tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75139980969364143372024-03-18T12:44:21.577-04:00Coley's CornerDishin' About Life Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.comBlogger1036125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-30620689606719075322016-02-06T22:00:00.003-05:002016-02-06T22:05:41.449-05:00Noah's Wish: Day 2 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlInOxI_qTWiO075ZFkbg7WuHL7lDymFCydQW3Ez0GPzyNaqT5UB-O02O1fzf5jDeZOV9WxhcHxWvZ68PK66mfZ1VDXt1bDY7vrSwZNIfO3YMpx_TAu0Ia6gUX9JaTbkwQiF42YTmEdvl4/s1600/magic+kingdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlInOxI_qTWiO075ZFkbg7WuHL7lDymFCydQW3Ez0GPzyNaqT5UB-O02O1fzf5jDeZOV9WxhcHxWvZ68PK66mfZ1VDXt1bDY7vrSwZNIfO3YMpx_TAu0Ia6gUX9JaTbkwQiF42YTmEdvl4/s320/magic+kingdom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday, Friday, was our first full day at Disney World. We still hadn't really clued Noah in on what he was here for and what all was going on. Even as we drove in to Disney World. he knew something was up, but it wasn't sinking in. We chose to go to the Magic Kingdom first because we felt it has the most to offer for a little guy like Noah.<br />
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The first roller coaster we went on was Space Mountain. I rode this as a child but as an adult roller coasters seem pretty scary but I was determined to ride it with my Noah. It wasn't the most thrilling experience ever but it wasn't the most horrible experience ever either and it was over in 5 minutes. After that though, I stayed off the coasters! But Noah rode them ALL. I think Snow White's mine trail was his favorite. He rode it more than once.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-qZgLnjVAcOBqtHj96bWoogWp5WegJpxBMT_6gi5ngl4VgVDvGt77N2xXPBbvMAPNCh7MJvLFLk_xDhwYeEsXQEyZRCjy9CTi9vKUrybFCJkS1f02k0p1VIijAYcu6Dj4AUiDrbIbadq/s1600/Noah+its+a+small+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-qZgLnjVAcOBqtHj96bWoogWp5WegJpxBMT_6gi5ngl4VgVDvGt77N2xXPBbvMAPNCh7MJvLFLk_xDhwYeEsXQEyZRCjy9CTi9vKUrybFCJkS1f02k0p1VIijAYcu6Dj4AUiDrbIbadq/s320/Noah+its+a+small+world.jpg" width="188" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah on It's a Small World</td></tr>
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But I think the favorite part of the whole day for all of us was It's a Small World. We didn't really think Noah would enjoy this ride that much as it is on the slower side but he loved it! First of all, they have a special wheelchair boat where they lay a ramp down and we just wheeled him on and then there were seats for the rest of us. He's really comfortable in his wheelchair (it's molded to fit him after all) so whenever he can stay in it, he seems more comfortable and stable. Then, he just enjoyed the whole ride. All the colors, all the children, the soft music, the cool breeze; it was just soothing. I was towards the back of the boat while my Mom was up in the front closer to Noah but I could hear her explaining things to him like the children were from different countries and they were signing the same song in different languages and how at the very end, it was the word goodbye in many different languages. Noah's eyes were big, he was engaged, looking around, and soaking it all in. It was definitely a high light of the day for all of us.<br />
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Other posts about Noah's Wish: <br /><a href="http://coleybelle.blogspot.com/2016/02/a-secret-and-wish.html">Travel to Florida </a><br /><a href="http://coleybelle.blogspot.com/2016/02/a-secret-and-wish.html">A Wish and a Secret </a>Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-18821759564786368492016-02-04T22:28:00.000-05:002016-02-04T22:28:02.923-05:00Noah's Wish: Travel to Florida <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNSa2JlWJAPMQrAdkliRbsNPMZ3oxsQB26gZSb8M1sCwhQuDY6ltxbwvDMfq66pFmnjGGL2yBKJSof4_6fMIYud1q79vKHYQKvCbCiswmo3r4n8Ks_elgBBjBI8esgNvjUWka-YM8t3E_/s1600/noah+in+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNSa2JlWJAPMQrAdkliRbsNPMZ3oxsQB26gZSb8M1sCwhQuDY6ltxbwvDMfq66pFmnjGGL2yBKJSof4_6fMIYud1q79vKHYQKvCbCiswmo3r4n8Ks_elgBBjBI8esgNvjUWka-YM8t3E_/s320/noah+in+car.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah enjoying a movie during <br />the drive to Florida</td></tr>
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We arrived in Florida this evening and I type this from the bar in our adorable little villa.....<br /><br />Let me back up though. We opted to drive to Florida versus flying because we felt like we could control much more - no delays, no noisy children on flights that might upset Noah, etc. Because it is about an eight hour drive, we decided it would be best to break it up into two days. We left on Wednesday afternoon, literally the minute he got off the school bus. Make a Wish rented us a mini van to travel in, which J and I had picked up earlier in the day, and we had it loaded and ready to go and were literally sitting around waiting on the school bus to bring Noah home like two children on Christmas morning. <br /><br />We took him straight from the school bus to the mini van and told him we were going to go on an adventure. Honestly, he looked pretty confused as he looked around the mini van, saw his pillows, our luggage, and pointed to our truck asking why we weren't going in our truck. The rental mini van had a pull down DVD player in the back seat, we already had Dolphin Tale (one of Noah's favorite movies that he's only watched 648 times) loaded up and ready to go so we turned the DVD player on and watched his eyes get big as one of his favorite movies began. <br /><br />Driving in a car with Noah for an extended period of time is usually pretty rough. He gets fussy after a little bit and just tends to fuss or yell a lot and there's really not a lot you can do to soothe him. But this time, things have been completely different so far. He has sat in the back seat by himself, distracted by the DVD player, watching movies and even fell asleep for a little bit. <br /><br />If you read my post the other day, you know that my parents are accompanying us on this adventure. They left a couple of hours before us to go to my brother's house to drop their dog off. We met up with them at a McDonald's off the interstate in the middle of no where. Noah had no idea that they were coming a long and the look of surprise on his face when my Dad walked up to our mini van was priceless.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChic9oNjWZEm7L3pIi55LMWzsADtHN6o8rNqGpMXTYhdLygGxI1ZiOVQejg6zvGPEfrloOd5i_jjQu6Ph75oIN7S5A_s2H5zaUIIfh_xJZhnb1RbTa-tJXdOKtH7K4Jyleidp_rCbTFeI/s1600/Noah+on+Turtle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChic9oNjWZEm7L3pIi55LMWzsADtHN6o8rNqGpMXTYhdLygGxI1ZiOVQejg6zvGPEfrloOd5i_jjQu6Ph75oIN7S5A_s2H5zaUIIfh_xJZhnb1RbTa-tJXdOKtH7K4Jyleidp_rCbTFeI/s320/Noah+on+Turtle2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah riding the carousel </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We ended up making it all the way to Jacksonville and spent the night there. Then this morning, we made our way to the <a href="http://givekidstheworld.org/">Give Kids the World Resort</a> a few hours away. This place is pretty cool! The staff is so nice and they really put the kids first in the layout and design of the villas as well as the entire resort. So far, my favorite thing (and probably Noah's too) here is the carousel. Noah has always loved carousels - so much so that he had a carousel themed birthday party one year when he was young - and even at his age now, he still loves carousels. The carousel here has two different spots - the turtle is pictured - that a wheelchair can just be pushed up into. You then just lock the wheelchair into the turtle and he's good to go. So much easier than putting him on a horse and having someone stand behind him with their hand on his back to give him that little bit of extra support that he needs.<br />
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We finished off the day by visiting Santa and having Christmas Dinner at Town Hall at Give Kids the World since every Thursday is Christmas here. <br /><br />Tomorrow - it's Disney time! He still doesn't know! Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-63852748636540027532016-02-01T15:17:00.001-05:002016-02-01T15:17:31.492-05:00A Secret and a Wish <div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQHqDNd6Xdk7hz-b_7JWY5-aTvmzKl9DBaow902_2v5VTxWtpzf_MPFomwFtOv1O9NqsBEzcyw6hkWCNZtOfO2M4VqU-Q62gSQwlfhp1j65-JvxmfdfK4Twq14hWyFcGRiyox5Po_P2Zg/s1600/me+and+minnie+little.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQHqDNd6Xdk7hz-b_7JWY5-aTvmzKl9DBaow902_2v5VTxWtpzf_MPFomwFtOv1O9NqsBEzcyw6hkWCNZtOfO2M4VqU-Q62gSQwlfhp1j65-JvxmfdfK4Twq14hWyFcGRiyox5Po_P2Zg/s320/me+and+minnie+little.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before I get
to the heart of this post, I want to share a little story with you…..<i><br />
<br />
Once upon a time in a land called Mississippi lived a little girl named Nicole.
This little girl adored Minnie Mouse. She had amazing parents who worked hard
to take her family on summer vacations. One year, Nicole was so excited to go
with her family to Disney World and meet Minnie Mouse. All she wanted to do was
give Minnie a big hug. But her parents had other ideas. Her parents wanted her
to go on this big silly boat for breakfast. Nicole was very upset and loudly
protested. She just wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom and meet Minnie Mouse!
She didn’t want to go eat breakfast on a big boring boat. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As she stood in line with her family waiting
to board the boat, she began to notice there were an awful lot of children in
line. Then, as they got closer, she noticed balloons tied to the boat. “Hmmmmm”
she thought, “something is up. Maybe this isn’t so bad after all.” She boarded
the boat and sat down at the table with her family. A few minutes later, out of
the corner of her eye she saw the red and white polka dots for which Minnie Mouse is
famous for. She looked up and was SO surprised to see Minnie Mouse rounding the
corner and then making her way to each and every table spending a little time
with each child. Her sneaky parents had kept a BIG surprise and that made the
experience all the better……. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember as
a child wondering why would my parents want to surprise me like that. Why
wouldn’t they have just told me we were going to a character breakfast. Now
that I’m a Mom myself, I totally get it. Sometimes the surprise factor makes
the experience that much better. I have a secret and a surprise in the making.
Today, I’m going to share my not-so-little secret with you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the
summer of 2014 my sweet cousin, Shelby, was interning at </span><a href="http://wish.org/"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Make a
Wish</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> in Mississippi.
She asked her Mom to message me and asked me if Noah had ever received a wish
through Make a Wish. I responded with a no and that I didn’t think he was eligible.
I thought wishes were only for children with terminal illnesses but my Aunt explained that the requirements were a little
different now and that Noah would most likely be eligible. Due to
his special needs, Noah misses out on a lot of the opportunities that are
afforded to his same aged peers have, so I thought I should contact our local
Make a Wish chapter and see if he was eligible. After a mountain of paperwork,
we got a letter confirming Noah was indeed eligible for a wish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
Two wish volunteers came out to our house to meet with Noah over Christmas
break in 2014.They asked Noah about his wish. After much consideration and
deliberation, Noah decided he wanted to meet Darth Vader, see and possibly pet
a dolphin, and ride roller coasters. Because Make a Wish only grants one wish,
his official wish is to meet Darth Vader. Since Darth Vader “lives” at Disney
World, Noah will meet him there also allowing him to ride roller coasters and
go to Sea World to see a dolphin. All of that happened so long ago that he has
probably forgotten about it and he for certain doesn’t know this is going to
happen in TWO days! </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyZ0AU2jUc5R5R1DKDS5FgH-SKUOvXCq0JeIpQIJ2kNwWFTz5AGwE-QS6we99IQWBLHwzwDHQCPe0xRpjOqQLy1w-uE5tPybZfsGDTF5XTtEteFa6TF36p1ESfexTZjvGP1KroWBOMvo_/s1600/Noahs+wish5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyZ0AU2jUc5R5R1DKDS5FgH-SKUOvXCq0JeIpQIJ2kNwWFTz5AGwE-QS6we99IQWBLHwzwDHQCPe0xRpjOqQLy1w-uE5tPybZfsGDTF5XTtEteFa6TF36p1ESfexTZjvGP1KroWBOMvo_/s320/Noahs+wish5.jpg" width="235" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Noah would be SO anxious if he knew about this
trip, so we don’t intend to tell him until we are on our way and even then it will just be a “surprise” location for a bit. It may seem odd to some not to tell him
but as his Mom, I know him best and I believe this will help with the stress
and anxiety a trip of this magnitude would induce for him. I have some tricks
up my sleeve to make this trip easier on him and I’ll probably share some of
those as we go. <br />
<br />Since we don’t have another child at home, Noah has the opportunity to bring
along a “friend.” Without a shadow of a
doubt, I knew if given the opportunity to choose himself, he’d bring the person
he refers to as his best friend; my Dad. And where ever Granddad goes, Nana goes so
my Mom is going to come along too. We’re thrilled to have them both join us for
this special adventure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s going
to be an amazing trip! Make a Wish thinks of everything and works really hard
to make this an extra special trip full of perks and fun! To be completely
honest, it feels really surreal still. I doubt it will feel like a reality
until we are actually on the way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It seems
kind of silly to ask for prayers about this trip, but this is a big trip for
Noah. For my prayer warrior friends, please pray that Noah isn’t too anxious,
that he embraces this vacation, that he doesn’t have seizures, that he has a
great time, and is at peace. Please pray that he does OK with the noise we’ll
encounter at the parks, in restaurants, and what not. Please pray for safe
travels for all of us and that we all have patience and endurance to keep up
with this fearless, roller-coaster-riding dare devil of mine. <br />
<br />
And don’t worry, I’ll be sharing photos and updates on social media as time allows
so be sure to follow along if you aren’t already! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PS. Remember
this is a secret, so zip your lips! ;) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-20827687517982746472016-01-18T22:08:00.001-05:002016-01-18T22:09:11.538-05:00Word of the Year 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRJdZiZdrfgf6EGn8tz6mjNxJ_Jc60ys5nPHuRcm7Zamk7pf4nXwKJCG-2KEoR_fEtRXzfrPjP7hRCSWHoSAKXzIbU7WRYqDXH-CVTMbSeJe5V5JsR2O9QhVsoBy5VbLmSI-bMK9W9ULC/s1600/grateful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRJdZiZdrfgf6EGn8tz6mjNxJ_Jc60ys5nPHuRcm7Zamk7pf4nXwKJCG-2KEoR_fEtRXzfrPjP7hRCSWHoSAKXzIbU7WRYqDXH-CVTMbSeJe5V5JsR2O9QhVsoBy5VbLmSI-bMK9W9ULC/s200/grateful.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the past
couple of years, as the end of the year draws near, I choose a word for the
following year. That word kind of becomes a mantra for me throughout the year
to focus on. I pray and ponder on what word to choose and then finally choose a
word. I try not to think about it too terribly much and more of let the word
choose me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first
time I did the word of the year concept was back in <a href="http://coleybelle.blogspot.com/2012/01/focus-word-for-2012.html">2012</a>. 2011 had been a
hectic year full of ups and downs with Noah’s health and I chose the word
breathe. I connected with that word so much on so many levels. I feel like that
word really carried me through that year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I usually
make something with my word of the year on it to display it so that I see it
over the year. And because I usually blog about it, discuss it with friends who
also choose a word of the year, etc. my friends and family will even tell me
sometimes throughout the year to remember my word of the year causing me to
refocus. <br />
<br />
So, the word of the year, I have chosen for 2016 is <b>grateful</b>. Over the past
couple of months, I have made a more conscious effort to be a more positive
person. To be honest, I’m a pretty positive person for the most part I think.
