Craftin Desert Divas Blog: October 2012

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Red Carpet Studio "It's the Great Pumpkin" Card Challenge

Our challenge this week is a card challenge - create a card featuring a pumpkin or another element of Halloween. Anything goes!

This week's challenge is inspired by "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown."

"It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" is an American classic shown on television every year around Halloween. In this animated special the lovable Linus is determined to meet The Great Pumpkin. After writing his letter Linus sits in the pumpkin patch on Halloween and waits. Meanwhile the rest of the Peanuts gang go out trick-or-treating and then to a party.

Our fabulous sponsor this week is Fresh Brewed Designs! They are giving away 3 digital stamps of the winner's choice!

Along with the randomly chosen winner of this week's challenge, the card design team will also be taking a look at ALL of the submissions and voting on their top three "spotlight"submissions. The spotlight submissions, along with the random winner, will be announced on Tuesday November 6th and will receive a special badge for their blogs.

Here's the card I made for this challenge:

I thought this pumpkin looked so happy that it would be perfect for this challenge. I love using google eyes as my girls get a kick out of them. I hope you will join in and make a card and enter it.

Material:

Mini Monster

Studio G Ink

Google Eyes

Recollections Floral Embellishments

Glossy Accents

Paper Studio Spooksville

Ribbon

Recollection Adhesive Embellishemnts

Happy Halloween!!

TARA

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Red Carpet Studio ABC Ransom Blog Hop

If your looking for the Happy Owl-A-Ween Blog Hop click HERE!

Welcome to the ABC Ransom Blog Hop,

hosted by Red Carpet Studio!

If you've come from Red Carpet Studio Challenge Blog's blog, you're in the right place.

The Red Carpet Studio designers thought it would be fun to host a mystery blog hop while showcasing projects that can be made using all those leftover letters in your stash - hence where the "ransom" comes in. Ransom notes play a huge role in mystery/suspense films, and are often created out of random letters cut from magazines, newspapers, etc. in order to disguise handwriting.

While we won't be doing any kidnapping or holding anybody ransom today - we do have some creative projects to share with you!

For my project using leftover letters in my stash, I created...

I made this "Boo" Banner" out of left over coasters. I also had the chipboard letters left over from other misc. projects. The ghost are from Happy Hauntings cartridge. At the top in the center of the bow I used My Craft Spot Stampin Around Fall & Tiny Doilies Dies.

The paper is Carta Bella All Hallow's Eve. I just love the colors in this stack. The tombstones are from Spellbinders Nestabilites Nested Tombstones. I punched holes in each of the corners and added some ribbon to attach them to each other.

I put spider web on each of the coasters to give it more of a spooky look. At the bottom I punched out a web border of out black cardstock. I stamped the skeleton before I put down the tombstone so he looks like he's peeking out to scare you!!

We're also holding some blog candy ransom! However, the blog candy is hidden, and only certain stops of the hop are hiding it. The only way you can win is if you comment on those blogs! Now, we're not going to tell you whose blogs those are (that would be too easy) but we will tell you what the prizes are!

Lettering Delights

$20 Gift Certificate

Floppy Latte Digital Designs

$10 Gift Certificate

Freckled Fawn

$10 Gift Certificate

There will be three winners. Please make sure to leave your contact information when commenting so we can contact you if you win. You have until next Saturday, November 3rd, to hop and comment. Winners will be announced with the start of our next layout challenge on Sunday November 4th at Red Carpet Studio.

And don't forget to check out this week's challenge at Red Carpet Studio! Our challenge this week is inspired by "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and the challenge is to create any fall or Halloween card.

Enter our 500 Follower $100. Joanns Giftcard Giveaway!

Your next stop is Sandra's blog.

Red Carpet Studio - http://redcarpetstudiochallenge.blogspot.com

Tara - http://craftindesertdivas.blogspot.com

Sandra - http://crea-sandra.blogspot.com/

Georgie - http://georgie-hornpuddinnpie.blogspot.com/

Dawn - http://dawnsworldnz.blogspot.com/

Tonya G - http://scrappingfunwithtonya.blogspot.com/

Chas - http://scrapinlizards.blogspot.com/

Stacy - http://www.vampirecraftin.com/
Stephanie G - http://www.luvscraps.blogspot.com/
Robin - http://www.thecricutscrapper.blogspot.com/
Candice - http://stampinpearls.blogspot.com/
Stephanie J - http://sthom97093.blogspot.com/
Anneliese - http://queen-of-the-crop.blogspot.com/

P.S. My letter is...L

If you can put all the letters together from each stop of the hop (they're in order), you have a chance to win a mystery prize! Once you've figured out our hidden message, email it to . The mystery prize winner will be announced with the other winners on Sunday November 4th. HINT: The message is a clue as to what our next layout challenge will be. :)

TARA

Happy "Owl-A-Ween" Blog Hop!

