Friday, June 8, 2012

Hello! Welcome to this stop of the Picnic Blog Hop. You should have started at Erica's Blog . If you didn't please click on the link and start there. If you came here from Tracy  you are in the right spot. If you are just visiting my blog, I hope you will make your way through this weekend's projects. I know that Erica has some fabulous blog candy at the end of the hop and you never know who else might have candy along the way...you might even find some at the end of this post.

When I sat down and started thinking about what I wanted to make for this hop I was overwhelmed with memories of my childhood and couldn't think of many picnics. There were a few from when I was very young, but I kept coming back to Aunt Lily. Let me start off by saying all of my Aunts have influenced me in different ways and given me legacies to carry with me, but the legacy Aunt Lily left me and my sister was to make everyday occurrences remarkable. When I would go to Aunt Lily's as a young child she would make me wonderful snacks of tea and cookies. She had a fancy little teapot (we didn't have anything like that at my house). She would make me tea in that teapot and serve tea and cookies on a tray. It was all in the presentation and I was made to feel like a princess.

My sister still does this for the little kids. One time when we went to visit, she decorated and had a luau for my kids at breakfast just so they could have fresh pineapple. We celebrated a year's worth of holidays in one week once. We had a bbq, Christmas party, Easter party, Valentine party, Halloween Party, and New Year's Eve Party all within a week. It was a blast. Anyway... I didn't take my kids on a lot of picnics either. Most of them were in our backyard and one of the things that made them special was wrapping the silverware. I know it is silly, but if we are eating outside my kids love for the silverware to be wrapped. I decided to make a quick little napkin wrapper for a picnic. 

I simply took a scrap of white paper and cut it 2 1/2 inches by about 6 inches. I cut a strip of patterned paper and cut a strip 1 x 6 and glued it on top of the white cardstock. For the little personalized monogram, I used A Child's Year Monogram key and cut the C at 1 1/2 inches. I then cut the monogram that is blank out of black at 1 3/4. I glued them together and then glued it to the center of the strip. I wrapped it around the silverware and glued where it overlaps with my ATG.


Look at the cute little ant on this paper. I don't remember where I got this paper. I have had it around for years. I think it may be out of one of the DCWV Summer Stacks.

The other side says Picnic Time. I love it. This took all of three minutes to make, but it sure to bring a smile to my kids' faces when we use them this weekend. They are so quick and easy I can do it at the last minute even if they invite a friend over.

I thought more about the picnic and thought what better place to have a picnic than at the beach or at least at a park with a big sand box. I grabbed a pail and threw some vinyl on it. I cut the Oh Happy Day from Don Juan. Quick easy and lots of fun. When cutting vinyl, you want to use a medium setting on pressure, speed, and blade depth. It will "Kiss" cut where it cuts through the vinyl, but not the paper backing. You then peel away the excess vinyl before transferring it to the item.

I had planned to do more elaborate projects, but my boss surprised us this week by announcing her retirement. That threw lots into my week that wasn't planned. Then everyone in the house had ten different things going on, so it has been a busy week. I didn't get near what I wanted to get done finished. Of course, you know me and I could add another project or two before morning. In the meantime, how bout a little blog candy to make up for the simple projects?


What do you need to do to win this blog candy?... Leave me a comment telling me what cartridges or themes you would like to see featured on my blog. Are you really looking for school layouts? Do you need birthday ideas? Home decor projects? What do you want to see? You never know, I might even be able to talk Erica into getting the whole design team working on the theme or featuring the cartridge. You don't have to follow to win, but if you would like to follow I would be honored to have you as a follower.

Okay it is morning and I have a layout for you. The colors aren't showing up well, because it was barely light outside as I was taking these. I used Echo Park's "A Walk in the Park" Collection. It is not one of their newer collections. It is an old collection, but all of the Echo Park Collections are wonderful. They just go together so well and are easy to work with. Check out the other Echo Park Collections Erica offers here.  The 12x12 collections are my favorites. They come with papers, three sets of alphabet stickers, shaped cardstock stickers, and border strips.

This was a fun layout to make. I pulled out one of my favorite go to cartridges Designer's Calendar. It is an often overlooked cart. I bought it to make calendars for my classroom. I have made one calendar with it for my husbands classroom, but I use it all the time. It has words and images for every holiday and most events. From playdates to sleepovers to Chinese New Year to Mardi Gras to a dentist visit.... it is all on this cart. Plus go to shapes like butterflies, flowers, Christmas trees, and pumpkins. I am telling you I use this cartridge all the time. Erica has this caret for only $23 right now. It is a steal. This is a direct link to this cart on her store.

