Sunday, December 30, 2012

Michele's Blogaversary Hop

 
Welcome to Michele's Blogaversary Blog Hop. Michele is hosting this hop to celebrate her 1st year of blogging. You should have found your way here from Jessi. If not, please start at the beginning with Michele.
 
Michele has an amazing "present" up for grabs ~ all you have to do is visit each of the blogs below, become a follower and leave a comment. A winner will be chosen on Wednesday 1/2/13!

For this hop, I am showing a Christmas present from my girls. My husband and I are coffee fanatics and I really like flavored coffees. So with a little shopping help from my sister, my girls got me and my husband a Mr. Coffee Keurig. This is us opening it Christmas morning.


I am also offering blog candy today. To be eligible to recieve a RAK, you must leave a comment and be a follower of my blog. A winner will be announced Wednesday, January 2.
 
Thanks for stopping by. Your next stop is the very talented Elizabeth
 
Here is today's full line up.
Melissa ~ http://iamapapermaniac.blogspot.com (you are here)
Elizabeth ~ http://www.217creations.com/ (go here next)
Lori ~ http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/
Ellen ~ CardMonkey: http://cardmonkeyspaperjungle.com/

I am entering this LO in the following challenges:
Cut It Up - #9 Out with the Old (wrapping paper)
ScrapMuch? - Dec. 28 sketch
 
Happy New Year,
Melissa

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Santa Claus is Coming at LM

This week at Lasting Memories the design team was given the theme "Santa Claus is Coming". I found the picture of last year's visit with Santa  For the past five or so years we have gone to Lights of the South, a local 100 acre forest decorated with beautiful lights that can be seen from a hay ride or on a walking trail. After we take the hay ride, the girls wait so patiently to visit Santa. Afterwards, we enjoy hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. We haven't had a chance to go yet this year. And am not sure if we will make it. My husband hurt his knee yesterday and is having a hard time getting around. And it wouldn't be the same without him. My girls (M & M) did get a chance to see Santa when he visited church a few weeks ago.

Materials used:
patterned paper - Moxxie
Santa - Stamping Station (I've had this so long, I really had forgotten about it.)
Cricut cartridge - Makin' the Grade (cut at 1")

Merry Christmas,
Melissa

 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

 
Welcome to the Heavenly Christmas blog hop hosted by Lisa. You should have made your way here from Anita.  If not, please start with our hostess Lisa.

Thank you for joining this wonderful group of crafters as we show off our Christmas pieces. For this hop, I created a one page layout.
Supplies used:
patterned paper from my stash
white cardstock for angel and title
Cricut cartridge - Gypsy Font (1 1/2 inches and welded)
Creative Memories paisley punch
CTMH ink - heavenly blue
Stickles - baby blue
 
Thank you so much for stopping by today. One lucky person will be receiving a RAK. To be eligbile, you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment with a way to contact you. I will post the winner Thursday, December 27.
 
Your next stop is the very talented Melanie.
 
Here is today's line-up in case you get lost:
Ashley ~ http://thebloghopprincess.blogspot.com/
 
Merry Christmas,
Melissa

Friday, December 21, 2012

Welcome Winter Blog Hop

Welcome to the "Welcome Winter" blog hop.  You should have made your way here from Kim.  If not, please start at the beginning with our hostess Ashley .

Not only is today the first day of winter, but it's also my birthday.  I'm so glad you are able to join me on my special day.

For this blog hop, I put together a page kit I bought when I went to the Creative Keepsakes convention in Charlotte, NC.  Who doesn't love hot chocolate?  My girls are obsessed with hot chocolate.  Each Sunday, they get to enjoy a cup at donut time at church.  They recently started adding french vanilla creamer.  Now I just need pictures.  I have two ideas in mind.  One is my girls and their friends making and drinking hot chocolate Sunday mornings or my girls enjoying hot chocolate at home.  There we have french vanilla marshmallows they can add.

