Paper Playtime Challenge & Flaunt It Fridays Blog Hop Winner From Pause Dream Enjoy

It's MONDAY!  You all know what THAT means, right?  There's a BRAND new Challenge starting today over at Paper Playtime.  The challenge this week is to use SNOWFLAKES somewhere on your paper project.

Here is the snowflake project I made.  It's just a little pocket size mini book with decorative pages and blank pages to keep with you while you're out and about this holiday season.

You can use this book for taking notes for gifts like shoes sizes, etc.  It can also be used to keep a list of what you've done and what you still need to do.

I used WINTER FROLIC for the snowflake cover and the pages.  This cut is on page 28 using the "Tag" feature cut @ 2 1/2".

Hope you'll pop over to Paper Playtime and play along.

If you participated in the Flaunt It Fridays blog hop last Friday, then you are probably anxious to hear who won the Market Street stamp, "Too Many Martinis", from my blog's give-away.

But first I want to say thank you so much to EVERYONE who left such nice comments.  You guys are so encouraging.  Thank you!  The Winner is..... BONNIE from A SCRAP ABOVE.  Congratulations, Bonnie! Please email me at northrose@slowar.com with your USA mailing address.

I hope everyone has a fun day!
Jingle Bells,
:) Janis

O CHRISTMAS TREE, O CHRISTMAS TREE...

Look what we did today!

Tom did his weekend, "Y'all ready to go?" this morning.

I love it when he does that!  It means we are off on a surprise adventure.

The adventure this morning was breakfast at The Skillet (yummy) and Real Christmas Tree shopping.  I was so stinkin' excited!

So, the real tree is in it's stand with the water and we bought lights and ornaments, Christmas star for the top, candy canes (which I'm sure will slowly be disappearing as we eat them between now and Christmas), and some lights for the deck.

We have not put up a tree in several years, so this is a very REAL treat!  Bonnie (our special needs daughter) and I had so much fun.  Tom put all the hooks on the ornaments, Bonnie put up all the candy canes and some of the ornaments, and I put up the rest of the ornaments.  Then since Tom is so tall and Bonnie and I are so short, he put up the Christmas Star on the top.

Smells good.  Looks good.  I love it!

We also got a Poinsettia for the table.  Beautiful.

Here are some birdies we saw napping in the tree really close to our deck.  Don't they look all snuggly and content?

Hope you guys are having a fun December.  

I think tomorrow Bonnie and I will bake some Christmas goodies.  I love Christmas baking!

I think it's time to sneak a Christmas tree candy cane.  Shhhhh.... 

Jingle Bells!

:) Janis

Paper Playtime Blog Hop December 11th

You are invited to join us for Christmas Blog Hop Fun on December 11th!  Our Paper Playtime Queens (a.k.a. Design Team) will have spectacular ideas for great gifts for that someone you want to do

 "a little something for."

Here is the list of awesome crafters you'll be hopping over to visit on Dec. 11th:

1. Paper Playtime - http://paperplaytime.blogspot.com
2. Janis - http://pausedreamenjoy.blogspot.com/
3. Sheree -  http://cravinscrappin.blogspot.com/
4. Carley -  http://www.the-real-icarley.blogspot.com/
5. Pam -  http://simply-pam.blogspot.com/
6. Mary -  http://cardztv.blogspot.com/
7. Maria -  http://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/
8. Sharon -   http://meemeescreations.blogspot.com/ 
9. Michelle -  http://mumoftwoblog.blogspot.com/ 
10. Corri -  http://www.buglvr.blogspot.com/
11. Lisa -  http://www.crop-and-create.blogspot.com/
12. Kathi -  http://www.blogbykathi.blogspot.com/ 
13. Alex -  http://www.youhadmeatcraft.com/ 
14. Sandra -  http://www.365daysofcricut.blogspot.com/
15. Melissa -  http://www.apaperjourney.blogspot.com/ 
16. Abby -  http://www.scrapbookaholicbyabby.com/ 
17.  Theresa - http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/

Who likes BLOG CANDY?!  We have an assortment of prizes to give away!  Want to know how you can get MORE chances to win?  Go ahead an put our BLOG HOP button on your blog / Facebook and leave me a comment on PAPER PLAYTIME'S BLOG HOP POST BY CLICKING HERE with a link to where you posted it.  1 entry for posting it on your blog, and 1 entry for posting it on your Facebook.  That's 2 extra chances you'll have to win!

Jingle, Jingle!
:) Janis

FLAUNT IT FRIDAYS 1ST CHALLENGE & BLOG HOP!

