Catching Up...

I am not one to ever just fall off the face of the earth. Ever. I cannot even begin to express the guilt I feel for neglecting my little blog, and not only my hobby, but my passion for crafting. This summer brought with it a whirlwind of emotions I could have never anticipated, and in the process of that I lost sight of myself (and my mojo went out the window), both of which I am slowly beginning to regain. :) That's the short and sweet version, and for time purposes and for fear of boring you all, I won't go into much further detail. I'm just so happy to be back in my happy place again! 

As some of you may know, I am in school studying to become an elementary school teacher. This is my last "regular" semester as an undergrad, as I will be student teaching starting in January and then graduating in May. It's so exciting and a bit surreal to be in the home stretch! School is another reason my crafting has slowed down. Between sitting in class, being out in schools, and doing homework and writing lesson plans, there's little time to sit down, spread out, and work on a project. Crafting shouldn't be stressful, and I've found it's hard for me to "get in the groove" when I'm constantly faced with time constraints. 

I spent my summer working both of my library jobs and building my resume as I facilitated programs for young readers. I had a blast! Don't be surprised if you see more teacher and classroom-related projects on my blog in these upcoming months. If that's all the crafting I have time for, that's more than fine with me. :) One of the things I'm looking forward to most about becoming a teacher is of course, decorating my classroom!
My posts may be less frequent in the beginning, but I am determined to get back to blogging and crafting regularly. Maybe even apply for a design team or two. :) In the meantime, I am looking forward to reconnecting with you all and pursuing my passion!

Perfect Vacation

So, when I posted a month ago saying I was back to blogging, I definitely had NO intention of taking nearly a month to actually start posting again. I have, however, been crafting during my unintended, four-week absence. :) I have a series of design team projects to share with you that I created for The Scrapbooking Studio, and I'm going to share my first set of projects today!
The three projects I'm about to share with you were all created using Imaginisce's "Perfect Vacation" line. Such a fun line for documenting all those summer trips and adventures!

This is a picture taken of my parents while visiting the Hoover Dam a few years back. I unfortunately, was not on this trip, but had fun flipping through the photo albums looking for the perfect picture to document and bring to life. 

The 'You Are My World Forever' is a die cut from the line, and I LOVE that saying!

The banner pieces are cut from a piece of paper from the line and I used some heart stickers from my stash to add more detail, along with adhering white enamel dots to give the banner a "strung" appearance. Using a white gel pen, I also added a tiny bit of journaling to another die cut from a piece of paper in the collection.

I just love Thickers! They add the perfect touch to this layout and some extra dimension. The camera was a last minute embellishment that I adhered using a pop dot for dimension as well. The arrow veneer (I'm addicted to wood veneers) is from Studio Calico and thought it fit well with the travel theme. 
Products Used Perfect Vacation "Pack It Up" 12x12 Cardstock Perfect Vacation "Random Stripes" 12x12 Cardstock Perfect Vacation "Away We Go" 12x12 Cardstock Perfect Vacation "Oh Snap!" Die Cuts American Crafts Thickers Studio Calico Wood Veneers
Next up is a tag!

I don't create tags very often, but when I do, I always tell myself to start making them more because they're so much fun! I started with a Kraft tag base from my stash and layered it with BoBunny Double Dot paper and also paper from "Perfect Vacation." I distressed the edges of the polka dot paper and used pop dots to adhere the snapshot frame and the suitcase die cuts. I embellished with enamel dots, and heart and star wood veneers, and added some crinkle ribbon to finish it off. 

Products Used

Perfect Vacation Memories Captured 12x12 Cardstock

Perfect Vacation "Oh Snap!" Die Cuts

Studio Calico Wood Veneers

And last, but most certainly not least, a postcard!

I went back and forth trying to come up with an idea for a card using the collection - something along the lines of 'bon voyage' or 'safe travels.' However, after many failed attempts at generating an idea, it hit me. A postcard! How perfect?! I used papers from "Perfect Vacation," along with Thickers and a die cut, to embellish the front of the postcard. 

I looked up the actual size of a postcard (4.25" x 6", typically) and made a quick template on my computer for the address lines. I printed it out, cut it down, and then adhered the 'World Traveler' card cut from a piece of "Perfect Vacation" paper. The stamp is by Echo Park and I cut it with my Silhouette using the Print & Cut feature.    Products Used Perfect Vacation "Away We Go" 12x12 Cardstock Perfect Vacation "World Traveler" 12x12 Cardstock Perfect Vacation "Oh Snap!" Die Cuts American Crafts Thickers
Thanks so much for stopping by today! Be sure to check out The Scrapbooking Studio's blog as well for more inspiring projects using the fabulous products they carry!

I'm Back!

