erin terrell clarkson [etc]

Craft It Forward Blog Hop

Hopefully you're stopping by today because you heard about the Craft It Forward Blog Hop on Scrapbooks etc. Welcome, and thanks for visiting! I hope you'll be inspired to make your own card based off one of the original designs shown on the Craft It Forward site. Remember, if you create a card and donate it to charity, then upload the photo to our Craft It Forward gallery...both you and your charity each become eligible to win $500!! (That means $500 in cash to you and $500 in donations to the charity of your choice. How awesome is that?!)

I designed a card inspired by this original one (which I loved!) from Lisa Storms. Her project is the June project of the month on the Craft It Forward website:

What a great card design, right? I was immediately drawn to it, so I pulled out similar supplies and got to work. I didn't have any supplies like the fun star paper for the background, so I punched small stars from blue cardstock to create a similar look:

I adhered the stars with tiny pop dots for added dimension. I added a red cardstock border along the bottom of the card, then folded a yellow ribbon the same way Lisa did on her card. As a final touch, I added rub-ons to white cardstock to complete the "thank you" sentiment.

I like the way it turned out, and it was pretty easy to make (since I already had the basic idea from Lisa). I didn't measure the stars, believe it or not - I just eyeballed where to place them and down they went.

If you'd like to celebrate our nation’s independence by crafting thank you cards for the troops who protect our rights and freedom, then today is a great time to start! Make as many cards as possible (after you've been inspired by our blog hop, of course!), then join an Adopt-A-Soldier program to send care packages to the many men and women serving overseas. If you'd like an address for a soldier you can send packages to, just email me and I'll get one for you. Otherwise, you can google "Adopt-A-Soldier" and find plenty of participating programs. 

Ideas of items to include in a care package:

    - toothpaste, soap, sunscreen 

    - nuts, trail mix, beef jerky, protein bars

    - candy, gum, mints

    - baby wipes, chapstick, razors

    - energy drinks or lemonade/gatorade packets   

When shipping a box overseas, I recommend getting a large sized flat rate priority box from the US Post Office. The dimensions are: 12" x 12" x 5 1/2" and whatever you can fit inside will ship for one low price (only $12.95) to any APO/FPO address. 

You can also mail blank cards to soldiers so they can fill them out and send them home to their family members! This is a fantastic idea for the many, many talented cardmakers who are likely joining us on the blog hop today. :) Check out the non-profit sites Cards for Soldiers or Operation Write Home to learn more about this idea.

Don't forget to visit your local veterans hospital to make a difference closer to home. 

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you'll be back to visit again soon. Be sure to stop by Lisa Truesdell's blog next to see the creative ideas she has to share.

 

Birthday Card Share

A dear friend of mine is having a birthday today, and I wanted to wish her a very happy one! What better way to do that than with BasicGrey's Hopscotch line? 

Here is a side view. I bent the stickers slightly in the middle, to lift the butterfly wings off the background:

I always try to add something cute to the card interior:

Finally, I used my leftover scraps to create a gift card insert (since I already had the papers out on my desk):

Happy Birthday, Danni. I hope it's a happy and healthy year for ya! Lots of love, ~e

Thinking of You card

I just made a card for a friend (Danni, that would be you. lol) and thought I'd post it here. Hope everyone is doing well and having a great 2011. 

The stickers and papers are from Imaginisce. 

•     Imaginisce Garden Party 6x6 paper pad
•     Imagnisce Garden Party Sticker Stackers

Here's a full shot of the card:

Photo Gift deals...

I wish I had checked my email earlier today so I wouldn't be posting this deal so late, but I'm still posting it so someone can hopefully benefit from it. 

If you use Groupon (or even if you don't - you should) click on the Groupon link over there on the right side of my blog [the fourth and fifth blinkies down under the "for the holidays" link section] --------->

You can order a 16x20 canvas print for only $45. THAT is an amazingly good deal for that size on wrapped canvas. There are only 3 1/2 hours left to get the deal, though. That even includes shipping and handling! Or you can get a gift card worth $126.95 (the regular price for a 16x20 print). It's one of the daily deals for San Antonio, but it's an online website, so you don't have to live in San Antonio to cash in on it. 

