My Chic & Crafty Lil' Heart! ♥

Jaden's Mommy! 💖

2016-12-18T11:06:00.001-05:00

Wow! Hello there, Blogger friends!!!

It's been TOO, too, tooooo long!!! I can't believe I haven't posted or even been on my blog for a little over two years--YIKES!! So much has happened since I last wrote... Ohhh, SO much! 😉

Well, for starters, I got married 👰 last December (2015). I moved from Maryland over the summer of 2016 and I am now living in Texas. Also, I'm a new mommy to a gorgeous little boy whom was born this past September and whom has utterly stolen my heart! 💙 His name? Jaden--which means "Jehovah has heard". Can I tell you?! I am SO smitten w/this little fella--STOKED!!! He is my joy! 😍😍😍

Anyway, this was a quick post to say hello and to introduce you to my lil peanut 👼 I haven't crafted in a very long time, but once Jaden and I become more consistent in our daily routines, I'll be able to get back into my crafting mojo. Hope everyone has been well and crafting! Thanks for stopping by! 💋 "See" you all again soon... I hope! 👋

Xoxo,
Gri 💖🎔

September Challenge from VSC: Circles/Dots!

2014-09-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hi my beautiful friends!

I can't believe I've been MIA from my blog for nearly 2 months! ): Life's havoc picked up again as soon as August came... I've already started the new school year, and although I'm quite busy now, I have to tell you that my second year of teaching is going O-so-much-better!!! *stoked* I am over the moon in love with my 2nd graders--they're absolutely amazing!!! ♥

It's the 1st of September--woohoo! So you know I'm back, because today the V's Sweet Challenge blog begins a brand new challenge that I absolutely had a blast playing for--circles and/or dots!!! I can not wait to see all the beauties everyone comes up with this month!!! So I extend you the invitation to join us at V's Sweet Challenge to play along with our fabulous September challenge!!! *grin*

Here's the card I created for this month's challenge:

The V's Sweet Ideas products I used for this card were the following: Baby Love stamp set and a neutral/sand color sweet dot! (; If you didn't know or haven't yet gotten the chance to check out V's Sweet Ideas' new photopolymer stamp sets, you MUST!!! Not only are her stamp sets high quality, but her designs are a mix of sweet and chic and let's face it, they are just so stinkin' cute!!! :D

The other products I used for this card are from Lawn Fawn and I just had to use my new stitched party banners lawn cuts, which had been sitting on my crafting desk for months (In love with this set!!!!!)... All pattern papers (vellum paper from STAPLES) are from an old LF release, dewey decimal petite paper pack (6X6). Also, the white rustic twine is from Papertrey Ink and I used a Sakura white gel pen to create the faux stitches around my card.

Don't forget to swing by the VSC blog for more inspiration from the talented DT gals! (: Thank you for stopping by today! May the LORD bless you abundantly more than you ask or imagine! 'Til next time, my lovelies! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

V's Sweet Ideas Blog Hop!!! (:

2014-07-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hello crafters!

Grisel here with our first V's Sweet Ideas blog hop giveaway! We will be showcasing our first three clear photopolymer stamp sets for our July/August release: Life Recorded, Baby Love and Alpha Me.

Our new stamps will release at midnight (eastern time) on July 10th. You will find our new releases HERE. We will have lots of great projects and will be also doing a giveaway! Please join in on the fun for your chance to win a stamp set!

Here's the card I created using the Baby Love stamp set! (:

Here are the details:
1. Two winners will be chosen from comments all along the hop. Winners will get to choose their stamp set!
2. Deadline: You have until midnight MT on Thursday, July 10th to leave a comment. 3. Please check V's Sweet Ideas Blog on Friday, July 11th to see if you are a lucky winner.
Your next stop is the incredibly awesome Lisa.

Here is the full hop order:

Vanessa (V's Sweet Ideas)

Grisel ⟵ You are here

Lisa

Nicole

Karen

Thanks for stopping by today! 'Til next time... GOD richly bless! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

VSC: Red, White & Blue!

