Running With Scissors

Monogram Plaque

2012-02-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hi again. It's been a while since I created a project for Bitten By The Bug2. Finally feel like I'm getting back into the swing of things. This week's challenge is Donna's choice, and she asked to use any cartridge with a monogram. I chose the Sophisticated cartridge for the letter, and Lacy Labels for the background. The scallop frame was cut from pale yellow cardstock and blue polka dot cardstock at 9 inches. I inked the edges with blue ink. I cut the inner frame from dark gray cardstock. The letter is cut from Sophisticated was cut at 6 inches from pale yellow cardstock with a dark gray cardstock shadow. The letter was spritzed with gold Glimmer Mist to add a little pizazz. The letter was attached to the frame with foam dots. I embellished the scallops with rhinestones and the frame is embellished with white flowers, foil flowers and rhinestones. Please check out the other designers' projects at BBTB2 to see some fabulous creations! Have a great week!

Miles of Smiles,

A Rose Is A Rose

2012-02-26T17:02:00.001-05:00

This is another Gecko Galz project for the design team using Neverland digi paper pack and A Rose is a Rose collage sheet; teal cardstock; pink patterned paper; black mesh; 3Dpaper rose; border punch; teal ink; foam dots; and Stickles glitter glue. Create a card base from teal cardstock. Border punch three edges of the pink patterned paper and adhere to card. Edge the Neverland paper with teal ink and adhere to the left side of the card. Adhere a rectangle of black mesh to the right side of the card overlapping the Neverland and pink patterned papers. Overlap the collage image onto the mesh and the Neverland paper. Assemble the rose with foam dots and adhere to card. Use the title from the rose collage sheet, edge with teal ink, and adhere to card with foam dots. Add glitter glue to the edges of the rose and to the collage image.

Miles of Smiles,

Ahoy Sailor

2012-02-26T16:44:00.001-05:00

Here's another Gecko Galz project. I used Gecko Galz Wild About Retro digi stamp (sailor girl); red cardstock; submarine patterned paper; red/blue polka dot paper; red mesh; adhesive rhinestones; water splash stickers; kraft tape; foam dots; colored pencils; gel pens; alphabet stickers; and a blue ink pad. Create the card base from red cardstock. Cover card with submarine print paper. Color sailor girl digi image with colored pencils, gel pens, and blue ink pad. Affix alphabet stickers to the image. Mat the image with red/blue polka dot paper. Adhere to card front. Affix kraft tape strips to the left corners of the image. Irregularly trim red mesh and adhere to bottom of card. Cut out submarine and anchor from submarine paper and adhere over the sailor girl image with foam dots. Add blue rhinestones to the card and water splash stickers to the digi image.

Miles of Smiles,

Babe In A Bottle

2012-02-26T16:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a recent project for the Gecko Galz design team. I used Gecko Galz Darling Dancer2 collage sheet; bottle with cork; rhinestones; stick pin; baker's twine and beads. Roll the Darling Dancer image and insert into the bottle. Add cylinder beads around the outside of the image. Add rhinestones to the front of the bottle, and around the base of the bottle. Wrap red/white baker's twine around the wire handle, tying off each end. Add glass beads to the stick pin and insert into the cork.

Miles of Smiles,

Baby Bench

2012-02-07T16:49:00.005-05:00

This is a little bench I made for a friend's daughter on her first birthday. I painted the bench yellow, edged the top with purple, stamped purple swirls along the top, then accented the base with purple splatter paint. I dry brushed pink in each area where the images would go. I decoupaged all the butterflies/dragonflies. The words are foam stamps that I double stamped, first with pink paint, then with periwinkle paint. I added the letter stickers and glitter bubbles; and I hand wrote my message on the bottom of the bench. I then sealed it all with several coats of decoupage sealer. I think it's the perfect size for a one year old. It can be a bench, a stepstool, or even a little table for tea parties! I hope it is something she will keep for a long time. :)

Miles of Smiles,

Christmas Cards 2011

2012-02-07T16:18:00.002-05:00

Miles of Smiles,

Muppets & Myself

2012-02-07T11:40:00.000-05:00

I'm a huge Muppet fan, so I couldn't resist jumping in for a photo with the gang!

Miles of Smiles,

Vogue

2012-02-07T11:31:00.000-05:00

This card I made for my dear friend, Daphne for her last birthday. Yeah, that was a while ago! Like I said, I am clearing off the photos from my celly. The image is from Gecko Galz, and it totally made me think of us girls getting together and being silly and having a lot of fun; carefree and giddy. Yeah, we are like that a lot! I started with a red cardstock base covered by an antique stripe paper. I matted the image with a blue tile pattern paper and attached them to the card with foam dots. All the paper edges were inked with orange ink. I added word and letter stickers to the bottom of the card, Stickles to the image, and a red rosette to top it off.

Miles of Smiles,

Cheery Birthday with Pin

2012-02-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

This was a quick and easy card. The lime green card base already had the circle window cut out. I embossed the card with the Cuttlebug, inked the circle window with orange ink, and attached the Happy Birthday die cut with foam dots. I knotted a sheer ribbon around the top of the card and inserted the button pin to the inside of the card through the circle window. I created a rosette from a cupcake liner and added pearl bling to the center of the flower. Voila! How easy was that?!

Miles of Smiles,

Inspire

2012-02-07T10:54:00.000-05:00

I created this card to welcome the new President of the College. I had everyone in our division sign it. I started with a teal polka dot background, then a layer of flower patterned paper. I like this paper because it had texture, like linen. I inked all the edges in brown, added a coordinating strip of flower paper to the bottom of the card, and a sheer ribbon over it. I cut out "inspire" in brown cardstock on the Cricut. The silver butterfly is a peel-off sticker affixed to pink patterned paper, then trimmed. I adhered the body of the butterfly and rolled the wings up for dimension. Teenie-beenie pearls were the final touch on the flowers, butterfly, and to dot the "i's" in the word.

Miles of Smiles,

Shaker Ornament

2012-02-07T10:24:00.004-05:00

Here is another lost project. It is a shaker ornament I created using a cardboard tape core (the inside of a roll of tape). I painted the tape core white and attached it to a flower shaped background that I cut from the Cricut. I cut out a deer and bare trees for inside and outside the shaker. I added mica flake inside the shaker, and pearls and Stickles for sparkle. I cut an acetate circle to cover the shaker, inked the edges with white, and attached it to the ornament. I added a tree to the outside of the acetate, and a wire ribbon hook for hanging. On the outside of the tape core, I laid down white glue and covered with more mica flake. I think this turned out very "wintery" and I like the teal and brown colors and the mica snow.

Miles of Smiles,

Lost and Found

2012-02-07T09:49:00.000-05:00

So, I was reviewing photos on my cell phone (which, let's face it, has replaced my digital camera) and I noticed a bunch of projects that I never posted here. Well, it's time I did some spring cleaning! I'm getting those photos off my phone and onto my blog. Out with the old, in with the new! To start, here is a photo wreath I created. It was originally a kit I got for a couple dollars at a scrapbook yardsale. I chose some of my favorite pics of me and the hub, created layered frames for the pics, attached them to the wreath and wound brown & pink polka dot ribbon through it. I hang it on our bedroom door. Memories, sweet memories...

Miles of Smiles,

Happy New Year?

2012-01-04T19:18:00.001-05:00

Here I am! I didn't fall off the face of the earth. If you follow me, or even drop by from time to time, you probably realized by now that I am pretty scarce around the holidays. I am very busy (who isn't??) but not just busy with all the usual Christmas "hub-bub" but also with taking time to ENJOY this most wonderful time of year. I deck out our home with Christmas spirit in every nook and cranny. It's a lot of work but so worth it. I make sure my hub and I cozy up on a warm Florida's night with the house all aglow. It is somehow so peaceful and relaxing. I love pulling into the driveway seeing our house and Christmas tree twinkling in white lights. My job affords me two weeks off for the holidays so it gives me even more time to enjoy it, but also to finish shopping, wrapping presents, making cards, visiting friends and family, and preparing for the Christmas Crop Party at our house. We traveled this year to visit our families up north, and spent about a week house-hopping from one family member to another, across two states. It is exhausting but always wonderful to see our families who are so far away. It was cold up north, but thankfully it didn't snow and the weather wasn't too bad at all. We had one day where it rained ALL day, but the rest of the trip was pleasant, and not as cold as I had feared (I am a warm weather girl, you know!) My hub and I returned to Florida with a slight head cold, so we didn't make any plans for New Year's Eve. We relaxed and watched movies, enjoying each other's company. Very mellow. Just the way I like it.
So all was well until I went back to work. I don't even know where to begin...my boss (who is absolutely one of the most caring people in the world) told me she is taking another position out of state...I will have a different boss, but also an additional person to report to...they are taking my office away (which is so cute and cozy) and turning it into a small (very small) conference room...I will then be moved to a "space" (think dentist office reception area) that I will have to share with another person...the VP is taking over my boss's office...and now our peaceful and quiet office suite will now be overrun with students traipsing through daily. AAAAAAAaaaaaaah! Calgon take me away. I enjoy stability and knowing my position, but right now I am very unsettled by all this and have really no idea what my responsibilities are going to be! I am hoping for the best, but it's looking pretty bleak. I'd like to stay there, but if I am not happy after giving it a go, then I will probably have to look elsewhere for employment. And so that is why Happy New Year ends with a question mark. A lot can happen in a year. I will just hope it will be better things.

