Thank You Cards

 

Hello! Hello!

A couple of weeks ago, I had a hysterectomy.  One week later- to the day- I ended up in the ER and then the hospital with a bowel obstruction.  Then, exactly one week later, I wasn't feeling so well and ended up visiting my family physician.

Although I would rather not have had any of these experiences ;), I have been extremely grateful for the amazing care I have received from all of my caregivers.

Earlier this week, I watched Gina K. Design's Stamp & Chat recorded live stream featuring the background masking technique I used here. 

Since my body is healing from a few things, I have worked on these cards in little spurts.  I finally finished them this morning and love the way they turned out!

I even made custom envelopes to send these in.

Hope you have a great day!

:) Dari

Can Achieve When Believe

You Can Achieve When You Believe

I FINALLY scrapbooked our family photo at my graduation from WGU in the Spring of 2017.  I know that is a little ways back there :).  I went back to finishing my degree in 2016.  It was INTENSE.  I truly felt that I was inspired and directed to finish at that time.  However, I didn't just feel the prompting and push to finish.  I felt the push that I needed to finish as soon as possible.  When I enrolled at WGU, I asked them if they thought it was possible to finish in 18 months.  The answer was an absolute no.  Somehow, though, I felt like that was the time frame I needed to complete my education in.  I sat down and mapped out how many credits I would need to complete in a semester.  Then, I broke it down further and figured out that I would need to complete each course in 2.5 weeks.  To help me stay focused, I printed out a little sign that said, "You CAN achieve when you BELIEVE."   

For 12 months, I slept, ate and did school.  Oh.  That's not true.  I also continued subbing for the school district in all of the schools K-12 and volunteering once a week in my daughter's classroom for 3 hours every time.  

Then, if that wasn't enough, one week before school started in 2016, the elementary principal asked me if I would be willing to start the year out for the English 4th grade dual immersion teacher.  She had just had an accident on her lawn mower and got a major concussion.  I said, "Sure."  I set up her classroom, met with her and went over the routines and procedures she wanted the students to learn.  That week turned into 4 months teaching full-time.  I had three weeks right before Christmas break when I only taught half-days, so I could finish my clinicals.  Then, on the first day back from Christmas break, I returned to that classroom and the Spanish cohort side.  I taught the first half of the day in Spanish and the second half of the day in English.  By this time, these two teachers knew me really well and just had me take charge of all the learning while I was in class.  I was also called as my ward's Primary President.  We had a rather large Primary.  I was over 110 children ages 18 months to 11 years old and 46 different leaders.  

Despite everything, I was ABLE to finish in 18 months.  I referred back to my little sign every day.  I deliberately capitalized CAN and BELIEVE, because it helped me to believe in myself when it was really hard.  We CAN BELIEVE, and when we really do, there is nothing that can stop us for reaching our goals.  

So much has happened since then.  Immediately after graduating, I was hired on as a K-5 elementary teacher and started a brand new blended learning STEAM elementary school.  That first year I taught grades 3-5 on Monday and Wednesday and grades K-2 on Tuesday and Thursday.  On Fridays, we had different activities, and I taught Spanish to students in K-5.  The staff consisted of myself and the principal.  Between the two of us, we did everything- admin, recess duty, instruction, interventions, secretarial and janitorial duties.  

That was 3 years ago.  Now, we are weathering through COVID-19; however, this feels like nothing compared to the three years before.  In fact, I feel that things went really well for me and my students this past Spring.  Looking towards this next year, I am not afraid or overwhelmed that I will have students in 2 grades attending M-TH in class; 100% remotely; 50% in class and 50% remotely; 3 days in class; and M-TH half days.  

All products used in this scrapbook page are from Close to My Heart or Stampin' Up except for the gold flourish stickers and dark blue cardstock. 

CTMH Sangria Family photo layout

Hello! Hello!

I am in love with this layout :).  It came together quite easily, and I love how all of the elements add to it.  I created this with CTMH's Sangria paper packet, CTMH's Blushed embellishments, black paper, white glitter cardstock, and three different CTMH stamp sets (all past Stamp of the Month sets).  

I haven't posted in a while, and I probably won't post frequently for awhile.  I am no longer a CTMH consultant, because I am starting school soon and can't put forth the energy/time needed to be successful in both endeavors.