Same thing if you want to order a photo book. One of the daily deals for Chicago today is $10 for a 40 page 8x8 soft cover book from A&I Books. That's an online site, so you can order the deal no matter where you live. 

I happen to love giving photo books for Christmas. I have one I recently made for this awesome lady, and I can't wait to give it to her. It's full of photos from a recent trip to the Bahamas. Here's a little peek (a tiny photo because I have no idea if she looks at this little website of mine):

Also, did I mention that I received my Christmas card order from Tiny Prints? (that link is also under the "for the holidays" section) So pretty... I highly recommend that website for Christmas cards. I'm hooked on them, 100%. They have amazing customer service.

OK, I'm off to watch bridalplasty. Daisy and I are hooked on it - it's like watching a train wreck. Check back tomorrow because I'm going to show an easy idea for Christmas decor!

*edited to add... if the groupon link doesn't work, try this one: groupon link

Catching Up

I wanted to mention a fun event happening this weekend. If you're in or near the San Antonio area, stop by North Central Baptist Hospital this Saturday (December 11th, 2010) from 10-3 for the Stone Oak Winter Festival. It's a huge FREE event for the community with parades, games, and tons of prizes. Santa is flown in on the airllife helicopter and real snow is brought in for the kids to play with (My friend Kathleen is probably laughing at the fact that we actually pay someone to bring snow to San Antonio, right Kathleen? She lives in Colorado and is always trying to escape the snow!). Here is a link with more information about the event and here is a link with a map to the hospital. I'll be volunteering there, so be sure to say hi if you bring the kids out to play!

Ho Ho Ho!! Did you know there are only 16 days left until Christmas?

I've posted a photo collage I created from our trip to Gruene this past weekend (mentioned in my last post). It's such a fun little town, and it looks beautiful now that it's all lit up for Christmas. Now I just need to make a trip down to the San Antonio Riverwalk to see how pretty it is for the holidays. The lights reflecting on the river always look amazing. It's listed as the number one southern city for viewing Christmas lights according to Southern Living magazine, so it's a sight to see if you've never been before.

Gruene, TX:

Hope you're all having a great December so far!

Help Me Decide On Christmas Cards

This weekend Daisy and I had our Christmas card photo shoot with this fantastic lady. Jana is amazing and I highly recommend her if you are anywhere near the San Antonio area and want to have photos done.

Here are a few sneak peeks she sent me:

(My fave, bc I told her "you made me look skinny!". Hee hee...)

This one I love bc it looks like the perfect Texas setting, right? I'll taunt all of my friends up north and say "Warm Winter Wishes" or something like that. ;o)

I always send a photo of Daisy by herself in my Christmas cards so family can frame it or add it to the fridge or whatever. This is her favorite and the one I'll send out for her:

While the rest are being edited, I figured I'd put my Christmas cards up to a vote. I'm not making a single Christmas card this year. That probably amounts to something like blasphemy for someone who works in the crafting industry, but I don't care. I want a stress-free Christmas, so that means I'm ordering cards. 

Help me out by picking your favorites from the ones below. I'm probably going to do one of the tri-fold type cards for family, so they will get more pictures, and one of the simpler ones for everyone else on the list (to save $$$).

Love/Peace/Joy Tri-Fold card from Tiny Prints

Holiday Hat Tri-Fold card from Tiny Prints

Merry Christmas Ornament card from Tiny Prints (genius! a card your recipient can hang on the tree!)

Joyous Wishes Square card from Tiny Prints

Inspirational Square card from Tiny Prints

Joy/Peace/Love Ornate Snowflakes card from Tiny Prints

Merry Modern Collage card from Shutterfly 

Peppermint Pink card from Shutterfly

OK, that's enough. I could go on picking out various card styles forever. Help me narrow it down -- what should I pick? Thanks!

Thank A Soldier

It's almost Veteran's Day, so that means it's a great time to say thank you to those who have served or are currently serving our country. One way to show your support to soldiers serving overseas is by joining an Adopt-A-Soldier program such as THIS one or THIS one. The holidays can get pretty lonely for those stationed far away from family and friends, so send a friendly card or a goodie box (check out this list for ideas of what to include). If you'd rather make a difference closer to home, volunteer at a local veteran's hospital. Whatever you choose - please do something. Give up a bit of your time to thank those who have given up so much of their time for our freedom.

