Creating Me

Happy 1st Birthday Card

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Anita

Hi friends,

So this adorable little guy turned one last month and you can see he was very excited about it! 💙💙💙 Of course I had to make him a special 1st birthday card – and what could be better than a card with Pooh and his friends? 🎈

Disclosure: Some of the links on my site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The stamp set I used is called Winnie the Pooh: Special Like You from Unity Stamp Company. The sentiment stamp I used is discontinued, but you can use any of your favorite birthday or celebration sentiment stamps from your collection – or you could even leave the sentiment strip off.

I stamped the image of Pooh and his friends with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock and colored it with Copic markers. Then I stamped the number “1” on the balloon with the same black ink. Using the Wonky Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-namics from My Favorite Things Stamps, I die cut around the image. Using the same die set, I also die cut a piece of red card stock. I stamped the sentiment with black ink on a strip of red card stock.

To make the card, I attached the red die cut piece to a white card. I attached the stamped image to the card with foam tape and then attached the sentiment strip at an angle over the stamped piece.

If you love Winnie the Pooh as much as I do, you should check out all the Pooh stamp sets at Unity Stamp Company. You are sure to find one or two (or ten!) sets that you’ll like! 😉

Anita

Posted in Baby, Cards, Stamping | Tagged Baby, Cards, Stamping | Leave a comment

Happy Easter Treat Bags

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Anita

Hi friends,

Do you have any little bunnies that you want to treat this Easter? I have a quick and easy Happy Easter tag you can attach to a small bag of goodies. They take just a few minutes to make! 🐰

You’ll need some card stock, your favorite Easter stamps, and some baker’s twine. My little bunny is an old stamp from Inkadinkado that I’ve had forever, but I found there are still a few available here on Amazon! You can also use your favorite bunny stamp from your collection. My “Happy Easter” stamp is discontinued, but here is a similar one.

I stamped my bunny and sentiment with Memento Rich Cocoa ink on white card stock. I added tiny pink cheeks and a little darker pink to his nose using Copic markers. Then I layered the piece to orange card stock. I used my Crop-A-Dile to punch a hole in the corner and attached the tag to a small cellophane bag using orange and white baker’s twine.

These are such simple little tags, but I think they make giving treats just a bit more fun! Pull out your favorite Easter or Spring stamps and make some cute tags for all your little bunnies. 🐰

Anita

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Happy Easter Card

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Anita

Hi friends,

You know how much I love Unity Stamp Company! They’ve done it again with this sweet Oh Hello Spring stamp set. 🙂 Aren’t these little bunnies cute?!?! The set also includes 2 sentiment stamps and a tiny little carrot – perfect for all your Spring cards.

Disclosure: Some of the links on my site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To make the card, I stamped the bunnies with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock. I colored the ear and tiny hearts with a pink Copic marker. I applied the background around the bunnies using the Bitty Blender Brushes from Taylored Expressions with green and blue ink. Then I die cut the image with the Wonky Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-namics from My Favorite Things Stamps. I used the same die set to cut a piece of patterned paper and attached it to a purple card. I attached the stamped piece over the patterned paper. I stamped the sentiment with green ink on a strip of white card stock and attached it to the card.

This was a fun, quick and easy card to make! You can’t go wrong with cute bunnies! 😉

Anita

Posted in Cards, Easter, Stamping | Tagged Cards, Stamping, Easter | 2 Comments

Easter Bunny Frame

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Anita

Hi friends,

If you see any of these cute little frames with the wood bead hanger at Dollar Tree you need to grab them! They measure 6 by 6 inches and with a little creativity, you can turn them into something really cute!

I found these wood egg and bunny cutouts at Hobby Lobby – they came in packages of 10. You may be able to find something similar at Dollar Tree also. My polka dot patterned paper is from Unity Stamp Company and the colors are perfect for Spring.

I trimmed a piece of pink card stock to fit inside my frame and used Matte Mod Podge with a foam brush to adhere it to the frame. I also applied a thin coat of Mod Podge over the top of the card stock to add a little sheen to it.

