Valentine Monsters

My son is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Bolivia.  He will be there for 2 years.  He's been out in the field for just over 3 months.  He loves the people!  The food?  He's adjusting... cow's tongue and stomach is NOT in our normal diet at our house.  As much as I miss him, it is wonderful to watch him grow as he serves the Lord and the people of Bolivia.

The mail system in Bolivia is far from reliable.  Either it takes letters/cards/packages forever to arrive, they never get there, or some things may be missing from the package.  Emails are the best way to communicate.  My son only has 1 hour a week to send and answer emails.  So this will be perfect for a quick "I love you" Valentine's reminder in case his Valentine's package doesn't get there in time or ever.  Please let it arrive safely!  It's filled with lots of love and treats!

Most people say, "I love you to the moon and back."  Well... some days Bolivia feels farther than the moon, so I always sign my letters, "I love you to Bolivia and back."  Mr V. Monster is on the Bolivia flag (just minus the logo in the middle) with a little shadow behind him.  He will make my son smile.

You'll smile too when you see Dustin Pike's/Doodle Dragon Studio new set of Valentine Monsters!  Check them out!  Our design team have put some love into cards showcasing these fabulous creatures!  Take a peek over on Dustin's blog.

Happy early Valentine's Day!

Cupid's Arrows

A few days ago on a local daily show they suggested that Pinterest is actually killing our creativity. I disagree. I found these cupid arrows on Pinterest that originally looked like this below:



Nothing wrong with it. I decided to put my own spin on cupid's arrows. I turned it into the above cute, sassy, cupid frog.

My question is... must we invent the wheel EVERY time? Why can't we just change out the tire every now and then?

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - December 2010 Membership - cupid frog
Pretzel sticks
Cinnamon hearts candy
Background paper - Scenic Route
Font - LD Mixed

I Love Chocolate!

I know, I know. It's March. But I still have a few more Valentine's projects to post! I guess that's what happens when you buy too much 70% off Valentine candy. I need to do something with it before I eat ALL chocolate myself. Thankfully my DD spoke for these right after I took the picture which means 30 minutes less on the treadmill for me. Of course, I'm not going to mention all the missing mini Mr. Goodbars and Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars. Monkeys. Why must I love chocolate? Oh wait... because it's delicious!


Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - December 2011 Membership - key
Heart patterned paper - from my stash
American Crafts gold foil cardstock
Snack size Ziploc
Miniature chocolate bars
Font - CK Lumpy

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

For the record, my daughter is a huge Dustin Pike - Doodle Dragon Studios fan. Almost as big as fan as me (it's tough to compete). She loves DDS images. Often she selects a bunch of digis to print off to color. So I wasn't surprised when she wanted to use this cute kangaroo for her Valentine's, which then extended into her Valentine Box. You just pull on the bow to open his heart to leave your Valentine. She's super excited to show off her box and her treat today.



Remember last month was our school's Buy One/Get One Free Book Fair? It's my favorite time to stock up on teacher gifts for a great price. At the Book Fair, the teachers have a "Wish Box" where they put the books they would love to have in their class. Our family has a fun tradition to buy a book (with their favorite treat) for each of my children's teacher and PAST teachers to give it to them on Valentine's Day. Teachers make such an impression on building the foundation of a child. We want them to know we love them in every layer we build. They've had a hand it in. Sadly, this year my daughter is down to three teachers. The other three have either retired or moved to a different state.

Here's a trick to saving money on teachers gifts... Buy at the B1/G1 Free Book Fair, Valentine basket/bag wrap from the Dollar Store (cut in half then tape down the back). It's too huge for one book, but perfect for two. This way any book size will fit. Then top it off with a clearance Christmas red ribbon (you can never have too much curly ribbon if you get it at a bargin!). Plan ahead and watch for your teacher's favorite treat to go on sale.

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - December 2011 Membership
Provo Craft 12x24 cardstock
Shipping box
Wrapping paper
Artificial grass
"I Love You" ribbon from stash

You're Sooooooo Hot!

I thought this might be a fun card to email my husband. Trust me... he's HOT! :)

Who needs Hallmark online when you can make your own digital cards?

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - Dragon 2 Set
Digital paper - fire
Font - Ghoulish
The Sweet Stop Sketch #SSS145

BFF - We make the perfect pair!

Here's a quick and easy Valentine's project for you!

Have you ever been friends with someone that at first glance you would never in a million years think that you would be friends? Then you turn out to be BFFs! Sometimes the lion and the lamb really can be besties. :)


Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - January Membership
Fuzzy socks - Target
Martha Stewart Heart Edge Punch
Font - CK Jolly Elf
American Crafts cardstock

DDS Digi Valentine Paper!!!

