Pins and Needles

That's what I am sitting on...pins and needles. Spellbinders is having their design team call for 2011. I really...really....REALLY want to make the team. I'm sure there are hundreds of talented people trying out, so I'm not going to hold my breath...but....how dang exciting would it be to make their team?!!!!
I LOVE their dies, they allow you to cut, emboss and stencil all in one. But, one of the most awesome features is, that they are compatiable with most die cut systems like the Cuttlebug.

If your interested in giving it a go, click HERE for all the details. Pin It

Money Cards

This year I decided to make the money cards and gift bags (will share bags later). I had some papers from Martha Stewarts Golden Woodland collection from a couple years ago, so decided to use them for this project. Here are just a couple I have made so far.

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Center piece

This week, the design team over at The Cuttlebug Spot were to create a New Years project. I was a bit stumped this week on what to make. I didn't want to make another banner, but that is what my mind kept gravitating towards. Then while shopping in the Dollar Tree, I seen a paper cone hat...hmmmm....what could I do with this?

Well, here is what I came up with...a center piece.

 

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Scraplifting

One of the monthly challenges this month over at Scrappin N Chattin is to scraplift from one of the members. This was hard, as there are so many talented gals. After searching the albums, I finally decided to lift one of the layouts by the ever so talented Abby (click her name to see more of her awesome work on her blog)

here is Abby's layout

             here is my layout

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Rachel Lee

My newest grandbaby has arrived!  Rachel Lee made her entrance on December 3, 2010 weighing in at 6 pounds and 14 ounces and was 20 inches long.

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Count Down To Christmas

After a break from the Thanksgiving holiday, The Cuttlebug Spot is back up and running with it's weekly challenges. This week, we are to use our favorite embossing technique on a Christmas card. I made an easel card and added a hidden pocket to store the interchangable numbers. For the embossing, I ran my Spellbinders dies through the Cutttlebug with the tan embossing mat, then inked them up. There is also other embossing techniques, however, you just can't see them in the photos....I know....it's my story...lol!



Close up of tree
I used Stickles and
followed the pattern
in the patter to add
some bling

the hidden pocket
the numbers attach
with velco

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November 24 Hour Challenge

Another month, another 24 hour challenge over at Scrappin N Chattin. This is actually Novembers 24 hour challenge, we just did it a bit later due to the Thankgiving holiday.

I LOVE this challenge. We list three collections that we have, then three sketches are chosen by our hostess. I am given a name of someone who has signed up to play along, then I choose which collection of the three they listed and one of the three sketchs. Then that person has 24 hours to complete their layout.

I was given this sketch designed by Sassy Lil Sketches, and My Minds Eye Alphabet Soup Boy collection.

Here is my take on the sketch

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There's a DT Call

The Paper Variety is having a Design Team call. If you haven't ever been over to their blog, you must go...it is a fantastic challenge blog. You don't just  have to be a scrapbooker, if you love making any type of paper craft, The Paper Variety is for you.

If you don't want to commit to a Design Team, please still pop over and play along. The challenges are great and the prizes are even better! Right now they are having 3 giveaways, head on over to their blog for all the details. Pin It

Expecting

I have really slacked this month on the challenges over at Scrappin N Chattin. I figured I better at least get one thing submitted. One of the requirements were to repeat the same picture. I used pictures of my daughter in law, she is expecting my granddaughter any day now. You really can't tell in the photos, but she is HUGE (sorry Kim...lol). I used one of the new flower vines that I made out of coffee filters (if you haven't seen the video, click on the "Tutorials" tab right under my header)

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Tea Roses

I went to Michaels in search of those mini flowers on a vine. They didn't have any. The employee in the floral section said they only carry those in the spring???? Talk about being disappointed! I had a couple projects in mind. After pouting for a few seconds, the light clicked on! I could make my own! Ok, now how was I going to make them? I strolled around the store looking for ideas, when it hit me....coffee filters! I wouldn't have to spend any money, I would just steal some of my hubbys filters.....he would never notice...lol

Upon returning home, I dug out the supplies and got busy. Here is my fisished product. The flowers are roughly an inch in a half, the total vine is roughly 7 inches long. I added tinsel glitter for that added bling we all love.

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Challenge Blogs Blog Hop

The Cuttlebug Spot is participating in a Challenge Blogs blog hop. The design teams were asked to create a project using something that each challenge blog has chosen. Such as, inks, paints, or mists, 3 of one thing, lace....ect... It was very fun to pull all these things together. To learn more and find the other blog links to the hop, head over to The Cuttlebug Spot and follow along. Nilda is going to choose one lucky commenter to receive a yummy goodie, so be sure to leave some lovin'! Remember, follow the links to the other blogs that are participating, there are some awesome goodies to be had!

here's what I created

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Place Setting

UGH....I'M LATE POSTING!!!! (please don't strangle me Nilda!)