Thank you so much for stopping by today.  One lucky person leaving a comment will be selected to receive a RAK.  To be eligible, you must be a follower of my blog.

Your next stop on the hop is the very talented Michele.

Here is today's line-up in case you get lost.
Ashley ~ http://thebloghopprincess.blogspot.com
Kim ~ www.puppiesandpapercrafts.com
Melissa ~ http://iamapapermaniac.blogspot.com/ (you are here)
Michele ~ http://michelescraftroom.blogspot.com/ (go here next)
Gabrielle ~ http://www.gabyspapery.blogspot.com
Tabetha ~ http://tabethascreations.blogspot.com/
Sandy ~ http://scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com
Amy E ~ http://www.scrapthissavethat.blogspot.com
Christine ~ http://hotberrydesigns.blogspot.com/
Vanessa ~ http://wwwpaperkraftsunlimiteddesings.blogspot.com/
Janet ~ http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/
Miriam ~ http://miriamscreations.blogspot.com
Candace ~ www.papercraftsbycandace.com
Crystal ~ Http://crystalscreativecorner.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas,
Melissa

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Winner

Winner of the blog candy for my I Love Snow blog hop post...

Congratulations to lucky #11 - Amy E of Scrap This Save That.  Amy, please check your email.  You have one week to respond.

Til next time,
Melissa

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Polar Express at Lasting Memories


This week's challenge at Lasting Memories is inspired by the movie "Polar Express". The design team was asked to create a layout using this picture.
My co-worker's daughter goes to an in-home daycare. The kids recently had a "Polar Express" day and watched the movie while they sat in their own train car made from cardboard boxes wrapping in Christmas paper.  Each child (ages 3-5) had their own ticket and they were treated to a hot chocolate buffet. When my co-worker was showing off the pictures, I shouted, "I need those". I just had to create a layout with those pictures. This is only one of the four pictures she shared. I need to get the others to create a second page.
Supplies:
Creative Memories Christmas pack (I don't remember the exact name and I've had it for a while)
Cricut cartridge - Everyday Paper Dolls p. 63 Accessories 2 (and shift) and Accessories 3
Cardstock - Momenta

Take time this season to sit down with your loved ones and enjoy this movie. Don't forget the hot chocolate.

Merry Christmas,
Melissa

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Snow Blog Hop

Please take a moment today and say yet another prayer for the victims, families, friends, and neighbors of yesterday's tragedy in Connecticut. May God be with each and every person affected by this horrible event.

Welcome to the "I Love Snow" Blog Hop hosted by Lisa at Honeybearz Designs. If you made your way here from Beth, you're in the right spot. If not, please start with Lisa.

For this hop, I created a two page layout showing my girls playing in snow.
Supplies used:
Pebbles Inc. scrapbook kit - Snow Fun
CTMH ink - moonstruck
 
Thank you for joining us today. Here is the complete line-up.
Ashley ~ http://thebloghopprincess.blogspot.com/
Elecia ~ http://creationsby-kahaulani.blogspot.com/
Haidee ~ http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/
Sandy ~ http://scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com/
Mary ~ http://irongatestamps.blogspot.com/
Anita ~ http://scrappyhappymommy.blogspot.ca/
Vanessa ~ http://wwwpaperkraftsunlimiteddesings.blogspot.com/
Amy E. ~ http://www.scrapthissavethat.blogspot.com/
Beth ~ http://motherandaughterdesigns.blogspot.com/
Melissa ~ http://iamapapermaniac.blogspot.com/ (you are here)
Sheila ~
http://2pawprints.blogspot.com/ (go here next)
Dawn ~
http://dawnsdesignsthatdelight.blogspot.com/
Esther ~ http://forthejoyofcreating.blogspot.com/
Shawn ~ http://craftychicsblog.blogspot.com/
 
Do you like blog candy? Who doesn't? To be eligible to receive a RAK, you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The lucky recipient will be chosen using Random.org. I will post the name Tuesday, December 18.
 
