We Will Always Have Paris

Printable Coupon Links Updated

I'm a little behind the ball this week, but I finally updated the Michaels, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby & JoAnns coupons.  Look under the "Hot Links" heading on the left sidebar of my website. 

Happy shopping!

Photo of the Week: Tradition

My niece wore this christening dress 9 1/2 years ago.  Baby G. wore it for pictures 4 years ago.  Now, we have photos of my beautiful Baby A. in the same dress.  (Special thanks to my friend Carrie for photoshopping the drool off her lip!)

 

East Coast vs. West Coast

My girlfriend Carrie has been calling me every few days to vent about how ridiculously hot it is in Southern California.  I've been trying to convince her to move to the D.C. area for years.  She always sighs and then dismisses my suggestion to move here.

So Carrie, this is my front door.  It's 56 degrees outside.  Jealous?

I gotta go make some apple cider for Baby G. and then I might take the kids for a nice long walk.
 

Photos of the Week: Fall Fun

 
 

Sizzix ScoreBoard Blog Hop: Box With Flap

I was absolutely delighted when my friend Eileen Hull asked me to participate in a promotional blog hop to launch the new dies she recently designed for Sizzix.  As many of you are aware, I adore Sizzix.  I always have.  I use their dies on nearly every project I make.  Love, love, love them.

Eileen's new ScoreBoard dies take diecutting to an entirely new level.  These dies are meant to cut through matboard, allowing you to maintain a stiff surface -- perfect for boxes, frames and so much more!  I received my first pack of materials for the promo last week & I couldn't wait to start creating! 

We're really big on "family fun" time in our house.   After I made my pre-schooler scavenger hunt tin a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to make a deck of family fun "idea" cards to use during the evenings before bed.  When I received the ScoreBoard "Box With Flap", I knew that it would be perfect for my "Family Fun" box.   The box was incredibly easy to put together and decorate. The folds were pre-scored when the die was run through the Sizzix.  Easy peasy.

To cover the front/sides/top/bottom of the box in pattened paper, I trimmed paper down to the following measurements:  Front & Back = 2.5" x 3 11/16"; Sides = 3 11/16" x 5/8"; Top & Bottom = 2.5" x 3/4".  I discovered that the Marvy Mega Craft oval punch (the pink one!) allowed me to perfectly cut the semi-circle in my patterned paper on the front of my box. 

 
I created cards describing all sorts of family activities -- science experiments, playground games, nature, arts & crafts, etc. and filled the box up.  It's ready to go for tomorrow night.  Instead of turning on the TV, we'll grab a card & play!

I was really impressed with the durability of this box.  Because it is cut from matboard instead of cardstock, it is nice and sturdy.  It's actually sturdier than a regular box of cards.  It should be able to hold up to the years of abuse ahead of it from two little girls hellbent on choosing their "family fun" activity for the night.  I have big plans for using this die in the years ahead.  It is so incredibly versatile that I can imagine dozens of little games for my girls or gifts for my friends & family.  I can't wait until it is released in December!  I've found a website that is allowing you to pre-order yours at 25% off.  Click here to take advantage of this fantastic deal!!

Supplies used:  Die cut "Box With Flap", Sizzix; Patterned paper, All My Memories; Rub on letters, American Crafts; brad, American Crafts; flowers, Prima; magnetic closures, Basic Grey, ribbon, unknown.

Now that you've seen what I was able to do with the new ScoreBoard "Box With Flap", please follow along on the bloghop and take a look at some other amazing samples:

• Jenn Ellefson
• Ann Butler
• Eileen Hull
• Karen Burniston

Join me again in two weeks when the bloghop features the new Cupcake Ruffle ScoreBoard die.  I knew that would get your attention Jennie G.!  Yummy!

Preview Sizzix's New ScoreBoards!

Local gals will want to take advantage of this huge opportunity!  The new dies won't be available until December, but you can stop by Eileen Hull's Barn next weekend and play with them a couple of months before their release! 

Photo of the Week: Denim

Friday's Favorite Five: October 2, 2009

I know... it's been a while.  I'm fresh out of excuses. 

So, without further ado, here are the top five things rocking my world this week:

 

1.  This amazing Eiffel Tower vinyl wall decal from Etsy seller "Say It With Style".  I'm in the process of re-decorating my studio and I think this is the perfect addition.  Thanks for the link Jennie!

 

2.  These beautiful Halloween tags from Etsy seller "PS It's In The Details".  I have a hundred uses for these beauties.

 

3.  Fall TV.  I love some of the new shows.  One of my faves is Cougar Town on ABC.  Catch it on Wednesdays.  If you're over 35 and female, this is laugh out loud funny.  I cracked up through the entire pilot.  Another favorite is Glee on Fox.  Hubby and I both love the show.  Although it really isn't a "family" show (lots of teen issues), even Baby G. gets caught up in the dance routines.  Watch it.

4.  This Sweetheart Tree necklace.  Ali featured this Lisa Leonard beauty on her blog recently and I can't get it out of my head.  It kind of reminds me of The Giving Tree stump (those born in the 70s will get the reference to Shel Silverstein's classic).

5.  The Noisette's new song, "Never Forget You".  I love the retro 60s soul feel of this tune.  It's the most often played song on my iTouch right now.  Go take a listen!