My oh my, I cannot believe it has been about a month and a half since my last blog post. That is terrible. And I am so, so, so, sorry. Not one of these many days have past without me kicking myself for not having posted!
For those of you who don't know, I'm a student. I just finished up my junior year of college (well, technically as of Friday morning I will be finished) and this semester has been a giant whirlwind. As an elementary education major, I had to spend 80+ hours between three different classrooms, along with completing coursework for 21 credits (9 classes) worth of work. Talk about time consuming!
With that being said, my crafting unfortunately had to be put on the back burner. I've missed it SO much. I've made a couple small things here and there, but nothing substantial. Literally everything craft-related had been put on hold aside from teaching Copic classes. And even then, preparing for the classes was often stressful due to being on a time crunch. I also took back my two part-time library jobs, so that left little time on weekends to craft, which would be my normal creative time. 
But, the good news... I'm on summer vacation for the next three and a half months! Which means MUCH more time for crafting and to get back into the swing of all things crafty. Next semester will be busy as it is my last regular semester before student teaching, but my workload should be somewhat lighter than this semester. I am SO looking forward to a summer filled of crafting, coloring, and teaching classes, though I will still be working and taking a couple summer courses as well. 
This weekend will be spent getting my crafty area back into its organized self, between "living" in two places and teaching classes, a lot of my supplies are distraught and all over the place. These past few weeks have left me so anxious to get back to creating, not being able to has really taken it's toll on me, especially since I have been feeling very burnt out and stressed, and crafting is usually a major stress reliever for me. 
I have had projects planned for literally weeks and cannot wait to get started on them. I'll be back into regular card making, as well as catching up on Project Life, practicing coloring with Copics, and working on some decorations and gifts for my sisters' high school graduation party later this summer. I will also continue designing for The Scrapbooking Studio and Two Berry Creative! 
I am looking forward to a relaxing, creative summer and am excited to once again be a part of the blogosphere and checking out all of your projects as well! Thank you all for your patience and understanding! :)

21st Birthday Blog Hop & Giveaway Winners!

Wow!! Thank you SO much to everyone who came and hopped through my 21st Birthday Blog Hop! What a fun addition to my birthday celebration! :) We hope you enjoyed seeing our projects as much as we enjoyed reading your sweet comments!
And now, for what you've all been waiting for... here are the winners from the hop!
1. My Creative Time

"Wow So Many Candles" Stamp Set

WINNER: DON'S JEWELRY

2. My Craft Spot

One Stamp Set of Winner's Choice

WINNER: MARIANNE BARKMAN

3. Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons

$15 Gift Certificate

WINNER: BUHO SCRAPPER

4. CTMH Consultant Jessica Wilson

$10 Gift Certificate

WINNER: STEPHANIE

5. Your Next Stamp

One Stamp Set of Winner's Choice

WINNER: SARAH BISWABIC

6. Scrappy Moms Stamps

One Stamp Set of Winner's Choice

WINNER: CHRISTINE KIEHL

7. Diane's Daydream Designs

$15 Gift Certificate

WINNER: IRIS

8. Scrappin' Madge's Lounge

Embellishment Kit

WINNER: DIANA L.

9. The Scrapbooking Studio

Amy Tangerine "Documented" Daybook

WINNER: LISA (A MERMAID'S CRAFTS)

10. 3 Girl Jam

$21 Gift Certificate WINNER: LINSEY
11. The Cutting Cafe

3 File Sets of Winner's Choice WINNER: CREATIVE M.
12. Miriam's Crafting Supplies

$5 Gift Certificate WINNER: DEBBIE DAVIS
13. Bugaboo Stamps

$30 Gift Certificate

WINNER: WENDY ROSHTO

14. The Robin's Nest

$21 Gift Certificate

WINNER: KATHLEEN WHITE

15. Sparkly Sweet Craft Notions

Ribbon Trio

WINNER - D-DESIGNS BY DRAGONFLY

16. Designs on Cloud 9

$10 Gift Certificate

WINNER: KRYSTLE

17. Fresh Brewed Designs

$15 Gift Certificate

WINNER: CARMEN M.

18. Creative Embellishments

$20 Gift Certificate

WINNER: SHERI MAREK

19. Clique Kits

$10 Gift Certificate

WINNER: JOAN SMITH

20. Pinque Peacock

$10 Gift Certificate

WINNER: KAREN SCHROEDER

21. Unity Stamp Co.

Stamp Prize Package

WINNER: MICHELE FROM MS

And the winner of my own celebratory giveaway is....

#14... SANDE!

All winners should email me at especiallymadeblog@gmail.com with your name and the prize that you won. 
Thank you SO much to everyone who entered!! :)

21st Birthday Blog Hop - Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of Ashley's 21st Birthday Blog Hop!

We are so glad you could join us! If you're looking to start at the beginning of the hop, you're in the right place! Please be sure to hop through Day 1 if you haven't already!