2014-07-01T10:22:00.000-04:00

Good morning, my beautiful friends!!! ☀

I'm back to post my card for the new challenge that starts today over on the V's Sweet Challenge blog! The theme? RED, WHITE & BLUE and I'm lovin' it!!! V's Sweet Ideas is also sponsoring this month's challenge--woohoo!!! :D

I had a blast making this card. First of all, I got to play with my spankin' new Simon Says Stamp embossing paste and Falling Stars stencil--pure bliss!!! *stoked* The stars couldn't go more perfect for a red, white and blue theme, especially with the 4th of July rolling right around the corner... (; The large "you" die cut is also from SSS and it's from this set here. I'm in love with it! (No pun intended lol)

The "are my" part of the sentiment, as well as the life saver and anchor are from Lawn Fawn's "float my boat" stamp and die cut sets. I cut out a stitched journaling card out of vellum (also by LF)--ADORE! ♡ The beautiful v-striped, red ribbon is by May Arts and can be purchased on the V's Sweet Ideas online store. I also tied some red twine through the loop of the anchor, because obviously I needed more red in there... (; heheh I'm in love with how this card turned out. I can't wait to play some more with my embossing paste and new stencils!! *leaping for joy*

And now I present to you my red, white and blue card... (:

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I hope I have inspired you. Don't forget to hop on over to the V's Sweet Challenge blog to check out what the rest of the DT gals have created just for you! I hope you'll join us by playing along in this month's fun challenge! 'Til next time, my loves! GOD richly bless! MUAH!! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

Enjoy The Ride...

2014-06-30T12:47:00.003-04:00

Hello, my lovelies!!!

How are you all doing?! I'm enjoying my summer break and gearing up for my upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic--ooh, I can hardly wait!!! *grin*

Found this cute card I made some months back and I don't think I ever posted a picture of it. And since I'm hardly ever on my blog anymore, thought I'd get on and share this one. It's an adorable mini card I made using the Lawn Fawn "Admit One" stamp set. I colored it with my Copics and added shimmer to the white scallops, the horse seats and the carousel flag. I also added a strip of gray heart pattern paper (Let's Polka petite paper pack) as a border to tie it all in with the bottom of the carousel. Tied some purple twine at the bottom of the card and finished it off with a rhinestone on the bow. Very simple, but sweet and heart-warming card (:

I hope I have inspired you today. Swing by again tomorrow for a new V's Sweet Challenge... It's going to be a fun one! (; Thanks for stopping by to "see" me. Wishing you all a bright and blessed day! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

VSC: Summer Fun!

2014-06-01T13:51:00.002-04:00

Happy June, my beautiful friends!!!

I hope you're all doing well! I just finished my first school year here in MD, and I can't believe I actually survived it!!! HA! Words can not express how good it feels to finally be on summer vacation!!! :D Anyway, the reason I'm here today is because it's the 1st of June and that means a new challenge begins on the V's Sweet Challenge blog today--woohoo!! The theme? SUMMER FUN!!! The sponsor for this month's challenge is the awesome "A Day For Daisies". The winner of the challenge will receive a $12 gift card to A Day For Daisies' online shop! (:

For my "summer fun" card, I decided to use summer-y colors... all bright and warm shades! I had been dying to try out a watercolor background--the types that Julie Ebersole and Laura make. I am in love with how the card turned out!!! I think I'm now hooked on making watercolor backgrounds and you'll be seeing more of these in the future!

For the focal sentiment on my card, I used the new Lawn Fawn die "scripty hello" and went over it with my Wink of Stella glitter brush pen (clear). Then, I covered it with glossing accents, because I am obsessed with the trapped sparkle effect it creates. I splattered some perfect pearls shimmery water for a more artistic look and feel. I then thought I'd add the "friend" sentiment (gold embossing) underneath the "hello" die cut (LF stamp set #awesome). I matted my watercolor paper panel onto a bright orange Hero Arts card stock, and then adhered that onto a lighter shade of orange card base (also from Hero Arts). To finish off my card, I adhered a generous amount of sequins in varying sizes, mostly from V's Sweet Ideas and a few by Lawn Fawn... I was stoked with the outcome!!! :D

I hope I have inspired you to get crafty and play along in this month's fun summer theme!!! Don't forget also to stop by the V's Sweet Challenge blog to check out more inspiration from the DT gals! (; Thanks so much for stopping by today. May the LORD richly bless! 'Til next time!!! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

May VSC: Distress It!

2014-05-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hello, my lovelies!

I'm back on the blog to share the card I created for this month's V's Sweet Challenge, which is a "Distress It" theme.

I received so many adorable goodies from Vanessa last month, and I went crazy trying to use most of them on my card!