I am submitting this LO to the following challenges:
ScrapMuch? - Dec. 14 Sketch Challenge
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - #185, Winter
 
Til next time,
Melissa

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Winner of Blog Candy

Using Random.org, #9 was chosen as the winner of the blog candy from my Operation Superman blog hop post.  Congratulations to Jennifer from Wunder's Creations.  Jennifer, please send me your address. 

Til next time,
Melissa

P.S.
Stop by Saturday for Snow Blog Hop.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Operation Superman Blog Hop

Welcome to Operation Superman Blog Hop. If you made your way here from Jearise, you're in the right spot. If not, please start with our host Sandra.

Hi everyone welcome to the "Operation Superman Charity Blog Hop" hosted by Sandra http://365daysofcricut.blogspot.com/. Sandra is hosting this hop to gather gifts to donate for a family who lost their father and also to someone who lost her husband. We are all making gifts and or Christmas cards to donate to the family. This is their first Christmas they are spending together without their dad whom everyone called "Superman". Seko "Superman" died tragically of heart failure in front of his wife and 4 young kids. We are hoping to spread some holiday cheer to this family in need.

Participants in this blog hop were asked to make a project with a Superman theme. I created a two page layout using the CTMH Superhero paper pack.


All supplies used for this LO are CTMH.

Giveaway! KaDoodle Bug Designs is sponsoring the hop with a $20 gift certificate to their store at http://www.kadoodlebugdesigns.com/

To qualify for the blog candy be sure to leave a comment on all the blogs (It's a short but sweet hop) and also comment and LIKE KaDoodle Bug Designs Facebook Fan page and let them know "Operation Superman sent you"

A winner will be announced on Wednesday December 12th!

Thank you for participating in the wonderful blog hop. Here's the line-up in case you need it.
Sandra ~ http://365daysofcricut.blogspot.com/
Lisa ~ http://bitbythecricutbug.blogspot.com
Monica ~ www.monicascreativemadness.com
Jearise ~ http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com
Melissa ~ http://iamapapermaniac.blogspot.com (you are here)
6. Zen ~ http://www.scrappyzeni.com/ (go here next)
7. Jenny (Crazy About Cricut) ~ http://crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/

Do you like blog candy? Who doesn't? To be eligible to receive a RAK, you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The lucky recipient will be chosen using Random.org. I will post the name Friday, December 14.

If you would like to help out and send this family a Christmas card and or a holiday gift please email Sandra at critterbugg365@gmail.com for more information the family is also taking Paypal donations and gift cards.

Til next time,
Melissa

Sunday, December 9, 2012

No Snow at Lasting Memories

I am this month's Guest Designer at Lasting Memories.  The theme of this week's challenge is "No Snow".  As I was going through my pictures, I found one of me as a little girl blowing out the candles on a birthday cake.  And oh do I remember that cake.  It was the best tasting yellow cake with lemon filling.  Yes, those are Christmas decorations you see on the top of the cake.  It's the nativity scene and "Come All Ye Faithful" is written on the side.  My parents always bought birthday cakes for me and my sisters from a local bakery.  Since my birthday is four days before Christmas, it was not unusual to have Christmas colors on my cake.  This particular year, my mom specifically got this cake to remind me and my sisters of the true meaning of Christmas.  She wanted us to look beyond receiving gifts from Santa.  I hope to spread the same message to my girls.  Jesus is the reason for the season.  Merry Christmas.

This week's challenge is being sponsored by Cedar Chest Designs.  One lucky winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to her store.  Katie was so sweet by allowing the designers to choose an image or paper from her store. 

 
Supplies used:
background paper from my stash
printed paper - from the dollar bin at Target
cupcakes digitial stamp - Cedar Chest Designs; colored with Crayola Watercolor colored pencils
 
The above LO is based off a sketch at Stuck On U Sketches.