I traced the egg cutout on the back of 3 different colors of polka dot paper and cut them out. I used Mod Podge to adhere the paper to the wood eggs and then applied a thin coat over the top. I did the same thing with the bunny cutout and light brown gingham patterned paper.

Using my hot glue gun, I glued 2 of the eggs inside the frame and glued the 3rd one on top. I glued the the bunny to the left edge of the frame and glued on a white pom pom for his tail.

To finish it off, I added a small ribbon bow (made the Re-fabbed way) to the upper right corner of the frame.

It turned out really cute! It didn’t take long to make and it’s a fun little addition to my Easter decor.

This frame can be altered for any holiday, to match your decor, or it would look cute in a nursery or child’s room. You’re only limited by your imagination! 😊

Keep watching your local Dollar Tree and grab the frames when you see them! 😊

Anita

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Crochet Tractor Kawaii Cuddler

Posted on March 10, 2023 by Anita

Hi friends,

Do you know about 3amgracedesigns? They have the best crochet patterns and have a line called Kawaii Cuddlers that includes all sorts of great things from numbers and letters to food, animals, vehicles, and so much more

I made this tractor for a very special little boy who just turned one. It was fun to make and the pattern was easy to follow. You can add safety eyes in place of the crocheted circle eyes if you’re making it for an older child.

I used I Love This yarn in the colors listed on the pattern and an H/5mm crochet hook to stitch up my tractor. You’ll also need some polyfil stuffing to stuff your tractor cuddler.

It was a hit with the sweet little guy (and his parents, too 😉).

Be sure to check out 3amgracedesigns. I’m sure they have something you need to make! 😊

Anita

Posted in Baby, Crochet, Gifts | Tagged Baby, Crochet, Gifts | 4 Comments

Hippo Birthday Card

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Anita

Hi friends,

The Happy Hippos stamp set from My Favorite Things makes the cutest birthday cards! I made this card for a special 7 year old, but this set is great for any age. It makes such happy cards. 🙂

I stamped the Hippo, balloons, and party hat with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on white card stock and colored them with Copic markers. I used the matching Happy Hippo Die-namics to die cut each image.

I embossed a piece of yellow card stock with a birthday embossing folder (this is similar) and attached it to a red card. I used the Wonky Stitched Circle STAX Die-namics from My Favorite Things to die cut a circle from white card stock and attached it to the card with foam tape. Then I attached the Hippo, balloons, and party hat to the white circle with foam tape.

The bright colors on this card make it so fun! But you can color the images in pastel colors for a great card, too. There are several other hippo, birthday images, and sentiments in this set for making the perfect card for anyone on your birthday list. 🎁

Anita

Posted in Cards, Stamping, Uncategorized | Tagged Cards, Stamping | Leave a comment

Springtime Crochet Can Cozy

Posted on March 3, 2023 by Anita

Hi friends,

Spring is just around the corner and I’m ready for it! 🌸🌼🌺 But until it gets here, I have a Springtime Crochet Can Cozy pattern for you to brighten up the last days of winter. And they would be a cute addition to an Easter basket for an older child or teen. 🐰

It’s a super easy pattern that’s a great stash buster. You only need a couple of ounces of worsted weight cotton yarn to make each can cozy.

I used I Love This Cotton yarn and an H/5mm crochet hook to stitch up my cozies. I also added some fun flower buttons for a little something extra – this is totally optional, but I like the little touch of Spring they add. 🙂

The pattern includes a few rounds of half double crochet in the third loop. Here’s a great tutorial on half double crochet in the 3rd loop if you need it.

You can find the pattern below along with a link to a free PDF if you’d like to print it.

Springtime Crochet Can Cozy

I Love This Cotton Yarn

H/5mm hook

Flower buttons (optional)

Stitches used US terms:

Magic Ring

Chain – ch

Single Crochet – sc

Half Double Crochet – hdc

Back Loop Only – blo

Slip Stitch – ss

Make Magic Ring, ch 1.

