Remembering a Dear Friend

I have been absent from my blog for several months and I am going to start posting again, I promise!  I have lots of artwork and other things to share with you (in the near future) but today I must remember a dear friend.

Last week my dear friend, Cynthia, passed on a few days after Thanksgiving.  I was away from the house when the news came and my husband broke it to me when I returned that evening.  I just cried and cried for days because she was such a special person.  She has had health issues for several years but it was still a shock to me.   It is always a struggle when our loved ones pass on because our "human side" is in despair over the loss - yet our "spiritual side" knows that heaven is the place we end up if we believe and ask Jesus into our hearts.   Heaven - in the presence of the Father we have perfect peace, perfect health, and perfect body.....now who doesn't want all of that! 

As I reflected on my years of knowing this dear, sweet, funny woman, I am so thankful!  I am thankful that she called me a friend. I am thankful for the weekly phone calls, in which we solved the problems of the world, and I am thankful for much more.   I decided that I would post about her today, so that those of you who knew her would join in remembering her too! 

I met her at the beauty shop that my daughter worked at about 4 years ago.  A mutual friend invited her to come to a card class that I was teaching.  She ended up joining the $10 month club and has been a CTMH customer for several years.   She and her cute husband usually go to Lake LBJ for the winter (or winta -- as she said!) but they had been delayed in going this year because her husband had major neck and spinal surgery.  They were hoping to get an okay from his doctor last week so that they could go down there.  It was always bittersweet for my family and customers, when they left for the winter.  They usually returned in the early Spring and we  always counted the days! 

She always supported everything that I do/did.  She was the first one to call me when I decided to slow down a bit.  She felt that Dean and Connor (and the rest of the family) needed more of my attention and my classes were taking attention away from them.  She teased Dean - and did a good job of it!  She talked about reading and different book series with Connor - he really enjoyed hearing about different series to read and she would share what her grandson was reading.  Brayden even talked like her when he learned to talk - we kept asking each other where he was getting that Northern accent!  She ordered jewelry from me often for herself or to give her daughter, daughter-in-law,  and grand-daughters.  She would tell stories about her family and you knew that they were the most important thing to her.  She kept everyone laughing at classes and monthly crops.    I could just go on and on about this precious person, but it would be a very long post!  Cynthia and I always ended our weekly conversations with "I love you" and I am so glad of that,  because sometimes it is too late and you wish you would have said it.  I just wanted you to know that, if I haven't told you lately, you are important to me and I am thankful for you too! 

 

Here is a picture that I retrieved from her Facebook account with her husband.  If you wish to comment on ways that Cynthia impacted your life, please do so by "posting a comment" below.   I still can't believe that she is gone and all I know is that Heaven got an angel that will entertain them daily! If you knew her, you know what I mean!

 

I leave you with this, tell the people that are important to you, that you love them, appreciate them, whatever!  You may not get another chance.  Time passes quickly and things can change in the blink of an eye! 

 

Join in August - It's In the Bag

Would you like to get this bag for FREE?  Do you love

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When you become a consultant in August, you will receive this Damask Tote Bag for FREE (valued at $50).    This promotion is from August 1 - 31, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST, so you need to sign up quickly!

Our new Consultant Kit is now only $49 for the Essentials Kit and $99 for the Master Kit - either one is a great value!  Contact me for details or Click Here to sign up (go to the Opportunities Tab).

You're a Star Clear Card

This clear card features Footloose paper and the Under the Sea stamp set.  I colored the center Starfish with a smoothie marker and then added Bonding Memories glue pen and Prisma Glitter.  I also added our Round Durables Brads.

If you like our clear cards, you need to order them

prior to July 31.  They are being RETIRED!  I am so sad they are retiring, however, we have to make room for all of awesome new products heading our way in the new Autumn/Winter catalog which begins on August 1.  If you would like to order clear cards, Click Here!