For The Cuttlebug Spot this week, we are continuing the Thankgiving theme. Nilda has ask us to make things for the dinner table. I made place settings and napkin rings. I kept the design matching last weeks invitation. I just love all the fall colors!

Be sure to head over the The Cuttlebug Spot and see what the other DT members have created, plus, enter for your chance at this weeks prize.

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Love Canvas

This weeks challenge over at The Paper Variety is Wedding theme. Suzanne, one of the owners really inspired me this week with her altered canvas. You can see it here.

I had picked up some little cavas at Michaels in the dollar bins. They have been tucked away all forgotten for more than a year. They had nautical screen printing on them, but I figured I coulds still alter them....afterall....they were only a dollar. This is what they looked like when I bought them.

Here is the after

Be sure to head over to TPV to see what the DT and the other members have created. There is a great prize to be had this week!
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Smoking

I have been a smoker for 31 years....I know....surprised huh? If your trying to do the math, I was 14 when I started.....14!!!! Everyone around me smoked, my dad, my sisters, my brother, my friends, it couldn't be that bad if every one was doing it...right? WRONG!

Many illnesses are related to smoking. Heart Disease (which I suffer with), lung cancer (which my grandfather died from and my sister suffers from), plus many many other health issues. You would think that these things would make a person not want to smoke, but smoking is a drug, just as bad as some of the illegal drugs running rampant on the streets. Smoking is HIGHLY addictive and the HARDEST thing I have ever tried to conquer!

Today is day 6 of being smoke free. I think I'm through the rough withdrawls. The tension in the neck and shoulders, snapping at anyone near me. Now I have to get through the wanting. I don't feel that I need it, I just want one. Pin It

Invitations

This week Nilda has asked the Design Team to make Thanksgiving Dinner invitations for The Cuttlebug Spot. Now this one really stumped me! I don't usually make dinner invitations. If someone gets ever so lucky for me to cook them dinner, they get invited by telephone....LOL!

I had sat down at my craft table several times throughout the week, and nothing was coming to me....ugh! I was beginning to get really nervous thinking I wasn't going to be able to create anything to turn in this week. Then last night, this vision came to me....yep....no joke!

the vision

I started with a 5x5 scalloped flat card. I inked the edges and spritzed it with Glimmer Mist, then ran it through the Cuttlebug with the Swirls embossing folder. I cut a piece of cardstock 4.5x4.5, ran it through the Cuttlebug with the Textile embossing folder, then inked the raised design and adhered it to the card base. I printed the information on a neutral cardstock, then cut it out using a Spellbinders Lable 2 die. You can also use those in your Cuttlebug.

For the bouquet, I took a length of cardstock and rolled it up, gluing the bottom. From the top, I cut strips going down. I rolled up the strips to make paper tendrils. I cut the leaves using the Cricut Create A Critter cartridge, inked them then adhered them in the center of all the curled up strips and adjusted them until I liked the way they looked. I cut different size flowers also using the Create A Critter cartridge. I inked them and also embossed them using the swirls and swiss dots folders. Curled them up a bit, added some gems, then adhered them.

close up of bouquet

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Danger!

I have been having fun making Halloween items this month. Here is another card I made.

Front

Inside

(not sure why the difference in coloring, I took the photos in the same location. It is made with Black Magic cardstock with green core.)

The base of the card is made using the gate fold technique. I started with a piece of 12x6 cardstock. I scored at 2, 4, 8, & 10 inches. At the 4 and 8 inch score, fold towards the center of card. Then at the 2 and 10 inch score, fold away from the center. Now embellish as you please.

I of course I had to figure out how to emboss the top tabs with the Cuttlebug. It was very easy. I folded the card up, then placed one tab between the folder and ran it through....worked great! then repeated for the other side.

I cut a scalloped square using the Create A Critter cardridge and again ran it through the Cuttlebug (LOVE my Cuttlebug!) The skull and the word danger were cut using the Wall Decor and More cartridge. The poison bottle and the mat were cut using Ashlyn's Alphabets cartridge. I inked every thing up then pieced it all together.

