dear santa mailbox FCD sneak peek

Hi and thanks for checking my little sneak peek of the Santa Mailbox that I made for Factory Direct Craft.com 's blog... see the full post here!

Happy Crafting!!!
Lisa

Picture Perfect Love

Hello again!  Stopping by to share my take on this weeks Paper Smooches Picture Perfect Challenge...

Supplies:
Stamps: Paper Smooches
Ink: Memories and PTI
Patterned Paper: MME Indie Chic
Washi: MME at V's Sweet Ideas
Yellow Cord
Bead
Sticky Doos: The Paper Studio

There is a jazz song that comes to mind when I see this card, " so come on home and turn me on... " I think it's a Norah Jones, but I'll do some research and let you know the right answer!
* I am also entering this into the Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes Challenge
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

You Rock! - Fashion Inspired

Soooooo.... yeah.... I am totally excited for you to see this one that I just have to show you now what I made:

Supplies:
Stamps: Technique Tuesdays and The Alley Way Stamps
Ink: Memento
Ruller
Marker: Zig
Refill Inks: Jenni Bowlin
Paintbrush
Sticky doos: Paper Studio
Gems: K & Co.

I had a blast, and got really messy, making this card based on the Runway Inspired Challenge.  I loved the straight lines on the front of the outfit and the splashes of color were beautiful.  Thanks so much for checking me out! * I'm also entering this into the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

A Tag with a little help from my friends...

Who helped me with my tag you ask?  Why the wonderful Lawnscaping Challenge and the Skipping Stones Designs Stamps Challenge sure did... after melding the two challenges together (sketch based and must be a tag) I came up with this...

hehehehe... smiling mushrooms.... love it!!!

Supplies Used:
Tag
Stamps: Lawn Fawn (mushrooms), Kaisercraft (script background), and TAWS (sentiment)
Ink: Memories black, Versamark, and Distress Inks
Markers: Sharpie
Clear Embossing Powder
Die: Spellbinders (circle)
Ribbon

Yay!  Happy little Christmas tag now made!  Thanks for checking in!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

10 Minute Craft Dash

Hello all!  I am back with a card, yay!!!  I've missed doing some challenges lately so I had a blast sitting down and knocking some out tonight.  I finally was able to do another 10 minute craft dash challenge, and as soon as I saw the colors I knew I had to get in on it!  So here is what I made:

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: MME Indie Chic
Stamp: Verve
Ink: Memento
Die: MFT
Brown Ribbon: RRR
Gem: K & Co.

Time: 8 min. 50 sec.  ( only because the first brown ribbon I put on frayed and I didn't like the way I had folded it behind the paper so I had to redo it taking a little more time )
Thanks so much for stopping by and you should try your hand at making a card in 10 minutes or less!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

New Layout Challenge

Hi!  I am here today playing along with a new sketch challenge (Creative Craft World Scrap Map Challenge) that I happened to stumble upon and boy am I so glad that I did because I really didn't know what I wanted to do with these pictures until I saw their sketch.

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: The Paper Studio and Bazzill Basic Paper
Journal circle: Making Memories
Embellishments: Sequins and Candi's in purple

Thank you for being here and have a fabulous Turkey day! : )
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Winner Winner.... Turkey Dinner.... hehehehe

Hello!!!!  Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I have had a great one and I'm sad to see life go back to the daily grind, but then I can just remind myself that Christmas season has begun and another holiday vacation is coming up yay!!!!  I have been a little crafty, but not much to show right now mainly a lot of family fun time and LOVED every minute!!!  Now onto some fun news for one of you... once again I want to say thank you to all of you who take the time to visit me and leave comments, they really do make my day!  And now the winner of my Thank you giveaway.....  ( it came down to 20 comments after 1 was deleted and 1 person opted out of the giveaway and just wanted to leave me a message yay! )

Terri's Tries @ Making Cards woo hoo!!!!

So Terri please email me at lisascreativeniche at gmail.com so I can get your prizes right out to you!