Naughty But Mice

2011-11-21T10:00:00.006-05:00

Happy Monday before Thanksgiving! Who's ready for Turkey Day dinner? I am!! I'm the host of the Bitten By The Bug2 challenge this week and I chose the mouse from the Meow cartridge, or a mouse cut from any cartridge. I've been seeing lots of mice themed Christmas decorations lately, so I decided to make one for myself. I started with a wintery blue scrapbook paper with foil embossed ornaments. I cut the mice at 6" and swirl embossed the pale blue snowflake papers (each mouse is cut from a different patterned paper) and the pink cardstock ears. I created a "lady and gentleman" mouse with accessories. Mr. Mouse got a top hat, bowtie, eyebrow, and mitten. Mrs. Mouse got a matching scarf and hair bow, eyelashes, blush, and mitten. I cut banners out of watermelon cardstock. I attached a mouse to each end of the background paper with foam dots, and spelled out "Naughty but Mice" with Thickers, letter stickers, and glittered chipboard letters. I punched several snowflakes from the watermelon cardstock and the pale blue snowflake patterned papers and attached them with foam dots with a sparkly sticker in the center. I like the non-traditional Christmas colors in this project and all the dimension and texture. Check out the other designers' creations at BBTB2 and see all the lovely designs!

Miles of Smiles,

Gift Box

2011-11-20T16:37:00.002-05:00

I created a small gift box from the Tags, Bags, Boxes & More cartridge, Gecko Galz Winter Wonderland collage sheet2, and colorful patterned paper. Ink all edges green. Turn the gift bag on its side. Mat the collage image with green cardstock and adhere to the gift box. Squeeze clear drying glue to the bottom of the image and sprinkle with mica flake. When glue/mica is dry, adhere vintage die cuts and chipboard to the edges of the collage image. Attach snowflake confetti with foam dots and top each with a blue rhinestone. Punch a hole through the opening of the gift bag and thread a wide satin ribbon, double tying the ends for a full bow.

Simple Things card

2011-11-20T16:30:00.001-05:00

This was a fun card to make. I used Gecko Galz 12 Days collage sheet 2. Create card from newsprint cardstock and ink edges with red ink. Using a craft knife, cut around the glitter banner on the cardstock. Lightly ink the white space around the collage image with brown and red ink. Attach the image to the swirl paper, then to the colored block paper. Adhere to the left side of the card beneath the banner. Loop the bakers twine around your hand several times, knot one end, and cut the loops of the other end. Tie beads onto the twine, attach to the card with a decorative metal brad. Adhere strips of decorative tape to the corners of the image. Adhere the fabric sentiment sticker over the image. Attach an embossed felt flower to the card with a decorative metal brad.

Angel Flower Pot

2011-11-20T16:23:00.001-05:00

This is a quick and easy project. I used Gecko Galz Angels collage sheet 1, ribbon, stick pins, ticket, black ink and a pink flower pot. Cut out the angel image and center on the flower pot, adhering all but the wings to the flower pot. Tie ribbon tightly around the flower pot, over the angel but under the wings. Ink the edges of the ticket stub with black ink. Pin the ticket stub to the ribbon bow with a flower stick pin. Add another flower stick pin to the bow. This would make a great gift by adding a small potted plant to the flower pot.

We Three Ghosts

2011-10-31T10:00:00.001-04:00

Hello! How is everyone on this lovely Halloween? I just love this holiday! To celebrate the day, our challenge for this week at BBTB2 was to use one of the ghost cuts from the Paper Dolls cartridge. I created this "We Three Ghosts" banner. I cut the ghost on various white patterned papers, fit to page. I then cut out the eyes from brown cardstock. I backed the eyes with blue cardstock and the mouth with melon cardstock. I inked the edges with brown ink and outlined the ghosts with a brown Sharpie. I attached a Halloween bowtie to each one and spelled out "we three ghosts" with acrylic letters. I punched a hole in the hands and strung a green satin ribbon. This ghostie was so darn cute, I can imagine so many ways to embellish him! Go see the other designer's creations at BBTB2! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Miles of Smiles,

Vintage Hats

2011-10-30T19:52:00.000-04:00

This is a card I made using a Gecko Galz digi image of vintage hats. I created a card base and covered it with vintage patterned paper. I colored the hats with markers and ink pads then mounted it to Gecko Galz Sonnet background paper. I cut strips of the script patterned paper and attached them to the card overlapping the digi image. I also added the script to the top of the card and vertically to left side of the card. I created rosettes from small paper flowers and attached them to the card. I Stickled the rose in the patterned paper and the flowers on the hats.

Miles of Smiles,

Sing

2011-10-30T17:19:00.000-04:00

Sing...sing a song...make it simple...to last your whole life long. Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear....sing...sing a song. Here is another Gecko Galz project using the frog image and the sheet music background paper. I added the images to a dark green cardstock base, and added adhesive letters to spell "sing". I topped it off with flower and leaf beads, with red Stickles centers.

Miles of Smiles,

Fashionista

2011-10-30T17:12:00.000-04:00

Here's a Gecko Galz design team creation I recently made and am now finally getting around to posting. I started with a black card base and added a strip of pink chandelier paper to the bottom. I fanned out the 3 Gecko Galz collage images and pop dotted the top image. I added black and white ribbon below the images and created a rosette from the same ribbon, stapling it to the card. Finally I topped it off with a strip of rhinestones. Gotta have some bling on a fashionista card!

Miles of Smiles,

Wheelbarrow Challenge

2011-09-26T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hi! Is everyone catching the fall spirit like me? All I want to do is create Halloween and fall projects, even though it's still really HOT here in Florida. No worries! I am slowly putting out the Halloween decorations at our house. Fun Fun Fun! I will be so ready for my Halloween party with the girls! This week's BBTB2 Challenge was to use the wheelbarrow from Walk In My Garden. Of course I used fall colors to fit my current theme! I first cut the wheelbarrow from chipboard. I then cut two images from cranberry paisley paper and two from blue patterned paper. Don't forget to flip the image for each of the papers you cut. I covered the outside of the wheelbarrow with the paisley cardstock and the inside with the blue cardstock. I traced the wheel four times onto black cardstock and cut out for the inside and outside of each wheel. Emboss the wheels. Outline the image with a brown marker. I cut a strip of brown cardstock to fit between the two wheelbarrow images. Make small snips with scissors along the long edges of the brown strip to create tabs to glue to the inside of the wheelbarrow. Voila! Now fill it! I chose some dried moss and a fall pick. Go see the other fabulous designers' projects at BBTB2! Have a wonderful week!

Miles of Smiles,

Coffin Box

2011-09-12T18:46:00.000-04:00

This week's Bitten By The Bug2 Challenge was to use a 3D treat box. I used the coffin box from Happy Hauntings. Although I do not own this cartridge, I borrowed from my fab friend Daphne recently to make some Halloween decorations for my home. I cut the lid and base of the box from black cardstock, then misted it with Perfect Pearls red mist. I thought it kinda looked like blood splatter (eek!) I made an easy peasy crepe paper rose and stuck it on the lid of the box. I then created rosette flowers from small paper flowers and adhered them to the bottom of the lid. I added letter stickers and a 3D vampire sticker, and red rhinestones to the corners. I colored foil butterfly confetti with a Sharpie, bent up their wings and glued them onto the lid too. Finally I added some red Smooch paint for bigger blood drops. I don't know why I chose butterflies instead of bats or spiders. I just had it in my head that I wanted to used black butterflies. I covered the interior of the box with red crepe paper ruffles. It's all ready to add yummy Halloween candy...maybe Red Hots..... Hope you like! Check out the other creations at BBTB2! Fun!!

Miles of Smiles,

Boo!

