Creatively-Green

Give wings to your old sticker packages with this angelic trading card!

2010-07-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

Heres a super easy way to give new life to all of your scrapbooking and sticker packaging. With just a few supplies you can create a beautiful artist trading card just like this. I recycled an old sticker package and used it as the base for my atc. It works just like a transparency. I attached some pretty vintage lace in the center and then simply layered from there. I used some vintage clip art, added some intermittent sparkles, and for a simple trim I added some gold embroidery floss. Easy peasy! Enjoy!

Citrus Slices NEW Cardstock Collection!

2010-05-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

. Our new collection of cardstock is themed just like our theme for our shows: The Candy Shoppe Collection. We have introduced 4 new cardstock collections to our themed packs.

First, our Citrus Slices Collection: named after you guessed it: Citrus Slices Candy.

Lovely and yummy citrus collection is just perfect for the summertime!

Creatively Green is headed to New Joisey!

2010-05-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

Thats's right folks, Creatively Green is going on tour! We will be exhibiting at the Scrapbook Expo show in Somerset, New Jersey. The show dates are May 21 & May 22nd. If you are in the area, certainly stop by the show! In addition, we are teaching 4 amazing classes. We will be posting some of our classes in the coming weeks as well as upcoming show schedules- we may be coming to a town near you!

Dont Trash It- Treasure It:: 24 Treasures Hiding In Your Home Right Now!

2010-04-22T07:30:00.001-07:00

Don't Trash It - Treasure It

24 Treasures Hiding In Your Home Right Now!
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Welcome to our Earth Day Extravaganza!
I know every company out there is doing some "Big Ole Promo" or fancy blog hop. It is simply predictable- and well I hate predictable! So instead of doing some big promo, or some fancy predictable blog hop, we @ Creatively Green have decided to give you what we do best- a gigantic amount of inspiration!

Please enjoy our Earth Day blog post, it is by far and to date our largest post yet and includes a compilation of past and present projects created by myself and our very talented design team. There are over 100 projects featured in this post, as well as some seriously fun and fabulous tutorials, created as always with everything but the kitchen sink!

We have all worked really hard to bring you something a little different this time around- so please leave us comments!

Make sure to read all the way down to the end, for a chance to win a very special giveaway of some of our NEW RELEASED lines.

We sincerely hope you enjoy Earth Day 2010, from all of us here at Creatively Green!

And so without further hesitation, please enjoy our Earth Day Countdown of 24 Treasure hiding in your home right now!

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# 24: Glass Bottles

Something that's probably already sitting in your recycling bin, whether its a beer bottle or water bottle, there are great ways to decorate your home and beyond using recycled glass bottles.

Remember, my holiday gift giving idea:

Simple Beer Bottles can be decorated with leftover scraps and filled with hot cocoa......by Nicole G: You can find full instructions HERE!

or check out this recycled Perrier bottle created by Amy-DT..... ( I can only imagine it filled with some fresh flowers, what a great every day gift!)

#23 Pop Tops

We're not just about saving just the bottles, save it all! Soda pop tops can be some of the simplest things to keep on hand.I use pop bottle lids as "risers" kinda a cheap easy way to add a little lift to an embellishment. Cheaper than pop dots!

Heres a great example of what I mean when I say "riser"- Here is a cut pic of a project I did of a small candy dish- its really an old cd, a recycled duncan hines warm delights bowl, I used the pop top, to create the 3d flower for the lid...by Nicole G: You can find full instructions HERE!

For a super cute idea- how about some pop top magnets....created by Jackie-DT....You can find a full tutorial HERE on exactly how to make these adorable magnets!

***BONUS Tip: Pop Tops as Snack Cups***

Have any kiddos in the house?..soda pop tops and even milk carton tops are perfect to keep on hand in the house, remove the white insert (easy- tip of butter knife under the edge) and these become little snack cups for dry foods like raisins, crackers, or cheerios!!
They are the right size for little hands- deep enough for a small serving!...by Ali-DT

#22 Juice Lids

How about some cute lid tags- now these are for Christmas, but what a neat little tie on for any holiday or birthday- created by Jackie-DT-

#21: Foil From Coffee Containers
You can create a lovely coordinating gift packaging set from simply using punches or a die cutter.... start with a pretty tag....created by Ali-DT....

now add a matching gift topper, and that shiny silver will make any project glow!...by Ali-DT

#20: Cardboard
Remember the 3d Snow Buddies, cute little snowman gift tags created with cardboard and scrap supplies....by Nicole G: You can find full instructions located HERE!