This card is being entered in the following challenges.

http://www.creativeimspirationschallenge.blogspot.com/

http://www.fabulouscricut.blogspot.com/

http://www.haunteddesignhouse.blogspot.com/

http://www.acraftylittleplace.blogspot.com/

http://www.paperplaytime.blogspot.com/

www.crazy4challenges.blogspot.com

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Sweet Treats

The theme this week over at The Paper Variety is "Sweet Treats". Make a treat bag or some type of holder. Sticking with the Halloween theme, I made a treat bag to go along with my other projects I have made this month. If you don't decorate for Halloween, no problem, just make it for any holiday or birthday.

With Core'dinations Black Magic cardstock with green on the reverse side, I cut it the length of my baggie and wide enough to score in half. I then ran it through the Cuttlebug with the Spots and Dots embossing folder and sanded the embossed areas so the green would show through. With a border punch, I punched a strip of patterned paper to run along the bottome edge of the embossed cardstock. I glued down some fibers.

I cut the skull using the Wall Decor and More cartridge by Cricut. Inking it up to give him an aged spooky look. I stamped the word "poison" on orange cardstock and crinkled it up, then inked it. I drew the cross bones free hand and also inked them. I adhered the crossbones and skull with pop dots for a 3d look.

I stamped the baggie with a spider using Staz On ink, then filled it with candy (it would have looked better with those eye ball gum drops, but I didn't have any on hand) I then folded the cardstock in half and attached with staples to complete the packaged look.

close up

Be sure to head over to TPV to see what the awesome design team and other members have created.

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Butterfly Kisses

I have been in a layout slump the past couple of weeks. I really hate when that happens!

This layout has been on my craft table for days, and last night I made up my mind I was going to finish it and stop just looking at it. I made it for one of the monthly challenges at Scrappin N Chattin. We had to used rolled paper in some fashion. Using cardstock by Webster Pages, I cut out a section then rolled the paper. I attached the photo to another piece of cardstock and adhered it to the back side. I cut the circle with George and Basic Shapes Cricut cartridge then randomly added glitter. I made the flowers (video coming soon). Of course I had to add bling. The butterflies were floating around in my stash, I don't remember who they are by. With tiny alphas, I spelled out "Butterfly Kisses". I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

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SPOOKY

The scary Halloween theme continues over at The Cuttlebug Spot. This week I made a banner. If you don't decorate for Halloween, you can make this for any holiday or birthday.

I cut the banners at 3 inches, using the Country Life Cricut cartridge. It's kinda hard to see in the picture that I ran it through the Cuttlebug with the spots and dots embossing folder, then inked the edges and highlighted the embossed parts. The bat is a Cuttlebug die, the alphas are boxed brush by Sizzix that I also ran through the Cuttlebug. The skulls are from the Birthday Cakes Cricut cartridge and are cut at 2 1/2 inches

I used an eyelet at the bottom of the banner and the top of the skull, then used black floss to attach them. I then tied on orange and black fuzzy fibers. With a jump ring, I added a bead to the bottom of the skull.

Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to go check out the other Design Teams spook-tacular projects HERE

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Treat Holders

Don't you just love Halloween? I enjoy seeing all the decorations and of course the kids in their costumes on Halloween night.

This week The Cuttlebug Spot Design Team made treat holders. I am in awe of what the others made, so be sure to head over there and check them all out.

For my treat holder, I used Core'dinations Black Magic cardstock. I ran the front of it through the Cuttlebug with the Spots & Dots embossing folder. I then sanded the embossed areas so the orange would show through. I cut the skull and word danger from Cricuts Wall Decor and More cartridge. The handle I used a border punch on both sides, then ran it through the Cuttlebug with the Swiss Dots embossing folder, again sanding it so the orange would show. I stapled orange and black fibers to each side. I crickled up thin strips of black paper for the inside.

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The Winner

I'm running a bit behind in getting the winner of the Trivia Giveaway posted.



QUESTION:

It is against the US Federal Government to throw this away, however, 7 MILLION get thrown away each day. What is it?


ANSWER:

Pennies


Have you done the math? That is 70,000 dollars EACH day! wow! wish I could find all of them...LOL.

I put in everyones name in a dish who stated pennies, and mixed them all up....then mixed them somemore....and mixed them yet again....and.....

the winner is............

Scrapping Galaxy!

Congrats, please email me your snail mail info to scrappyartcrafters at yahoo dot com, and I will get the pins on their way to you.

Thanks everyone for playing along! Pin It

Feeling Good

Five days later and I'm feeling good!

I had a stent put in my right artery, which was 70-80% blocked, and a balloon in the left side, which was 99% blocked. The reason for the balloon instead of a stent on the left side is due to my artieries being very small. There is another blockage at 75%, but it too is to small for any type of correction.

I've always said my mom and dad didn't put me together right....LOL!