2011-09-08T19:04:00.002-04:00

As I said, I can't wait for Halloween! In the spirit of the season, I created this frame for our house. I found the black frame at a dollar store (I know! Riiight?!) I added scraps of Halloween paper behind the glass. I cut the letters from the Cricut (Winter Woodland) and attached them to the top of the glass with foam dots. Then I added Halloween stickers from the dollar section at Joann's. Pretty cute, huh? And it cost less than $4!! Can't beat that for a one-of-a-kind home decor piece!

Miles of Smiles,

Not-So-Bad Witch Wallhanging

2011-09-06T16:02:00.000-04:00

OK, I don't mean to seem big headed, but I LOVE how this project turned out! I started with a black cardstock base, topped with a purple border punched cardstock. I matted the green Gecko Galz background paper to orange cardstock and attached it to the purple cardstock. I added the Gecko Galz witch image, ravens and "witch" wording with foam dots. I printed the rest of the text boxes, cut them out and attached them to complete the phrase. I created easy peasy crepe paper roses and attached them to the corners, highlighted with black Stickles. I added orange half-folded cupcake liners to the back to frame the project. I outlined the background paper and text boxes with black Stickles, and embellished "witch" with diamond Stickles. The phrase just popped into my head and I thought the naughty witch image totally complimented it. This project will be added to my stash of Halloween decorations, definitely!

Miles of Smiles,

Creepy Menu

2011-09-06T15:45:00.000-04:00

I have been in a "falloween" mood lately. I can't wait to start decorating for Halloween and the fall holidays. I did a little fall decorating today, but I am waiting just a couple more weeks until I engulf the house in Halloween! I am having a Halloween party for the girls (my crafty sisters) and I want to go all out this year! This little project will be on display. It is a creepy menu I created with a Gecko Galz image. All I did was type the menu items onto the vintage image in white, print and cut it out. I then matted the menu with orange cardstock trimmed to fit the image, added green star brads, green and purple curling ribbon, outlined the chalkboard with black Stickles and "blood splatters" with red Stickles. I also created a "kickstand" for the back so the menu stands upright.

Miles of Smiles,

Kick Up Your Heels, Girls!

2011-09-06T15:34:00.000-04:00

Another Gecko Galz design, this card was fun and easy to create. I started with a watermelon cardstock for the base of the card. I backed the Gecko Galz dancing girls image to teal cardstock, matted with gold cardstock attached to the card front. I cut out the Gecko Galz Hello Dolly legs images and attached them over the legs of the dancing girls. I then printed out the sentiment, cut it out, crinkled it, chalked it and attached it to the image. I enhanced the ladies' lips with red Smooch. Lastly, I layered a felt flower with paper flowers and a large rhinestone attached to the top corner of the card. This is a fun a quirky card and I really like how the colors came together.

Miles of Smiles,

Butterfly Lady

2011-09-06T15:20:00.002-04:00

The image on this card is from Gecko Galz. And what a lovely image it is! I created a card base from teal cardstock, added a teal flower print background paper, punched at the corners. I placed the vintage image onto a vintage chipboard image. I then backed the chipboard with pink patterned paper and teal cardstock and a half-folded cupcake liner, then attached it to the card with foam dots. I created cupcake liner rosettes and attached them to the bottom corner of the card. (See my QuickClip video on how to make these easy peasy paper rosettes.) I added an acetate butterfly and bent the wings up. Finally I embellished the punched corners with teal rhinestones and gold Stickles, and highlighted the images flowers and necklace with gold Stickles. Oo La La!

Miles of Smiles,

Namaste'

2011-09-06T15:03:00.000-04:00

Here is a project I created for the Gecko Galz design team. The image and background paper is Gecko Galz. I added acetate butterflies and bent their wings up for dimension. I also added a few vintage K&Company pieces pop dotted with foam dots, letter stickers, and Stickles to highlight parts of the image. Namaste' my friends!

Miles of Smiles,

Witchy Hall o' Hanging

2011-08-22T10:00:00.003-04:00

Hi! This week's BBTB2 was to use a frame from Happy Hauntings (which I don't own) and a digi image from The Stamping Boutique. The digi images are really fabulous! I chose this adorable witch and created a wall hanging for Halloween. I layered a Halloween printed cardstock over a black and purple striped cardstock. I cut the frame from Reminisce Accents backed with yellow cardstock. Before I glued the frame to the yellow cardstock, I wove and tied silver mylar bag filler strands through the frame. I colored the image with colored pencils, markers, and gel pens. I added gold Stickles to accent the stars. I attached the frame and image to the wall hanging with pop dots. I embellished the frame with gold metal nail head stickers and pop dotted letters to spell "Boo." Finally, I added orange eyelets to the top corners and threaded polka dotted ribbon through as a hanger. I am already so excited for Halloween, I cannot wait to start decorating! Go check out the other BBTB2 girls' designs for this week's challenge and check out the other digi images from The Stamping Boutique!

Miles of Smiles,

Sew Fine Layout

2011-08-04T20:17:00.002-04:00

Here is a project I made for the Gecko Galz design team for August. It is a scrapbook layout of my fabulous & crafty friend, Daphne. She was sewing a duster for her son and I snapped some pics of her studiously pinning and cutting the pattern. I started with a blue cardstock base, layered with stitches patterned paper trimmed down to 11 inches, and inked the edges. I attached a 5" strip of argyle paper to the center. Added photos, pop dotting the center image. Attached In Stitches images. Layered and adhered felt and paper flowers. Added buttons to the centers of some flowers, and a metal badge to one of the flower centers. Idabbed glitter glue to the edges of the flowers. Added epoxy scissors, buttons and postmark stickers randomly. Arranged letter stickers in an arc, and dotted with a white pen. I then added various white stitches rub-ons to the border of the page. There are some special things on this page, which pay homage to my friend's past. First, the epoxy postmark reads "Boston, Mass." Well, Daphne was born there! Second, I used several pearl button blanks that belonged to Daphne's granny. Two on the left vintage image, and two on the right edge of the small pic of Daphne. Her granny worked in a factory and gave her these button blanks (blank meaning no holes). She shared some with her friends (me!) and I thought it would be nice to use them on a page for her. I gave the layout to her as a gift and she really liked it {smile}.

Miles of Smiles,

Note Worthy

2011-08-01T10:00:00.002-04:00

This week's BBTB2 Challenge was to use a cut from Locker Talk, or any school supply cut. I don't have that cartridge so I cut a pencil from the Simply Charmed cartridge. I started with a green cardstock base, layered with brown cardstock and alphabet patterned paper. I topped that with crinkled and inked notebook paper. I cut "notes" from the same cartridge, cut off the s, attached a brad to the o, and added to the notebook paper along with alpha stickers, and red rhinestone stars. I cut out the pencil, inked it and attached with foam dots. I added a fan folded circle topped with a chipboard star. Finally I placed black buttons in each corner. This is a great card for a teacher, but is versatile enough to be a note card for any friend. Check out the other designers' take on this weeks challenge at BBTB2!

Miles of Smiles,

Mini Collage Frame

2011-07-28T22:03:00.000-04:00

Another July Gecko Galz project I made is this cutie little mini frame. I used the Gecko Galz card topper images, mini frame, ribbon roses, foam dots, rhinestones, gold ink, glitter glue. Cut out various card topper images to fit the frame and attach inside the frame and around the edges. Add ribbon roses to the corners of the frame. Embellish the images with glitter glue, gold ink, and rhinestones. Embellish the edges of the frame with glitter glue. I stood this frame next to a candle and it sparkled so pretty with all the glitter glue and gold metallic paint around the edges.

Miles of Smiles,

I Saw Three Ships

2011-07-28T21:54:00.000-04:00

Another Gecko Galz project for July. I used Gecko Galz map background, sailboat image and sailboat digi's, foam dots, colored pencils, tan dye ink, fibers, epoxy stickers, & gold mesh. Start with a navy cardstock base, layered with cream cardstock. Attach map image over the cream cardstock. Color the postage stamp images with colored pencils, age them with tan ink, cut out and adhere to the map image. Adhere the sailboat image with foam dots between the digi images. Cut pieces of gold mesh to form "photo corners" and adhere to the corners of the card and to the sailboat image. Wrap fibers around the card front and tie the ends in a knot. Affix epoxy word stickers. I really like how the mesh looks like fishing net.