I’ve always kind of had a Pollyanna attitude about life but I want to take that
a step further and try to focus a little more on finding the good, the
positive, and the happy in the little moments of my crazy, hectic, wonderful
life. It’s easy to be grateful in the good moments of life, but it’s harder to
be grateful when things are rough and that’s what I want to focus on; finding
something to be grateful for in the midst of chaos.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, did you
choose a word for 2016? If so, leave it in the comments? </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-63916219351125623762015-12-23T22:58:00.000-05:002015-12-23T22:58:59.264-05:00The War on Christmas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k4hKkF-_2T428c8fPFuV6nlEcR0xiahXy1nU0VYAv7qeoTTDINaHeQc-16E8SBC7MKdhvck4x6wBGaSILeNna-fgx5YYz_e3lg59hDJrFXb6Ft0KhyrOOMGx-7it5ehCc-XQx5Yve8fx/s1600/santa+christmas+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6k4hKkF-_2T428c8fPFuV6nlEcR0xiahXy1nU0VYAv7qeoTTDINaHeQc-16E8SBC7MKdhvck4x6wBGaSILeNna-fgx5YYz_e3lg59hDJrFXb6Ft0KhyrOOMGx-7it5ehCc-XQx5Yve8fx/s320/santa+christmas+tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Warning:
This is just a little rant about something that’s been bothering me lately….
These are just my thoughts and feelings. <br />
<br />
I’m a Christian. I believe, acknowledge, and celebrate what I believe to be
“the reason for the season” which is the celebration of the birth of Jesus
Christ. But I also partake in the secular side of Christmas. I attend the
candlelight Christmas Eve church service celebrating Jesus’ birth and then I go
home and turn into Santa’s helper placing gifts under the Christmas tree once
Noah has gone to bed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The past
couple of years, because of the “</span><a href="http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/War_on_Christmas"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">war on Christmas</span></a><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">” as some call it, some companies tell their employees
not to wish customers a Merry Christmas (using Happy Holidays as an
alternative) and what was once referred to as Christmas tree or Christmas ornaments are
now often times referred to as holiday trees and holiday ornaments. I guess
it’s just become the politically correct thing to do. But I've noticed </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; line-height: 22.8267px;">Christians are making it a point to use “Merry Christmas” more and more. </span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
<br />
I’ll be honest, before the war on Christmas was so predominant, I used to say “Happy
Holidays” more than “Merry Christmas.” Not because I’m not proud to be a
Christian and celebrate the birth of Jesus but because I feel like Happy
Holidays includes multiple holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New
Year’s and by saying “Happy Holidays” I’m including all of those. Often times
when I write about Christmas related things, I’ll use holiday season because
again, I’m talking about the entire season; more than just one day (Christmas
Day in this case.) I suppose I could start referring to it as the Christmas
season but I’m just not used to saying that yet. <br />
<br />
I also personally feel it’s odd to wish someone a “Merry Christmas” early on in
the season, like on December 2<sup>nd</sup> for example. Christmas is still
weeks away at that point! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But b</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">ecause of
the War on Christmas, I feel pressured and that I’m almost a bad Christian if
I’m wishing people “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” And I’m tired
of it. I mean really, if I wish someone “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry
Christmas” am I really taking Christ out of my Christmas? No! I still believe
what I believe, I’m still a Christian, and I still celebrate the true meaning
of Christmas. But, I want to be able to say what I want to say without being
judged or someone forming an opinion of what I believe in based on two words.
What I believe, can’t be summed up or explained in a two-word well-meaning pleasantry. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
<br />
Besides, I know my heart, I know who I am, and who’s I am. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-30278759241689824542015-12-21T18:20:00.000-05:002015-12-22T18:52:42.500-05:00Christmas and a Special Needs Child <div class="MsoNormal">
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUkoK4xdnGz2Mb4TKE5ZMHKyav8ugg3_MGGR6KYKsurfh6DE-apR4biGDfCYK4VJ83R32J8UwGebxDC9aFTyj36fSALBxh-IlhUPNMMK9-xzOPadH446EZLrZJbDRUW5yrVtNdLCjJ4dp/s1600/Christmas+lights+in+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUkoK4xdnGz2Mb4TKE5ZMHKyav8ugg3_MGGR6KYKsurfh6DE-apR4biGDfCYK4VJ83R32J8UwGebxDC9aFTyj36fSALBxh-IlhUPNMMK9-xzOPadH446EZLrZJbDRUW5yrVtNdLCjJ4dp/s320/Christmas+lights+in+bed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The other
day about I wrote about seeing<a href="http://coleybelle.blogspot.com/2015/12/christmas-magic.html"> the magic of Christmas through Noah’s eyes</a>. But
I wouldn’t be painting a complete picture of the Christmas season if I didn’t
mention the hard parts too. <br />
<br />
Even with all of Noah’s excitement about the Christmas season, it can still be
very difficult for Noah and children like him. Christmas Day is extremely out
of routine, there is no schedule. We usually travel to my parents’ house which
he looks forward to but it’s just not the normalcy he is used to. It feels like
a weekend (which to Noah means hash browns from McDonalds or Hardees) but it
isn’t always on a weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I thought
I’d share a few of the things we usually do to try and help Noah have the
merriest of Christmases possible and perhaps if you are the parent of a child
with special needs who gets overwhelmed during the holidays, some of these
ideas will help you. <br />
<br />
1. Traditions are important. Just like routine, traditions become a part of the
Christmas “routine.” Even though it’s only once a year, Noah remembers the
things we do each year. For example, we have a very small Christmas Eve “party”
(it’s just our little family but Noah likes to call it a party) after the
candlelight church service. Part of Noah’s Christmas routine is the church
service and then the Christmas Eve party. He knows those things will happen
each year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2. Quiet
time is important. If Noah seems overwhelmed, we’ll take him into the bedroom
and lay on the bed with him to help him calm down. <br />
3. We don’t force anything. If Noah’s not in the mood to open presents, then we
don’t force him to. We’ll either go ahead and open our own presents, open his
presents for him and show him what he received, or just wait and try again in a
little bit. <br />
4. Even though we don’t force him to do anything, we also try to include him in
everything. If he isn’t up for it, that’s OK but we always want him to feel
included no matter what. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">5. One more
thing about presents – sometimes Noah gets overwhelmed with too many to open
and his fine motor skills aren’t the greatest so Santa doesn’t wrap Noah’s
gifts. They are unwrapped, out of boxes, etc. and displayed nicely and neatly
ready for him to look at and play. What presents are wrapped; my family usually
wraps in a way that is easy for Noah to open such as gift bags. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">6. The past
couple of years, Noah is becoming less picky about what he eats but he used to
be super careful so my Mom and I would make sure that we had some of Noah’s
staple food items to mix in with the other holiday foods we don’t have too
often that way he has familiar things to eat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">7. I’ve let
go of the idea of the “perfect” holiday. Our Christmas will never look like a
Rockwell painting. I realized a long time ago to celebrate the good and the
bad. It’s just a part of life and perfect holidays are unrealistic for any
family. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you’re
juggling Christmas and a special needs kiddo, my heart goes out to ya! Merry
Christmas! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-37045676688929209472015-12-20T18:28:00.000-05:002015-12-22T18:51:32.061-05:00Christmas Magic<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg4DYBr1ZLuTjOFsTuENkDDWBPpR0DRPW651smPX_uSoRch37kVjLZLdOeFa8JKVY1nNyTEePiwzZb4AUPEr5LKolrcVHxUGLW0H7scJAk2bqubqShPB4UIFNAgxT-enfzJ3kIGGqhMPK/s1600/Mr+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg4DYBr1ZLuTjOFsTuENkDDWBPpR0DRPW651smPX_uSoRch37kVjLZLdOeFa8JKVY1nNyTEePiwzZb4AUPEr5LKolrcVHxUGLW0H7scJAk2bqubqShPB4UIFNAgxT-enfzJ3kIGGqhMPK/s320/Mr+Christmas.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our nickname
for Noah at this time of year is “Mr. Christmas.” He really seems to embrace
the season as much as possible and loves all things Christmas. It wasn’t always
like this though. There were so many Christmases that he just didn’t really pay
attention or it just overwhelmed him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">But now, he
gets so excited for the Christmas season. The excitement usually starts right
after his birthday in October. That’s when we started counting down the days
till he could up his little tree in his room, which in our home is either
Thanksgiving night (depending on how tired we are from Thanksgiving) or
sometime during the weekend directly after Thanksgiving. Noah’s little tree
always goes up first and he is always so excited for it. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<br />
Each afternoon when he gets home from school, we turn the lights on his little
purple and orange tree. He gets so excited each time I turn them on even though
they were just twinkling for him the day before. He goes to bed with the lights
twinkling. I’ll peek in on him and see him just lying in his bed staring at the
little tree. After a while, he’ll roll over into his little spot close to the
bedrail and drift off to sleep with visions of Christmas magic dancing through
his head. And before I go to bed, I tiptoe into his room and turn the lights
out. <br />
<br />
I love his innocence. I love the magic of the season. I love seeing Christmas
year after year through my boy’s eyes.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-34672951865441273962015-11-01T23:11:00.000-05:002015-11-02T23:13:47.534-05:00Is Anyone Still Out There? I don't know what happened specifically but I obviously needed a long hiatus from blogging. We're still alive and doing well. I'm going to try re-launching the blog and over the next week or so I will be catching you up on everything that has been going on in our lives.<br />
<br />
I'm still crafting but my crafting has changed directions a little bit. I'm card making, stamping, and any sort of paper crafting. Lately I have also gotten into swapping pocket letters. Never heard of pocket letters? Check out <a href="http://janettelane.blogspot.com/2015/02/what-are-pocket-letters.html">this link</a> for more information.<br />
<br />
Noah's doing great too! Updates are coming on him as well.<br />
<br />
So stay tuned!Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-48200190056348294692013-12-12T08:02:00.000-05:002013-12-13T20:36:36.727-05:00Santa-tizers for Nurses <div style="text-align: center;">