Til next time,
Melissa

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Warm and Cozy Blog Hop

Are you snuggled with your warm blanket and sipping on hot cocoa or coffee? Thank you for joining us today for the Warm and Cozy Winter Blog Hop. I hope you enjoy all the great projects everyone created using a hot chocolate theme.

You should have arrived here from Kim. If not, please start with our hostess Lisa. Be sure to visit everyone's blog and leave a comment. Thanks to KaDoodle Bug Designs for sponsoring this blog hop. One lucky person will receive a $25 gift certificate.

With some help (paper choices and encouragement) from my 7-year-old, I created a hot cocoa packet holder. I found a great tutorial at Whimsie Doodles for this holder. My daughter will be giving this to her classmates as a little Christmas gift. She is already picking out individual papers and ribbons for each of her classmates. And of course, we have to make "extra pretty" ones for her teachers.

Supplies used: paper - cardstock from my stash, DCVW The Christmas Stack
stamps - CTMH "No Peeking" and "Christmas Greetings"
ink - CTMH
brad, ribbon - from my stash

Here's the line-up in case you need it.  Thanks for stopping by.

Lisa ~ http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/
Dena ~ http://missdjones.blogspot.com/
Ashley ~ http://thebloghopprincess.blogspot.com/
Elecia ~ http://creationsby-kahaulani.blogspot.com/
Crystal ~ http://crystalscreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Kim ~ www.puppiesandpapercrafts.com
Melissa ~ http://iamapapermaniac.blogspot.com/ (you are here)
Haidee ~ http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/ (go here next)

Do you like blog candy? Who doesn't? To be eligible to receive a RAK, you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment. The lucky recipient will be chosen using Random.org. I will post the name Tuesday, December 11.

Til next time,
Melissa

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Cards

First, allow me to announce the winner of the blog candy from my Mod Podge Blog Hop post. Using Random.org, #5 was the lucky number. Congratulations Kathy. You will have one week to respond to my email.

I've been trying out card making lately.  Here are two of my newest creations.
My first card is based off a sketch from Sunday Stamps

Supplies used:
patterned paper - CTMH (Good Times), stamps - CTMH (Spot on Backgrounds and Rustic Flowers) and Paper Studios (Best Wishes), ink - CTHM (twilight), cardstock, ribbon and brad are from my stash
I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Sunday Stamps - sketch
365 Cards - Day 278: polka dots
Lady Anne's Challenges - anything goes
Ooh-la-la - #119 - seeing spots and dots
Paper Pretties - #68 - use ribbon
Use It Tuesday- #44 - ink it up ... finally
Penny's Paper - #105 - anything goes

My second card is based off a sketch from Just Us Girls

Supplies used:
ribbon - American Crafts, stamps - CTMH (Christmas Greetings and Say It In Style), ink - CTHM (holiday red and clover meadow), markers - LePlume II, cardstock from my stash
I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Just Us Girls - sketch #165
Critter Sketch Challenge - #144 - Christmas anything goes
Lollipop Crafts - #95 - Happy Holidays
My Craft Spot - #78 - Merry Christmas
Pretty Little Ribbon Shop Blog - #17 - It's Christmas
Ribbon Carousel blog  - #75 - the Holidays
Addicted to Stamps and More - #5 - Make Your Mark
Christmas at Sweet Stampin' - #1 - anything goes

Til next time,
Melissa

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Guess Who is a Guest Designer at Lasting Memories?

Yep, that's me. I am so excited! Even though I have been scrapbooking for a while, I have only been blogging for a little over a month. Being asked to be a Guest Designer is the cherry on top of my favorite banana split.

This week's challenge at Lasting Memories is "Snow Falling on Cedar". So, here is a layout showing a rare feature of Augusta, Georgia - SNOW!

