Cricut Cartridge Giveaway!!!

It has been quite some time since I hosted a giveaway on my blog. It is about time again, wouldn't you say?

Up for grabs today is a Cricut Lite Dude cartridge. This is a great giveaway since it retails for $39.99 and you will get it for............FREE! Read on to find out what you have to do to win!  I will draw a random winner when the blog post total reaches 100 posts so send everyone you know to enter.

1.  Leave a post on this blog thread telling me what you would make if you won this cartridge.  The post must be left on the blog post itself.

2.  You can earn another entry every time you send a friend to enter who mentions your name.

3.  Become a follower of my Paper Fashions blog if you are not one, then post that you became a follower.  If you are already a follower please post that as well for another entry.

4.  Post a link to this blog post on your blog, on Facebook, Twitter, etc.  Each time you do that be sure to add a post to this string letting me know.

Again, once I see that the posts on this thread have reached 100 then I will draw a random winner!

Double Double Toil and Trouble...

Fire burn and caldron bubble....

What potions are you cooking up this Halloween?

I created these potion bottles about a year ago for the Cricut Circle which is an exclusive membership club for everything Cricut! I thought I would share them with you this year as we move closer to this fun and spooky holiday!  I have these set out along with the candy dish that I posted the other day.

I would love for you to post a message telling me what Halloween crafts you are working on!  If you are not working on any right now, if you had the time what you think you would like to be working on? 

Make sure to pop in later on in the week if you want a chance to win something Cricut!  You won't want to miss it....

New project on the Cricut Blog!

Halloween is right around the corner! Last year I picked up a halloween table runner on clearance and I have been trying to come up with something I like to place in the center of that runner on my table.

So I went to work creating a candy dish that will hold all the halloween sweet and sugary goodness I can handle. The above image is just a little teaser...if you want the full view along with instructions you can click on the link below to take you there!

Click Here to see the Halloween Candy Dish

Christmas Cards for our Troops!!!

Hello crafters!

Today I want to share with you a website I just stumbled upon. It is called Operation Christmas cards and it is all about sending a card at Christmas to let our troops know how much they are appreciated. They are overseas away from family and friends during the holiday season which has to be quite difficult.

I served in the United States Air Force many years ago and I lived in Germany for two year and I can tell you first hand how difficult it is to be away from family during Christmas. Had I gotten one of these cards I would have been completely overjoyed and touched that a complete stranger would take the time to brighten my day.

So I challenge each of you to follow the link below to find out how you can help. If you are going to jump in an lend a hand please post below.

Operation Christmas Cards

Supporting Education

I am breaking away from my normal crafting posts to blog about another topic near and dear to my heart....parent involvement.

As a past Head Start teacher and administrator I have worked side by side with parents in the field of education and have seen the dramatic results parents can make when they choose to be involved at school. No one can come up with all the ideas, all the strategies, all the initiatives and programs by themselves. We need a variety of perspectives to assist our youth in being successful in their education.

As a member of the 2011 Mom Congress (Parenting.com) I was asked this week to write a letter to my daughter talking about how I plan to work to work to make her school and the education she receives the best that it can be. I wanted to share my letter to my daughter with each of you in hopes it will inspire many of you to share you own stories or to get involved in your own children's schools and education.

Meliah,

I want you to have the best education possible! This is not limited just to academics either, I want you to grow up to be a well rounded person. From my own experience in the field of education for me this includes:


Academics
Health
Nutrition
Social/Emotional development

With the above in mind, I want you to know how hard I will continue to work not only to make sure that you have a well rounded education experience, but that all children in our country receive the same.

I believe in the ability we all have to choose...we can choose to complain about what we do not like or we can choose to roll up our sleeves and pitch in to make it better. I choose to roll up my sleeves and pitch in. I have no desire to rally troops for a cause. My desire is to work with the staff in your school to build a relationship of mutual trust and respect and then find out what the needs are and work to fill them. In order to create educational change we need to unite with teachers, administrators, custodians, cooks, aides, and all staff at the school and district level. We need to work hand in hand to bring about the change that is needed.