Miles of Smiles,

Surfer Dude

2011-07-28T21:44:00.000-04:00

One of this month's Gecko Galz projects I created is this surfer card. I used Gecko Galz Beachy Keen Lowtide paper and surfer digi image, glitter glue, fibers, fabric star fish, epoxy stickers, colored pencils, chalk. Create card base from bright blue cardstock. Cut a slit in the Lowtide paper, following the edge of the image. Adhere Lowtide paper to the card being careful not to adhere the cut edge. Color the surfer image with colored pencils and chalks, slide and adhere the image beneath the cut edge of the Lowtide paper. Affix an epoxy phrase sticker to the bottom of the image. Wrap fibers around the card, threading under, over and through the fabric starfish. Affix epoxy bubble dots to the cardstock base. Apply green glitter glue to the cut edge of the Lowtide paper. A fun masculine card for that special surfer guy. My hub gets so tan and blonde in the summer that I call him my surfer dude. This card makes me think of him {grin}.

Miles of Smiles,

Super Give Away at Gecko Galz!

2011-07-26T12:19:00.000-04:00

Wow! Go visit the Gecko Galz blog for an AMAZING give away! If you like vintage images like these, collage sheets and ephemera, then you are going to be blown away by what Gecko Galz has up for grabs! And not just one collage sheet, but SIX MONTHS of exclusive designs! Check it out and pass it on!

Miles of Smiles,

Waiting for the Scrap Bus!

2011-07-20T21:37:00.000-04:00

Really like this photo of me and the girls. Looks like we are waiting for the scrappin' bus to pick us up and whisk us away to a crop! LOL It's fun times like these that I realize how blessed I am to have such a fantastic group of gals in my life.We can all just be ourselves, have different beliefs and ideas, support each other, laugh with each other, cry with each other, eat together, shop together, celebrate joys, share pains, and oh yes, sometimes even get some scrappin' done! How many of you out there can say that? How many of you have found true friendships? My hope is that you all have that, but if not, that you find it one day. At one point in my life, I pushed everyone away, so to have these strong, kind, caring, creative women in my life now is really amazing to me. Now go hug your sista!

Miles of Smiles,

Penguins In July!

2011-07-18T10:00:00.002-04:00

Hi! I am the host of this week's BBTB2 Challenge. I chose the penguin with umbrella cut from the Jolly Holidays cartridge. I specified that the projects did not need to be winter or Christmas related. I thought it would be fun to do a penguin project in July. Think cool thoughts during this summer heat! I created a 12x12 wall hanging. I started with a base of large polka-dot paper, then a layer of raindrop and umbrella cardstock. I used a scrap of banner paper cut following the arc of the banners as the "rainbow". I cut with a blade around a few of the umbrellas and slid the rainbow banners beneath. I added a strip of cloud paper to the top. I cut the penguin from brown and light blue cardstock, embossing the brown and embellishing with a swirl clip, ribbon, eyelets and chalk. I cut the umbrella layer from pink polka-dot paper. I added letter stickers and Stickles to the umbrellas and the arcs of the banners, and blue epoxy dot "raindrops" to the background paper. Check out the other designer's ideas at BBTB2 and chill out with our penguin challenge this week!

Miles of Smiles,

BBTB2 Mittens Challenge

2011-07-11T21:15:00.000-04:00

This week's BBTB2 challenge was to use the mittens from Joys of the Seasons. This cut made me think of mittens I had when I was a kid, with the little string that connected them so I wouldn't lose them. I made the mittens into pockets by running a line of glue along the edges of the mittens and adhering the shadow layer of blue cardstock together. That forms a pocket where a gift card, candy, or other small gift can be placed. I added shredded paper as filler sticking out of the top. I embellished them with blue snowflake patterned paper, cupcake paper flowers with pearl brads, snow ball wired ribbon around the cuffs, and blue rhinestone flowers. I attached the two mitten pockets with wired ribbon. Check out the other adorable designs at BBTB2!

Miles of Smiles,

Cupcake Paper Flowers

2011-07-11T21:04:00.001-04:00

I wanted to experiment with cupcake papers (liners) because I keep seeing inexpensive packs of cupcake papers and they are so pretty. I thought, I have GOT to find some way to use those! So on Friday night, I played around by layering them, border punching the edges, cutting them, and squish-squashing them every which way to make them nice and full and poofy. I even used one on a scrapbook layout over the weekend. I am loving these, and they are so stinkin' cute and easy!

Miles of Smiles,

Another Father's Day Card

2011-07-11T20:52:00.000-04:00

I made this as a Father's Day card too. I started with a brown cardstock base, matted with cream and swirled blue metallic cardstock. I inked and ripped a manilla tag, covered it with blue mesh, and cut out clouds from patterned cardstock. I embellished it with a fabric sailboat sticker, and a vintage Graphic 45 cut out. Finished it off with letter stickers and a metal anchor sticker. I love the metallic paper with the swirl pattern. It mimics ocean waves, and it looks like brushed aluminum, very cool.

Miles of Smiles,

Father's Day

2011-07-11T20:37:00.000-04:00

Here is a Father's Day card I made for my dad. Red card base, golden polka dot paper, and flocked harlequin cardstock. The tag is Graphic 45. I embellished it with a file folder sticker, alphabet beads, arrows and 3D pop dotted gold cut outs.

Miles of Smiles,

June Wedding

2011-07-06T13:17:00.001-04:00

Here is the wedding card I made for my brother and his wife. I started with a patterned cardstock with foil wedding words on it as the card base. Border punched a foil heart patterned cardstock matted against brown cardstock. Stamped the frame image on acetate and on heather pink cardstock, cut them out the same size and inked the edges in brown. I adhered the photo to the pink cardstock, overlayed the acetate, and aligned the frame images. I put a teal flower brad through each side (to hold the acetate in place) and matted it with light blue cardstock. I centered and adhered this to the border punched foil paper. I added rhinestones and a heart charm to the acetate image. I added the date to the top left corner. I cut a rectangle of the light blue cardstock the same width as the matted piece, inked the edges in brown, and affixed the clear sticker. This was added below the brown cardstock, aligned with the blue cardstock matting the photo. The photo and the date came from a "Save the date" postcard the bride and groom sent out. I thought this was a good souvenir to incorporate into their card.

Miles of Smiles,

Bridesmaid in Blue

2011-07-05T20:15:00.000-04:00

Recently by brother married his long time sweetheart, and I was a bridesmaid in their wedding. I just love my bro and his fiance', I mean wife! LOL I miss them terribly living so far away. My hub and I traveled up to PA for the wedding. It was a fabulous day! The bride was gorgeous, the groom was handsome (his is my brother, after all) and the reception was beautiful and tons of fun. I will post a pic of the bride and groom when I get a good photo. For now, here I am in my very fashionable bridesmaid gown. Surprisingly it was very comfy. The weather in PA was just right too. No need for air conditioning at my mom's house, where we stayed. It was a short trip, but we still managed to squeeze in my hub's family, lunch at Abe's hotdogs, the rehearsal and dinner, wedding, and lunch at Pizza Perfect. There's never much down time when we head north, but our families get to see us so it's worth it.

Miles of Smiles,

Sunny Days Ahead

2011-06-20T19:14:00.001-04:00

Here is my design for this week's challenge at Bitten By The Bug2. The challenge was to use the "sunny days" cut from the Celebrate with Flourish cartridge. Well, that was kind of a challenge seeing as I don't own that cartridge. But since we are allowed to "improvise" I cut both words from the Just Because Cards cartridge. Albeit, they were two different cuts at two different sizes that I made to look like they go together. I started with a white card base though you can't see it here. I covered it with a half border punched red cardstock square, letting the border extend past the card base, and a blue glittered flower paper for the background. I backed the vintage Graphic 45 image with red cardstock and attached it at an angle. I cut some yellow mesh and attached it to the bottom of the card with polka dot brads. I cut out the phrase in black cardstock and Stickled the edges. I attached them with foam dots. I added letter stickers over the mesh, and a few paper leaves and flowers to the corner of the image. I folded a pearlescent strip of patterned yellow paper into a florette to mimic the sun and stuck a fancy brad into the center. Finally, I dotted the strawberries with Stickles too. Go check out the other designs at BBTB2. Those girls rock!

Miles of Smiles,

Hooray! I Did It!

2011-06-17T14:31:00.001-04:00

Hooray! I made the Gecko Galz Design Team! I couldn't believe it when I opened the e-mail. I am very excited to join another team. Many of the images we will be working with are vintage, and you all know how I adore all things vintage. I eagerly anticipate the inspiration that is soon to follow when using their images. Eeek! I can't stand it! All of the applicants had really nice work so it was quite a competition. Thanks to all who commented on my projects at Gecko Galz and to those who attempted to. I know many of you let me know you were having trouble leaving a comment, so thanks for your effort. Check out the Gecko Galz website to see all the fun stuff that I will get to play with! {Happy Dance}

Miles of Smiles,

Design Team Help

2011-06-16T09:25:00.000-04:00

Hi all! I applied to a new design team recently and could really use your help. Would be so kind as to head over to the Gecko Galz blog ASAP and leave a comment under my entry for their Design Team! And, if you become a Follower, you will be entered to win $50 in Gecko Galz merchandise! (Very generous!) They have the coolest vintage collage sheets! Help a crafty girl out! Much appreciated!

http://geckogalzscrapbooking.blogspot.com/2011/06/design-team-call-entry-melissa-kirwan.html

Miles of Smiles!

