Lollipop, Lollipop...a Key Ingredients Blog Hop!...

Hi, everyone!

Have I mentioned HOW EXCITED I am about today's Key Ingredients Blog Hop with the DT?

Well, I must admit- VERY excited.

The best part about my project is hearing the amazement and getting that "you're the coolest Mom EVER" look from my 6 year old ( who still has baby hands and I really, really love that, by the way ;) ...but we'll get to that in a bit...

HOW is everyone today?

I have a fun project to show you using the January Key Ingredients Kit from Taylored Expressions and I love this kit SO much.  I just want to tell you guys too- if you're new and thinking of subscribing, please check out my post HERE and the valentine's I made for my little one's class.  Not only was I able to make all of that, but when you see today's project, too, you'll know JUST how much supply is in this kit- it's a CRAZY good deal!  There are lots of perks for members too, so you can check all of that out HERE.

I wanted to make some coordinating treats to go with my Valentine's for Ava's classroom and it just so happened that the theme for our Key Ingredients DT blog hop is "Classroom Treats!"  Perfecto!

I started by die-cutting some card stock using a Spellbinders die.   I had one here on hand that reminded me of the AMAZING new Taylored Dies I have been wanting and am going to get as soon as they're back in stock!  I wanted one to look like the Medium Layering Doily Die- LOVE it!  Once I was done, I punched out some designer paper included in this months kit and punched out a circle in different coordinating papers for the front of the lollipop cover.   I stamped the "Handmade with Love" sentiment from the "From the Heart" stamp set on each piece. 

I needed to decorate 20 suckers so I die-cut 40 of the "Heart Circles" (Spellbinders), 2 for each one to adhere to the front and back.  The suckers have a square label so I taped down the label so it wouldn't peek through the card stock circles  I cut out:

After I stamped them, adhered the punched out circles of patterned paper, I stamped a bunch of the hearts from the "From the Heart" stamp set onto Choice Snow White card stock (included in kit) and cut out 20 hearts.   I used a dimensional to "pop" them up on the circles and then I got a little sparkly ;)

...ok, YES, I'm obsessed LOL!  So, I grabbed some Stickles in Star Dust, Ruby Slippers, and Fruit Punch and went to town :)  Thankfully we had dinner plans so I left while they were drying or I might have gotten antsy as this was a little "Extra" step I didn't see coming, ha!  Gotta have a little sparkle, right?  Here's a close up of the fun front cover:

Here are the finished products in a little tin:

...and here's one more close-up of the finished products!

Hope you like them!   Ava was SO excited she came barreling around the corner and said "Oh. MY. Gosh, Mom....those. are. SO. CUTE."  When she found out they were for her class for their Valentine's party, her eyes were dancing with excitement and THAT is what it's all about, isn't it? 

I let her put the final touch on these fun Classroom treats:

Voila!  All of the paper, card stock, and ribbon came from the January Key Ingredients kit..  So now, after seeing these and the other projects from this month, you should know JUST how much comes in these awesome kits -so go, subscribe!  If you do, please let me know because I would LOVE to see what you do with the Key Ingredients!

If you are not yet a subscriber, I hope you'll sign up!!!  I would love to see what you make with your kit!  Here are some benefits to signing up :)

º Store Discount. Subscribers will be given a special discount code to save 10% on any order placed between the 10th - 13th of the month to be combined with your subscription shipment. Subscribers in the US may combine your additional items with your KI Subscription shipment for no additional shipping fee. Subscribers outside the US will pay additional shipping costs to combine your additional items with your KI Subscription shipment. You'll receive a reminder e-mail on the 10th of each month which will also include a list of other products that will coordinate with the kit being shipped to you that month. This list is incredibly helpful for those who want to stretch the use of a KI with even more supplies!