Thank you so much to all of my continued readers and my new readers you all make me smile and I am thankful for that!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Snow for thought...

I think the title says it all...

Supplies Used:
Patterned Paper: Echo Park
Stamps: Darcie's and Technique Tuesdays
Inks: PTI, Memento, VersaMagic
Pens: American Crafts and Sharpies
Glitter
Twine: The Twinery

* Entering this into The Paper Girls Challenge Blog: Christmas/Winter Themed
I had just had the idea for this card pop in my head and I just had to make it so I thought I would share with you in hopes of a smile!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Bling it on in Blue...

Hello!  I know it has been so quiet around here but I'm finally stopping in with a post, yay!!!  Don't forget to enter my giveaway only a few more days left to throw your name into the hat just click on my sidebar! : )  Other fun news... I've had my first two sales in my Etsy store another yay moment!

Now for today's fun... I made this card for the Hero Arts Holiday Bling Challenge, CAS(E) this Sketch!, and the CAS-ual Friday Winter Blues Challenge...

( a close up of the shinnies, which is def. a word, although I don't know if you can see the glitter and you can't really make out the shimmer I spritz on top but it is there I swear! )

Supplies:
Stamps: (snowflakes) Hero Arts, (sentiment) A Muse Studio
Ink: Colorbox Twinkle Watermark Stamp pad, Distress Inks
Embossing Powder: Stampendous!
Washi Tape: MME (V's Sweet Ideas)
Rhinestones: found in my stash, given to me by the lovely Amanda from Amanda's Crafts and More
Perfect Pearls

Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you have a fabulous rest of this week!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Inspired By Stamps and Hero Arts...

So excited to be sharing my newest card today with you all!  I made this card based on the Inspired by Stamps Inspiration Challenge and the Hero Arts Bring on the Bling Challenge, and came up with this lovey:

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Inspired By Stamps (sentiment) and Hero Arts (snowflakes)
Glitter Ribbon: from my stash
Ink: PTI, Memento and A Muse Studios
Gems: my stash

I'm also entering this into a new challenge group called Addicted to CAS which challenged us to use snowflakes!

Did I mention there is a chance for a GD position too at Inspired By Stamps?!  Fingers crossed!!!  I just love the elegant look of this card and the fun nontraditional colors make me so happy, yay!!!  Thanks for stopping by to see what I've made and hope to see you again this week!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Factory Direct Craft Blog Post

Hi and welcome to my Factory Direct Craft Blog Post sneak peek!!!  Make sure you go to their blog to see the full project... Hint: It will give you the perfect place to hang all of those beautiful Holiday cards this year!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Guest Designer for Amanda's Crafts and More... Giveaway details too!

Hello, and let me start by saying thank you to Amanda for having me as one of her guest designers I am truly honored and so excited to be here!!!  I have made a fun Thankful display box to share with you today, and you will be amazed at how easy it is to create ( I sure was! ).

Supplies Used:
Patterned Paper: Little Yellow Bicycles (Hello, Fall! Autumn Tree)
Sticker: Creative Memories
Black Vinyl: Provo Craft
Cricut Machine: Calligraphy Cartridge
Pearl: Recollections
Adhesive: Glue Dots

I started by cutting my "Thankful" sentiment out of black vinyl with my Cricut Expression and adhered it to the glass.  The background of the display was already a nice cream colored material, which I felt was perfect for the look I was going for.  I then fussy cut the tree and leaves out, placing them on a white piece of paper as I cut each one out to keep it in the same order as on the original paper.  I then trimmed the trunk of the tree down and moved each piece over to the inside of the display, adhering them one at a time with glue dots. ( A great little tip is that since there is material as the backdrop everything will be removable and the display case can be used over and over again.)   I then adhered by sticker, pearl and pictures!  See, I told you it was easy!!! We would love to see what you make so link up your Thankful projects with us at Amanda's Crafts and More and have a great rest of the week!
Happy Crafting and thank you again Amanda!!!
Lisa

Anniversary Card for my Sweet

Hi!  Another fun post today of the Anniversary card I gave my loving hubby for our six year anniversary on Sunday, yay!!!  It was a nice and relaxing one, and beautiful weather too!