Noah, my son who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and autism) gets 15 hours of having a PCA (personal care aide) a week. We have had some not so great PCAs in the past several months and I'm kind of not the nicest client when it comes to the not so great aides being in my home and taking care of my son so I decided to make a little RAK (random act of kindness) for three nurses who work in the office and have to deal with my phone calls. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's what I came up with......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LzDTFdUAWTMoWGdt3xtAOtr_OFvjNFVewY3pyVjUReZfHoCEvGr6KhuCTLUUuDiPeooSlQJ-SYI9qwhlaQEQQAqDQeQpRKsrExyf5REXphH5Y3aO5hjRLHhDjb7N0wnLbArxvZL091jg/s1600/santizer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LzDTFdUAWTMoWGdt3xtAOtr_OFvjNFVewY3pyVjUReZfHoCEvGr6KhuCTLUUuDiPeooSlQJ-SYI9qwhlaQEQQAqDQeQpRKsrExyf5REXphH5Y3aO5hjRLHhDjb7N0wnLbArxvZL091jg/s320/santizer1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It holds a little bottle of hand sanitizer from Bath and Body Works. What nurse (even one who primarily works in an office) doesn't need a little hand sanititzer? I crafted up these hand sanitizers to look like Santa's pants. The perfect combination for any nurse in December! </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most of my supplies came from <a href="http://bit.ly/ConsumerCraftsRAK" target="_blank">Consumer Crafts</a>. They have great prices, arrived quickly, and were packaged well. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You will need:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/scrapbooking-cardstock-pads-and-paper-packs/1205-10" target="_blank">Red and yellow cardstock</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/basics-ribbon-grosgrain-ribbon/2958-415" target="_blank">Black ribbon</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/scrapbooking-embossing-accessories-tools/ekm42-05002" target="_blank">Martha Stewart scoring board </a>(I have been wanting one of these for a long time and LOVE it. Review coming soon!) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/scrapbooking-tape-and-tape-runners/1215-36" target="_blank">Double sided red tape </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cello Bags</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Small Bottles of Hand Sanitizer (mine came from Bath and Bodyworks)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/scrapbooking-cord-ribbon-trim/bt114" target="_blank">Baker's Twine </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/basics-bells-jingle-bells/1099-21" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/basics-bells-jingle-bells/1099-21" target="_blank">Jingle Bells</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
What you will do: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Cut your red cardstock to 3 1/2 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches long. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd2tqS4Qcr88Uexe3J0gExywWoSEUyTUkNGWA1vohM81pKxxah_a4q_dYonPc9B7EZ8PPmIc6104h5jO3lDLyZw_ig0iajmF4w_YN_pHDL54NnrnNwBbPUghZtodNVKCuRHDcZvIgYFfg/s1600/score1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd2tqS4Qcr88Uexe3J0gExywWoSEUyTUkNGWA1vohM81pKxxah_a4q_dYonPc9B7EZ8PPmIc6104h5jO3lDLyZw_ig0iajmF4w_YN_pHDL54NnrnNwBbPUghZtodNVKCuRHDcZvIgYFfg/s320/score1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Using the Martha Stewart scoring board, score the paper on the long side at 2 1/4 inches and 3 1/4 inches. Flip it to the short side and score at 1 inch and 2 1/2 inches. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRppBryNChqncbF1IdnjynUyZ95zgEjzeeSwEGDAHlBkt25JKdv4cBwxgDikPUbCyW5aX13556k4x4zfWV5lBM7ohQcdjXpxNdbtYHVvGk99dS7uCtHn3IptNf65Xm4bOVk820F05N_64R/s1600/cut+tabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRppBryNChqncbF1IdnjynUyZ95zgEjzeeSwEGDAHlBkt25JKdv4cBwxgDikPUbCyW5aX13556k4x4zfWV5lBM7ohQcdjXpxNdbtYHVvGk99dS7uCtHn3IptNf65Xm4bOVk820F05N_64R/s320/cut+tabs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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3. Cut tabs on the long side where the score marks meet. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMVgydf1pvlgA_tOBwS5OlFvsT3UEW7D6p_gtMQdIVwHxv8PW55n-2beSqAN_niY1k-yWeNku7loKP8BKMYVQJf6CAAKrJWfXTrBwSlOkFCAA7Vyq61PtDyucKmsJQAw00oRii_gB2S9H/s1600/red+tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMVgydf1pvlgA_tOBwS5OlFvsT3UEW7D6p_gtMQdIVwHxv8PW55n-2beSqAN_niY1k-yWeNku7loKP8BKMYVQJf6CAAKrJWfXTrBwSlOkFCAA7Vyq61PtDyucKmsJQAw00oRii_gB2S9H/s320/red+tape.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. Use the red tape, to adhere the two sides to one another to make a little box.<br />
5. Add the black ribbon with some of the red tape. Cut a small yellow square for Santa's belt and then cut the middle out using a craft knife, adhere to the black ribbon also using a bit of the red tape.<br />
7. Place the bottles of hand sanitizer in each of the little boxes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXV2Y6pHxaaY5kYeFvb7Sv1qX9Q5uhyD8i6cbFqBdUWaQ8ow4vG3_98NuLIuH6ODGiUHagObRt_sB7Mu-bDM7BpXKOMfafrjBfKWu435NGqWNsOMNPyYs_FzXlskaZONki82FYr6Zk_ZNL/s1600/HS+holders+before+packaging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXV2Y6pHxaaY5kYeFvb7Sv1qX9Q5uhyD8i6cbFqBdUWaQ8ow4vG3_98NuLIuH6ODGiUHagObRt_sB7Mu-bDM7BpXKOMfafrjBfKWu435NGqWNsOMNPyYs_FzXlskaZONki82FYr6Zk_ZNL/s320/HS+holders+before+packaging.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
8. Package in a cello bag. Using the red and green Baker's Twine, tie on a jingle bell or two to embellish and then tie a bow. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK68FFf0HaBKqztbb_QBwU8bsgk0VIbRQyq1Vlu-ZWdjJP23OvaedUi6Zkoh3rCsnR9E1rS93KzuNb_gsnQYdPV2a0khubFNXmQNv7sYaC8Fx_gODieEyjmp9GUQJOVh7OvAUuXaOLlU5/s1600/HS+holders+packaged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK68FFf0HaBKqztbb_QBwU8bsgk0VIbRQyq1Vlu-ZWdjJP23OvaedUi6Zkoh3rCsnR9E1rS93KzuNb_gsnQYdPV2a0khubFNXmQNv7sYaC8Fx_gODieEyjmp9GUQJOVh7OvAUuXaOLlU5/s320/HS+holders+packaged.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You now have cute little hand sanitizer holders ready to surprise whomever deserves surprising in your life! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN9tWHlVDr7zGDlpjKQA2MHYMRQiV4NmptX_65I8UX9u9E3ihOt_6dFFFHJFI35lM__DmlRyEcS1ejy5FHEwYjF2tQzxEWTKaOlUcaq2bAvCtY4MMZKZYrLPK3_A98oWLHUh80r6zV8kK/s1600/random+crafts+of+kindness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN9tWHlVDr7zGDlpjKQA2MHYMRQiV4NmptX_65I8UX9u9E3ihOt_6dFFFHJFI35lM__DmlRyEcS1ejy5FHEwYjF2tQzxEWTKaOlUcaq2bAvCtY4MMZKZYrLPK3_A98oWLHUh80r6zV8kK/s200/random+crafts+of+kindness.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I was compensated by <a href="http://blueprintsocial.com/" target="_blank">Blueprint Social</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/ConsumerCraftsRAK" target="_blank">Consumer Crafts</a> for this post but all opinions and views are my own.</span></div>
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Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-84286799876044024152013-12-09T10:00:00.000-05:002013-12-09T10:00:08.176-05:00Snowflake Pin/Ornament<div style="text-align: center;">
This is another one of my super easy because life, a kid, a husband, a house, and a bad back get in the way at the holidays - type of projects!<br /><br />A cute little snowflake face! You can make it as an ornament or turn it to a pin and wear it proudly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm-VGOFTJOQbuublLwrNmxkzUBHXoKb5FFeC1-gBEHc3vPeTqm8bJ59HOBcrP67YzW2VhyE1Su-gMg5jI7XpTwWaCklaOcVM4lIE5Oaxx27jCtBnSLt7UFXm17zs1AeTcc3HH-ajtvZuI/s1600/snowflake+ornie+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSm-VGOFTJOQbuublLwrNmxkzUBHXoKb5FFeC1-gBEHc3vPeTqm8bJ59HOBcrP67YzW2VhyE1Su-gMg5jI7XpTwWaCklaOcVM4lIE5Oaxx27jCtBnSLt7UFXm17zs1AeTcc3HH-ajtvZuI/s320/snowflake+ornie+square.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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To make your own, you will need: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VMVakosFwzKH3bVxCqnUpvfvtL5NJem7n-hTh-hVyQZPXbYde1n6NEZGgegQwWWV7smFoIWlP8vpQ6kSuRA9Lifva3x1zDBR1RXn-ITSXe9akXpe4CSm11TC0nO-B6XlAltzmFELhkLa/s1600/supplies+for+snowflake+craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VMVakosFwzKH3bVxCqnUpvfvtL5NJem7n-hTh-hVyQZPXbYde1n6NEZGgegQwWWV7smFoIWlP8vpQ6kSuRA9Lifva3x1zDBR1RXn-ITSXe9akXpe4CSm11TC0nO-B6XlAltzmFELhkLa/s320/supplies+for+snowflake+craft.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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White Cardstock</div>
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Snowflakes (I used wooden ones purchased at Hobby Lobby but you could cut them with your Silhouette too!) </div>
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Glue (I used E-6000) </div>
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Bakers Twine or Pin Back (depending on whether or not you are making a pin or an ornament)</div>
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<a href="http://www.plaidonline.com/mod-podge-dimensional-magic-2-oz/92/cs11215/product.htm" target="_blank">Mod Podge Dimensional Magic </a><br />
Snowy Face File (I created this file myself in the Silhouette Studio Software and I'm sharing it <a href="http://www.4shared.com/file/BWWnhMzJ/snowman_face.html" target="_blank">here</a>. While I sized this to fit the snowflakes I was using, you can re-size it to fit yours.)<br /><br />How to make your own: </div>
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1. Using the print and cut feature in the Silhouette software, cut out as many faces as you need. </div>
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2. Dab a little glue in the middle of the snowflake and glue on the snowy face. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe0GUgAwKQmGY7Yq4GO8YwBKziI9onE1T_nE3lS5cg-mlpjh6_0j1BizGvtp320RE08JHynjbVhQOhgLDbAgyTWTLEnPebOV0EYkS_ZSHzEBL7Um9g1etyA9g6L4J8iRFl2nMLuoWsjae/s1600/snowflake+gluing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe0GUgAwKQmGY7Yq4GO8YwBKziI9onE1T_nE3lS5cg-mlpjh6_0j1BizGvtp320RE08JHynjbVhQOhgLDbAgyTWTLEnPebOV0EYkS_ZSHzEBL7Um9g1etyA9g6L4J8iRFl2nMLuoWsjae/s320/snowflake+gluing.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
3. Once it is dry, put on the Mod Podge Dimensional Magic (MPDM). Start with the center of the face and work your way out squeezing slowly the MPDM bottle. Have a straight pin handy and pop out any air bubbles that arise. Let this dry for at least several hours. If you move it before it dries, the MPDM will run leaving your snowy face looking blurry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNNxKDMrCYZlc23onxlL7p_qn7Lf8qMCLTix6J0sJ8RxVzesn7MDUz6H_l2gPHWQ-XuT0GVXcRQ83kQsbOYZxFlkOjpZlPeNCfXqwcJbtRMlCipIgoGsiEVbPFqIzjdrmI9VtTiShiWOz/s1600/snowflake+MPDM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNNxKDMrCYZlc23onxlL7p_qn7Lf8qMCLTix6J0sJ8RxVzesn7MDUz6H_l2gPHWQ-XuT0GVXcRQ83kQsbOYZxFlkOjpZlPeNCfXqwcJbtRMlCipIgoGsiEVbPFqIzjdrmI9VtTiShiWOz/s320/snowflake+MPDM.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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4. Glue on a pin back or add some bakers twine and you're done!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwrEm5n8pr5sQ1Bzwmvwc9vMZl1yykjZ0c8Aal9r-aTRyTjKFaSzRMHAFvtPdkUkJhCYu6-R93Z8XSfaRAUXdELihsXztfjXGhOaezPNzEo-Hx3jSEVZMIM4EwM5j702-Q6pV3O9iu8U8/s1600/snowflake+ornie+and+pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwrEm5n8pr5sQ1Bzwmvwc9vMZl1yykjZ0c8Aal9r-aTRyTjKFaSzRMHAFvtPdkUkJhCYu6-R93Z8XSfaRAUXdELihsXztfjXGhOaezPNzEo-Hx3jSEVZMIM4EwM5j702-Q6pV3O9iu8U8/s320/snowflake+ornie+and+pin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Isn't she adorable?!? These make great ornaments, adorable pins, and would even look so cute embellishing a Christmas gift under the tree and best part - minus drying time, it takes less than 10 minutes!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Want to Check Out More Silhouette Projects?</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: start;">My Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so peruse the projects below for a wealth of Silhouette inspiration! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLgoJ-IQce7zAZLQ94_bT8plPh1-U8ZQz5HvELPNkbix_6tEUfR2xozfYYOnYFM6pKlTM8ZzqQKz3C-QddtThJs5XbWwwdsyOGvPYEE439DDn8ciYUnVAw0ERPmeN0p2GDPkBdqkLlXJq/s1600/_SilhouetteCollageDecember+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLgoJ-IQce7zAZLQ94_bT8plPh1-U8ZQz5HvELPNkbix_6tEUfR2xozfYYOnYFM6pKlTM8ZzqQKz3C-QddtThJs5XbWwwdsyOGvPYEE439DDn8ciYUnVAw0ERPmeN0p2GDPkBdqkLlXJq/s400/_SilhouetteCollageDecember+(1).jpg" width="221" /></span></a></div>
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<ol id="posts" style="margin: 0px;">
<li id="7"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/p3QQ9v-gj" id="7link" target="_blank">2013 Snowman Christmas Card</a> by Please Excuse My Craftermath...</span></li>
<li id="8"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1av2USe" id="8link" target="_blank">Christmas Hoop Art</a> by Lil' Mrs. Tori</span></li>
<li id="9"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://onetoughmotherblog.com/?p=1647" id="9link" target="_blank">Silhouette Nativity Advent Candle Box</a> by One Tough Mother</span></li>
<li id="10"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.unoriginalmom.com/christmas-photo-booth-props" id="10link" target="_blank">Christmas Party Photo Booth Props</a> by unOriginal Mom</span></li>
<li id="11"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.cutesycrafts.com/2013/12/another-stenciled-tea-towel.html" id="11link" target="_blank">Another Stenciled Tea Towel</a> by Cutesy Crafts</span></li>
<li id="12"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://rainonatinroof.com/?p=3336" id="12link" target="_blank">Silhouette Gift Tags</a> by Rain on a Tin Roof</span></li>
<li id="13"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.coleyscorner.com/2013/12/snowflake-pinornament.html" id="13link" target="_blank">Snowflake Pin / Ornament</a> by Coley's Corner</span></li>
<li id="14"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/p3vwJb-wK" id="14link" target="_blank">State Sign Couple Gift</a> by It Happens in a Blink</span></li>
<li id="15"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.vintagenewsjunkie.com/?p=3500" id="15link" target="_blank">Mason Jar Christmas Ornaments</a> by Vintage News Junkie</span></li>
<li id="17"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/2013/12/merry-christmas-wall-decor.html" id="17link" target="_blank">Merry Christmas Wall Decor</a> by One Artsy Mama</span></li>
<li id="18"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/p3gOqC-24N" id="18link" target="_blank">Deer Head Holiday Banner...featuring Santa's Reindeer</a> by The Thinking Closet</span></li>
<li id="19"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/p3E4e8-Sd" id="19link" target="_blank">Restore your UGGS (with PAINT)</a> by From Wine to Whine</span></li>
<li id="20"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.architectureofamom.com/2013/12/Monogrammed-Snowflake-Ornaments.html" id="20link" target="_blank">Monogrammed Snowflake Ornaments</a> by Architecture of a Mom</span></li>
<li id="21"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/p3dklG-100" id="21link" target="_blank">Christmas Countdown Sign</a> by The Girl Creative</span></li>
<li id="22"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1eSvpL5" id="22link" target="_blank">Elf Chalk Sign: "The Best Way to Spread Christmas"</a> by Weekend Craft</span></li>
<li id="23"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/p3FGHs-Pg" id="23link" target="_blank">Glittery Christmas Subway Art</a> by The Turquoise Home</span></li>
<li id="24"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.sowderingabout.com/2013/12/sketch-pen-labels.html" id="24link" target="_blank">Sketch Pen Labels</a> by Sowdering About in Seattle</span></li>
<li id="25"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/p2UXKM-1Yw" id="25link" target="_blank">Snowflake NOEL Sign</a> by My Favorite Finds</span></li>
<li id="26"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://everyday-paper.com/?p=1117" id="26link" target="_blank">DIY Holiday Hostess Gift</a> by Everyday Paper</span></li>
<li id="27"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://chickenscratchny.com/?p=2297" id="27link" target="_blank">Folding Nativity Backdrop</a> by Chicken Scratch NY</span></li>
<li id="28"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://nearlyhandmade.blogspot.com/2013/12/recycled-glass-jar-advent-calendar.html" id="28link" target="_blank">Recycled Glass Jar Advent Calendar</a> by Nearly Handmade</span></li>
<li id="29"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.getsilvered.com/?p=879" id="29link" target="_blank">Reindeer Card: Double-Sided Print & Cut</a> by GetSilvered</span></li>
<li id="30"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.suburble.com/?p=2584" id="30link" target="_blank">Personalized Block Ornament</a> by Suburble</span></li>
<li id="31"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://createandbabble.com/?p=3543" id="31link" target="_blank">Paper Medallion Christmas Tree</a> by Create & Babble</span></li>
<li id="32"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/p2daiD-1t1" id="32link" target="_blank">Mini Mid-Century Homes</a> by Tried & True</span></li>
<li id="33"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://tossedsaladlife.com/2013/12/glitter-and-vinyl-ornaments/" id="33link" target="_blank">Glitter and Vinyl Minecraft Christmas Ornament</a> by A Tossed Salad Life</span></li>
<li id="34"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/p3XXEY-89" id="34link" target="_blank">DIY Countdown to Christmas Refrigerator Style</a> by My Paper Craze</span></li>
<li id="35"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://thesensoryemporium.blogspot.com/2013/12/reversible-recipe-holderblock-frame.html" id="35link" target="_blank">Reversible Recipe Holder/Block Frame</a> by The Sensory Emporium</span></li>
<li id="36"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.thehouseonhillbrook.com/2013/12/diy-lettered-christmas-pillows.html" id="36link" target="_blank">DIY: Lettered Christmas Pillows</a> by The House on Hillbrook</span></li>
<li id="37"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.lifeafterlaundry.com/simple-christmas-ornaments/" id="37link" target="_blank">Simply Charming Christmas Ornaments</a> by Life After Laundry</span></li>
<li id="38"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://givemeapaintbrush.blogspot.com/2013/12/no-glitter-was-worn.html" id="38link" target="_blank">No Glitter was Worn</a> by GiveMeAPaintbrush</span></li>
<li id="39"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/p3JtYY-1Q" id="39link" target="_blank">Make Easy Ornaments from Paper Circles</a> by Bringing Creativity to Life</span></li>
<li id="41"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://terrijohnsoncreates.com/?p=433" id="41link" target="_blank">Cutting Machine Embroidery Applique</a> by Terri Johnson Creates</span></li>
<li id="42"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/paare-3IZ" id="42link" target="_blank">"Believe" Christmas Banner</a> by Daily Dwelling</span></li>
<li id="43"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://pitterandglink.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-christmas-nativity-card.html" id="43link" target="_blank">DIY Christmas Nativity Card</a> by Pitter and Glink<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have a Silhouette machine?</span></div>
</li>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking for Silhouette inspiration, support, trouble-shooting? Interested in joining us for our group posting event next month? Then, we'd love to have you join our Silhouette Challenge Facebook group. To join, simply fill out the <a href="http://www.thinkingcloset.com/the-silhouette-challenge-facebook-group-new-members-welcome/" target="_blank" title="New Member Request Form">new member request form</a>, and Lauren from The Thinking Closet will get you squared away.</span></div>
</ol>
<div>
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</div>
</div>
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<br />Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-21958858798649718362013-12-08T23:54:00.000-05:002013-12-09T05:17:30.761-05:00Candy Cane Mice<div style="text-align: center;">
My Mom has made a TON of these adorable candy cane mice. She'll be selling them at the church craft show this weekend. I think she really enjoyed making them and they are just adorable. They'll make a great gift for a classroom full of kiddos and terrific stocking stuffers. And you could even hang them by the tail on a tree! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhVwRd1fSZfg0lpAKX-RspynAGnpM_UTlfMEl2vKMpzAWG9l8rrT-h7RNztMXF9La2AIxUae7B5U60vSDWr779OhubX8w_9WWntOSmwYaAvH3jaWDEG0apj3jqJnoYIRwbTV3w0D9OlHM/s1600/candycanemice1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhVwRd1fSZfg0lpAKX-RspynAGnpM_UTlfMEl2vKMpzAWG9l8rrT-h7RNztMXF9La2AIxUae7B5U60vSDWr779OhubX8w_9WWntOSmwYaAvH3jaWDEG0apj3jqJnoYIRwbTV3w0D9OlHM/s320/candycanemice1.jpg" width="299" /></a><br />Cute, traditional Christmas colors candy cane mice</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfDQZFzPji8119bNGKkS31lis7wc48IxUCEVhQkuNkbQ_WdXjJcMQ9oUJ5aAzM-YOV0OT1EP7m-DRds4YYf34Mf2iLhInesWzsoX6S9VDvel36BfIOwd7vaXP6rRR9F5ZQixHuHhKOI9g/s1600/candycanemice2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfDQZFzPji8119bNGKkS31lis7wc48IxUCEVhQkuNkbQ_WdXjJcMQ9oUJ5aAzM-YOV0OT1EP7m-DRds4YYf34Mf2iLhInesWzsoX6S9VDvel36BfIOwd7vaXP6rRR9F5ZQixHuHhKOI9g/s320/candycanemice2.jpg" width="220" /></a><br />Sweet little grey mouse</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmjuz7Y0V9BR08V7Nk5C5HlIfcFRoQsTEOsqjPXR9EPLsJqE1X_8aIDQ7BLSnfC05T9dI-H1r93yQ4E48P-u3Khja4Xb6jYDnxThK9qYFsQ22Ed1TZdEIVs-ZuX6OwHkhwbzbGEkVY1Sy/s1600/candycanemice5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmjuz7Y0V9BR08V7Nk5C5HlIfcFRoQsTEOsqjPXR9EPLsJqE1X_8aIDQ7BLSnfC05T9dI-H1r93yQ4E48P-u3Khja4Xb6jYDnxThK9qYFsQ22Ed1TZdEIVs-ZuX6OwHkhwbzbGEkVY1Sy/s320/candycanemice5.jpg" width="261" /></a><br />Of course, I loved the teal one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknQ3L-IdmHm8ttOknkkTFsggZc8hqPtlBp1tUXRxI7NDvCBhjUABKj8B6-_FVo1qGFYMc8WAkuVfbOWuyQZco8UykXR0JuvHAVNa_xJXGQJqqaFSUXYZXFWZ9hRBpvcRtl4sa_R4Tim6Q/s1600/candycanemice3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknQ3L-IdmHm8ttOknkkTFsggZc8hqPtlBp1tUXRxI7NDvCBhjUABKj8B6-_FVo1qGFYMc8WAkuVfbOWuyQZco8UykXR0JuvHAVNa_xJXGQJqqaFSUXYZXFWZ9hRBpvcRtl4sa_R4Tim6Q/s320/candycanemice3.jpg" width="296" /></a><br />A tiger version is a must in our family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEbchydb2Iv2xub8GkI1d9N_wK6hxcwYZSXYRP61KZVuOifH8772sPZUR_DSFZ5uwysFKZrx0UTraCCUGAUAY87sxKtwXF9_H2qrKAy5_fSk2SqAPy2c3xUcgV_rSEJvgj92W1JshKw2m/s1600/candycanemice4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEbchydb2Iv2xub8GkI1d9N_wK6hxcwYZSXYRP61KZVuOifH8772sPZUR_DSFZ5uwysFKZrx0UTraCCUGAUAY87sxKtwXF9_H2qrKAy5_fSk2SqAPy2c3xUcgV_rSEJvgj92W1JshKw2m/s320/candycanemice4.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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She's selling them all packaged up in a cello bag with a cute little tag. </div>
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Aren't they sweet! </div>
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<br />Here's a <a href="http://www.southernplate.com/2010/12/christmas-mice-with-candy-cane-tails.html" target="_blank">tutorial and template</a> if you want to make your own! </div>
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Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-56662449138496062612013-11-11T10:00:00.000-05:002013-11-11T19:02:38.911-05:00DIY Stenciled Mugs<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you seen all the mugs that people post on Pinterest that are made with Sharpies? I always thought those were neat and have been wanting to give it a try. I'm not the best a freehanding an image, doodling, or writing on something like a mug so I used my Silhouette machine to create stencils! </div>
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I read many different tutorials on how to do these. Some of them are pretty similar, but <a href="http://www.diyopolis.com/tips-and-tricks-to-the-diy-sharpie-mug/">this is one</a> that I liked best and referenced the most.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1lCymRlw1wyHMDXQUDwCAvfxmZgTtFyKyDtiq_5gqt6PCD3dAhnutc1rvCx9CCenp2ROjLndV1NHONVkYewoIeIaa0eVAgxmYJfFooefe8_ipy0hI13MXPEbiNMxwjS4mltKd9JeHLrl/s1600/supplies+needed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1lCymRlw1wyHMDXQUDwCAvfxmZgTtFyKyDtiq_5gqt6PCD3dAhnutc1rvCx9CCenp2ROjLndV1NHONVkYewoIeIaa0eVAgxmYJfFooefe8_ipy0hI13MXPEbiNMxwjS4mltKd9JeHLrl/s320/supplies+needed.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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First you'll need two inexpensive mugs, permanent markers such as Sharpies or Bic Mark Its, and vinyl stencils of the images you want to put on your mug cut out with your Silhoutte machine. For this project, I chose to make use <a href="http://www.silhouetteonlinestore.com/?page=view-shape&id=18726">this mustache image</a> and <a href="http://www.silhouetteonlinestore.com/?page=view-shape&id=1297">this lip image</a> that were already in my library. I cut them out of black vinyl because that was what I had in my stash. The color really isn't important.</div>
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Wash your mugs really well with soap and water removing any price stickers. Let them dry then just before you go to start writing on the mug, wipe the area you will be writing on with alcohol. Place your stencil on the mug and press it down smoothly. If there is any area of your image that needs to remain white (like the middle part of the lips I used) be sure and place that down too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_kZ2MDF9ZvnQrNvtBl-AYhXS0_IYcxHuh5OYITuS3yj1kq7qyRqpUea0zpWPQVhhFSkS_AJkF0Id7h9rNfXFYHkkrf5M7axlQb9H6xBgskR14LD_6egIri1REbX4yJvFEOxVh3i9sNIe/s1600/drawing+on+mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_kZ2MDF9ZvnQrNvtBl-AYhXS0_IYcxHuh5OYITuS3yj1kq7qyRqpUea0zpWPQVhhFSkS_AJkF0Id7h9rNfXFYHkkrf5M7axlQb9H6xBgskR14LD_6egIri1REbX4yJvFEOxVh3i9sNIe/s200/drawing+on+mug.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
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Now you simply color in the image using your markers. I used a Red Sharpie and a Black Bic Mark It. I found the Black Bic Mark It worked much better and when I make mugs again, I will use all Bic Mark Its next time. Anyways, I found it easiest to out line the entire image being careful not to go outside the stencil and then fill it all in. I let them both sit for about 10 minutes before I removed my stencil. If you notice that the marker bled outside the stencil any, you can easily clean it up by dipping a Q-tip in alcohol.</div>
