coming up Roses

Remember those fun Christmas in July cards we just had on our Blog Hop

along with featuring

Clear Snap Products.

Well when I received my

Clear Snap Products,

there were also a few paper gifts

YAY!

Last night, I got busy and made cards

using the floral paper

Have you received such a sweet

and unexpected crafty supply gift?





Happy Crafting,
Paula

Mountain Plains Crafters Christmas in July Blog Hop

Happy Friday, crafty friends! Those of us here at MPC decided we needed to do a Christmas in July blog hop today and tomorrow. Please comment on all the designers' blogs for a chance to win the awesome @Clearsnap products pictured below. 

Smooch Spritz in Cashmere, 

Color Box Archival ink in Saddle 

and Smooch Ink in Spruce!!

All of the designers have used the above products in their Christmas creations.

Rules:  They are actually quite simple, really.  Just comment on each designers page under their Christmas in July project(s) by 7/26 midnight EST. Winner will be selected by a random drawing.

Ready, set, go!!!!  #Clearsnap

Click on the links below to go to each blog

Mustang Creations~Pam

Waving my Wand~Terri

Sheryl's Creative Corner~Sheryl

Mississippi Mcgyver~MariLynn

Meticulosity~Debra

Caffeinated Papercuts~Jennifer

Christina's Creations~Christina

Scrap Addict's Attic~Paula

Good Luck,

Pam 

and the rest of the gang

Deer Birthday Card

Here's a sweet birthday card that is pretty much gender neutral, although, my son will be giving it to dad today for his birthday.  I'm loving my new Queen & Co. washi tape and bubbles!  Plus the natural twine from May Arts Ribbon gives it another little manly touch. 

The thing I really love about these sweet deer stamps is, you can go simple or elaborate.  Due to time constraints, I obviously went simple but if you have the time, these would be adorable colored with distress markers or stamped on paper and fussy cut.  Where can you find these sweet little deer?  The Unity Stamp Co of course.  You all know they are one of my faves.  Happy Birthday Dad!!

Terri

 *Scroll to bottom for info on our upcoming blog hop this weekend!*

 

**Check back on Friday/Saturday, July 25-26th for a Christmas in July blog hop!  Just comment at each stop to be entered to win a nice bundled prize from Clearsnap.  Plus, some of the girls will be offering additional prizes of their own.  Don't miss it! 

Quest for CHA and Countdown

A few weeks ago, I shared my dream about trying to get into the Craft and Hobby Association's Inaugural Papercrafters Trade show in Atlanta. 

I've been blogging daily on my personal blog, wavingmywand.blogspot.com and sharing on the Mountain Plains Crafters Facebook page, but if you've missed both, here's your update.  Yes, I'm going!  And the countdown has begun.  CHA liked my quest and asked me to be guest blogger and show photographer.  So be sure and.visit MPC on Facebook for more updates.  

Also, stay tuned for a fun blog hop coming up this week from our design team.  It's all about Christmas in July!  And a prize of course.  Details soon.

Make a Wish......

Deb here with some thoughts on wishes... Have you ever wished for something??  Ever thrown coins in a  fountain?? Closed your eyes, thought really hard and blown out the candles of a birthday cake while making a wish ?? Or even wished upon a star ?? At first, when I saw this stamp "One Single Wish" by Unity Stamp Company,  I thought of a birthday. But then while I was creating the card, I got to thinking about all kinds of wishes...

Terri had a dream to go to CHA. I wonder if she ever closed her eyes and wished for that dream to become a reality. I know that I was really hoping that her wish would come true !! Make A Wish Foundation grants "wishes" for children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. And we all know that every single day, a child  ( and even some of us adults ) will look in awe at their birthday cake, close their eyes and blow out the candles while making a wish.. I have even wished upon a falling star... Who knew that when I sat down to create a card today, I would actually create a blog post too. And that one simple word - WISH - would bring back memories and make me think about all kinds of wishes !!  Whatever you are wishing for, here's hoping it comes true...

My first birthday party; I wonder what I was wishing for way back then !!

Butterflies from scraps....tip of the day

We've been having quite the debate here at Mountain Plains Crafters about scraps.  Do you save yours or toss 'em?  How about the edging of a 12 x 12 paper that you trim? 