Use cardboard inners to create your own "stamp" by Ali-DT

Looking for something cute for your kitchen, how about a themed holiday chalkboard, and you can even make your own chalkboard paint. Full instructions for both homemade chalkboard paint recipe and simple easy holiday chalkboards HERE!

And how about some cardboard on your dinner table! Create these easy napkin rings for any occasion with just 1 punch! - Nicole G: You can find instructions HERE!

#19: Old Containers

Recycled Kitchen Wipes Container- altered as a gift basket...created by Marcie-DT

Travel much...reuse those little sample size shampoo bottles..by Amy-DT.You can find full instructions located HERE!

Another fab little project created by Jennifer-DT on how to turn an odd shaped container into a great gift box- You can find full instructions HERE!

#18: Egg Cartons
Egg Carton Candy & Cookie Containers by Nicole G

Egg Carton Album made with paper bags by Nicole G: Featured on Scrapscene!

Egg Carton Bulletin Board by Nicole G

#17: Broken Lightbulbs
How about some pretty vintage ornaments or household decorations...
Cupcake Decoration: Painted lightbulb in a cupcake liner...by Nicole G
You can find full instructions HERE!

Ice Cream Cone Ornament: Made with an upside down lightbulb in a real sugar cone...by Nicole G: You can find full instructions HERE!

Vintage Rock Salt Ornament by Nicole G: You can find full instructions HERE!

#16: Newspaper and Old Cards
At a loss with what to do with all those valentines from your kids- gorgeous layout created by Marcie- DT showcasing a great way to recycle those Valentines: You can find instructions HERE!

Use newspaper to create your own scruffy posies...by Ali-DT

Newspaper and graphic prints make great backgrounds on cards.......by Marcie- DT

#15: Itty Bitty Broken Stuff ( barrettes, toys, puzzle pieces)
If you have a kitchen, then you have a "junk drawer"- I know Im not the only one! Time to go through it, I bet you have tiny little broken things just waiting to be used in a creative way-

Simple clean lined layout- just black and white- using only scraps, a small square punch, and some itty bitty pieces of barrettes, some broken magnets and a few leftover stickers....by Nicole T-DT

Great wall collage using broken barrettes and tiny broken toys....by Nicole T- DT

Use those leftover puzzle pieces to create a collaged wall hanging. You can assemble any basic shape for any holiday, once glued, just paint all one color....by Nicole G- You can find full instructions HERE!

#14: Junk Mail & Magazines
Love Gossip mags? Well dont ditch them after your finished reading the latest dish on your favorite stars? How about scrapping a page about your favorite stars?.....by Jackie-DT

or perhaps a favorite actor?.....by Jackie-DT

Use your punches and cut out images ( flower border) from mailers and flyers to create a nice graphic focal point to a layout....by Ali-DT

How about a fun project to do with your children on rainy day! Create magazine wall art- you can use just about any shape out there, and its just old magazines and cardboard and even a great way to use up those stupid packing peanuts! - Nicole G
You can find full instructions HERE!

Too Cool Teenager wont let you scrap them? Scrap what they are in to......by Jackie-DT

#13: Old CD's
String old cd's up to create lovely wall hanging...by Jackie-DT

How about a mini album...by Jennifer-DT

made from old cds....by Jennifer-DT

Perfect gift for a new arrival!...by Jackie-DT

#12: Aluminum Cans & Tins
Reused metal lunchbox....ny Nicole T-DT

Reused juice cans for some much needed storage...by Jennifer-DT

Altered Candy Tins.....by Jackie-DT

Paint much? Use those leftover paint cans....( I know they are in your garage right now!!!)

#11: Clothing Labels
We spend so much time keeping up with the latest and the greatest- Have you seen some of the clothing tags out there now? They are too cool to be ditchin-
Great layout featuring clothing tags as a border ...by Nicole T- DT. Featured on Ella Publishing!

