Today I have a very special project to share. Sergei and me made it for my friend’s son who starts Kindergarten this coming Thursday. When Sergei started his school we lived in Richmond, VA. He had the best teacher ever! Her name was Mrs. Gusky. On the first day at school she gave all her young students a School Survival Kit. I really liked that idea! And I decided to do the same for Sam (my friend’s son).

We created a card using one of the stamps from ATC store. For the layout I chose SC #243 ; very cute layout. And of course what a school without backpack. I followed this great tutorail by Mary Arima from Splitcoastampers forum. Inside we put all the supplies for the Survival Kit. Sergei wrote explanations of each item and we put it in the pocket. If you are interested that is what we used:

- Cotton ball: To remind you that this room is full of kind words and warm feelings;

- Star: To remind you to shine and always try your best:

- Penny: To remind you that you are valuable and special;

- Eraser: To remind you everyone makes mistakes. That’s OK, we learn by our errors;

- Happy Face Stickers: to remind you that smile is so important;

- Gum: to remind you to stick with it;

- Rubber Band; to remind to stretch yourself to learn.

I hope Sam will like it and we wishing him a wonderful year!

That is all for today. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Hugs and smiles,

Elena

I love Basic Grey papers, and they were perfect for the inspiration picture that is at Sparkle’s Creations Challenge blog. I think that colors are very close to the original picture. And hooray I made this card in time for the challenge! Scooter Chloe was chosen as the main character of this little project.

Sweet Sunday Sketch helped with the layout of this card. I liked the horizontal scalloped border along with vertical. How neat!

That is all for now… Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving me your comments. They mean a lot to me.

Have a fabulous day everybody,

Elena

Since I didn’t have any stamps that would be close enough to the print of the bedding or wall decoration I decided to go with the colors. At least I tired to stay close to the colors that inspiration photo has. I also wanted to surprise Ida and create a card using a stamp set that she sent to me a s birthday gift (Darcie’s rubber stamp). Thank you, Ida! As you can see this card is very different of all my cute cards… I know I’m not so good with elegant and gorgeous cards, but I tried. What can I say – I need more practice in this direction and learn more from talented ladies. Several months ago I discovered Stephanie’s Kraft blog and form now one I visit very often. I was inspired by this card that she created.

Now, are you ready to see a real beauty? Please, visit Ida’s blog, and you will understand why I was so amazed when I saw her card. Absolutely stunning! Look at the pretty stamp set she used; the colors are so fresh and gentle at the same time. What a nice touch with the butterfly! And border she added, how neat is this? I am not even talking about other details – texture that was made using an embossing folder; tag with the sentiment; cute little bow… I love this card so much!!! And feel so lucky to have in my craft room now!

Before I finish my post I wanted to thank you all of you for the wishes you left for Sergei. He had a great First Day at school. He told me that he liked his teacher and he can’t wait to get back to school. That sounds terrific, I’m so glad that we have a good start! He is very excited about using his locker; plus they now have “trapper keeper” binder where they keep all their notebooks. I think that he feels all grown up right now.

That is all for today. hope you have an enjoyable day and happy stamping to all of you,

Elena

Today was the first day at school for Sergei. He was a little bit nervous (and me too)… He is in the Middle School already!  Hopefully it will go well and he will enjoy his new teacher and friends.

I also got a card from my friend Ida today for our Once Upon a Monthly Challenge. Wow! I can’t wait untill the day when we can show it to you. Her card is so beautiful! I mean, absolutely gorgeous! You will understand why I am so excited, Ida is a real inspiration!

Well, it is almost time to meet Sergei (I am off work today!). We will be making a special dinner in the evening to celebrate beginning of the new school year.

Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving me some love! Wishing you all fabulous day,

Elena

“There are different stories about origin of lantern itself. One tells that Chinese lantern originated  for spiritual purposes (the emperor at the time may have desired to honor Buddha in this fashion on the eve of the Chinese New Year). Another tells about military purposes (Zhu Geliang, a military strategist and war hero, is credited with having constructed a gauzy-thin lantern that would float to the sky as a signal to alert neighboring cities of an approaching attack). Any of these facts can be true but after reading several articles I found out that  paper lanterns were first created in China, fashioned from oiled paper stretched on wood or bamboo frames.