I have a year and a half left before I will have my teaching degree.  I want to teach in the Dual Immersion Program.  Wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope I have inspired you today :) -Dari

CTMH Halloween treat box

Hello! Hello! I made these cute little boxes for the sister's I visit teach.  I created the box itself on cricut craft room and cut it out on my cricut.  To do t this, simply weld the squares together to form a "t". I used CTMH'S Artbooking cricut cartridge for the overlays. I used white pigment ink to distress the edges of the box and attached the overlays using 3D foam tape.
For the bookmark, I stamped one of the scriptures fromCTMH'S "Look to the Light" stamp set with black ink. The flower background is one of the stamps from CTMH'S stamp of the month set for September 2015 using sorbet ink. Then I distressed the edges with bamboo ink.
Thanks for stopping by! - Dari :)

CTMH SCHOOL layout

Wow!  When I logged onto Blogger, I noticed that my pageviews for my blog have reached 10064.  At first, I had to think about it. When I realized it wasn't 1,064 but 10,064 I just about screamed!  Yeah!  Some of us are a little crazy (lol).  Plus, I don't think I could scream if I wanted to right now.  I am fighting a head cold :(.  

This fun layout I am sharing with you today is the layout we are going to do at my monthly scrapbooking group next Thursday.  I am really pleased with the results.  The photo does not do it justice.  Those coming to the group do the 12x12 spreads, so theirs are cut to that size.  

I will attempt to remember which ingredients I used for this.  It's hard to utilize brain cells when your head is pounding :).

*Note: All ingredients are CTMH.

White daisy card stock

Lagoon shimmer tape

Artbooking Stamp Set

Hopscotch (I think) Stamp Set

Artbooking Cricut cartridge

Last January's 2015 special stamp set (Celebrate New Year?)

Chalk It Up paper pack

Flaxen card stock

Dye Inks: sorbet, glacier, lagoon, black.

Thanks for stopping by! -Dari

CTMH La Vie en Rose Display Swap 12x12 layout

How's that for a title?  It seems like I have been away for forever (lol).  During the years you have kids in school, life seems to revolve around that aspect.  Changes are made each year.  Each year brings its own challenges and adventures.  This year has seemed like there have been more.  Not in a bad way, but I haven't fully adjusted to all of them yet. 

This year all of my kids are in school all day.  I have one in each school (high, middle, elementary).  I began substitute teaching. I go help at the MS and Elementary one day a week.  In addition to these activities, I have been going to the temple once a week.  These are the things I have ADDED to life.  I am still a mother, still a wife, still a housekeeper/homemaker, still a friend, still...... the list goes on.  I'm not sure how to fit it all in (not possible).  What has taken the back seat is my crafting.  

CTMH's new annual catalog is now available, and I recently took part in a display kit swap.  I deliberately chose the  La Vie en Rose paper pack, because it did not "jump" out at me, and at the time of sign ups, I was in the mood for a challenge.  Let me just say that I have LOVED working with this pack.  I am so glad that I stretched myself, because I would not have ordered this and had so much fun if I hadn't stepped out of my comfort zone.

This is the 12x12 layout I completed for the swap.  All products are CTMH. 

Here are the ingredients:
La Vie en Rose paper pack
Fern cardstock
Damask embossing folder
Artbooking Cricut cartridge (title)
Blossoming Expressions Stamp Set (D1665)
Dye Inks: Saddle, black, pomegranate, grey flannel (whisper), olive (fern), new england ivy, pixie.
3D foam tape

I also used Cindy Loo Cricut Cartridge (flourish).

Thanks for stopping by! Here's to stretching yourself :)  -Dari

CTMH You are Fabulous bookmark

Hello! Hello!  This is going to be a really short post, because I am supposed to be canning my pears.  On Wednesday, I am having an Open House/Free Make & Take featuring some of CTMH's new products that are available to order TOMORROW!!

I am really excited if you couldn't tell.  Anyway, we are going to make this adorable bookmark.  It is really simple to make.  I will put together a YouTube tutorial soon (after canning season), which for me, I hope is next week!

