"Surprise, Surprise...A Clipboard!"

This is my first decorated clipboard for my April booth. Well, I can't have a booth without throwing in a couple of clipboards! I don't know why, it's just something I do?!?!

I love both of these Bo Bunny paper collections. The bottom half is from the school collection and the top portion is the double dots collection. I've never used black on a clipboard, but I really think it made it pop!

I'm going to decorate 3 more clipboards for my booth, but I haven't decided on the papers yet. I'll know them when I run across them and they jump out at me and scream....clipboard!! LOL

"Papertrey Tins"

These are my two favorite types of tins from Papertrey. I will be decorating both styles for my booth in April. They were both good sellers for me in October.

The nugget tin holds a perfect dozen Hershey's nuggets, so it makes a great gift to give or receive. You can decorate the nuggets for any occassion.

The tall tea tin is the perfect gift to hold chocolate sticks, small candy, mixed nuts, etc. It can also be decorated for any occassion, as well. I've decorated this one kinda masculine and have filled it with trail mix. It would make a perfect Father's Day gift.

"Mini Autograph Book"

My dear friend, Pam, and her daughter are going to Disney in April, so I decorated the cover of this 4x5 book for autographs Lily is going to love getting all the characters autographs, so I wanted to fix her up something special to take with her. That way, when they get back, Pam can scrapbook the pictures with the signatures! I hope Lily likes it!

I know that when Alyssa and I were in Disney, getting all those autographs were awesome!! I fixed an album just for all the signatures and it is one of my....oops, I mean, Alyssa's treasured albums.

This little album is a spiral 4x5 memory book by Paper Reflections. I used solid yellow, red and white cardstock; plus, some leftover patterned paper from my trip. The mickey head is epoxy from Creative Imaginations and all the ribbon is misc. Offray.

I know they will enjoy their trip. Disney is one of my favorite vacations.....I'll never forget the memories we made!

"Birthday Mailboxes"

I just love these little tin mailboxes! I've "officially" started on projects for the booth I'm vending at the 2nd Annual Mission: Crop held in April. These mailboxes were my first projects!

I used boy and girl birthday papers by Doodlebug to decorate both, along with coordinating ribbons on the flag. I love these papers because they are so bright and fun! These mailboxes would be great to put a present in for someone's birthday!!

"Finally A Big Sis!"

My dear daughter has finally become a big sister! Her dad and stepmom had their baby boy on Valentine's Day at 10:13 a.m. He weighed 7lbs, 15ozs, and was 20 inches long. His name is Robert Douglas Goodman, IV, but they are calling him Robby. Alyssa was so excited to see him! She's going to be such a great big sister!

"Rated Excellent"

Thanks so much to Lauri at Paperville who nominated me for the "Rated Excellent" award! There are so many great blogs out there and I am truly honored to be chosen!!

I am now suppose to pass this award on to other bloggers. So, I am nominating the following:

Wanda, blog My Creative Corner

Lisa, blog Bella Rose Creations

Jennie, blog Simply Caffinated

If you've not had the chance to check out their blogs, you should, they are great inspirations! Thanks, again, to Laurie for nominating me!!

"My Sweetie"

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's! This is my dear daughter with her "Cheerleading Bear" that got delivered to her at school. Of course, Cupid left her tons of goodies here at the house, but 'mommy' had to let her get something at school!

Also, my sister's birthday is on Valentine's, so my mom and I took her out to lunch and gave her presents. We enjoyed our time together!!

"Empty Pouches?"

This was the last of my Valentine's orders. And, I just couldn't help myself, I ate all the chocolate bars, except one!!! HA/HA Just joking!

My dear friend, Gina, just had me make the pouches for her son's class, and then she filled them each with a Hershey's bar.

Again, I like the brown and red together, so I think they turned out great!

"Clean-Up Combo"

I got this great combo idea from lzappa at SCS. It is a tub of wet wipes and matching hand towel from the $ spot at Target. I just decorated the wet wipes with decorative paper to coordinate with the lid, then added ribbons to it and the hand towel.

