Loopy bows

At Christmas time, I am so facinated with the ribbons that are loopy... one inside another. I never by them to use. I just look at them and try to figure out WHO even thought of this? Then curiousity struck and I attempted to make my own! I couldn't just make bows. I had other things to complete.. so I put a loopy bow on a box that is part of a birthday present!

I kept everything simple...

I ran my bone folder over the cardstock to break the fibers in the paper - however didn't th ink of this until I was starting to adhere my loops!

I made a belly band, that I attached the tag to ... it was fun. I will try more again. I used the #2Box, from SU! in as my base.  I think its adorable!



Create with Connie & Mary



Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!

Hug the ones you love!



Sock Hop and more...

A local Girl Scout Daisy group is having a SOCK HOP, and the assistant leader wanted some favors for the girls. I couldn't contain my excitement when I realized I had the Sizzix Stocking (Big Shot), arriving a few days after the request. 

  I only then had to figure out how to make it like a favor, meaning 3D... meaning I really needed to look at this in another direction.   I had seen a few really cool things done with this die, but I wanted something simple since I could be making 25 of these. 

Using the Sizzix Box#2 gave me  just the little bit of wiggle room I neede for some treat of a sort! I was able to put in two Twix fun size bars and a PB cup.  I am not sure what the leader has in mind, but I thought it was a good starting point. 

Then I got to thinking.... I have a group that exchanges handcrafted Christmas gifts that we decide on a theme every year... and though we haven't decided on a theme, I could use this as a nice addition to the gifts.

 Since the box is big enough for a gift card, its more fun than just an envelope ...
RIGHT?   I just little bells around the bow for fun!

So why did I use the Lucky Limeade as my sock hop color sample? ... because I was hoping the fact that it was LUCKY, would help close the sale!

Have a great day!

Hug the ones you love!

Thanks for stopping by!

Ain't Love Grand ?

Remember when I mentioned I took a few supplies to my Cedar Point, Ohio vacation?  Where there was four teenagers and I knew I could use some me time?  Well I finally remembered I never showed them to you!

Today gets to be the day! HOORAY!!!!

Because I was limited on time to put a bag together, and space for a lot of supplies, I grabbed some of my precut Crumb Cake (since its a favorite card base color) and some In Color DSP, then I grabbed one stamp set that had a variety of stamps for All Occasions... AIN'T LOVE GRAND  (Hostess). I was alittle disappointed that I didn't have any ribbon in my stash and limited on markers, but hey my little organized bag served dual purpose, I needed Rainy day goodies for the girls too!

This box was made when I got home, with the last of the DSP that I took. It just holds the 6 cards and envelopes! Easy peasy and ready to be a gift to someone!

Each of the cards is using some of the DSP that comes in the 6x6 pad. I love that pad, for reasons of the little tote! But it gives a glance of the colors and designs in smaller version!  Oh, the Daffodil Delight was stuffed in there for the rainy day goodies for the girls but I couldn't resist it with the rocking horse!

I am still trying to get the lighting right on the photo box, with the area I have to use it, so please bare with me... Thanks!

One stamp set, 6 cards for different occasion, with In Colors (2010-2012) - not bad I say!

Have a great day!

Thank you for stopping by!

Hug the ones you love!



Tagtastic!

While I was out, I had two friends water my vegetable garden, and am so glad I asked for their help! Now its time to show them how much I appreciated all their time with the hose, and the pickin of the ripe vegetables! Thank you girls!

I love the pillow box for the Big shot because its so versatile. I love it because I can slip a gift card in it, stash it in my purse and off I go when I need it. I love that I can decorate it all up  -whether with flowers or with more masuline items.  If you do not have this... get it, you will not be sorry!

SU! has a new stamp set that coordinates with punches, and I fell in love with them immediately! I knew it was my MUST have right from the start! 

  I used the Island Floral die for the Flowers - in the  beautiful Pool color that is a 2011-2013 IN COLOR! I love it!!! Its just so summery!

 Here the boxes are together! I did manage to make four of these just to have on hand for future needs. I try to be prepared like that... or I am just obsessed with the 3D items... I cannot imagine that!