º Design Team Inspiration. We'll debut the Key Ingredients kit on the 10th of each month followed by 5 days of inspiring projects posted by the Key Ingredients team right here on the Key Ingredients Blog. Of course, don't forget to check out the gallery where the design team is constantly adding new projects!

º Storage. Subscriber kits will come in a Storage Solutions Plastic Case. This $3.25 value is a special benefit that is FREE to Subscribers.

Here is the direct link to sign up!!  Thanks so much for stopping by!!  Have a great weekend!

Last but not least, my amazing team mates have LOTS more inspiration to bring you so be sure to visit:

• • Corinna McGregor
  • Debbie Carriere
  • Jessie Rone
  • Lea Lawson
  • Monika Davis
  • Thanks so much everyone!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

xoxo,

It's that time again....

{{{Please scroll down for my Ribbon Carousel challenge post...thanks!}}}

....for a NEW Key Ingredients kit from Taylored Expressions and some fun announcements too!  Check out this fun sneak peek:

Want more? 

Head over to The Key Ingredients blog and check out the announcement there too-we are welcoming 2 AMAZING new designers and I have a fun little announcement over there, too ;)

Have a happy day!

Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients BLOG HOP...

Hey, everyone!

I have a TON of posts today...so if you're here for:

The Greeting Farm Customer Blog Hop, click HERE.

...and now...THANK YOU for stopping by to celebrate the DECEMBER KEY INGREDIENTS kit with me from Taylored Expressions!

Today is the 20th of the month, and all the Key Ingredients kits for December subscribers should be arriving on doorsteps all over stamp land...and that is FABULOUS, just like December's kit!

Are you new to Key Ingredients?

I have been a fan for SUCH a long time.  Not only do I love Taylored Expressions stamps, but from the very first "Key Ingredients" kit,  Taylor has been putting together just the right mix of card stocks, patterned papers, ribbon, and embellishments to make creating CUTE cards super simple and FUN!

Christmas is right around the corner too, and a Key Ingredients subscription is the PERFECT gift for any stamper!  Find out how you can subscribe yourself or get one for a friend HERE.

This month, we have some super fun papers from Bella Blvd's Christmas wishes collection, so this kit was awesome in the sense that I could create Christmas cards and finish up my mailing list but also use the cute, versatile papers to create NON-Christmas cards as well!

Here's my card today using the "Life's a Dance" set:

January is going to be a BUSY month for us Diedrich's.  My oldest daughter is enjoying her first competitive dance team season and competitions begin the end of January.   I made this card for her to give to her on her 1st competition day- might as well work ahead right?  I am SO so proud of her.  The minute I saw the "Life's a Dance" stamp set I knew I had to have it for her!

There are LOTS more ideas on the hop today, so be sure to check out everyone's creations, and go visit:

• Corinna McGregor
• Monika Davis
• Lea Lawson
• Rachel Stzonyk
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• 
  

Thanks for stopping by again, today!

Hugs to you all!

xoxo,

October Key Ingredients Blog Hop!...

Hey guys!

I'm back today with ANOTHER Blog Hop!  That makes FOUR already this week and I have ONE more tomorrow, HA!

It has been a SUPER fun week and it's also the 20th of the month which means it's time for the KEY INGREDIENTS Blog HOP with Taylored Expressions!!

As you can probably tell from my posts lately, I am LOVING the October Key Ingredients, featuring the gorgeous "Farmhouse" DP from Crate Paper.  Here's ALL you get in this month's kit:

Seriously, if you're not already subscribed, what are you waiting for??   You get ALL of the items pictured below and have just what you need each month to create beautifully coordinated cards, projects, and more and stay organized in a see- through storage box as well!  I love them.  

Here's my card using this week's Deconstructed Sketch by my friend Jen Shults:

...and here's the sketch this week, DS24:

Did you know that when you subscribe to a Key Ingredients Kit at Taylored Expressions that there are lots of fun perks, a beautiful inspiration Gallery each month, and a coupon code for a certain block of days each month?   Add to that, you can create a LOT of projects using just one kit and everything matches so well!

