Friday, October 16, 2009

Prowling at the 1st Midnight Madness Blog Hop

Welcome

Welcome to Prowling at the 1st Midnight Madness Blog Hop. Here at Midnight Madness we are celebrating "you" our players and welcoming those of you who are new with a fun and exciting blog hop. We have TWENTY FIVE exciting prizes to give away. As a matter of fact, here is the list of how we are giving away these prizes:

One Grand prize random drawing valued at $100
350th BRAND NEW Sketch Player SPECIAL Prize valued at $50
11 "Cards from the Crypt" (picked by our DT members from MMSC archives)
12 random Package winners drawn

You have until Tuesday, October 20, 2009 12 p.m. Midnight EST to leave your name in Mr. Linky at Priscilla's Midnight Madness Blog to be eligible for the prizes. Prize winners will be notified at the end of the week.

If you would like to be entered for the prizes and you DO NOT have a blog, you still can participate. You will have to follow these directions below:

1. Leave a comment on the Midnight Madness Blog Hop comment section with your email address, first name and last name initial.
2. Link up to Mr. Linky with first name and last name initial and in the URL space enter this address http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com/

In order to have a chance at winning any of the prizes, you must gather a secret phrase along the Blog Hop. Each Design Team Member will have a particular word or words listed on their blog and as long as you visit them in order, you will have the secret phrase at the end. If you are picked as a Prize winner you will be contacted by email and you must email back the secret phrase WITHIN 48 HOURS to claim your prize. If by any chance the 350th BRAND NEW player or any of the "Cards for the Crypt" winners are not claimed, then those prizes will be added to the random winners drawn. To start off, you must begin at Priscilla's Midnight Madness Blog! If you have not started there, I suggest you go back and begin again...you don't want to miss out on the Prizes! If you have arrived from Carolyn's Creative Card Corner, then you are on the correct course. If you want a chance to win you will have to follow the instructions listed above. Thank you and have fun on the Hop!





Meet the Midnight Madness Design Team

Let's get to know each other! I would love for you to leave me a comment and tell me about yourself.

I get my best ideas for crafting just right before I fall asleep. I usually always have a diet cream soda on my table in the summer or a pot of Mango Mandarin tea in the winter and some kind of chocolate.
I can definitely not live without my cuddlebug!
As an ultimate craft project, I once built a log home in Preston Connecticut
At a yard sale I would do back flips if I found old Stampin Up sets for $2 each!
My money saving secrets are to use those Michael and JoAnn coupon's faithfully!!! Never pay full price for anything!
My philosophy when I was younger was to find a man to marry who would make me laugh. With everyday stress of sick children, bills to pay, cars breaking down, losing jobs, and trying to make ends meet-if you marry someone who can make you laugh-then you can get through anything!
I would be able to survive in the wilderness because I am a hiker and a backpacker.
My Dad is my hero, he was the most patient, loving, patriotic, and hard-working person I ever knew!


Cards from the Crypt



I have chosen a card from MMSC #20 by Kym Weber at Nana's Keepsakes. I thought this card was a perfect interpretation of the sketch and is unique with the "Football" theme. The faces on the football embellishments really tickled me and the background embossing looks like a football. A really delightful masculine card! Thanks Kym for sharing your creative talents with us.



Welcome to My Birthday Party

Hello, come in. So nice you could come to my Birthday party. This is what greets you in my Foyer when you come through our door. I am so happy you could come to my Party and help me celebrate!

It looks like some of my friends have already arrived. They are so happy to meet you. Please sit down and take a seat right next to me.

This is a boxed cake-favor cake that holds chocolate cake bonbons for you to take home and enjoy once the party is over.
I will let you in on a secret. This is the first cake I have ever made. I was not sure it was going to turn out. So as not to waste all my precious card stock (I have been laid off you know), I decided to use discarded CD Label envelopes that are similar in weight and size of an Express Mail envelope from the post office. They are scraps my husband saved me when I was looking around for scrap cardboard to make templates for my paper piecing patterns. They were white on the inside and perfect for this!!!! So I cut my templates out of those and dry embossed them with the swirl folder through my cuddlebug.