You Are My Sunshine

So, I need to tell you, that when I see this phrase, "You Are My Sunshine," it takes me back many years!  This was Stephanie's (my daughter) favorite song as a little girl.  I used to sing it to her all of the time.   I think it would be a perfect all occasion card to give her.

I created it with the Footloose paper packet, the Just Chillin stamp set, and the Kick Back stamp set.  I used Prisma Glitter to highlight the sun.  I also used seam binding, waxy flax, a flower button and an opaque for the center of the button.

I took a close-up of the sunshine so that you could see it a little better.  I stamped it on the card with Lagoon ink and then again on a piece of the Creme' Brulee' paper in the paper packet.  I cut the center of the sun out and popped it up with foam tape.  I then added bonding memories glue and Prisma glitter to make it shine!

And, Stephanie, you are still my sunshine....just a little older! 

Kick Back and Relax Mini Album

This mini album is made with our Footloose Paper packet. Footloose is a very happy paper packet.  It just feels like summer, pools, parks, beaches, etc.  It is perfect for your summer themed scrapbook pages and cards.

I used the Kick Back stamp set to stamp the flower and sentiment (and the scene on the the inside page).  The embellishments are:  Round Durable Brads, Opaques, and our Sweet Leaf Grosgrain Ribbon, as well as some miscellaneous ribbon from my stash.

The inside has coin envelopes (I purchased a big box at Office Max) with small tags to place your pictures on. 

As you can see from this view, there are 3 coin envelopes inside the album.  I cut the flaps off and adhered them together in the center of each envelope. 

**Tip - if you adhere the envelopes completely together around the edges, they won't fan out.  Only place adhesive down the middle of the envelopes.  It is fine to use more adhesive on the envelope that is adhered to the album cover. 

If you want the cutting recipe for this mini album, please email me....I am happy to share it with you!

A Little Birdie Told Me....Circle Cricut Card

This is the final card from my Cricut Class last week.  This card was cut using the Card/Shift buttons and I cut it 4 1/2".  The cricut cuts the small flowers out of the card base, so I added Lucy B&T paper behind them to peek through. 

I cut the large flower <flower8> on page 50 and stamped it with the Lucy WOTG stamp set.  I used Sparkles to embellish the flowers.  I cut the leaves from the <petal2> key and crimped them with the Fiskar Crimping Tool.  I used the "Life is Tweet" stamp of the month for the sentiment and the vines.

This is the inside of the card and I used the sentiment, flowers, and bird from "Life is Tweet."  Today is the last day to order your "Life is Tweet" June Stamp of the Month.  Also, Buy 2 stamp sets, Get 1 FREE ends today too! 

Lucy Tag Card - Cricut Class

This card was one that I made for the Cricut Class last week.  The card shape is on page 50 (our focus page) and is on the Card button - I cut it 5 1/2" - The Cricut AP measures the height of whatever you are cutting.  The scalloped piece is on the Decorative Layer on page 50 as well (cut 5 1/2"). 

I also cut the flowers with <flower8> and used the Lucy Workshop on the Go stamp set to stamp the flowers.  I cut the leaves using <petal2> and then crimped them with the Fiskars crimping tool.  I used Foam Tape to pop the flowers up and added Pearl Opaques to dress it up.  I added pink Seam Binding to top of the tag card to finish. 

How Tweet Of You Cricut Project

We made this cute little purse at my cricut class last week.  Our focus page from our Cricut AP Cartridge was page 50 - the tag is on that page and we cut it at 2". 

The purse is on page 23 and on the Font Layer/Shift Keys (5").  We cut the front handle off and added <shape2> for the purse tab/buckle (tab was cut at 1 1/4" and I used a small piece of velcro as the closure). 

We used the "Life is Tweet" Stamp of the Month for the stamping.  A large sparkle and Paradise Baker's Twine were used to embellish this cute purse.

These would be perfect as a favor for a Tea Party, Birthday Party, Wedding, etc.  You could put candy, earrings, or anything small in this little purse! 