Supplies:
Stamps: Penny Black, Technique Tuesdays
Ink: Memento, Memories, and Stampin Up!


A little masking and some fun placing of stamps, viola!  Thanks for stopping by and quick reminder: giveaway ends soon  not many entries so your odds are really good hint hint click on my sidebar picture of it!
Happy Crafting
Lisa

Having fun with some V's Sweet Ideas Digis!

This is just a fun post of a card I made when I was playing with Vanessa's new digi found at V's Sweet Ideas (it is just too much fun!).

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: MME All is Bright
Digi: V's Sweet Ideas Christmas Stamp Set
Ink: Distress Inks
Ribbon: V's Sweet Ideas
Stickles

Here are the other images in this set, make sure you order yours it is a must have!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Christmas Banners for Special Needs Kids Blog Hop

Hello and thank you so much for joining me for today's hop, let's start with a message from Ellen aka Cardmonkey...

"In the eyes of children, we find the joy of Christmas. In their hearts, we find its meaning."

As joyous as Christmas is for most families, for some, their holidays are filled with worry, medical treatments and tests, and pain -- for their child must be hospitalized or she or he needs long-term care rather than being home with their families.

For these kids, Santa doesn't slip down a chimney but rather, often comes in the guise of community volunteers who help make the season bright. 


This is the second Christmas season that our own band of dedicated and loving paper crafters have come together to make Holiday banners for children who are too sick to be home for the holidays.  Welcome to the Christmas Banners for Special Needs Kids blog hop!

I am especially pleased that this year, not only have our numbers of generous crafters swelled so our Hop is over three full days, but also, that we have partnered with another great cause and recipient of our banners!


By teaming up with Madison Womack's I FEEL THE LOVE PROJECT, the banners our crafters have handmade will be going to the hospitalized children at Children's Hospital Central California!

  Now, have I inspired you to make and donate your own banner or a Christmas card or two to the I Feel the Love Project?  I hope so!  Because if you will, you'll be entered into a drawing to win my:

CARDMONKEY's SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
Super-Fantastic Gift Basket
Throughout the month of December, I'll be adding crafty goodness to this basket so that it will be over-flowing and ripe and ready for under your tree. I'll be picking the winner on Christmas Eve, announcing the winner on Christmas Day, and if you win, you'll have the basket in your hands by New Year's Day!! 
Stay tuned to the CardMonkey blog over the next few weeks leading up to the drawing, as I'll be posting the contents of the basket as they mount. 
 OK, so to win the GRAND PRIZE (all continents are welcome!), here's what you must do:
1.  Be a follower of the CardMonkey blog and tell me in your comment how I can contact you.
2.  Leave a comment telling me what you plan to make and send to the IFTL project by their deadline, December 10.  Then do it!  Go to www.ifeeltheloveproject.blogspot.com for mailing information for your card or banner.  Your card or banner MUST be received by Madison by the deadline to be eligible to win the GRAND prize!  
NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME??  You can still win great blog candy just by being here and commenting on as many banner makers' blogs over the course of the next three days.  
Since we have more than 50 banner makers today, tomorrow and Monday, I'll be picking 5 blogs at random, and then one random comment from that Blog site, for that commenter to win one of five great prizes, which are:

1. Susan Bermudez, Independent Consultant for Creative Memories, donating a $20 gift certificate for Creative Memories products from her catalog (http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/susanbermudez/).
   