Since almost all of us are using inks with our scrapbooking, this is a great set to have on hand at crops to clean up. Also, it would work great at stamp camps for clean up, as well.

I think I've found the perfect hostess gift for this Saturday's crop! (**wink** -- Jennifer)

"Another Valentine's Order"

This is another order that was picked up today. My dear friend, Pam, had me do bubble 'cards' for her daughter's class, and pull out gum holders for her son's class. I like the way they both turned out, but I love the color combo on the gum holders. I think the deep red and brown really looks great together!

I have to say a special thank you to my sweet friend, Linda, for coming over Sunday and giving me her help!!!

"Birthday Boy"

Happy 17th Birthday, Craig!!! My nephew's birthday was actually yesterday, but we all went out tonight to celebrate! As usual, the birthday person gets to pick the place we eat, and more often than not, it's pricey! (But, that's the whole point, right?) Well, tonight was no different. Craig decided on Flatiron Grille in Jackson. A rather upscale restaurant, that only he had eaten at before.

Well, after all of us finally figured out how to translate the menu, I decided on 'Wetlands Pasta'. It was my first time eating duck! Not bad...just a little too spicy. However, below I've posted a picture of my dessert...I thought it was too cute and it was yummy!

"Valentine's Order"

This is an another order I put in the mail. I made up some cupid poop in cello bags and pull-out gum holders for Wanda to give out to her co-workers. I hope they like them!

"I've Been Tagged"

I was tagged by my friend, Rochelle.

A: The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B: Each player answers the questions about themselves.

C: At the end of the post, the player then tags 3 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 Years Ago:
I lived in Bells, Tennessee, and was a stay at home mommy with my then 1 year old daughter, Alyssa.

Things on my to-do list today:
1. Finish up more of my Valentine's orders.
2. Meet my nephew and family for his birthday dinner in Jackson.

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire:
I would build me and my daughter a new house with the perfect craft room. Buy me a brand new car. Take care of all my family. Put money back to pay for Alyssa's college. Travel and shop!

3 of my bad habits:
1. Drink way too many Dr. Peppers
2. Being inpatient
3. Having the beginnings of OCD

3 places I have lived:
1. Bells, TN
2. Nashville, TN
3. Milan, TN

5 jobs that I have had:
1. Runner in mailroom at Law Firm in Jackson, TN
2. Legal Secretary at Law Firm in Milan, TN
3. Hostess at O'Charley's in Jackson, TN (part-time)
4. Mother
5. Owner of Scrapbook Store in Milan, TN

5 Things people don't know about me:
1. I love to drink dill pickle juice.
2. I love the word 'Manhatten'. (Don't know why?!?!)
3. I've been to both, Hawaii & Disney World, on vacation, and if I had the pick of one to go back to, would pick Disney World. (With my daughter, of course! We loved it!)
4. I believe one of the most emotional thing I've ever experienced, besides the birth of my daughter, was to be present went a group of troops returned from deployment.
5. I'm currently living back in the same house where I grew up in and where my mom has lived for the past 37 years.

I would like to tag:
Michelle, my sweet neighbor.
Lisa, my dear friend in CA.
Amanda, my cropping buddy I miss.

"Nugget Wraps"

This is an order that I am mailing out today. I love making these 'nugget wraps'. They always turn out so cute and you can make them for any time of year. This order is for a ladies' grandchildren for Valentine's. I made the pink ones for the girls and the red for the boys. I hope she likes them!

"Thank-You Card"

This is a thank you card I made to send to the managers of the theater in Dyersburg where Alyssa and I went to see the Hannah Montana 3-D movie.

They were so kind to us. Since I have to use my cane to get around, and am alittle slow, they allowed Alyssa and I to enter the theater and get seated before everyone else, which was such a blessing. So, I wanted to send them a card to let them know how much I appreciated their thoughtfulness.

"I Adore You"

This is a Valentine's Day card I did for Alyssa. I can't post all the goodies I have for her, because I'm sure she'd sneak a peak. LOL

This card came together quick & easy, because all the pieces came together ready to assemble. I have no idea where I got the kit for the card, I've had it so long. (Probably at a convention, or something) I thought it turned out cute -- it looks like Alyssa to me!

