Accent It All Party Tray

and glass set!

Here's my latest project and it's perfect for summer, birthday's gift (especially those milestone birthday's) newlyweds...and more!

It was very easy to make...toughest part is making sure that they vinyl is smoothed out on the tray...but the glasses were a breeze and can even do in the dishwasher! Love that!!

You can purchase Accent It All on the GlueArts website ... www.gluearts.com. It comes in 11 handy colors and I warn you...it's very addicting!!

Accent It All Party Tray & Glasses

GlueArts Designer: Julia Sandvoss

How fun is this for summer and looks great in your home year round! Grab a tray, some fun glasses and you also have a great house warming gift or for a birthday too!

Supplies:

GlueArts Accent It All vinyl: Blackout, Goin' Green, Daisy Yellow, Razzle Dazzle Red, Apple Cider

White Tray 

May Arts Ribbon

Glasses

Cricut Expression

Cricut Paper Lace Cartridge

Cricut Forever Young Cartridge

Instructions:     

1) Use Cricut Paper Lace cartridge to cut out full size design onto Blackout vinyl. Remove negative cut out from design and set aside. Carefully position the vinyl design onto the tray. Smoothing out the design as you lay it down.

2) Cut out the flower using the Forever Young cartridge. Layer using several colors of Accent It All to make a fun, bright flower.

3) Now use your negative pieces to decorate your glasses. Grab a small circle punch and punch a few colored circles to add to the centers for a pop of color.

4) Another option is to make a monogrammed glass set...maybe for newlyweds or a fun birthday gift! What about a milestone birthday! 

This was one quick and easy project and looks like a designer boutique set!!

My blog has taken a hit...and I'm sorry to those who had been avid followers. I'll confess...working two jobs, having three kids and a hubby who works alot has taken it's tole on my personal blog. I always enjoyed posting, writing and sharing and now that I am the lucky owner of an Ipad...hopefully that will help me be a bit more chatty.

When I'm not working lately I'm either at the pool with the kids or reading...or both actually since I read while at the book as I love to read! Love! I recently came across several books by author Susan Holloway Scott and I have to say I am absolutely enjoying them!! 

I'm currently reading this book and have to say I'm enjoying it just as much as the prior two I picked up. They were all similar style books about women from the post-Restoration England. I've read other fun ones too...but this is what I currently have in my hands!

The kids and I popped out to see Cars 2. It was cute...although I just don't feel it was as good as the first one. Parker of course loved it..now I'm anxiously awaiting the final Harry Potter movie.

Going to be sad knowing they're over....but we're headed to Universal Studios in Orlando in August...and you can bet where I am going!!  

Here's the Scoop....

I'm trying to find a better balance between work, family, crafting and life... trying....

and not always suceeding with this endeavor!

Some days I achieve a long list of things to do while others I feel like I struggle to accomplish one main task.

I think spring break for the kids, which begins this Friday, is coming at a perfect time.

I relish the break from homework, lunches, laundry, after school activities...and look forward to us all just being.






Right now I'm working on spring crafts....well trying to work on spring crafts is a better way to put it.

I'm very very excited to get to use Making Memories Flutter line! I'm thinking butterflies, eggs, handmade paper flowers, green grass...just need to see it all come into creation. That's the tough part! I also have some super sweet products from Crafty Secrets

Easter line to play with and some cute stamps from well....My Cute Stamps! And guess what...they're CUTE!!lol No suprise right! I'll be sure to share when I can!

This makes me happy on these days that I want spring spring spring to be here...

OPI's A Grape Fit and I also got the Lucky Lucky Lavendar from their new Hong Kong collection. OPI and I love each other...especially purple colors and glittery ones! I saw some in the Alice in Wonderland collection that looked cool. What's your favorite color to wear on your toes or fingers??

To help these yucky days move along when we're at a loss for what to watch and do....we've been watching the Dexter Showtime series. I already loved Michael Hall from his days in Six Feet Under so he already had a fan in me...but know...I'm sealed for life. Funny to like a serial killer..however he's a bit different don't you think??

And even though I really have zero spare time I'm reading...I think reading relaxes me...so reading it is. I'm reading a new James Patterson series starting with Step on a Crack and I have the Lovely Bones waiting as well.

I'm off to craft while I feel a bit well.....crafty....

World Card Making Day!!

It's World Card Making Day...well yesterday was but I didn't get to post my pictures due to a non-stop day and evening! I'm still working on cards today...4 done and more going.