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I then put my mugs in a cool oven, turned the oven to 450 degrees and put the timer on 45 minutes. When the 45 minutes were up, I turned off the oven and left the mugs in until they cooled. The mustache mug looked amazing straight out of the oven but the color of the lips was more orange than red. So I added more red Sharpie to the mug and baked it all over again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIvLGCS2HOiYd5_FdQhQIUmbEQyCU6oPjDkoiPPARLE2KEReWCBoAg0SDEeDe8KnBwAr2ESRPbmzSt5pE7NHpisFNSPHaBF0GiQYztyMYTj8-KL_K-umOD18Uri2p76hRTKIi2dpcNvZa/s1600/mug+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIvLGCS2HOiYd5_FdQhQIUmbEQyCU6oPjDkoiPPARLE2KEReWCBoAg0SDEeDe8KnBwAr2ESRPbmzSt5pE7NHpisFNSPHaBF0GiQYztyMYTj8-KL_K-umOD18Uri2p76hRTKIi2dpcNvZa/s400/mug+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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They turned out pretty cute! I washed them a couple of times just to be sure nothing scrubbed off and all was good.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeTHa0VrACfqHOqZJpcPOpYy_prvcuM3yvkWO-B4W14iX8nv4sQx7KvxJiDLQqWBirwvHrFCSNNqO3yU2A-FPXMLBa3AEgWfE7WHa4TbFbQLDYmGuJq95I6BGrYgs9JHJoD5S1xJ-idD5/s1600/wrapped+mug+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeTHa0VrACfqHOqZJpcPOpYy_prvcuM3yvkWO-B4W14iX8nv4sQx7KvxJiDLQqWBirwvHrFCSNNqO3yU2A-FPXMLBa3AEgWfE7WHa4TbFbQLDYmGuJq95I6BGrYgs9JHJoD5S1xJ-idD5/s400/wrapped+mug+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With the holidays right around the corner, you could easily turn these into gifts for teachers, co-workers, friends, etc. by adding a couple of packages of hot cocoa and candy canes inside the mug, tie them with some pretty ribbon and add a jingle bell embellishment and you have a cute gift!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This post is part of the monthly Silhouette Challenges hosted by Lauren at <a href="http://www.thinkingcloset.com/" target="_blank">The Thinking Closet</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Check out other posts by Silhouette Challenge participants below: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://wp.me/p3FGHs-LE" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">DIY Ironing Board Hanger</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by The Turquoise Home</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://nearlyhandmade.blogspot.com/2013/11/silhouette-challenge-time-zone-bathroom.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Silhouette Challenge: Time Zone Bathroom Art</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Nearly Handmade</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://wp.me/p2daiD-1pR" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Santa's Christmas Countdown</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Tried & True</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://wp.me/p3gOqC-1WR" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Nautical Anchor Pillow Tutorial</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by The Thinking Closet</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://www.unoriginalmom.com/christmas-card-ornament" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Christmas Card Ornament with Free Cut File</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by unOriginalMom</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://www.architectureofamom.com/2013/11/Thanksgiving-and-Christmas-Dual-Sign.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Thanksgiving and Christmas Dual Sign</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Architecture of a Mom</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://www.getsilvered.com/?p=712" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Itching to Etch</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Get Silvered</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://whatsnextma.blogspot.com/2013/11/snowman-tag-silhouette-challenge.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Snowman Tag ~ Silhouette Challenge</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Whats Next Ma</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://chickenscratchny.com/?p=2122" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Sign</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Chicken Scratch NY</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://rainonatinroof.com/?p=2859" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">DIY Horse Silhouette Pillow</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Rain on a Tin Roof</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://thesensoryemporium.blogspot.com/2013/11/sketching-on-fabric.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Sketching on Fabric</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by The Sensory Emporium</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://bit.ly/173I1Kd" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Paper Leaf Garland</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Lil' Mrs. Tori</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://bit.ly/17bzyKn" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">DIY Blessing Board - Silhouette Challenge</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by One Tough Mother</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://createandbabble.com/?p=3296" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Christmas Pillow</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Create & Babble</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://givemeapaintbrush.blogspot.com/2013/11/glass-painting-wreverse-stencils.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Glass Painting with Reverse Stencils</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Givemeapaintbrush</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://www.cutesycrafts.com/2013/11/chalkboard-thankful-tree.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Chalkboard Thankful Tree</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Cutesy Crafts</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://wp.me/p3E4e8-Qe" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Bottoms Up! MYO Wine Tag</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by From Wine to Whine</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://aneleganttouch-lynden.blogspot.com/2013/11/happy-holly-days-gift-tags-for-swap.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">'Happy Holly-days' Tags for the Swap</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by An Elegant Touch...</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://everyday-paper.com/?p=1103" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Thank You for Dinner (Card)</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Everyday Paper</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://wp.me/p2UXKM-1VR" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Advent Star Christmas Countdown</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by My Favorite Finds</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://wp.me/p3QQ9v-dL" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Geometric Fabric Bowls</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Please Excuse My Craftermath...</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://www.homeateight.com/2013/11/paper-carnival.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Paper Carnival</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Home At Eight</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://bit.ly/19JcOjV" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Silhouette Cameo Tutorial: Dual Sided Business Cards</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Black and White Obsession</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://wp.me/p34gNs-JP" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">In Case of Emergency Baby Bag Tags</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Tossed Salad Life</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://shatril.blogspot.com/2013/11/christmas-on-my-mind.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Christmas On My Mind</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Creative Turn</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://wp.me/p3XXEY-69" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Jingle all the Way!</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by My Paper Craze</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://www.makinghomebase.com/christmas-lights-garland/" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Christmas Lights Garland</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Making Home Base</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://www.4you-withlove.com/2013/11/we-are-thankful.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">We Are Thankful</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by 4 You With Love</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://www.sowderingabout.com/2013/11/seattle-skyline-silhouette.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Seattle Skyline Silhouette </a><span style="text-align: start;">by Sowdering About in Seattle</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="http://www.coleyscorner.com/2013/11/diy-stenciled-mugs.html" style="color: #1155cc; text-align: start;" target="_blank">DIY Stenciled Mugs</a><span style="text-align: start;"> by Coley's Corner</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; text-align: left;">Interested in joining us for our group posting event next month? We'd love to have you. Simply fill out the </span><a href="http://www.thinkingcloset.com/the-silhouette-challenge-facebook-group-new-members-welcome/" style="color: #333333; text-align: left;" target="_blank" title="New Member Request Form">new member request form</a><span style="color: #333333; text-align: left;">, and Lauren from The Thinking Closet will get you squared away.</span></span></div>
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<br />Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-7480901866624731542013-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-25T11:18:49.059-04:0017 Years<br />
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Seventeen years ago today at 2:12 AM this precious little peanut impatiently made an early entrance into the world. I was overwhelmed by the love I immediately felt for him just seconds after his birth. </div>
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And over the years that has not changed. He has taught me some of the most important lessons of my life about love and motherhood. He has pushed me out of my comfort zone and stretched me beyond my limits. I've done things I didn't even know I had the strength to do because of this boy.<br />
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Sometimes, I look at him and am just overwhelmed. He is so amazing. I am simply in awe of the amazing young man he is becoming. Life isn't always easy for him but he has an innocence, love for people, and sweet spirit that inspires me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6ZIz2Xpq0gIMuVSbPaGN6vG7pVc2wXZWlprpc8C50JLEiBTbdn4HY3CvUO8Vj0ewaSYxFXiDaGKUY5nGe8gNTmnNzDM6pai1jSTzfjCCBHw8kF2HMh7FL9k1ZTneglZLmpDx-sxxlsXy/s1600/first+baseball+game+of+fall+season.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6ZIz2Xpq0gIMuVSbPaGN6vG7pVc2wXZWlprpc8C50JLEiBTbdn4HY3CvUO8Vj0ewaSYxFXiDaGKUY5nGe8gNTmnNzDM6pai1jSTzfjCCBHw8kF2HMh7FL9k1ZTneglZLmpDx-sxxlsXy/s320/first+baseball+game+of+fall+season.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy birthday my sweet boy! I am so lucky and blessed that <a href="http://www.coleyscorner.com/2010/03/i-was-made-for-this.html" target="_blank">I was made for this</a> and God gave me you! </div>
Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-54506497806492939472013-09-29T02:10:00.000-04:002013-09-29T02:10:03.395-04:00Oval Pumpkin Card<div style="text-align: center;">