Round 1: Work 9 hdc in ring. Join with ss to first hdc. Pull ring closed. (9 stitches)

Round 2: ch 1. 2 hdc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (18 stitches)

Round 3: ch 1. 2 hdc in same stitch as ss. *hdc in next stitch, 2 hdc in next stitch* Repeat from * to * around to last stitch. hdc in last stitch. Join with ss to first hdc. (27 stitches)

Round 4: ch 1. Working in blo, sc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first sc. (27 stitches)

Rounds 5-7: ch 1. sc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first sc. (27 stitches)

Rounds 8-10: ch 1. hdc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (27 stitches)

Rounds 11-14: ch 1. hdc in the 3rd loop of each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (27 stitches)

Rounds 15-16: ch 1. hdc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first hdc. (27 stitches)

Rounds 17-19: ch 1. sc in same stitch as ss and in each stitch around. Join with ss to first sc. (27 stitches)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sew on flower buttons if using.

Here’s the link to the free PDF…

Springtime Crochet Can Cozy

What color will you make your Springtime Crochet Can Cozy? I would love to see your makes! Tag me @creatingmebyanitayoung on Instagram or Facebook. 🙂

Anita

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It’s the Little Things – February 2023 Christmas Card

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Anita

Hi friends,

February has flown by! I’m not really complaining – I’m ready for warmer weather! 🙂 But I did manage to create a Christmas card to add to my stash for later this year, despite the shorter month. I’m creating a new card each month – you can find January’s card here.

I used the cute little Magical Gnome stamp set from Unity Stamp Company to create this month’s Christmas card. I also used the Scallops and Rectangles Nesting Dies from Unity. They’re not available right now but hopefully they will restock them soon. (These Stitched Mini Scallop Rectangle STAX Die-namics from MFT Stamps are similar.)

To make the card, I stamped the cute gnome on white card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, colored him with Copic markers and die cut the image. I layered the image to red card stock die cut with the same die set. I die cut a larger piece of green card stock, layered it to a white card, and attached the gnome to the top right corner. I stamped the sentiment with black ink on white card stock and trimmed it into a banner shape. I layered the sentiment banner to a slightly larger banner cut from patterned paper and attached the piece to the card. To finish the card, I added a tiny red gem to the center of the ornament.

I’ve created 12 Christmas cards so far this year (6 of 2 different designs) so I’m on my way to being ready when December gets here! 🙂 Are you joining me in building your stash?

Anita

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Brussels Sprouts

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Anita

Hi friends,

I’ve shared some quick recipes for roasting vegetables before, but I don’t think I’ve ever roasted sweet potatoes with Brussels sprouts. I’m not sure why I never thought of doing it?!?! 🤷🏼‍♀️

I peeled a sweet potato and cut it into bite size chunks. I trimmed off the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them into halves or quarters depending on the size. I tossed the veggies in olive oil and Everything But the Bagel seasoning. I spread them on a baking sheet covered with foil that I sprayed with olive oil spray. Here’s the before picture…

I roasted the veggies at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. I like my Brussels sprouts to be a little crispy and charred. If you don’t want them quite as crispy, just cut the time by about 5 minutes. You’ll want to make sure that your sweet potatoes are fork tender. Here’s the after picture…

Roasted veggies are so simple and have the best flavor! 😋 What is your favorite combo of veggies?

Anita

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His or Hers Birthday Cards

Posted on February 21, 2023 by Anita

Hi friends,

I have a couple of clean and simple cards to share with you today. It’s easy to turn this layout into a His or Hers Birthday Card by simply changing the color scheme. 😊

I used one of the sentiments from the Extended Celebration {may 2022 sentiment kit} from Unity Stamp Company on both of my cards. I stamped it on white card stock with blue and pink ink. Then using the Wonky Stitched Rectangle dies from MFT stamps, I die cut around the sentiment. I brushed on ink using these great Blender Brushes from Taylored Expressions to add a little depth.

To make the cards, I embossed a piece of card stock using 2 of my favorite embossing folders and attached them to a white card. (I love the selection of embossing folders that Taylored Expressions has.) Then I added a strip of coordinating patterned paper. I added the sentiment using foam tape and finished the card by adding 3 Dew Drops or sequins.

This is a great simple layout to use when you don’t have a lot of time but still want to make a special card. It comes together in just minutes! Just by changing the sentiment and colors, you can make a card like this for any occasion.

Anita