2. Scrappin' Madge: $25 Gift Certificate to The Scrappin Lounge Shoppe (http://madgesscrappinlounge.storenvy.com/)
3. Fresh Brewed Designs: Two prizes - One prize is a rubber stamp, Item #497 "Cutie Pie Ice Skating" (http://www.freshbreweddesigns.com/item_497/Cutie-Pie-Ice-Skating.htm), and the other is a $15 Digital Stamp gift card.
4. The Paper Temptress (www.papertemptress.com) - Owner Patricia Dunbar will donate a $25 Gift Certificate to her online store, the Paper Temptress.
5. The Pinque Peacock (www.pinquepeacock.com) - Owners Jessica Shelton will donate a gift certificate to her NEW store (products are being added daily -- watch as she grows!)
6. In addition, Close to My Heart Independent Consultant Lucy Kelleher will award a $20 gift certificate to a randomly-selected hopper who visits her blog (http://love2createitall.com) and/or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LucyK.CTMH) and posts a comment about the banner blog hop!

This is such a wonderful project to be a part of and I am only too happy to share the fun little banner I have made and mailed over for this hop:

P.S. -- Be sure to check out as many blogs as you can, as several will be providing their own blog candy with their own requirements.  If I catch them along the way, I'll add them to this list, as a shout out of gratitude, and also so you don't miss out on some sweet candy(canes!)...

Speaking of giveaways I have one that can be seen right over there on my sidebar... just give it a click and leave a comment for your chance to win a MME 6x6 paper pad, lots of twine, a small stamp and stamp pad... and I may be throwing some more goodies into the pile wink wink so make sure to enter!

1. Ellen ~ CardMonkey - http://cardmonkeyspaperjungle.com/
2. Marianne - http://paperorfabric.blogspot.com/
3. Beckie ~ http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/
4. Tami - http://tamboscreations.blogspot.com/
5. Heather D. - http://joemamainks.blogspot.com/
6. Jearise - http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/
7. Susan B - http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/
8. Jamie M. http://craftygirl21.blogspot.com/
9. Linda Simpson - http://lindasimpsoncraftypieceofheaven.blogspot.com/
10. Theresa ~ www.thescrapbookingqueen.com_
11. Vicky - http://www.luvmygypsy.blogspot.com/
12. Debbie T-  http://debbiescrafttime.blogspot.co.uk/
13. Pam Funk - http://dreamersklub.blogspot.com/
14. Shelly - http://kccroppers.blogspot.com/
15. Alina - http://neverstopscrapping.blogspot.com/
16. Lisa L. - http://lisascreativeniche.blogspot.com/  <---you are="are" br="br" here="here">
17. Nancie - http://alittlepieceofmebynancie.blogspot.com/  <----go br="br" here="here" next="next">
18. Dorcas - http://craftycardangel.com/
19. Debbie _http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/
20. Rexann - http://ibecircled.blogspot.com

 Thank you again for visiting us here for a beautiful and worthwhile endeavor.  God bless all the little children wherever they spend their holidays!!!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

MSS - Block Party!!! yay!!!

Hi, and I hope you have had a wonderful weekend! Popping in this evening to share a card I was able to squeeze in for the MSS Block Party!  I can't pass up the chance to work with their team, so I just had to be a part of this... anywho here is what I made for this month's block party:

Supplies:
Stamps: Market Street Stamps
Ink: VersaMagic, Memento, Memories, and Colorbox
 Sharpie Marker in pink

This is a fun one layer card with gradient coloring and CAS design.
I am also entering this into the Less Is More challenge - one layer week with focus on a house.

One more thing... I wanted to thank all of you that stopped by my little etsy store and offered such kind words of encouragement it really means a lot to me!  And also be on the look out for tomorrow mornings post which includes giveaway information and a fun blog hop of banners for children with special needs.
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Today's the Day!!!

Hello, and thank you so very much for stopping by to see me today!!!  I am super excited to announce that my etsy store is now OPEN!!!! YAY!!!!!! ( doing little happy dance! )   I would love for you to stop by and for nothing else just visit it!  Right now I have lots of Christmas card sets, gift card holders, and other things for the holidays... it isn't extremely full so make sure if you want to order something you do it fast... and also check out more information I have over there about custom orders!

Also if you look on my sidebar I have a giveaway going on right now and for today's big announcement I'm going to add some more little goodies to it, so make sure you click and follow the directions for your chance to win!!!

