Sweet Zoe & the Little Things

This layout is all about capturing one of those quiet, heart-melting moments with our sweet Zoe. I kept the design warm and cozy with rich autumn tones, letting the colors reflect that feeling of comfort and gratitude.

The close-up photo of Zoe really draws you in—those big, soulful eyes say it all! I layered it on patterned paper and added some simple textures like the trim along the side to give the page a soft, homey feel without overwhelming the photo.

To complement the mood, I included a journaling card that says “I am grateful for the little things” which perfectly sums up how I feel about moments like this. Sometimes it’s the simplest memories—like Zoe resting quietly—that mean the most.

This page came together as a reminder to slow down and appreciate those everyday bits of joy… especially when they come with four paws and a wagging tail.

Sharing my project with:

~Stash Bash Challenge-scrapbook page using kit that I created (see kit items below)

~Crafty Animals-anything with an animal

~Farm Quest Home-anything home-related

~Girlz Creative Fun Art of Scrap-anything with patterned paper

~Girlz Rebel-pearls

~Make My Monday-monotone

~Love To Craft-anything goes

~A Perfect Time to Craft-anything goes

Happy Crafting, 

~DEANNE~

Faith Between the Pages

I created this faith-inspired bookmark using my Cricut. The cross design features a warm woodgrain look with the powerful sentiment “He Lives !” at the center.

To add a touch of color and life, I layered vibrant floral elements along the side of the cross. The bold black outline really makes the colors pop, while the bright blooms symbolize renewal, hope, and new beginnings. I finished it off with a simple cord so it can easily slip into any book or Bible.

This project was not only fun to create, but also a wonderful way to combine crafting with faith. It would make a thoughtful gift or a special keepsake for yourself—something small that carries a big message.

Materials: cardstock, wooden patterned paper (snippet from my stash)

My "He Lives" bookmark can be found at Cricut Design Space.

Sharing my project with:

~Tag-Along-bookmark

~The Little Things-Easter

~Triple B-birds, butterflies, blooms

~Addicted to Stamps & More-any occasion

~Fab N Funky-Easter/Spring

~Wednesday's Creative Inspirations-Easter/Spring

~Word Art Wednesday-anything uplifting/encouraging

~Pammie's Inky Pinkies-anything goes

~A Place To Start-anything goes

~Allsorts-anything goes

Happy Crafting, 

~DEANNE~

Simple Stitches, Sweet Sentiments

The April challenge at HEART'S QUEST LOVABLE QUOTABLES is posted. You can post ANYTHING with a meaningful, lovable, or thoughtful quote/saying on it. 

I wanted to create something simple but full of warmth, so I reached for earthy tones and soft textures for this card. The real stitching adds such a cozy, handmade feel—it’s one of my favorite details because it gives the card that extra touch of love and time.

The layered heart is the focal point, and I love how the soft distressing gives it a slightly rustic, vintage look. Paired with the sweet sentiment, “together is a wonderful place to be” it makes this card perfect for celebrating love, friendship, or just meaningful connections.

This was one of those projects where the little details—like the stitching and subtle color palette—really made everything come together.

Sharing my project with:

~AAA Colorful-

~Neglected Stuff Challenge-use neglected items (stickers from Three Bugs in a Rug)

~Word Art-Wednesday-anything uplifting/encouraging

~Craft Rocket-layer it up

~Crafty Calendar-dies/punches (heart is a diecut)

~Daisy Chain-no design paper

~Conjuror of Dreams-anything goes

~Crafts Galore Encore-anything goes

Happy Crafting, 

~DEANNE~

Clean & Simple Easter Elegance

I wanted to create something soft and simple for Easter, and this card came together so beautifully. The bold purple flower really takes center stage, while the clean white background keeps everything feeling fresh and elegant.

I added a sweet “Easter Wishes” sticker in the middle of the flower for a cheerful touch, and finished it off with a few enamel dots for just a hint of dimension. Sometimes less really is more, and I love how this design lets the colors and textures shine.