The stamp I used was C.C. Designs Cracked Lula. I stamped the image on watercolor paper. I then colored the image with the use of my Faber Castell gelatos, as well as some Distress inks for the skin and the hair. I distressed the edges of the frame of my watercolored image with the Tim Holtz paper distresser. The sentiment is from a discontinued Fresh Squeezed Stamps set, and I stamped it using VersaFine ink in jet black for a crisp impression. I adhered my distressed piece onto a Dear Lizzy pattern paper frame (Daydramer 6X6 paper pad), which I also distressed the edges of, using Pomice Stone Distress ink. I grabbed a Hero Arts yellow folded card, heat embossed the mobile stamp image (Lawn Fawn's plus one set) using sugar cube embossing powder, for some added sparkle. I wrapped a bow around the card base using May Arts crinkle ribbon in ivory, and tied another bow around the ivory crinkle ribbon with some honey dew green twine. And since I just couldn't resist those yummy sweet dots, I added a yellow one to accentuate the twine (from the Seafoam pack). Finally, I mounted the framed image onto the yellow card base to finish off the card.

I hope you'll join in on the fun by playing along with us this month! Don't forget also to take a little hop over to the blog to check out more inspiration from the very talented DT gals! (;

Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you a blessed day! Xoxo

Love,
Gri ♥

April VSC: Favorite Technique

2014-04-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hello, my lovelies!!!

It's been AGES since I've posted, or crafted for that matter! Oh, how I've missed stamping and getting inky, and all that goodness derivative of creativity! But, alas, I'm back and this time to share my card for this month's "Favorite Technique" theme over on the V's Sweet Challenge blog! (:

Photographed with no flash

I have many favorite techniques to pick just one favorite... but since I recently got TONS of new Lawn Fawn goodies, which I hadn't had a chance to play with until this weekend, I asked myself... "How can I show a favorite technique that will allow me to use absolutely ALL the new products I just purchased?" heheh (: My mind was all over the place, because I just couldn't decide on which stamp set to use--I LOVE them all!!! Lo and behold, what better super FUN technique than to paper piece?! I was like a little kid in a candy store *grin* So, I grabbed the oh-so-trendy #awesome stamp set and lawn cuts by LF, since I could paper piece, die cut and stamp the entire collection, using none other than some more yummy LF pattern papers (Let's Polka and Hello Sunshine)!! :D

I was going to just add a few sweet dots by V's Sweet Ideas and be done, but I felt something else was missing to make the whole card stand out... What better way to add a WOW factor than with Maya Roads metallic ribbon in gold from V's Sweet Ideas?!! Yes, it was a match made in heaven! (; For the finishing touches, I punched out two hearts with my Martha Stewart confetti hearts punch, then added shimmer with my Wink of Stella glitter brush pen marker (clear). I also wanted to trap all that pretty shimmer by covering the birdie and the hearts in glossy accents.

Photograph taken with flash

This card is a little more busy (because of the many different patterns) than I like my cards to be (I'm more of a CAS style kind of girl), but I just couldn't help myself with so much cuteness surrounding me! LOL heheh (: Anyway, I hope my card puts a smile on your face... And please, swing by the V's Sweet Challenge blog to check out the gorgeous creations my teammies have come up with. They have totally outdone themselves with this one--you won't want to miss it!!!

Have a great day and may the LORD richly bless!! 'Til next time!!! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

You Mean The World To Me

2014-03-30T17:47:00.000-04:00

Hello, lovely crafters!

I hope you're all having a FAB weekend. It's been a rainy Sunday here in Maryland--perfect for spending the day crafting! (: I've been on a roll creating cards and having a blast trying out new techniques that I had been dying to try out.

I recently received a HUGE Lawn Fawn order (through V's Sweet Ideas) and it wasn't until today that I got a chance to play with all those yummy goodies!!! {[Stay tuned for a special post this Tuesday! (;]} Anyway, it's hard to decide which stamp set and pattern papers to use when you have so many to choose from!!! Lawn Fawn is such a big enabler... *grin*

I now present to you my paper-pieced artwork... (:

Photographed without flash

I had SO much fun making this card and adding all the little details. It's such a vibrant and happy card--it makes me smile every time I look at it! :D

Photographed with flash

All pattern papers are from Lawn Fawn's Let's Polka and Hello Sunshine. I'm in love with all these papers!!! And it's the first time I decide to use them without fear of running out... I refuse to be a hoarder of pattern paper--all thanks to my girl, Kisha *kiss* The stamp set and coordinating lawn cuts (dies) I used for this card are also by Lawn Fawn and they're called "Wish You Were Here" *swoon* After paper piecing the adorable globe, I added a tiny heart on it (Martha Stewart heart confetti paper punch), and also painted some shimmer on it with my Wink of Stella brush pen. I then covered it in glossy accents, because I LOVE the effect it creates underneath. I also added Caribbean twine (from V's Sweet Ideas' shop) to "hang" the banners from. As a finishing touch I drew white faux stitches all around the card. Seriously, this card just makes me SO happy!!! (:

I hope I have inspired you today. Thanks for stopping by and for taking a look. Hope you are all well. May GOD bless you today and always! 'Til next time! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

Hello Sunshine!