Vintage Quote Book

2011-06-15T10:35:00.001-04:00

I had a naked chipboard book (gasp! the horror!) hanging out in my craft stash for a while and finally one day decided to dress it up. I used K&Co patterned papers and a quote sheet. The quotes were really good and I had a hard time choosing which ones to add to the book. I blinged it up with Stickles, rhinestones, buttons, handmade rolled roses, flowers, leaves, lace, and ribbons. Some of the other vintage images are Graphic 45 (of course, my fave!) I put this book in my office at work and it has become inspirational to me, just to read the quotes makes my heart smile.

Miles of Smiles,

Woody, Buzz and Me

2011-06-01T12:06:00.000-04:00

Our Memorial Day Weekend involved some characters....Disney characters, that is! Here I am in "Andy's Bedroom" with Buzz and Woody. I actually saw quite a few characters that day, but I've never had my picture taken with these guys before, so that was pretty exciting. The weather was fabulous and we hung out at Disney's Hollywood Studios on Saturday and Sunday. We litereally closed the park down on Saturday night. We rode the Toy Story ride 3 times in one day. You have to understand that the waiting line is always more than an hour, but we got there early then got 2 FastPasses throughout the day so we never had to wait. Star Wars weekend is going on too, so we saw lots of Star Wars characters which was really cool. The Star Wars ride re-opened last week too so we rode that twice. Hope everybody had a great long weekend!

Miles of Smiles,

Bird Challenge

2011-05-23T10:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday! Ok, maybe that's a stretch...are Mondays ever really that happy when you have to go back to work? lol Weekends are WAY too short! I created this project for this week's challenge at BBTB2. The designer's challenge for this week was to use a bird cut. I cut the bird from the Serenade cartridge, added glitter and swirly rub-ons, inked the edge in brown ink, and added rhinestones to the edge of the wings. I attached it to the card with foam dots and bent the wings up for added dimension. The background pennant paper is Heidi Grace. I border punched the top and bottom edges and inked all the edges. I added a row of buttons to one of the pennant lines in the paper. Finally I added a foil flower, bending up the petals, layered with a pink fabric flower then an adhesive button to the center. Please check out the other designer's creations at BBTB2. Those girls are the most talented! Have a wonderful week! A four day week for me, then a four day holiday weekend! Woot-woot!!!

Miles of Smiles,

Dancing With a Star

2011-05-22T15:29:00.001-04:00

Here I am Dancing With a Star....Cookie Monster! LOL I was walking through a store and saw this Cookie Monster pillow, and really, I had no choice but to pick him up and start twirling him around...or rather he twirled me around (I let him lead.) Yes, this is just one of the many kooky things I will do throughout my day. My hub took the pic and we were laughing hysterically. Looks like Cookie was having a good time too, by the look on his face. LOL

Miles of Smiles,

Sweet Birthday

2011-05-20T12:07:00.000-04:00

I created this cute birthday set for a friend's teenage daughter. I am totally crushin' on the color scheme. This is more paper from the pack I bought at Tuesday Morning (see last post). I cut the triangle box on the Cricut from the citrus cardstock, traced each side onto the candy patterned paper and cut it out slightly smaller. I used cupcake patterned ribbon to keep the box closed. The envelope in the background was created from ice cream cone patterned paper. Ca-uuuuuute!

Miles of Smiles,

Take the Cake

2011-05-20T11:59:00.000-04:00

I made this card for my MIL's birthday recently. I found a really sweet pack of patterned paper at Tuesday Morning a few weeks ago. It was a company I am not familiar with, but the paper is adorable! I got the Sweets & Treats (?) pack which had papers with cakes, candies, presents, cupcakes etc... I cut the cake backround on the Cricut, added the pink layer cake with foam dots to a blue dotted/brown matted rectangle. Inside I cut out the phrase "You take the cake."

Easter Cards

2011-05-16T16:07:00.001-04:00

I guess this would be a case of "Better Late Than Never." I apologize for the bad photos in this post. I literally snapped pics of the Easter cards as they were headed out the door to the mailbox. Not the best. They are very simple cards that I created quickly and sent to my family. And if you are wondering about the upside down photo, I have no earthly clue why it is upside down. I tried to upload that photo to Blogger several times and it just kept flipping it. Grrrr...Blogger is having issues lately! I really liked the spring/Easter papers that I used. I also used some non-traditional colors, not too pastel but brighter and livelier. Thanks for having a peek!

Miles of Smiles,

I Am My Own Worst Heroine...

2011-05-12T13:48:00.000-04:00

If you’d like to hear a harrowing tale of a chickens--t heroine (I use the term loosely) and an evil monster, then by all means, please continue reading…

There I was in the pre-dawn darkness, nearly at the end of my wake-up-and-get-moving morning shower. Ben had already left for work, puppy was still asleep. The dim light of my closet was the only light that shone in the room. I looked out the glass shower door and noticed a dark mass on the carpet. “Hmmm…I don’t remember that…what could it be? Well, it’s not moving, so maybe it’s a clump of my hair on the floor or some sort of fuzz.” Obviously I didn’t have my glasses on. Then, guess what….it moved about a foot to the right! I vaguely remember some sort of profanity escaping my lips. I opened the shower door, grabbed my towel and wrapped it around me and stood there, drenched and dripping, searching the near darkness for something…ANYTHING to pretend to be my weapon. I would have much liked to have a Knight in Shining Armor appear instantly *poof* out of thin air, but chances of that were looking slim to none. “Ok, Melissa, you are on your own with this one…” I timidly approached the creature, and to my dismay it was exactly as I feared...it was a ginormous spider. “Of course it is…” {sigh} I jumped back onto my safe island, the bath mat. From there it was about 4 feet away, which was still too close for comfort. “Why don’t we own a weighted fly swatter on a 10 foot pole?” I needed to stop waiting for back-up, and start formulating a plan, because I’m sure monster spider would not sit still for much longer. Worse than that it was heading right into Ben’s closet. I had to protect my sweet Ben! Plus, even if I had considered letting it escape into Ben’s closet, I couldn’t live there knowing it was still alive somewhere in the house…ugh! My eyes landed on a pretty box under my vanity. Should I try to trap it? No! It had to be eradicated immediately. Ben’s shoe? (His shoes are bigger than mine). No! I don’t want a mere sole of a shoe to be the only thing between me and monster spider. How about the lid from the box? Better. That had potential. It was pretty sturdy and had a large footprint. I grabbed my weapon of choice. Still drenched and flailing water all over the room, I adjusted my towel and very slowly approached monster spider. I think I may have cussed again wishing my glasses were nearby, but alas, they were inconveniently placed in the bedroom and I would have to pass the monster spider to reach them. I couldn’t take the chance of tipping off the monster. More cuss words. Then a screech from me as it moved again, another foot to the right. “Dammit, it’s on to me!” Now it was in the closet. More cussing. I think I hovered there for like 10 minutes, box lid in one hand, other hand grasping my towel, not ever getting enough gumption to actually make a move. “Why am I such a chicken--t? Just do it! One quick motion!” I don’t know how many times I thought I would make myself move, but never did. Finally…{swat!} It started to move, as I feared as the lid came down, but thankfully the lid was large enough to land on the monster. I kept my eyes on it as I grabbed my sneakers and threw them on, then I hopped up and down on the box lid. After about 100 hops, I slowly slid the lid to the side. There it was, looking a little flattened. I wasn’t taking any chances. I put the lid back over and jumped on it many more times. I was then able to grab my glasses and the Dust Buster. I moved the lid, and aimed the Dust Buster at it. Unbelievable, I was still a chicken! I had to get up the nerve to put the stupid Dust Buster over the squashed arachnid. “Come on, Melissa, don’t give up now!” Whrrrrrrrr went the Dust Buster and *poof* went the monster. I threw on my night shirt and ran the Dust Buster out the front door. Ben can empty THAT when he gets home! That was just way too much scary for that hour of the day. Whew! My only solace is making myself believe it was the same spider that was hiding in the water closet. I have to believe that, cuz there's no way there could be another monster like this in our house...

BBTB2 Strawberry Challenge

2011-05-09T10:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, whether you're a mom of children or furry critters, I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday.