#10: Boxes ( Any and all)

Boo to You! Holiday Centerpiece created from cereal boxes- by Amy-DT

Altered Crayon Box by Amy-DT

Recycled Cereal Box Turned Handy Dandy Gift Box....by Amy -DT

Here's a great way to recycle old cigarette boxes! Turn them into holiday treat boxes for the kids! Dont like the smoke smell, we have that covered too! You can find full instructions HERE as well as a super easy way to remove "smoke" smell from any item!

Altered Milk Carton by Amy -DT

Teachers Gift Bag created from a cereal box- by Amy-DT

***Bonus tip*** Looking for that perfect something for your wall- how about some presents on the wall! You'll love this easy tip for holiday decorating! You can find full instructions HERE!

#9: Wrapping Paper & Gift Bags
Now I KNOW everyone out there has a stash of gift bags and wrapping paper- perhaps in the closet of items waiting to be re- gifted? Whether its a drawer full of Victoria Secret gift bags, or brown paper lunch sacs, or just a tiny piece of pretty wrapping paper- I know we all save those pretty things from gifts we receive! Its time to dig into that stash!

Wrapping paper is perhaps one of my favorite things to recycle! It is one of the most underutilized scrapping items out there. First its relatively cheap in comparison to scrapbook paper, and guess what- its patterned paper! Why not use it just like you would patterned paper! You dont need alot- but you get alot!

Tweet This- Adorable Hanging Bird created by Amy-DT using simple gift tissue. You can find full instructions HERE!

Simply elegant layout showcasing some scrap pieces of petite flower wrapping paper-

by Nicole T- DT

Second- you can buy it in WIDE sheets- which means its perfect for altering big items- your dont have to line up the edges! One sheet covers the entire project! I covered this entire box with one sheet of recycled gift tissue!.......by Nicole G

Whoops- but my papers torn- well of course it is- you cant unwrap a gift without tearing the paper- that's the fun of it! Use those leftover torn pieces- it gives a layout character!....by Nicole T-DT

Got a bunch of ugly bags- use them as storage, get them out of the drawer and into your closet!
Choose gift bags that are too used to "give" away. Tape up any spots needing reinforcing. Check bottom! Decide what goes in each bag.Label if desired.Fill bags. Hang on a strong wooden hanger. Hang them in your closet and you have the perfect organizing solution for whatever you want off the floor!................by Ali- DT
You can find a full tutorial HERE!

Now I think we all know you can create gift bags from lunch sacs- and reuse ugly bags by recovering to create a custom bag such as...by Ali-DT

And another pretty bag created by Amy-DT! You can find a full tutorial HERE on how to create this bag and a few more!

One more for the road- got cutesie novelty paper floating around- cut out the images! Dragon was cut from wrapping paper....by Ali-DT

#8: Scrapbooking Packaging ( Plastic packaging)
Reuse those plastic containers your stickers come in to create a cute little thank you gift...by Ali-DT

How about saving that cookie liner and using it to sort out little embellies....by Ali- DT

Looking for the perfect gift for a scrapper or card maker in your life- I just adore this little tub created by Ali-DT
It is made from a plastic container and was transformed into an
"Idea Generator Container" - luv it!

#7: Whats hiding in your cushions?
How about using that spare change you find under the seat cushions for something creative?...by Jennifer-DT

#6: Plastic Cups
The simple plastic cup transformed into a cute candy holder.....by Nicole G: You can find full instructions located HERE!

Havin a party? Make some cute earrings with those leftover solo cups...by Nicole G

Another lovely candy treat holder - its just a cup!- Nicole G: You can find full instructions located HERE!

#5: Old T Shirts & Appliques
Have a stained shirt but with a cool design...just cut it out! You can cut up old shirts with cool appliques or graphic prints to use on your projects!
Gorgeous layout created by cutting up an old t shirt with a pretty graphic motif- that recycled element just makes this layout POP!....by Ali- DT

Pretty card using an applique from a stained t-shirt......by Ali-DT

Embroidered accents trimmed from a skirt used as embellishments for a memorial page...by Ali-DT

#4: Buttons:
Whether its a torn shirt or your waistline got a bigger, your guaranteed to have a stash of buttons in your home.....Here are some creative ways to use that stash- perhaps create the focal point on a layout by using a cluster of buttons as Jackie- DT did on this lovely layout!