I used the adorable "Moka Jenn" for my card today but cut the shirt off of Moka Olivia and altered her a bit ;)  Hope you like it!

Be sure to check out the other Key Ingredients team members today as they have something special for you too:

• Corinna McGregor
• Lea Lawson
• Rachel Stzonyk
• Monika Davis
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen

Thanks so much for coming by again today!  ENJOY our short and SWEET hop with LOTS of inspiration along the way!

Taylored Expressions September Key Ingredients Blog Hop...

{{{PLEASE SCROLL DOWN for my SPARKLE CREATIONS guest spot today- THANKS!}}}

Hey, everyone!

I know I shouldn't be surprised right now at how QUICKLY this month has flown by, but OH MY GOODNESS it's the 20th!

You know what that means?  It's time for the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients BLOG HOP with the KI team!   First of all, a HUGE congrats to Taylor Van Bruggen, her husband Jon, and the whole family on the birth of the beautiful Madelyn Grace!  She is a GORGEOUS baby and I'm so happy for my friend and new Mommy, Taylor!  She is SO cute!

Have you guys had a chance to check out all the new releases and September Key Ingredients kit over in the TE store?  If not, definitely head over and see all the CUTE new releases this month!

I was excited to pull out my "Make a Wish" set and create this card for today's hop.  The inside is actually a money and/or gift card holder!   My kids' classmates are famous for dropping the last minute bday invite into someone's backpack, so I always like to have cards on hand for this type of event.  This months' KIT is PERFECT to make cards that could easily suit a girl OR a boy...check it out:

Here's a close up of the buttery smooth "Buttercup" liquid pearls as the 'frosting' for my cake- I think this is my favorite color of liquid pearls, yet!

Have you SEEN the amazing projects on the Key Ingredients Blog this month by our KI team?  If not, be sure to check it out, along with my own S'mores kit!  Here's a little sneak peek of that post:

Well, ENJOY this months' projects and I would definitely recommend signing up for the Key Ingredients subscription if you don't already have one!  Here are just a FEW of the perks:

First and foremost- the kits themselves are amazingly put together and everything matches- all the guesswork is taken out for you!  You can create TONS of projects and have leftovers every month- trust me!

º Store Discount. Subscribers will be given a special discount code to save 10% on any order placed between the 10th - 13th of the month to be combined with your subscription shipment. Subscribers in the US may combine your additional items with your KI Subscription shipment for no additional shipping fee. Subscribers outside the US will pay additional shipping costs to combine your additional items with your KI Subscription shipment.You'll receive a reminder e-mail on the 10th of each month which will also include a list of other products that will coordinate with the kit being shipped to you that month. This list is incredibly helpful for those who want to stretch the use of a KI with even more supplies!

º Design Team Inspiration. We'll debut the Key Ingredients kit on the 10th of each month followed by 5 days of inspiring projects posted by the Key Ingredients team right here on the Key Ingredients Blog. Of course, don't forget to check out the gallery where the design team is constantly adding new projects!

º Storage. Subscriber kits will come in a Storage Solutions Plastic Case. This $3.25 value is a special benefit that is FREE to Subscribers.

So there you have it- and those are just a few!  Be sure to check it all out right HERE :)

Last but not least, don't forget to visit the rest of our KEY INGREDIENTS team including the new momma herself ;)  Congrats, again, Taylor!

• Corinna McGregor
• Jessica Diedrich
• Lea Lawson
• Monika Davis
• Rachel Sztonyk
• Stephanie Kraft
• and NEW MOMMA Taylor Van Bruggen!

See you back here tomorrow for something you'll want to be tuned glued into!  ;)

xoxo,

It's just another...

MYSTERY Monday....

and yeah, I kinda wish it still were a Sunday, 'cuz it was definitely our FUN day and an "I don't have to run" day, too :)  heehee

Had a GREAT but all-too-short weekend, how about you guys?