Sharing my project with:

~Girlz Creative Crafts-flowers

~Girlz Rebel-pearls

~Triple B-birds, butterflies, blooms

~AAA Cards-CAS and starts with E (Easter)

~Addicted to Stamps & More-any occasion

~Fab N Funky-Easter/Spring

~Wednesday's Creative Inspirations-Easter/Spring

~Simply Clean and Simple-CAS

~Inkspirational-CAS (option-starts with E-Easter)

~Cardz 4 Galz-Spring flowers

Happy Crafting, 

~DEANNE~

Clean, Crisp & Thankful

The challenge at DRAGONFLY DREAMS is "CAS-Clean and Simple".

My card is all about letting simplicity shine. I created a clean and open background using a bold teal cardstock, which really allows the focal point to stand out. The soft pink flower adds a lovely pop of color and a touch of dimension, while the subtle twine detail brings in just a hint of texture without overwhelming the design.

I love how the small patterned strip along the bottom grounds the card and adds just enough interest to keep things playful. The rounded panel behind the flower softens the overall look and ties the colors together beautifully.

Sometimes less really is more, and this card is a perfect reminder that a few well-chosen elements can make a big impact!

Sharing my project with:

~Girlz Creative Crafts-flowers

~Pearly Sparkles-something old (patterned paper), something new (stickers I got for Christmas)

~Pick 3 Challenge- text, punch (border), CAS

~Triple B-birds, butterflies, blooms

~Snippets Playground-use a snippet (strip of patterned paper, fit almost perfectly ! Just had to snip off one edge)

~I Spy With My Little Eye-showers/flowers

~Paper Funday-option (dies/punches)

~CAS on Friday-CAS and botanical

~Girlz Creative Splash It With Colors-pink/blue

~Simply Clean and Simple-CAS

Happy Crafting, 

~DEANNE~

Raindrops & Smiles

The new challenge at 613 AVENUE CREATE is "April Showers or Anything Goes".

My card was inspired by those gentle April days filled with soft rain and fresh beginnings. I created a simple layered background with delicate raindrops to set the scene, keeping everything light and airy.

The sweet little fox adds such a cozy, cheerful touch—perfectly content sitting under a bright blue flower like a tiny umbrella! I love how the pop of teal frames the design and ties in beautifully with the flower, while a touch of sparkle on the petals gives it that extra bit of magic.

The “April Showers” sentiment brings it all together, making this card feel like a celebration of the season and all the beauty that comes with it.

Materials: cardstock, Stickles glitter, Glossy Accent

My April Showers card can be found at Cricut Design Space.

Sharing my project with:

~Beautiful Blossoms-flowers are focal

~Critter Crazy Challenges-anything with a critter (no people)

~Four Seasons Challenge-Spring

~Girlz Creative Crafts-flowers

~Heart's Quest Celebration of Love-option (Spring)

~Moving Along With the Times-Spring

~Papercraft Challenge-joy of Spring

~Sparkles-Spring

~Pammie's Inky Pinkies-Spring/rain

~I Spy With My Little Eye-showers/flowers

Happy Crafting, 

~DEANNE~

Coffee & Retirement: A Match Made in Heaven

The new challenge for GIRLZ MAKES GUYZ CARDS is "food and/or drink for a male".

I made a handmade retirement card featuring a humorous coffee-themed sentiment — "retirement: world's longest coffee break". It's set against a rich, swirling coffee-like marbled background, with a dimensional diecut coffee cup , cut from my Cricut. I added a faux coffee bean as an added embellishment.

My Retirement card can be found at Cricut Design Space.

Sharing my project with:

~Farm Quest Grocery Game-anything food-related

~Addicted to Stamps & More-any occasion

~Double D-humor

~Little Red Wagon-M is for masculine

~Paper Funday-option (dies/punches)

~Word Art-Wednesday-anything uplifting/encouraging

~Crafty Calendar-dies/punches

~A Perfect Time to Craft-anything goes

Happy Crafting, 

~DEANNE~

Rooted in Love: Remembering Lexi, Celebrating Zoe

This layout is very close to my heart. It features a photo of sweet Zoe sitting beside the tree we planted in memory of our beloved Lexi. Watching this tree grow over time feels like a living tribute—full of love, memories, and connection.

I chose warm, earthy tones and a cozy plaid pattern to reflect the feeling of comfort and remembrance. The layers and soft textures help ground the design, much like the roots of the tree itself.