I used CTMH's September 2015 SOTM set Paper Garden, and the colors from the new La Vie en Rose paper pack.  I also added olive (fern) and Peacock. 

Thanks for stopping! Happy crafting :) -Dari

Mommy Date layout

Hello! Hello!  Life has been extremely busy for me lately. I have been canning and involved in family things. I feel a little lost, because I haven't been able to craft :).  This morning my little princess said that we haven't had a crafting date in awhile.  Yes!! She misses it, too.  She remembered the pretty flowers that came in the Brushed WOTG scrapbooking kit and wanted to create something with them.  So, we sat down and created this together!  It was wonderful to get my fingers sticky with glue and create.

All of the products in this project came from CTMH's Brushed WOTG kit.  You can order it from your consultant or from me on my website dariscreativecorner.ctmh.com.  Thanks for stopping :) -Dari

Get Well pop up box card

Hello! Hello!  My grandma is in the hospital.  She hasn't been up for visitors or calls, but I wanted to do something to show her how much I love her and that I am thinking about her.

I chose to make this box using CTMH's Ariana paper packet.  This was in the Spring 2014 catalog.  I love how the colors contrast so well with each other- the blues and pinks :).

Here are the other ingredients I used:

CTMH Happy Birds Stamp Set C1600
CTMH Finding the Words Stamp Set D1646
CTMH Sincere Expressions Stamp Set A1146
CTMH Your Own Kind of Wonderful D1627
CTMH Flowers for Mom B1473
CTMH dye inks: Desert Sand, Outdoor Denim, Flaxen, Sorbet, Hollyhock, Cranberry, Pixie, Olive and Glacier
CTMH white daisy cardstock
CTMH 3D foam tape
CTMH Bonding Glue Stick (For ALL adhering)

Other: olive cardstock (Reflections) and 2 pearls (K & Co).

I hope I have inspired you to create your own work of art.  Have a fantastic day! -Dari

Gee, Thanks Box

Hello! Hello!  We had a family council a couple of weeks ago.  During this meeting, our children informed us that we hadn't done anything this summer.  "Hallelujah!" is what I thought; however they weren't as excited about that as I was :).  So, we asked them what they had in mind.  Afterwards, we decided to cram it all in within a two week period. 

We spent two days at Lagoon and 4 days at Bear Lake.  We are home now, and maybe I can recuperate again before school starts (at least it's a thought).

I'm back and ready to craft again. I shared the cricut file I created for this box awhile ago.  If you'd like to use it, you can go to my website daris-corner.weebly.com.  On the top of the screen, go to Cricut Files.  You should be able to find it from there.

I stamped the background using one of my favorite stamp sets from CTMH "Give a Lift" with Bamboo ink.  Then, I colored it with my Crayola colored pencils, folded it, glued it, and punched the holes for the string.

For the tag, I used CTMH's Hostess Rewards tag set in the current Seasonal Expressions supplement (can't remember the name, and it's not right with me). I stamped the background in bamboo and the sentiment with desert sand.  I don't have the cricut cartridge that goes with the stamp set, so I just used my paper trimmer and scissors.

Thanks for stopping by! As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask :). -Dari

Thank You Card

Hello! Hello!  I made this card for two challenges.  The first one is for Freshly Made Sketches #195.  The second one is for Color My Heart Color Dare #150.










I am going to be very honest.  Both of these were a challenge for me.  I took one look at the sketch design for the Freshly Made Sketches challenge and thought, "Ugh.  That doesn't inspire me at all."  Then, I went to the Color My Heart Color Dare challenge and thought, "I never use those colors together except at Halloween."  That's when I decided that I had to take on both challenges, because I knew it would stretch me :). 

I am so glad I did, because not only do I like the results, I also got out of my comfort zone and grew a little during the process! 

In addition to these two challenges, I wanted to create this card for a "Make & Take" I am doing tonight.  So, it also had to be something that I could mass produce cost efficiently and be easy enough for others to recreate. And, all of the products had to be current, which means I had to set aside some of my favorites (lol). I think they will be pleased.