Yesterday I decided to focus on a set theme. My hubby is a Realtor and is constantly needing a card to thank a client. So...I thought that would be the perfect project to work on to get a jump and have some on hand when he asks for one!

Supplies:

Bo Bunny Flutter Butter, Flutter Butter Stripe, Flutter Butter Cut Outs, Cofee Dot Double Dot Cardstock, Sunflower Dot Double Dot Cardstock, Colorbox Chalk Inks, Bo Bunny Brads, K & Company Brad, Stickles, Perfect Pearls

Supplies:

Bo Bunny Flutter Butter Breeze, Flutter Butter Stripe, Flutter Butter Willow, Island Mist Double Dot Cardstock, Paper Salon Stamp, Colorbox Inks, Chalk, Stickles, Perfect Pearls

Supplies:

Bo Bunny Flutter Butter Breeze, Flutter Butter Willow, Flutter Butter Stripe, Island Mist Double Dot, Paper Salon House Stamp, Amuse Art Stamp, Colorbox Chalk Inks, Stickles, Perfect Pearls

Supplies:

Bo Bunny Delilah Promise, Delilah Stripe, Chiffon Double Dot, Stamps from Michaels, Colorbox Chalk Inks, Stickles Glitter

Whew..four done for him...that's a good feeling although I need to make quite alot more as he's been busy! Actually we've been busy. It's not even an accurate description...overwhelmed I think is more appropriate. It's always been a bit busy for us with the three kids but they're not that involved in activities however this year I take that all back. It's nuts. Plus we, Scott and I seem to go non-stop a million directions at a pace we both find exhausting. My friends with older kids told me this is just the start..ahhh!

We also just found out both Connor and Haley need braces with Connor at the imperative end. He's got an issue with a baby tooth that never fell out and a permanent tooth now stuck up in his gums that we didn't know about. Lovely. This is where dental insurance would be helpful...President Obama..remember being self-employed and self-insured does not mean we're wealthy and can afford outrageous insurance premiums..thus why no dental. We need help! So poor Connor will get them on first just as soon as we narrow down an ortho who doesn't need me to sign over my house as a down payment. YIKES! I honestly hated wearing them...but I had a horrible ortho who I swear hated his job and definitely hated me and my small mouth. I think it brought him great pleasure to inflict pain. And worse as I'd go in the morning before school and spend the day with horrible mouth pain and a headache...lovely. I hope today's ortho's are nicer, kinder and gentler for my kiddos!!! The cost is definitely not!

Wow....Time Traveler's Wife...by Audrey Niffenegger. I started this book by a recommendation from Misty...see her link on side. I began right before leaving for ScrapFest. In fact it was hard to stay with it on the plane..noise, interruption by man across from me countless times, anticipation of the event..but I tried and as always did my visualization of the movie characters into the book characters even though I have not seen the movie. It was so easy to picture Rachel McAdams as Clare and Eric Bana as Henry. But try as I could at first I was confused honestly. All the time changing, moving forward and backward I had to laugh as it reminded me of the line from Funny Farm and the character Chevy Chase giving his wife his new book to read and she commented there were so many flash forwards and backwards and she thinks even a flash sideways.LOLOL I love that line..I sort of started to feel that way until I got to sit down and really take the book in. Once I did I'll confess it was addicting. It didn't hurt they had excellent music taste, punk backgrounds..I love that (wink) and a true passionate love for one another. I don't want to give away any of the book but I loved it. Loved it...and yes...cried my eyes out...like heaving cries..I hate that..but then again they are good for you now and then. Kind of clears your head. So thanks Misty...thanks Audrey Niffenegger..you're amazing. I know must see the movie and I have to smile as fortune smiled on me and I was fortunate to pick up her newest book... Her Fearful Symmetry....can't wait!

Goddess Guide Me

This is a wild little interactive book that I've had for years but haven't looked at in ages. I inherited it from my sister, and it's called Goddess, Guide Me!: Divine Wisdom for Your Head, Heart, and Home by Amy Zerner and Monte Farber. The wisdom of 12 goddesses is divided into head, heart and home. You roll 3 die and come up with your unique combination of advice for the day.

Lately I've been taking in the feedback from The Next Chapter Survey and thinking about the work I want to do in the world, the people I want to help, the magic I want to spread. Most days it's wildly exciting and I'm full of enthusiasm for what's next. And every now and again, usually when I'm tired or have put a tad (or a ton) too much on my plate, I hit that place of overwhelm and need pep talk. That's when I turn to my encouragement box (Thank you again to all of you who have been contributors!) and also to tools of self-reflection, like journaling or tarot.