Welcome to the: Happy "Owl-A-Ween" Blog Hop!

We have some of the very best crafters showcasing their projects using an owl with a Halloween theme! You will see cards, layouts, and altered art projects! We hope that our projects will inspire you to get crafty! You have a few days to do the hop as we know the list is long.

A grand prize will be sponsored by: Zannie Berry http://www.zannieberry.blogspot.com

The grand prize winner will be announced on November 1. Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some crafters will also be giving away blog candy at their blog hop stops!

To be eligible to win the grand prize, you must visit all of the stops in the blog hop, become a follower of each blog hop (if you are not already), and leave a happy comment on each site! (Some crafters may have their own criteria for the blog candy they are giving away at their blog hop stop.)

Good luck! Happy scrapping! Have fun! Happy Halloween!

Here's the card I made for this hop:

I don't know about you, but I just love Halloween and Owls, so this was the perfect combo! When I saw this hop I knew I wanted to join in on this fun event.

Material:

Sugar and Spice & Fabulous Finds cartridge

DCWV Bewitched Cardstack & Autumn Melody

October Afternoon Witch Hazel

Studio G Ink

Creatology "eye" stickers

Celebrate It spider web lace

Celebrate It Halloween ribbon

Jolee's dimensional stickers

Corner Chomper

My Craft Spot Ghostly Greetings sentiment

Trendy Twine

Studio G glitter glue

Your next stop is the wonderful Shawnee.

Enter our 500 Follower $100. Joanns Giftcard Giveaway!

MY BLOG CANDY

1. You must be a follower of my blog.

2. You must leave a comment on this post.

I will use random.org to announce winner on Nov.1

This open to US & Canadian Residents only due to shipping charges.

TARA

Here's a list of the hop incase you get lost along the way:

1 Suzanne http://www.zannieberry.blogspot.com/

2 Cathie http://cathiescafe-scraphappy.blogspot.com/

3 Sheila http://2pawprints.blogspot.com

4 Charity http://www.thebookinroom.blogspot.com/

5 Christine http://hotberrydesigns.blogspot.com/

6 Jenn http://scraphappensembellishit.blogspot.com/

7 LLuvia http://sweetbirdmemories.blogspot.com

8 Elecia http://creationsby-kahaulani.blogspot.com/

9 Nancy http://alwaysastorycreationsbynancy.blogspot.com/

10 Vanessa http://wwwpaperkraftsunlimiteddesings.blogspot.com/

11 Tara http://www.craftindesertdivas.blogspot.com/ **You are here**

12. Shawnee http://quiverofangels.blogspot.com

13. Robin C - http://cutonedesignsbyrobin.blogspot.com

14 Beth ~ http://motherandaughterdesigns.blogspot.com

15 Diana ~ http://daisylovecreations.blogspot.com

16 ClaireR http://threewaterscreations.blogspot.com/

17 Anita

18 Sarah http://craftingwithsarah.blogspot.com/

19. Melissa http://papershenaniganz.blogspot.com/

23. Jearise -

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Pause Dream Enjoy Challenge #43: CANDY!

Happy Friday! Don't you just love Fridays?
Today is the start of a brand new challenge at
Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges!

Ch# 43: CANDY!

Make a CANDY-licious project.
Starts: Friday, October 26th 12:00 am EST

Ends: Thursday, November 1st, Noon EST

Winner (chosen by random.org) Announced: Thursday, November 1st late afternoon

Our Sponsor this challenge is

Cardz TV Stamps
http://www.cardztvstamps.blogspot.com/
Prize: 1 Stamp Set of the Winner's Choice

Here is my CANDY-licious project...

I did one of my favorites an "S" fold card. I really took the candy theme to the max! I used Create A Critter 2 cartridge for the bag and candy pieces.

Added some Recollection glitter to give them a little sparkle. The paper is from Paper Studio Spooksville. The sentiment is my favorite it's from Scrappy Moms Bewitched sentiments.

Hope you will have some fun and enter our candy challenge!!

Remember to enter our $100. Joanns Card Giveaway!!

TARA

Enter your project below!
...