Here are my ingredients:

CTMH white daisy card base
CTMH Stamp Sets: Honeycomb (C1537), Finding the Words (D1646), Wild Wonders (C1558), Your Own Kind of Wonderful (D1627)
CTMH White Daisy cardstock
CTMH damask embossing folder
CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge (hexagons and font)
CTMH 3D foam tape
CTMH dye inks: slate, sweet leaf and autumn terracotta (I don't have Sunset which is what the color dare called for).
CTMH Liquid Glass (adhere the butterfly to card)

Other ingredients: slate cardstock and clear glitter glue (both Michaels).

Thanks for stopping by! -Dari

Wedding Explosion Box

 Hello! Hello!  I created this explosion  box for my niece as a bridal shower gift. The color combination was harder for me to work with than I thought it would be; however, I like the results :).

 There are 8 pockets inside with a tag in each for journaling or adding additional photos.  There are 12 designated spots for photos.

 These pretty little flowers were made using CTMH's Flowers For Mom (B1473) stamp set, pansy purple dye ink, cranberry dye ink, versamark ink, gold embossing powder and my heat gun. 

 I love how simple yet elegant this layer turned out.  I cut this flourish out on my Cricut using the Cindy Loo cartridge. The fun sentiment came from one of my favorite stamp sets: CTMH Your Own Kind of Wonderful (D1627).

 I was pleasantly surprised with the lacy feel of this layer!   I love how the punched border complements and accentuates the stamped images.  For this layer, I used CTMH's Flowers for Mom Stamp set (flower), Believe in Yourself C1574 (corner flourish and swirl flourish), Saddle, Cocoa, Cranberry, Barn Red dye inks, Zig Emboss  pen, and Lavender Pearl Ex powder. 

Just a note, although you can't see it in the photo, there is a purple metallic shine in the center of the flower.  I created this by coloring the center of the flower with my Zig Embossing pen, brushing the Pearl Ex over it with a paint brush, wiping off the extra powder and heat embossing it to set it.  I used this technique a lot in this box.

Just realized this photo is upside down and having a moment of, "I don't want to fix it."  I love the center layer of this box.  It really is the "icing on the cake" :).  The photo above (glittery lace border) is on two sides and the flowers shown here make up the other two sides of this layer.  I used the same technique described above with the Pearl Ex on these flowers.   For the sentiment on the center bottom shown here (upside down), I used CTMH's Happy To Be Friends Stamp Set (C1605) and Cocoa dye ink. It is simply beautiful!

My niece was so excited about her gift.  She said, "I've seen your boxes on Facebook and have really wanted one!"  Well, this one was totally customized just for her :). 

I did not identify the stamps used for the box top, so here they are: Blossom WOTG Stamp Set (leaves) stamped with New England Ivy, Flowers for Mom (techniques mentioned in post), February 2015 SOTM A Happy Hello (S1502) for the circle pendant.

Thanks for stopping by! -Dari

You Warm My Heart Card Freshly Made Sketches 193

Hello! Hello!  I walked down to the post office yesterday hoping that my CTMH order had arrived.  Boy was I excited when it was!  I came home and had to create something with my fun new stuff.  I ordered CTMH's Diamond Embossing folder, Treats of Friendship Stamp Set (C1616) and Tweezers.  I wanted to use all three of these products; however, I couldn't find my mini sparkles, so I didn't get to try out my tweezers :(.  Instead, I used some Liquid Pearls. 

I found the inspiration for this layout from Freshly Made Sketches Challene 193.  I love checking out to see what everyone else does with the same sketch :).

I knew I wanted a light blue and pink together, because these colors are happy together and also look dainty, just the way I picture teacups!  On the inside of my card is the sentiment, "You're like a cup of tea, you warm my heart."  I left it there.  That way it can be used for a Thank You card, a Thinking of You Card or a Just Because card.

Here are the ingredients for my card:

Light blue and pink cardstocks (Michaels)
CTMH White Daisy Cardstock
Floral ribbon (Michaels)
CTMH Dots Embossing Folder
CTMH Treats of Friendship Stamp Set (C1616)
CTMH Pretty Petals (C1599)
CTMH January 2013 SOTM Little Reminder Stamp Set (S1201)  DISCONTINUED- I used this for the stitching along the top and bottom edged of the pink rectangle.
CTMH 3D Foam Tape
CTMH dye inks: Slate, Pixie, Glacier and Grey Flannel (retired.  Equivalent: Whisper).