This week's BBTB2 Challenge was to use a strawberry cut. Strawberries always make me think of Mother's Day because my mom always made strawberry shortcake for my grammies on that day. The strawberry I used was cut from Hello Kitty Greetings. I used a black cardstock for the base card, and fruity patterned papers for the background. I really liked the strawberry and lime patterned paper. I added felt leaves to the top of the strawberry, a paper flower, bling flower brad, chipboard tag, and finally some black Stickles to bling up the seeds. I punched the corners of the card and layer, then threaded baker's twine around creating a border. Yummy! Check out the other designer's creations at BBTB2!

Miles of Smiles,

BBTB2 Challenge: Pineapple

2011-04-18T10:00:00.002-04:00

What a fabulous challenge for this week over at BBTB2! We had to use a pineapple cut so I cut my pineapple from the Paper Dolls cartridge. Living in Florida now, I wanted to create wall decor for our home. I cut the pineapple twice, one from yellow patterned cardstock and another from green patterned cardstock. I traced it onto brown cardstock and hand cut a shadow for it (the cartridge doesn't have a shadow, or layers for the image). I also traced and cut the straw from a red striped paper, just like the old time soda fountain straws! I embossed the yellow cardstock and inked it in brown. I took gift ribbon, and curled it in different directions then attached it to the leaves of the pineapple, adding a green flower and rhinestone to the center. I wrapped the entire pineapple with bakers twine and attached it with pop dots to the wall hanging. The background for the wall art is an 8.5 x 11 piece of corrugated cardboard, covered with melon colored paper and topped with a border punched glitter stripe cardstock. It made me think of a beach towel! I then added alpha letters to spell "Welcome", and paper flowers with sea shell centers. Go see the other designer's creations at BBTB2! Have a wonderful week!

Miles of Smiles,

BBTB2 Challenge: Egg

2011-04-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

Yay! Spring is here! I love seeing all the trees and grass get greener, flower buds bursting into full bloom, sunshine, blue skies, and a soft breeze. What a wonderful season! Our challenge for BBTB2 this week was to use an egg. I cut a large 11.5" cardstock egg from Doodlecharms. I covered the entire egg with printed tape from Making Memories, Martha Stewart, and Anna Griffin. I then trimmed the tape to the shape of the cardstock egg. I attached chipboard letters to spell "Easter." I tied a plastic twine ribbon around it, and created a handmade flower from the plastic twine as well, and added Stickles to the center and to the edge of the petals. I then added metal foil flowers randomly, and finally outlined the entire egg with Stickles. I then attached a hanger to the back of it to hang on my wall. Go see the other fabulous creations from the other designers on BBTB2!

Miles of Smiles,

Secret Sister Swap: Wall Art

2011-04-10T23:11:00.000-04:00

The final item for the Secret Sister Swap was to make an item for my secret sister to hang in her scrap room. I used a thick piece of corrugated cardboard as the base for this project. I covered it with patterned paper, created a pocket for a photo or journal tags, added a photo sleeve to hold a photo, affixed letter stickers to spell "moments", some paper and silk flowers, and finally a few pretty brads to complete the ensemble. The cool thing about this wall decor is that it can be hung as pictured to hold a portrait photo, or turned 90* counter clockwise to hold a landscape photo.

Miles of Smiles,

Secret Sister Swap: Easter/Spring

2011-04-10T22:53:00.000-04:00

Here is the second item I made for my Secret Sister Swap. I covered a paper mache' egg with patterned paper that has purses, lipstick, shoes, a compact, etc.. on it. I thought this was appropriate as my secret sister sells Mary Kay cosmetics. I added a double layer of lavender and purple ribbons, with a ribbon bow on the top attached with a fabric brad. I cut off the legs of several purple pearl brads and attached them to the egg with foam dots. I then created the base for the egg from two cardboard rings glued together and covered with pleated satin ribbon. I added a tulle circle below the egg for a little more "frou-frouiness", then stood the egg in the base.

Miles of Smiles,

Secret Sister Swap: Altered Container

2011-04-10T22:38:00.000-04:00

Back in December at our Merry Christmas Crop, we decided to have a Secret Sister Swap. This weekend we finally got to swap our creations and find out who our secret sister was. It was really fun, and ohmygoodness, those girls just make the coolest stuff! We had to make three items: an altered container, a spring/Easter item, and something to hang in your scrap room. This is the altered container I made. I took one of those plastic photo boxes and jazzed it up. I added a coordinating ribbon handle, patterned paper cover, embellished with acetate swirlies, paper flowers, felt flowers, a felt bird, rhinestones, and alphabet stickers. I also added a coordinating strip to the edge. I thought it would be good to use to hold photos (duh!), or maybe store and transport other embellies for a project my swap sister would be working on.

Miles of Smiles,

Be Original

2011-04-10T19:31:00.000-04:00

OK, so if I have to explain a card, I suppose I didn't quite get my point across, right? LOL My friend gave me a challenge to use the {ugly} red silk daisy she had. It had a yellow fuzzy center and yeah, it was pretty hideous. I happened to have the daisy patterned paper, and I thought, Oh I know what to do! I started with a red cardstock base, layered with the daisy patterned paper. I took the ugly daisy apart, adjusted the petals, and put it back together with a cool blue polka dotted brad. I layered the red daisy to a pale yellow cardstock, centered it on the card, and Stickled the black "eyelashes" and edges of the daisy petals. I put the "Be Original" rub-on onto pale yellow cardstock, tore the edges, and matted it with red cardstock. Finally I added the blue metal dots to the corners, to pick up on the blue in the center of the daisy. OK, now look at the background paper...all the same white daisies, with yellow polka dotted centers....Now look at the one, unique red daisy with a blue polka dotted center....Get it??? Be Original! Oh well, it gets lost on some. What can I do? LOL

Miles of Smiles,

Vintage Butterfly

2011-04-10T19:20:00.000-04:00

Another vintagey card I made using a sage green card base, soft floral patterned paper, pink cardstock, brown polka dot sheer ribbon, silk flowers, and paper flower petals. I added the chipboard butterfly with pearls, and pearl in the flower centers. I attached the smile clip to the ribbon and the paper. Finally a dotted rub-on to the edge.

Miles of Smiles,

Sweet Popsicle

2011-04-10T18:54:00.000-04:00

This was a quick and fun card I made recently. I used a bright blue cardstock for the base, layered with a light blue cardstock and ice cream treats patterned paper. The edges are inked in brown. I attached a light blue rectangle, then a chocolate brown satin ribbon. On top of the ribbon, I attached a chipboard popsicle with foam dots, and chipboard letters to spell "sweet". Some of the letters are thicker creating more depth.

Miles of Smiles,

Birthday Roses

2011-04-10T18:43:00.000-04:00

I made this card for someone very special. It is a birthday card created from sage green cardstock base, baby blue border punched cardstock, and vintage French script patterned paper. I half-matted the image in baby blue on the left, and sage green on the right. I added Stickles to the roses in the image. I attached a metal plate that reads "Celebrate". I layered several paper leaves and flowers, bending them for added dimension, and finally pearl flowers for the centers, with Stickles along the edge of the flower petals. I think it turned out very soft and sweet.

Miles of Smiles,

Shoegether Forever

2011-04-10T18:28:00.000-04:00

I had this image that I wanted to color, but this girl has sass, so I couldn't just make a cutesie card. I used orange and teal cardstock with a layer of pink patterned shoe paper. I used a few chipboard pieces, brown flowers with giant rhinestone centers, polka dotted ribbon, and I hand wrote "Shoegether forever" on the chipboard tag. Cuz you can't separate a girl from her shoes!!! Can't you just see this gal shaking her head, saying, "Oh no you DIDint"? LOL

Miles of Smiles,

Challenge Winner

2011-04-10T17:58:00.001-04:00

Back in February, a friend won a trip at CHA for a scrapbook get away in South Carolina. She got to bring many friends, and I was lucky enough to be one of them! We drove up on a Thursday night and left Monday morning. It was a 9 hour drive!! But it was worth it because we all had a blast! When we got to the store where we could set up to crop, there was a baggie with several different paper crafting items. The challenge was to use everything in the baggie to create a project. We were allowed to make any type of project (layout, card etc...) but we had to use EVERYTHING in the baggie. We were also allowed to add items from our own stash. Soooo....I found this adorable bare frame at the store on clearance for like $1.29 and that is what I chose to use as the base of my project. I added the vintage image, the script paper, love stamp, and gold crown to the items already included in the baggie. I could still put a photo into the frame if I want, because I placed the vintage image beneath the acetate. The store keepers were the judges, and hooray! I was chosen as the winner! We had such a great time, and I'm so glad we got to go.