Oh my! Did you know Dustin Pike - Doodle Dragon Studios has digital Valentine Paper? It's true! I'm sooooooo excited!!!

How cute is this bandit raccoon with the valentine digi paper? I love it!



Click here to go to Dustin's Etsy shop to buy your paper pack!

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - December Membership
Doodle Dragon Studios digi paper
Font - Hobo
Operation Write Home Sketch #24

Heart Breaker!

Inside card...



Okay, I know I said I was tired of red (and I am), but I had to do one more! Ever since Dustin released this guy I wanted to use him. Seriously, how do you begin to make a card for this? He needs a big hug! So when I saw that More Than Favors - Cricut Cartridge Chaos Challenge was using the Rock Princess cartridge I knew he would finally be rescued! Then of course, I had to see what The Cuttlebug Spot challenge is this week. Their challenge is to make a gate fold card. Hmm...I've never created a gate fold card, never used my Rock Princess cartridge (I know...shocker, right?), Mr. Skunk has been waiting and it only seemed logical that a broken heart needed two sided card. Perfect match for all three! And instead of a smooth heart, I used my embossing folder to give the hearts a broken texture.

Yesterday, I grounded myself from going to the scrapbook store. I really, really wanted some type of black patterned paper for this card. Thankfully, it was super windy and stormy which lowered my motivation (to zero) to go outside. I have so much paper that I could open my own store! Yet somehow I needed NEW paper. You know the drill. One day when my office is clean (yeah that's not today), I'll post pictures of my room. It's crazy how much money is sitting/hanging in here waiting to be used. Anyway, I forced myself to find something to use here in my collection. Not doubt...I found a great selection in one of my DCWV stacks. I really need to learn control! :)

Good news! I also entered this card into the Cricut Circle Weekly contest (project must include a heart and embossing. Project must have at least 2 Cricut cuts to qualify). Anytime I can use a Doodle Dragon Studios image, my Cricut and my Cuttlebug on one project my day is more complete!

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - January Membership
Rock Princess Cricut cartridge
Sizzix - Tim Holtz embossing folder - Cracked
DCWV - Glitter ABC Stack
American Crafts cardstock

Day 14 of 14 Days of Valentines - Private Party

Close up of tag


Don't put the box on the seat! He might not look before he jumps in his car.

Happy Valentine’s Day! We made it through 14 Days of Valentines! Today is the big finale!!! I loved doing every project...especially the ones with extra chocolate.

Today's project is for your significant other. Here's what you'll need: purchase an empty corsage plastic container from your local florist shop. Add a little Victoria's Secret secret and maybe some other fun prizes, tie it up with a bow and you have your own Private Party. He’ll love it!

Depending on how scandalous you want to be will determine where you have your package delivered to your lover. You could deliver it to the receptionist desk and have him paged, or sneak into his office and put it on his desk/chair. Or you could put it on the seat of his car (remember to bring his set of keys). The possibilities are endless!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image—Valentine Trio
Photo paper (I would use glossy next time)
Plastic corsage box
Black ribbon—from personal stash
We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper
Stampin' Up slot punch
Font—Tristan
Pop dots
American Crafts cardstock
Silk rose petals

Day 13 of 14 Days of Valentines - Quackers

Oh QUACK! Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Are you SURE your ready? This project is dedicated for those "Oh Quack! I forgot. I need a valentine for X, Y & Z!" moments. It's super easy and fast.

Print out your image and sentiment. Use your Cuttlebug and Spellbinders to cut your tag. Now roll it through again, but this time embossing it. I'm sure there is a Cricut cartridge with a pillow box on it. I cheated and used a pre-made box (even easier). Run your pillow box through the Cuttlebug in your embossing folder. Grab a ribbon and tie it. Stick on your tag and you're done. See? Super easy and fast. Wait! Remember, you need to put something inside your pillow box. Gift card time. I love gift cards!

Happy Day 13!

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - December Membership
American Craft pillow box
Sizzix embossing folder - Valentine set #2
Spellbinders Nestibilites - Labels Eight set
Pebbles in My Pocket ribbon
Font - LD Mixed Up

Day 12 of 14 Days of Valentines - Too Stinkin' Cute!

Isn't this skunk so stinkin' cute?! He's from Dustin Pike's - Doodle Dragon Studio store in the January Membership collection, so if you want him, you know where to find him.

I found this red foil box at the Dollar Store. Can I just say I heart the Dollar Store! There are so many fun treasures for cheap. This box came in a set of 3, each one a different size and shape. This box would be perfect for a hotel key card, a restaurant card (with meet me here at 7:00 written on the back), gift cards, or fill with some yummy homemade candies.

Day 12...only 2 days left!


Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - January Membership
Foil box - from the Dollar Store
Martha Stewart - heart edge punch
We R Memory Keepers - corner chomper
Spellbinders Nestibilities - small oval set
Spellbinders Nestibilites - oval scallop set
American Crafts cardstock
American Crafts specialty foil paper
Pop Dots

Day 11 of 14 Days of Valentines - Save Your Kisses!

Day 11...only 3 days until Valentine's Day. Wow! This month is flying. I thought for Day 11 I would combine two challenges to make the perfect card. My fellow and very talented Doodle Dragon Studios DT member Ted - Happily Ever Crafter is having a Valentine's Challenge (it's still going so join in!). The twist to his challenge is your sentiment must be done in your own handwriting.

Hmm...easy peasy. I can totally do this challenge...easily. Yeah, that was until I rewrote the sentiment 20 times! Not kidding. It's crazy when the paper is cut and embossed the pressure that messes with your mind! I finally just had to pick the best or I still be writing! Silly. I knew I wanted to use this kissing princess image and sentiment, but I couldn't post it until Dustin Pike released the collection. If you haven't seen his Ever After set, you need to check it out!

While I was waiting for the big Ever After release, I wandered over to The Cuttlebug Spot where this week's challenge is to create a step card. Ta-dah! See the clouds part and the sun come shining down. Pure inspiration...mix the two challenges together and a card is created...

"You may need to date alot of frogs before you find your Prince Charming, just don't kiss them ALL!"


Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - Ever After set
Paper Adventures - Carolyn Holt - Primavera Hearts Squared
Indie Art Cricut cartridge - phrase
Cuttlebug embossing folder - Welcome Baby set
Spellbinders Nestibilities - Classic Oval set
Spellbinders Nestibilities - Crown Oval set
Pebbles in My Pocket - Glitter candy dots
Bo Bunny ribbon
Glossy Accents (eyes & lips)
American Crafts cardstock

Day 10 of 14 Days of Valentines - New Release! Ever After Collection

Day 10 of 14 Days of Valentines brings exciting news...fairy tales DO come true! Today Dustin Pike is releasing a new fantastic fairy tale collection called Ever After! I feel like breaking out in some princess song and twirling about while picking flowers (insert music here). They are truly dreamy. You can see a better view of the collection at Dustin's Doodle Dragon Studios store. Look how this set has inspired the DDS Design Team.



I instantly fell in love with the knight when I first laid eyes on him. He spoke to me (in his own mysterious way). It's every girl's dream to have a knight in shining armor, right? Which new Ever After image is your favorite and why?

Come back tomorrow for another idea using the Ever After set and Day 11. We're almost there!

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - Ever After Set
Doodlebug Design Inc. - Ladybug chenille cardstock
Red Velvet ribbon from Michael's
Black feather
Font - Prince Valiant
Fiskars - hearts punches
Pop dots
American Crafts cardstock

Day 9 of 14 Days of Valentines - Mummy Loves You

Happy Day 9! Today it would be funny to play with the mummy dragon and wrap the box of chocolates with gauze. To continue the theme, I used the Cuttlebug Forest Branches embossing folder on the pink heart. I think I'm going to give this valentine to my son who is turning 18 years old in a few days (*sniff*sniff*). His mummy will always love him!

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image
Box of chocolates
Roll of gauze
Cuttlebug embossing folder - Forest Branches
Spellbinders Nestibilities - Classic Scalloped Heart set
Spellbinders Nestibilities - Classic Heart set
Fiskars - heart punch
American Crafts cardstock

Early Day 8 of 14 Days of Valentines - Cupcake Challenge

Happy Early Day 8 of 14 Days of Valentines! We have a wicked storm rolling in right now. The power has been flickering on and off for over an hour. The wind is howling and the snow is furiously coming down. I'm going to post now so I don't have to worry about it.

Guess what? I found another challenge...well two. It's true. Don't get too use to it...Spring is hopefully coming and I can venture out of my house. *snicker snicker* Until then, let's play! Party Time Tuesday's is having a Valentine's Day cupcake challenge. This morning I went to Kneader's Bakery for breakfast. If you're ever in Utah be sure to go there for breakfast. Their all you can eat Chunky Cinnamon French Toast is amazing! Anyway, back to my morning, the cashiers were wearing cupcake shirts that said, "Who are you calling cupcake?" And at that exact moment I knew what I was going to do and wanted to play. Thanks Kneader's for a yummy breakfast and a great idea!

I found the challenge sketch at Gem of A Challenge.

The main card is on white paper. I put it against the pink Pebbles paper so you could see it. Hope you're enjoying the 14 Days of Valentines!