How about a great way to organize all those button-
Check out this great way to store your buttons by Ali-DT

Looking for some more creative ways to use recycled buttons...look HERE for a full tutorial on how to use recycled buttons- by Ali-DT.

#3: Old Denim Jeans & Fabric...
Use up that silk scarf you know longer wear by cutting out the images and using them on layouts- shown here by Ali-DT
You can find a full tutorial HERE!

Use leftover fabric in your home to add that sentimental aspect to a layout- shown here by
incorporating "curtains" created from actual fabric used in the home....by Nicole T-DT

Create your own unique page border using left over pieces of denim jeans..............by Ali-DT
Or perhaps something for your table or for the picnic pack...Utensil Holder
You can find a full tutorial HERE! - by Ali-DT

Create your own denim border - by Ali-DT

Looking for that perfect piece of texture? Leftover fabric adds that special touch to this beautiful card.....by Marcie-DT

Create just the right little flower using leftover fabric scraps...by Nicole T-DT

How about a simple little denim pocket on a layout.....just the right touch!...by Marcie-DT

Or perhaps some cute costume - Super Mario?
Created by Ali-DT
You can find a full tutorial HERE!

#2: Old Address Labels
Reused old address labels and mismatched tupperware make great decorations....by Nicole G: You can find full instructions HERE: Featured on Planet Green & Scrapscene!

Add a few more together and create a nice focal point on a wall....by Nicole G: You can find full instructions HERE! Featured on Planet Green & Scrapscene!

Use leftovers and cover some tupperware containers for some great storage....by Nicole G: You can find full instructions HERE! Featured project on Planet Green!

# 1: Don't forget about whats actually in your kitchen!
-Dry Beans.......
Dry goods make great embellies....perfect for the kids....by Nicole G: You can find full instructions HERE!

- Cinnamon Sticks....
hot glue cinnamon sticks around an inexpensive candle for a quick gift, by Nicole G: You can find full instructions for this and many more easy cinnamon stick crafts HERE!

How about using those aspirin and pill bottles to hold $$ gifts for a teen birthday?
Created by Ali-DT

Ok, now for the fun part, we have spent tons of hours putting this together and while we know not everyone can be online for just 1 day ( Earth Day), we would like your input and your comments! Our intention for this post was to INSPIRE you- so here's the deal!

We are releasing an entire collection of NEW product lines come May 1st!
So here are 2 chances to get your hands on some of our new released goods!

Chance #1:
Very simply, leave a comment on this post @ what project you liked best or what inspired you the most! You have until May 15th, to post your comments- and we will choose a few random ladies or men to receive a sampling of some of our new wares.....

Heres a little teaser of some our NEW to be released goods:
Junk Mail Taglets

Rock Salt Glitters: Ocean Blue

True Vintage Wax Sealed Jar Kits

New Citrus Slices Cardstock Collection

& Much More!

Show me YOUR Trash! Chance #2

Creatively Green Guest DT Call!

1. Tell us what has inspired you about this post and SHOW us what you like to do with your TRASH!

2. Send us your best trash to treasure projects, by May 15th, 2010 to info@creatively-green.com.

Include a small paragraph @ what inspired you about this post, what project you liked best and why, and tell us whats so cool about your garbage!

3. All submissions will be featured on our blog as well as on our online gallery.

4. We will choose our best (3) projects and that designer will be a featured Guest Designer for May, June or July. So get those creative juices flowing and send us your best- for chance to play with our best!

Earth Day Project Countdown, Guest DT Call, and a little blog candy too!

2010-04-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

April 22, 2010 is officially Earth Day! We at CG have decided to give you something special this Earth Day. So instead of some crazy pitch, or some great special in the store, another crazy blog hop, we have decided to give you something you can keep forever- INSPIRATION! Yes, I said it, inspiration. Our focus has always been to repurpose and to find creative ways to use your trash, and Earth Day is no different.