2014-03-04T09:43:00.001-05:00

Good morning, lovelies!

Another snow day for me, so I have a chance to stop by the blog and post a project I am linking back to Vicky from Clips-n-Cuts! She is having a HUGE giveaway for anyone who creates a project and uses the InLinkz tool--which is a business owned by her family--to list the products used in your project(s)... SO fun!! (:

So here's the card I created and right below the second photo, you'll find the list of supplies I used for this project...

blue skies

*PRE-ORDER Lawn Fawn HELLO SUNSHINE Clear Stamps

*Fiskars CLOUD X-LARGE Easy Squeeze Punch 03800

Stickles, Star Dust

Zig Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Tip Marker, Clear

Accents, Mini Glossy

*PRE-ORDER Lawn Fawn HELLO SUNSHINE Lawn Ornaments MIXED SEQUINS

Sew Easy Baker's Twine, Green

*Best Creation BIG SQUARES 3-D Foam Tape Adhesive FT004

I hope you'll be inspired to try it out and enter for a chance to win BIG (SSS Ink and Paper Collection)! Check out Vicky's' blog and video for more details! (; Thanks for stopping by! GOD bless... XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

VSC #21: Kids Theme!

2014-03-02T19:01:00.000-05:00

Good evening, my beautiful friends!

Quickly making a stop on the blog to post my card for the current V's Sweet Challenge Theme this month: "Kids Theme". The sponsor for this month's challenge is: A Day For Daisies. They are offering a $12 gift certificate to their online shop. I invite you to stop by their blog to check out their fabulous images! A BIG thank you, ADFD for your generosity!!! (:

And now, here's the card I created for this month's challenge:

As you can see, I used Lawn Fawn's "Year Two" stamp set and couldn't adore it more!!! It's SO stinkin' cute!!! :D I tied a bow using twine that you can purchase at V's Sweet Ideas online shop! (; I hope you'll join us this month in this fun new challenge! Don't forget to also stop by the V's Sweet Challenge blog to check out the wonderful projects created by the rest of the DT girls!

Thanks for stopping by to "see" me. 'Til next time! GOD richly bless! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

I Only Have Eyes For You...

2014-02-17T08:30:00.001-05:00

Good morning, my lovelies!!!

I hope you're all doing well. It's a gorgeous sunny Monday morning here today! ☀ These past 5 days of time-off have been AHH-MAZE! (: I've rested plenty and I'm gearing up to tackle two very hectic weeks up ahead.

Before the craziness catches up with me and I'm unable to stop by my blog, here's another lovey-dovey card I made last week, which I just about adore! It's so sweet, romantic and pretty... (:

I finally got around to unpacking more moving boxes and there I found the rest of my crafty supplies that I'd been looking for and missing! (': It was like opening gifts on Christmas morning all over again!! HA! (: Anyway, I was able to get a hold of my precious and beautiful doilies one again, as well as all my other paper punches! *grin* Without further ado, here's my card... Hope you enjoy! (;

Supplies

Lawn Fawn: Science of Love (sentiment)

Papertrey Ink: Love Birds; Kraft card stock

Martha Stewart: Hearts punch

Hero Arts: Red card base

Inks: Onyx Black (VersaFine); Watermark (VersaMark)

Misc.: White gel pen; star dust stickles; french lace doily; red polka dot washi tape; white embossing powder

Thank you all SO very much for stopping by to "see" me on the blog. Wishing you a wonderful and blessed week. GOD's best to you always! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

Soda-lighted You're My Friend! (:

2014-02-16T09:04:00.001-05:00

Good morning, sunshines!!!

Yes, I'm up bright and early to share the friendship V-Day card I made for my crafting BFF Kisha!! (: That girl has truly made my moving transition to Maryland a more comfortable, bearable and welcoming experience. I am SO grateful to GOD for crossing our paths, because only He knows I was ready to jump in the car and drive my little self all the way back to New York. She surely holds a special place in my heart and I will cherish her forever... ♥

Anyway, here's my card (or Kisha's rather)...