Congratulations on Your New Arrival Card

The focal point on this card was inspired by my friend, Christine Adams.  I just love this little elephant and I scraplifted the way she made his ear on her card!  The stamp is from the New Arrival set and is Cricut AP compatible, so I cut out the Colonial White piece and the Blush Cardstock piece on the cricut.  The paper is from the Lucy paper packet - so cute for a baby girl!

I stamped the elephant on the Colonial White Cardstock; again on Grey Wool Cardstock; and a third time on Blush Cardstock.  I cut the Grey Wool Elephant out and popped it up with foam tape and repeated that step for the pink ear.  I used our bonding memories glue pen on the ear and let it dry a bit; then added prisma glitter. 

The flower is from our new "Bitty Buds" assortment and I colored the leaves with pear marker.  I used Grey Wool Baker's Twine and a Licorice Opaque to finish it off.  I don't know about you, but I need to make baby cards!  If you have made any lately, please email me a picture!  You may win A PRIZE!

Could I Be Any Cuter? Baby Card

I love our new stamp set called New Arrival.  It is really fun to use with all of the cute animals and it also is Cricut compatible.  I cut the focal point; focal point mat; hearts and roses with the Cricut AP Cartridge. 

I stamped the crocodile and colored him with our markers.  I cut the crocodile out and popped it up with foam tape.  I used Pearl Opaques in the center of the roses and I used

lace trim from my stash.

Happy Birthday Clear Card

This is one of our clear cards and I used Lucy paper and the Lucy Workshops on the Go stamp set for all of the stamping.  I cut the flower with the Cricut AP Cartridge and then used the coordinating stamp.  I cut the leaves out on the cricut and crimped them with my Fiskars crimping tool.  I made a  fold in each leaf and distressed them with grey wool ink.

I used sparkles and Neutral Baker's Twine in grey wool to embellish this card. 

Life is Tweet Card

Here is another June Stamp of the Month card.  I cut the Colonial White flower out with the Cricut AP Cartridge and stamped it with the coordinating stamp.  I also cut the stem/leaf and the little bird piece with the Cricut as well. 

The large pink flower is from our Pink Ribbon Collection and I trimmed one flower off and adhered it with glue dots.  I added Pearl Opaques to the center of the flower and also to the bird's eye. 

After the card was assembled, I used our Bonding Memories Glue pen and traced the design on the large flower; I let it dry a bit; and then I added Prisma Glitter.

"A Little Birdie Told Me....It's your Birthday" Card

This is the card we made at $10 Month Playgroups this week.  We used the June Stamp of the Month, "Life is Tweet" along with the Lucy paper packet, coordinating stamp pads, and markers.  I cut the Colonial White and Cotton Candy paper using the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge - I LOVE that cartridge!

 We stamped the bird with StazOn ink on the Colonial White piece; stamped it again on the yellow floral paper; and cut it out.  The yellow bird piece is popped with Foam Tape for added dimension.  We used a Black Opaque Pearl for his eye and embellished the party hat with Silver Glitz Glitter Glue.  We also added seam binding to the card to finish it off.

Life is Tweet is available through June 30.  You may purchase it for $17.95 or $5 with a $50 subtotal purchase.  This stamp set is Cricut AP Compatible as you can see. 

This is also Stampaganza Month!  That means - Purchase 2 stamp sets, get the 3rd one FREE (equal or lessor value - tax and shipping applies).  Click here to shop for your awesome My Acrylix Stamp Sets and Life is Tweet today!

Dotty for You - Fluttering By Card

This is the final card that I showed at the Cricut Class last week.  It is the 2nd card base on page 55 (card/shift keys).  I adhere a piece of Dotty paper inside the card show that it would show through the cut out butterflies.  I used a 2" butterfly that I embossed with the cuttlebug and adhered it with foam tape - I used Mocha Opaque for the body.