Join us on April 22, as we begin our countdown to all things recycled, re-purposed, and reused!

Dont Trash It- Treasure It:

24 Treaures Hiding In Your Home Right Now!

Guest DT Challenge:

As part of our countdown, you will sure to be inspired by all the numerous goodies you have lying in your house right now, that we dont want to let all that inspriration slip by- we want YOU to inspire us! So when we post on Earth Day, we will begin our Guest DT Call for the month of June. You get to choose what object you like, what you want to transform, send us your best work, and maybe you will be chosen as a Guest DT member for the month! Full details to follow......

And of course, we will be giving away one lucky prize on Earth Day- so make sure to leave us a comments that day for a chance to win some eco goodies!

Yummy recipe for Saturday!

2010-04-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

With warm weather here on the East Coast, I don't like to be in the kitchen cooking so much when I could be outside enjoying the sun. We tend to eat a lot of salads in the summer because of fresh vegetables and fruits. Here's a delicious spinach salad with fruit I am preparing for tonight's meal. I hope you enjoy!

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Bag of Spinach
1 1/2 cups of strawberries sliced
1 1/2 cups of cantaloupe or honeydew melon
2 Ounces of cubed Gouda cheese
1/2 cup of pecan pieces
2 tablespoons of lime juice
2 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon of salad oil
1/2 teaspoon of of fresh ginger or 1/4 ground

1. Mix salad, fruit, cheese, and pecans in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl mix lime, honey, salad oil, and ginger until well blended.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to coast.
4. Enjoy!!

A Friday Tip!

2010-04-09T17:24:00.000-07:00

My scrappy tip for you today is a simple one and involves the Internet. Think about online resources you might use to maximize your creativity, reduce waste and save you money at the same time!!

Find a sketch you can use to guide your creation of a layout.
Locate a song lyric that can add a special touch to a page you're creating.
Print off a free digital stamp.
Look up the perfect quote!

Better Late Then Never

2010-04-06T06:25:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the late post, but we had some nasty storms and tornado watches out yesterday so the computer was turned off. So, here is your Monday card on Tuesday! Gotta love that spring weather!

My card for today used some vintage barkcloth fabric for the background, a vintage image printed off the net, and even a paint swatch from the hardware store! Nothing better then recycling and using found objects! Hope you like it!

Layout Using a Shirt Tag

2010-04-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

On this layout, I used the horsey (price) tag that came with the shirt my daughter was wearing in the picture. It was hat day at preschool and since the hat had a horsey, she had to also go with the horsey shirt! I also used various scraps of papers and things I had laying around.

My First Sketch!

2010-04-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Okay...I am a little nervous! This is the very first sketch I have ever made, and decided to go with a "white space feel" so here goes.....I kept it simple....and really loved the circles! I hope you like it and can't wait to see some layouts over in the CG Gallery.....or you can link them up right here! Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone :)

Quick and Easy Recipe: Beer Bread

2010-04-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

3 cups self rising flour
1 cup sugar (although I've heard you can use less and it's still delicious)
1 can/bottle or beer (room temp)

Mix ingredients and put in a greased bread pan. Bake at 350 for one hour. After it cools, cut into cubes and serve with dip.

This is soooo easy to make and delicious. I often make this for food days at work, holiday parties etc.

You can use any kind of beer for this bread, but each will give you a slightly different taste. I have also used 7up and it gave it a sweeter taste. I have never tried using a cola, but I have been told any carbonated beverage will work.

Green Tip: Recycling plastic cards

2010-04-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday all! Today's green tip is a great way to use plastic card you receive in the mail or gift cards you have used.

*These are wonderful to spread glue on layouts, cards, or altered pieces to get a nice smooth layer.

*These make fabulous embellishments if you use a die cut machine to cut out a shape. Cut out in stars, circles, flowers, etc. and cover with glitter, paint, paper, or whatever you fancy.

*Make a fabulous mini album by binding several cards together.

*A Jacob's ladder would be a fun toy for anyone.

*Make a card house.

* If you having matching cards, make a memory game for small children.

* Create a piece of jewelry.

Whatever you try-enjoy!