"Baby Gift"

Alyssa is about to become a big sister for the first time! Please let me clarify! LOL Her daddy and his new wife are expecting any day now, so Alyssa and I fixed up this little basket with misc. baby items so that she would have something to take to the hospital when the time comes. Also, I could not help myself, and made a quick 5-page 6x6 scrapbook for them.

Alyssa has been the "only child" for 11 years, so this change has taken some getting use too. I thought that if she could fix something to take to the hospital from just her, that would help alittle.

I let her pick out the rattle; socks; and, washclothes. I got a heart-shaped basket from Dollar Tree and filled it with blue filler. We rolled the socks and washclothes individually and tied ribbon around each, before adding them and the rattle to the basket. We also included a diaper tag initial "r" I made out of chipboard and a ballchain. She's so proud of the gift!

"Popcorn Gift"

My nephew's 17th birthday is this Friday, and at this age, all I can get out of him that he might want is gift cards. So, since he loves popcorn, I thought I'd decorate this Target $ spot popcorn bucket up and add a gift card with it. I think he'll like it!!

Inside the $ spot popcorn bucket, I added white filler; microwave popcorn; and, a box of Reese's pieces. I also made a big, hanging tag with red, white and yellow layering cardstock. On the tag, I stamped "Happy Birthday" and added a Jolee's 3-D popcorn bucket.

"Girls Night Out"

Alyssa and I had a 'Girls Night Out' Friday night! We drove to Dyersburg for the opening night of the Hannah Montana 3-D movie! It was a mad house there! The local news channel even showed up! We had a blast! It was, by far, the coolest thing I've seen in a theater! The movie was sold out and the theater was filled with girls, who, by the way, knew every word to every song! LOL Alyssa thought it was very cool and that is definitely what mattered the most!!

Alyssa with her 3-D glasses on!

"Sweet Treats"

Look at the surprise Alyssa and I got in the mail today from Rochelle! She was mailing me some more of those $ spot mailboxes, but she also included these 'sweet treats' for each of us! She is just too good to us!!

She has scored so many points with Alyssa it is unreal! LOL Alyssa finally said today..."I love Mrs. Rochelle".

So, thank you, Rochelle! You made our day!!

"Snow Day"

Alyssa finally got a 'snow day' today! She was thrilled this morning when our school system was listed as closed and she didn't even have to get out of bed! We didn't get much snow, it was mainly because of slick roads. The sun is out right now, but we are suppose to get another round later this evening.

"Another Candy Container"

I just love finding new, fun things to put candy treats in! This acetate container is from Creative Cuts and More. Isn't it cute!! This style container would work great for so many things...party favors; Easter baskets; stocking stuffers...I could go on and on! LOL I just think they are perfect, because you can fill them with any kind of treat you would like! I've filled this one with Spree candy and Alyssa has already 'claimed' it!

"Hershey's Pull Up Holder"

My dear friend, Rochelle, has made pull up holders with M&Ms packs forever, and I've always loved them, but never done any....(who knows why I have not)....but today was the day!!!Also, on SplitCoast right now, the pull out treats were one of Beate's tutorials, so there you have it!

I will be truthful and say that I went by Beate's directions (forgive me, Rochelle). For the tutorial for this by Beate Johns of SCS, you can click HERE.

I used solid brown Bazzill for my base; misc. paisley patterned paper from Hobby Lobby; and, My Mind's Eye sheer ribbon.

"My Alligator Treat Box"

I totally got all inspiration for this adorable treat box from Melanie Muenchinger's blog. She made one using the giraffe from Gina K's "Just So Hippy" stamp set. However, since I don't have that set yet, I pulled out one of Alyssa's trusty 'ole coloring books (yes, I said coloring book), and found my new friend, Mr. Alligator. Let me introduce you....he was cute enough and, hey, he's holding a heart. LOL

Anyway, to make this treat box, I used the clear boxes from Papertrey. For the insert, I cut my cardstock 5 7/8" x 12". You will score the cardstock at 2 3/4", 3 3/4", 8", and 9". You will also need to decide what type of shape you want to cut out for the treats to show through. (I chose a circle, because I did not have anything large enough to cut a oval.) When choosing your image for the cut-out, make sure it is a little taller, so it will not fall through.