I am making some life changing changes, #1 is to stop smoking. This has been the hardest thing for me, I have been smoking for 30 years. I feel I am doing very well. I have only smoked 4 cigarettes since Sunday evening. I know each day will get easier for me.

I also have to change my eating habits. I don't like alot of foods, and really think it is a waste that God created us to have to eat to survive. I get all my calories each day from soda....not good huh? anyway, my mom bought me this awesome heart healthy cookbook. I have had 3 meals out of it which were all wonderful.

I will now take it day by day! Pin It

It's Time!

Time for what you ask?

For my very first Design Team reveal with The Cuttlebug Spot. I am so excited to have been chosen to join the team. I LOVE my Cuttlebug!

Being that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, to represent the "Power of Women", we designed our projects around that theme. Here is my creation.

I have chosen to make a card. I set the card base up on the Cricut Expression to cut the oval shape out. I had to do the same for the pink cardstock. With the D'Vine Swirl embossing plate, I embossed the pink cardstock, then rubbed it lightly with a pale pink ink pad, highlighting the embossed swirls.

With white cardstock, I cut out a oval frame. Using the Swiss Dots embossing folder and again rubbing lightly with a pale pink ink pad.

I made the ribbon and added sprays of foliage that I punched using a Martha Stewart punch, then added a small Prima rose. Notice that stick pin?, one of my new creations. You can check more out in my shop HERE.

Lastly, I printed the sentiment on an oval shape and adhered it to the card.

Be sure to check out what the other talented designers have created, you can find a link to their blogs on the right side bar.


Thanks for looking!
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Trivia Giveaway

I thought it would be fun to post a trivia question and give y'all a chance to win some of the stick pins I make. You will win 3 fall colored pins just in time to add to your fall cards, layouts and projects.

All you have to do, is to leave a comment with the correct answer. I will then put all the names of those with the correct answer in a drawing. You have until Friday October 8th at midnight your time zone to enter. (I am unable to ship this item international...for this I am very sorry)

Now, on to the question.

It is against the US Federal Government to throw this away, however, 7 MILLION get thrown away each day. What is it?

Good Luck!

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DCWV Giveaway!

DCWV is having a giveaway on their blog! Want a chance to win these goodies?

Midnight Spell Stack
Amber Autumn Stack
Happy Hauntings Cricut Cartridge

if so, head over to their blog to learn what you have to do for your chance to win.

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Exciting News!

I have been chosen to join the Design Team for the Cuttlebug Spot. I am so stinkin' excited! I LOVE my Cuttlebug! My term begins in October, with the first reveal on October 4th. I would really enjoy if you joined us and follow along. Also, when you get a chance, check out the other fabulously talented Design Team blogs, which are located over on my side bar. They are FULL of great inspiration.

Hope to see you there!

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Texas Outlaw

This week over at The Paper Variety, we were to follow this recipe. Be sure to read the ABC's, it's not based on colors.

Here is what I came up with incorporating this weeks sketch from Sassy Lil Sketches.

The "C" is to incorporate "cinema" so for the title I based it on the old western Texas Outlaw. I think it fits perfectly with this picture of Dax, after all, he is from Texas...lol. Pin It

Look What You Could Win!

Is that scrap-licous or what?! How do you win it you ask? Well, just head over to The Paper Variety and find out! While there, be sure to check out ALL the inspiration...those gals are uber talented!

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TPV's First Challenge

The Paper Variety kicked off with it's first challenge on September 15th. If you haven't been over there to check it out yet, don't wait! It is an awesome new challenge blog that the uber talented Abby and Suzanne have created. They have worked hard to bring to us crafters a variety of craft challenges with awesome prizes! They will be using random.org to choose a winner, so whether your a beginner, or a pro, you have the same chances of winning.

This weeks challenge is based on a sketch designed by Abby herself. You don't have to make a layout, you can make a card, wall decor, or what ever your lil heart desires.

I have chosen to do a layout, because that is what I make the most. I used old scrap papers that I have been hording. The photo is of my oldest sister Marie taken by the tree in my front yard during her recent visit.

Thanks for stopping by!

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MME Challenge 15

It's time for My Minds Eye Challenge 15. I don't know if you knew, but My Minds Eye is my FAVORITE. (not just saying this because of their challenge.....lol) When I ran across their blog and seen the requirements for the challenge, I was like....shoot....use at least 80% of their product and follow a sketch....I CAN do that!!!

I decided to use some of their older stuff. Like, the Complete Boy paper collection and some Signature Suite cardstock sayings. I absolutely LOVE the papers in the collection.