Thursday Game

2010-04-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Hope everyone is having a great Thursday/April Fool's Day! With a lot of people being on spring break and vacations I thought I would throw out a simple April Fool's Day game today. All you need to do is see now many words you can make out of the word April Fool's Day. Just email me your answers at pompom1802@hotmail.com & I will send out a little surprise to the winner. So be sure to check back here tomorrow morning for the winner! Good luck & have fun!

It's Layout Tuesday!!

2010-03-30T10:09:00.001-07:00

Hi There, and welcome to some fun, FRESH ideas for a layout today!

First, I used some of my "True Vintage" office papers and from the Creatively-Green Store to make a batch of scalloped circles. I planned to create flowers with them! Here they are, right after I punched them!

You'll notice that some are cardstock and some are paper. That gives a nice effect when we create flowers with 'em!

Next, I folded and crumpled the scallop circles, then smoothed them out.
Then, I grunged them by inking the papers and CS with my colour of choice. I used a dye ink by Darice in Turquoise.

Next, I simply adhered the flowers in layers & added different sized button centres - from my collection of recycled & vintage buttons. Used my Glue Dots to adhere them!

I used a light turquoise shade of 100% recycled cardstock from Creatively-Green then added some Piggy Tales patterned paper (Little Red Riding Hood Collection).

Other "Green" notes:

1. The photo of Daniel and I that is used on this layout was actually a misprint, but I liked the soft hazy effect it had & so I kept and used it rather than waste the ink and the photo paper! I LOVE this photo!

2. Scraps of ribbon were cut with their visible ends on the diagonal then tucked under flowers: used to give the effect of fun "leaves" on this playful layout. Less waste of small pieces of ribbon!
3. Using punches can be a savvy way to create green. WHY? They're reusable, useable in different ways for different projects, and are durable: not something you'll be discarding after a few months.

For example,
[A]I used an All Night Media stylized circle punch to create the ever-popular scalloped edge at the top and bottom of this layout. I used scraps of Piggy Tales patterned paper (Chicken Litte Collection.) Every time I punched, I received 2 semi circles, which I positined as scallops! A little glue, and PRESTO: A scalloped edge with an unusual twist!

[B]The EK Succes Scallop Circle Punch was used to create the correct shape for a flower from some vintage office papers.

[C]The EK Success Scallop Circle punch was also used to punch flower shapes from the thinner paper found in the last Nancy's Notions Catalogue, making even more colourful layers easy and inexpensive to come by for use on my "green" flowers.

4. The "Colourful Library Card" was part of a set of 4 such cards: a freebie from Shimelle Laine. (TY.) While you're online, be on the alert for freebies! Only printing what you want and need saves trees and avoids the purchase of excessive items contained in some of the big name "collections" that you may not use!

5. My Mom, who sews a lot in her retirement from teaching Home-economics, gives me all her nearly-empty spools of thread. I use them as "bobbin fillers" for my sewing. Only the thread that shows on the front of my page needs to "match" my project- I don't care about my bobbin thread! It's another easy way that I keep it "green" - by using up thread that may either never get used, or that'll be discarded. Thanks Mom!

6. Stitching on your paper is not only fun (I find it to be a stress reliever, LOL) it's a way to cut back on adhesive use. I "tack" my elements down with minimal adhesive, then away I sew!

Here is my layout. Incidentally, this was created for Jackie's AAM Challenge on the C-G Forum, and will become part of my "All About Me Album." Thanks for the great challenge Jackie.

Be sure to participate, Jackie has a FUN "RAK" up for grabs!

This LO features:
100% recycled Creatively-Green Cardstock
Piggy Tales patterned paper (PT is a "green" company)
'True Vintage' office supply papers from C-G

"5 Random Things About Me"

Ali and Daniel at "The Duckpond," Stronach Park, Kingston, NS

November 2009
LO Created by Creatively-Green Designer Ali MacDonald

Hope you like it and thanks for popping in to the Creatively-Green Blog. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more FRESH ideas from our Design Team!

A Little Hello!