This weekend we are celebrating my 21st birthday with some fun and creative, birthday/alcohol-themed projects! It's not 21 without a drink or two, right?! And what better way to celebrate than with a blog hop with all my crafty friends?! :)

For my second project, I actually created a 21st birthday card for a friend of mine who has her 21st at the end of the month. 

It's my first shaker card! I had to look up a couple tutorials to make sure I was doing it right, and it's actually super easy! Not sure why I've never tried it before. I cut the '21' using my Silhouette, adhered transparency to the inside (actually a piece of cellophane bag that I cut out) and then added the sequins and adhered the back to it. Ta da!

I misted the front of the card with some of Heidi Swapp's Color Shine in Gold to pull out the gold for the sequins. It's simple, yet classy! Perfect for my friend's style. :) 

We have 21 fabulous sponsors providing 21 fabulous prizes for those who hop with us, and because there are so many of them, we have included all the prize information in the second stop of the lineup.
To be eligible to win, you must... - Leave a comment on EVERY stop of BOTH days of the hop 
I am also having a GIVEAWAY! Check out the post for more details on how you can win - the winner will be announced the same day as the hop winners!

Winners will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday March 14th at Made Especially For You.
Your next stop is to check out the Hop Prizes!
Here's the complete lineup in case you get lost along the way...
Ashley Hop Prizes Michelle Angeline Pam Madge Stephanie Erica Georgiana Julie O. 
Happy Hopping! :)

21st Birthday Blog Hop - Day 1

Welcome to Day 1 of Ashley's 21st Birthday Blog Hop!

We are so glad you could join us! If you're looking to start at the beginning of the hop, you're in the right place!

This weekend we are celebrating my 21st birthday (which is today, the 7th!) with some fun and creative, birthday/alcohol-themed projects! It's not 21 without a drink or two, right?! And what better way to celebrate than with a blog hop with all my crafty friends?! :)

For my first project (I'll be sharing another tomorrow) I created a not-so-birthday-themed card, but had to pull in some alcohol somewhere during this hop!

The stamp is called "Wine & Friends" and is from Unity Stamp Co., who happens to be one of our sponsors! I colored it with Copics R56, R59, R83, R85, E35, and T0 and added glossy accents to the wine glasses to make them shine. 

Papers are from the My Mind's Eye "Blush" 6x6 collection and I embellished with crinkle ribbon from 3 Girl Jam and pearls from Miriam's Crafting Supplies. (Hint: Those may be some of our sponsors!)

We have 21 fabulous sponsors providing 21 fabulous prizes for those who hop with us, and because there are so many of them, we have included all the prize information in the second stop of the lineup.
To be eligible to win, you must... - Leave a comment on EVERY stop of BOTH days of the hop 
I am also having a GIVEAWAY! Check out the post for more details on how you can win - the winner will be announced the same day as the hop winners!

Winners will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday March 14th at Made Especially For You.
Your next stop is to check out the Hop Prizes!
Here's the complete lineup in case you get lost along the way...
Ashley Hop Prizes Tonya Nikki Julie K. 

Jessica

Jasmina Heidi Abby N.  Robin Abby H. 
Happy Hopping! :) Be sure to come back tomorrow for Day 2!

21st Birthday Blog Hop Prizes

We have 21 super fabulous sponsors providing prizes for our hop, and because there are so many of them, we thought it would be easier to list them all in one place instead of over and over again on everyone's posts. 
1. My Creative Time

"Wow So Many Candles" Stamp Set

2. My Craft Spot

One Stamp Set of Winner's Choice

3. Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons

$15 Gift Certificate

4. CTMH Consultant Jessica Wilson

$10 Gift Certificate

5. Your Next Stamp

One Stamp Set of Winner's Choice

6. Scrappy Moms Stamps

One Stamp Set of Winner's Choice

7. Diane's Daydream Designs

$15 Gift Certificate

8. Scrappin' Madge's Lounge

Embellishment Kit

9. The Scrapbooking Studio

Amy Tangerine "Documented" Daybook

10. 3 Girl Jam

$21 Gift Certificate
11. The Cutting Cafe

3 File Sets of Winner's Choice
12. Miriam's Crafting Supplies

$5 Gift Certificate
13. Bugaboo Stamps

$30 Gift Certificate

14. The Robin's Nest

$21 Gift Certificate

15. Sparkly Sweet Craft Notions

Ribbon Trio

16. Designs on Cloud 9

$10 Gift Certificate

17. Fresh Brewed Designs

$15 Gift Certificate

18. Creative Embellishments

$20 Gift Certificate

19. Clique Kits

$10 Gift Certificate

20. Pinque Peacock

$10 Gift Certificate

21. Unity Stamp Co.

Stamp Prize Package

Winners will be announced on  Friday March 14th!
Day 1: Your next stop of the hop is Tonya's blog.
Day 2: Your next stop of the hop is Michelle's blog.
Happy Hopping! :)