The Sketch

My Take

I am also using this layout for one of the SC10 challenges, a monthly challenge that is hosted over at Scrappin-N-Chattin. One of the five challeges is to use a black and white photo. I immediately thought of this photo. I so LOVE this picture of Rick and Dax when Dax was just a few days old. I have had it framed for over 3 years, just have never scrapped it until now. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.

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Scrappy Spaces

Recently, we moved into our new townhome. I have converted the den into my scrappy space. It is still a work in progress, as I still don't have everything put away and organized. Plus, I keep moving everything all around as I discover what works best for me where.

I thought I would get around to making a video of it someday, but I don't think Lori will wait on her giveaway until I get one done...especially since her deadline is tomorrow...LOL. She recently had a room re-do, and in celebration of getting her room finished, she is hosting a giveaway on her blog for sharing your space. Now my space is NO where near as beautiful as hers, so be sure to head over to her blog to check out her awesome space. http://lorimancini.typepad.com/ .

Now on to my space!

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SNC September Sketch

This months sketch over at Scrappin-N-Chattin is awesome this month. I may even have to make more layouts using this sketch. This was Dax's second Halloween, he wasn't quite 2 years old. While shopping for a costume, he seen Scooby Doo and that was all she wrote! He had to have the puppy! He loved this costume so much that he still wore it after Halloween until it just wouldn't fit him anymore. I actually think we still have the hat part somewhere.
I used random papers that I have had in my stash forever, so I can't tell you who they are by.

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5 Pattern Papers & Sketch Challenge

Over at Scrappin N Chattin, the September challenges are in full swing. One of them is to use 5 different pattern papers. And this week over at Sassy Lil Sketches we were given this sketch.

So I scoured my new photos and thought these would be great with the Cosmo Cricket Snorkle line that I had won from Scrappin N Chattin. Here is what I came up with.

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"At the Fair"

This covers two challenges, The Cuttlebug Spot, which is "At the Fair". We were to make a card with something we remember from the fair. You would think that the first thing I would think of would be the rides, or the fresh apple pies for sale. But I didn't, I thought of the animals the kids raise and take to the fair for judging. So that is where my inspiration came from. Of course, you would then think that I would think of the cows, or the sheep. But again, I didn't. I thought of the roosters....go figure...lol.

At Jitter Buggin Challenge, we are to follow this weeks sketch of course, and a favorite something, which is the fair. I LOVE walking around the fair and seeing all that the vendors have to offer. But by far, my favorite is the animal judging. It is hilarious to watch the little kids running around like crazy trying to catch their prized roosters and chickens!!! Also, we were to use two of our favorite colors. I've always loved the colors blue and red together.

The pattern papers are Complete Boy by My Minds Eye, I just love the colors in this line! The front base of the card, I used Core'dinations Black Magic with the red core. I ran it through the Cuttlebug with the spots and dots embossing folder, then sanded for the red to show through. I also made the rooster using the same cardstock.

I cut the rooster from Animal Kingdom Cricut cartridge. Actually, it was the chicken, but, I thought it looked more like a rooster than the rooster one. I cut it out 3 times in 3 colors to piece him together. (sure wish all the carts had the layering function like CAC) anyway, for his eyes, I used the old fashion hole punch, you know, the one you hit with the hammer. I used the large hole for the white, and the small hole for the black. And of course, I had to use pop dots for dimension. I think it is adorable!

The ribbon I made with the Office Help cart. I cut out the badge twice, and adhered the ribbon between them. Then topped it with the starburst and a circle. I cut the 1st from the Ashlyn's Alphabet cartridge. For the banner, I just cut elongated triangles by hand and added alpha rub ons, added some white embrodery floss for the tabs and used pop dots for more dimension.

All in all, I like how it turned out.

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Made Top 3!

I made Top 3 this week over at Jitter Buggin Challenge with this card

Now I am in the drawing for a new Cricut Cartridge...whewwww whoooo! Head on over to the blog to learn the details of this weeks challenge...who knows....maybe you'll get Top 3 and have a chance for a new cartridge too.

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Who doesn't like a giveaway????

I know I LOVE a giveaway!

We all are getting excited as the kick off date is getting closer for The Paper Variety (http://www.thepapervariety.blogspot.com ). A new blog created by the talented Abby and Suzanne, designed for all of us paper crafters in mind. There will be something for everyone, whether you make layouts, cards, or other paper projects. It will be full of awesome challenges, tutorials, and fun and games.

To celebrate the announcement of the new Design Team Memebers, they are giving away the life is good kit by Echo Park. If you haven't seen this kit yet, take a look....it is full of lusiousness!

For your chance to snag this kit, head on over to The Paper Variety to learn what you have to do to get into the drawing. Pin It