The Coolest Holiday Wreath

My daughter Zora's 4th grade class made the coolest holiday wreaths! This wreath can be fashioned for any holiday, reason or season and it's unbelievable how inexpensive the supplies are.

Check this out... you need a wire hanger and several boxes of the dollar store sandwich bags. It must be the ones with the fold over top (not the ziplock or slider kind). The bags are twist tied onto the hanger (and trimmed if needed for symmetry). With a wired ribbon bow and a few embellishments hot glued on....voila!

We'd love to hear what you think! Thanks in advance!

La-Vie

Volunteering with the Girl Scouts - Personalized Ornaments

Happy Holidays! I hope everyone is ready or St. Nick! I'm here t I love these flat back plastic ornaments from Hobby Lobby. You can personalize them in so many ways. My daughter's Girl Scout troop has all ages so I volunteered to lead this craft for 30 girls!! Luckily there were other leaders and parents to assist. 

Here's a quick representation of what we made. The younger Scouts added pom-poms to the interior of the ornament, the older ones added fake snow. Each girl brought in a wallet size photo from school   or sports and I used my Creative Memories cutting system to cut each picture into the circle. If anyone forget theirs, I provided clear winter embellishments like the snowflake seen here. I provided ribbon and wired leaves to finish the look. All the Scouts and their parents loved it!

La-Vie

Teacher's Christmas Gifts - Sharpie Mugs

We've been decking the halls with boughs of holly! So sorry I have been away for a bit. My regular blogging schedule will resume in January 2015. 

But I'm popping in today to share the teacher gifts my 4th grader created. My daughter is very much into art. I thought it would interest her to put her skills to work - and it really did!

Sharpie mugs are all over Pinterest. I have a board dedicated to teacher gift ideas. Please check it out and follow me to stay abreast of these great ideas. 

To get started all you need are plain white mugs from dollar tree, an oil-based Sharpie set, alcohol pads, alpha-stickers (vinyl or cardstock) and your oven. The mugs are HARD to find (but you can order online) I visited several in the area and struck out most of the time.

1. Clean your mug surface with the alcohol pad, let dry
2. Draw your design, sign the bottom of the cup
3. Place mugs on a baking sheet and bake for 40 mins at 425 degrees
4. let cool and instruct the teachers to hand wash (no dishwasher)

5. You can include a tasty treat inside. We used gourmet hot chocolate bought in bulk from Sams Club

My daughter really got into it after a while and created something special for each teacher.

For this mug we used a cardstock die cut from basic grey applied with Xyron. Once all the dots are on, remove the letter and follow the directions above to bake. This one was for a male gym teacher.

Here's how we packaged these lovely creations. I am thinking about get cellophane and a bow to complete to look. What have you gifted to the teachers?

La-Vie

I've been Nominated for the Creative Blogger Award!!

C'est La-Vie Designs Unlimited, LLC was recently nominated for the Creative Blogger Award by the lovely and talented Shalana Glass of Scrappin' with Shalana. She is a CTMH rep and always has something new and inspiring on her blog. I enjoy her CAS scrapbooking and her enchanting mixed media projects. I encourage you to take a gander and follow her. It'll be worth it! I promise!

We became online crafty friends after I won a prize from her last year. I was so excited to find a local crafter of color (like myself) and began following her blog. We even started scrapbooking the same year. I look forward to meeting her in person in the coming year since we live in the same area. Small world ... right?!

The Creative Blogger Award entitles the recipient to join a group of very talented people and share their personal thoughts and secrets about their creative endeavors. Hopefully you will learn something new about each blogger and find some inspiration along the way.

Let's begin!



What am I currently working on?

I am assisting my daughter in making Christmas gifts for her teachers and girl scout leaders. We are making necklaces using Craft Fantastic supplies and were inspired by Pinterest to try the sharpie mugs.

What is my signature style?

My crafting is truly my heart and soul displayed for all to see. It evokes emotion; sometimes laughter, other times tears. My signature craft style is clean and simple although I am slowly evolving into a hybrid mixed-media style. I love to pile it on but within reason and still preserving some white space. 

How do I become inspired and stay inspired?

I constantly watch craft YouTube videos, read blogs, Twitter, Instagram, FaceBook posts in crafty groups and pin to Pinterest. All the social media posts keep my mind going. Everyone I am drawn to at a particular moment feeds my crafting soul in a special way. I love to learn new techniques, tips, tricks and a twist on tried and true techniques. I do get tired of doing certain styles or tasks. When that happens, there's nothing better than checking social media to see what my peers are doing. #SoInspirational

How does my creative process work?