Challenges:
FCCB
Really Reasonable Ribbon
Little Scrap Pieces
Cut It Up
Die Cuttin Divas
4 Crafty Chicks
Crafty Creations Challenge
My Time To Craft
Party Time Tuesdays
Tuesday Throwdown

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

2 Months Til Christmas Blog Hop

We're so excited that you are joining us for our Christmas Blog Hop. We have each created 2 Christmas cards, one stamped and/or colored and the other using a die cut of some sort. We do this on the 25th of every month so that we won't be scrambling to make all of our cards during the Christmas season.

I hope you'll visit everyone's blog and get inspiration from their cards and leave them some love. If you like what you see please follow so you don't miss out.

If you have arrived here from the talented Shari blog then you are in the right place! If you arrived at my blog by chance or to visit, please start our blog hop at Mary's blog so that you get to see everyone's amazing Christmas cards.

I made this step upcard as it was real simple. I cut the mittens from Jolly Holidays cartridge. I did flock the cuffs of the mittens with Recollections Snow flocking. The paper is from Krafty Christmas cardstock and Cloud 9 Design paper. I embossed the kraft paper with Sizzix Christmas Set #3. Added some cranberry crinkle ribbon and candy cane Trendy Twine. I really liked how this turned out.

This snowflake card is made from Marth Stewart punches and Favorite Findings snowflake embellishments. The paper is from my stash. I stamped the sentiment from Scrappy Moms Winter Wishes and the card was complete.

Here's the list incase you get lost along the way

1.) Mary: http://www.maryshappyplace.com/
2.) Sara: http://sarashobbyistapartment.blogspot.com/

3.) Kerry: http://mommakcrafts.blogspot.com/

4.) Shari: http://sharispinkpalace.blogspot.com/

5.) Tara: http://craftindesertdivas.blogspot.com/ (You are here)

6.) Heather: http://princesspaperprojects.blogspot.com/

7.) Tara: http://tarashomemadehappiness.blogspot.com/

8.) Georgiana: http://carsonscricutcreations.blogspot.com/

Hope you enjoy the hop and there is some blog candy on this hop. See you next month. Have a great day!

TARA

Monday, October 22, 2012

Guest Designer

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog asked me to be a guest designer. Of course I said yes and was very excited at the same time. This weeks challenge is #134 Boo Spectacular- make a project using the colors orange and black. Perfect colors since Halloween is right around the corner. As I mentioned previously that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. The card above is what I made for this challenge. Now it's your turn to see what you can come up with. Have fun and happy haunting!!

They also featured our blog yesterday on Spotlight Sunday. If you haven't had the chance to look at their blog please stop by and take a look around. If you were interested in getting to know us a little more, hop on over and read our answers to their questions.

I want to give a little shout out to Tammy at FCCB, she was wonderful and we really appreciate this opportunity to highlight our blog. Thanks a bunch.

Have a great day!

TARA

Material:

Happy Hauntings

Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities Grand Large Labels & Labels 28

DCWV Halloween & Fall Stack

Paper Studio Spider Webs embossing folder

Studio G Ink

Ribbon

My Craft Spot Best Witches To You sentiments

Button

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Winner!!

The winner for our Christmas candy giveaway is lucky # 6. Congrats Mary!!! this is what Mary had to say....

Tara, your cards are FANTASTIC!!! That wreath card is amazing and you are right it does look real...I may need to make a few of those :)

I thought I was already a follower but realized I was not, so I became one and I have posted your candy on my side bar :)

Hugs,
Mary

Please email me so I can get your goodies mailed out to you.

I'll be having another giveaway real soon.

TARA

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Scary Treat Bag

I really love everyones Halloween projects that I've been seeing on their blogs. I decided today to do something really quick. I used the Cricut Artiste cartridge to cut the bag itself and the face. The paper is DCWV The Bewitched Stack. I added some Sticky Trims at the bottom then up at the top ribbon, Recollections floral embellishments and a self adhesive button. It was that simple!

For the next week my posting and visiting blogs will be minimal as my parents are in town visiting from Michigan. We are planning on going to look for some homes for them and also taking my girls to the Arizona State Fair. The weather should be beautiful for them, so we will be out and about.

I will post the winner of our Christmas candy on Saturday.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

TARA

Challenges:

Scrappy Frogs Challenge

Decorate To Celebrate

MCC

Simon Says Stamp Challenge

Sunday Funday

DL ART

Go Fish

Monday, October 15, 2012

Winner!!

I want to start out by saying Thank You for all who hopped along and left wonderful comments on the My Cricut Craft Room's Boo Whoo Blog Hop. The sponsor was Erica's Craft Room! After making our projects Erica had decided to ask some of the ladies to join her Design Team. I happen to be one of the lucky ones!! I'm so excited to join a very talented group of ladies.