Thanks for stopping by! -Dari

CTMH Brushed Card set

Hello! Hello!  On Saturday, I went over to a dear friend's of mine and created a set of 8 cards for one of the sisters I visit teach.  She had requested cards from me last month.   I love CTMH's Brushed paper pack. I wanted something summery and cheerful but could be versatile.  This paper pack fit the bill. 

The top card has small strips inside that say, "forever," "best wishes," and  "anniversary." I thought it would be easy enough to adhere whichever sentiment fit the purpose of the card. I made 3 of this card for her set.

The second card is a blank all purpose card. There are 2 of this in the set.

The bottom card continues on the inside.  It says, "Happy Birthday!"  There are three in the set. 

I used lots of fun ingredients for these cards.  I hope I don't forget any :):

CTMH white cards and envelopes
CTMH White Daisy Cardstock
CTMH Brushed Paper Pack
CTMH Dots and Stripes embossing folders
CTMH Blossom Card Making on the Go Stamp Set
CTMH Brushed Workshop on the Go Stamp Set
CTMH Flowers for Mom Stamp Set
CTMH Finding the words Stamp Set
CTMH 3D foam tape
CTMH bonding glue pen
CTMH Coral Washi Tape
CTMH Pink Flamingo dots
CTMH dye inks: sunflower, black, cranberry, pear, glacier, smoothie, pixie.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today :) -Dari

CTMH Cherish This Day Card

Hello! Hello!  This summer has been a whirlwind for me.  Besides the craziness of having the kids home and "flying by the seat of our pants" per se, I have hit a burnout, too.  Not the best combination :). 

Yesterday, I finally was able to sit down and do some papercrafting.  I was reminded how therapeutic creating is for me.  As I sat at my desk creating and listening to classical music on Pandora, I felt peace and calm.  Now, if I can only remember that I need that daily, I will be much better :).

I have been sewing a lot lately.  My Princess is getting an American Girl Doll for her birthday tomorrow, and being me, I am not going to pay for the brand name clothing with the exorbitant price tags.  I will have to post pics of those creations soon. 

I have a special card group today, and this is one of the cards we will be making.  I had to simplify my usual style for the group I will be doing this with. I like the way it turned out; however, when I look at it, it screams "Valentine's"!  This card is actually intended for a wedding or anniversary card.  Oh well!  I think it will be fun to create with the group. 

Here are the ingredients I used:

CTMH white card base and envelope
CTMH White Daisy card stock
CTMH Heartstrings paper pack
CTMH stripes embossing folder
CTMH Bitty Sparkles
CTMH silver trim (sticky back)
CTMH 3D foam tape
CTMH dye inks: cranberry, black, smoothie and pixie
CTMH Finding the Words Stamp Set
CTMH Love Struck (?) Stamp Set.  I am not by my stamps to double check.  This stamp set is in the Seasonal Expressions 1 (2015) supplement.  It is the Valentine's set with the sentiment "Love Struck" in a frame.
CTMH bonding glue pen.

Thank you for stopping!  As always, if you have any questions, just let me know :). -Dari

Purple Graduation Pop Up Card

Hello! Hello!  My brother-in-law graduated from Nursing this past Saturday.  I didn't dare post this picture until after his graduation, because he may have seen the pic online :).  This was a bit more challenging than I anticipated.  First, his school's colors lend more towards the feminine side; and second, I have been in girl graduation/mother's day mode for a while :).

The truly funny thing about all of this is that I didn't want to forget to take this to him at our celebration dinner, so I put it in the camper.  Then, I left it there (lol). 

The glitter paper and black cardstock  are not CTMH, but everything else is.  I used several different stamp sets.  If you have any questions, just leave a message/comment. 

Thanks for stopping by! -Dari

Craft 'N Mingle 2015!

Hello! Hello!  I so wanted to scan this into my computer so you could have a better view of it; however, my computer and scanner are wireless and have decided not to talk to each other (amazing how that works, huh?). 

I am really excited about the projects that we are offering for this event :).  There is quite a variety.  The prices range from $3.50-$30.  Space is filling up so don't hesitate reserving your spot.