You are quite fortunate to be living in a state with a strong education system. Even more fortunate to live in community within our state that has strong schools. There is room for improvement of course just as there is anywhere, but you are very lucky. You have amazing teachers at your school and support staff as well. Parent Involvement is also strong at your school thanks to the leadership of your principal. I promise you that I will continue working hand in hand with everyone at school to provide a top notch education for you. This includes continuing to serve in a leadership role for character education, helping out each week in your classroom, serving on the governing board, volunteering for school events, and working to improve the school nutrition program. This year we are also working to get more parents and grandparents involved at school so there is even more help for students who need it.

I feel so fortunate to be able to contribute the time I do to making a difference at your school!

Love, Mom

Back to school

I thought I would share a fun back to school project that I created and is posted over on the Cricut Blog! I made these little lunch notes to put in my daughter's lunchbox as she begins a new school year! She loves it when I use my Cricut and when we do some die cutting together. So seeing these in her lunchbox will remind her of fun times with mom! Just click on the link below to be taken to the complete post...

Click here  for the lunchbox note post on the Cricut Blog

New Projects for my blog!!!

I thought I would post a few fun project that have never before been seen on my blog! I hope you enjoy taking a peek and please leave me a comment telling me which your favorite is. That really helps me to gauge what my readers enjoy seeing!

Pool Party!

Head over to the Cricut blog to check out my latest design work! While you are there, be sure to leave me a comment.  I read them all and enjoy hearing from you.  In addition if you have a question ask away and I am happy to answer it!
Pool Party Invitation and Favor

My latest creation!!!

Are you looking for something to create to entertain the kids this summer? Check out my latest project on the Cricut Blog by clicking on the link below.  Once you get there make sure to leave a comment on the Cricut blog and let me know what you think and if you will be making one!

Click here to see the project

Winner of the $150 Cricut.com credit!!!

Thanks to all of you who took the time to visit the new Cricut Blog and become a follower of my blog! Stay tuned to my blog over the next few weeks as I post some Cricut Circle projects for you! I won't be posting any instructions for these projects but if you become a Cricut Circle member you will get access to the Circle magazine as part of your membership and then can get full instructions to recreate them!

Now, without further ado the winner of the $150 Cricut.com shopping cash is....

Nadia's World said...
Love the new cricut blog. It had awesome projects on there today and I am so thrilled. Love the circle blog and now this!

I have posted about this on my blog as well as added the blinkie. I am a follower of your blog and the new cricut blog!

Thanks for the chance to win!!

Nicole T.

Nicole, please send me the address you use for your Cricut.com account and I will submit it to Provo Craft so they can get your credit set up for you!  lfalduto at charter dot net

If I do not hear from the winner by next Monday, I will draw a new winner and post here!  So Nicole, don't delay, get me the address you use at Cricut.com ASAP!

Brand New Cricut Blog!!!

I know each of my crafty blog followers will truly love this brand new blog by Cricut! We each love to be inspired to create, to learn about the latest and greatest, and just to have a blast with our crafting. So with that in mind I want to invite you to head on over and check out the new Cricut blog? What is the advantage you ask?

The Official Cricut Blog sponsored by the Cricut Circle will feature the following:
• Inspirational projects using your favorite Cricut machines. The Imagine, Expression, Cricut Cake, Cuttlebug, Yudu and more.
• Hello Thursday Cartridge announcements.
• Educational videos and tutorials directly from Provo Craft.
• Occasional sneak peak’s into the exclusive Cricut Circle Community.
• Access to the latest Cricut.com deals.
• And much, much more!

One of my lucky blog readers will win $150 credit for Cricut.com so be sure to leave a comment on this post for your chance and then follow the instructions over on the new Cricut blog to complete your mission!  But wait...there is more....