Who wouldn't love this color combination? I of course, am keeping it for my stash!  Thank you Color Throwdown!



Its a party!

I missed the challenge entry... but still thought to share! Aren't these great colors!  I couldn't wait to buckle down and use them, but I guess, I waited too long~ story of my life! {{wink wink}}

I used the Petal Cone die to make a party hat! Isn't he just the cutest?  I did emboss the hat with the larger dots, and therefore gave it some personality.  My flare for the hat didn't come out exactly as I wished, but its a starting point!

What a great table topper for a party too! I really like this die.. thank you again SU! for pulling this one thru!

I used the Baymuda Bay (retired) with Celery and So Saffron. Since they seemed to be closest to the challenge colors!

Thank you for stopping by!

Hug the ones you love!

Have a great day!

Day 10... Dying for Dove

OK, so dying MIGHT be a bit of an over exaggeration... but the oddest {{grammar teacher- is that a word?}} thing happened yesterday... I heard there was a such thing as a DOVE CHOCOLATIER... Chocolatier - I say????.. well I am a chocolatier... or so I claim to be one.. but these people get paid to sell Chocolate?... excuse me? You mean, there is a chance that outside these corporate walls - there is a chance I could get paid for being a chocolatier? ... SOMEONE tell me MORE... It can't be true?   {SERIOUSLY - IF YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS - SEND ME AN EMAIL - I AM DYING TO SEE WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT!!! greetingsbychera  at  yahoo  dot  com }

So I went home and squeezed 4 Dove (DARK CHOCOLATE ALMOND) candies into a cello bag and rocked out another little holder.... since this is how I roll {{this is what happens when you eat them before posting}} This is such an old treat holder from Splitcoaststampers - but I like it... ALOT!..

 

Yes, I managed to keep 8 Dove candies out and put these together... I am the dark chocolate queen.. oh hell, I am just a chocolate queen - no matter what your flavor! 



Inside of Treat bag holders



These are the yummy holders together.. arent they just a beauty? I love the wild wasabi color -- even before it was brought back into SU! I hoarded the last sheets I had for 'special people', now I probly more with every order.. just so I am not caught without it!  

The color challenge came to be by Curtain Call - those ladies rock out the best challenges - you can visit them here.

Again - do not forget, leave me some love and your name   gets to be entered for some blog candy... and lets be smart about this -- if you want the blog candy - you will have to leave your name - even email - even if you hide it.. otherwise, howe will I contact you? Are you going to be stopping by on February 15 for the announcement and all the instructions? {{please say yes- please say yes...}}



Blog Candy




Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 68 

Well this is Chera Cupid saying:

                          Thanks for stopping by!

           Hug the ones you love!

Have a bite of chocolate on me!



Day 9.... Chocolate Card ..

Before I go any further - Yes, I will be your Valentine!  I have been asked by numerous people.. and I have such a big heart, I will be your Valentine too. Even if you are allergic to peanuts, I can still be your Valentine.  Maybe have diabetes? Yes I can still be your Valentine.  Just need a hug since your significant other is away,  YES I can do that too.. no problem! You can count on me.. just call me...."Chera Cupid!" ... no really, I want to be called Chera Cupid... just once...just say it or I will cry... do not make you shoot you with my arrows... I mean I could...I can use a bow, even a crossbow (its a hidden talent- dont tell - I keep having to pay the teens off not to let the other know...thanks.)

So without futher adue

Treat Box with Card

 Isn't it adorable? 



Totally closed Card with treat box

  So I played around with the candies in the box... yes there are 4 Snickers (the one bite size- Valentine style)- each have messages written on the wrapper - like Crazy for you, XOXO ... I am sure there are more but I wasn't going thru the whole bag to find them all. I chose the silver wrappers and put them in the box... and walked away from the bag.. which later was being consumed by the Other half and teens.


Open angle of treat card



I will have the tutorials, instructions, etc for the CHOCOLATE COVERED FEBRUARY PROJECTS completed and ready for you on February 15, when I announce the winner of the BLOG CANDY!!!!