Miles of Smiles,

BBTB2 Challenge: Mother's Day

2011-04-04T10:00:00.001-04:00

This week's Bitten By The Bug2 Challenge was to use a phrase from the Mother's Day cartridge, or any phrase associated with Mother's Day. I used the phrase from the Wild Card cartridge. I cut the card base from Straight From the Nest from black cardstock and a blue dot cardstock for the layer. I embossed the blue layer with a paisley embossing folder, inking the edges in brown. I added the journal tag, the shopping lady, a felt bird, flowers and the sentiment cut from pink cardstock. I created a rose from pink chain-knitted (?) yarn, added a Prima rhinestone flower center and layered it over a black flower. I added rhinestones to the black flowers, and the lady's crown and waist, with pearls on her blouse. Finally I dotted silver Stickles to each scallop of the card and to a small edge of the journal tag. Go see all fabulous creations from the other designin' gals at BBTB2!

Miles of Smiles,

BBTB2 Challenge: Disney

2011-03-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

Oooops! This was supposed to post this morning...oh well...
Hello again! Welcome to another week of Bitten By the Bug2 Challenges. This week our mission was to use a Disney cut. I don't have any Disney cartridges except Pooh Font so I picked the cute little baby Eeyore. I cut him out and inked the edges. I attached him to a plastic container (this particular one is from potato salad from the deli!) I punched a hole in each side to attach a ribbon handle. I attached printed tape (Anna Griffin) around the rim, and half circles cut from glitter cardstock around the bottom edge. Then I filled the container with paper Easter grass topped with bite sized candies. Fresh, cute and fun! Go see what the other designers created at BBTB2!

Miles of Smiles,

Shark bait! Hoo-ha-ha!

2011-03-27T17:59:00.000-04:00

Here I am recently at Epcot near the Nemo ride, which I love. I am sitting near the Gill character. Shark bait! Hoo-ha-ha! Epcot is my favorite of the theme parks. It is so stinkin' romantic at night. This pic was taken at right about twilight. The sun goes down, the street lamps light up, and the Eiffel Tower is off in the distance. Ahh...so serene. Can't wait to go again next week when my MIL comes to visit.

Miles of Smiles,

BBTB2 Host This Week

2011-03-21T10:00:00.005-04:00

Hi all! As the host of the Bitten By the Bug2 challenge this week, I chose the cute dachshund cut from the Paisley cartridge. I thought I would create a scrapbook page using photos of my sweet little doxie, Spooky. My Spooky boy is such a cuddler. I took the photos when I got my new smartphone a few months ago. I really liked the soft lighting all around him. As a miniature doxie, he is like a perpetual puppy to us. I cut out the dachshunds from a tan cardstock with a black top layer. Afterall, my doxie is black and tan! I tied some twine around each of their necks. I embossed an aqua paper to back the photo on the right, with strips of crinkled bone paper behind it. Each of the pics has a file folder label attached to the top, and dog phrases attached to the bottom. He's such a good puppy! Go check out the other designers creations at BBTB2, as always they are amazing!

Miles of Smiles,

BBTB2 Challenge: Chicks

2011-03-14T13:23:00.000-04:00

Check out the cute chick cards on BBTB2 for this week's challenge. So stinkin' adorable! My design for this challenge starts with a pink base card, & birdcage background paper (both Heidi Grace). I cut the chicks from Straight from the Nest, leaving a border around the larger chick. I rolled a strip of crepe paper for the chicks to perch on, and folding the legs of the smaller chick. I added silver curling ribbon stapled together for their tuft of hair. I created rolled crepe paper roses, glittered the tops, backed with fabric leaves. Finally I added metal love heart, buttons on the chicks, and some glitter spots.

Miles of Smiles,

Valentines

2011-03-02T19:03:00.002-05:00

Here are the Valentine's I made for the girls. We exchanged them at the crop we went to on Valentine's Day weekend. We also made "mailboxes" and had a little contest. I won the mailbox contest, hehe. I'll have to post a pic of my winning design. LOL We had a good time that weekend, but of course, I always have fun with those girls! Mwwwah!

Miles of Smiles,

Torn Heart Ornament

2011-02-15T11:07:00.002-05:00

This paper mache' heart was covered with torn pieces of patterned cardstock from the Club Ruby kit for February. The papers work so well together it was easy to create this piece. All I added was a velvet flower and a sheer flower to the layered flower sticker. The brads were in the kit too. Happy Valentine's Day!

Miles of Smiles,

Valentine's Tussie-Mussie

2011-02-15T11:01:00.003-05:00

This adorable tussie-mussie was created using paper, flower stickers, ribbon and glitter glue from the Club Ruby kit for February. I added the elastic ribbon, key and vintage image. I traced the pattern for the cone from a K&Company ornament kit. This is now an addition to my Valentine's Day decorations and will be hung up happily each year!

Miles of Smiles,

Love Jar

2011-02-15T10:53:00.004-05:00

I am quite good at repurposing things around the house. In this instance, a candle jar is transformed into a gift/candy jar for Valentine's Day. I LOVE candles and burn them a lot. When the candle can't burn anymore, I remove the left over wax and use the jar for something else, usually storage in my craft office. I have many candle jars that now hold paper flowers. I love the ones with flat lids the best, because they fit on my shelves better. This was a cinch to make and took mere minutes to complete. I used the papers from the Club Ruby kit for February. I added the metal hearts, ribbons, and stickers. So quick and so easy!

Miles of Smiles,

New Beginning Card

2011-02-15T10:41:00.005-05:00

I love the sentiment of this card, "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." I've only known it as lyrics in the song "Closing Time," but apparently it is Seneca Indian wisdom. It's just so true and poignant. The card was made with papers from the Club Ruby kit for January. I added the sentiment, paper flowers and leaves, chipboard butterflies and rhinestone flower. There are also teenie-beanie letter stickers from the kit on the chipboard butterflies.

Miles of Smiles,

King of Anything?

2011-02-15T10:30:00.003-05:00

So, these lyrics were stuck in my head when I created this 3D shadowbox frame. I used papers from the Club Ruby kit for January. I border punched a swirly irridescent paper for the background, cut the crown using papers from the kit and Summer in Paris on the Cricut. I blinged up the crown with a LOT of rhinestones! Letter stickers were used at the top and bottom, and initial playing cards (K&Co.) were used to spell out King. The crown was then attached with a double layer of foam dots. It was then put into the black shadowbox frame. Love this! It now hangs happily in my office.

Miles of Smiles,

Origami Star Ornament

2011-02-15T10:26:00.003-05:00

This origami star ornament was created using papers from the Club Ruby kit for December. I added the flower, also from the kit, to the center, and rhinestones to the flower and the points of the top layer. I threaded some red metallic thread through the top as a hanger.

Miles of Smiles,

Owl Welcome Wreath

2011-02-15T10:20:00.003-05:00

This door "wreath" was created using the Club Ruby kit for November. The scallop paper is from the kit but I added another patterned cardstock from the kit to the center. The owls were cut using papers from the kit too. I added velvet letters, chipboard pumpkins, and velvet flowers with gold brads.

Miles of Smiles,

Halloween In Wonderland Mirror

2011-02-15T10:10:00.003-05:00

I designed this mirror for Club Ruby using the October kit. I used a square mirror as the base. I cut the Halloween cardstock along the outer border. I cut out the keyhole in the center so the mirror shows through. I punched black flowers and added them to the vines. I created black rolled paper roses for the corners, accented with paper leaves. I also added a paper rose to Alice's hat.

Miles of Smiles,

Halloween Gift Bag

2011-02-15T10:03:00.004-05:00

This is a gift bag I made for Club Ruby using the October kit. It was such an awesome kit, with Graphic 45's Halleen in Wonderland papers. (You all know I'm a sucker for Graphic 45!) I cut the round gift bag out of Plantin Schoolbook using rust cardstock. The flocked harlequin paper is from the kit, as is the image. I made a flower from baker's twine, and added a sticker, some paper leaves, a paper pumpkin, and buttons. I strung beads across the handle. The other side of the bag is decorated too.

Miles of Smiles,

Dream Circle Card

2011-02-15T09:47:00.003-05:00

This circle card was made from the Club Ruby kit for September. Teal cardstock topped with two different patterned cardstock, brown ribbon, ticket, button, paper flower, and embellishment cut from another patterned cardstock from the kit.