2010-03-29T06:46:00.000-07:00

You don't need a special occasion to send someone special a little hello! You can easily make a set of cards assembly line style and have them on hand to send to family and friends! Everyone loves getting happy mail instead of bills.....so whip out your scrap bucket and let's get started! For this card I used scraps from a layout I made earlier...rounded the corners added a fun journaling spot....chipboard letters, a flower and flourish. Inked the edges and that's it! It takes just minutes to create a card that will make someone smile all day long when they open the envelope!Scraps and mismatched alphas are the perfect supplies to make cards in a flash!

Saturday's Succulent Recipe!!!!!

2010-03-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a wonderful recipe for the Crock-Pot ( slow cooker.)

It's awesome.
Best served with creamy mashed potatoes on the side!
I serve this to company OFTEN. It gets rave reviews. Enjoy!
Cranberry Pork Roast

(A Taste of Home recipe: for Crockpot)

Serves 4 – 6

INGREDIENTS:

1 boneless rolled pork loin roast (2.5 - 3 lbs)

1 can (16 oz) jellied cranberry sauce: Homemade or canned.

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup cranberry juice (or apple jce)

1 tsp dry mustard

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp pepper

1 T Worcestershire sauce

2 T cornstarch

2 T cold water

Salt to taste

METHOD:

Place pork roast in slow cooker

Mash cranberry sauce in a small bowl, stir in sugar, cranberry juice, mustard, cloves and rest of seasonings.

Pour over roast.

Cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hrs til meat tender.

Remove roast and keep warm. Skim any fat from juices, measure 2 cups, adding water if necessary.

Pour into a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Combine cornstarch and water to make a paste, stir into pot.

Cook and stir til thick. Season with salt.

Serve gravy with sliced pork, fresh veggies and creamy mashed potatoes.

Ladies Night March 25th: What's in Your Purse?

2010-03-25T00:30:00.000-07:00

It's that time ladies- Thursday night! Otherwise known as ladies night! In part of our new schedule this spring, each week on Thursday evenings we will have one fun game to participate in, and with this being the second week of our FRESH new theme, here's a sneak peak into this evenings game!

So ladies....what's in your purse? Keep that in mind as we play a quick little game this evening and I am sure we all have things in common! A very simple game to play- no skills necessary- and I am sure we all have something whether its a purse, a big old sack, a backpack- whatever that we tote our every day things in!

Game will begin @ 5pm mountain standard time- that's 7pm eastern standard time!

Another Wacky Altered Wednesday!

2010-03-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! We hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday. It's time to share another altered creation with a fresh theme. Today's project uses fresh papers, a handmade flower, a digital greeting, and a recycled crayon box. We like to keep it green! :-)

Wouldn't this be perfect for a gift card, candy, or other small trinkets?
Don't have a crayon box handy? No problem - here's a pattern offered by Stampington. Print it out on your favorite Creatively-Green cardstock. By the way, have you checked out the HUGE sale at the Creatively-Green store? Everything is 50% off! For this box Scenic Route paper was used which you can find at the store here . What a great bargain this paper pack is...10 pieces of double sided pattern paper for $4.25. The star bead for the flower's center is a soon to be released product - beads from vintage pieces of jewelry.

Thanks for visiting!

Spring Into Colour!

2010-03-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

Crack open your paint bottles and grab your paint brushes and sponges! Spring is all about fresh bright colours.....so I decided to use some bright yellow paint, and fun Piggy Tails paper for this layout of my Nephew Rylin.

I must admit at first I was a little nervous....using paint for me was a little scary, I didn't want to ruin my work. So if you haven't used paint before once you start you will be hooked.For this layout I poured paint in various spots and used a small sponge to spread it around.....then waited for it to dry to continue embellishing my layout.And I also scraplifted Jennifer's idea for fussy cutting and cut a cute little flower to add to the bottom corner of my layout (thanks for the tips Jennifer)!

So come on....lets see those bright, bold colourful layouts using paint over in the gallery!

Sketch Time!

2010-03-21T05:15:00.000-07:00

We would love to see what you can do with this card sketch - it can be a card, gift bag, altered project, if you can somehow work this up as a layout that's fine too! You could even flip this on it's side. Please link up your creation in the comments and we'd love to have you post over in the Creatively Green Gallery as well. There is another new sketch next Sunday so you have a week....and go!

Easy Peasy Pasta!