Paper lanterns is a symbol of  happy events like weddings and births, and were an integral feature of festivals. Taking numerous shapes and forms, they also had pragmatic functions like bringing light to homes and darkened village streets, and sending supplications to heaven. As symbols of joy, lanterns remain an important part of Chinese festivals, keeping alive what began as a cottage industry hundreds of years ago.”

Well, that is pretty cool to find so much about lanterns. Don’t you think? After my virtual traveling through Asian countries I decided to bring a little souvenir with me. I tried to make something that will look like a lantern. It doesn’t look as beautiful as the real ones, but I had so much fun creating it. I followed this tutorial, which is very easy and you can do with your kids. So it would be not only crafty but educational too!

For the layout of my card I followed Sketch for you to Try from the last week.

That is all for now… Thank you so much for spending some time with me. Enjoy the rest of the weekend,

Elena

P.S. Unfortunately I couldn’t enter this card in time for the challenge. I started writing this post in the afternoon and my Internet was down… Then I needed to go to work (yep, another Sunday (mandatory)… Well better later then never. Really sorry about this…

Sorry I have been so quiet for so many days; life was very busy here lately. Anyway I had some crafting time yesterday and made a card using a digital stamp from La-La Land Crafts  – Sweet Dreams Marci. Don’t you like her bunny slippers and night dress? I imagined that Marci just got up and ready for another day (that is why I stamped Hello Sunshine sentiment from Verve stamp company).

For the layout I followed Mercy’s Tuesday Sketch, which is so beautiful! Always enjoy visiting her blog and always find inspiration there.

I think that is all for today… Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! See you soon with another project,

Elena

As you can see, for the layout of my card I followed Sweet Sunday Sketch. This sketch reminded me a part f Luka’s outfit and I decided to recreate into a card design. So what do you think?

Okay, now to the fun part… A new story about Pirate Luka. My son, Irina and all of you my readers inspired me for this. I even know a parrot that is a part of this story too. My mom (in Russia) has a talking parrot, he really can speak! It is just amazing. So, take a cup of coffee or tea and start reading. I hope you will enjoy it!

…This story happened in one of the summer afternoons. There was a little boy named Luka who lived with his parents and his pet, talking parrot Kesha. Usually Luka was playing with his friends outside or was reading a book; sometimes he was playing with his mom or dad (when they had time), or he was teaching his parrot new words. But this day was so hot and humid outside, and Luka’s mom was busy at the kitchen, and his best friend went to visit his grandparents. So Luka walked to the kitchen and told his Mom:

“Mom, I am so bored today. Can you play with me?”

Since Mom was so busy and she couldn’t do it anyway, she said:”Why don’t you read a book, or try to built your new Lego?” I forgot to tell that Luka was a great fan of Lego’s.

“I just finished one book and Lego was built already. Remember I showed you?”

Mom thought for a minute and then an idea came in her head. Last week they read a book about hidden treasure and pirates; this can be a good game for Luka!

“Luka, remember a book we have read last week? Would you like to be a Pirate Luka? I will help you with the clothes and a map. I will hide a treasure for you. You already have a parrot; all you need is your imagination!”

“That sounds like a good idea, Mom! But what will be my Pirate ship?”

“Or that is easy – we have a big empty box in our basement, we can use it!”

“Hooray!” – screamed Luka! He ran into the living room “Kesha did you hear you will be Pirate’s Parrot!”

Mom took her old cardigan, and it became a Pirate jacket. Dad’s felt hat became a Pirate’s hat; they just added a skeleton head and bones (Luka drew them on the paper and cut it out).  Luka’s rubber boots became his Pirate boots. And old pillow case was a bag for collecting all the treasures. Mom drew a map and hid some treasures (small toys, candy and coins) around the house. They even made a flag out of old t-shirt for the ship.

“Now you all set, Pirate Luka!” – said Mom.