Any ideas what I can do with this mess?  Hey, I know, I'll turn it into a project for a new challenge blog I helped create with Sandra called Flaunt It Fridays!

Today is our very first post for our very first challenge! 

Each Friday we will post a challenge with a certain Cricut Cartridge and cut (including page number so you can find the cut in your manual).  Your challenge is to show us how you can flaunt that cut!  Of course if you don't have that cart, you can use a similar cut from another cartridge.

Our design team will be showing you how they flaunted that cut in their projects to inspire you.  Sounds like fun, huh?  

But wait.... there's more!  (I sound like an infomercial LOL)

Since today is our first challenge, we are also making it a BLOG HOP!  Yeah!  More details on that right after I show you how I FLAUNTED this week's cut choice.

This week your challenge is to use the Cricut cartridge WINTER FROLIC and the snowman cut on page 29.  Show us how you can flaunt this cut!  Here's what I came up with:

Card base is Kraft cardstock

Background paper from DCWV The Christmas Combo 180 Stack cut @ 5 1/4" x 4"

"Happy Holidays" cut from same DCWV Christmas stack from a page of various sentiments.

Button and jute from Joann's.

Solid colored papers from Recollections

WINTER FROLIC snowman page 29 cut @ 3"

Now... onto the BLOG HOP!

If you have arrived here from Sandra's blog, you are on the right track.  If not, CLICK HERE to start at the beginning.  Here's a list of the Entire Design Team on the hop:

Flaunt It Fridays - http://flauntitfridays.blogspot.com/ (start here)

Sandra - http://365daysofcricut.blogspot.com/
Janis - http://pausedreamenjoy.blogspot.com/ (YOU ARE HERE)
Theresa - http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/
Amanda - http://www.myscrappinobsession.com/
Christina - http://cardcreationsbyc.blogspot.com/
Stephanie - http://www.alwayscrafting.com/
Jess - http://myscrapdiary-jess.blogspot.com/
Ruthie - http://septemberninth.blogspot.com/
Dorcas - http://4craftyangels.blogspot.com/
Laurel - http://www.blog.littlepeaceofmyheart.com/
Raven - http://www.love4stamps.blogspot.com/
Flaunt It Fridays - http://flauntitfridays.blogspot.com/

For my BLOG HOP project, I made a MINI ALBUM using cuts from WINTER FROLIC.

Ornaments on pages 64 and 65 cut @ 3"

Tag on page 77 cut @ 3"

The inside of the album is made with creative folding and cutting 1 piece of 12" x 12" pattern cardstock.  Be sure to use cardstock with a pattern that can be "right side up" any way you turn it.

The covers are made with chipboard cut @ 3 1/4" and covered with pattern paper.

Here is a video of how to cut and fold the paper for the inside pages.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at northrose@slowar.com.

Who likes BLOG CANDY!?!

For a chance to win a STAMP SET from MARKET STREET STAMPS, just leave me some comment love on this post and have a USA shipping address.  Easy Peasy!  I'll announce the winner on Monday.

I will be giving away a stamp from Market Street Stamps called "Too Many Martinis".

Want even MORE good news?  When visiting one of our sponsors, Market Street Stamps, use the coupon code "FLAUNTIT" at checkout for 10% off your order!

Thank you so much for hopping along with us!  Now, I'm sending you to Theresa who is your next stop on the hop.  Remember, if you get lost along the way, CLICK HERE to start at the beginning.  Don't forget to leave comments on every stop along the way, and leave a 2nd comment on the Flaunt It Fridays blog saying you've visited everyone and left them comment love for a 2nd chance to win the Grand Prize sponsored by Peachy Keen Stamps and Market Street Stamps!

I'm having a blast!

:) Jingle Bells, Janis

BEST FRIENDS MINI

MERRY DECEMBER 1ST!  JINGLE BELLS!  JINGLE BELLS!  I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!

Here is a very simple mini album I made for one of my "Besties". I used purple cardstock from Recollections cut at 4 1/2" x 11"; scored @ 2 3/4", 5 1/2" and 8 1/4" and folded accordion style.

All decorative papers from We R Memory Keepers, Retro Collection.  Each panel is 4 1/2" x 2 3/4" so each decorative paper is cut 4" x 2 1/4.  Embellishments from same Retro Collection or K & Company.  There is lots of "blank" space for photos or journaling tags to be added.

On one of the panels is a journaling space where I wrote, "Thank you for being my friend."

Sending love in the mail is fun!