Miles of Smiles,

Scallop Card

2011-02-15T09:27:00.003-05:00

Hi! I thought I would upload some of my designs for Club Ruby. You can see the fabulous kits that are available each month, and the amazing creations that the designers come up with. They are very talented ladies!! This card was made with the June kit. It is a scallop card, cutting around the circles on the patterned cardstock and attaching it to a card base. I added the transparent plastic flowers and the journal sticker from the kit. I thought I could stamp a sentiment on the journal sticker when I'm ready to give it away, like "Happy Birthday," "Thinking of You," or "Miss You."

Miles of Smiles,

Christmas 2010

2011-02-08T12:13:00.010-05:00

Birthday Card

2011-02-08T11:01:00.003-05:00

A birthday card for my FIL. Embossed frame and background. Deer cut on the Cricut.

Miles of Smiles,

Boss's Day

2011-02-08T10:57:00.005-05:00

Here is a quick card I whipped up for my boss for Boss's Day. I wanted to keep it clean and simple.

Miles of Smiles,

Thanksgiving Cards

2011-02-08T10:38:00.005-05:00

Miles of Smiles,

Soon to Come!

2010-12-09T16:36:00.003-05:00

Hi all! I have been furiously crafting in my office making all sorts of things. :) I have many Thanksgiving cards to show you. Also, a Christmas Countdown calendar that is made from a shirt box! Very cool. How about some Christmas cards and other Christmas projects? I just have to find a minute to sit down and post it all for you.

I just want to say how thankful I am to all of you who follow my blog of creations or just randomly pop on by. I enjoy sharing with you, and am glad that you find some enjoyment here too. :)

Miles of Smiles,

Fall Candy Box

2010-09-23T18:08:00.005-04:00

Here is a recipe box that I decorated. I covered most of the box with patterned paper, and painted a few of the edges and the inside of the box. I added various paper, silk, and velvet flowers, some with bronze center brads and some with orange rhinestones. I added some sunflower stickers and foil leaves to the paper. I also used foil word stickers all around it. I am going to put it on my desk with candy in it.

Miles of Smiles,

BBTB2 Challenge: Candle

2010-09-21T18:57:00.004-04:00

Hey peeps! Here is my latest design for BBTB2. The challenge was to use the candle from Oct 31, but I didn't have that so I used a candle from Happy Hauntings. I made the card from rust colored cardstock, layered with a border punched spider web paper. I cut the candles out in 3 sizes using purple and red cardstock. The letters are from a can of KI Memories Alphabet Soup, except I didn't have two "o's" so I used the number eight turned on its side. I added some spider webbing to the edge, and a plastic spider. I glittered the candle flame, dots on the letters, the spider's body, and random dots in the spider webbing. See what the other designer's came up with at BBTB2!

Miles of Smiles,

BBTB2 Challenge: Crayon Box

2010-09-13T11:00:00.001-04:00

This week's Bitten By The Bug2 Challenge was to use the Crayon Box. I was in a "Halloween" mood, so I cut the crayon box out of a pretty Anna Griffin medallion cardstock. I liked the fall colors on the cardstock. In my imagination, the medallions mimic pretty spiderwebs. The witch image is from Crafty Secrets. I layered her over a ticket stub and a vintage postage stamp. I cut out the phrases and stars from DCWV paper, and pop dotted the bottom phrase and the stars. I stamped a fine spiderweb to the top inside flap of the box. I added three flowers with gemstone brads to the upper corner. I cut fine strips of denim patterned paper for filler, stamped two ghosts on white paper (aren't they just the cutest?!) and adhered them to the strips. Finally, I ran a line of gold Stickles around the edge of the image and as a scallop to the top of the box. Go see the other designer's take on this challenge at BBTB2 and have a great week!!!!

Miles of Smiles,

Wedding Card for a Friend

2010-09-12T16:57:00.003-04:00

Here is a wedding card for a dear friend I've known since high school. She found her prince and we couldn't be happier for them both! My hub and I went up to PA for their wedding. She was so beautiful and we had such a great weekend seeing family, and attending the wedding and reception. The card I made is from a dusky lavender cardstock. I embossed a piece of blue and white patterned paper, inking the edges with lavender. The image is from Graphic45. I added the rhinestone swirl in blue and purple. I created a crepe paper rose, added glitter to the edges, and a chipboard sentiment to the center. I then added glitter flowers layered lavender paper roses and a couple of sheer flowers with glitter centers.
Miles of Smiles,

Hosting BBTB2 This Week!

2010-08-23T11:11:00.002-04:00

I am the host on Bitten By The Bug2 this week! I chose the flamingo cut from Life's a Beach, or any flamingo cut. The catch was to NOT make the flamingo pink. So, I cut my flamingo from a blue/green striped cardstock, backed with another flamingo cut from dark brown cardstock. I outlined the flamingo with a fine black pen and drew the facial features. I also drew the "fishnet" stockings (isn't that hilarious?). I attached her to the card with foam dots. I used a blue cardstock for the card and overlapped it three quarters of the width with dark brown cardstock. I used a border punch on the pink shoe cardstock for the eyelet edge. I cut out the shoes from Summer in Paris in various colors of glitter cardstock backed with dark brown and a teenie-beenie rhinestone. The sentiment is chipboard. I added a few premade flowers. Finally, I tied some ribbon onto a bronze glittery bobby pin and attached it to the upper left corner of the card. I hope you like! Please go check out the other designers takes on this week's challenge at BBTB2!

Miles of Smiles,

Club Ruby at Above Rubies Studio

2010-08-22T20:40:00.004-04:00

Hi! As you may know, I am a designer for Above Rubies Studio and the FABULOUS new kit club that is set to launch any day now! Having seen the kits up close and personal and work with the product included in the kits has been so much fun! They are BEAUTIFUL and I just can't wait for you all to see them! If you would like to know when the Club is open, click HERE. Kits are available as first come, first serve so get in on it, and treat yourself to some deliciousness! Wait until you see all the wonderful ideas, tutorials and videos to inspire your creativity!

Miles of Smiles,

Teacup Challenge

2010-08-17T18:57:00.003-04:00

I designed this card for the latest BBTB2 Challenge. The challenge was to use the cup. I cut my teacup out of patterned cardstock, outlined it with a black pen and added the rub-on sentiment. I attached the teacup to a pink patterned cardstock. I added a polka-dot ribbon and a fancy brad to mimic a teabag hanging over the edge. I layered several different colors and styles of flowers in the cup, including white and red puffy sticker flowers. The center of the flowers are clear "skittles." I really like the teacup cut. It is very versatile. See what my fellow designers created at BBTB2!

Miles of Smiles,

Spring Umbrella

2010-08-12T18:43:00.005-04:00

I also made this little hanging artwork for the crop house. I cut the umbrella out of flower printed cardstock and light green cardstock. I inked the edges. I cut out the word spring and attached it to a strip of yellow cardstock, attached to the umbrella. I folded and layered paper flowers and cut apart others on the top of the umbrella, with pearls and a brad in the center of the flowers. Also, a couple of yellow teardrop shaped rhinestones to the top. I cut out several tear drop shapes from pastel polka dot cardstock, highlighting the dots with glitter glue. I then attached the drops to scrapper's floss and attached them to the back of the umbrella, letting them dangle.

Miles of Smiles,

Pretty Little Ice Skates

2010-08-12T18:23:00.006-04:00

This is a pair of ice skates I cut out and embellished for the crop house. I cut the skates out of light blue cardstock, covered with a polka dot cardstock. I inked the edges and outlined them with a black pen. I punched 2 holes for the sheer pink ribbon: 1 to hang the skate and one for the ribbon bow. I added silver brads and cream lace ribbon to the top. I really liked how cute they turned out! The pastels with the brown work so well together.
Miles of Smiles,

Mascot Games

2010-07-19T09:57:00.003-04:00

This past weekend my husband took me to the Mascot Games in Orlando. I LOVE characters, as I'm sure I've mentioned, so this was so much fun for me! I got their autographs and pics. Some of them were so funny! There were about 35 or so different mascots and they are grouped into 4 teams and compete against each other in timed games, like joust and racing, and an obstacle course. It was hysterical! We will definitely do that again. This is a pic of me with Ray from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Miles of Smiles,

Happy Home Card

2010-07-19T09:46:00.003-04:00

I made this card for a friend who had a housewarming party recently. I started with a mauve cardstock for the card base, and a background of plaid patterned paper that I embossed and inked. The house is cut from fushia cardstock that I embossed, blue patterned paper for the roof, cream behind the windows, mauve embossed for the chimney. Blue and cream paper flowers with teeny-beeny rhinestones. "happy" is a rubber stamp and "Home" is a rub-on. I crossed some fushia ribbon, poked a pretty brad through and attached to the corner, kind of like a makeshift sunshine.

Miles of Smiles,