If that isn't enough would you like a chance to win $100.00 on Cricut.com? Head over now to the Cricut blog to find out how!

Click here to go to the Cricut Blog

If you ever lose your way to the Cricut blog you can always come right back here and find it easily.  See the blinkie off to the upper right?  Simply click on it and POOF, you will be taken directly to the Cricut blog.  Easy, huh?

Guest Designer Today!

Today my work is being featured on the Imaginisce blog! I was asked if I would like to guest design and I jumped at the chance! Imaginisce has some darling lines of papers and embellishments. Plus one of my favorite tools is the i-Rock so I loved the chance to show off how great that is!

You may want to head over and check it out. There just might be a little something over there besides my work you may be interested in....just sayin'.......

Follow the link which is right below.
Click here to go to the Imaginisce Blog

Mom Congress

So as many of you read on my previous post I am representing the state of Wisconsin at the 2nd annual Mom Congress in Washington D.C.

As a result our local newspaper decided to print an article about my contest win. You can read it here-

Local Mom Congress article

Class Registration reminder

Just a reminder that tomorrow registration starts for those of you already registered for the Texas Stampede! I am so anxious to meet so many of you in my class! See the previous post for pictures of the projects we will be making.

Texas Stampede Classes

Class I will be teaching at the Texas Stampede

The other day I posted how I would be teaching a class at the upcoming Texas Stampede.  Below you will see photos of the 2 projects that are a part of my class. 

First we will be creating a cute little frame that can house a favorite photo.  You can personalize this by adding your own word in the round tag that says "love" right now.  So you could put a name or another word there.

The second project is a darling little purse note pack. 

This class used 3 main Provo Craft projects including the Imainge, Cricut Expression, and Cuttlebug.  We will only have time to use the Cuttlebug in class so the items from the Imagine and Expression are pre-printed and cut.

If you have any questions please feel free to post a comment below and I will post a comment to reply!

I can't wait to see all of you at the Texas Stampede!

Texas, Here I Come!!

Hello!

One of my all time favorite things to do is to teach paper crafting classes! I do not get the opportunity often enough.

Most of you who read my blog also know I am a member of the Cricut Circle, and also on the Cricut Circle Design Team. I do monthly projects for the Cricut Circle magazine which you get if you are a member of the Cricut Circle.

So Provo Craft has asked me to teach a class at the Texas Stampede in March. See that little Texas Stampede button I have off to the right? So cute, don't you think? Anyway, if you are interested in attending the Stampede the registration is now open to the general public. I've included a link below.

Texas Stampede

I hope to see many of you at the Stampede and of course would love for you to take my class as well!  It is going to be great fun!

See you there!
Lisa

Pinch Me!

Those of you who know me well know I have a strong education background. For many years I taught with the Head Start program and then moved on into Early childhood education administration. I am determined to do what I can to help children be successful in their education. For the past two years as my youngest daugther entered public school, I have been a volunter at school. In the classroom, as part of the school governing board, on committees, and a strong advocate for character education! Most recently I have gotten involved on the district level working on projects for the Superintendent of schools. So many great things happening in our district that I want to be a part of!

On January 27th I received an e-mail from Parenting magazine saying it was the last chance to enter the Mom Congress contest. I had until the 31st to submit a 300 word essay and photo for a chance to be chosen. I was energized by this opportunity and went to work writing. Well, if you know me well at all, you know I have a lot to say! Really? Only 300 words? This took me a very long time as I had to continue to find ways to tweak and change until I had reached the 300 word limit. I had EXACTLY 300 words in my essay! LOL

So fast forward to Sunday February 13th. I received a message in my inbox that said, "Congratulations Lisa. You have been selected to represent Wisconsin at Parenting magazine’s Mom Congress on Education and Learning conference in Washington, DC this April"!