I used my Fresh Squeezed Stamp set "Soda-lighted", which I'd been hoarding for over a year now (probably almost two years). I had a blast stamping the different pieces using different colored Hero Arts shadow inks! The postcards are from Lawn Fawn's "You've Got Mail" and the flag banner is also by Lawn Fawn and it's from their "Blue Skies" collection. Wait, I also used the hearts stamp from Lawn Fawn's "Into The Woods" to create my background--LOVE the texture!

To finish off the card, I rounded all four corners on the card, drew white faux stitches all around it, sealed each banner flag with glossy accents and then randomly selected a few of the stamped hearts to fill in some hearts for an extra pop! Hope you like this sweet card as much as I do! Sweets for the sweet!! (;

Thank you SO much for stopping by today to "see" me on the blog. May GOD make His face shine upon you. Have an amazing day!!! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

2014-02-14T09:34:00.001-05:00

Hello again, my lovelies!!!

Here once more to share another lovey-dovey card I made using ALL Papertrey Ink products--"Love Birds" stamp set and coordinating dies; cream rustic twine and kraft cardstock, which is by far my favorite!!! I don't think I'll ever use another brand of card stock again! *swoon* I wanted to keep this card as clean and simple as possible--those are the most elegant and classy ones (a firm believer that LESS is more)! I used my Hero Arts woodgrain background stamp using wet cement shadow ink. The red cardstock is by Kate's Paperie--amazing quality also (a gift from my cousin Carlos)! I heat embossed the sentiment and cage chain in white and drew white faux stitches along the edges of the narrow panel. Upon assembling the card, I adhered two pearls to tie in the white hues that were already on the card. LOVE the romantic, yet airy and soft feel of this card... Plus, love birds just make everything better! (;

Happy Valentine's Day, dolls!!! GOD's best on this day!!! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

We Have Great Chemistry!

2014-02-14T08:38:00.001-05:00

Good morning, my lovelies!!!

It's Valentine's Day and a snowday for me! YEAY!!! *grin* I've been home for two days, so you know my creative juices have been at their best!!! (; I have four cards to share with you today, but I will be posting each of them in separate posts, since I'd like to submit them each to a challenge or two...

The first card was entirely made using Lawn Fawn products--one of the newest sets--Science of Love! It's a super cute lil science scene and I had a blast creating it!! (:

Here it is...

Supplies:

Lawn Fawn: Science of Love; Science of Love lawn cuts; Blue Skies

Inks: White Frost (ColorBox); Tumbled Glass, Broken China & Chipped Sapphire distress inks (Ranger); Royal Red, Soft Granite shadow inks (Hero Arts); Onyx Black (VersaFine); Tuxedo Black (Memento).

Misc.: Copic Markers, Wink of Stella glitter brush (clear), Glossy Accents, Star Dust sticklesCardstock: Papertrey Ink (card base); Recollections (pink mat)

I am submitting this one to the current Lawnscaping Challenge "Let's Celebrate Valentine's Day!". Here's their badge:

I can't think of a more exciting theme to create cards for--hearts, pinks, reds, loveeee... [sigh] Well, plus I may be biased; I'm such a romantic... *smitten* heheh (: Anyway, hope my card helped put a smile on your face today. GOD richly bless! Xoxo

Love,
Gri ♥

VSC: Red, White & Pink!

2014-02-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello, my lovelies!!!

I can't believe February is already here!!! Wow, the year is racing by right before our eyes--insane! Anyway, that also means that a new challenge begins at V's Sweet Ideas. The theme? *grin* Red, white and PINK!!! *grinning from ear to ear* Any romantic will understand me very well... HA! (; This month's sponsor is the very generous Bugaboo stamps. A BIG thank-you for your generosity and support, friends at Bugaboo!! :D

Since my schedule has quickly gotten quite hectic in the last two weeks, I decided to make a quick, clean & simple card. They are the most sophisticated anyway... (; Here it is...

I cut a wide strip of red card stock (by Kate's Paperie) and drew white faux stitches along the edges. I mounted that using foam squares and then I began to assemble the rest of the elements on it. I took hold of some old Martha Stewart stickers I've been hoarding and made it one of the focal points on the card. I rounded the right hand corners of the card. Then, I used the "big hugs" sentiment from the Hero Arts stamp set "XO" and heat embossed it in white. I cut out the strip of pink card stock (Recollections) and cut one of the ends at an angle. Added a few sweet dots by V's Sweet Ideas and voilà, the card was done! Really loving the outcome. It's not busy with patterns and not crowded by too many different colors. iLOVE me those CAS cards... (;

Anyway, hope you are inspired to get crafty today by joining us this month at V's Sweet Challenge and playing along. Don't forget to swing by the blog to check out what the other DT girls have come up with... You'll surely be delighted! (; Thanks for stopping by today... Wishing you a delightful Sabbath and weekend! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

With Sympathy - On A Snowy Day ❄

2014-01-21T14:06:00.001-05:00

Hello, my beautiful friends!!!

