WOW~ ANOTHER AWARD!

Hey there fellow bloggers I did it again!
I got lucky & received an award from the lovely Eva @ Eva's Scraps N' Cards!
THANK YOU SO MUCH EVA!!!
It is the Butterfly Award:

So in accepting the award, I need to pass on the 'Butterfly Award' to 10 other bloggers, contact the 10 bloggers to let them know they have been given this award, and I also need to show a link to the person who gave me the 'Butterfly Award', and finally I need to answer the following questions.
Here goes....

Q1) Name your favorite color?
Blue

Q2) Name your favorite song?
Don't have just one

Q3) Name your favorite dessert?
Death by Chocolate

Q4) What wizzes you off at the moment?
Liars

Q5) Your favorite pet?

My Puppy, Sydney


Q6) Black or White?
Both


Q7) Your biggest fear?
Not going to heaven

Q8) Best Feature?
No Clue!


Q9) Everyday attitude?
Pleasant

Q10) What is perfection?

God

Q11) Guilty Pleasure?
More than one...Chocolate & Retail Therapy

Q12) When you're upset you?
Cry, Pray, Shop, Clean & Eat...not necessarily in that order

Now ... to share the love with 10 others & Of course It goes back to Eva as well!

Here are the 10 recipients:

1-Elaine @ Expressions by Elaine
2-Karen @ Karens Kakes Krafts
3-Cari @ Double Click Connections
4-Jeni @ Moments of Time
5-Shen @ My Curious Crafts
6-April @ Pink Ladibug
7-Paula @ PVC creations 2010
8- Heather @ Paper Crafters Anonymous
9- Heather @ Everything Digital Scrapbooking
10- Jan @ A Day in the Life
****Please visit these gifted crafters!****
It is always nice to support our blog friends, be inspired and learn from one another.
Thank you to all who follow my blog & take the time to leave comments & share in the crafting journey.
I appreciate you all so very much.

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" Ornament Template Kit by Martha Stewart

Hi Crafty Friends!

This week's tool is brought to you by none other than the Queen of Crafts...Martha Stewart.
It's her ORNAMENT TEMPLATE KIT! You have to see it to believe it.
It looks like this:


It includes 4 cutting tools which include 2 spiral templates for 6" & 12" papers as well as 2 tubular templates for 6" & 12" papers.
They are easy to use as demonstrated on HSN.COM where they are selling the kit HERE. You will be able to view the video via this link too.

Leave it to Martha to come up with something as clever as this!
Hope you enjoyed it!
Have a terrific Tuesday.

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#104) Ribbon Look without Ribbon

Good Day Crafty Friends & Followers!

Today's tip has to do with getting the look of ribbon without using ribbon.
Have you ever thought about using sewing binding items in place of ribbon?
On one of my recent trips to Joann's while searching for buttons, I came across the section where binding is sold. I could not help but notice how similar to ribbon & lace binding is.
So I found a few packages on clearance for .50 cents and decided to take them home with me.
These are the types I found:






Each pack came with 2 1/2 yards of facing/binding for only .50 cents! You can't usually buy that much ribbon for that price. The binding options regularly run anywhere from $1.99-$2.49 at Joann's. Prices may vary by retailer. Even using a 50% off coupon you get it cheaper then if you were to purchase 2 1/2 yards of ribbon, unless the ribbon was on sale.
The binding options work as good as ribbon & look pretty too. They have many colors, widths and variations.

So next time you find yourself in a pinch for ribbon, try out seam binding, hem facing or hem tape.

Sunday With... (Pencil Toppers & Magnets)

Xyron's Creative Station 900.
The Xyron 9” Creative Station is a Sticker Maker, Laminator, Label and Magnet Maker all in one. Perfect for so many of your craft, school, home and office projects, It's safe enough for kids to use because it requires no heat, no batteries or electricity. The 9” width allows you to create photo stickers, photo magnets, laminated recipe cards, business cards, labels for jars and cabinets and many other projects.


I started small by making pencil toppers using the adhesive function of the Creative Station 900.
Check them out:


(oops...sorry about the position but it was one of the better photos)

EASY PEASY!

