Meljen's Design Blog Hop - WOO HOO

Hi Everyone!
  I am so excited to share this with you today for a number of reasons!  There's a blog hop going on at Meljen's Design for the next three days! !!! WOOT!

So many cute projects with some of the cutest stamps around! If you don't know what the heck I'm talking about check out some of Melissa's digitals here!!  Her stamps are just so adorable and there are so many to choose from, but I bet you'll have a hard time choosing just one!  Every Thursday there is a new release and a new challenge at the Meljen's Design Blog.  In addition to Thursdays release, there is a freebie day (and let me tell you, these freebies are AMAZING), lots of inspiration, and the chance to win the weekly prize and/or the top pick of the week.  Also, there are times when a card or project is picked as inspiration.  There is no reason not to join in the fun!! 
 I am so proud to announce to you that I will be joining the Meljen's Design Team and that my project is part of the hop! 

I was super excited when I was asked to join and was even more excited when the hop was announced.  This will allow you to get familiar with the design team and to get a closer look at all the cute stamps. So if you just happened by my blog and didn't know about the hop and want a chance at some cute Meljen freebies then start here at Andrea's blog.  Each blogger will let you know where to go next!  Leave a little bloggy love on the way and you will be eligible for the prize!   Now, if you already know about the hop then you should have arrived here from Marlena's blog!  Wasn't her project amazing?? 

Now, on to my project.  I decided to make a calendar!  I really needed one to keep everything organized that's going on in my life right now!  So I decided that I would add inspiration along the way!  I started with 14 pieces of cereal boxes cut at 8 and 1/4 inch by 7 and 1/2 inch rectangles.  I adhered paper I had picked out for each month.  I bought these little calendar pages at my LSS ( I just learned what an LSS is - for those that don't know your Local Scrapbook Store - thanks Nicole). 

Once I had the order I wanted which was October 1st - TODAY through the end of the year I used my cinch to bind it.  I then started to decorate the front page with the cutest little mouse holding a cherry that I colored with Copics. 

I love black, red and white together so this came together nicely.  I added some black and red ribbon and cut the word CREATE from Winter Woodland and adhered those.  I also took this striped paper and added some freebie cherries repeated.  For each month I hope to add a stamp or two...I will be sure to keep you posted as I decorate pages. 

I didn't want to add to many blingy things - even though I love the bling - because I want to be able to take it with me on the go!  Now hop hop hop! From here you should go to Nicole's Blog - she's talented, bubbly and FUN!  If you get lost somehow, just head over to the Meljen's Design blog and you can get back on track!  Have fun, and don't forget to leave some love.  Here's a list of the line-up to help you out:

Andrea

Anita

Audrey

Callie

Cheryl

Dee

Dianna

Jessica

Lauretta

Lisa

Marlena

Melissa F. - you're already here!!!

Nicole

Sandy

Meljen's Designs Blog

Enjoy!!!

Gift Box for Teacher

Hi everyone!
  My daughter is back to school and in second grade.  She had back to school night but in the rush of getting to her class and such we forgot the card I made using two ever so cute Meljen stamps!  Now, after visiting Sheila's blog today - She's A Sassy Lady.  I decided since the card is going to be late by a day that I would add a cute gift box with some little supplies.  Let me explain, so this morning, like usual, I visit blogs that have been updated.  She's a Sassy Lady actually welcomed me into her home with my hot cup of coffee to teach me how to make a box without using Tags, Bags, Boxes and More.  Now, I do have this cartridge but I wanted a bigger box, and one that's a bit different then the ones on there.  So, Sheila posted FOUR videos on how to make a box using your Gypsy.  You could use Design Studio too!  I was a bit sceptical at first but I'm telling you - her tutorial was amazing and simple and let's not forget FREE!!!  So if you want to learn to make a cute box in any size click here. 

It was perfect timing because I also needed to make my Meljen's project for the week which is a 3,2,1 - three brads, two flowers and one ribbon.  I just love her stamps and was able to incorporate a few of her freebies as well - this cute worm in an apple and the smaller flower, as well as this stitched lotus.  Isn't it cute??? I just love her images and for a teacher box it was perfect!  In addition to all of this Fantabulous Cricut Challenge is having an amazing blog hop!! It's a "Button Up For Back To School" you have to make a school themed project and use a button!  Now, there are some awesome prizes everyone is giving out along the way so be sure to check it out.

Ok, for my box, I created a template on my Gypsy for a box using Sheila's tutorial.  I placed the apple from Create a Critter that matched the card I made and cut that out in one of the panels on the box.  I then colored those cute Meljen stamps I mentioned and added them to the side of the box.

 I also added a little red panel for the apple cut because I like the pop of color.  I added a tiny little button to the apple cut and stickled the leaves.  I then added ribbon to the top of the box and placed another button on top of that.  I'm telling you this was so easy once I had the box template made and cut!

 So here are your instructions for the day (he he) stop by Sheila's website and learn how to make a cute box - then link it so she can tell that she taught well!  After that, stop by Meljen's pick up a few stamps at Whimseys or grab a few freebies and do their 3,2,1 challenge - you could win a prize or get a top three badge!  Finally, finish up with an awesome crawl at Fantabulous Cricut Challenge!!  You won't be disappointed in any of this!! What a great day for blog hopping!

Enjoy!