I made a little pumpkin to place on everyone's plate. This was made with Scallop nestablities. I used the next size down from the largest one. I cut eleven of them, sponged with Rangers distress ink and assemble by folding and adhering. I had just enough of this orange card stock left over from last years Halloween cards that I sent to my family. The stem is just some scrap card stock rolled and glued in the middle accented by a couple punched leaves and some strips of card stock I curled on a tooth pick. The leaves on the napkins were made with scrap card stock with the leaf shapeabilities, sponged with Rangers distress ink and adhered to the raffia.

Aren't these flowers absolutely gorgeous? These are from Fred She Said from her Whirly Flower line. There are approximately 100 flowers and leaves in this elegant creation. I sponged all of these flowers and leaves and assembled them on the cake. The topiary have also been made from recycled items. I wanted to make sure I didn't go over my budget for this party. The flower pots are 4" and were 80 cents each at Lowe's. I have a whole box of foam balls from old Christmas Ornaments that I took the satin off years ago and just kept the Styrofoam. I know you know how expensive Styrofoam has gotten. So go comb those yard sales for ornaments that people are trying to get rid of. I just took two 3" balls for the top and used three 4" balls. The third one was cut in half to used in the pot. My husband had left over dowel rods in his garage that I just inked up. I used three flower punches for the flowers. There are yellow head quilt pins holding them in the foam.

Here is an aerial view of the table. The quilt was made by me several years ago. It matches the one you saw when you came in.

Here's a nice close up of the topiary!


Here is a nice close up of the pumpkin!
***Update: I checked with Priscilla, and we will feature a tutorial for this little pumpkin on November 4, just in time to make for your Thanksgiving Feast Activities!


I used a Fiskars pumpkin squeeze punch and Spellbinders classic lace border for the trim. Be sure to take home your Chocolate Bon Bon Cake. Thank you for coming to my Birthday party today, it was fun creating these things for you and I hope you enjoyed them!


The Secret Phrase


My word for the secret phrase is . You have reached the end of our Blog Hop and you should now have all the words in the phrase. Be sure to proceed to Priscilla's Midnight Madness Blog and enter your name in Mr. Linky for your chance to win one of the fabulous prizes. If you name is pulled, we will contact you by email and ask you for the phrase. You must have the phrase to win!

Just a little something I would love to share with you. You can't imagine how much I enjoy visiting you each week. Sometimes I sit here and giggle, sometimes it's a huge loud laugh, sometimes it's a tear, and sometimes it's a warm fuzzy feeling. You fill my life with your stories about your life and you fill me with the love of your craft which is the common bond that brings us together. I get inspired by all the different blogs that I visit. You ladies are all special to me. Your creativity is a tremendous boost to my own aspiring creations. When I look back on what I did 9 months ago, I can't believe how far I have come. It has only been by what you have done for me. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!! NOW GO WIN SOME PRIZES!!!!





Please proceed to PRISCILLA'S MIDNIGHT MADNESS BLOG to enter your name in Mr. Linky!



99 comments:

Cheryl said...

Cute card! And you did an amazing job on that cake and decorations, I've never seen anything like it!

Off to Priscilla's now! : )

Chris Olsen, Glowbug said...

Wow!! This is unbelievable Carol!!! Love your set up and props. How fun!!!! Your cake and decorations rock girl. Boy have you ever been busy!! Beautiful work! Look at all those flowers, it makes me tired just looking at them all. Yikes! You are incredible!

Have a great day!!

hugs,
Chris

Teri said...

BOY - you went to town here!!
Fantastic job!
Hugs,
Teri x

Maria Matter said...

Holey maloney Carol.....that is FANTASTIC!!!!!

you are an amazing lady!!!!
Blessings, Maria

Tracey Lynn 'Fred' Miller said...

OH MY GOODNESS! Your setting is AMAZING! And the Whirly Flower cake is gorgeous! WOW! My hand is sore from thinking of all the cutting you did LOL!

Hugs, Fred

Lovely Linda said...

OH MY GIDDY AUNT carol - this is amazing! I am exhausted thnking about how long it took you to photograph - let alone make! You have outdone yourself with it all - love that cake and those pumpkins ....well done Carol!! {{{hugs}}}

jesskittelson said...

Breathtaking! Really need I say more lol?

Dawn B. said...