Today I was inspired to pull out Goddess Guide Me and hear what advice might come my way. Talk about on target! Here's a sampling of the 'stay the course' advice I received.

My Goddess Guide Me Reading - highlights

The Head: Romi Kumu, Goddess of Willpower
Think of yourself
I focus my willpower to realize my dreams and bravely burn away thoughts of compromise and defeat.

The Heart: Eurzulie, Goddess of Sensitivity
Feel vulnerable
I feel so connected to all-that-is that I can intuitively sense what another is feeling. I protect myself from negativity.

The Home: Diviana, Goddess of Protection
Establish security
I use my intuition to guide my defensive efforts to protect myself and those I care for from whatever threatens growth and learning

What do you do to reconnect with your heart and support yourself when you're feeling down?

Whew...we made it!

Although honestly to me the holidays this year just seemmed to go by at a crazy fast pace! I think given that Thanksgiving was later this year it seemed harder to get into the mood. Now don't laugh..I still have the big tree to take down! You'd think if I wasn't so into the mood that would all be done!LOL Scott told me he likes it so much we should leave the tree up year round. I told him if we did that it wouldn't feel so special when Christmas rolls around. I think he secretly cannot stand the thought of de-lighting the tree and taking it all apart knowing how long it took to put together!LOL


I've redone the blog...you'll notice a theme...snowmen! My favorites! What's nice is that I have a good collection of snowmen so even though the Christmas decorations come down..most of the snowmen stay out. Or at least for a bit until February. But with snowmen comes snow! And we need some to make the kids happy! All Parker has talked about is snow Mom...we need snow! I can't say I blame him...a fantastic snow, day off school...does sound awfully inviting! Then it should melt away quickly!






Here's a new layout using the Bo Bunny Winter Whisper line and my Frosty Days stickers. This line is just beautiful! The colors and patterns...make me want snow!

I used a Bo Bunny transparency for the Winter title. Cut out some of the snowflakes from the print paper and added some felt snowflakes I purchased at Michael's. Some touches of rhinestones and brads finishes it off! Do be sure to visit the Bo Bunny blog (link on the top left) to see more amazing ideas with this line!

I've also been wanting to share that I took the kids to see the Tale of Despereaux! We received gift cards to the movies (thanks Mom & Dad) and I took the kids on New Year's Day!

I have to say...it was adorable! And beautiful to watch! I mean how can you not love a sweet little mouse like this!!! He was so cute and the kids really enjoyed the movie too! Haley got the jr novel of the book for Christmas and Parker got the deluxe book. Both books are so nice! Haley's already half way through...so I guess Santa chose a good one!

That's it for today...Happy Thursday!

Julia

I Miss My Blog...

I do..it's true..I miss my blog. It's kind of like of friend you have only it's a one way conversation every time. I tell my blog about the books I read, movies I've watching, tv shows, what the kids are up to and even my crazy thoughts too!

So today it's time for an update.

I've been a reading fool. And don't ask me how..it's always that way for me...even at my busiest..I read! I've been reading through the entire Sookie Stackhouse series..because I am head over heels WILD for the True Blood Series!WOHOO! Talk about an addictive series..and am I ever glad it's a series and not a movie..I keep wanting more and more..and thankfully each Sunday I get an hour of it!
Can I just say..Eric...

Bill...WOW!

I'm one very hooked reader and watcher! Once I finish the Sookie books I'm going to try everything I can to get my hands on the Twilight books. Now that I am completely hooked on the sneaks of Edward..OMG Here we go again!LOL

Let's see..what else is going on..busy working on getting a jump on some Christmas gifts. I can't even believe I am saying that. But it's true. This year I am making more of my gifts so I know I need to plan a bit better than I have before. I'm making the glass pendant necklaces, photo coasters and calendars and more.

And is anyone as excited as I am about the new Bond movie coming out? Wowie...Daniel Craig! All this eye candy is making my eyes a bit wonky I'm afraid! Especially knowing that once again he's driving my car...an Astin Martin DBS..wow! I tell you...if I ever win the lottery...you can bet that car will be in my driveway! (along with a host of other fab cars!)

And with all this talk about wonky eyes..I finally got myself some new glasses. Two pairs to be exact as that was their promotion. I normally never wear glasses because I don't like mine. But now..I think I'll be wearing them more often!