The hidden journaling is tucked into the pocket. It holds personal thoughts and memories. I love how hidden journaling allows us to include deeper emotions without overwhelming the visual design.

The title, “Lexi’s Tree” says it simply, but holds so much meaning. This page is a reminder that love never really leaves us—it just grows in new ways.

Sharing my project with:

~Stash Bash Challenge-scrapbook page using kit that I created (see kit items below)

~Crafty Animals-anything with an animal

~Critter Crazy Challenges-anything with a critter (no people)

~Farm Quest Home-anything home-related

~Girlz Creative Fun Art of Scrap-anything with patterned paper

~Girlz Rebel-pearls

~Pearly Sparkles-something old (Thickers letters), something new (Echo Park kit I got for my birthday last month)

~Craft Rocket-layer it up

~Love Those Pretty Papers-anything with patterned papers

~Love To Scrap-anything goes

Happy Crafting, 

~DEANNE~

A Card Full of Gentle Encouragement

So, Old Man Winter hasn't yet gotten the memo that it is SPRING !!!! 

This snow can go ! Way too much today  (20 cm) added to what's on the ground. There's more in the forecast for tomorrow evening (another few cm and then turn off to rain) 

I made a chocolate cake with vanilla icing  this morning and I can't wait to taste it!

So, right now I'm in my craft room making stuff !

For this card, I wanted to create something soft, uplifting, and full of quiet encouragement. I used a calming color palette with gentle tones that give the whole design a peaceful, dreamy feel.

The layered elements and subtle textures add depth without overwhelming the design, letting the focal image and sentiment really shine. I love how everything comes together in such a delicate and balanced way.

The sentiment, “Dream Big” is simple but powerful—a reminder to hold onto hope and believe in possibilities. Cards like this are perfect for sending a little encouragement, whether it’s for a friend, a child, or anyone who needs a gentle reminder to keep dreaming.

This card feels like a little hug in paper form—soft, thoughtful, and full of positivity.

The sentiment comes from a wonderful motivational bundle at WHITE SPRUCE STUDIO. So many ways this bundle can be used. I printed them all off and have a beautiful set of sentiments to create cards.

Sharing my project with:

~Girlz Rebel-pearls

~Word Art-Wednesday-anything uplifting/encouraging

~As You Like It-favorite embellishment-ribbon. I have a HUGE collection and any chance I get I love using it and making a pretty bow with it.

~Word Power-sentiment main focus

~Love Those Pretty Papers-anything with patterned papers

~Paper Funday-anything goes

~Conjuror of Dreams-anything goes

Happy Crafting, 

~DEANNE~

Sweet Treats & Cozy Wishes

The April challenge is posted at PAPER ROCKS SCISSORS and it's "always anything using paper and/or scissors". Here's mine, using cardstock and patterned papers and a fussy cut peppermint candy on the ribbon.

There’s something so comforting about combining holiday cheer with sweet treats, and this card brings both together beautifully ! I used a warm, festive patterned paper filled with candy swirls, hot cocoa, and holiday greenery to create a cozy background that instantly feels like the season.

To add a touch of elegance, I wrapped the card with a rich satin ribbon and topped it with a coordinating embellishment that ties everything together perfectly.

The sentiment, “sweet holiday wishes” felt like the perfect finishing touch—simple, heartfelt, and perfectly in tune with the theme. I lightly inked the edges to give it a subtle vintage glow, helping it stand out against the busy background.

This card reminds me of quiet winter moments, warm drinks, and the joy of sharing a little sweetness with others during the holidays.

Sharing my project with:

~12 Months of Christmas-Christmas card

~Caffeinated Christmas-Christmas card featuring coffee/tea or hot cocoa

~Farm Quest Grocery Game-anything food-related

~Merry Little Christmas-anything Christmas

~Holly & Ivy-anything Christmas

~Word Art-Wednesday-anything uplifting/encouraging

~As You Like It-favorite embellishment-ribbon. I have a HUGE collection and any chance I get I love using it and making a pretty bow with it.

~Girlz & the Art of Letters-X is for...Xmas

Happy Crafting, 

~DEANNE~