I had a busy day working in our office for my hubby's mechanical company. I didn't find time today to get any crafting done. There are some upcoming hops that I'm joining so I'm working on those projects. Make sure you stop back as I like to offer blog candy on hops.

I did remember that I had to pick a winner from the blog hop. Drum roll please.....

The lucky winner is # 20 Karons Krafty Korner this is what Karon had to say..
Such a cute card - I love the papers the embellishments and that little bear is so adorable. TFS and already a follower:-)

Karon please email me so I can mail out your goodies!!

I will also be picking a winner for our Christmas blog candy on Friday.

Enter our 500 Follower $100. Joanns Giftcard Giveaway HERE

Have a great day!!

TARA

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Red Carpet Studio "The Birds" Card Challenge

Our challenge this week is a card challenge - create a card featuring a bird. It can be anything - a stamp, die cut, sticker, etc. All birds are welcome! :)

This week's challenge is inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds."

Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" debuted in 1963 much to the delight and fear of audiences. The film portrays the quiet California coast town of Bodega Bay which has inexplicably become over run by huge flocks of birds. These birds terrorize the town injuring and killing many. In classic Hitchcock style the ending leaves you with more questions than answers.

Our fabulous sponsor this week is ! They are giving away a $10 gift certificate to the randomly chosen winner of this week's challenge.

Along with the randomly chosen winner of this week's challenge, the card design team will also be taking a look at ALL of the submissions and voting on their top three "spotlight"submissions. The spotlight submissions, along with the random winner, will be announced on Tuesday October 23rd and will receive a special badge for their blogs.

Here's the card I made for this challenge:

Here's a pair of cute little birds off of the Sweethearts cartridge. I used papers from Simple Stories Harvest Lane. The nest is put together from layering several of the Martha Stewart branch punches. I thought by doing this it makes it look like a real nest. Some of the different layers are from Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 8 & 18. Sentiment is from Pink Stamper That's Punnylicious and was stamped on the Spellbinders Grommet tags. I then added some Bakers Twine and a flower to finish the card.

This is super fun challenge and I hope you all enter. Please be sure to stop by the other design teams blog to get some great inspiration. Have a great Sunday.

TARA

Boo Whoo Blog Hop

Thank you for joining us on My Cricut Craft Room's Boo Whoo Blog Hop. Today's sponsor is Erica's Craft Room, please comment on all of the blogs to be entered to win the prizes. The Teresa Collins Chic & Scary cricut cartridge, as well at the Pumpkin Carvings Cricut cartridge. You must be a follower of My Cricut Craft Room to win. I have made a Halloween card to share with you today.

This bear comes from the Teddy Bear Parade cartridge. I just thought in her witch costume she was adorable. I really enjoy making Halloween cards as the colors are so pretty. I added some ribbon with a big purple gem in the middle to match some of her pieces on her dress. The tag is from K&Company and I attached it to the card with a Spare Part Clip. I did stamp the sentiment "The Witch is in" on the tag. After rounding the corners then adding some buttons, twine and other embellishments the card is finished.

Enter our 500 Follower $100. Joanns Giftcard Giveaway HERE!

I also have some blog candy for this hop! Two simple steps to enter:
1. Be a follower of my blog
2. Leave a comment below

I will pick a winner this Monday 10/15 using Random.org
This is open to US & Canadian Residents due to shipping charges

Your next stop is the very talented Anita!

Here is the lineup in case you get lost along the way...

My Cricut Craft Room-

Heather

Jenn Drowns Jackson

Lisa Chamberlain

Tara Barnes Bruening

Anita Thibodeau-

Lori Johnson Apgar-

Holly Switlik Gagnon -

Laura Budde-

Erica's Projects

Tami Allore Matheson- http://scrappinrabbitdesigns.blogspot.com/

Ginger K. Morriello-

Susie Lewis Gerdes- http://scrappyrandomness.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Kennedy-

Robin Carroll-

Theodora Diamantopoulos-Stacey

Robin Lane-

Jessica Shelton

Blog Candy

TARA

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Pause Dream Enjoy Challenge #41

Happy Friday! Don't you just love Fridays?
Today is the start of a brand new challenge at
Pause Dream Enjoy Challenges!

Ch#41: Boo!

Use the word "BOO" on your project.

Starts: Friday, October 12th 12:00 am EST

Ends: Thursday, October 18th, Noon EST

Winner (chosen by random.org) Announced: Thursday, October 18th late afternoon

Our Sponsor this challenge is

Fresh Brewed Designs
Prize: 3 Digis of the winner's choice

Here is the BOO card I made!!