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image
Martha Stewart - Heart edge punch
Sizzix embossing folder - Valentine Set #4
Pebbles in My Pocket - Twitterpated Collection - Love You
Fun Favors - Amscan - plastic hearts
Font - CK Ali's Handprint
Pop Dots
Glossy Accent
American Crafts cardstock

Day 7 of 14 Days of Valentines - Going Formal

7 Days until Valentine's Day! Are you ready?

This cute formal penguin needed a date with a card BAD! And how could I say no to a face like that? I found this cool Subway Art freebie the background, but gray scaled it to compliment Mr. Penguin. Then the card needed more than just a ribbon...it needed a bow tie. So I made one. :) I think we're ready to go out now!

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - December Membership
Valentine Subway Art for background
Red velvet ribbon from Michael's
We R Memory Keepers - Corner Chomper
Wire
Pop dots
American Crafts cardstock

Day 6 of 14 Days of Valentines - Build a Box of Love

Happy Day 6! Today's project is a Build a Box of Love!

Fill a 8 1/2" x 11" page (actually only 8 1/2" x 9") of your favorite Doodle Dragon Studios image. Your page will look something like this (see below). You can print two pages if you want the box to be completely the same or use your DDS images printout for the lid and a solid color cardstock for the bottom. It's up to you. You could also print it on regular paper to use as wrapping paper instead of a building a box.



The lid you will cut at 8 1/4" x 8 1/4". Be mindful of the printer margins on your paper when cutting. Score each side a 2 1/8" x 2 1/8". Cut the vertical sides to create your flaps. Score again to create crisp edges and glue box together.

For the bottom box you will cut at 8" x 8". Then score at 2" on each side. Repeat the same steps as above. Put the two sides together and wa-lah you have completed your box!

I purchased a gift bow and hollowed out the center until I found the layer that I wanted it to be. Does that make sense? Notice from the side view it looks like a regular bow. But from the top, it's shows the cute tag snuggled in nicely.

Have fun with your one of a kind box of love!

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - December Membership
Spellbinders Nestibilities - Scallop set
McGill 2 1/8" circle punch
McGill 1 7/8" circle punch
Cardstock
Bow
Martha Stewart storing board

Day 5 of 14 Days of Valentines

Happy Day 5! Remember yesterday when I said I found a challenge to play in? Well, I found another one! Flaunt It Fridays is having a challenge to use the lips image from the Indie Art Solutions cartridge. Surprise, surprise...I have never used this cartridge either! Let's just say I'm an obsessed Cricut cartridge collector. Just because you have them doesn't mean you have to use them. Right?

This frog was calling for these lips! The phrase just makes me chuckle.

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - December Membership
Indie Art Cricut cartridge - cut at 3 1/2"
Bo Bunny - Flirty Dots paper
Toothpick
Pop dots
American Crafts cardstock

Guess where I'm going today? The Oh My Crafts Warehouse sale! Envision me doing the old Mervyn's commerical...Open, open, open!"

Day 4 of 14 Days of Valentines - Cupid

Packaged...



Okay, for some unknown reason if you were on Dustin's site yesterday, you had a sneak peek of these delicious Day 10 chocolates nuggets. You read right...Day 1o! So since a few of you saw them, I'm moving them to Day 4. Cheaters! Just kidding...

I designed these mini wrappers to go around Hershey's Chocolate Nuggets. Hmmm...I wonder where the rest of the bag went?! Good thing I'm almost done creating the projects for the 14 Days of Valentines. Now I can stop eating all the leftover treats! My diet is going great. Thanks for asking. NOT!

I embossed the red cardstock to back the nuggets once they were in the cello, so they would have support. Any of the Doodle Dragon Studio cupid valentine images would work on this project. Just pick your favorite one!

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - December Membership
Hershey's Chocolate Nuggets
Cuttlebug embossing folder - candy hearts
Cello bag
American Crafts cardstock

Day 3 of 14 Days of Valentines - Happy Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year...the Year of the Rabbit. People born in the Year of the Rabbit (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011) are articulate, talented, and ambitious. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky, but they have a tendency to get too sentimental and can seem superficial.

I personally am a Monkey. People born in the Year of the Monkey are clever, skillful, and flexible. Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and usually have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong - willed but their anger cools quickly.

The Chinese New Year inspired today's Valentine project. Fill the box with fortune cookies and a gift card to their favorite Chinese restaurant.

Enjoy your Date Night!

Supplies:
Doodle Dragon Studios image - January Membership
Red take out box
Pagoda Cricut cartridge - curtain
Pebbles in My Pocket - ribbon
Doodlebug Design Braddies - cinnamon hearts
Fortune cookies - LaChoy (at the grocery store) - unless you have a really generous waiter who will give you a handful of cookies when you buy your gift card.
Font - LD Samurai
American Crafts cardstock