Now back to my new friend, Mr. Alligator. I colored him with Prismacolor pencils and blended with gamsol and a stump. Then cut him out and placed him on top of the red-polked Offray ribbon with a glue dot. After decorating my background cardstock with misc. stamped images, I wrapped the ribbon around and attached it in the back with more glue dots. Now, all you have to do is insert the decorated cardstock into the box; stand it up and fill with treats!!

Thanks again to Melanie for all the directions and inspiration for this!

"Chocolate Pouches"

The inspiration for this adorable 'pouch' came from Emma on SCS. I saw her post and loved it!! After emailing her, she was generous enough to help me out with the dimensions.

I used solid Bazzill for my pouch and mat, adhering it together with 1/8" Wacky Tape. The images and sentiment are from Papertrey Ink. The sheer ribbon is Offray.

Since the sentiment says "Nuttin' Better than a true friend", it would make a great treat for males or females. These could also work great as party favors (just with a different sentiments on the front). The possibilities are endless!!

"Email"

I get emails all the time that have cute sayings and stuff, but when they come with pictures like this and make me chuckle out loud, I want everybody else to see it, too!! Ok, so I think he's cute!!! You'll think he's cute, too, once you read the saying that came with him:

To all my friends who sent me best wishes in 2007, or promises of good luck if I forwarded something, it did NOT WORK. So, for 2008, could you please just send either money, chocolate or gas vouchers?

Thanks, Jennifer, for the email! As you can see, I loved it!! LOL

"Elzybell Card"

I made this card for my dear friend, Lisa. I am mailing out some stuff to her this week and wanted to include a card.

This is the first time I've used my Elzybell and 'thinking of you' stamps from A Muse Artstamps. The solid cardstocks are Bazzill and the pattern papers are Scenic Route. I was not sure about the color combo until I got it together, then I liked it! Hope she does, too!

"Awesome Picture"

I just had to post this picture! I received this in an email from my sweet neighbor, Michelle. Her husband's brother lives in Wisconsin and they took this picture. Is it not awesome? This is not something I get to see ever, so I loved that they emailed the photo to me!

Thanks, Michelle & George!

"Another Mailbox"

Here's another one of those mailboxes from the $ spot at Target. I think they are adorable!! This one is for my mom to give to a friend at work. We're going to fill it with sweets, so I hope she'll like it!

I, again, used the plaid pattern paper from the Bo Bunny's Smitten collection, along with misc. coordinating ribbons. I also used the same stamped image from Inky Antics, called Puppy Love.

"One Page"

I know this image is pitiful (it's the best I could get it scanned), but this is the only page I got done at Saturday's crop! LOL (If you click on the image, it does help alittle) It was a 12 hour crop, and I did get there late, and planned on getting lots of scrapbooking done, but this was it!!

However, I had a blast!! The reason I was not productive in my scrapbooking efforts was because I talked the whole time! LOL You would think that someone could visit with others and be able to scrapbook....but not I. heehee But, I will say again, I enjoyed myself!!!

"Fiskateer"

Look what I got in the mail today just for becoming a Fiskateer! Fiskars has an online club called the "Fiskateers" that you can join for free. They offer tips on anything crafting. When you join, you become an 'official' Fiskateer with your own 'number'. So, I got this new pair of Fiskars scissors, with my 'number' etched on one of the blades (how cool!), along with a carrying bag. My Fiskateer Number is 2847.

So, go check them out HERE!

Alot of you are having trouble joining, so I wanted to let everyone know that I just emailed Cheryl, and she helped me. So, if needed, email her at cheryl@fiskateers.com.

"Essentials"

I have been asked what single product I have that I cannot live without. Well, sorry to say, I can't name just one. In racking my brain to think if there was one thing, I just couldn't do it.