Jingle, Jingle!
:) Janis

New Challenge Blog & Blog Hop Info

My friend, Sandra and I have started a brand new challenge blog!  It's all about Cricut all the time.  The blog is called Flaunt It Fridays.  Each Friday there will be a specific Cricut Cartridge cut (with the page number so you can find it on your cart) Flaunted in all sorts of different ways in all sorts of different projects by our Design Team.  Your challenge will be to use the SAME cut from the SAME cartridge and show us how you can flaunt it!  Of course if you don't the cartridge, just pick a similar cut from another Cricut cart.

This Friday, December 3rd, is our first challenge, and we are starting it off with a BLOG HOP so that you can go visit all of our Design Team.  Leave a comment on Flaunt it Fridays, then leave comment love on each Designer's post, and hop back to leave a 2nd comment on Flaunt it Fridays again telling us you've visited everyone and left them comment love.  This will give you 2 chances to win our Grand Prize from our sponsor Peachy Keen Stamps!

Here is a list of the Design Team in case you want to go ahead and check them out:
Flaunt It Fridays - http://flauntitfridays.blogspot.com/
Sandra - http://365daysofcricut.blogspot.com/
Janis - http://pausedreamenjoy.blogspot.com/
Theresa - http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/
Amanda - http://www.myscrappinobsession.com/
Christina - http://cardcreationsbyc.blogspot.com/
Stephanie - http://www.alwayscrafting.com/
Jess - http://myscrapdiary-jess.blogspot.com/
Ruthie - http://septemberninth.blogspot.com/
Dorcas - http://4craftyangels.blogspot.com/
Laurel - http://www.blog.littlepeaceofmyheart.com/
Raven - http://www.love4stamps.blogspot.com/

Our blog hop will start @ 12:01 a.m. PST on Friday, December 3rd.  I'm so excited and can't wait to Flaunt & Hop with you on Friday!!

Jingle Bells!
:) Janis

52Q WEEK 18

It's Tuesday!  That means it's time for this week's 52Q!  Want to know more about 52Q?  CLICK HERE.  You'll get all the info on what it is, why you should play along, and all the links to the previous week's questions including a glimpse at my pages.

We are on Week 18 today!  This week's question is:

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR?

Me?  You want to know what I enjoy most about this time of year?  So glad you asked!  I enjoy looking at all the decorations and Christmas trees.  I could sit and stare at a Christmas tree and it's lights all evening - it's mesmerizing like watching a fire in the fireplace.

When we were growing up, my Mama decorated every room in our house for Christmas.  The den's mantel was covered in Angel Hair - which they don't even sell anymore (it was string glass) and Christmas figures, and Mama usually had a snow village set on the bathroom counter with decorations draped along the mirror and lights.  Mmmmmm..... memories.....

Here is the card / pocket holder for my page this week.  I took the ornament that I would normally use as the tag for my answer and tuck it inside the card..... instead this time, I punched a hole in the ornament and put it behind the page .

Page base is beige.

Background tree paper from RAK.

Papers for Christmas tree and ornament from Stampin' Up.

Cricut Cartridge:  WINTER FROLIC

Christmas Tree page 48 cut @ 4 1/2"

Ornament page 64 cut @ 4 1/2"

Phrase page 64 cut @ 3"

JINGLE, JINGLE!

:) Janis

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER... PAPER PLAYTIME CH#27

It's Paper Playtime Challenge day!  This week is Challenge #27 - Christmas Carol Inspired - so I made a treat bag inspired by "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".

Red lunch bag from Target.
Cricut Cartridge WINTER FROLIC
Reindeer page 36 cut @ 4 1/2"
Tag page 38 cut @ 4 1/2"

Come play along with us!
Ho, Ho, Ho
:) Janis

SMILE!

Good morning!  I just LOVE my We R Memory Keepers Retro Glam collection!!! It's GORGEOUS!

Here is a card I made using the Retro Glam collection.  Actually, it's a postcard.  It will still fit in an A2 size envelope.  I just took a ValuePack card (pre-scored for easy folding) and cut down the score line to make it a postcard.

Pattern paper from Retro Glam collection.  Solid papers from ValuePack and Stampin' Up.

Brad from Retro Glam collection.

Ribbon from Michael's.

Cricut Cartridge:  POTPOURRI BASKET

SMILE phrase page 60 cut @ 2 1/2" and 2 3/4" then layered on top of each other.

I hope this makes you SMILE!!

:) Janis

CCC #52 - Christmas Theme - Words Only

You know what day it is?  It's Wednesday and that means a brand new challenge begins over at Cricut Card Challenge!    This week our challenge is #52-Christmas theme-Just Words from your Cricut-No image-any colors and cartridge.