I stamped the sentiment and butterflies from the "A Tree" stamp set and used the stubble tool to add color to it.  I also used Paradise Baker's Twine.

Dotty For You - Cheer Up Card

This Dotty For You card was created for the Cricut Class last week as well.  It is the card on page 55 in the Cricut AP Cartridge booklet.  I cut a 4 1/2" card from sweet leaf cardstock and then again from the Striped Dotty for You paper.  I cut the striped card in 1/2 and used the card front to adhere to the sweet leaf card base; trimming a 1/2" from the top and the bottom of the striped piece.

I used the "4 My Friend" stamp set to stamp "Cheer Up" in the window of the card.  I cut the Colonial White focal point from  <rectangle7> and stamped the bird from the "A Rainbow" stamp set.   I used Mocha Pearls, Tan Hemp, and feathers (purchased at craft store) to embellish this card.

Dotty For You - Monogram Card

This is a monogram card that I created for my Cricut class last week.  This month, we focused on page 55 of the Cricut AP Cartridge booklet.  That page includes the <rectangle7> and <buttrfly2>.  The "B" is found on the font/shift keys.  I think monogrammed cards are really fun - I had planned to make them for our office staff at school but ran out of time.

I used the  Instant Memories stamp set (flourish).  I cut a

 2 1/2" "B" and tied our new Paradise Baker's Twine on it.  I used Mocha Pearls to create the butterfly's body.

The "Dotty for You" paper packet is only available for 4 more days.  Get yours for $5 with a $35 subtotal purchase.

  Click Here to Shop

Dotty for You - Sunflower Cards

This pretty card was made using the Dotty for You paper packet and our May Stamp of the Month, "Friendship Bouquet."  I  stamped the sunflower with StazOn ink and used our watercolors and blending pen to fill it in.  Pearl Opaques, a Clear Button, and seam binding finish it off.  We made this at Debbie Y's home gathering this week and everyone really enjoyed making it.

I am a follower of Christine Adam's blog.  This week she has had some really pretty Dotty/Friendship Bouquet cards that inspired me.  I re-created a couple of them for you and I am posting them here.  Check out her blog for more inspiration!

Stamp lifting Christine - I used StazOn Black ink along chalk to fill in this sunflower.  I used a blending pen with Lagoon ink to fill in the outer edges of the sunflower image.  Prisma glitter was used on the center of the flower.

Also, stamp lifting Christine's card - This is a monochromatic version of the sunflower card.  It is simply stamped with Black StazOn ink.  Then I used pearl paint and stroked it across the sunflower.  I think it is a very pretty version of the sunflower and so SIMPLE!

There are only a few days left to purchase the Dotty for You Paper packet and the Friendship Bouquet Stamp of the Month.  I think you will agree that they are a perfect match!  Dotty for You is only $5 when you make a $35 subtotal purchase and Friendship Bouquet is $5 with a $50 purchase...both are great deals!    Click Here if you would like to purchase either of these items!

Dotty For You - Butterfly Wreath

This is the project that we made last night at my Cricut Class.  I used a small wreath from Hobby Lobby and we added tulle and butterflies that I cut with the Cricut AP Cartridge. 

I embossed the butterflies with the Cuttlebug using several folders. We embellished the butterfly bodies with our Mocha Pearl Opaques and then adhered them to the tulle

with glue dots. 

The Dotty For You Paper Packet is only available until May 31 (or while supplies last)!  To get yours, you need to make a $35 subtotal products purchase and then you are able to purchase Dotty for You for $5!  Click Here to Shop or simply email me your order.

Treasured Friend Card

This card was made last week at our $10 Month Club Playgroups.  I used the Pemberly paper packet and the May Stamp of the Month, "Friendship Bouquet."  We also used the Eclectic Edges and the Stitched Together stamp sets. 

The technique I showed at Playgroups demonstrated how to use our awesome Watercolor Pencils and our Blending Pen.  These items lead to beautiful water colored images.  You will feel like Picasso when you use them!  I used Round Durables Studs and Bronze Glitz Glitter Gel to embellish this card.