After how quick & simple those were I decided I would try using the magnet/laminating feature to make some fridge magnets.
Check them out:



I actually stamped those images on white cardstock using memento black ink then cut them & ran them through the Creative Station 900 all at once.

I thought of running those photos through the magnetic laminate too but changed my mind because I thought I would scrap the photos at a later time. But isn't it cool that you can do that?

I used my corner chomper by We R Memory Keepers to punch the corners of those birdcage tag magnets. It chomped away quite easily!

Check out XYRON'S demonstration on laminating HERE.

I love that you can change applications quickly with Xyron's easy load cartridges. The Creative Station 900 has a removable trimmer which worked with great ease when I used it to cut especially the laminate magnet sheet. I thought it might give me a little trouble but it cut like butta! It is portable, lightweight& easy to use.

Features:

* Applies an even layer of edge-to-edge adhesive onto items up to 9" wide.
* Instantly laminates items up to 8.5" wide.
* Refillable


It was featured on the Martha Stewart Show and for good reason.
Check out the video via THIS LINK. Just click on the video on the left hand side of the screen, down the middle where it says watch the video.

This versatile tool was so wonderful to work with. I enjoyed the ease of use and how I could use it for several applications. It is particularly wonderful with cuts from any die cutting machine or lose dies. The 900 has a 9-inch platform so you can place a lot of cut images on the platform & get adhesive on them in one pass.

This one machine allows you to use permanent adhesive, repositionable adhesive,double laminate, single laminate & laminate magnetic rolls. That is 5 different applications! What other machine do you know lets you do that?
If you can't tell already, I LOVE THIS MACHINE!

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Label Maker

Happy Friday Bloggers!

Today's find is for those into labeling in all its forms.
It's the P-Touch, PT-2430PC Label Maker from Brother.



You simply connect this lovely to your computer and you can print 1" labels in any font you have on the computer. It has an automatic cutter and its compact size means it will sit pretty on any counter or desktop surface. No software is needed. It can run on 6 "AA" batteries or an adapter which is usually included.

The price can vary from $49.99-$79.99. I have seen it at Costco, E-bay and other online retailers.

This can be helpful in organizing your craft space,for use on your scrapbook layouts & cards, your tools, your entire home! That makes this a good investment.

While this can be considered a tool too, I chose to highlight it as a fabulous find because it can enhance our tools as well as be one- and that is what makes it today's Fabulous Friday Find!

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" Design Runner

Welcome Crafters, Friends & Followers!

Today's tool is brought to you by Xyron
& it's the : DESIGN RUNNER!



The Xyron Design Runner is a portable printing device that you can take directly to your project. It is a compact size, uses 2 9-volt batteries and can be used to print beautiful word art, borders and designs. You can use it on paper, ribbon, fabric, wood, chipboard,foam, tissue paper, canvas & other surfaces.

Check it out in action:


With my daughter's upcoming bridal shower, wedding & reception as well as my youngest daughter's upcoming birthday & school projects, I am sure this will come in handy!

You can find it on many online retailers, Michael's, A.C. Moore, E-bay & HSN where at the time of this pre-post they (HSN)were selling it for $29.95.

This tool is a treat!
Have a great day.

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#103) Paper Clips

Happy Monday Bloggers!

Today's tip is a quick one.
I just wanted to share that you could turn an ordinary paper clip into a fabulous embellishment by simply adhering anything to it. From buttons to flowers to die-cuts & more.
Take a look at how I converted some of mine:

These I made using existing recollections stickers I had on hand & a butterfly.



This is a close up of the pig clip being used as a book marker but you can use it to embellish your scrap pages, cards or other paper crafts.



If all you have are office supplies on hand you may want to start looking at them differently and seeing what ways you can convert those clever working tools into something crafty too.

Until next time...

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Kathy's Cozies

Happy Friday Fellow Bloggers!

Today's find is the uber talented Kathy from: Kathy & her Cozies.

Look at what she can do! The pictures say it all.