This week's <a href="http://casology.blogspot.com/2013/09/week-63-autumn.html">CASology Cue Card Challenge is Autumn</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcYH3l8y_5ngSZ16Y7jjYW6zfHLJ6m5cZ_dRnSqQtrDEtPuXEehMuiuuCHm4e-1LPsekp7V2aM6OVixV4liNn_SMU-dpke8wcPoeAZ5cK-1URtkdIQ74A8zxmFLL3l_kQ3iYvBFFNSY_H/s1600/autumn+card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcYH3l8y_5ngSZ16Y7jjYW6zfHLJ6m5cZ_dRnSqQtrDEtPuXEehMuiuuCHm4e-1LPsekp7V2aM6OVixV4liNn_SMU-dpke8wcPoeAZ5cK-1URtkdIQ74A8zxmFLL3l_kQ3iYvBFFNSY_H/s320/autumn+card2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I created a very simple card. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsuQUTALx_BJZ2mZW-nmqi-vml0bGiq-i2dgJkouV7FD3g321z47IF9A0I9zaI1cU5pdRVOIBzvqPOPPnO3JnHZVJXiGpB8cJ77FGwmuYcK_FEOh5GYjk76WhrQnHs5mCAca2UD6koxkc/s1600/pumpkin+close+up+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsuQUTALx_BJZ2mZW-nmqi-vml0bGiq-i2dgJkouV7FD3g321z47IF9A0I9zaI1cU5pdRVOIBzvqPOPPnO3JnHZVJXiGpB8cJ77FGwmuYcK_FEOh5GYjk76WhrQnHs5mCAca2UD6koxkc/s320/pumpkin+close+up+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To create the pumpkin, I punched three ovals from orange cardstock. I inked the edges with brown ink and a sponge. Using regular adhesive I placed two of the ovals next to each other on a Kraft colored card based that was stamped with my Hero Arts polka dot background stamp. I then placed the third oval in between the two ovals using a pop dot to give it some dimension. I made a "stem" from green cardstock, tied some green baker's twine around it, and tucked in between the popped up oval. </div>
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Simple and cute! </div>
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<a href="http://casology.blogspot.com/2013/09/week-63-autumn.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIoS8NLFLUsZK10GHQac6SaQ2Uqt4ma2atWlyvlHWZ1Hb3_a8P5MnzIpDQMnNeZvNhtHfSFxnhyS3SXsH3mVAFf3i98zPWgKGw_weWkCh89qloVwufBOJJSp9mowf6okxflaqnXmCV_XP/s1600/Week+63+-+Autumn.jpg" /></a></div>
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Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-67925947651901830532013-09-09T10:00:00.000-04:002013-09-09T10:00:08.123-04:00Fall Decor with the Silhouette<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so ready for fall! While it's still pretty warm outside, I recently took down the summer decor and am slowing putting out the fall. Maybe if I get ready for fall, Mother Nature will follow! </div>
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I was a little bored with my fall decor so I decided to make a couple of new things and am sharing these cute fall luminaries with you today. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop2ULRYhHqpOFDaDdeiFr6KiI_LTjb2PDwLFo8F4rUBJY1f2qbCrZP8nlQZ4KJjAKL6fPYA6OtiC7PgCYsu7zHNQiPdIUSGHyb7DJ21T7J6zEezSMwPYvlR_iuS-w8sDvy14gLMmPuUAx/s1600/luminary+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop2ULRYhHqpOFDaDdeiFr6KiI_LTjb2PDwLFo8F4rUBJY1f2qbCrZP8nlQZ4KJjAKL6fPYA6OtiC7PgCYsu7zHNQiPdIUSGHyb7DJ21T7J6zEezSMwPYvlR_iuS-w8sDvy14gLMmPuUAx/s400/luminary+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These luminaries were super easy to make thanks to Silvia, my Silhouette machine and took less than 20 minutes. I started off with <a href="http://www.silhouetteonlinestore.com/?page=view-shape&id=33593">this file for autumn luminaries</a> from the Silhouette store. I then cut it out of a rust and olive colored card stock. I put some vellum on the inside of the luminary where the leaves are cut out. Then I assembled my luminaries securing them with a strong adhesive, popped a battery operated candle inside, and was done! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioiXjRE0n4LtFLQJh-mv5t8Oo_TN063f3zxseetNQlKAiqnloJiGW8utmkHuPJNIhuDYrseeED8yObX1ryX7Hj_qSWZny7pAIKRnmmXmenpUqG9lvRgHEzEWBE5nHk8A4mAAXlA-GQ6Br/s1600/luminaries1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioiXjRE0n4LtFLQJh-mv5t8Oo_TN063f3zxseetNQlKAiqnloJiGW8utmkHuPJNIhuDYrseeED8yObX1ryX7Hj_qSWZny7pAIKRnmmXmenpUqG9lvRgHEzEWBE5nHk8A4mAAXlA-GQ6Br/s400/luminaries1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Super easy and cute on the mantle! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTPOenL8mvLbcUs3gd9-BHgCvlUg0LVmsdUrXRMmNN-D8v7d9_j94v_ZkhbUiBC8W54pAQn5szyPAc1RmFSaBL2l8AG2Nq7JrddCdPI9Lyq1JAvYyhKI8ycqoGNMpIA3gFv0-iB4l5kCC/s1600/TheSilhouetteChallenge-Blank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTPOenL8mvLbcUs3gd9-BHgCvlUg0LVmsdUrXRMmNN-D8v7d9_j94v_ZkhbUiBC8W54pAQn5szyPAc1RmFSaBL2l8AG2Nq7JrddCdPI9Lyq1JAvYyhKI8ycqoGNMpIA3gFv0-iB4l5kCC/s200/TheSilhouetteChallenge-Blank.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This post is part of the monthly Silhouette Challenge hosted by <a href="http://www.thinkingcloset.com/">Lauren at The Thinking Closet</a>. To see more posts, check out the posts by some of my Challenge buddies below.</div>
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<a href="http://www.lifeafterlaundry.com/?p=2741" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Organizing for Preschool">Organizing for Preschool</a> by Life After Laundry</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p3vwJb-pV" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Strawberry Shortcake Party Favors">Strawberry Shortcake Party Favors with Silhouette Seed Packets</a> by It Happens in a Blink</div>
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<a href="http://getsilveredcraft.blogspot.com/2013/09/look-at-me-vinyl-decal-with-free-file.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Look at Me! Vinyl Decal">Look At Me! Vinyl Decal with Free File</a> by Get Silvered Craft</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p3gOqC-1DG" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Stamped Wrapping Paper Tutorial">Stamped Wrapping Paper Tutorial</a> by The Thinking Closet</div>
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<a href="http://www.titicrafty.com/2013/09/titis-freezer-paper-stenciled.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Titi's Freezer Paper Stenciled Butterfiles Onesie">Titi's Freezer Paper Stenciled Butterflies Onesie!</a> by TitiCrafty</div>
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<a href="http://createandbabble.com/?p=2765" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Gender Reveal Fabric Banner">Gender Reveal Fabric Banner</a> by Create & Babble</div>
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<a href="http://roseshappyplace.blogspot.com/2013/09/monster-crossing-test-tube-holder.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Monster Crossing Test Tube Holder">Monster Crossing Test Tube Holder</a> by My Happy Place</div>
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<a href="http://tossedsaladlife.com/2013/09/preschool-lovey-book/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Preschool Lovey Book">Preschool Lovey Book</a> by A Tossed Salad Life</div>
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<a href="http://www.cutesycrafts.com/2013/08/front-door-sign.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Front Door Sign">Front Door Sign</a> by Cutesy Crafts</div>
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<a href="http://chickenscratchny.com/?p=1807" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Paper Pumpkin Banner">Paper Pumpkin Banner</a> by Chicken Scratch NY</div>
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<a href="http://www.homeateight.com/2013/09/a-stache-bash-shower.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="A Stache Bash Shower">A Stache Bash Shower</a> by Home At Eight</div>
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<a href="http://www.coleyscorner.com/2013/09/fall-decor-with-silhouette.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Fall Decor with Silhouette">Fall Decor with the Silhouette</a> by Coley's Corner</div>
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<a href="http://tanyascreativespace.blogspot.com/2013/09/happy-fall-yall.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Happy Fall Y'all">Happy Fall Y'all</a> by Tanya's Creative Space</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p3E4e8-Kt" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Crafting for Disney">Crafting for Disney: Stroller Signs & Kid Shirts</a> by From Wine to Whine</div>
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<a href="http://www.lilmrstori.com/2013/09/halloween-lights/%20%E2%80%8E" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Halloween Lights">Halloween Lights</a> by Lil' Mrs. Tori</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/paare-3A9" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Customized Disney T-Shirts">Customized Disney T-Shirts</a> by DailyDwelling</div>
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<a href="http://www.confessionsofarecoveringchocoholic.com/2013/09/09/craft-room-labels/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Craft Room Labels">Craft Room Labels</a> by Super Sweet Life</div>
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<a href="http://wp.me/p2daiD-1j0" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Tried & True Coloring Print In 3D">Tried & True Coloring Print In 3D!</a> by Tried & True</div>
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<a href="http://www.thehouseonhillbrook.com/2013/09/clean-eating-menu-planning-and-magnet.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Clean Eating Menu Planning ">Clean Eating Menu Planning and Magnet Board</a> by The House on Hillbrook</div>
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<a href="http://joyandgladnessofheart.blogspot.com/2013/09/toddler-growth-chart.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Toddler Growth Chart">Toddler Growth Chart</a> by Joy and Gladness of Heart</div>
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<a href="http://www.4you-withlove.com/2013/09/diy-anthropologie-inspired-chalk-board.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="DIY Anthropologie Inspired Chalk Board Storage Jars">DIY Anthropologie Inspired Chalk Board Storage Jars</a> by 4 You With Love</div>
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<a href="http://aneleganttouch-lynden.blogspot.com/2013/09/lets-hear-it-for-boys.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Let's Hear It For the Boys">"Let's Hear it For the Boys!"</a> by An Elegant Touch</div>
Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-77886540492645410362013-08-27T04:45:00.001-04:002013-08-27T04:45:56.726-04:00How Many Fingers are You Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week's CAS(E) this sketch was a simple but fun design. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidENhmDWQJNrU2-c0_BjOtHBuLGI8FWMi2saciwrmCTzhWeatt9iJQxMc8LCvb4OM1I7vWV-8WrCBdFzPYcK0RA9aV4KqTxW298xgQv3kYRW5xyByXTjYQsaoU6EZM8gXi5240maywaOD8/s1600/CTS_Sketch_42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidENhmDWQJNrU2-c0_BjOtHBuLGI8FWMi2saciwrmCTzhWeatt9iJQxMc8LCvb4OM1I7vWV-8WrCBdFzPYcK0RA9aV4KqTxW298xgQv3kYRW5xyByXTjYQsaoU6EZM8gXi5240maywaOD8/s200/CTS_Sketch_42.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
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I started thumbing through a 6 x 6 paper pad and found a paper that was blue and green and very masculine. I don't make many masculine cards at all so I thought I'd challenge myself and create a masculine card. </div>
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And here's my finished card: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajTPDaRyQY47wSO-uee7k1nRH0inVPmEXCxOmN83WJWCzQhR2K-wu6E2TVHHZLQyGYWXDqPjDK9xRA-O1sZMpGjoIelwhj_P8SPcVZ6STzzbfbItrTWUYNf-HjudCAVuZYnTAd7NbwmR6/s1600/how+many+fingers+are+you4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajTPDaRyQY47wSO-uee7k1nRH0inVPmEXCxOmN83WJWCzQhR2K-wu6E2TVHHZLQyGYWXDqPjDK9xRA-O1sZMpGjoIelwhj_P8SPcVZ6STzzbfbItrTWUYNf-HjudCAVuZYnTAd7NbwmR6/s400/how+many+fingers+are+you4.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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I once again broke out my favorite stamp set, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-15239/Inkadinkado-Clear-Stamps-99181/Detail">Friendly Advice Kids' Quotes by Inkadinkadoo</a> . This is seriously my most used sentiment stamp set. I love it.</div>
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I stamped the sentiment. Added the banner using the same patterned paper I backed the card with and then added three green stars just to give it a little something extra. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtYclLrRcJeszdom6LfW_deHQ6UVKmNrtjjH6chGP2Zbvg9ygzY1x_Y3blxx4owZ8vPDM9ZICBF8PhOeMj4tSYwCNwOqi7qM1zR6dNMILhL21dv9-TjH0oRCu2IATNwJg1V24Son80lkX/s1600/how+many+fingers+are+you1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtYclLrRcJeszdom6LfW_deHQ6UVKmNrtjjH6chGP2Zbvg9ygzY1x_Y3blxx4owZ8vPDM9ZICBF8PhOeMj4tSYwCNwOqi7qM1zR6dNMILhL21dv9-TjH0oRCu2IATNwJg1V24Son80lkX/s400/how+many+fingers+are+you1.jpg" width="381" /></a></div>
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To see more cards using this sketch, head over to the <a href="http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/">CAS(E) this Sketch blog</a>.</div>