Once I am ready to try a new technique I've seen online, I think it over for days. I recall things I have seen and how they could apply to the products I have on hand. I try to plan out the major details in my head so that when I sit to craft it can come together quickly. However, I do leave room for creativity to take flight. 

I'm a perfectionist, so I prefer to practice my techniques many times before the final project is solidified. Now, there are other times when I think about it and do it all quick, fast and in a hurry with stellar results; but I prefer to approach my projects methodically.

So now that you know a little bit about my creative process, I would love to hear about yours! Don’t hesitate to share your favorite styles and inspiration in the comment section 
as well as your social media links so I can follow you!

Creative Blogger Nominees:

Now it’s time for me to select a couple of great crafters to receive a Creative Blogger Award. I am pleased to announce my two nominees…

Lyne's Everyday Ideas - "The one to watch!" I've been fortunate to witness Lyne's craft style develop and flourish more and more over the last year. Her precise attention to detail and style while letting the photos 'be the star' of her layouts is inspiring! She's a must-have on any DT. I look forward to seeing her grow even more in 2015.

'Where our story began' - As members of the ScrapRack Facebook Group, we were asked to share which city/state we were in. Soon after, Lyne asked me to join her for tea at a nearby Panera. We've been fast friends ever since! At the time, neither of us served on a Design Team, entered online challenges, or were avid bloggers. Today we have much DT experience under our belts and have both learned many new techniques and grown in our crafting genres.

Papercrafting Paradise - "A style all her own!" I love how Papercrafting Princess' projects exude pure, unadulterated joy. She has a strong personal style. It doesn't matter what she's creating... faith-based cards, altered fans, fridge magnets, etc. When I look at her work, it looks like no other crafter's work (that I've seen). It's uniquely hers. I just love that. I can tell her heart is on the page, much like I work. It captivates me every time.

'Where our story began' - I believe we became familiar as a part of the online community Scraps of Color. I was amazed to find a plethora of African-Americans who craft in one glorious place! As a part of the creative team, Papercrafting Princess posts often and I began following her engaging and inspiring posts. She has long since been an avid follower of mine as well. 

I'm so excited to have been chosen for this award and to have chosen two stars to nominate! I love paying it forward! Please follow all three blogs I mentioned in this post as well as my own! If you like what you're reading please share our posts on all social media. The more, the merrier!

Thanks for stopping by!

La-Vie

Day 12 (of 12) Days of Christmas - Snow Diamond Layered Ornament

It's day twelve of the Honeybearz Designs Annual 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop!! 



Today is the final day!! Thanks for hanging in there with me! I have posted 12 days consecutively along with a bunch of talented bloggers and guest designers. 

What's in it for you? Well... boundless inspiration, generous craft companies/sponsors and giveaways galore! 

If you've arrived here form Miranda's blog you're in the right place! If not please feel free to start from the beginning of the hop by clicking here.

Comment on all the blogs in the hop to be entered to win some amazing blog candy from our sponsors and me! Check out my sidebar for the complete list of sponsors. And for a chance at a crafty grab bag of goodies from me, follow me on all social media. Leave me another comment telling me where you followed me and your username so I can follow you back. Here are my links:

1. Pinterest
2. Instagram
3. YouTube
4. Facebook
5. Twitter
6. Follow me on blogger or Bloglovin - links on my sidebar.

Guess what??????? SURPRISE!! It's not a card! Woo hoo!

I actually made a multi-layered ornament for my tree.  Although it is colored with distress inks in an ombre fashion, (darkest on the bottom layer and lightest on the top) it did not show well on camera. 

Here's a closeup of my ornament. The single stamp used to create this snowflake is Holly House Originals - Breckenridge Snow Diamond. I stamped it 7 times and cut out different aspects to create the layers. The bling on all layers of the ornament really makes it sparkle and shine. It's my fav part!

Santa loves my ornament and wanted to tell you so himself. Ho! Ho! Ho! 

And here's a tip for ya! To make sure your ornament hangs properly, use a tiny attacher to connect your ribbon pieces before adhering the ribbon loop to your ornament. Once it's attached, twist the ribbon into place and staple it once more to make sure it will always show in the front position.

 Supplies:

• Holly House Originals - Breckenridge Snow Diamond
• Ranger Archival Ink - jet black
• Recollections - 110 lb white cardstock
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Faded Jeans, Peacock Feathers, Salty Ocean, Tumbled Glass, Stormy Sky, Broken China
• Nicole Heat tool
• Elizabeth Crafts spring action (fussy cut) scissors
• Glamour Glitz - crystal oval hotfix 8mm x 4mm (bling)
• Sparkle style Acrylic gems - 6mm round cab crystal
• Glossy Accents
• American crafts ribbon
• Tim Holtz tiny attacher, round ink blending tool
• Terrifically Tacky Tape
• The Paper Studio - round foam tape

I just LOVE the dimension! Don't you? Each layer is raised on foam tape.