On Saturday we had a fun day of hanging around the house and just kind of relaxing...much needed.

On Sunday, we went to church, and hubby was off so it was nice that he got to come with us.  I love when he's off on a weekend. SO nice to go to church and be together to give thanks for our MANY blessings.   After a nice lunch we spent the day cleaning house and then went to the lake- it was a HOT day but I am so grateful for a nice, long summer.  What did you guys do?

Well, last weekend I got to spend some precious time w/ an even more precious friend, Pam Varnell-another GREAT way to spend the weekend.  We stamped two whole days away, so I thought I'd play along with this week's MYSTERY MONDAY on the Farm Fresh Challenge blog!  

This week we are CASE'ing THIS card by our very own Farmer, Tracey P.!

...and here's my take on it using the AUGUST KEY INGREDIENTS kit from Taylored Expressions and the beautiful BLUSH BABETTE from The Greeting Farm:

I love this stamp- her hair is so pretty and she totally reminds me of a modern-day Alice for some reason.  What do you guys think?

Well, be sure to check out the rest of the AMAZINGLY TALENTED Farm Fresh Challenge DT:

• 1LuvnMama
• Leanne Poe
• Sparkle Smith
• Tasha Beasley
• Rachel Schneider
• 
  

Thanks for stopping by, everyone!

August Key Ingredients Blog Hop...

Hey everyone!

I'm so excited that today is the day- for a special KEY INGREDIENTS Blog Hop with Taylored Expressions!

Each month, Taylor puts together some hands-down GORGEOUS kits, and more important than gorgeous?  They are affordable AND totally useable to the very last piece of card stock, paper and embellishments! That's what I love best about them!  All the guesswork in making a cute card, layout, or 3D project is taken out for you and it all comes complete in a clear storage box that you can see through AND label.  Doesn't get much better or more efficient than that!

My project today uses the beautiful "New Beginnings"  set from Taylored Expressions and all the other elements are included in the August kit!  I have a friend who is going through a hard time right now and I want to send this to her for encouragement because she is AMAZING.

Before I send you off to the next talented lady, we have a special promotion!  Taylor is running an AMAZING special right now for NEW KIT SUBSCRIBERS! 

***Become a NEW KIT subscriber before 8/31 and in addition to receiving the AUGUST kit, you will be able to purchase the JULY kit for 50% off while supplies last!  What a great way to jump start your collections and have tons to work with!***

(in order to take advantage of the new KI subscriber special, you must purchase a 6 month subscription using your credit card :)

Click HERE to take advantage of this awesome offer!

What else is awesome about becoming a subscriber?  You get TONS of ideas, including exclusive idea sheets, access to the KI Gallery, and be sure to check out our Key Ingredients blog for monthly sneak peeks, ideas, and FUN new products-the KI kits are always made with some of the latest and greatest product lines which another reason why I ADORE them!

That's it for me today, but please be sure to check out the rest of our lovely lineup today!

• Corinna McGregor
• Jessica Diedrich
• Lea Lawson
• Monika Davis
• Rachel Sztonyk
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor Van Bruggen
• 
  

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a SUPER awesome Saturday, everyone!

xoxo,

Bellariffic Friday, peeps!

Hey, all!

As good ol' Willie would say, I'm "on the road again!"  :)

Gotta get back to the fam and I have missed them so I can't wait.  Tomorrow is also my birthday and I am a week overdue on starting the week-long celebration that normally ensues prior to the big day.  HA! 

Just kiddin'...sorta ;)

Seriously though, I am SO excited and looking forward to some sun and FUN this weekend...and relaxing, which by now is much-needed <3

Today at Stamping Bella it's another terrific sketch challenge by the adorable Ebrubella!

There's a FUN little twist on this too- you choose, round or square?!