<br />Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-31272685724942639802013-08-23T15:37:00.002-04:002013-08-23T15:37:29.556-04:00Snow Globe Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxozxMfAqroGPo_WyOsGfpZUBKJbVOvZCxlUDxVyLlEB6fv5eG4cO62qf74oRRchfPA2T2CbMdklXo7o2XOFSVcDsWBUJIwsNUi1_gUi5MrXAB6tz0nMBAHDbgJjXVPqNEMRt1SNwsXrr/s1600/snowglobe+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxozxMfAqroGPo_WyOsGfpZUBKJbVOvZCxlUDxVyLlEB6fv5eG4cO62qf74oRRchfPA2T2CbMdklXo7o2XOFSVcDsWBUJIwsNUi1_gUi5MrXAB6tz0nMBAHDbgJjXVPqNEMRt1SNwsXrr/s320/snowglobe+card.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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This week's <a href="http://festivefriday.blogspot.com/">Festive Friday</a> Theme Challenge is to create a card with a <a href="http://festivefriday.blogspot.com/2013/08/ffc15-theme-challenge.html">Children's Theme</a>. That's a pretty big theme so I started thinking what I wanted to make. I started thinking of <a href="http://www.coleyscorner.com/search/label/Noah">my Noah</a> and the things he likes related to Christmas. (OK, so if you have read this blog long you know Noah likes ALL things related to Christmas!) But two things he really loves are snow globes (which he calls wish wishes) and reindeer. So I decided to make a reindeer snow globe card!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTZbWCJta2-lgPX0xwVVbe0f_yZ1p4uYucSmGKOlqzEuMDQ1cYVj9-FLILbIn2RN9dfb6lsCoedF2RSxJ5GWPew4TuXkTJS5OIeGTyPVoLlBtVE0PZ5dcTXne437cobNOuSXg8Eh8iti_/s1600/close+up+of+snow+globe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTZbWCJta2-lgPX0xwVVbe0f_yZ1p4uYucSmGKOlqzEuMDQ1cYVj9-FLILbIn2RN9dfb6lsCoedF2RSxJ5GWPew4TuXkTJS5OIeGTyPVoLlBtVE0PZ5dcTXne437cobNOuSXg8Eh8iti_/s320/close+up+of+snow+globe.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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I cut a circle using a large circle punch and then stamped the reindeer from a Recollections set. I then masked the reindeer and stamped a Christmas tree from the same set. I colored them both in with my colored pencils. Then I cut a piece of light brown cardstock into a rectangle and rounded the corners of it to be the base for my snow globe. I adhered everything to my and stamped "Merry Christmas" in red from the same stamp set onto the base of the snow globe. Lastly, I added some clear Stickles to the tree and a red rhinestone to the reindeer's nose. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS9mq5VLIRyfLmsObL72yP8dfJtDPl96B2EhACxsMR6E20Syo7HJGtFUvX3GL9TV7yw2FvEF2YKp9568xFJ7Ai87Avyf9y6wa_j8oX0V7lbtzNquB_tbc66XMzITvdAbyJStDX112DhKX/s1600/snow+globe+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS9mq5VLIRyfLmsObL72yP8dfJtDPl96B2EhACxsMR6E20Syo7HJGtFUvX3GL9TV7yw2FvEF2YKp9568xFJ7Ai87Avyf9y6wa_j8oX0V7lbtzNquB_tbc66XMzITvdAbyJStDX112DhKX/s320/snow+globe+card.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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I really love how it turned out!</div>
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<br />To see more cute Children's Themed Holiday Projects, head over to the <a href="http://festivefriday.blogspot.com/2013/08/ffc15-theme-challenge.html">Festive Friday Blog</a>!</div>
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Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-71258434349246210282013-08-20T22:15:00.000-04:002013-08-20T22:15:15.297-04:00First Day of School 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a very long summer and I was very thankful for the start of school yesterday. Noah was excited to go however, he was not excited for my obligatory first day of school pictures so I did the best I could. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2fu9Z-hULz1XQJvJcGO55PTdqBRTIQYhXcPK6Hnfp4JFsD4AJPe4sOfJFSTuc721U97sxLLQ0-x4ApiBGe_aMMOEMqYFBK6gypvQi4oW1_MqKAxZ5tH45q2O2MprONNZ8Udw4eR5OdmX/s1600/first+day+framed+with+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2fu9Z-hULz1XQJvJcGO55PTdqBRTIQYhXcPK6Hnfp4JFsD4AJPe4sOfJFSTuc721U97sxLLQ0-x4ApiBGe_aMMOEMqYFBK6gypvQi4oW1_MqKAxZ5tH45q2O2MprONNZ8Udw4eR5OdmX/s320/first+day+framed+with+text.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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Technically, he is in the 11th grade but because he goes to a special needs school he will stay in school until he turns 21. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MEfg6YJh1H9ABYhEGeUdlGfti4x_AhHOR6SalkOPAeZkSh9tQwVGKhPqgnzT7CoI6Zj9Awto-acbOWWmHpl_281pJ1Gay_ld78cPhzJLXbvREnZGNJZueJpG6fkjEZG5CElHAFTk1C3e/s1600/First+day+with+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MEfg6YJh1H9ABYhEGeUdlGfti4x_AhHOR6SalkOPAeZkSh9tQwVGKhPqgnzT7CoI6Zj9Awto-acbOWWmHpl_281pJ1Gay_ld78cPhzJLXbvREnZGNJZueJpG6fkjEZG5CElHAFTk1C3e/s400/First+day+with+sign.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
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He had a great day but came home exhausted and hungry! LOL </div>
Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-43000519321807470322013-08-11T07:47:00.000-04:002013-08-11T08:03:32.453-04:00(Less Than) 10 Minute Birthday Card<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently came across a new challenge; the 10 Minute Craft Dash at <a href="http://prettypinkposh.com/">Pretty Pink Posh</a>. You are supposed to make a card pertaining to that week's theme in 10 minutes or less. I've never actually timed myself while making a card so I thought this would be a fun challenge though I discovered it is nerve racking to see that clock sitting there so I had to stop looking at it!<br />
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Here's my finished card.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm_EFuxDXmXXt-vAC6YNM-EK02NEhzTqw_KM0g3Jp_pw2jYARrwHJqqalp_pkJKVZvx69_jw8O7KQpgS7QXT_R81GSmlSDsHpBBTxIznQlrVNoO9iqup346K-ejY9r2rLB371dVh3JZyY/s1600/grown+up+birthday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm_EFuxDXmXXt-vAC6YNM-EK02NEhzTqw_KM0g3Jp_pw2jYARrwHJqqalp_pkJKVZvx69_jw8O7KQpgS7QXT_R81GSmlSDsHpBBTxIznQlrVNoO9iqup346K-ejY9r2rLB371dVh3JZyY/s400/grown+up+birthday1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Per the rules of the challenge, you can pull on all of your supplies that you think you might want to use before hand so I did that and I'm sure that saved me time. Per the rules, you can also draw a sketch before hand of how you think you want your card to turn out. I've never drawn my own sketch before but I went ahead and did that too.<br />
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I stamped the quote from one of my favorite stamp sets, Kids' Quotes by <a href="http://www.eksuccessbrands.com/inkadinkado/">Inkadinkadoo</a> in the middle of the card and filled in background in various colors to create "confetti" using two of the stamps from the <a href="http://www.techniquetuesday.com/Image-Stamps/ISLMS.html">Loves Me, Loves me Not </a>set by Technique Tuesday.<br />
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I made this card in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bQQPKK8vSw0navmnEVk7bobPsD6DGqWM7-A-h3tLE_J1sbXL1oxkZCMkqgjfRLRRV-6Zc6DyD1bOPAtr2iwyehRNiaWo27qbCe-0XzqRMoGqo1lb9TCYXu-AzcwFydvDY3dd6N2RQ9O0/s1600/birthday+challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bQQPKK8vSw0navmnEVk7bobPsD6DGqWM7-A-h3tLE_J1sbXL1oxkZCMkqgjfRLRRV-6Zc6DyD1bOPAtr2iwyehRNiaWo27qbCe-0XzqRMoGqo1lb9TCYXu-AzcwFydvDY3dd6N2RQ9O0/s200/birthday+challenge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The bow kept giving me problems but in the end I love how the card turned out.<br />
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<a href="http://prettypinkposh.com/2013/08/10-minute-craft-dash-birthday-bash.html"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ7H9Eyhj861Blja6wafSnmjmCu8P4w-zqfVDdhfUbw0IC6GpkJzOhqcAYEB6hC1BfZqDIm_MqjoxdFQT74iITZHq1vkMyP5ZIVl1dMyVGxF0Hq8RuT1AOx59a9DKQxSg7GWSwF_Qxnh_/s200/CD_23.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-58278094083393512282013-08-09T16:07:00.000-04:002013-08-09T16:07:33.769-04:00Birthday Cake Card<div style="text-align: center;">
It's time for another CAS(E) this Sketch Challenge. <a href="http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/2013/08/case-this-sketch-40.html">This week's</a> sketch is below. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GdCh94-OiECCkyQIl5v7GrY7VfquMWA3JXHAXO2MgpKte7N_lP0DkMm5VJHRqp8q9neoGSnYXoEQ6dzp-1IovtizAPv9f0QSUZmUNnfVCULmMb1dAGwRo_zWcg2HOkV-B6fpPthXVET0/s1600/CTS_Sketch_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GdCh94-OiECCkyQIl5v7GrY7VfquMWA3JXHAXO2MgpKte7N_lP0DkMm5VJHRqp8q9neoGSnYXoEQ6dzp-1IovtizAPv9f0QSUZmUNnfVCULmMb1dAGwRo_zWcg2HOkV-B6fpPthXVET0/s200/CTS_Sketch_40.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
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And here is my interpretation of the sketch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQUXOHX_pcRFydcyFudIDNka-yFoy42ktMMWdbCIsKVVlsWKg1XTyA7DES78r4Q3s5RcBVakS3SjS2VwCg2gQ2rEFSyTmkn8127a2b1Jh7wZHjoPdnYVbvqML3GLuTJl6V5rNPhTNvsLY/s1600/birthday+cake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQUXOHX_pcRFydcyFudIDNka-yFoy42ktMMWdbCIsKVVlsWKg1XTyA7DES78r4Q3s5RcBVakS3SjS2VwCg2gQ2rEFSyTmkn8127a2b1Jh7wZHjoPdnYVbvqML3GLuTJl6V5rNPhTNvsLY/s320/birthday+cake1.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
<br /><br />I used a cake stamp from Recollections and colored it in using my colored pencils. I really love coloring in images - it's really therapeutic to me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRruSTRm5cvIi8-QBhFj1yJ-j9SUQmTVRZRldIOA69WV2g25M3RoymDdyoHDOLYXbykMreRzskr5vuJ9IwhztZVOf1PdIr0DzazK8rYLQrv66LliCt8S4Z45wCcawTNeUb6zMc4tSiQD9/s1600/close+up+of+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRruSTRm5cvIi8-QBhFj1yJ-j9SUQmTVRZRldIOA69WV2g25M3RoymDdyoHDOLYXbykMreRzskr5vuJ9IwhztZVOf1PdIr0DzazK8rYLQrv66LliCt8S4Z45wCcawTNeUb6zMc4tSiQD9/s200/close+up+of+cake.jpg" width="167" /></a></div>
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The Happy Birthday stamp is from the <a href="http://www.mftstamps.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=719">Birthday Princess Pure Innocence stamp set</a> by <a href="http://www.mftstamps.com/">My Favorite Things</a>. I stamped it on a punched circle and then tucked the circle behind the mounted birthday cake image.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28fRTIFiI7yECkvY7yjLNOVpr0H70qFz-KKpjYWsIWB5mWApaZVQnvS-Y4bWJ9M1ooD5J0zerEmltmjhdfnR_tSK7dBScU144-WMO1_zD9-K7XYLU6UpL5J5QZNdFv-boYozsmCZe1skC/s1600/close+up+of+birthday+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="42" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28fRTIFiI7yECkvY7yjLNOVpr0H70qFz-KKpjYWsIWB5mWApaZVQnvS-Y4bWJ9M1ooD5J0zerEmltmjhdfnR_tSK7dBScU144-WMO1_zD9-K7XYLU6UpL5J5QZNdFv-boYozsmCZe1skC/s200/close+up+of+birthday+bow.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The card felt a little blah to me so I added brown ribbon and a cute little bow at the bottom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCELR7fag32JyQVIjipW7P3sE-jVtsTQKjJLzHG9wUh16VICWiqv_Qh7yXAVdfQPkdo2KZjnLZjp3lDsnLxsC1mr7vMnCywIIKvfTiFbnmCQxGNmTQtfAGPwnZfPN_PEkm1qRj6x74byKj/s1600/birthday+cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCELR7fag32JyQVIjipW7P3sE-jVtsTQKjJLzHG9wUh16VICWiqv_Qh7yXAVdfQPkdo2KZjnLZjp3lDsnLxsC1mr7vMnCywIIKvfTiFbnmCQxGNmTQtfAGPwnZfPN_PEkm1qRj6x74byKj/s320/birthday+cake2.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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I love how this card turned out. </div>
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I'm also linking up to the <a href="http://casology.blogspot.com/2013/08/week-56-dessert.html">Dessert CASology challenge</a>. </div>
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Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-22042096651752282662013-08-06T17:40:00.000-04:002013-08-06T17:41:51.004-04:00Flowers in a Jar and Birthday Balloons<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm back participating in another <a href="http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/">CAS(E) this Sketch Challenge</a>. <br />
<a href="http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/2013/08/case-this-sketch-39.html">This week's sketch</a> is below. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gLSJcGNCiGzodsY6qmJ1IvhmyxCORhTsTT-CzsJUiIm345NwAJPiYrKK2f1tXTlwikXr3xTU5OKhvIBLu7qRXxohnuMK2Q3eevY0LJW2PgqUegoLNQ_61_GYCQ6kGgMk3Kgf_Ndtnr1h/s1600/CTS_Sketch_39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gLSJcGNCiGzodsY6qmJ1IvhmyxCORhTsTT-CzsJUiIm345NwAJPiYrKK2f1tXTlwikXr3xTU5OKhvIBLu7qRXxohnuMK2Q3eevY0LJW2PgqUegoLNQ_61_GYCQ6kGgMk3Kgf_Ndtnr1h/s200/CTS_Sketch_39.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