For a moment or two I just stared at that e-mail in disbelief? Seriously? Out of all the very involved and talented parents I know we have in Wisconsin, they are asking me to travel to Washington D.C. to represent our great state? Jaw dropping, really. But within minutes I went from shock to pure elation! This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me!   So in April I am off to Washington D.C. will 50 other mom's who are working hard to change the face of education!  We will spend 4 days meeting, learning, and connecting and I hope to return home even more energized than I already am!  (if that is possible)  U.S. Education Secretary, Arne Duncan will also be speaking at the event which should be very exciting! 

So, I just wanted to share a bit with you...........and part of the reason I do not post as frequently is that I do many hours each week in volunteer work for our schools. I challenge each of you to get involved! Find your passion, a topic that is really important to you at your child's school. Then use your skills to advocate for change, see what you can do to help, and get others engaged! Together we will work to help all students be successful!

I would love to hear what you have done or are currently doing to help out your school or school district!   Maybe next year you will go to Mom Congress representing your state!

Sneak Away...

Or shall I say "Snique away." That is the name of a new website I just signed up for that offers 4 and 5 star resort/hotels at great discount pricing. You can apparently get as much as 50% off the normal rates.  From the photos I have viewed so far, the places look wonderful!  I found about this particular site through Buzz Agent.  I love getting to try out all kinds of products as a Buzz Agent and then giving my honest feedback of what I think, and what others think as well. 

If you go to their website they have current specials listed.  They also show some peeks of upcoming specials which also include the date that the deal will be available.  Right now they have pictures up for two upcoming resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean that look amazing.  Looks so much better than the snow I see out my window right now!  From what they describe on the website they only release deals for a limited time or until they sell out, depending on which one happens first. 

Curious?  Want to join?  You have to be invited to join the site so just click the special invitation link below and head over to sign up! 

Click here to join Snique Away for free!

Once you join, please come back to this blog post and let me know what you think?  Which resort/hotel caught your eye?

Check this out!!!

I have a dear friend named Julie who is wildly creative! She does amazing things with paper and embellishments! Anyway, I am going to put a link below to her website where you can check out her wonderful work, and if you love what you see...you have a chance to get some for yourself!

Paisleys and Polka Dots

After you visit, come back here and let me know what you think!  Oh, and if you don't like tons of work, her kits are all pre-cut, you just put them together.  I know, I've ordered before!  Easy peasy!

Winner!!!!!!

First of all, what a range of age guesses for my birthday! Most of you guessed way under what my actual age is and a couple of you got it right on the nose. But you didn't come here to talk age, so without any more delay I shall announce the random winner of the Rock Princess cartridge!

Melissa said...
Hmmmm...I'm guessing this might be a milestone bday? I'm going to guess 40?

Whatever number birthday it is, I hope it's a fantastic one for you! My 40th was a blast!

Melissa
January 26, 2011 6:11 AM

Melissa- please send me your mailing address at info at paperfashionsboutique dot com so I can get the cartridge out to you!

As for the rest of you....stay tuned for more fun giveaways coming up soon!

Time for a Giveaway!

Ok, as promised I am going to do a wonderful giveaway!  How would you like to win the awesome Rock Princess Cricut cartridge above?  If you want a chance follow the instructions below!

1.  Post a comment letting me know what you would make with this cartridge
2.  For an extra link, post to your facebook or twitter account.  Once you have done this come back, create another comment and post that the task is completed.
3.  Guess how old I will be on my upcoming birthday in a separate comment for another entry!  (guessing does not mean that I will actually be revealing my age...LOL)

I will draw one random winner from all comments received on my birthday which happens to be Tuesday Febraury 1st!  How about that?  I gain another year and you have a chance to win a gift!

My return to the blogosphere!

Ok, what do you say we get this blog rolling again?

A busy Christmas, doing lots of volunteer work for our school district in January (which continues), hosting a party for my husbands employees, etc. Just so much going on!

But back to blogging. To celebrate my return to the blogosphere, watch over the next couple of weeks for some fun giveaways! These are going to be awesome.........trust me!