Doesn't that sound fun?  I kept thinking of all these images I could add, then remembered, nope - no images. LOL

I used Kraft cardstock to make a "tall" card.  This type of card will fit into a #10 Size Envelope which is also called "Business Size".

The card measures 9"x4" and is scored @ 3 1/2" to leave a little overhang on the inside to show when closed.

• Cricut Cartridge:  WINTER FROLIC
• Joy To The World phrase cut from page 70 @ 3" and with shadow feature
• Papers from DCWV The Christmas Combo 180 Stack, Cloud 9 Designs, and KF Biggie Bundle #3
• Squares cut at 2 1/4" and 2"
• Ribbon and Twine from Joann's
• Jingle Bells from Michael's

Hop over to CCC and play along with us this week!  

Hugs! :) Janis

52Q WEEK 17

Are you ready for the 52Q for this week?  I made a video Monday for it, but didn't get it edited.  I'll try to add that to this post today.

The question for Week 17 is:  WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TOY?  Can you guess what mine is by the picture?  It's my CRICUT EXPRESSION!!

Page base is an A2 size card (pink) from a Value Pack (pre-scored for easy folding!)  I just added adhesive  to the bottom and right side leaving the top open to easily put in a tag with my answer.  I'll use my Crop-a-Dile to punch holes in the left side and add it to my mini book with binding rings.

• Cricut Cartridge:  POTPOURRI BASKET
• Cricut image page 70 cut @ 4" using green and white solid papers from Stampin' Up.
• All the pattern papers used for the background and vase tage are from "We R Memory Keepers" the "Retro Glam" collection.  These papers are AMA-ZA-ZING!  (See pictures of what all was in this kit below.)
• Chipboard Journaling Tag from Retro Glam kit
• Inside vase cut from POTPOURRI BASKET page 47 cut @ 3 1/2" using Retro Glam papers
• Chipboard Flower on top of vase from Retro Glam

This was such a fun page to make today all about my favorite toy.  I can't wait to see your page and find out what YOUR favorite toy is.  Submit your project by clicking the blue button below.

Have a safe and fun Thanksgiving!  Meet me here again next Tuesday for your next 52Q!

Hugs!  :) Janis

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE 52Q WEEK'S QUESTIONS SO FAR AND MY PERSONAL PAGES FOR THE MINI ME ALBUM!

BEAVER SINGING THANK YOU CARD? SURE - WHY NOT?!

Good morning all my bloggy friends! We moved out of the hotel and into an apartment in Houston.  I'm without internet until early this week.  {withdrawals!}  Also, we will be traveling back to Georgia and South Carolina for the Thanksgiving holiday, so I'll be out of touch.... again..... I sure do miss going to all your blogs and catching up with all my crafty friends on Facebook.  Give me some time though, and I'll get all caught up again – promise!

So today is Monday and that means a brand new challenge over at PAPER PLAYTIME!!  The theme this week is THANK YOU.  Here is a Christmas Thank You card I made using Winter Frolic.  You didn't know beavers could sing, did you? LOL  This beaver does.  He's singing, “Thank You!”

Card base: Kraft card stock

Cricut Cartridge:  WINTER FROLIC

Beaver cut @ 3 1/2” page 35

Music notes page 45 cut @ 1 1/2”

Background mat from DCWV The Christmas Combo 180 Stack

All solid papers from Recollections

Back Rhinestones used for eyes

Candy Cane Ribbon from Michael's

Hugs!  :) Janis

52Q WEEK 16

Happy Tuesday!  It's 52Q Time!  52Q is a weekly challenge every Tuesday for one whole year!  Each Tuesday I ask you a question about yourself.  Not about your family or hubby or kids, but just about YOU!  Your mission is to create a page centered around this question and include the answer.  At the end of the 52nd Question (1 question a week for 52 weeks = 1 year), You will have made an entire MINI ALBUM all about YOU!!!  As crafters so often we scrap about everyone and everything else except ourselves, so this is your opportunity to leave YOUR legacy for generations that come after you.

This week Question #16 is:  "Are You Good At Keeping Secrets?"

For my page, I used a beige base and paper from DCWV The Christmas Combo Stack.

I put a black rhinestone for the little birdie's eye, and a few scattered red rhinestones for the holly berries.  There is a little inking around the edges and that's it!  Your page does not have to be complicated or use every product or crafting tool you have.  Of course, you can make it as elaborate or simple as fits your style or mood, but the whole idea is to GET IT DONE.

I hope you enjoyed this week's question.  We can't wait to see your page!  Link it below with the blue button.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO ALL THE QUESTIONS AND LINKS TO MY PAGES SO FAR.