Oh my gosh I want to come to your party.. What an incredible cake. That must have taken so much time.. I love it. YOur house looks so warm and cozy. What a sweet way to celebrate.. Super job..TFS

Michelle Pearson said...

your cake takes the cake!! That is GORGEOUS! Superb creation Carol! :)

Pattie G said...

Wow Carol, all of your creations are superb! I really love the cake and the topiary and everything else.

luv
Pattie

Valarie (vampme3) said...

Just love those little pumpkins on the plates...and what an original card from the crypt! tfs

Joan Ervin said...

Oh my word...what a spectacular birthday party you created!!! I just love your display with that amazing cake and the cute little pumpkins!!!! Such beautiful work...I am just blown away!!!

Jane, at Thepaperaffair said...

Carol,

That cake is tops, I can't believe it. WOW, you must be tired and the cutie little pumpkins, I'm lovin' it. I so want to be at your party. Everything is so PERFECT, you sure know how to make a guest feel welcome. FABULOUS!!!!!!!! Jane

Anne said...

oh my I can't believe your table - it's stunning!!!!! So much work lol
Anne x

Carolivy said...

That cake is simply stunning Carol! An absolute paper perfection confection! Truely magnificient!
Hugs
Carol

Beth Phillips said...

wow that cake is so detailed! beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Please, please, please show us how you made the little pumpkins with the nesties...the cutest little things ever! BTW, you presentation made me smile...

Abby:)

Grace said...

WOW OH WOW!!! Your house looks fabulous!!! LOVE your quilts! Your cake and decorations are incredible! I need to come back and study them! What a great decorator you are!!! Love your choice of card from the crypt too! What a great idea!!! Your sweet words at the end touched my heart! We all draw so much inspiration from you and love seeing you pop in to see our creations too! Thanks for all the sweet comments! Hugs!

Kym Weber said...

Thanks so much, Carol for choosing my card to be spotlighted. What an honor and expecially to have one of Sunshine's Stamps digital images to be picked - since I'm on her design team. I know Christina was excited. Thank you again! I'm in awe of your table display. You have definitely taken centerpieces and displays to a new higher level by using recycle items and card stock. Your home is so warm and inviting. And your quilts are fabulous. I was so excited to see that you have a tree up with Halloween ornaments. I keep 5 little trees up all year round that match each rooms deco. At Christmas I put up 4 more with snowmen, santas, penguins and traditional ornaments. How fabulous!

Karen W said...

Wow, that cake is just unbelievable, it's totally awesome!

Joanne Travis said...

Carol, everything is so incredibly beautiful!! This must have taken quite a bit of time but was worth every second. So many delightful things to look at and take in. Awesome work.
I was so happy to see that you have a Halloween tree, I love decorating trees all year round and I have one for each room at Christmas :)

Magda said...

Fantastic creations! Great idea.
Have a nice weekend.
Magda x

Michelle's Daydreams said...

Carol, I am speechless!!! The cake and topiaries are to die for! I'm going to try these for sure! My mil's birthday is coming up in a couple weeks and she would just love this! You are truly an inspiration every time I visit here. :) Hugs! Michelle

Anonymous said...

i have just recently discovered your blog, and it is the name that caught my eye. i am a bear collector, too, but i am a Boyds lover! did i see some of them at your table?? absolutely a gorgeous table setting and i am sooo jealous over the cake! if only i could learn to make something like that! love the pumpkins, too; i love it all! great work!
Sharon Bader

designsfromwithinbycharlotte said...

Carol! This is just an amazing table setting! Love your company too!!! Your cake is just outstanding and must have taken so many hours to make...my little pumpkin wagon took me ages but this....I can't even begin to count the hours!! Your topiaries and little pumpkins are gorgeous....so much eye candy to take in right now....think I will be here for a while!
Your words are just beautiful....you definately inspire me with each of your creations!
Hugs,
Charlotte
XXX

Betty J Schaub said...

Holy Moley Batman! I thought I LOVED the FALL and THANKSGIVING. But girlfriend, you got me beat! Love how you decorate for the holidays and your cake box blows my mind! I love what you said about visiting blogs. It's so very kind and sweet of you. TFS

Phyllis said...