Don't miss your opportunity to order "Friendship Bouquet."  It is available during the month of May and is only $5 when you purchase other items totaling $50 subtotal!

Birds of a Feather - Mother's Day Card

If you have been a CTMH customer for any length of time you might remember this paper packet.  It is an oldie and I will tell you why I decided to use it. 

 I bought these cute little metal birds at Hobby Lobby before Easter and thought they would be very cute on a card.  As I started to make Mother's Day cards for the mom's in our lives, I decided to look through older paper and see if the birds coordinated with anything in my stash. 

Low and behold, Life's Delights was a perfect match (there were one each of pink, green, and purple birds in the package).   I would normally showcase something new on my blog, but let's face it...we all have paper we haven't used.  Why do we "save" it?  Get it out and USE it to make something delightful!

I used my Cricut AP cartridge to cut a branch for my bird.  I also used seam binding and an opaque to dress it up.  Needless to say, the mom's loved the card!  I hope that you are making things that brighten people's day.  Happy Scrapping and Stamping!

Cool Cruisin' Card

This is another card that I showed at the Cricut Class in April.  I used the Cruisin' Paper Pack and the April Stamp of the Month, "You Are..."  I cut the stars (both layers) with the Cricut AP Cartridge and popped them with foam tape.  I used our Durables Studs and black seam binding as the embellishments.  I think this would make a fabulous masculine card for birthdays, father's day, graduation, etc. 

You only have a few more days to order the April Stamp of the Month!  Don't miss out on this fabulous stamp set!

Incredibly Fun Cricut Card

I made this card for the Cricut Class last week. Each month we focus on one page in the Cricut AP booklet. This month we used page 40 which is <tag2> and <star5>. The card was cut as a 4 1/2" card. I cut the ribbon slide/tag from the tag key on page 40 as well. I used the April Stamp of the Month, "You Are...," to add the sentiment and seam binding ribbon and Durables Studs to embellish this card. This card would be really cute tied to a coordinating sack.

Cricut French Fry Box - Cricut Class Project

Wow, it has been a busy time of year in my world. I have missed not blogging the past few weeks and I am hoping to have a little more time to post inspiring projects for you!

Here is a cute little French Fry Box made with the Cricut AP Cartridge (font layer; shift; <shape6>) .  The french fry box is made from the Cruisin' paper packet and I cut the box 7".  The red and black stars and the banner were cut with the AP cartridge as well. 

I used a small star out of our Dimensional Elements Stars package and I colored over the star with the brush tip of a Twilight Marker.  The word "Amazing" is from the April Stamp of the Month called "You Are...".    A bling button adds dazzle to this project.

This little box could be used for lots of purposes.  I think this is perfect for a gift card holder like the above picture shows (stuff with gift shred and put a gift card in).  A few ideas are:  graduation, a new baby, birthday, etc.  The class participants said they thought it would be fun stuff with candy, or other small treats too.

Above is the April Stamp of the Month, "You Are..."   It is $17.95 or $5 with your purchase of $50 or more.  I would be happy to order it for you, or you can shop on my website http://ctmh.com/stampingaudrey from the comfort of your home.

 

Florentine Star Card

This card is another sample that I made for the Cricut Class on Saturday.  I used the card button on page 25 and cut it out as a 4 1/2" card.  For the star I cut four sizes of <star2> (3"; 2 1/2"; 2"; 1 1/2").  I used a scoring stylus and our fabulous new ruler to emboss the lines on the back of each star - going point to point (use your versamat or a mouse pad under your star).  I creased the embossed lines and rubbed a Cocoa stamp pad across them.  3D foam tape between each layer makes the star look dimensional.

Don't you just love our Mini Medley's!  I used the Pewter Mini Medley corner and a button.  I tied a piece of Color Ready Seam Binding through the button.