So not..the best pic...gesh! But they're oh so fun...brown..with blondish streaks and tips of that on the sides..the girl said the same as my hair. I got a really fun little black pair too..I still prefer contact though!HA

One last thing...a new layout of the cute Parker using a brand new box of chalks the other day..

Love that layout of him...that it for today..I've got True Blood and Sookie books on the brain..

Julia

October is Here?!

Wow..it's beginning to look alot like......... Halloween. Did you think I was going to say Christmas?!LOL(is the tune in your head now?LOL) Nope...I have to confess that really I just love Halloween. The decorations, fun colors, costumes..and well...the CANDY! Anyone who knows me knows I have one wicked sweet tooth and I have the thighs to show it!LOL But seriously..it's become I think our favorite holiday. I can't even believe I say that given I love my snowmen and putting up the trees and such. Maybe Halloween has moved to the top because it's just a fun holiday. No stress, no shopping and wrapping and baking. Well..baking..yes..we're making Halloween cupcakes. And I'll have to force one on myself. But I think it's just a fun time to decorate and enjoy! And speaking of decorate..I decided it was time to redecorate my blog! I'm missing alot of my links (Kim J. I need yours) but I'll get everything back up soon. For now though..I think it's a fun change and the blog header I made with a digi kit from the Sweet Shoppe Designs and the Ichabod's Ride digi kit. I think it turned out great! Oh and the witch is a freebie from the Shabby Princess site! Love her stuff!

Here's one of my favorite decorations that I made last year. I hung it across our mantle and got lots of compliments on it.

I used felt to back the papers and orange rick rack to connect it all together. Fun Making Memories papers, Ki papers, Karen Forster papers and my Cricut for the alphabet and spiders and such. Very fun indeed! Each year we add more decorations so this might get moved as I have something new I may hang instead of it.

I do want to mention that today I put up a post on the Bo Bunny Blog for World Card Making Day. We're sharing a card sketch and inviting everyone to join us and have a chance to win some goodies! Here's a little sneak of the card I posted...

There's all sorts of good stuff on here! Mica glitter, Perfect Pearls, ribbon that I've sewn on and more! To see the entire card and full post be sure to click the link on the top left to go to the blog! I hope to see you there!

and before I go...is there anyone who has become absolutely addicted to the new HBO True Blood Show! WOW! I'm crazy over Bill Compton! Wowee! I watched a Behind the Scenes on the show and I should've known..he's a Brit! And boy is his accent ever so fun and he's even cuter if that's possible without his white "vamp" face makup! I have even gone so far as to go check out all the Sookie Stackhouse books at the library. I can't believe I didn't know about these! And so far..I love them! Of course!

I'll be back soon to share some more Halloween goodies!

Julia

4th of July Fun

First off thanks to everyone for all the really nice things you've said about my new job! I'm really excited about it and already enjoying all the new stuff I've been doing!

Did you have a good 4th of July?


I know we did!
And we were so fortunate and wound up having absolutely fantastic weather to boot! We enjoyed hanging out with our very good friends..photos are evidence of this!! (Mark you are such a goofball!!!!)

Ate some amazing BBQ and food and then proceeded to shoot off quite alot of fireworks,

smoke bombs..talk about a bug deterrant! And well..let the kids have their fun with a few hundred sparklers! No joke!

All in all an absolute great holiday!!!

Last some holiday craft items! This one made for Paper Salon using pinwheels and a handcrafted paper basket!

and also a fun card that really can be used for just about anything!!

That's it for today! I'm dying to finish a new book I'm reading called "Nice to Come Home To" by Rebcca Flowers

and the new David Baldacci "The Whole Truth" just got in from the library so I must get reading! And to add to it I have the new Memory Makers and July CK just calling my name!LOL

Also don't forget to peek in at the Pursuit of Craftyness for some great photo project ideas we've been sharing!! Link on the side of the blog!

Happy Monday!

Julia

Inspiration

I started a book yesterday and I have to tell you it's the right book at the right time. It's called Stretching Lessons by Sue Bender. So far I'd say it's about learning to be as big and wonderful as you can be while being easy on yourself to get there - yum. In reading this there have already been lots of moments where I stopped, took a breath and thought, "yes." Here's one of them:

I smiled, describing my goose bumps theory of intution to Rachel Naomi Remen, a rare teacher, writer, healer, and friend. "Do you know anything about goose bumps?" I asked.

"Yes," she answered.

"Goose bumps happen when your soul comes close to you, breathes lightly on the the back of your neck, and wakes you up."