Here is a thank you card I created to give you an idea of something to send:

The front of the card is pretty basic, but it flips up so you can add the sentiment above. Here is what the front looks like:

another view:

Here's what it looks like flipped open:

Supplies:

    - Large star: Pink Paislee Starlight Collection 12 x 12 Shooting Star

    - Red paper: Pink Paislee Starlight Collection 12 x 12 Glow

    - Small stars: Pink Paislee Starlight Collection 12 x 12 Elements Stickers

    - Rub-on Sentiments: Making Memories (I think they've been discontinued)

 

If you are currently serving or have served in the military, enjoy being treated to a few freebies from these generous companies:

Eat free at Applebees on 11/11/10 (link HERE).

Enjoy one complimentary visit to Seaworld - good until 12/31/10 (link HERE).

Free entry for you and one guest to Knott's Berry Farm - ends Thanksgiving day (link HERE).

Have a bloomin' onion and beverage at Outback Steakhouse on 11/11/10 (link HERE).

Your choice of one of six entrees free at Chili's Bar & Grill on 11/11/10 (link HERE).

Treat your veteran to a free meal at TGI Fridays - buy one get one free Nov. 11-14th (link HERE).

If you want to get away, enjoy free entry to any national park on 11/11/10 (link HERE).

 

Remember... "Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone." ~ Gladys Brown Stern

 ...so don't be shy about admitting the things you're grateful for today and every day. :o)

Caring Hearts Card Drive (With Prizes, Of Course!)

If you're interested in doing something that makes a difference this holiday season, now is your chance! My friend, and awesomely talented card designer, Vera Yates has put together a card drive to benefit the elderly who live in nursing homes or care centers. You can read all about the details here: 

CARING HEARTS CARD DRIVE

Go visit her blog, and then get busy creating cards for those who will appreciate it most. Be sure to take a peek at all of the fabulous prizes you'll have a chance at winning when you participate in this wonderful event. Here's a peek at the prize I'm giving away, but there are many, many more goodies from other sponsors and designers.

Thanks to those of you who participate! You will make a difference. Thanks to Vera for being such a kind and thoughtful person - for putting together and carrying out the event.

If you're shopping over the weekend, don't forget Two Peas has free shipping for orders over $25. It ends on Sunday:

Free Shipping available on all orders of $25 or more. Valid thru 11:59 PM (CST) 10/24/10 on physical product only. Excludes international orders.

Happy Birthday (the collection)

If you've been keeping up with me this week, you'll know I've been using one specific punch ("Happy Birthday" - a border punch by Martha Stewart Crafts) and I've created a birthday card each day. My goal was to get some use out of the punch, because it's a fairly expensive one. I happen to buy birthday cards pretty often, and I have to say I've noticed greeting cards aren't exactly *cheap* either. (Since when does a card cost $4.00?!!!) I figured this punch would pay for itself if I even created just a few cards from it. Now that I know how easy it is, I'm sure I'll be using it all the time!

Here is my group of cards for the week:

I love how colorful they are! I was trying to figure out which one was my favorite, and I think it's the one with the polka-dotted background. That one just stands out the most in the grouping (plus, I love polka dots!):

Here is the card I created for today:

I used the border punch as it was intended: I created a bottom border for the card. The balloons are traced from an old template (made by ScrapPagerz). I added foam adhesive behind the balloons to give them a little extra lift. To create the strings, I trimmed very thin strips of cardstock, then wrapped them around a pencil to give them the spiral shape. I like the extra bit of texture it adds to the card:

If you're interested in the Happy Birthday punch, you can click HERE to purchase it from 2peas or HERE to purchase from Scrapbook.com. I like it a lot, now that I've gotten my money's worth out of it. Even better? Now that I have these cards created, I can copy the basic design and whip up a new card at a moment's notice.

Have a great weekend! If you happen to need new supplies, I received these Michael's coupons in my inbox today. I'm not sure if the link will work for everyone, but it's worth a shot: Michael's Coupons

Happy Birthday (stripes)

Here is my Happy Birthday card share for the day.

You just never know when inspiration will hit. Can you guess what inspired my striped card? :o)