Lastly, is the blog candy.. Calorie Free... not messy (yet), and fun to be had if you are a scrapbooker, card creator, or whatever!

Blog Candy



Have a great day!

Hug the ones you love!

and remember...

I am.. Chera Cupid!...{{wink wink}}





CR84FN14 Challenge



Day 4.... Cookie Monster

 Let me say FIRST, that NOT ALL CHERA's CHOCOLATE COVERED FEBRUARY  will be in PINK /RED.... Traditional Valentine colors.. ok?  With that stated, I feel confident that even if you aren't crazy about the color cardstock you will still love the items.... so lets get on with it.

I HAVE COOKIES TODAY!!!! A COOKIE BOX that will hold a DOZEN (bakers dozen even) COOKIES.. but since I have made "snack size" cookies, I fit about 15 in here. Anyone who has teens understand that if you want cookies to last more than 'fresh out of the oven' you make them smaller than normal and which would produce more.   I used this tutorial from Natasha Zandbergen, SU! Canada Demo. Its super easy and fun! Go ahead give it a shot.



Instructions at  Cookie box by Natasha

 This is going south ... to a fellow who with just a touch of feminine will be alright with getting this.  .. of course its loaded with Cowboy Cookies * ... who wouldn't want it?   

Recipe for Cowboy Cookies is  here .

LEAVE ME SOME LOVE AND YOUR NAME WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN SOME BLOG CANDY!

Ingredients:

CS: Garden Gala - Daffodil, Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy, White

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Big Shot - Island Floral

Thank you for stopping by!

Hug the ones you love

Luminary-- luminaria..?

As a little extra for my mom and grandmother, I made luminarias... or which ever "word" you prefer. I used the battery operated tea lights in the center. This caused my dear father some enjoyment since my mother has been burning some "wicked scent" lately he told me. I learned later that my sister got my mom a Scentsy.

Here is the luminarias - I made for giving.

Thanks for stoppin by! I will have some more punchy art later this week as we head into the new year, and I head to MI for the wedding!

Hope your holiday was delightful!

Just for YOU...a BIG Wish!

When you just need a little something... to make someone feel special....

These test tubes will do it!

All sorts of items to be nestled in the tube for enjoyment. The Smarties were my way of pulling colors together for a card. It also helped that the recipient LOVES THEM!!!

The test tube measures 10 inches tall, which equals 3 sleeves of Smarties - just in case you needed to know. I used textured Rich Razzleberry & Tempting Turquoise DSP with a hint of Pear Pizzazz. Added alittle bling & wah la ! great gift combo!!!

Ingredients:

CS: Textures Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise DSP, Textured Pear Pizzazz; Ink: Black, Rich Razzleberry; Rhinestones; Rich Razzleberry Ribbon, Tempt. Turquoise Ribbon

Thank you for visiting!

Halloween Treat

I cannot really get into Halloween this year.. for whatever reason.. I am not grumpy about it - I just cannot GET the spirit.

I put these little baskets together for co workers, in the hopes of which some of the halloween spirit would flow.. but hey, there are still pumpkins to be cut and cider to be drank! In all due time may the spirit arrive!






I used the "box from the matchbox die to form the bottom of the pumpkin, which a small bag filled with candy corn {{ uuuuck!! }} fits perfect in there. I used the scalloped oval die for the pumpkin sides and the handles - just switched out the colors. I textured the pumpkin and sponged the outside.




I added the tag from Seasonal Sentiments, punched out with the small tag punch & attached with Old Olive ribbon - perfect and ready to go! .. well I might add a stem, in Old Olive, I am still debating...

What do you think???



Ingredients:
Stamps: Seasonal Sentiments
CS: real rust (shhhh, its retired, but I wanted to use it up!), Old Olive & Espresso, Confetti White
Ink: Chocolate Chip & Markers = Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive


Thank you for stopping by!

National Boss Day

Its Boss's Day!!!!

I do not work my FT on Saturday, I give this to my boss yesterday. She loves any of my paper crafts - so I knew she would love this.