 The title is cut from Designer's Calendar. I cut both the letter and the shadows at 2". It is a very versatile font. It is skinny, so you can still make the letters relatively large without taking up all the space.

You can see I added some of the cardstock stickers to enhance the layout.



I you enjoyed and that you will check out Echo Park's line and Designer's Calendar.

Now head on over to Haidee's Blog to see what she has created for the hop. I know it will wow you, as her projects always blow me away. Don't forget to leave some comment love along the way to be eligible for the blog candy Erica is giving away.

Here is the entire line up just  in case you get lost along the way.
Start http://mycricutcraftroom.blogspot.com/
Suzy's Crafts http://suzyssimplecrafts.blogspot.com/
Tracy http://Lovesbuggin.blogspot.com/
Kathy Jo http://skrappindiva.blogspot.com/
Haidee http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/
Cicily http://pinkdalmationscrapper.blogspot.com/
Erica's Project http://ericasprojects.blogspot.com/
Lori http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/.
April http://curlsandgrins.blogspot.com/
Blog Candy http://ericasblogcandy.blogspot.com/


I am 99% sure that as soon as I have natural light in the morning, there will be a fun picnic layout for you to see with Echo Park Papers.
Happy Crafting!
KathyJo

44 comments:

Unknown said...

Cute ideas! Love your little ant! Great story. It is so nice to have those memories. And I am sure your aunt has no idea how her actions have influenced your life. As for picking a cart......all are great...can't pick just one. Everyone has different ideas on what to do with them.
Lisa
http://ourcraftingcorner.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

I just love your stories about your aunt and sister and how they made everyday things super special!! It truly is the little things in life that make a big difference!!

Love your napkin wrap, bucket and layout!!

I have several new carts that I haven't had much time to explore: Pretty Penants, Giant Flowers and Spring/Summer tablescapes.

Pink Dalmatians said...

how clever, cute & original. as adults we forget the little things that kids find so special! thanks for reminding us. I really like the LO you added as well.

Janet's Planet said...

simple things are the best! so creative and easy! love them all!
Janet Royer

Karen Bahit said...

Oh the stories that we all have of "Aunty".. LOL

I would love to see some things made with "A Child's Year" I so love this cart and I have 4 children...

Happy Hopping,
Karen
https://www.facebook.com/karenseventhdeployedmombahit

Jenn's Paper Crafts said...

Super cute projects :)

MCCR DT Sis

scrapBugz said...

Really cute projects. TFS

I would like to see some school layouts!

Mandy
scrapbugzmandy @ gmail dot com

TeresaK said...

Wow...soo cute!
You really did so much for this hop! Great job!
Teresa
MCCR DT

silvia said...

Great projects!! I LOVE the layout. I agree with you that "Designers Calendar" is an under utilized cart.
I'm a Halloween lover and can never get enough Halloween ideas.

Jessica Buffa said...

what a beautiful story, TFS. It is the simplest of things that make the kids happy, but even the simplest things can be so darling, just like your napkin rings are here! Your layout is super cute, too. If I had a choice, I would love to see more projects made with the Graphically Speaking Cricut Cart. I don't have many carts, but this one is a favorite!
Happy to have hopped in!
:O)
Jessica S

Migdalia said...

WoW!Super Fun Projects!!!!Mt favorite cart would be Straight from the nest!!
http://craftingwithcreativem.blogspot.com
Mrodriguez860@hotmail.com

Desi Lee Designing Divas said...

Very Cute Ideas Love the layout, The napkin rings are great. Thanks 4 sharing.

MCCR DT, Lisa

Cathie w said...

very very cute projects

cathie
scraphappycat@gmail.com

Audrey said...

Great projects, simple but so cute. I have a few cartridges and I think my favorite is Simply Charmed. Bu tI love them all!
Be blessed

Jodie R said...

What an awesome post!! I wish I could have met your aunt! She sounds awesome!! Your projects too!! Every one of them are adorable!!!

I would love to see some projects with the older carts like Doodle Charms. They need a new twist on them!!

Craftmom said...

I would like to see things done with the Christmas carts. I love the holidays.

Becky
cookiebecky@msn.com

Kards by Kathi said...

