Bookmark, Tags and Junior High Kids

One of my worst photographic efforts ever, but I still love this little Crafty Secrets cherub! I stamped and sponged him and layered him with punched ovals.


I'm doing a series of dead white guy bookmarks. This is John Winthrop. He's dead. And white. Seriously, though, these are cut from a 1947 American Literature textbook. I have a lot of fun putting them together. I reread the history and keep decorations to a minimum, so they are easy and educational. I have actually sold some of these in my Etsy shop, so apparently they appeal to others as well.

I am loving my junior high kids. I like teaching JH better than high school. I never thought I'd say that! I have two HS classes, and my speech class is full of seniors. How jaded, angry and rude they seem compared to my sixth graders. Have they always been like this and I never noticed? They whine constantly about being tired, their school work, the school itself, everything to do with school and each other. Or are my JH kids just so sweet and open and excited that 18 year olds seem especially obnoxious?

Anyway, today I'm grateful for my junior high students-every wild, innocent, wiggly and irritating bit of them!

More cards for Baby Francesca's First Events

No, I'm not pregnant! No, I didn't just have a baby, Lord help me! These cards are for a custom order on Etsy. I was asked to create six cards for Baby Francesca's first events. I thought it was a clever idea, and I had lots of fun with it! One of my blog buddies does this, I want to say it's Amy Tsuruta, but I'm not sure.
So this is her Father's Day card. Pretty standard fare on the outside-those are Flourishes stamps-but I did the inside a little differently.
Easter, obviously. I thought she'd like the feel of the micro beads. She could probably drool this card to death, don't you think?

Well, musical rehearsals have begun. Three nights a week, plus extra when called for. I have help for this one, though! The band teacher, Pat, is in charge of the music. It's nice to have someone else on board. Plays are a tremendous amount of work! When I'm not at rehearsals, there's always costuming and set design. Who needs a life, anyway?

I'm trying Motivated Moms to get my house under control. I heard about it from my little sis, who really doesn't need it. However, she's such a perfectionist about her house, that now that it's normal, she thinks the world has come to an end. Join the club, sistah! Children aren't for sissies or perfectionists! Anyone else trying MM out?

More cards for Baby Francesca's First Events

I downloaded this sweet image from Crafting with a Vintage Look for free! As always, I get my Stickles and Nesties at Creative Play Stamps.
The St. Patrick's Day stamp is from A Chemistry With Paper, and lots of the elements are My Mind's Eye.
The Valentine tag is from K & Co. I layered it on top of two punched ovals, added Doodlebug letters and then embossed the whole shootin' match in Holographic ep.
The gorgeous white felt heart is from Creative Cuts and More. I CANNOT get enough of these hearts. I simply must put them on everything!
The stamp is from Artistic Outpost. It's probably my all time favorite Valentine's stamp set. It's just so sweet! Speaking of AO, I just got their two latest sets in the mail today! I could not resist them!!

Baby's First Mother's Day

This is one of six cards in a custom order over on Etsy. The mom's favorite color is purple. I had a hard time finding purple patterned paper in my stash. The base is Bling, then the other solids are scraps. The patterned paper is very old Stampin' Up! The gorgeous image is of course Heartwarming Vintage by Crafty Secrets. I get my image and journal notes at Creative Play Stamps. They have competitive prices, lightening fast shipping and are just nice people. Lots of Lavender Stickles and Primas were my final touch.

Creative Cuts and More Love & Valentine's Blog Hop

Hi blog hoppers! I'm so glad you are joining us for this month's Creative Cuts and More Blog Hop! The CC&M Mega Blog Hop starts at Diecut Diva
If for some reason one of the links is broken along the Hop do not worry, HOP back over to Die Cut Diva Diecut Diva where the complete list will be.



A CHANCE TO WIN!
This month we will be doing something a bit different! Post a comment to each of the DESIGN TEAM'S BLOG projects AND do the following challenge...

We want YOU to play along! Please make a project using any VALENTINE THEMED DIE CUT post it on any forum with the code CCANDM1 with a link to Diecut Diva and post a comment on the Die Cut Diva Blog with a direct link to your project by Monday, January 18th, for your chance to win a Variety Package of Products ($15 value) from CC&M.

I used some of my very favorite CC&M die cuts for this little box:

The Square Box & Heart #2 Small & Large

For the card:

Wedding Bells

I hope you enjoyed this box! I had fun making it! Now head on over to my little sister's place! Yes, my actual sister!! She's the best, but I may be a hair biased!

Noelle Reese - Noelle Scraps A Lot