Pins seem to fit perfectly into the Matchbox - so I made my boss's with Concord Crush & Pear Pizzaz (two of her favorite colors - when Sage retired - she was heart broken... now I am glad she has picked another favorite).

Its not often I get to work with fabrics. I like them but they do not always like me. I got this fabric back in July, I remember because I had big hopes I could pull off this pin for my Boss' birthday. Yea, that didn't happen.

I used the Circles (Big Shot Die) and used the LARGEST and the MEDIUM, and four pieces of each. Then I turned on my heat gun, and waited until the material started to melt. I did press them down alittle flatter when they were warm so they would still look like circles.
I should have used more, but I am happy with this outcome.

I got out the needle and thread and used a cute little purple button I had to tie it all together. And then use a clasp for back. Here it is all put together, for her surprise.

Happy Boss' Day!!!!!

Ingredients:

CS: Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz

Big Shot: Matchbox Die, with label & swirl textured plate

Faux leather Trunk

I was in Traverse City, Michigan the beginning of the month.. and HOLY COW, I wasn't ready for the frost on the car when I woke & headed out to breakfast the second morning I was there. I loved that the trees were turning, so it made driving just a bit more interesting. The place we stayed in wasn'told, but it was rustic..really rustic. I loved alot of the textures that surrounded me, everywhere in the place.

Day 3 it finally donned on me that ... um... I haven't done much texturing in my recently paper crafts. Heck I haven't made a 3D item in a while either...

So I took a moment, after making some Cowboy Spaghetti by Rachel Ray, and put this together.

I am still redesigning the handle, since I am not totally sold on this one. I want curves. I want stitching..

It has a box on the inside - would hold a gift card, some sweet treats, even some of that instant coffee with packaged creamer & sugar.

Ingredients:

CS: Crumb Cake

Ink: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Versamark

Big Shot: Texture plate (embossed)

Silver brad, pearl, Linen thread

A tisket -a tasket a little tiny basket

What a fun basket! I know another 3D item- these baskets were for coworkers and they have some kisses in them. I honestly cannot believe the picture isn't more clear.. my apologies! and now that they are gone.. RIGHT?

I had one person ask my why there wasn't grass in them, and first of all, I CANNOT STAND THAT STUFF... then when I made my 'own' with shredded paper, I didn't like the look of it. Hey maybe they wanted 'grass' instead of the chocolate kisses in them?? I could have done that, I mean, I put about 8 kisses in them. I am sure you could almost fit a dozen.

Anyways- my family's baskets are different than these, and with all hope, I will get them posted shortly after the holiday. If I do not get back here until then, have a great safe holiday!

Coupon Collector

So I am a thrifty shopper, I am a price reduction magnet, I am not totally crazy about all that stuff, but I am coupon cutter to say the least. The ONLY issue I have it that usually I have this envelope that goes with me and its not organized well, but it houses the coupons I am taken with me. On my list, I put a C in a circle to identify I have a coupon for it. All makes sense right? Then why is it I never seem to use all the coupons I want t use when I am out shopping?

I saw this box, it had cards and envelopes on both sides, it was pretty, and it was something that I would make as a gift set. But I totally invisioned it as my grocery list / coupon holder! I didn't use both sides as they were, but with a little assistance, I got it to where I needed it to be. List on one side (because I am left handed I didn't want the spirals on the other side, and flipped the box and the list sides), coupon holder on the other. What I need now is to print out coupon dividers for in the box area. I have used it for 3 grocery trips so far, and Honestly, I am so glad I did. I managed to use a paper that I liked, as well as the guys wouldn't get all weirded out about holding when necessary. Lets face it, grocery shopping is a team effort!

The ribbons tie together and hold it shut, it fits perfect in the one side of my purse, and when I am in the store, I feel just a tad more organized! I am making a few for some others in the family... shhhhhhhhh don't tell!

The template is created by the one and only Lauren Meader, of My Timeless Templates of PTI and of course a great source of inspiration these days.

Thank you for looking.

********************************************
CS: Burgundy, Pink, Black, Designer paper from a paper pack
Ribbon is burgundy, pen, memo pad which measures about 4 x 5 1/2