Wow, a handmade prize for me - a Bind It All Book from Craft Junkie Too

What a great way to start the weekend. I won a contest that I didn't even know I entered! Tracy at Craft Junkie Too had a drawing that was dedicated to those who follow her blog, so as one of her followers, I was automatically entered.

I won this fabulous Bind It All Book that she made. Since I am a craft junkie myself, I totally appreciate anything handmade, because I know how much time, effort, and creativity goes into making it. It will even be personalized with a J. So be sure to check out Tracy's creative blog for some great crafting ideas!

Speaking of crafting, I'm about to get busy and make the prizes for those of you who entered my "Craft-It-Forward" Giveaway. I still have one spot open, if anyone else wants to claim it! You can read the rules here.

Grab a Tool or Tie Father's Day Headline - And Customize your own!

I have these really cool alphabets on my computer (from Creative Keepsakes "The Best of Creative Lettering.") So I made a couple of headlines for you to grab. They would be great for a scrapbook page or for making a Father's Day card.

Just click on the headline, and the full-sized headline will open. Then right click and save to your computer.

But wait! I'm feeling generous. If you would like a personalized headline with either of these alphabets, just leave a comment stating what you would like your headline to say. Don't forget to include your email address so I can send it to you. (If you don't want to include your email on the post, just send it to me privately after you comment.)

Don't be shy... Someone in your life deserves it!

Father's Day Tool Box & Card

Father's Day Tool Box & Card by Sizzix. Build this cute toolbox and card for Father's Day or any day.

Recycled Dad’s Day Card

Here is a great Father's Day card made from newspaper, cardstock, and a brown bag! How cute is that?

ILovetoCreate Project Details

Cowboy Birthday Party Extravaganza - Last One!

~ continued from Cowboy Birthday Party Extravaganza Part 3 ~

Just when I thought I had the cowboy thing wrapped up (or maybe I should say "roped up") I found a few more related things on my computer.

First is a small printable gift bag. Print, cut out, fold and glue the tabs. If you want to add a handle, use rope and tape to the inside of the bag. I like to run scrap paper through my xyron machine to apply permanent adhesive. Then cut little squares that will serve as tape, and use the squares to secure the rope handles to the inside of bag.

Next is a collage of cowboy-related clipart and headlines that you can use on your scrapbook pages or crafts. I used the xyron machine (again!) to apply adhesive before cutting out the elements.

And finally, a "Rodeo" heading that looks like it's made from rope.

OK, I think I'm finished with all the cowboy party overload. Hope you enjoyed it.

Cowboy Birthday Party Extravaganza Part 3

~Continued from Cowboy Birthday Party Extravaganza Part 2~

The party is over and the memories begin. Time to send out those thank you notes. Here is an easy one for your child to complete. Before printing, add the child's name (who will receive the thank-you note) at the top, using the giddyup font or something similiar. The finished size is 5.5 x 4.25 (invitation or post card size).

And finally, here are a few scrapbook pages. Just print out and add your photos.

And for the last post on Cowboy Birthday Party Extravaganza, click here.

Cowboy Birthday Party Extravaganza Part 2

~Continued from Cowboy Birthday Party Extravaganza ~

You're going to need some favors for the party, of course. Here are some easy ones to get you started..

How about a sheet of cowboy related stickers. What kid doesn't like stickers? Just print on full-sized label sheeets, or print on plain paper and add adhesive with a xyron machine. (I couldn't live without my xyron machine. If you don't have one, check it out here: Xyron 900 5-9" Machine 9" with Idea Book)

Bookmarks are quick and easy. Here are some cute cowboy and cowgirl bookmarks that I made with paperdolls. Two are ready to print, and the blank ones can be personalized before you print, making them even more special. (I used the giddyup font). Just print on cardstock, laminate (I use my xyron machine, but you can also use contact paper), and cut out. Then punch a hole at the top, and thread some cord or ribbon through for a tassel.

Candy wrappers are next! These are for the hershey mini candy. Just add text, print out, laminate if you wish, and cut out. Then wrap them around the candy and tape ends together. The kids will think you are Martha Stewart!