So whadda you know? I got a snow day... I sure did! *cheesin'* You know us teachers (and students) are LOVIN' this day! *grin* hahaha! So, I've been crafting the morning away... [sigh] Now taking a break to share this sympathy card I made with my new Hero Arts stamp set that I picked up at Michaels Saturday night while hanging with Kisha. I LOVE this set!!! I'm also glad I challenged myself to make a card using it. Here it is... (:

Supplies:

Hero Arts: With Sympathy; shadow ink in wet cement

V's Sweet Ideas: Crinkled ribbon and sequins

ColorBox: inks in gold and chestnut roan

My Mind's Eye: all pattern papers

Recollections: cream card base (Michaels)

Ranger: Glossy Accents (to adhere sequins down)

Hope you got inspired! Stay warm--or cool, depending on where you are in the world! (; 'Til next time! GOD bless you all! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

I ♥ You! XOXO

2014-01-20T10:46:00.002-05:00

Good morning, my lovelies!!!

I get to enjoy an extra day at home... although later I need to get started on writing lesson plans and preparing for this week at school--tons happening! Anyway, thought I'd quickly get on the blog and post this chic card I created a couple weeks ago and has me stoked!!! ♥

Like I've shared in previous posts, I'm in loveeeee with this color combo (pinks and turquoise)... It makes the romantic in me melt!!! *smitten* Anyway, someone took a look at this card before I shared it w/the world. The first thing he expressed before saying anything else about this card was how this card has so much of [me] in it. I couldn't agree more and I was actually a bit shocked that he could pick up on that just by taking a first glance at it. This card has a LOT of meaning, which I'll keep the details of that private to myself at the moment (heheh), but I guess the card does scream "GRI" all over (: It's now my favorite card out of all the ones I've made. Not sure that I'll be able to ever give it away to anyone... [sigh] Also, I created it using all scraps from other cards I've worked on (some of you may recognize the scraps). Anyway, I hope you like it as much as I do!

Here it is...

Supplies:

Hero Arts: XO stamp set; Newspaper Skyline; shadow ink in soft granite and wet cement

Lawn Fawn: Happy Feast; Say Cheese and Say Cheese Lawn Cuts; Hearts - Lawn Cuts; Dewey Decimal 6 x 6 paper pad collection

Ranger: Distress ink in antique linen

V's Sweet Ideas: enamel dots and sequins

Papertrey Ink: white cardstock and white rustic twine

Michaels: glitter glue; Recollections hot pink cardstock

I hope I have inspired you to get creative today. Thanks for stopping by and I wish you a very blessed and delightful day! 'Til next time, my loves! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥

You R My Love Story!

2014-01-12T09:30:00.002-05:00

Good morning, sunshines!!! ☀

I've been up since VERY early this morning... tons on my mind and a long to-do list. Then, the sunshine peeked through my cozy apartment windows and I said, "I better take a few pictures now before the clouds set in again..." So here I am, sharing a "LOVE" card I made last night. I actually stamped the Maya Road stamp set (another gift from Tiffany) a few weeks ago. I wasn't sure how I would use it though. And last night, I decided it was time to put it to good use. I gathered various scrap papers from my other crafts that I had cut out, and I am lovin' the outcome of repurposing scraps! I have more "scraps of papers" that I put to very good use on another card, but I'm saving that one for another day... (; Anyway, here is today's card. I hope you enjoy!

Like I already mentioned before, the typewriter and the "you r my love story" sentiment I composed are from the Maya Road stamp set "Tell Your Story". I LOVE this mini stamp set and again, I want to thank my gal pal, Tiffany for sending me such a cutie!!! :D Once I had adhered everything to the layers of paper I had assembled (I attempted to create my own polaroid), I kept feeling like there was something else missing... even after adding that May Arts rustic twine and hot pink rhinestone, there was just too much white space on the bottom. That's when I decided to play around with other stamp sets to create a second sentiment that would go with the "love" theme of the card. I pulled out my Paper Smooches set (from last year) and stamped "You & Me" using my VersaFine ink (onyx black). The turquoise pattern paper is from Lawn Fawn and the hot pink card stock is by Recollections, which my crafty BFF (a.k.a Kisha) gave me the last time we crafted together (: To finish off the card, I thought I would make it pop more by adding faux stitches around the "polaroid" frame with my white gel pen.