Florentine Ticket Card

I have a monthly Cricut Class and my goal is to teach participants how to use their Cricut.  We focus on one page in the Cricut AP Cartridge Booklet each month.  This month our focus was on page 25 in the booklet which is <rectangle4> and <star2>. 

This card is one of the pieces of artwork that I created to show at our Cricut Class this past week.  The card base is on the "Card" button - which you will find on the <rectangle4> button.  The size of the card is 5 1/2" tall.  I also cut the <rectangle4> shapes and used them across the front of the card.

I used the Enjoy stamp set to stamp the bottom layer of the flower (it was cut on the Cricut too).  The top flower is the <flower6> shape.  I sponged the edges of both flowers and curled the petals upward on the top flower. I used an Antique Copper Designer Brad in the center of the flower. 

I also used the Family Love stamp set to stamp the focal point.  I stamped it by using the rock n roll technique with  Creme' Brulee ink and Twilight ink,  Seam binding ribbon finishes this card off.

If you have a Cricut and need to learn how to use it, you should join me for the next class which is scheduled for April 9 (pre-registration is required).  The project is $2 or FREE when you place an order at the class.

Seed Packet Door Hanger - Cricut Class Project

First, let me say that this project was inspired from my friend, Christine Adams.  She is very, very talented and made this project with the Lucy paper packet.  It was so darling, I knew that we just had to make that our Cricut Class

project for March!

This door hanger is on page 25 of the Cricut Art Philosophy Booklet and it is on the Font Layer.  I cut the door hanger as  "Fit to Page" and the Cricut cut it as an

11 1/2" door hanger. 

I used the Enjoy stamp set to stamp the flower (it is a Cricut image and the stamp says "freshly baked" - we covered the sentiment with the top flower).  I cut out a second flower on the Cricut.  We curled the petals upward on the top flower and layered the flowers with 3D Foam tape.  We used a glue dot to adhere a glass pebble to the flower center.  

The flower leaves are made from our new Color Ready Seam Binding - I used a sponge dauber to apply Olive ink to the seam binding.  The sentiment is from the May Stamp of the Month "Friendship Bouquet."  Pearl opaques were used on the corners of the sentiment. 

We used ribbon to add gardening gloves from Dollar Tree and a Basil Seed Packet purchased at Wal-Mart.   These would  be great little gifts for teachers or someone special.

**Tip - When adding ink to Color Ready Seam Binding, use a hot dry iron to help the drying process along .  Adhesive won't stick to wet ribbon!

Pemberly 12x12 Layout

I made this layout with our new Pemberly paper packet, which is another multi-purpose paper packet.  The Bohemian Assortment is a great embellishment package to use with Pemberly (the buttons and the doilies).  I also added Natural Hemp as the "ribbon" and pearl Opaques.  The stamp sets I used were:  Love Life and Family Love. 

The Family Love stamp set is Cricut AP compatible,  so I cut the cardstock piece that I stamped the quote on.  The quote says, "You don't choose your family; they are God's gift to you as you are to them."  The Family Love stamp set is

chock full of "family" quotes and a great one to have if you scrapbook family photos.  

  

Housewarming Gift Clear Card

I made this card for a friend that just moved into a new house to go with her "housewarming gift."  This clear card is adorned with all 6 patterns from the Florentine paper packet.  Florentine is so versatile and it can be used for

many different themes. 

I used the Enjoy stamp set that is featured with Florentine.  I cut a rose from the Florentine B&T with the Cricut cartridge and sponged the edges of it with Cocoa ink.  I used our fabulous new Color Ready Seam Binding for the leaves and used a dauber to add Olive ink to it.  I also used our new Just Blooms Paper Shapes and added Creme' Brulee ink to it.  I folded it up and adhered it with 3D Foam Tape.  Opaques are the perfect embellishment for this beautiful paper!