Another cute idea for party favors are horseshoe photo frames. If you can get some used horseshoes from a riding stable or a friend who has horses, you're in luck! Just spray paint them gold or silver. Take photos of each child riding the horse, and glue the picture to the back of the horseshoe!

Stay tuned.... Thank you notes and scrapbook pages are next!

Cowboy Birthday Party Extravaganza!

I was looking through my old computer files, trying to get organized (ha) and just had to share my Cowboy Birthday Party from a few years back! This was really a great party, and I think I had more fun making all the invitations and favors than the kids actually had!

So let's get started with the invitation. Here is how it will look when it's finished. The cowboy is actually a paperdoll magnet that attaches to the invitation. I still see them on friend's refrigerators, and it's been 5 years since the party!

Click on the invitation to the right, and you will be taken to photobucket, where you can print out the card. Use 5.5x4.25 cardstock (half of a letter-sized sheet). This is the outside of the card.

Then print the cowboy on magnet paper or cardstock and cut out. If you used cardstock, glue a magnet to his back. Also glue one on the card, then attach the doll. (I used a sizzix machine to cut out the paperdoll and clothes. Then I glued rope to his hand.)

If you want an even easier way to do it, print out this next card instead. It has the cowboy on it already. It won't be 3D looking, but it will still look great!

Ok, now for the inside of the card. Before printing, save it to your computer and open it in some kind of a print program (I use PAINT SHOP PRO PHOTO X2) and add the personalization information. The blank blue box can be for any additional information (I used it to say to bring back the permission form to the riding stable). Then take the card, and feed it into your printer according to your printer's instructions for printing the back side. Now you have the Birthday Invitation finished!!

You can mail them in plain invitation sized envelopes, or print the envelopes as well. Just choose the cowgirl or the cowboy, save to your computer, and take it to your print program. Add the name inside the lasso, and of course the address. Print out according to your printer's instuctions for envelope printing.

But wait! There's more... We haven't covered party favors and thank-you notes yet, so Stay tuned for Part 2!

Please feel free to ask questions or comment below. I will answer:)

My First Blog Award !!

Thank you to Cales at MarieLynn Boutique for awarding me the "One Lovely Blog Award!"

Here are the rules (as per Cales' site):

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

What fun! Now, I get to give this award to 15 people:

1. Beds and Bows
2. Kids Accessories by Kidcessory Haven
3. Miss Elaineous Handmade Gifts
4. Monkey Bizness
5. HBK and Me
6. joybucket
7. Passion For Crafts
8. Some Crafty Moms
9. Giggles And Dimples
10. Oh my gluestick!
11. Pink and Green Mama
12. Ramblings of a Crazy Woman
13. Marcea's crafting corner
14. Bizzy Bee Creations
15. Crafty Sally

Congratulations to all you wonderful blogging ladies!

Turn Dad into a Cartoon for Father's Day

Can you believe it's almost time for Father's Day?? You want to show your love and appreciation.. but sometimes Dear 'ol Dad can be a challenging one to buy for! After all, he has everything and doesn't seem to want anything else, right?

OK, here is one thing he probably doesn't have -- a cartoon of himself, personalized especially for him. It could be his favorite sport or hobby, or maybe even his profession. There are over 900 to choose from at Bentley Boutique, but here are a few ideas to get you started. His favorite sport, his hobby or interest. or even his profession could be made into a cartoon.

After you choose which cartoon to use, then you get to decide on the personalization. Be creative... you can say anything you like!

Next, decide how to present the cartoon... choices include matted prints, framed prints, deskclocks, snowglobes, mousepads, and paper weights.

Here are some father's day crafts, cards, and printables from other sites:

Father's Day Crafts for Kids from AmazingMoms.com
Father's Day Crafts from AlphabetSoup.net
From Daniellesplace.com - Lots of Father's Day Cards and Crafts that Kids can make:
http://www.daniellesplace.com/HTML/mengifts.html

From FamilyFun.com - Homemade Gifts for Dad