Of course, there are many things I rely on daily when creating my projects, but I finally came up with a basic list of five things that I use with almost every project.

1. Fiskars 12" cutter

2. 1/4" Wacky Tape

3. Black ZIG Writer

4. Cutterbee scissors

5. Scotch double-sided tape

Don't get me wrong, I love my punches, Xyron, inks, stamps, ribbons, cutting machines, etc. But the above list is what I have to have to function! LOL

"You've Got Mail"

No wonder these little mailboxes are all the rage! They are so stinkin' cute when decorated! Unfortunately, there was only 4 left at Target's $ spot when I got there, and 1 of those was pretty damaged. However, the 3 remaining were red, pink and white...so, I was lucky enough to get one of each color offered!


I've decorated the red for my niece, Lauren, and the pink for my daughter, Alyssa. I've already got lots of goodies to fill both, but that's got to be a surprise!!


On the pink, I used the plaid pattern paper from the Bo Bunny's Smitten collection, and on the red, a patterned stripe paper from KI Memories, along with a variety of coordinating ribbons on both. Also on both lids, I stamped an adorable image from Inky Antics called Puppy Love. I thought it was the ideal thing to add. Below, I've posted a better picture of the image.

"Clipboard Order"

This is an order I completed for some dear friends to give to their employees. Blue and white are the colors they chose and I placed their company name in the bottom center of each clipboard. I used wide white Offray ribbon across the middle of the clipboards. And, across the top of each, is a mixture of blue and white Offray ribbons. I hope they like them.

"Good Bunch of Kids"

We had a wonderful dinner at my dad and stepmom's house this past Saturday, and all of my step-brothers and their families were able to come. Here lately, our lives are so full and busy that it is hard to get everyone together. Also, is it hard to get teenagers to actually sit still (and together) for a picture. So, when we got this shot, we were all proud!

This photo is of my beautiful two nieces and daughter; and, my handsome nephew. This is a pretty good bunch of kids, even if I do say so myself! LOL

"Bee Mine"

This is a one of those blister style packs of gum. This is my first time trying these, and I thought they would be cute to decorate for Valentine's.

I 'wrapped' my cardstock around the original packaging and then decorated the cover with coordinating cardstock and stamps. I used my 1 1/4 hole punch for the notch where you pull the gum out, then just adhered the punched out piece onto the blister pack with wacky tape.

When making this, I referred to the detailed instructions Rochelle posted on her blog for an Eclipse gum holder. You can find them on her site HERE. (I used Trident White)

"Cupid Poop!"

I totally CASEd this from Marisa (Risa) Alvarez on SCS and her blog Memory* Preserves. She was a sweetheart in helping me with all the info on these! Thanks, Risa!

I filled these plastic containers with red hot candies and then tied them with with misc. sheer ribbons. I attached the scallop circle 'cards' also with ribbons and adhered the typed poem to the back of the circle. Below is the cute poem:

Cupid Poop!

I couldn't send you flowers

and candy wouldn't do

and mushy cards just didn't

say the things I want them to.

So, I got you something special

and here's the inside scoop

I found you something very rare

it's genuine Cupid poop!

**Alot of people have asked where I got the containers for this project. I just wanted to let everyone know that these are 'clamshell' containers you receive as a gift with purchase from The Angel Company****

"Class Treats"

Ok, first off, I did not make these adorable favor boxes. But, let me explain....

While in Wal-Mart the other night buying all this Valentine's candy that I'm going to 'do' something with, Alyssa found these favor boxes that she liked. She asked why could we not just use these to put candy in for her class treats, instead of me having to 'make' something. I was thrilled! (I always knew she was a brilliant child!!) LOL

So, guess what? Class treats for Valentine's Day...done! I've even posted a picture below...I'm so excited!