2010-03-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

If you are like me then sometimes you are stumped on what is on the menu for Dinner! I love searching the web for recipes.....and came across this tasty one from Kraft Canada and thought I would share it with you all! It looks and sounds delicious.....and it's my kind of recipe, it's quick and easy!

Quick 'n Easy Pasta:
300g (1/3 of 900-g pkg.) spaghetti, uncooked
2 cups frozen peas
1/4 cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese
3 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled (about 1/4 cup)

Directions:
Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, adding peas for the last minute of the cooking time: drain.Return to saucepan. Add remaining ingredients: cook on low heat 2 min. or until heated through stirring constantly. Serve immediately.

And I also want to remind you all that over in the forum we are hosting an AMM Book ongoing challenge....here is a layout I made using Piggy Tails paper and CG cardstock....the first challenge was to jot down 5 random facts. So come join the fun in the forum!

Green Tip: Fussycutting!

2010-03-19T05:01:00.000-07:00

More and more, when I buy patterned paper I look to see if there are elements that I can fussycut. (If you are going to do a lot of fussycutting, I recommend a nice sharp pair of scissors, as you will get a much cleaner look that way. I use Cutterbees with the black blades). I have realized over time, that fussycutting has become one of my trademarks on my projects. Instead of buying a lot of extra embellishments to coordinate with your paper on your next project, try cutting out an element and making that your embellishment instead! You can put pop dots behind it to add dimension, add glitter, ink, crumple it, emboss it, do just about anything to it. On this card, I cut the flowers from the Jillibean Soup paper, used more Jillibean Soup as the background and dressed it up with a border punch, adhered to Creatively Green cardstock, added some buttons to the centers, a rubon sentiment and I was done.

Now go get fussy!

It's Ladies Night tonite...come join us for a cocktail!

2010-03-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time ladies- Thursday night! Otherwise known as ladies night! In part of our new schedule this spring, each week on Thursday evenings we will have one fun game to participate in, and with this being the first week of our FRESH new theme, I thought I would start it off! Now ladies night wouldn't be any fun without a few cocktails to start with, so in addition to tonight's game, here's a quick recipe for one of my favorite cocktails!

Pomegranate Martini

1 oz vodka
1/2 oz Cointreau® orange liqueur
3 oz pomegranate juice

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker 1/4 filled with chopped ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.

And for this evenings game...join us here on our message board @ 7pm eastern time thats 5pm mountain standard time as we start the evening off with an easy breazy ABC's of cocktails game!

Layout Tuesday

2010-03-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

For our fresh theme of the month we will be doing layout Tuesdays. Every Tuesday we will be sure to inspire you with some new ideas for layouts. For today's layout I used fabric. I chose to do an 8 1/2 X 11 layout and cut three strips of fabric and sewed them onto cardstock for my background. I love to collect vintage scraps of fabric for projects like these. In fact the pink fabric used to be a shirt of my daughter's that she outgrew. You can recycle fabric from all sorts of places, even your kids' clothes!

Monday's card of the week

2010-03-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday all! Today we kick off our fresh new theme with a card of the week.

We are concentrating on fresh designs that are clean and simple using alternatives to pattern paper, fabric, blooms galore, and digital images to enhance our projects. For today's post we have a card that does not use pattern paper. Yes, you can create fabulous cards without pattern paper. It's main focus is a flower (bloom) that uses recycled materials.

This card is super clean and simple and requires only a few steps to create.

1. Create a card base using Creatively-Green Sun Coral recycled cardstock.
2. Cut a 2 inch strip of Creatively-Green Sea Salt recycled cardstock and apply to card vertically as shown.
3. Add a Creatively-Green flower that uses recycled materials as shown.
4. Apply rub-on to lower right hand corner.
See-super fast and easy!
All materials except rub-on are from Creatively-Green.

The Creatively-Green store has many styles of flowers to select from. There are fabric flowers like this:

Shabby Cottage Rose

To flowers created from misprint photos like these: Green Tint Photo Flowers

Click on the links to view these and many more with a great price!

We hope you enjoyed the first day of our fresh themed posts. Tomorrow we will have a tantalizing layout for Tuesday so be sure and come back!