Let me show you how one woman's junk is another woman's treasure.  

That strip that I could have tossed yielded 14 mini butterflies with my Cuttlebug and Paper Smooches butterfly die.  It took maybe 5 minutes or less.  If you REALLY want to get thrifty use the leftover frame as a mask to ink butterflies onto your project.  

While I was at it, I ran a few more cuts from a torn page out of an old magazine I bought at an antique/thrift store.  I chose the page that talked about bugs.  Clever, right?  Ha.  Why spend money on die cut vintage paper images when you can make your own?  

Have you got a crafty friend or group?  Each of you use a different die, make multiples, then share.  A fun way to use your scraps and get something new at the same time.  So there's your crafty tips.  Now get busy.....

Terri

Visit us on Facebook

New challenge! Nautical/beach theme

Who wants to win a prize?  Our design team has some incredible projects to show you and get you in the mood for  summer fun.  We have a nice prize in store for you.  But it looks like it might be buried treasure.....guess we'll just have to give you some clues along the way!

Link up your new, crafty project via the Inlinkz link below.  Your project must be nautical or  beach themed in nature,  and must be a new creation.  Max of 2 entries allowed. 

This challenge will run for 7 days.  Winner will be selected via random draw on Monday, July 21st, 2014. 

 Good luck!

Terri

Deb

MariLynn

Jennifer

Sheryl

Paula

Pam

The winner has 7 days to claim the prize.  You will need a photo hosting site such as Flickr, or a blog to link up to the challenge.  Entries that do not meet the criteria will be removed.

New crafty challenge tomorrow

Spread the word, we're starting a new challenge tomorrow with another prize up for grabs.  Get ready to ink up those fingers and link up to the challenge.  Want a hint as to the theme??  Look at the picture!

Just My TYPE ........

Deb here with my latest favorite stamp set.... For some reason, I have always loved old typewriters. Have never owned one or typed on one. Never took a typing course, although always wish I had. It would sure come in handy at work now that I am on the computer more and no longer doing direct patient care as an RN. Recently, my boyfriend gave me an old typewriter from his parent's house that I would like to clean up and see if it actually works. Even if it doesn't, it's still pretty cool just to look at !! I have several typewriter washi tapes, a few typewriter rubber stamps and just bought some vinyl wall art with a cute pink typewriter on it..

So you know that I was just smitten when I came across a stamp set that included the neatest typewriter stamp AND a matching die. I love the look of fussy-cutting but I feel like I just can't do justice to some images. THAT is why I like dies so much !! Made by Pink Paislee, the Pen Pal set has 31 pieces, including the typewriter, a letter, small heart, and flag banner with words, to just name a few. Sometimes when I buy a new stamp set, I admire it for a long time before using it. Do any of you do this too ??  Not quite sure why I wait, but that wasn't the case with this stamp set. I began thinking of card ideas as soon as I ordered it. So today was the day to try it out. Hope you like the finished product. 

Supplies:  Pink Paislee "Pen Pal" stamp set, Recollections Typewriter washi, sentiment by Stampin' Up,  Two Berry creative alphabet "hi"

Pink Paislee "Pen Pal" Stamp/Die set

DCWV wall art

The quest for CHA

I know what you're saying.  What the heck is CHA?  CHA is the the Craft and Hobby Association.  They hold annual conventions where companies come together and promote their new products.  Buyers come to these events to see and order the latest products for their stores.  For the first time, CHA is hosting a  papercrafters only event in Atlanta.  All the big paper companies will be there.  So why do I want in?  Well, as a crafty blogger and living here in the South, this may be the closest I come to meeting some of the greats.  I'm not a store owner and therefore, not a member of CHA.  Some of these companies are sponsors of my challenge blog, Mountain Plains Crafters, that I started with 2 friends not long ago.  It's the perfect opportunity for me to meet some of our sponsors and thank them personally for their support.  I also want to blog about the experience from an insider's point of view.  So basically, the only way I'm getting in, is to do some volunteer work which I would LOVE to do.  I've been taking baby steps in my quest.  Can I afford the additional expenses involved, like food, gas, lodging?  Um, no.  I'm like many of you.  The downturn in the economy affected my husband's job and he is only working part-time for now.  We are counting pennies but there are still mouths to feed, doctor copays, medications to buy.  I cannot afford this.  I do not have the extra money.   But its a dream that I can't let go, so for now, the baby steps continue and I will figure it out as each day comes.  I do have a checklist of sorts.  Want to see? 

1.  Contact current sponsors.  Check.  (They're bringing their own armys to CHA, so two no's)
2.  Pray.  Check.
3.  Maybe I should have prayed first?  Duly noted.
4.  Contact CHA directly.  Check.  (Hi Tina!)
5.  No response from CHA.  Contact again.  Check. (Thanks Tina!  My request has moved to the marketing department for review.  Whoop!)
6.  Blog about my quest.  Check.  I figured if I verbalize it, out loud, then things might happen.  I mean hey, if Jim Carey can write himself a check for a million dollars and make it happen, why not?   (Where's my checkbook...I need to write myself a check!)
7.  Spread the word.  Check.  Who do I know personally that could help in my quest?  Megan Elizabeth from Above Rubies Studio.  She's a sweetheart.  And an online friend.  I'm REALLY stepping into uncharted territory by pulling her in.  I mean, that's really asking a lot.  But you know what?  She's game to help!  And a Godly woman that I adore.  As a business owner, she's been to CHA numerous times.  She's hosted crafty products on the  HSN tv show.  She knows people. 
8.  Bide my time.  Check.  Today I shall rest from the process and wait on those who are helping.  Do I have it all figured out?  Nope.  I have a full-time job too.  Have I made arrangements to leave work?  Um, uh, no.  But I will.   Should the Lord smile favorably on this quest,  then I truly believe it will all work out.  If it doesn't?  Then it wasn't meant to be and this dream will come true another day.  #smile    Terri

 

Hello Flower

Here's a card I made from a stamp set that I won from a blog hop that I kinda stumbled on at Waffle Flower Crafts.  Its always nice to win something but even better when it's something crafty!   Be sure and visit our Facebook page.  We have a crafty challenge coming up this week and that means a prize!  

 Have a nice, summery day!    

  Terri

Celebrating July 4th

Holidays always mean different traditions for different people,

I love hearing about what other people do!

Please tell us what you do for the 4th of July.

At my house, our boys really like to do it up as big as possible with lots of fireworks

and thankfully for them we have had a nice wet month so we are not under a burn ban.  It's gonna be a loud one this year!

Paula

As a kid my holiday in upstate New York consisted of watermelon, corn on the cob, and all the adult men gathered on the hillside blowing up major fireworks!  Fun!  Now, we do our thing in rural Alabama, but head to the fireworks show with friends.  Doesn't matter where we celebrate, just that we do celebrate the Independence of our great nation.
TERRI

We never have a set plan or tradition for the Fourth of July, but it generally involves BBQing and driving around to watch one of the many fireworks shows around Dallas. This year, I am roadtripping to Chicago (a 14 1/2 hour drive!) with a friend for her birthday, which is on the 4th!  :)

Christina

I grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania surrounded by many aunts,uncles and cousins. July 4 always meant a family gathering with the traditional food of hamburgers,hot dogs, potato and macaroni salad, watermelon and numerous homemade desserts. Fireworks always were a colorful end to our festivities. Can also remember holding the sparklers and twirling them around and around !! This year, I am working, but have many happy July 4 memories.

Deb

Since the 4th of July is a mere two days after my birthday, there's always a party of some kind! ;) These days it's gathering together friends & family, firing up the grill, and lighting a cake on fire. No no, just the candles! Oh, and watching fireworks, of course. :)
Jen

Heat embossed wedding card

I've got several weddings coming up so I'm in need of more wedding cards.  I kept this simple and elegant and just love how it turned out.  This card features the Unity Stamp Co kits Insightful Meadows by Donna Downey and LIVE LAUGH LOVE by Samantha Walker.  Check them out!

 

 

Terri

 

 If you would like to see more details on how this card was made, visit my personal blog here:

Waving My Wand