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And here are my interpretations of this week's sketch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFx3W29vH6IK5bkVIE4NOxMXif3cQo3Wg-tK1014cRDuGwNrTg31G1tbUfReIMV7OykGHt5UJbgkLSNusuKI3q8HnRkL70lNYdapmpleA7SDXmPTVHUYgtxMvmZYD4w1YuCCYqgkIJAeO-/s1600/Thinking+of+you+card1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFx3W29vH6IK5bkVIE4NOxMXif3cQo3Wg-tK1014cRDuGwNrTg31G1tbUfReIMV7OykGHt5UJbgkLSNusuKI3q8HnRkL70lNYdapmpleA7SDXmPTVHUYgtxMvmZYD4w1YuCCYqgkIJAeO-/s320/Thinking+of+you+card1.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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I created this first card using a Dear Lizzie jar stamp, a random flower stamp, and a sentiment from a Hero Arts sentiment set. I added some buttons to the centers of the flowers. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo9J3hEUBNuUb03SoNjyVkO_LLRKT5tXxpj_iDLPymR1fMAyqWpFqV5AuUugqx_pAQohFSL_wXz-6YYSOtTqMtXJfC9I_FWz0rgz7J_oEIkxtsL2OBsrxfwd9MKbc8JF0cPDTZDtqcEyG/s1600/happy+birthday+balloons+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo9J3hEUBNuUb03SoNjyVkO_LLRKT5tXxpj_iDLPymR1fMAyqWpFqV5AuUugqx_pAQohFSL_wXz-6YYSOtTqMtXJfC9I_FWz0rgz7J_oEIkxtsL2OBsrxfwd9MKbc8JF0cPDTZDtqcEyG/s320/happy+birthday+balloons+card.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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I felt inspired by the sketch to make a second card and this is that card. I used some balloons from a Hero Arts birthday set. The balloons are actually attached to animals so I stamped them in different colors of ink matching the confetti in the background paper and then fussy cut all the balloons. I arranged them then drew black lines for the balloon strings with a black gel pen. I added a little orange pre-made bow and the Happy Birthday sentiment which is from the same Hero Arts birthday set.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVZuoa9o6_y4iFDNR2wU6asPis8lPewDKHzGrCIIcpbAy1nyusNYZ67AnxUmMRVeBnypqtapr6lLu_9AkkpxXVSkx6lgjrh0xkhmRjLlC3dR-xZX54vIpPGJfCQVDUbmhWE5jzXQ5OnhJ/s1600/cts_badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVZuoa9o6_y4iFDNR2wU6asPis8lPewDKHzGrCIIcpbAy1nyusNYZ67AnxUmMRVeBnypqtapr6lLu_9AkkpxXVSkx6lgjrh0xkhmRjLlC3dR-xZX54vIpPGJfCQVDUbmhWE5jzXQ5OnhJ/s200/cts_badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">If you'd like to see more cards made with this sketch, head on over to the </span><a href="http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/2013/06/case-this-sketch-33.html" style="background-color: white; color: #688140; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">CAS(E) Sketch blog</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">.</span></div>
Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-12023635356952972922013-07-26T13:28:00.001-04:002013-07-26T13:28:20.441-04:00Pink Joy Card<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, I'm participating in my first <a href="http://festivefriday.blogspot.com/">Festive Friday challenge.</a> Every other Friday they post a Christmas themed challenge in the efforts of helping to motivate card makers to have a jump start on the Christmas season. </div>
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This week's challenge is a color challenge and the colors selected are pink, white, and silver. I'll admit that this was definitely a challenge for me as pink is not normally a color I would associate with Christmas. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yx4dAai-h6B_73ZGxktEmmfJ7C9HNbG-jfJESN4dQHH30xsdcI34Ujp8i9-jWoIg9DSTVSGDnddqLn-2gK8kQyrTN42h9ot8X5VoK0lJgEjmXT4B-g8sg4G_enBNluV6_pV3DjvN73r0/s1600/festive+friday+color+challenge+pws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yx4dAai-h6B_73ZGxktEmmfJ7C9HNbG-jfJESN4dQHH30xsdcI34Ujp8i9-jWoIg9DSTVSGDnddqLn-2gK8kQyrTN42h9ot8X5VoK0lJgEjmXT4B-g8sg4G_enBNluV6_pV3DjvN73r0/s200/festive+friday+color+challenge+pws.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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My card is <b>very </b>clean and simple. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-kDtGXaOFeXZDsxFjRaE1BdhwSK2Z9kj9qbM8LBiP4kvoVfy9yFWQUKNQvcSJPNPqQ1IsjH5XpiRkrHWZqJPMskFj3GNiXsirBD_W9whbM20Hd5lbdSFiUJEuXD0oHtlNy5fq1_7etv4/s1600/JOY+Card1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-kDtGXaOFeXZDsxFjRaE1BdhwSK2Z9kj9qbM8LBiP4kvoVfy9yFWQUKNQvcSJPNPqQ1IsjH5XpiRkrHWZqJPMskFj3GNiXsirBD_W9whbM20Hd5lbdSFiUJEuXD0oHtlNy5fq1_7etv4/s320/JOY+Card1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used a background stamp to create silver polka dots on the card base. I die cut the letters and artisan square with my Silhouette machine. The ornament stamp is from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Technique-Tuesday/144198678970055">Technique Tuesday</a> and I heat embossed it in silver.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsnexhRQnvAEv6Jza9dTBxMxaBoZ0Ohb5Vywr-EUismI3s5EMkGVt8zQLsAVfkIzGv3_Kq2oH9zAFMZo-4beUYrgFIYVSY7s6aUJZVsQC232Ot27zPQbxw4NuDo0RDxd7tZK1Eu962faJ/s1600/Joy+Card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsnexhRQnvAEv6Jza9dTBxMxaBoZ0Ohb5Vywr-EUismI3s5EMkGVt8zQLsAVfkIzGv3_Kq2oH9zAFMZo-4beUYrgFIYVSY7s6aUJZVsQC232Ot27zPQbxw4NuDo0RDxd7tZK1Eu962faJ/s320/Joy+Card2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Simple but cute if you like pink for Christmas. ;)</div>
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For more pink, white, and silver Christmas inspiration head on over to <a href="http://festivefriday.blogspot.com/2013/07/ffc13-colour-challenge.html">the Festive Friday blog</a>. </div>
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<br />Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-36998379875383003932013-07-23T17:03:00.002-04:002013-07-23T17:03:55.902-04:00Miss You and Smiley Face Card<div style="text-align: center;">
It's time for another <a href="http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/">CAS(E) Sketch Challenge</a>. <br />
This is <a href="http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/2013/07/case-this-sketch-37.html">this week's sketch</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpjLLfVSXEbjH5ktQCrf6rilEJEmWYQ_wxsmSxHupE3jCb2GvSiN9HfF7MEIrBQg3ZdHsGdm4TDzsX5f5llQ26x8lUdPmmLy38ObYp4QEiIsvZR2K1mwywIyc3X52uxsLxQNHhxOsWauX/s1600/CTS_37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpjLLfVSXEbjH5ktQCrf6rilEJEmWYQ_wxsmSxHupE3jCb2GvSiN9HfF7MEIrBQg3ZdHsGdm4TDzsX5f5llQ26x8lUdPmmLy38ObYp4QEiIsvZR2K1mwywIyc3X52uxsLxQNHhxOsWauX/s320/CTS_37.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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And here's my interpretation of that sketch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjQoTYLmBxrJs6OlHSkhbudrIy_-37LF_tSEjNaq_URdTQ9cARTmB0cIEJ968VtXAZIo9CrsSsNbkZUcBkto8y_DrUHC_0j8RQLT9BrHbnISsY4B599BDbdaIzCqSWByxu6-GZ5uFpVvb/s1600/miss+you+card3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjQoTYLmBxrJs6OlHSkhbudrIy_-37LF_tSEjNaq_URdTQ9cARTmB0cIEJ968VtXAZIo9CrsSsNbkZUcBkto8y_DrUHC_0j8RQLT9BrHbnISsY4B599BDbdaIzCqSWByxu6-GZ5uFpVvb/s320/miss+you+card3.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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The hearts are from a Love Elsie stamp set and the "miss you" is by Studio G.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsrIzKYxCRSxqJ78L7MWkAgVKO1ANU_JexLhr0cjcOroLwyxQR2KmTCpDDYXBgACnMrArviCmC_NOqNz6twQd7XjvFB2dGkuUcM7tUQG-TNUY2o68_Fm1kCBS7ccIW_6ZE032BupmxNIx/s1600/miss+you+card+collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsrIzKYxCRSxqJ78L7MWkAgVKO1ANU_JexLhr0cjcOroLwyxQR2KmTCpDDYXBgACnMrArviCmC_NOqNz6twQd7XjvFB2dGkuUcM7tUQG-TNUY2o68_Fm1kCBS7ccIW_6ZE032BupmxNIx/s320/miss+you+card+collage2.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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I actually liked this sketch so much I used it to make a second card.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCs-JLSh4oj65OotkgVb1v8wEeEDjbxcxlYjDbhsWiZ8sz8N62HbN2WO8XD-2oRX_g6knFzh7Aox11cniCuQy0q1c1sUFUFe11wBPUAfXzCJ0mvMAlfr5HvDhCtzG4RfUZe7XbL9KtbtO/s1600/Smile+Card1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCs-JLSh4oj65OotkgVb1v8wEeEDjbxcxlYjDbhsWiZ8sz8N62HbN2WO8XD-2oRX_g6knFzh7Aox11cniCuQy0q1c1sUFUFe11wBPUAfXzCJ0mvMAlfr5HvDhCtzG4RfUZe7XbL9KtbtO/s320/Smile+Card1.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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The smiley faces I just made using my circle punch, yellow cardstock, and a black gel pen. The stamp is from one of my favorite stamp sets, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-15239/Inkadinkado-Clear-Stamps-99181/Detail" target="_blank">Friendly Advice, Kid's Quotes</a> by Inkadinkadoo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ3I4yVYXZMh5GPkvBLBb3q2vcKsMxRt_6qA6N3zW-FGldxdfGSLXrOEKVyBAxPSw9T2LqbMtAHst5Re7ZRASOpeQGimwrc3aAPEVKiEvUhMO1_3Hel2WzgzKMjrH0ghceRxMXrS1mlmR/s1600/Smiley+Card+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ3I4yVYXZMh5GPkvBLBb3q2vcKsMxRt_6qA6N3zW-FGldxdfGSLXrOEKVyBAxPSw9T2LqbMtAHst5Re7ZRASOpeQGimwrc3aAPEVKiEvUhMO1_3Hel2WzgzKMjrH0ghceRxMXrS1mlmR/s320/Smiley+Card+Collage2.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">If you'd like to see more cards made with this sketch, head on over to the </span><a href="http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/2013/06/case-this-sketch-33.html" style="background-color: white; color: #688140; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">CAS(E) Sketch blog</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">.</span></div>
Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-73604042925017200132013-07-22T23:55:00.000-04:002013-07-23T02:05:58.050-04:00Quote of the Week: Just Breathe<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think, not wonder, not imagine, not obsess; just breathe and have faith that everything will work out for the best." <br />- Unknown</span></div>
Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513998096936414337.post-75811548736242477242013-07-16T00:39:00.000-04:002013-07-16T00:39:36.834-04:00Celebrate Card <br />
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I'm participating in another sketch challenge over at the <a href="http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">CAS(E) this Sketch blog</a>. As you can tell, I'm enjoying playing along with this (new to me) weekly challenge. I like trying ideas that I wouldn't have necessarily come up with all on my own and with the craziness of summer, card crafting is really all I have the time (or energy!) for. </div>
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This is <a href="http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/2013/07/case-this-sketch-36.html" target="_blank">this week's sketch</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2pnzTOwn60TfxqqBVIy4fnXETqgR38qoAEFky_L1EzBrjq6JEf-wveShc-LLeJqapKQnEm1EiTCTQSDL7CZUv1RnfaGs-j0yGJXaAItRdiRk5RkB_Yhx5Emr0oULlpeSaGUpCRs3Fk5W/s1600/CTS_Sketch_36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2pnzTOwn60TfxqqBVIy4fnXETqgR38qoAEFky_L1EzBrjq6JEf-wveShc-LLeJqapKQnEm1EiTCTQSDL7CZUv1RnfaGs-j0yGJXaAItRdiRk5RkB_Yhx5Emr0oULlpeSaGUpCRs3Fk5W/s320/CTS_Sketch_36.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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And here is my interpretation of that sketch. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSbC2NNmhuD0wVhy3-uPDcm54fidX-irxJLzbwtmii78tiI1mq34MzT7U6z1pfdH0QPWHEHzT4DqZ0CKAEz0m57sioxMMvlkHlIE7YhPzqxHYKrbxfvVIF5DEL9Hi4ANkcbgDr62rQgs_/s1600/Celebrate+card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSbC2NNmhuD0wVhy3-uPDcm54fidX-irxJLzbwtmii78tiI1mq34MzT7U6z1pfdH0QPWHEHzT4DqZ0CKAEz0m57sioxMMvlkHlIE7YhPzqxHYKrbxfvVIF5DEL9Hi4ANkcbgDr62rQgs_/s320/Celebrate+card2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used a cute set by Hero Arts that I found on clearance at Hobby Lobby awhile back. It has some fun little birthday animals. I stamped the stamp, colored it in with colored pencils, and then cut it out with a circle punch. I stamped the word celebrate on yellow cardstock and banner cut it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqzLN453U6XFxST9LewcEucvOKE-vtF0a-JVMh2HJAYu7YyJB6wvqbral8xy0AhsaVvydlJGCXV7k_Vj1VcKeT3qT4gZVEyM4-LkM5tZz2ThqcQt5wC646YpDC0ZQXfzWt6NHqoSKgAu8/s1600/celebrate+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqzLN453U6XFxST9LewcEucvOKE-vtF0a-JVMh2HJAYu7YyJB6wvqbral8xy0AhsaVvydlJGCXV7k_Vj1VcKeT3qT4gZVEyM4-LkM5tZz2ThqcQt5wC646YpDC0ZQXfzWt6NHqoSKgAu8/s320/celebrate+card.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">If you'd like to see more cards made with this sketch, head on over to the </span><a href="http://casethissketch.blogspot.com/2013/06/case-this-sketch-33.html" style="background-color: white; color: #688140; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">CAS(E) Sketch blog</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">.</span></div>
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Coleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10618784227253360775noreply@blogger.com2