Carol, What an AWESOME, INCREDIBLE table setting. Love all the many details and embellishments. I appreciate all the work that goes into such an enormous undertaking. That AWESOME cake takes the cake!! Those are a lucky bunch of teddy bears!! How can I get on your guest list?? I love the way you recycled card board. I am the greatest recycler for card making supplies you ever have known. I previously volunteed for a US Senator from TEXAS and I got all the cards that were returned that were asking for campaign funds or inviting people to functions and also thanking people. You won't believe the number of cards that is. These are such good quality paper that I have used them for stamping and all other uses I can think of!! They have writing on one side, but who cares!! So I never have to buy paper to stamp on, except when I do digitals. I have also used the same set of $4 water colors for about 15 years. Some of the colors are but a memory!! But until they are all gone I just can't throw them away, I have two more of the same sets just waiting in the wings for these to bite the dust!! I have a lot of money saving tricks, but I still manage to spend enormous amounts on "HAVE TO HAVE but probably won't use most of" stamping items.


Phyllis BlogLess MMDesign Team Member

Holly Moore said...

Are you kidding me? Can I come and live in that wonderful room? Seriously. It looks like a store display - - you know, do not touch. I totally got the warm fuzzies you were talking about.

Holly Moore said...

p.s. Can't wait for that tutorial!

Shazza said...

WOW, WOW, WOW! the cake is amazing, I just love it and really wish I COULD take a piece home. It is stunning. Also love your other projects, you are very creative and I will enjoy coming back to visit you. Thanks for the party :0)
x

HazelQ said...

Wow! I just love this room!!! The topiary looks soo cute!! This room is really inspiring :)
Hugs
Hazel

Unknown said...

Wow that cake is unbelievable! So much detail and work put into it, it's so wonderful! The flower are so very beautiful!

Mary said...

Love your creations! That cake is GORGEOUS!

Mary

Lisa said...

Wow, I love your creations you have been a busy bee!!

Jenny V. said...

Wow Carol! Your cake is beautiful and your party setting is lovely and I would like to be invited LOL. Great job!

Ewik21 said...

wow that cake is so detailed! beautiful!

Carol L said...

This has been a delightful visit today! With the grand entrance and that fabulous quilt, to the beautiful place settings and unbelievable cake, I've really enjoyed myself! You really know how to throw a party and make a girl feel welcome!! I love everything you've created here, it's just absolutely gorgeous!!!

Kristine said...

WOOOOOW, well all the creations have been just fantastic and inspirational along the way, but they definately saved the best for last, IMO! That cake alone is over the top STUNNING and then the topiary trees and your pumpkins galore! I'm just in awe of this whole blog hop and left with warm fuzzies all over the place. THANK YOU for inspiring us to make some decorations of our own!! :) Love your photos. Have a lovely day!
Hugs!

Shirley N said...

OMG, what incredible table decorations! I love, love, love your cake!!!

JPScraps said...

Love the teddy bear party. You went all out on the decorations!! The cake is amazing!

Mary Lou said...

OM Goodness Carol!! What a party!! You are amazing and if you cut out all those flowers for the cake--you are a saint!!! Your words of encouragement are a true reflection of you!!! Great choice of crypt card!!
Thanks and blessings~~I will be looking for the pumpkin tutorial :)
Mary Lou

Nancy said...

WOW,
What awesome Projects.
BEAUTIFUL!!!

cabio's craft corner said...

Wow Carol, I couldn't imaging the time you put in for those incredible creations. Those are Soooo beautiful! The crypt card that you picked is so cute!
Hugs,
Cabio

Carolyn said...

Wow, oh Wow, oh Wow, oh Wow!!! I am so amazed at this awsome display of magnificent projects. I want to be at your party. I love that cake, and oh boy...bon bons! I could use some! The nestie pumpkin, topiary... it is all just incredible. You are such a wealth of inspiration. Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to enjoy that here today. You are one crazy talented lady! Thanks for your awesome friendship too. I appreciate it so much!

Hugs,
Carolyn

Stampin Mindy said...

This is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful work it looks like it could be display in a huge store front window! You have given me so many great ideas! Beautiful Beautiful!

pam124 said...

OVER the TOP WOWWWW!!!!! GORGEOUS and creative. Love your crypt card choice too!!!!

Sandra said...

Hi Carol, your cake is awesome and love the table setup! Terrific card from the crypt!