I hope you've enjoyed this cute lovey-dovey card. And I hope I have inspired you to craft some love themed cards! (: Thank you SO much for stopping by today and looking! Have a FANTABULOUS day and may GOD richly bless you! Xoxoxo

Love,
Gri ♥

Hey, Girlfriend!

2014-01-10T08:11:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday, my lovelies!!!

I'm sitting here at home as my school has a 2-hour delay due to inclement weather. I am lovin' it--HA! (: (The second delay this week, too!)

Anyway, my really good friend, Tiffany, sent me a care package filled with many scrumptious crafty goodies when I first moved to MD. I've challenged myself several times already to create cards utilizing the goodies that she sent me, and I am LOVIN' the results so far!! ♥ (Thanks again, Tiff for all these amazing goodies!!! *kisses*)

Here's the special card I made using some gorgeous coral rose trims that I cut out individually to adhere with cold silicone glue . I also used these pink pearls that Tiffany also shared with me. The rest of the supplies are things I already own (SSS sentiment, Hero Arts shadow ink in wet cement, Martha Stewart butterfly paper punch, vellum card stock, rustic twin from Papertrey Ink, My Mind's Eye pattern paper and Hero Arts card base). I hope you will enjoy this super girly one! (;

Hoping I have inspired you to get crafty today or any time during this weekend. Have a blessed day and a delightful Sabbath and weekend!! Xoxoxo

Love,
Gri ♥

VSC #19: Anything Goes! (:

2014-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello, my lovelies!!!

It's time for a brand new "Anything Goes" themed challenge at V's Sweet Challenge!!! Here's what I created:

I'm in love with how this card turned out!! *grin* There's something magical about combining Hero Arts and Lawn Fawn!!! (; It's a marriage made in crafting heaven! ♥ I limited the colors I'd use to only three (3) of them, as I was trying to go for a more classy/chic look (less is more--no kiddin'!). Those that know me well know that I'm a New Yorker, and a true one at heart--forever will be! This is why I was so stoked to get this Hero Arts stamp, because it reminds me of the city life in New York. Unfortunately, I hadn't gotten the chance to play w/this City Buildings stamp yet--with all the moving and hectic life I've been living... but I finally challenged myself to use it during this Christmas break.

I heat embossed the image in white. I also used Lawn Fawn's hearts - lawn cuts to make a heart shaped window on the kraft panel. Behind the heart window I added some turquoise sequins, which I got from the amazingly generous, Vanessa. The beautiful turquoise pattern paper is also from Lawn Fawn, however, I purchased the paper from V's Sweet Ideas--ADORE! I then die cut the ribbon ends label (by My Favorite Things) and stamped the sentiment from a discontinued company (Deasy Designs) using Hero Arts shadow ink in soft tide pool (lately I've been obsessing over this color!). For the finishing touches I wrapped Papertrey Ink rustic twine in white to the label, and added a gemstone, which was clear, but colored using a Copic marker to match the turquoise color theme that was on the rest of the card. And lastly, I drew white faux stitches to frame the panel and make it pop even more... I LOVE it!!! :D I hope you do, too! (;

I hope I have inspired you to get crafty and play along with us on the V's Sweet Challenge blog this month!!! Be sure to also swing by the blog to check out more inspiration from the beautiful creations my teammies have created (and to add your own link)!!! Looking forward to seeing your gorgeous artwork!!! Thank you SO much for stopping by today--it really brightens my day! Have a fabulous day and may GOD richly bless!!! Xoxoxo

Sincerely,
Gri ♥

CASE'd: Woodgrain Backdrops Card

2014-01-02T15:57:00.001-05:00

Hello again, my lovelies!

Told you I really got crafting during this Christmas break... And to think that the peace, quiet and enjoyment will soon end on Monday... [sigh]

Anyway, here's another Valentine's Day card I made using... yes, indeed, you guessed it: LAWN FAWN! hahaha! Anyway, I CASE'd this card from my dear friend, Tiffany... Here's a picture of her card, followed by a picture of mine... Enjoy! (;

By Tiffany Ervin

Supplies:

Lawn Fawn: hearts - lawn cuts; love 'n breakfast; woodgrain backdrops

Hero Arts: shadow ink in wet cement

Sakura: white gel pen

Recollections: kraft card base and white card stock

I used some yummy pink pearls that the same adorable friend, Tiffany Ervin, sent me in a care package when I had first moved into my new apartment in MD. What a sweetheart she is and does she know my taste well or what?! LOVE you much, doll!!! Thank you!!! Xoxoxo

I hope you got inspired! Thanks for stopping by once again! Continued blessings... 'Til next time! Xoxoxo

Love,
Gri ♥

[Eye] ♥ U

2014-01-01T21:17:00.003-05:00

Good evening, my beautiful friends!