This is my first card since joining the design team for Pause Dream Enjoy! I was so excited when I found out the first challenge was to add "BOO" to your project because I knew I was going to do a card that was Halloween themed. Thought this pumpkin would be a perfect fit, love the button eyes and spiderweb lace (cut the piece from web/lace tablecloth). Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Don't forget to check out the other DT members blogs, see if you can get inspired and join us in this fun challenge!

Material:

Simply Scarecrow Cartridge

DCWV The Autumn Melody

Recollections Floral Embellishments

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Tea Dye

Echo Park Chillingsworth Manor

Martha Stewart Haunted Photo Mat Pad

My Craft Spot Stampin Around Fall & Tiny Doilies Metal Dies

Celebrate It Spiderweb Lace

Spare Part Epoxy Brad

TARA

Challenges:

Die Cuttin Divas

Cardz TV

Cupcake Craft Challenge

MCC

Come play with us!

...

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Happy Birthday

Time to post a birthday card. Now that all of my girls are in school they are starting to get party invitations. I thought I better start making a few cards to have them on hand when I need them. One of my favorite cartridges is Create A Critter, so I decided to use this cute little ladybug. With the red and black I added lots of pink to make it more girly.

I love doing glitter and then adding Glossy Accents on top of the glitter. When you put Glossy Accents on top of the glitter it keeps the glitter from falling off of your project and getting everywhere, but don't worry you can still see all the sparkle!

Enter our 500 Follower $100. Joanns Gift card Giveaway!

Hope you have a great day.

TARA

Material:

Create A Critter

Xyron

Recollections Glitter Bubblegum & Cherry

Basic Grey Serendipity

MME Blush Pad

Spellbinders Nestabilities Lacey Circles

Studio G Ink

Scrappy Moms Simple Sentiments

Glossy Accents

Adhesive Rhinestones

Recollection Flower

Favorite Finding Button

Challenges:

LUFP

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Link Up For Pink

When I first saw the 2nd Annual Link Up For Pink Linky Party I knew I was going to join in to show my support for Breast Cancer Awareness. How much fun would it be to make something using lots of pink. This truly is a great cause!! If you have not yet entered you still have plenty of time left to show your support. Here's a little more information from LUFP.

We are super excited the day is finally here! We have over $4,000 worth of giveaways from 91 generous sponsors, that makes 122 prizes to give away!!! Complete list here.
As we all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but it should not start or end in October, we should always be aware. Remember to do your self-breast exams, send reminder cards to your friends to get their mammograms, and accompany a friend to their appointment.

Here are the rules once again:
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19TH!!

Instead of making a card thought I would try something new and decided to make a tag.

Material:
MME Blush Paper
Tim Holtz Distress Ink Tea Dye & Picked Raspberry
Recollections Tag
Decorative Trim
Maya Road Tags
Scrappy Moms Believe In Miracles Sentiments
Me & My Big Ideas Mambi Stones
Spellbinders Nestabilites Decorative Labels 8
Buttons
Pearls
Bead Landing Found Objects
Ribbon
Craft Tape

*Don't forget to enter our 500 Follower Joanns $100. Giftcard Giveaway*

Make it a great day!!

Tara

Challenges:
LUFP
FCCB
Celebrate the Occasion
RRR
Divas by Design
Go Fish

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Scrap Happens ~ Embellish It Blog Hop

Welcome to Scrap Happens ~ Embellish It's 2nd Blogoversary Blog Hop!

You should have arrived from Scrap Happens ~ Embellish It blog but if you have just stumbled upon my blog, click here to start from the beginning.

I made a treat box for Halloween! This is my first time making a box and I have to say it was pretty fun and simple. I used the Artiste cartridge and just followed the instructions in the manual to assemble it. The spider is from Mini Monsters. One of my favorites things on this treat box is My Craft Spot Tiny Doilies Dies and Stampin Around Fall set. I have been using the set in a lot of my projects lately, I really like them. I then did a little doodling on the box. I used a Peachy Keen face stamp on the spider, filled in his eyes with white jelly pen and then over the eye I added glossy accents. To finish it up I added some spider web, ribbon and glitter dots. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I do. Give it a try and see how fun and easy it is.

This hop is an ANYTHING GOES hop and there are so many different craft projects to see along the way.

Your next stop on the hop is the talented Tammy Smith .

There is blog candy along the way, so make sure you visit and comment on all the blogs!

What would a hop be without some candy? I also have some blog candy for you.