Sandy x

scrapperjulia said...

I love that centerpiece! Great card from the crypt!

Darlene said...

Oh My Stars ... now that's what I call a TABLESCAPE!! Totally amazing is your cake and to read how you created it ... WOWZA ... AWESOME!!!
This has been an amazing party and I've enjoyed every single stop! You ladies sure know how to throw a party ... glad I could attend!! Keep up the good work!
Midnight Madness ROCKS!!!

Suzi Mac said...

Oh My Goodness, I've never seen anything like this, oh how I wish we in the UK celebrated Halloween like this. What a fantastic tea party you have put on, wish I was one of the Teddies. Hehehehe
Hugs
Suzi x

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

WOW..WOW..WOW!!!!! What an amazingly talented lady you are..thanks for sharing!!! I just used empty cookie boxes to make a mini album for a DT project at Custom Crops..so much better than paying for chipboard!!

My money saving tip is to 'never let a good coupon go to waste and never pay full price for anything'!!!

Hugs,
Terry

gocanucksgo said...

Fantastic setting!! I bet those bears are enjoying themselves =) Keep up the fantastic work!!

Charlene said...

I love the little pumpkins on the plates! So glad you'll have a tutorial on those! VERY cute!!

cjs said...

Wow - those are really awesome decor items!

Sue said...

Kym's card is a great guy card, and we all know how hard that can be at times. Your party setting is so beautiful. Love the other guests you have invited. The cake is phenominal! All that work and on a budget, you go girl! I also noticed that beautiful quilted piece in the middle of the table, just lovely. All your decorations are just perfect, who would mind turning a year older if your birthday party looked like this? Just wonderful...they sure saved the best for last!!

Donna said...

What a gorgeous table setting and I love the pumpkins at each place. It's amazing that that's the first cake you've every made. It looks very professional! I love when people leave comments on my blog and I'm so thrilled you've visited and enjoyed my blog. Hope you come back and visit me soon! Big hugs!

Jane, at Thepaperaffair said...

Hi Carol,

Know I was here before, came to visit again, everything is just so great here, I came for seconds, LOL. Jane

Lorelie Kim said...

WOWIE!!! Your table setting...everything...is like a Fall Wonderland!! Awesome in every way!!

loz said...

All I can say is WOW. I just love your party and the cake with flowers is Yummy. Loz

2amscrapper said...

WOWZA! That flower cake is incredible! You are one clever lady! Can't wait for the little pumpkin tutorial.

Benedicte said...

awesome!

Jeni C Slack (^0^) said...

My goodness, Happy Birthday, CAROL!! I'm so glad I can join in on your party :) The cake is so well done, I can't wait to see the pumpkin tutorial. Beautiful project ! And you are such a warm hearted sweet lady, your words just touch my heart! AWwww *hugs* Thank you for your TREMENDOUS help, xox ~Jeni

Nunt said...

Happy birthday and what a HUGE project that cake must've been!

xx,
nunt

Beccy said...

Fabulous cake, thanks for the invite to your party.
Beccy x

Laura Kirste Campbell said...

My hat off to you for your amazing resourcefulness! Your art is clever and beautiful, your party is so lovely! What a delightful hostess! Thank you, it's been wonderful and inspiring!!

Juut said...

This cake is amazing!!!!
Judith

Lori said...

What a wonderful party! I love, love, love your crafty cake. Great way to be "green".

Lisa Phillippi llelsik@aol.com said...

Truly Amazing!

Dragonlady said...

Hi Carol,

I am stunned. Your creations are so amazing - your house looks lovely.

Ali x

Spyder said...

You have an amazing blog love all your makes!! My blog has been 'asleep' for the last few in the USA, but hopfully it should be back on track next week!!

((Lyn))

peggysue said...

Wow, do you have a talent for decorating! What a lovely table setting! and that cake . . . I want one! :)

Darla said...

Gorgeous!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for letting us walk in on your party. Your creations are extremely beautiful. Your talent is amazing. Thank you for sharing with us.

By the way, Happy Birthday! I wish you all the best and what your heart desires.

Gwen said...

Amazing, just amazing! Love the cake and those pumpkin favors...can't wait for the tutorial!

Priscilla said...