Florentine Friends Tall Card

I love the stamp set that I used for this tall card

(it is 3 1/2" x 8").  This stamp set is called

 Beautiful Friendship.  I cut the leaves with the AP Cricut Cartridge and sponged Olive ink over them to make them look shaded.  The Twilight B&T is from the Florentine paper packet.  I also used Durables Pewter Studs to embellish the center of each floral image.

**Tips - I used the Rock 'n Roll technique on the floral images.  I actually used three colors of ink - Creme' Brulee, Olive, and Twilight.  You always want to start with the lightest color and finish with the darkest color.  In this case, I stamped with Creme' Brulee; then I rolled it the edges with Olive; and then rolled the very outer edges with Twilight.

Florentine 3x3 Card

I made this 3x3 card using Florentine paper and our March Stamp of the Month "Potential".  Potential is Cricut compatible so I cut the circle on the Cricut and stamped the fleur de lis with Creme' Brulee ink.  WOTG kits inspired the pleated paper ribbon.  I used Pin Clips and Opaques as my embellishments.

This is Potential - the March Stamp of the Month.  It is $17.95 or $5 when you make a $50 purchase.  During March, you can purchase it directly from me or from my brand new website http://ctmh.com/stampingaudrey.

Florentine Happy Birthday Card

This birthday card was created from our Florentine paper packet.  Florentine is suitable for many different themes.  I used several stamp sets on this card:  Potential (March Stamp of the Month), Enjoy (the largest flower), 4 My Friend (the "happy birthday"). 

The embellishments that I used are:  Just Blooms Paper Shapes (just add ink), Pin Clips, Durables Pewter Stud, Color Ready Seam Binding (I added olive ink with a dauber to make beautiful ribbon leaves), and a flower button from the basic button assortment. 

"Unique" Layout

When I was creating this layout, I had my daughter, Stephanie, in mind.  Her favorite colors are Turquoise and Brown, and she LOVES bling, so this looks like her.  The only problem is that she is so busy, we haven't had

time for a photo shoot!

I used the Stella Paper Packet along with the Love Life stamp set and our new "Sparkle Flourishes."  I also used Cocoa-colored seam binding ribbon.  I cut the large flower and "Unique" with the Cricut AP Cartridge.  

On the right side of the layout I used the Fashionista and Just For You stamp sets.  The Fashionista stamp set has a wonderful quote that says, "Love Who You Are," and I think that is good advice for each of us. 

The flowers are from the Just for You stamp set.  That stamp set is really awesome because you get to choose your petals.  It is Cricut compatible with our cartridge, so I cut the flowers out; stamped the outline; and then stamped the petals individually.

This close up shows the petals better.  I rock 'n rolled each petal using Sunset and Lagoon stamp pads.  I think it gave a cool Bohemian look to the flowers and the layout in general.  I typically distress everything with ink, but I decided to sand everything for this layout.

Patriotic Pinwheel Centerpiece

It seems like pinwheel are all the rage these days.  My mom found the little vases at a local shop called "Uncommon Graphics" and I found the star centerpiece at the dollar store.  The Super Hero paper packet is perfect for patriotic pinwheels!  I used the American Celebration stamp set to stamp the flag and tied it on the vase with red seam binding ribbon.

I used straws to make the pinwheel sticks.   I adhered a glue dot at the top of the straw and wrapped it with our black and white Baker's Twine.  As I progressed down the straw, I added glue dots ever so often to keep the twine adhered to the straw.

I cut 3" squares and marked them as shown with a pencil.  I marked the center point and then made the pencil marks up to 1/2" from the center point.

The next step is to cut along the pencil marks and erase the pencil marks.  Fold the top right corner of each triangle down to the center and adhere with permanent adhesive.

The next step is to install a brad through all of the layers of the pinwheel.  I used a large silver Shimmer Brad for the center of my pinwheels.

Here is a close up of the finished pinwheel.  I adhered them to the straws with 3D Foam Tape. 

I think pinwheels would be great for birthday parties, baby showers, backyard picnics, etc.