Thanks for hopping by! Don't forget to leave me a nice comment to be entered into the drawings. Good luck and please hop next to Sandy's blog!!

The entire lineup for today is:

1. Lisa ~ http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Guest Designer - Connie- http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com/

2. Scrappin Madge ~ www.thescrappinlounge.com

3. Beth McGee ~ http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com

4. Amy E. ~ http://www.scrapthissavethat.com/

5. Denise ~ www.craftconfectionery.com

7. Cely ~ http://hawaiipaperparty.blogspot.com

8. Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/

9. Alicia ~ http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/

10. Anna- http://www.stampanna.com

11. An'Jenic- http://anjenicgibson.blogspot.com/

12. Angela- http://www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com/

13. Heather- www.paper-junkie.blogspot.com

14. Jessica -http://craftinandstampin.blogspot.com/

15. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com/

YOU ARE HERE 16. La-Vie Borde-Perry ~ http://www.cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/

17. Sandy- http://www.scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com

18. Carla ~ http://racincrafts.blogspot.com

19. Lori ~ http://scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com

20. Ashley W ~ http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com

21. Robin L. ~ http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com/

Thanks for hanging in there with me all 12 days. It's been a blast and your kind comments on my work were priceless! Thanks for following me on social media too! Its awesome to see my counts increase! Stay tuned for my big giveaway reveal in the next week or so.

La-Vie

Day 11 (of 12) Days of Christmas - Joy

It's day eleven of the Honeybearz Designs Annual 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop!! 

Today and tomorrow I will post a new project which will complete the 12 days of the hop. It's been a blast to participate along with all of these talented bloggers and guest designers. 

What's in it for you? Well... boundless inspiration, generous craft companies/sponsors and giveaways galore! 

If you've arrived here form Miranda's blog you're in the right place! If not please feel free to start from the beginning of the hop by clicking here.

Comment on all the blogs in the hop to be entered to win some amazing blog candy from our sponsors and me! Check out my sidebar for the complete list of sponsors. And for a chance at a crafty grab bag of goodies from me, follow me on all social media. Leave me another comment telling me where you followed me and your username so I can follow you back. Here are my links:

1. Pinterest
2. Instagram
3. YouTube
4. Facebook
5. Twitter
6. Follow me on blogger or Bloglovin - links on my sidebar.

I was Pinspired! Check out the card that inspired me here. 

I created the focal images by selectively inking parts of the stamps with Memento dew drops inks. Luckily they have a pointy tip and I can get into small areas. While this method is not 100% I am very happy with how it came out.

Supplies:

·       Inkadinkado - Evergreen Holiday

                      -  Joy; Rhubarb Stalk, Cottage Ivy, Bahama Blue memento ink

                      -   Pine Cone; Rhubarb Stalk, Cottage Ivy, Rich Cocoa memento ink

                      -  Ornament branch; Ladybug, Cottage Ivy memento ink

·       Stampendous Fran’s Mixed Media White Paper

·       Inkadinkado – Warm Holiday Wishes: Merry Christmas; Rich Cocoa memento ink

·       Lawn Fawn – Peace Joy Love 6x6 paper pack

·       Worldwin – Doublemates cardstock: Grassy Green

·       Wink of Stella clear glitter pen

·       Recollections – gold glitter embellishments

       Stampin' Up! - Tidings of Joy

        Copics - E11

        Memento Tuxedo Black

Thanks for hopping by! Don't forget to leave me a nice comment to be entered into the drawings. Good luck and please hop next to Sandy's blog!!

The entire lineup for today is:

1. Lisa ~ http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Guest Designer - Anita - http://scrappyhappymommy.blogspot.ca

2. Scrappin Madge ~ www.thescrappinlounge.com

3. Beth McGee ~ http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com

4. Amy E. ~ http://www.scrapthissavethat.com/

5. Denise ~ www.craftconfectionery.com

7. Cely ~ http://hawaiipaperparty.blogspot.com

8. Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/

9. Alicia ~ http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/

10. Anna- http://www.stampanna.com

11. An'Jenic- http://anjenicgibson.blogspot.com/

12. Angela- http://www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com/

13. Heather- www.paper-junkie.blogspot.com

14. Jessica -http://craftinandstampin.blogspot.com/

15. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com/

YOU ARE HERE 16. La-Vie Borde-Perry ~ http://www.cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/

17. Sandy- http://www.scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com

18. Carla ~ http://racincrafts.blogspot.com

19. Lori ~ http://scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com

20. Ashley W ~ http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com

21. Robin L. ~ http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow!! You won't want to miss a thing!!

Join in on the FB invite. Amazingly, there's extra games and giveaways. https://www.facebook.com/events/888469727838902/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

La-Vie

Day 10 (of 12) Days of Christmas Hop - Little Elf Pipa with Maya Angelou quote

It's day ten of the Honeybearz Designs Annual 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop!! 