Supplies used:
glitter cardstock - DCWV Summer Dream Cardstock Stack
printed paper - Creative Memories
other paper - from scraps folder
ribbon - from stash
Cricut cartridges - CM Cheerful Seasons

Til next time,
Melissa

P.S. Sorry, the pictures are not the best. I do not know how to take good pictures of my LOs or other pieces to put on my blog.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Mod Podge blog hop


What could be more fun than Mod Podge? Having crafty friends make stuff and show it off! We all hope you find a little inspiration along the way today and pull out your hidden (or forgotten) stash of Mod Podge and make something beautiful even if it is a lil messy to get hrough the process!

Our hostess today is Lissa Marie at www.somanycrafts.com.

If you arrived from Haidee you are in the right place! If not, please go check out Lissa Marie's blog so you don't miss a thing.

I haven't worked with Mod Podge in a while. So I wanted to get back into it slowly. I decided to make something for my girls. I found wooden letters at JoAnn's and covered them with scrapbook paper that fits their personailities. The peace sign paper is for my 7-year-old and the butterfly paper is for my 11-year-old.


The peace sign paper is the Paper Studio and the butterfly paper is CTMH.

I have blog candy. To be eligible to receive the following sticker set, you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment with a way to contact you. The lucky recipient will be selected using Random.org and I will post the name Tuesday, December 4.


Your next stop is Robin Scott.

Here is your line up in case you need it to navigate:
Lissa Marie ~ www.somanycrafts.com
Lluvia aka misses crafty ~ www.sweetbirdmemories.blogspot.com
Melissa ~ www.iamapapermaniac.blogspot.com (you are here)
Robin Scott ~ www.scrapandchat.blogspot.com (go here next)

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Birthday Card for a Friend

I need to announce two winners of blog candy.  The following were chosen using Random.org
Harvesting Memories - #18: Haven_Mom4
All About Me - #3: Teresa K
Ladies, please check your emails.
 
Today is my friend's birthday.  I made the following card for her using a sketch from Sunday Sketch & Stamp.  Here's my card...
Here's the sketch...
Supplies used:
Close to My Heart - cardstock, patterned paper, olive ink, rhinestone flowers, ribbon
Inkadinkado - Birthday Wish stamp (I've had this set for at least a year)
 
I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Sunday Sketch & Stamp - challenge #134
Use It Tuesday - challenge #44: Ink It Up...Finally
Moving Along With the Times - 3 elements with same letter (ribbon, rectangle, rhinestone)
Shelley's Images - Oh Scrap (use scraps - the pattern paper was in my scrap folder leftover from a LO)
Color Throwdown - turquoise, vanilla, limeade, cobbler
Shopping Our Stash - #79: Odds and Ends or Waiting to be Used (rhinestone, scrap paper)
ABC Challenge - anything goes
Use Your Stuff - #62: Perfect Patterned Paper
Challenge 4 Everybody - #8: anything goes
Joanna Sheen Challenge - anything goes excluding Christmas
 
Til next time,
Melissa


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

All About Me Blog Hop

Welcome to the All About Me Blog Hop. You should have arrived here from Shelley T. If not, please start at the beginning with Shelley P.

In addition to seeing a lot of awesome projects about us, there is some blog candy available too. If you comment on everyone's bloghop post you will be entered to win the goodies.  Shelley, our host, has created a prize package valued well over $50.
Here is my project - a two page spread about ME! This is my school picture from this year. On the opposite page are just a handful of my titles. And I wouldn't give up any of them! Now there have been days in which I threatened to change my name to something that cannot be pronounced :) I used a variety of Cricut cartridges for my titles. I welded each of them using my Gypsy.
Supplies used:
Paper - Quick Quotes, American Crafts, and a piece of cardstock from my stash
Cricut Cartridges - Alphalicious, CM Cheerful Seasons, Cuttin' Up, Makin' the Grade, and Disney-Mickey Font

I have BLOG CANDY! To be eligible to receive a RAK, you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment with a way to contact you. The lucky recipient will be chosen by Random.org and I will post the name Thursday, November 29.

