blogspot.com
9	Beckie Woodall	http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com
10	Tanya Adams	http://nonnascraftcorner.blogspot.com/
11	Melissa Todd	http://createdbymissie.blogspot.com/
12	Jamie Larsen	http://babyjaydensmommy.blogspot.com/
13	Lisa Grave	http://lisa-scrappingspot.blogspot.com/
14	Anna Bee	http://annabeedesigns.blogspot.com/

.

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Cards and Cookies Blog Hop

**For the Christmas Cards Blog Hop Click HERE!**

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to Round One of the Christmas Cards and Cookies Blog Hop hosted by the fabulous Dena.  If you just happened to stop by today, make sure you start at the beginning of the line up because you won't want to miss any of the goodies.  There was so much response to the Christmas Cards & Cookies Blog Hop that it had to be split between two weekends. This is Round One and begins Saturday, Dec. 3rd, continuing through Sunday, Dec. 4th. Round Two will be held next weekend. We have a talented group of women who love papercrafting and baking. Each of them is sharing a recipe for a yummy Christmas treat along with a Christmas card or tag. Hopefully, you’ll pick up some great ideas for your own Christmas gift giving this season. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy!
Welcome to the Christmas Cards and Cookies Blog Hop hosted by the fabulous Dena.  If you just happened to stop by today, make sure you start at the beginning of the line up because you won't want to miss any of the goodies.

My project today is one of my favorite snacks to make for any kind of gathering!  

Everyone loves it!

Caramel Chex Mix with M&M's.

Bring to a boil:

1 Cup Butter

2 Cups Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup Corn Syrup

1/2 teaspoon Salt

Boil for 90 seconds stirring constantly

add 1 teaspoon Baking Soda and mix thoroughly

Take off the heat and add

1- 17oz box of Corn Chex Cereal

Mix to coat cereal

Bake in a 400* oven for 6 minutes (don't overbake)

Stir and allow to cool for 2 minute.

Add 1/2 to a full bag of M&M's

Stir and continue to "break up" the mixture while it's cooling (otherwise it will cool together in one big clump!)

Enjoy!

I made the Treat Box to serve it in- or- you could make one and give the whole thing as a gift!

The paper is all DCWV.  The sentiment is from Pink By Design's November Stamp of the Month Club.  The Ribbon is the Winter Bundle from 3 Girl JAM.

The best tutorial for the box can be found at Love to Crop (Hi Amy!!).

A little candy for one lucky follower:

The Winter Bundle from 3 Girl JAM  and other assorted goodies.

Your next stop is ELLEN.

Thanks for stopping by!

(The whole lineup in case you get lost!)

1) Dena : http://missdjones.blogspot.com/
2) Robin : http://scrapandchat.blogspot.com/
3) Janet N: http://createatdreamscrapbooks.blogspot.com/
4) Carla: http://racincrafts.blogspot.com/
5) Zenita: http://www.scrappinwithz.blogspot.com
6) Jennifer: http://www.craftycardgallery.blogspot.com/
7) Kari: http://purplefuntasticcreations.blogspot.com/
8) Susan: http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/
9) JulieK: http://jk-littlebitofbling.blogspot.com/
10) Ellen ♥ CardMonkey: http://www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com
11) Kerri: http://crafttimeandcupcakes.blogspot.com/
12) Janet S: http://www.ladyluvbug.blogspot.com/
13) Carol: http://huffandpuffscrap.blogspot.com/
14) Christina http://cema1cema.blogspot.com/
15) Staci McD http://preciousmem.blogspot.com/
16) Pam http://pammejo-scrapbookflair.blogspot.com/
17) Maria http://marlm-creativebydesign.blogspot.com/
18) Nicolette- www.beyondscrapin.blogspot.com

.

Check This Out!!

Hi Everyone!

Exciting News--

There are new colors of Hand-Dyed Crinkle Ribbon being introduced at 3 Girl JAM today!!

Here are some sneek peeks of a few projects I did to showcase the new ribbon!

Stop by 3 Girl JAM to see the full project pictures.

AND

Check out your chance to win the December Purchase Incentive!

Thanks for stopping by!