Happy New Year once again! I've had a wonderful productive day and decided I'd share another card with you tonight... Just for the fun of it (;

Pretty cute, silly and simple Valentine's Day card! Threw on a couple of pink shades of washi tape from V's Sweet Ideas online shop, die-cut two hearts from Lawn Fawn's Hearts - Lawn Cuts, glued on a googly eye and a black glitter alpha thicker, added a pair of faux stitching lines with a pink marker and the card was done! (:

I hope you got inspired! Thanks once again for stopping by my blog tonight! GOD bless and have a restful night! Xoxoxo

Love,

Gri ♥

P.S. Barb G, please e-mail me at: grisel.blanco@gmail.com! When I reply to your messages they aren't sent. Thank you, doll! *kiss*

Happy New Year!!!

2013-12-31T14:14:00.001-05:00

Hello, my lovelies!!!

I hope you have been enjoying the holidays in the company of loved ones and joyful gifts!

I'm here to share a card I made a few days ago... With the fuss of the holidays and being busy entertaining family here at home, I hadn't gotten a chance to photograph the cards I've created. But guess what?! The wait was all worth it, because I got my new camera JUST in perfect time!!! :D Yeay!!! My new baby's name is Nikon D3200 and I couldn't be happier!!! I can now share better photos of my creations w/you instead of the lower quality pictures with my iPhone.

Since Valentine's Day is soon approaching, I thought I'd share a card that doesn't have the traditional hearts, reds and pinks on it... I guess you can say this one sports a more masculine style. Still cute, but definitely more manly than most Valentine's Day cards out there... heheh (:

Supplies:

V's Sweet Ideas: twine (in stone) and musical notes washi tape

Lawn Fawn: Into The Woods stamp set; sentiment stamp is from LF which was sent as a thank you gift w/my order; Blue Skies (stars).

Studio Calico: Pattern papers (conversation bubbles and paper pieced fox)

Additional supplies: Glitter glue, Hero Arts shadow ink in wet cement.

I hope you got inspired. Thanks for stopping by to "see" me today! Big shout out to the lovely Susan and Barb for the special love that they always leave on my page--{[heart]} you, ladies very much!!! XOXOXO 'Til next time!! May GOD richly bless you and prosper you w/His best in the New Year!!!

Love,
Gri ♥

Special Guest: Kisha (:

2013-12-22T09:44:00.000-05:00

G'morning, my lovelies!!!

I am SO excited about today's post! *grin* Yesterday I got to spend the day with my loving friends and adopted family: Kisha, Lloyd and the rest of Kisha's family! They seriously make me feel like I'm part of their family... I love them each to pieces!!! {[Well done, Lloyd! (;]}

Anyway, since we knew we were getting together, Kisha and I brought all of our crafting goodies, tools and supplies over to her mom's house, which is where all the crafty fun took place! We only used Lawn Fawn products. We're both LF addicts--yes, guilty as charged! HA! (: We both had such a blast creating cards... Kisha ended up making 4 cards in total and I made 3 of them--that's a record for both of us!!! hahaha! Anyway, just wanted to share with you of one of the cards Kisha made yesterday (she mass produced the snowman card LOL). It is SO stinkin' CUTEEEE!!! I'm also sharing two out of the three cards I made... One of them is a quick one with ribbons used as washi tape or banners to create a simple yet elegant card (you've seen me create this type of card before, so I didn't feel like I should share yet another card just like I've shown before lol). I must also mention that I gave all three cards away last night... One card was for Kisha's step dad whom couldn't stop drooling over our cards, and the other two were for Kisha's mom... She was dying for me to say "here, you can have them". That lady is just the sweetest of them all! I have found a second mom here in MD!!! XOXO

And now, without further ado, here are Kisha's card as well as mine: (Pictures taken w/my iPhone 5)

Card by Kisha Martin (:

Card by gRiSeL™

Thank you, all SO much for stopping by today to check out my silly posts filled with excitement and joy. I can't help it--it's the simple things that make me most happy! (: Hope all's well w/you! May the LORD continue to richly bless each of you. Have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! XOXO

Love,
Gri ♥