Thank you for stopping by today. Here is the full line-up in case you get lost. Please leave comments along your way. Your next stop is the talented Janet.

1. Shelley P - http://shelley-scrapbookingforfun.blogspot.com/
2. Judy - www.bepresentbereal.blogspot.com/
3. Sandy - http://scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com/
4. Shelley T- http://heartstring-designs.blogspot.com/
5. Melissa - http://iamapapermaniac.blogspot.com/ (You're here)
6. Janet - http://janetscreativeworld.blogspot.com/ (Go here next)
7. Roberta  - http://thepapercraftingleague.blogspot.com/
8. Claire - http://threewaterscreations.blogspot.com/
9. Sarah - http://craftingwithsarah.blogspot.com/
10. Cathy - http://cathyplus5.blogspot.com/
11. Nadja - http://nadjarobbins.blogspot.com/
12. Tess - www.sassycricutcrafting.com/
13. Robin - http://cutonedesignsbyrobin.blogspot.com/
14. Amy  - http://www.scrapthissavethat.blogspot.com/
15. Miranda- http://www.nanasscrapspot.com/
16. Kim - http://theartisansattic.blogspot.com/

I am entering this layout in Child's Play Challenges The Sound of Music challenge.

Til next time,
Melissa

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Naked Layout - G Version

Are you one of those scrapbookers who save EVERYTHING with plans to put it in the scrapbook? I am. But then I find myself with more things than pictures that need a home in the scrapbook. This Naked Layout challenge from Lasting Memories is just what I need to get those other things on pages. The challenge of the challenge (ha, ha) is to create a layout with no pictures. Here is my LO.
This is the breakfast menu my two daughters made for "Daddy" for Father's Day. With a little help from me, they cooked his selections and served it to him in his chair (mom's version of breakfast in bed). The mug is from Summer Celebrations Cricut cartridge and is cut at 5".


Til next time,
Melissa

Be sure to check back Tuesday for the "All About Me" blog hop.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Harvesting Memories Blog Hop

Welcome to the Harvesting Memories Blog Hop where you will get to see various projects related to fall.  Have you been shopping today? I decided to stay home this Black Friday. Whether you are taking a  break from shopping or at home resting, thank you for taking time to visit this blog hop hosted by Lisa of Honeybearz Designs. You should have come from Michelle - http://afternoonscrapper.blogspot.com/. If not, please start with Lisa - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/.

For this hop I created a two page layout of my youngest's Thanksgiving Feast when she was in Pre-K, 3 years ago.

 
Cricut Cartridges used:
Makin' the Grade - title
Celebrate with Flourish - hats and sentiment




CTMH Stamp Set - Thankgiving Day (I've had this at least 3 years) stamped with CTMH chocolate ink and colored with good ole Crayola colored pencils and crayons

All the other supplies came from my stash.

I have BLOG CANDY!  To be eligible to receive the following clear stamps, you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment with a way to contact you.  The lucky recipient will be chosen by Random.org and I will post the name Thursday, November 29.

 
Thank you for stopping by today. Here is the full line-up in case you get lost.  Please leave comments along your way.  Your next stop is the talented Beth.
 
Melissa ~ http://iamapapermaniac.blogspot.com/ (You're here)

I have entered this layout in the following challenges:
Lasting Memories - #115 Stamp those LO's
Die Cuttin' Divas - #92 Thanksgiving
Oldie But A Goodie - Anything But Christmas
The Stamping Boutique - #59 Giving Thanks
Use it Tuesday - #43 Be Thankful
Exploring Cricut - Count Your Blessings
Lollipop Crafts - #94 We Are Thankful
My Craft Spot - #76 Thanksgiving
Catch the Bug - Bingo: brown, starts with T (turkey/Thanksgiving), die cut

Til next time,
Melissa