Carol..I am overcome with delight..your project is one of the BEST I have ever seen. Your cake is AMAZING. I want to come to your party so bad :) You are one special crafter that is for sure. I am almost a loss for words and you prep for this must have taken you forever. THANK YOU for all the time you put in this to make is so special :) and Thank you for all your help putting together this blog hop.

Little Moos and My Creative Pink. said...

Wow! You are amazing, that cake is amazing and I love all your little guests!

Christina

Mary G said...

I just love all your creations, especially the cake and the pumpkin

Benzi said...

Wow! Such a party and your cake is awesome. I do love the pumpkins on the plates. Just the cutest ever! Kym's 'football' card was a wonderful choice from the CRYPT.

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

wow! THAT'S ALL, JUST WOW!

Rosalee said...

Just love that cake. And those flowers make it look outstanding

Shelly Schmidt said...

This is 'icing' on the Blog Hop Cake- You win! Fabulous project! TFS

Janice said...

Oh Linda! What a fabulous party table you have created! I can't wait to see the tutorial for your little pumpkins. What a warm, inviting feel it all has.

Winnie and Patty said...

WOW!!!!!! I don't know where to start! The cake is breath taking, absolutely LOVELY!!! How long did it take you??? Now I know why I haven't heard from you lately!!! LOL. And the little pumpkinds are just so adorable! And to top it all off, I have the same Debbie Mumm leaf quilt! How cool is that? You really did a fantasic job on all of the decorations/presentation. The pictures were really breathtaking!!!! Thanks so much for sharing such a wonderful table. PS when was your birthday?????????

Cassandra said...

You are truly a very talented woman! You quilt, craft and can decorate as good as any home decorating or craft magazine I have ever seen! Thank you so much for helping me to get in the Holiday Season! And thank you for the great giveaway!

Cassandra V.
cvansyckle@gmail.com

Linda said...

WOW girl your cake is just AMAZING!!!!

Queen La Rubba said...

Your Birthday cake just scrumptious!! So beautiful!!! Your whole setting is so inviting and fun! Thank you for sharing! Thank you for the op to hop on the Midnight Blog Candy and a chance to win as well!
I love your blog!!
Rachael D
Queen La Rubba

WiKKori said...

Wow! What an awesome party! I truly love your tiered cake. It looks so real!
I look forward to your pupkin tutorial :)

Claire said...

Oh my word, you have been busy!!! What an amazing set of projects!!! Love the little pumpkins - will look out for the tutorial!! Claire xx

Chris said...

Holy Cow! Your house looks likes it ready for a magazine to come and photograph a spread. Can I move in?

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness!! I just adore ALL of your projects!! From your decorated Fall cake to your sweet little pumpkin places!! Your room is just awesome!! Thanks for sharing this fun with us!! I'm having so much fun!! I enjoy seeing what you talented ladies are up to!! Off to hop along....

Little C's Creations said...

Wow this is awesome...

big hugs,
Jen

Anne harada said...

Oh my word, what an amazing project!! I love the pumpkin - so happy that you plan on doing a Tutorial!! And that cake is over the top!! Holy Moly, sensational!! TSMFS!!

Jessica G. said...

Wow -- your Thanksgiving table is absolutely amazing! And that cake -- it's a jaw dropper!!

stephanne said...

This is unbelievable!!! Teddies, is there room for one more?? Your floral displays are amazing, you must have been losing your mind keeping track of all of the peices but the end result is spectacular!!

stephanne said...

Bah!! Forgot to say, I can't wait to see the tutorial on those adorable pumpkin!!

JoAnn said...

I truly enjoyed the Birthday Party! I loved all your creations and I can't wait to see the tutorial on the pumpkin! I wish there was one on the cake. I love that cake. Thank you for the nice visit.

Liz Williams said...

Wow, your adorable bear friends seem to be having the feast of all feasts!! Wow, that quilt is awesome!!What a beautiful blog!!

Cheryl Walker said...

Its sooo funny how everyone gets their inspiration from different things. I know I love designing, and my inspiration comes from the image to start with, and then from the colors I get my design. I have enjoyed this blog hop very much, and love all the creations that youve made!! Thank you!!!!

Hugs,
Cheryl

KSinMT said...

I am new to your blog and love it! I came for the cake and will stay forever I think! Kathy