“Ahoy matey! To the Treasure Island!” – In a big excitement screamed Luka. He put Kesha on his shoulder and started his treasure adventure.

One hour later… Mom finished her work at the kitchen and noticed that it had been so quite for the last 15 minutes. She went into the living room and saw her little Pirate Luka sleeping on the coach (Treasure Island) holding the last found treasures (coins) in his hand. Mom carefully took his boots and hat off, stroked his hair, and kissed her sleeping Luka.

“My little Pirate… I wonder what you see in your dreams” – she smiled… But we know that in his dreams Pirate Luka was travelling across the ocean to the Treasure Island…  

Thank you so much for reading it. Please, let me know how did you like it? I will see you soon with a new card and maybe a new story,

Elena

P.S. Sorry for all of the grammar and punctuation mistakes… Still need to improve my English.

Today I have an early Christmas card for you to show. I wanted to participate in La-La Land Crafts Challenge and this week is all about Christmas. You know how much I liked Birthday Marci from La-La Land and I thought:”Why not to dress Marci in a Christmas dress?” Isn’t she look so cute in her red outfit? I wonder what Santa brought her for Christmas; maybe it is a new stuffed toy (friend for her Panda)?

I have a day off today. Just finished some cleaning around the house. Planning on making another card and in the evening I am going to watch final episode of Food Network Star show. Usually I don’t watch TV, but Project Runway and Food Network Star are my favorite shows.

Wishing you all wonderful day. Thank you so much for spending time at my blog!

Hugs,

Elena

I wanted to share a card with you that I made using one of the stamps from the Sweet November stamps (Baby Trick or Treat Dragon Stamp). I won a blog candy from Amy about two weeks ago and today I had some fun stamping time with it. Amy sent me not only a stamp, but also papers, and lots of embellishments. Thank you so much Amy! Oh, and did you know  that Amy has another fabulous candy at her blog. You need to check it out! Not only she gives away a thousands sheets of paper but lots of stamps too! And even if you don’t have a blog you have a chance to win an additional candy – 200 sheets of paper plus a stamp designed by Amy! That is a very generous blog candy! Somebody would be very lucky!

I created a mini-scene and one of the sheets of the DP that was in the prize was perfect for this. It looks like this cute little boy in a Dragon suit is ready to trick or treat. He is looking at the pumpkin, maybe there are some candy behind it? Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I like to look at all different costumes; you never know who will knock at your door for treats. :) Almost forgot to tell about one of the elements of my card. I added a punched border on the top of the card; saw this idea at Dawn Burnworth’s blog. Was really inspired by her gorgeous cards and projects!

That is all for today. Hope you all have a great day and enjoying the last days of summer.

Happy crafting,

Elena

I also had made a decision about my temporary work. As you may know I worked a second shift from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Very often I was working Sundays and Saturdays too. I don’t mind doing my job, but these hours were not very convenient for me (they are fine for summer since Sergei is at home). I wasn’t seeing Sergei during the school year, neither my husband. Sergei starts a Middle School this year and I really wanted to be supportive in his new life adventure. I don’t want to miss him growing too… So I decided to go and talk with the supervisor if they can either transfer me to different shift or let me be a part-time worker. As I thought… the answer was “no” which means if I don’t like these hours I basically can leave. They will ask if there are open positions for the first shift, but chances are close to “zero”. I understand the answer, I was a “temp” with no benefits and etc; I wasn’t the best employee too I guess. I don’t know if it was the right decision, but I told that I will be leaving than in the next month if nothing will come up. I know we still need to patch our financial budget holes, and I hope that my choice was for the best of our family. So looks like I will be a SAHM again. Happy sigh, sad sigh… I really don’t know…

Anyway all of these crazy events that happened to me lately didn’t stop me from crafting. Today in the morning I made a card using Sparkle’s Creations Swimming Lucy. I wanted to make something simple and cute. It turned out pretty good! I added some felt buttons for some interest which I cut using CB die-cut.

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my life story. I appreciate your thoughts and opinions. Will see you soon with a new project and maybe less drama this time. Have a beautiful week everybody,

Elena