XYRON COZIES


GYPSY TOTE COZIES


EXPRESSION COZIES


I-PHONE, IPOD, FLIP CAMERA COZIES


CRAFT ROOM SCRAP BAG COZIES

AND A LOT MORE...YOU HAVE TO GO CHECK OUT HER BLOG, JUST CLICK HERE TO GO THERE!

What a fantastic way to protect our investments from scratches & dust-and look good doing it! These are durable, washable & reusable.
Thanks Kathy!
What a lady!!!

Customized cozies by Kathy...you gotta have one!

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" Pin It!

Hi There!

Today's tool is brought to you by Purple Cows & it is the:
******************PIN IT STAPLER**************************




This adorable little hand-held tool is the anywhere decorative stapler for attaching metal pin embellishments anywhere on your project. With its magnetic alignment system it's easy to add metal embellishments anywhere on a project or page.
You can use it on fabric, paper & plastic.

It retails for $14.95. You can find it at online retailers or the Purple Cows website. They also come with 5 pin design options.

Its compact size & versatility make it a great tool to take to crops, craft parties, to share & just to use right in the comfort of your crafting space.
Thanks for tuning today!

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#102)Bottle Caps

Hello Crafty Friends & Followers!

For today's tip I thought I would encourage you to recycle bottle caps. With Summer in full swing we are all probably coming across our share of bottles so why not put them to good use in our crafting projects.

Here are several ways you can use them:
1-As a pendant
2-As a magnet (for the fridge or a message board)
3-As an accent on your scrap pages or cards
4-As charms on a bracelet by using a crop-a-dile to put holes on each side of the caps,stringing them with cool jewelry cord, hemp or ribbon.
5-As a place to stick numbers on to make a unique clock with dimension


To do any of the above you can :
1- Keep them as they are
2- Paint them
3- Flatten them out
4- Fill the inside with a button, an image off the computer sized to fit then cut & adhered in the center, or with a monogram sticker, etc...
5- Use a circle punch on photos & insert them in the center of the caps.

I hope I jump started your thinking "caps"!
Now next time you see bottle caps you may think of them in a different light & use them in your crafty creations.

Thanks for stopping by!
Have a wonderful week.

FABULOUS FRIDAY FIND-Imaginisce Tray

Hi There!

Today's find is the 3x5 Imaginisce Tray.



This adorable little tray will be such a great helper when using embossing powders, glitter, flock & more. It will help you hold & pour or just spread out your rhinestones to grab & stick on to your projects.

It cost $3.99 and can be found at your local crafty stores & online retailers.
Have a wonderful weekend!

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

Hello Bloggers!

I bet you thought I forgot about today's drawing...
Well, I didn't & with the help of Random.org here are the 5 winners:

#2 LINDALOU WHO SAID...
Oh how fun...a giveaway.
I've not used any Xyron products, so I don't know if that disqualifies me, but I was just over visiting another blog where she asked what your favorite adhesive was and I told her I really don't have one. I'm still looking for my "go to produce" and just haven't found it yet.
#10 TEACHU14 WHO SAID...
Very cute project :) Star's paper passion sent me here and I'm a new follower. I only have the sticker machine and it works great for me. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
teachu14.blogspot.com
#11ELAINE WHO SAID...
HI Sonia
I am a new follower, great projects!
I do not have any Xyron products.
Thanks for the chance to win:)
I found you on (starspaperpassion.blogspot.com)
Looking forward to seeing more of your projects!
ExpressionsByElaine.blogspot.com

#22CREATIVEDIVA WHO SAID...
Hi Sonia,
Thank you for stopping by my blog.I love the new projects you have created. I love the Xyron Tape RUnner. Thanks for informing me about the giveaway. Im already a faithful follower.

Hugs,
Patty
creativediva98.blogspot.com
creativediva98 at gmail dot com

#17STEPHENIE WHO SAID...
Hope I didn't miss the giveaway!:) Love Xyron products. I started with the X small sticker maker and finally bought the 5 inch sticker maker. Would love to try the tape runner! Thanks for the giveaway.
***********************************************************************
Congratulations Winners & thanks to all who entered, posted about it & to those who became new followers! I truly appreciate your blog support.
There will be more giveaways in the near future.