Here's the sketch:

My card uses only a sentiment, but it's one of my FAVES.. "be HAPPY, it's contagious!"  So true and such simple words to live by :)

I also am keeping up w/ my week of Key Ingredients from Taylored Expressions and use all products from this month's kit again and added an extra flower.  If you're just tuning in,  I'm showing you JUST HOW MANY cards/ projects you can get from a Key Ingredients subscription this week, and that's AFTER I made a set of 4 cards, my Blast from the Past card, AND another card I'll be showing later.  There is SO MUCH you can do with these kits- check them out!

   I haven't made a circle card in a while- it was FUN!

As always, you will definitely want to head over to Bloggabella as there are PRIZES.

One is JUST for commenting on today's post there and another for participating in the sketch today!  Lots of chances to WIN!

....and just so we stay ahead of the game, NEXT WEEK's challenge is a "Christmas in July" challenge.  I am SO not ready for this, but hey, that's why they call a challenge a challenge, right?  ;)

For now, check out the SUPER -dee-DUPER Bella Babes:

• Catherine Groden
• Dana White-DT Coordinator
• Ebru Vatansever-Bellariffic Video "Babaroon"
• Emily Block-Stamping Bella herself!
• Jeanie Witmer
• Jessica Diedrich-that's me!
• Linda Heavens
• Paula Williamson
• Pauline Godfrey
• Robin McKinley
• Tammy Hershberger
• 
  

That's it for me!  I will see y'all soon and have a FAB Friday, everyone!

xoxo,

a SUNNY Blast from the Past...

Hey, everyone!

Today is the BLAST from the PAST Blog Hop w/ Taylored Expressions and I am SENDING YOU SUNSHINE (and a HECK of a lot of HEAT, oh. my.) from Chi-town as I am at CHA with my girl Jen Shults :)

I am SO excited to be seeing some familiar faces and can't wait to reunite with some precious friends as well as my cousin/BFF Kim!  HOORAY for CHA!

Today's Blast from the Past Blog hop features a theme of SUNSHINE.   So, I am sending you SUNSHINE using one of my favorite sets from Taylored Expressions, "The Places You'll Go!"

For today's hop, the beautiful Sankari (who I cannot WAIT to hug again in person!!!) provided a sketch:

I have to admit, when I first saw this sketch I was a little skeered, heehee.  But, here's my take on it, using the JULY KEY INGREDIENTS kit:

Be sure to HOP today as there is a FREE STAMP SET of choice from Taylored Expressions that will be issued to one lucky hopper!  Here is the list of talented participants:



That's it for me today!
Take care and enjoy the SUNSHINE  I'm sending your way!  <3
xoxo,

June Key Ingredients are extra SWEET this month!...

Hey, everyone!

I'm back with another fun post today about the KEY INGREDIENTS for June from Taylored Expressions!  They are available and shipping out beginning TODAY and I am SO excited about this kit- it's GORGEOUS!  Featuring beautiful patterned papers from the Basic Grey "Sweet Threads" line, you definitely won't want to miss out on this month's subscription if you haven't already joined!

Here's a card I created using Moka Olivia stamp from Taylored Expressions- the rest is ALL supply from the June kit- I didn't need anything extra!

If you are not a current Key Ingredients Subscriber, now is a GREAT TIME to join the monthly kit club!  You will have so much fun creating with all the coordinating elements right at your fingertips! Perhaps you've been sitting on the fence thinking about it for awhile. And if all the regular subscriber benefits aren't enough, we might have just the Special Offer you need to take the plunge!