I would like to see Teachers gifts and cards and things from Simply Charmed or Doddle charms. Thanks for your time and talent.

Sheri said...

I would love to see some "Cruise" themed layouts and projects. We just got back from a cruise and I want to use that theme in my classroom next year!

Sheri R

sherii at cfl dot rr dot com

Brendanc said...

Love your napkin rings - too cute. You've sure got some great memories that will last a lifetime.

I would like to see some projects with the giant flowers or Create a Critter.

scrapbookingforfun said...

I am a follower and I would love to see more Boy projects..Having a girl and 2 grandaughters it is hard for me to wrap my head around a boy project!!
MCCR DT Shelley
shelley-scrapbookingforfun.blogspot.com

CarlyJo said...

I love all the different projects you had to show. Good luck at the drawing enjoy your chances :)

Karon said...

Great projects. Now then, we are half way through the year (well nearly!) so I think we should be thinking of Christmas shouldn't we!! :-) Some festive gift ideas would be good.

http://karonskraftykorner.blogspot.ca/

rlovew said...

Love the napkin holders and pail! The layout was very cute as well. As far as themes- I know I have a lot of weddings for friends coming up so maybe ideas for scrapping others weddings and scrapping my dogs is the other big thing I have to scrap. rlovew1976@yahoo.com

Suzys Crafts said...

Both projects are super cute, but the fun and memories you have made are priceless. :)

cema1cema said...

Great projects! Christina

mamawcindy said...

Great Projects! How Fun to Celebrate all of the Holidays in one Week! I'm sure that's a Week ,you will never forget! For upcoming Projects!Mmmmm... Well I would Love to see some Fourth of July Projects,Summer Projects! Would Love to see some Altered Projects! Thanks for the chance to win! :0)
cindymarshall63 at hotmail dot com

Heather Lynn said...

I think you did a great job on everything!! I esp. like the layout! Adorable! Happy to be a new follower! I love Owl themed projects! Would love to see more! :) Thanks for the chance to win!

Hugs,
HL

Unknown said...

Great projects Kathy Jo. I love to wrap napkins too and I love your Aunt Lily story. That holiday week sounds like it was a blast. I would love to see you do more home decor on your blog. Of course I am a follower, lol. Hugs~ Mary M
http://Mary-fortheloveofart.blogspot.com

Pattie Mcginnis said...

Very cute projects.

Cathy said...

Love your projects, I love owl themed or more cards that are shaped.
cathyplus5.blogspot.com

Maria (scrap4nat) said...

Love every single project!!!! Napkin rings are a very cute idea.

An'Jenic G. said...

Oh Nice Napkin rings. I love the layout I have the same sticker you used. I used some for a birthday layout of my Liana when she was 1. The banner was perfect. Any who I'm new to your blog and I would like to see more cards; but I do love the layouts. I need to get back into them. TFS AJ~

Unknown said...

love the napkin rings ;)

i would like to see cartridges that are school themed or aimed at little girls ;)

Haidee said...

super cute!projects happy to hop with you!!

Brittany Kohl said...

Cute projects. Love that LO, A Walk in the Park is one of my favorite EP collections! TFS!

angie ashuk said...

I'm a new follower...and you made me realize I've never taken my kids on a picnic. My dad used to take me and my sis all the time, yet I've never taken my own kids. Next weekend...we're going on a picnic!! Thank you!

Maria said...

I love the stories behind the lo's ... it brings us all closer together as sisters in crafting! :) TFS your personal, as well as crafty!, side.

maria_m_nestor@yahoo.com

Debbie said...

the napkin rings are great love the idea think I will try it for some family gatherings
upnurse at aol dot com

Miranda said...

Adorable! I love the stories!
Miranda :)

missstamper said...

I love the wall art with your daughter! Very cute picnic projects also! I would like to see more vinyl projects!

missstamper (at) yahoo.com

Sue D said...

Great picnic projects.
I would like to see projects with Create a Critter.
slrdowney at hotmail dot com

marg0006 said...

Great idea for a layout. Love seeing different styles of card designs.

marg0006 at verizon dot net

Kathy Salido said...

Great projects. I love the layout. I would love to see home decor and vinyl projects!!
Kathy
Salido99@msn.com
http://3spoileddogs.blogspot.com/

Sarah said...

Great projects. I would like to see manly cards and like Kathy said vinyl and home decor would be great!
Sarah
craftingwithsarah.blogspot.com
craftingwithsarah@gmail.com
MCCR DT

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