As for the winners, I will be contacting you via e-mail but if you happen to view this before then, please e-mail me your address. My information is right below the angel above.
Xyron will be mailing the product to you directly.

Thanks again & have a great day!

"TOOL TIME TUESDAY" Prima Craft Tools

Hi There!
Thanks for tuning in today.
For this week's tool time segment I am sharing the newest line of Prima's Craft Tools.
They are touted as comfort craft tools for their ergonomic design.
Pictured here are a craft knife & a distressing tool. (Below the tools there are some sneak peeks of their NEW pretty resin & metal embellishment pieces):


Need I say more?

Functional, fabulous & fancy!
Enjoy...

CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#101) Ribbon Storage

Happy Monday Bloggers!

This week's tip is all about storage ideas for your ribbon.

You can keep ribbon at the ready on your work surface in an easy, accessible & fun way.
Do you have spools that you gravitate to regularly?

*How about using a paper towel holder to store your ribbons.
You can stack the ribbon rolls vertically on a paper towel/dowel style roller and just set it right on your work surface.

*If that does not work for you, how about a cute bowl or planter box filled with old style clothes pins individually wrapped in ribbon.

*OR,you can get a photo box like this one
and use a hole punch on both vertical sides making rows of holes and thread your ribbon through those holes from the inside using a wood dowel inside the box cut to size to hold your spools in place.
*Lastly, you can make your own ribbon cards using heavy cardstock or chipboard and wrap your ribbon around them. Something like these:
Aren't they just the cutest?

What other ways can you think of to store your ribbon?
Share if you would like or if these tips sound good to you, go for it!
Happy Crafting!

Sunday with Xyron & a GIVEAWAY! (Tea Bag/Candy Holder)

For today's creation I made a chocolate/tea bag holder.
I used the fantastic XYRON MEGA RUNNER & the XYRON 500 CREATE A STICKER MACHINE.






I placed a mini bag of m&m's into my holder so you can use your imagination as to what to insert in those adorable little pockets but tea bags & Ghirardelli Chocolates work well too.

NOW ...before you go away let me share with you a little about the Xyron tools I used & a GIVEAWAY!

I used the MEGA RUNNER to adhere all the cardstock & I used the XYRON 500 CREATE A STICKER MACHINE for the chipboard pieces on the front & back.

The MEGA RUNNER has such smooth gliding action and feels wonderful to hold. It makes applying adhesive simple, fast and quite accurate. There was no learning curve like you have with other ATG's. Nor did I have to contend with the large size hand held glue adhesive device obstructing my view from my project. I absolutely love the MEGA RUNNER and it will be my new go to adhesive gun.

As for the XYRON 500 CREATE A STICKER MACHINE, it performed flawlessly. The chipboard pieces fit fine into the machine in one pass giving me secure, fast adhesive on the backs for me to place them on my project. If you can use a cuddlebug or crank a lever you can use this tool. It is lightweight, can apply adhesive to many pieces at one time to include fabric,ribbon, chipboard, felt and paper.
I really enjoyed working with these adhesives and recommend them highly.
**************NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY INFO***************
So the generous folks @ XYRON have agreed to sponsor a giveaway on my blog for not 1, not 2 but 5...YES , FIVE lucky followers.

All you have to do is leave me a comment on this post telling me what your favorite XYRON product is & share the news about my giveaway on your blog.
*For an extra chance to win, if one of your blog buddies becomes a new follower of my blog- tell them to say so when they leave me a comment & that you sent them & both of you get an extra chance to win.

On Thursday, August 10th I will use RANDOM.ORG to help me select the 5, YES-Five winners.

The prize will be the NEW, XYRON MEGA RUNNER loaded with 100 feet of acid-free, permanent adhesive AND a XYRON TAPE RUNNER.





DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE ME YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE THE WINNER!

I am telling you, you will not be disappointed when you use these adhesives.



HAVE A GREAT DAY!