Happy Birthday to you . . .

It's Krista Palakiko's birthday today and a few of us are throwing her a surprise birthday blog hop.  If you've come here from Joni's blog, then you are on the right path, but if you just popped in you might want to hop on over to the beginning at the Lollipop Crafts blog.  Why?  Well one lucky hopper will win a SURPRISE PRIZE!  All you need to do is hop along to each friend’s blog, leave some love, then head back to the Lollipop Crafts blog and let them know you completed the hop.  Who knows maybe along the way some of Kris' friends might be giving away RAKS of their own, so make sure you stop and give some love to everyone.  The winner will be announced on Sunday, March 18th.


Well, well, what can I say?  I've had the privilege and the honor of getting to know Kris both through blogland a few years ago and meeting up with her while she was here on Oahu tending to her beautiful son who was born a bit early at the Queen's Medical Center.  She is nothing but a sweet and generous soul who always thinks about others.  Well, today we celebrate Kris as we think of her on this special day!


I recently purchased the Sizzix Eclips machine which I've had my eye on since last year.  Couldn't decide whether to get the Silhouette Cameo or Eclips, but in the end, my mind was set.  I've been cutting up paper like crazy and playing around with numerous SVG files.    FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

I cut out these 3D letters using the 3D Letters SVG Kit from SVGCuts.  It was pretty fun, but I do have to admit, the "S" was the hardest to put together because of its curves.  I added some details to the letters . . . a cloud, a white picket fence, and some butterflies.  The little girl sitting up there on the "R" is Maisie Sitting Pretty from Lili of the Valley and the bunny on the "S" is from the Lucky Bunnies - Clear Stamp Set from TGF.

Here's another view.

I just want to wish Kris the best birthday ever!  You are dear to my heart and nothing but LUV 4 U!

Now, hop on over to Sony's blog {HERE}.  Remember, if you get lost along the way, the  MASTER LIST is on the Lollipop Crafts Blog.  Thanks for stopping by today!  :)

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween y'all!  Wow, it's been a while since I last posted anything or been around blogland for that matter.  I've been really busy with life, but trying to get some Halloween projects done too.  Here is a creation that I sort made up.  I made 12 of these to give to my hubby's 7 secretaries, my DS's teacher, my DD Tiny Tots teacher, and some friends.  It all started when I saw my sweet blogging friend, Kris' post about her lollipops.  Click {HERE} to see her post!  I changed up the dimensions of the lollipop wrapper to fit a Dum Dum Lollipop instead of a Tootsie Roll Pop.  Some of you know that I was an elementary school teacher before becoming a SAHM.  I remember singing "5 Little Pumpkins" with the kids thus coming up with this project.  I cut the houses with Tim Holts Townscape die and the tree with Tim Holtz Branch Tree.  I used EK Success Pumpkin punch as well as MS Grass and Iron Fence punch.

Here's a closer look.

Sorry for the bad photo.  Here is the song/poem, 5 Little Pumpkins attached to the back.  The Haunted House is from the Lawn Fawn Happy Haunting set. 

On a very sad note, we recently lost a very dear and wonderful human being last Wednesday, Dean Harvey.  Dean is my hubby's cousin and they were extremely close.  Some of you know the story behind how my baby boy, Asa, got his middle name.  Click {HERE} to read a previous post about my story.  Anyway, here is a picture of Dean and Asa meeting for the first time last December (2010).   Asa was only a month old.  

Click {HERE} to read an article written about Dean weeks before he passed away.  The article tells of his CJD and the journey he's taken living with this most terrible disease.

I luv this picture of Dean with the sunset behind him.  This day last August, he and his wife Kathi, renewed their vows at Maili Beach in Waianae.  With family surrounded them, the day was perfect. 

We miss you so much Dean!  You are now in the presence of the Lord.  You now have your strength and your winning smile! 

Thanks everyone for sticking with me through this post.  I have another project that I made for Halloween.  Hoping to share it this week.  My Asa is turning 1 soon and I'm trying to get all the details done for his 1st birthday party.  Yep, crazy Mama trying to do everything myself and I really, really don't have the time.  Plus, Dean's funeral service will be 2 days before Asa's party.  Boy, our family will be so busy but just happy that we can all be together supporting each other during this time of loss and this time of celebration.  So, if I'm not around to check you out, you know what I'm doing . . . family stuff and party stuff!  Urgh . . . once the everything is done, I'll be relieved.  Okie dokie . . . catch ya laters!

September C.A.T.S. - Flowers

Good morning!  This post is long overdue . . . notice that my title says "September C.A.T.S.".  I know, it's almost half way through October.  So funny 'cause my C.A.T.S. partner, Enjoli, and I emailed each other to say that we will be late in making our deadline.  She's so busy with work, caring for her kids, and her new venture with Sugar Shack Crafts.  For me, I had a lot on my plate too.  Anyway, we finally got around to completing our card and tag set for one another.

Here is what I received from Enjoli.  She created an easel card using Ayako from Sister Stamps.  I really luv the washi paper Enjoli used with the pattern of cherry blossoms scattered throughout the paper.

Now here is the tag that came with the card.  Cute, cute, cute!  :)  Thank you so much Enjoli!

Since the theme for September was FLOWERS, I decided to make my own flower out of felt.  Wanna know how I made that flower?  Check click {HERE} for a video tutorial by Beate Johns.  Whenever I need ideas or inspiration, I head on over to Beate's blog.  She's so creative! 

The image on the belly band of this card is from the CC Designs Laugh Lines called Flower. 

This is what the insert looks like.  The sentiment is from Purple Onion Designs called Flower Quotes.

Here's my tag.  Doesn't look like much, but hang on.  This is how it works.

This is a Telescope card/tag.  I first saw this on Creations by Patti's blog and then on Jenny's blog, Crazy for Papercrafting.  It must've been a sign for me to try it and I luv'd the idea.  When you slide the middle layer over, the largest piece is revealed.  There she is!

Here's when you slide the smallest layer over to reveal the middle layer.  I created another insert for this pocket tag to write a little message.

Well, that's it for me!  I've had so much fun participating in my GF Joy's C.A.T.S.  If you want to participate, check out her blog for more information.  Have a great weekend!