I will continue to post a new project daily (for a total of 12 days) along with many talented bloggers and guest designers. 

What's in it for you? Well... boundless inspiration, generous craft companies/sponsors and giveaways galore! 

If you've arrived here form Miranda's blog you're in the right place! If not please feel free to start from the beginning of the hop by clicking here.

Comment on all the blogs in the hop to be entered to win some amazing blog candy from our sponsors and me! Check out my sidebar for the complete list of sponsors. And for a chance at a crafty grab bag of goodies from me, follow me on all social media. Leave me another comment telling me where you followed me and your username so I can follow you back. Here are my links:

1. Pinterest
2. Instagram
3. YouTube
4. Facebook
5. Twitter
6. Follow me on blogger or Bloglovin - links on my sidebar.

Today I was inspired to the MAX by Kristina Werner! She created a fab Christmas card that I needed to try my hand at. Check out her version here on YouTube and here on her blog. 

I chose to make two versions using a digital stamp by Mo Manning – Little Elf Pipa and background stamps from Impression Obsession and Mowenta. Unlike Kristina, I fussy cut the digi and adhered it to the card front.

This was one of those labors of love that consumed me day and night. I am glad I spent the time on it. I made many mistakes like forgetting to prep the surface, ill stamping, heating the embossing powder too long but I still love the results. These are my fav cards of the hop.

Supplies:

·       digital stamp by Mo Manning – Little Elf Pipa

·       Epson WP-4530 Inkjet Printer

·       Stampendous – Fran’s Mixed Media White Paper

·       Tim Holtz Distress Ink – stormy sky, chipped sapphire, black soot, mini ink blending tools

·       Mowenta – background stamp (Christmas)

·       Impression Obsession – Christmas Text

·       Memento Luxe ink – Danube Blue

·       Wink of Stella – clear, white, blue, green, silver

·       Copics – 0, 110, Skin: E11, 13, 15, 18 R32 Outfit: R20, 24, 29, Shadow C3

·       Xyron 510

·       Ranger Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder – clear

·       Nicole Heat tool, Versamarker

·       Stampin’ Up! Embossing Buddy

·       Flower soft - polar white and Flower soft glue

·       Adhesive holographic paper – stash

·       My Pink Stamper – Biggie Christmas

·       Clear and Simple Stamps – Limited Edition: Joy

·       Worldwin – Doublemates cardstock: Glorious Green

·       Lawn Fawn – lawn ornaments – mixed sequins

Which do you like best????? 

mowenta

I am obsessed with two things... the sentiment by Clear and Simple Stamps is the words of the PHENOMENAL Maya Angelou and Memento Luxe ink – Danube Blue. You've got to get this ink! It comes in many colors and is just so rich, vibrant and yummy! It almost looks neon on these cards on top of the distress ink.

impression obsession

Thanks for hopping by! Don't forget to leave me a nice comment to be entered into the drawings. Good luck and please hop next to Sandy's blog!!

The entire lineup for today is:

1. Lisa ~ http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Guest Designer - Jenny - http://crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/

2. Scrappin Madge ~ www.thescrappinlounge.com

3. Beth McGee ~ http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com

4. Amy E. ~ http://www.scrapthissavethat.com/

5. Denise ~ www.craftconfectionery.com

7. Cely ~ http://hawaiipaperparty.blogspot.com

8. Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/

9. Alicia ~ http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/

10. Anna- http://www.stampanna.com

11. An'Jenic- http://anjenicgibson.blogspot.com/

12. Angela- http://www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com/

13. Heather- www.paper-junkie.blogspot.com

14. Jessica -http://craftinandstampin.blogspot.com/

15. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com/

YOU ARE HERE 16. La-Vie Borde-Perry ~ http://www.cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/

17. Sandy- http://www.scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com

18. Carla ~ http://racincrafts.blogspot.com

19. Lori ~ http://scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com

20. Ashley W ~ http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com

21. Robin L. ~ http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow!! You won't want to miss a thing!!

Join in on the FB invite. Amazingly, there's extra games and giveaways. https://www.facebook.com/events/888469727838902/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

La-Vie