• Enroll in a 6 month Key Ingredients Subscription with payment to be charged to your credit or debit card monthly and receive your choice of one of the following Mini or Petite stamp sets absolutely FREE: Crafty Expressions, Beary Special Accessories, You're my Type Upper, You're my Type Lower & #'s, A Little Love,Moka Olivia, Moka Charlotte, Capture my Heart, Collectors Anonymous, Summer Wreath.
• Enroll in a  6 month Key Ingredients Subscription with one upfront payment and choose a FREE stamp set (Full-size, Mini or Petite) from this list: Miniature Motifs, Borderlicious, Fashionista, Bakery Business, Trick or Sweet II, Sweet Indulgence, Love Everywhere, Tweet Hearts, Luxurious Labels, Sweet Occasions, Crafty Expressions, Beary Special Accessories, You're my Type Upper, You're my Type Lower & #'s, A Little Love,Moka Olivia, Moka Charlotte, Capture my Heart, Collectors Anonymous, Summer Wreath.
• IMPORTANT: Do not add the FREE stamp set to your cart. Leave a comment at checkout with your selection and we'll make sure it gets included with your first KI shipment.
• Offer good to new Subscribers only through June 30th.  You will receive the June KI kit while supplies last.  If we run out of June kits, we will notify you and your first shipment will be the July kit.
• A note to our current Subscribers - you received a special renewal offer via e-mail last week. Please e-mail us atkits@tayloredexpressions.com if you missed it.

Well, that's quite the deal this month just for joining- I sure do hope you guys will check it out!

Last but not least, don't forget to stop by the Key Ingredients BLOG this week to see what our Design Team has put together using the June kit- there is tons of inspiration there!

See you soon!

xoxo,

Birthday Party across the Miles...

Hey, everybody!

Today is a very special day in blog-land, because it's our friend TAYLOR VAN BRUGGEN's birthday!  Welcome to this Fantasy Birthday Tour for her!  Hopefully you've just arrived from my sweet friend Jodi Collins's Blog and I'm so happy you're here!


Since we couldn't all be together today to throw a party, we're having a virtual Birthday Party Across the Miles and everyone is invited to come along!  And what's a fantasy party without fantasy gifts? Here we go...


Many of my friends know just how much I adore Pinterest so it wasn't difficult to find Taylor just what I was looking for to celebrate her big day...a lifesize cupcake house/ bday cake!  How cute is this:

What's more?  Well, I know how much Taylor loves cupcakes AND how much she adores her 2 cats and well, it doesn't get much cuter that this:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Taylor!   

Now, what would a birthday hop be without a handmade card?  Not to mention, it just so happens that the Key Ingredients Design Team is in the middle of our week to premiere the JUNE Key Ingredients kit and boy, is it CUTE!   You can see my project from yesterday HERE.

For today's occasion, I created another fun birthday card for Taylor using this month's kit and the darling "Moka Olivia" stamp from Taylored Expressions.   Instead of the traditional "HB2U" sentiment, I chose the sentiment from Moka Jenn "So many wonderful things are in store for you", as Taylor expects her first baby this Fall, and will be attending another CHA show this summer- this will definitely be a year for Taylor to remember!   Hope you like it, Taylor, and thanks for all you do for us on the DT and for being as super sweet as all the cupcakes you adore!  Hope you have a WONDERFUL day!


On a personal note, I just wanted to add a little bit more about Taylor.  Taylor was literally the FIRST blog I started following on a regular basis, back before she even opened her own store.  I was a brand new blogger and knew NOTHING about being on a DT and one thing I noticed was that some people's pictures looked so much better than others and I was determined to find out why.  I emailed several people one day, and you know what?  Despite the fact that she was SUPER busy as the TE store was JUST about to be revealed, Taylor still took time out of her busy day to email me back with a photo of the light tent that she used to make her photos so pretty.  She was the only person who emailed me back and I have never forgotten her kindness.  I'm so glad that three years later I've gotten to meet her twice in person and have the honor of being on one of her teams...so Taylor, THANK YOU  <3


Well, thanks so much for stopping by, and if you're just getting here without following the hop, be sure to stop by Jami Sibley's blog to begin!  It's time for me to turn you over to my sweet friend Jen Tapler's blog next....see you there!


xoxo,