There is one project not listed.  It is my butterfly wall shadow box.  That is also one of the options.  There is a link here on my blog to go directly to my website for more info about this wonderful event!  Can't wait to see you there :).

Thanks for stopping by! -Dari

Chalk It Up Teacher Appreciation Gift

Hello! Hello!  Tomorrow is my Princess' last day of Kindergarten.  I picked up two bottles of lotion from the store for her teacher and their class' aid.

I am tickled with the end result of these :).  I created a CCR file for the box/container/wrap (whatever you want to call it)!  You can download it on my website: daris-corner.weebly.com.

Ingredients I used for this project are: (all CTMH except the glitter chipboard)

*Chalk It Up paper pack
*Dye inks: sorbet, black, flaxen, lagoon
*Believe in Yourself Stamp Set (C1574)- back side on corners
*Pretty Petals Stamp Set (C1599)
*Give a Lift Stamp Set (D1581)
*White Daisy Cardstock
*Fiskars Paper trimmer/scorer
*3D Foam Dots
*Dots- Aqua
glue
lagoon equivalent of glitter chipboard (front and inside bottom to stabilize and strengthen)

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I love to hear from my readers :).  Hope you have a great day. -Dari


Ha! Ha!  So, I completely forgot to give you the scoring measurements for this fun box :).  After you cut it out on your Cricut, you are going to score the long rectangle (along the long side) at: 3/4 inch.

On the smaller rectangle with the oval cut out, score 1/2 inch from the shorter edge.  On the longer side from the oval, score at 1/2 inch and 1 1/2 inch.

Fold along the score lines of the long rectangle the same direction.  This forms the base of your gift container.

Fold along the score lines of the small rectangle in opposite directions. 

Place glue on the 3/4" section of the long rectangle and line up the 1 1/2" high section of the smaller rectangle to the edge.  Press into place. Make sure you glue the 3/4" tab on the backside of the smaller rectangle.

At this point, I found it best to insert my gift (lotion) into the oval before gluing the 1/2" tab to the backside of the container.

Enjoy! -Dari

Star Spangled Wreath

Hello! Hello!  Here is my fourth project for our upcoming Craft 'N Mingle.  I got the inspiration for this project from the blog littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com.  She has an awesome tutorial for this project. 

I began with a 10 inch white paper wreath I cut on my Cricut.  The inside dimensions were 7 inches.  All of the stars are the same size- 3 inches (Cricut Craft Room Basic Shapes).  There are 10 craft colored stars and 6 each of the blue, red and off white.

I distressed all of the edges with Desert Sand dye ink. For the blue stars, I ran them through the Cuttlebug using CTMH's dot embossing folder.  For the red stars, I stamped a background using CTMH's Baroque Borders (S1208): an old stamp of the month set with cranberry ink.  The off white stars are stamped with a type font background stamp I have using black ink.

The cute flag is an old CTMH rubber stamp that I dug out of my daughter's stash.  I love that stamp.  I stamped it twice and cut out part of the second image to layer and give it dimension and used 3D foam tape to assemble.

I adhered EVERYTHING using CTMH's Bonding Glue Pen and Liquid Glass.

I hope you enjoy it!  If you would like to join me on June 20th and make one of your own, the cost is $10 for this project.  Just let me know :).  I'd love to help you make your own!

Thanks for stopping by :) -Dari

Summer Fun layout

Hello! Hello!  It seems that it is a milestone when I complete a project that has nothing to do with one of my classes, groups or events; however, I actually took some time just for myself, and this is what I came up with :).

This layout is simple in its design, yet it screams "happy" to me, which is exactly what I was going for.  There are lots of fun memories behind these photos, and I wanted them to be the focal point.

Hidden behind the title is a journaling tag that slides in and out of the main photo.  This layout just naturally gave me the perfect opportunity to do a little "magic" (hiding).  When I insert this layout into the sheet protectors, I will simply cut the protector so that the tag can slide in and out without having to remove the layout from the protector.

The only CTMH ingredients I used for this project are:

*Bonding Glue Pen
*Blossom Cardmaking Stamp Set (D1649)
*Year Noted Stamp Set (C1618)
*Dye inks: Pear, Lagoon, Sorbet and Bamboo

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you have a fantastic day :) -Dari