Don't get me wrong, I love making things for Alyssa to carry to school. Ask anyone that knows me....I've always made class treats. But, we are in the 5th grade, and let me say, I'm pushing it here. First, she's not always as 'excited' about my creations -- it's not as 'cool' anymore, and also, I've about run the gammit on stuff to make for class treats. So, I will say, I've probably got until the end of this year for class treats, but I'm sure 6th grade will be off limits! LOL

"Bubbles"

I still think bubbles are fun! So when I saw these in the Valentine aisle at Wal-Mart, I just had to get them! And, since my 11 year old daughter is so over bubbles....I was told, I'm glad my neighbors have young kids!! (*wink* Michelle)

So, as you'll see below, I decided to make a 'card', to hold the bubble tube, like the ones I make to hold the lipglosses and chapsticks, but bigger!! I was able to decorate the front with patterned paper and misc. fun Valentine's stickers, then I used the slot punch from SU and tied it closed with sheer pink ribbon. Fun!

"Pansy Jar"

I decorated this plastic container and gift bag for Flossie, my hairdresser. She stays super busy, but is so good to always work me and Alyssa in for an appointment, even on short notice. So, since we've both got an appointment this afternoon, I wanted to take her a little something.

She loves Jelly Bellies, like me, so I filled this plastic container by Making Memories with them. My pansy stamp is by Autumn Leaves; brown cardstock is Bazzill; scalloped circle punches by Marvy; ribbon by Offray; and ink is SU's chocolate chip. I colored the pansy in with a pale blue. The frosted bag is by Papertrey.

I hope she likes it!!

"That's A Wrap"

I love these! They are so easy to make up and are cute, too! I made these up for Valentine's --using pinks and browns. I'm going to make up several, so I'll have them handy to give out. They are the perfect little treat for someone!

"Valentine's Gum Holders"

Ok, I'm suppose to be cleaning my craft room, but let's face it, that's no fun! So, I decided to just play instead!

I made these gum holders using stamps from the 'Punny Valentine' set from Papertrey. The brown cardstock is Bo-Bunny; red is Bazzill; all inks are from SU; and the mini rhinestones are from My Mind's Eye. (Again, you've got to click on the image to get a clear view.)

The inspiration for using the mini rhinestones on top of the pies came from a gallery post of Lisa Johnson at Papertrey Ink. I think it is the perfect touch! Thanks, Lisa, for the idea!

"Happy New Year!"

Happy 2008!! Can you believe it is the beginning of another year?!?! I wanted to wish everyone well!

I am in my craft room today trying to 'revamp' it because it is bad scary! When making all my holiday orders, I totally wrecked my room, so I've got to get it back to normal.

My main New Year's resolution for this year (besides losing weight) is to get all my scrapbooks in order. Even though I absolutely love all this paper crafting I'm doing (and am definitely going to continue), my main passion has always been scrapbooking. I started scrapbooking when I was six months pregnant with my daughter, Alyssa, and I've done an album of her for every year since. (Plus a birthday book; a Christmas book; a cheerleading book; a vacation book, etc.) However, the last year or so has gotten a little hairy, so I'm in need of getting her books in order. I can get a little OCD about it. LOL

So, I've got to get busy, I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year's!!

"After Dinner Boxes"

During Christmas all of my 3 step-brothers could not come home at the same time to visit. So, we have set aside a date in January that worked where 'everyone' can get together at my dad & stepmom's house for a wonderful "Christmas" dinner. So, I wanted to make an 'after dinner' treat for everyone.

To make these, I bought two dozen matchboxes at the Dollar Tree and emptied the matches into a ziploc bag at home. Now, they were ready to decorate! I wanted to use this patterned paper from PineCone Press because of the blues & whites we think of in January. After wrapping each box in the paper, I then tied them up with coordinating Offray ribbons. I also adhered a piece of white cardstock to the inside bottom of the box. Each box will hold a miniature Hershey's candy bar.

"Sweet Tins"

These 4 oz tins from Papertrey are the perfect size to hold three (3) of those individually wrapped Ghirardelli chocolate squares.

On Cambria Turnbow's blog, she had decorated some of these tins up with rubons on the lid, so I thought I'd give it a try. I thought these turned out just too cute! (Thanks, Cambria, for the idea!)

I used the Cupcake Series papers from Collage Press; rubons from MAMBI; Offray ribbon; and miscellaneous rhinestones. I see these being teacher gifts!