So now you can click right here and visit me on Etsy, have a fabulous day everyone!!!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Some Fun Layouts I've been working on...

Just popping in to share some layouts I've done in the past couple of days! yay layouts!!! Oh and to mention tomorrow is a BIG reveal for me.... woo hoo!!! It might include some more goodies being added to my already fun giveaway ( see sidebar to enter! )...

( Now look at that I'm only a year and a month behind hehehehehe! )

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Echo Park - Birthday Boy
Embellishments: stickers, journal card, titles - Echo Park and DCWV
Spray Mist: Ranger and Colorsnap
 Brads: Doodlebug
Stamps: Verve
Ink: Memento, Versamagic and PTI

I am also entering the top Layout  into the Paper Issues: Stamp On It! Challenge

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you take a moment to see me tomorrow for my big announcement!!!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Challenge fun for Peachy Keen!

Hello, hello!  I know it has been a little quiet here on my blog this week, but I have been crafting I just haven't been posting, yikes!  But I'm here to change that with some super Peachy Keen fun!!! I LOVE their cute stamps and faces, perfect for so many uses!  Right now they are having a fabulous deal going on in their store and some challenge fun too, so make sure you check it out... with that said here are my entries for the challenges:

Challenge #1

Supplies Used:
Tag
Stamps: Peachy Keen Wide Eyed Kids Face Assortment, Sentiment - unknown
Distress Inks
Snowflakes - Cricut Christmas/Noel Cartridge
Stickles
Ribbon - American Crafts


Challenge #2 ( she dances too, thanks to weeble wobbles!

Supplies Used:
Kraft Paper
Patterned Paper - from my scrap stash yay!
Stamps: Peachy Keen Stamps  - Faceless Gingerbread Dolls Large
White Gel
Weeble Wobble
Pen - Sharpie
Glitter paint
Glossy Accents

* I am also entering this one into the Paper Issues: Stamp On It! woo hoo!

Thank you so much for stopping by to see me, and your comments are very much appreciated!  Have a fabulous day and make sure you check out the deals at Peachy Keen Stamps!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Skipping Stones... Baptismal Card

Hello!  I am popping in quickly to share this Baptismal card I made using this weeks Skipping Stones Designs Challenge Sketch...

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Lillibee Designs
Stamps: Skipping Stones Designs Stamps
Ink: Stampin' Up! and Distress Ink
Pearls: Recollections
Cricut: Easter Seasonal Cartridge


Stay tuned for really exciting news from me this Friday... oh and there is a giveaway going on just click on my sidebar to get your name in the drawing!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Verve October Sketch #5

Hi! Phew! I did it! I completed all 5 of the sketches this month and I loved it!  So here is what I made for sketch #5:

Supplies Used:
Patterned Paper: MME The Sweetest Thing
Stamps: Verve
Ribbon: V's Sweet Ideas
Perfect Pearls
Ink: Memories - Black and Distress Ink

Thank you for stopping by and saying hello I love hearing from you even if it is in the form of a quick 'ello! hehehe!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

V's Sweet Ideas Challenge sponsored by Deasy Designs!

Hello and welcome to this beautiful month's challenge at V's Sweet Ideas!  This month we are sponsored by the amazing Deasy Designs, and if you haven't seen their adorable images yet then you don't know what you are missing!  I am a huge fan of their designs their Aeroboy is one of my favorites...  The challenge is : Anything Goes!!! Woo hoo!!! These are favorite challenges for everyone because there is no limit to what you can do!  Here is my creation:

Supplies:
Digital Images: Deasy Designs Aero Boy
Patterned Paper: Lillybee Designs Persnickety
Blue Twine: May Arts - V's Sweet Ideas Shop
Chipboard circle: Maya Road - V's Sweet Ideas Shop
Distress Stain

I love using chipboard pieces for added dimension and for their fun shapes, but they are also easy to cover and match to any given project... here I have added distress stain to my circle so that it matched the color scheme of my card!
Thank you so much for stopping by and I can't wait to see your projects in this months challenge!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa