La Maison De Papier

SEW Glad We Are Friends

2011-03-14T16:26:00.001-04:00

The upcoming workshop on 3/25 is titled "Sew Glad We Are Friends" and these are the cards that will be showcased. The papers are Material Girl by Cosmo Cricket! Stamps are from Crafty Secrets, Vintage Sewing. I love the aged look of the cards. Reminds me of my mom and grandmom. Both of them were seamstresses- my mom made her wedding gown, my dad a leather coat, and eventually reupholstered our living room couch. While I was taught to sew, I certainly lack the advanced skill that these ladies had in sewing. Unfortunately, I am finding that today, it is more economical to shop for clothing (I am a second hand girl at heart) then it is to buy a pattern, find a great fabric, and find time to create. Oh well, the best I can do now is make cards featuring something nostaglic from my childhood!!!

Each guest will be able to choose 3 of the 4 designs to create (kits are all ready to assemble). 2 of these cards are basic, while the other 2 are more time consuming- intermediate in level of crafting.

Email me for more information. Address located on the sidebar, near my profile.

Thank you for looking!

Kelly

Funny Valentine

2011-02-10T13:47:00.000-05:00

I think everyone has love on the brain this week! I cannot believe how many blog challenges out there are asking for red, pink, hearts, love, love, love!! So today, I am sharing the love. I am trying to plan for this weekend's Valentine's Day Dinner with the family. We decided collectively to eat on Saturday, with the 5 of us each choosing one part of the meal to make. DD1 is making dessert, DD3 is making salad, DD2 still undecided, Hubby is in charge of meat, and I am choosing twice baked potatoes. I am very excited about this, see our entire family has really gotten into cooking! We have become addicts to Food Network anything, Cake Boss, Top Chef, anything related to baking/cooking. Yummy!

Kristen passed my way some great Bo Bunny Love Bandits paper she had lying around and I just had a ball making the girls their cards. Now I need to come up with something for Hubby- romantic, funny, cute....still undecided. Maybe blog surfing the Valentines challenges will get my mojo cooking!LOL!

Crazy 4 Challenges: #73, valentines
Crazy Challenge: #53, Lots of love
Totally Stampalicious: 3 hearts
Crafty Cardmakers: #39, hearts
Cupcake craft challenges: #128 seeing red
Paper Play Time: #37 cupid or hearts
Cute Card Thursday: #151 hearts and flowers
stamp with fun: #97 Love
My time to Craft Challenge: #127 hearts and flowers
For Fun Challenge: hearts

Getting Creative with Shapes

2011-02-05T13:44:00.001-05:00

I have been in a very creative mood lately, trying different techniques and varying my card shapes. Next week, I am hosting a Folding Card Workshop, highlighting "thinking out of the box" card shapes. The easiest one to change is the Stair Step fold. This card uses a 5.5 x 12" cardstock, scored on the 2", 5" and 8" marks, valley/mountain fold. As you can see by the first photo, it easily fits into a standard envie since the card is 4.25 x 5.5". It is also easy to decorate using larger pieces of scrap paper.

Supplies: CTMH cardstock, ink, stamps. Glitter on B'fly, 3d foam tape, Kaiser craft dew drops. DP is misc from scrap bag.

It is for the following challenges:
crazy challenges #52, Happy Birthday and it is this blogs 1yr anniversary
Claudia and company #73, unique fold
Anything challenge: butterflies
my time to craft challenge: #126 flourishes
papertake weekly: anything goes, extra: flowers
for fun challenges: snow or spring? i choose spring!
sew many challenges: #42 anything goes

sweet stamping challenge: spring flowers

Love Grows

2011-02-02T14:48:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe that we are in February already, my oldest DD is choosing classes for HIGH SCHOOL next year, getting ready for taxes, and thinking spring. We have birthdays galore over the next few months and my sister and I are getting things together for our big vendor fair in April. Whew- I am tired already!

The weather here today in PA, ice, ice and more ice. It is now melting like crazy- however, I am hoping that the arborvetae surrounding the property recover. They look like such sad little creatures, all bent over, like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. 8 foot 'trees' now bent to about 4 feet....... so, another day off from school: kids are reading, playing games, and I am crafting!

This card was so much fun to make! Kristen, my wonderful generous sister, lent me this Poppy Stamp from Hero Arts, and I am in love! Coloring in with pencils, using copics to blend- pop dotting and glitter, oh my! She also made this fabulous crinkled ribbon- lettuce green is the color. She is running at Etsy sale on all of her colored seam binding ribbon- check it out http://www.scrapinkris.blogspot.com/, to get to her store.....

I made my own background paper, using a Teresa Collins stamp, harlequin diamonds, stamping tone on tone in blush ink. Kraft paper for matting, green and pink cardstock from CTMH. Misc heart button, nylon string, and prisma glitter, pink stickles, doodlebug glitter brads round out the embellishments factors on this card.

Entering the following challenges:

the Shabby Tea Room #47: Get Creative, no patterned paper, stamping only and to make all embellishments
for fun challenges: more snow? spring? which one?

tuesday taggers: feel the love theme

totally stampalicious: Hello Card- anything but a birthday greeting

flourishes timeless tuesday: #103, valentines creation (the heart button and love sentiment make this card a unique take on the typical heart card)
papertake weekly: anything goes, extra option flowers
paperplay challenges: #4, layer it up!

Bird has a song

2011-01-27T14:21:00.006-05:00

For my "Birds of a Feather" Card Workshop approaching at the end of February, I decided that I was going to play with my Cricut machine and the many cartridges I own. I wanted to make a big bird for the card's focal point and found this particular one on the Home Accents cartridge. The paper is from CTMH, a long ago retired pattern. As I was working on the bird and using the colors from the DP, I found some scraps of musical notes DP, but not enough to make 8 card kits. So now the bird and songs were in my head, I knew I needed a good sentiment to pull it all together! The saying is from Maya Angelou, which I saw on SCS and thought is was perfect!

I am entering this into the blog challenges:

"this and that" on 365 Cards, Day 332 for the "this-yellow" and the "that-cheery".
Belli Challenge #109: P is for ?, purple, pink, pearls
CASE study #24, by Mercy Kerin: used pink, purple and 8x4 card long

Paper Play challenges: #4, layer it up! lots of layers here!
stampin bee's design: #95 use a song, I used the creative liberty of the word sing and song in my sentiment (and the song rockin' robin was in my head as I made this...hehehe!)

Thanks for stopping by- Kelly

Friendship Butterfly

2011-01-25T14:06:00.000-05:00

This is my second post of the day- go from 5 months absence to 2 posts in one day!

This butterfly card is called a Joy Fold Card and it is the second card to be featured in my Folding Frenzy card workshop in February. The beauty of this card is that you can customize it to open the way you would like. Put the flap on top, to open upwards, right side or left side, or even on the bottom. You choose!

I used BoBunny Flutterbly collection, chocolate ink, Cricut for the butterfly, yellow rhinestone and lots of glitter, MS seam binding and doily punch. The inside sentiment is Stampin'Up and the butterfly is the BoBunny stamp that matches this collection. The heart pin plays double duty. It adds an element to the card as well as holds the flap shut!

thanks for stopping by today-

Kelly

Happy Birthday

2011-01-25T11:33:00.000-05:00

This card is a style I have loved to do, but is time consuming. It is called the Stair Step Card and it is going to be featured in an upcoming card workshop, February 11th, Folding Frenzy!

I actually broke out the Cricut machine to help make some cuts: the cupcake and the Birthday Blessings sentiment. bo Bunny Papers (Petal Pushers) is the paper line I used. Hero Arts stamp set for the candles, The Twinery pink twine, buttons, glitter and the Cuttlebug HB embossing folder "happy birthday" completes this card.

Enjoy and I will be back with some more cards!

Monday Monday

2010-08-23T10:22:00.001-04:00

I love my compter and I hate my computer. Last week we had to buy a new desktop and in the transfer, I lost my new wonderful photo editing program. Hopefully using Picassa will give me some good photo shots, at least until I get a new program.

In the interim, I have been able to create, just not upload. Here is the latest color craze I have been going through, Pink and Brown! Love love love these colors together!

Created for the following blogs:
our creative corner weekly sketch: sketch
aud sentiments challenge: #9 anything goes
party time tuesdays #12 pink brown and white and b'day sentiment

Back to the Beach- more cards

2010-08-06T09:50:00.005-04:00

I couldn't resist playing with more of the scraps and beach shells that I had sitting on my craft table. I have a habit of using up the supplies on my table while they are out. What surprised me is how much "beach themed" items I had in my stash. Don't get me wrong, I love the beach, but we are not beach people. Our summers are not booked with trips to the shore and when we do go, it is for the day. Hubby does NOT enjoy the sand, kids don't know their limitations with the ocean, and the traffic makes the day very LONG. As a kid, every year my mother booked us a week in September after the "season" was over. The weather was perfect, the boardwalk still open, the prices dropped, oh the memories!

These are for the challenges: Curtain Call #41: desert sand, navy, light blue and white and for The ABC-challenge: A is for August and Cute Card Thursday #124 "Whateva" is the theme.

Beach Cards- the Dog Days of Summer....

2010-08-04T14:58:00.007-04:00

I love the beach. However, the other half of me, doesn't. Plus, the state of New Jersey charges for the use of the PUBLIC beach...don't ask me why, I think it is a dumb rule. I grew up in MD and the beach was free. So we take our yearly jaunt in September, after the crowds, the weather is perfect, and the roads are not congested with shore traffic. Here are some of my tributes to the wonderful sandy beaches...

This card is for the challenges: Crazy 4 Challenges 48: sketch

Challenges: ABC-challenges: A is for August (vacations) and for fun challenges: water as a theme (i think the beach counts...)

For the challenge: Unscripted Sketches #66

Weddings Abound

2010-08-04T14:37:00.004-04:00

And they say that the month of June is wedding month....I guess our cousins didn't get the latest memo! Our anniversary is in September and DH's cousin is getting married in September. I made this card with them in mind. Elegant, yet casual. No kids, but I think the girls will be excited just to witness a wedding in the family- most likely the last one!

CARDS blog was asking for a challenge to use pearls, so I incorporated some baby blues in with embossed diamonds on the cardstock. The large round gels are Anna Griffin. Large satin ribbon and a small tag with the sentiment BLESSINGS finish off the card.

Challenges:
Cards Blog: pearls
Twisted Sketches #18: sketch and to use a tag
The Wildflower Patch: use embossing (the diamonds with my score blade)
Crafty Creations: #79 to make a wedding or anniversary card
also for Sarah Hurleys Challenges: #4 Romance (someone was kind enough to send me a link to this new challenge site! Thank you!)

Blinged Out!

2010-07-20T10:12:00.002-04:00

Challenges for Snow Card: fresh brewed designs #11, Christmas in July, Cute Card Thursday #121, Head Start on Christmas , Christmas Stampin' #57, Bling it up! and The Pink Elephant #76, BROWN color challenge

Challenge for this card: DRS Designs Sketch Challenge and Charisma Cardz #28 PINK color challenge

Challenge for this card: CARDS blog

Bling is the operative word today. Gems and glitter- 2 accessories a girl should not live without!! The Let it Snow card is probably my favorite Chrismtas card that I have designed to date! I love the browns and blues together, and the pop of orange... yummy! The snowflakes are MS snowflake punch, bobunny papers, the snowman stamp I won from a challenge site, watercolor pencils and gems are miscellaneous.

The Confident card came together this morning. I woke up to absolutely no electricity. Called PECO and was told that power would be restored at 8:20 am (of course it is 6:20am by my watch...) so, is PECO doing scheduled outages during this horrible heat wave the east coast is having? So somewhat in a dark and foggy lit room, I was able to use the remaining pieces of the Sabrina MM line and "button" as well as Kaiser bling rhinestones. It is also my second entry in the Charisma Color challenge of PINK.

The last card incorporates PINWHEELS, per the Cards Blog challenge this week. This was a card I designed for a workshop where the guests made handmade flowers for their projects. This seemed easy at the time, but actually took some nimble fingers and patience! Paper is Bobunny, stamp sentiment was gifted to me from my sister, MS leaf punch. Glitter and buttons finish off the card.

Stay cool!

Pretty in PInk

2010-07-17T18:29:00.003-04:00

Remember John Hughes, all of his teen angst movies? Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink....the brat pack. Oh, how I miss those movies. Funny to look back upon them now and see how young the actors were and how lame the story lines are. But in the 80's, so appropriate for our generation.

I created this card in part for my oldest daughter- aged 13. The lovely teen years. Can I fast forward 5 years??? She loves to shop and is caught in between the "junior" styled clothes and the clothes that I will approve of. Not childish, but "appropriate". And if any of you are going through this, they don't mean the same thing. Boy friend shorts? Are you for real- the line from the limbo comes to mind "how low can you go".... So I have been trying to show her how to dress smartly, trendy, classy and she will end up being fabulous. The image has the same styled top that she is wearing today, with a ribbed tank under it. Still in keeping with fashion, but hiding things I am not ready for the world (code for boys) to see.

2 Sketches 4 you #56
Charisma Cardz: PINK
Just for Fun challenges: use an image and color in
Colour Q: #41, dark pink, light pink, gray, black and white

supplies: Flair clear sticker sentiment, Hannah Stamps "vogue", CTMH glitter, watercolor pencils, lace doily, Making Memories Sabrina paper line.

Vintage

2010-07-14T18:02:00.004-04:00

Challenges: Mojo Monday sketch #147, Party Time Tuesdays #7: anything goes birthday card, Crazy Challenges "it's hip to be square", and The Play Date Cafe: #37 Provencial Theme, and CAS-tastic #12 SIMPLE (stamped image, inked edges, lace doily)

Challenges: Unscripted Sketches #63, Just Scraps "Create a Wedding Card", Stamping Sisters in Christ #47 "what brings you peace or rest?"

I have gotten into the vintage look lately. Love the papers- creams, blacks, pinks, greens and blues all together in muted designs....yummy! For me, though, finding the right embellishments was always tricky. I was able to find some old stash: prima flowers, ribbons, and pearls that I was finally able to put to use. If you were to see my table, you would be amazed that I could actually find anything! All items were set out- separate piles of goodies to sort through for each card.... add in punches, scissors, glitter and glue, buttons, 3d foam tape, stamps and doilies, more paper (see the emerging pic in your head...?) Total chaos on the table. A cluttered table leads to a cluttered mind.

Onto the cards...
The butterfly wish card was such a fun card to make! The scrunched ribbon is American Crafts that was found in the clearance aisle of Michael's. Found doilies too, which seem to be the in/out new/past fad that I finally decided to try. The papers are Websters, Lullaby Lane. Don'tcha love the vintage?

The Cherish card evokes feelings of love for me. The romantic colors, flowers, butterflies with glitter....Simple elegance. In keeping with the feeling of love, God loves me. It is a constant reminder daily that even when I fail here on earth, my heavenly Father cherishes me, gives me this beautiful gift of Encouragement to which I use heartily here (making and sending the homemade cards) and that as long as I believe in Him and follow his ways- my hiccups along the road can be turned to good for His purposes.

I am ending my entry with this thought as I have been going through some growing pains. My daily walk has suffered, my mind/table are cluttered with too much mediocre stuff, and our family's faith/relationships have been put upon the shelf lately. Time to get back to what really matters in this life. Tonight I will go to bed with the last thought that I am loved and that I am cherished.

How many cards could a cardmaker make.....

2010-07-11T06:55:00.008-04:00

if a cardmaker could make cards? 13. Yes, that is how many I made on a rainy weekend. I was bound a determined to use up a mat stack from DCWV that I purchased sometime last year. Used the stash of flowers, brads, twine and.... some stampable linen that I purchased from CTMH about 3 years ago. Love this stuff- makes its own statement and when you pull on the threads, you can make it look like a well worn garment label.

This card was made using the sketch over at Clean and Simple Stamping #98. Though my card is clean, simple it is not. I had to add the flowers, twine, leaves and brads to finish off my card.

This card is inspired by the sketch challenge at Get Sketchy #46. The base of the card is just a patterned piece of paper from the stack, added the scraps to make the top sentiment focal piece. Chocolate grosgrain and LOTS of gems finish off this card.

Hoot loves u? I have seen so many lovely banner cards I wanted to try my own. This used the sketch from Christmas Card challenges #31, Charisma Cardz #27 Watch the birdie, and 365 cards day #131 banners, and Paper sundaes #26, lots of layers.

And finally this card is for a dear friend of mine. Haven't seen her since school let out- between the 2 of us, our 6 kids keeps us running around to camps and the pool. Not much of a mommy social life during the summer! The bird stamp is from the dollar section of Mike's! What a bargain! Used the sketch at Inspirational Card Sketches #73, Charisma CArdz watch the birdie, and Stamp Challenges recipe: 1 image, 1 Designer paper and 1 ribbon (twine).

monochromatic blues

2010-07-09T17:10:00.003-04:00

Have you ever worked on an acetate card? This was my first try and I love how it turned out! I will do these more in the future for workshops- great technique idea!

I decided to enter the CARDS blog challenge again, monochromatic in all blues. I thought that the acetate would work perfectly with a Snowflake design, add to the cold frozen image. The stamp is from CTMH and used MS glitter to add pizazz. Blue rhinestone to finish it off. Also used lots of scraps for this card. The only part that becomes tedious is making sure to hide the glue strips, using lots of larger cardstock pieces inside the card (one to write a sentiment on and the other to finish off the front.

Also for the challenges:
Paper Sundaes#25: white plus one color
AudSentimentsChallenge: #6 no sentiment
Christmas Stamping: #56, free challenge

More Christmas in July

2010-07-08T09:56:00.005-04:00

Yes, I have officially cleaned off my table and put away all of the Christmas papers! Whew! Finished making the workshop samples and am looking forward to making some "vintage" cards. Have to say that my mojo took a beating this week. With this heat wave of 100+ temps, making cool cards took more of an effort. But, here are some cards that I designed for some blog challenges:

This card is for CARDS blog, to make a monochromatic project, as well as for TreeHouse Stamps blog (mono). I also took the sketch over at STamping411.blog. I decided to make a blush/wine colored card- a combo that I adore for winter. My sister gave me this stamp from TAC and the idea for this card. It is one for the workshop, I think the girls will LOVE! Used the technique of paper piecing for the scarf and hat (took patience cutting pieces this small!!!) Misc papers, bobunny word paper, misc button, twine, glitter, markers and CTMH HO HO HO set for Merry Christmas.

This card uses the sketch at CPS, sketch #174. The only change I made was to move the circle embellishment to the other side of the card. For some reason, the more I looked at the sentiment on the bottom left- it just made the right side off kilter. Moving it made more sense and complete. This is also another card for the workshop. Papers are CTMH and Cosmo Cricket.

And this card, came from the Get Sketchy challenge, #45. I am one of those people that haven't gotten on board with the coloring in. I prefer sentiment stamps. I guess less thinking about coloring matching and quite frankly- there are some PHENOM copic masters out there and I just don't want to compete! Those of you that do, I bow down to the floor to you. Wow, that just takes some serious patience to master the coloring and shading! Cosmo Cricket papers, ctmh stamp set, juniper ribbon- ctmh, MS snowflake punch, markers to color.

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a lovely "cool" day!

Christmas In July

2010-07-05T08:11:00.008-04:00

"Oh the weather outside is frightful...." Today, the temps in PA are to be 100', very hot, humid, and hazy. What a great day to spend inside crafting winter themed cards! Actually, I am doing a workshop in a few weeks with "Christmas" being the theme. So, with a table full of winter papers, I couldn't resist doing a fun mitten card! In making this I was able to meet a few challenges:

Color Throwdown: #99 Cream, Chocolate and turquoise (with a bit of green and red too!)
a lot a rubber stamps: #38 Inside and Out ...decorate the inside of your card too!
the pink elephant: #74 3 layers, 2 die cuts and ribbon
stamp for the weekend: #42 christmas in july
corrosive challenges by janet: christmas in july
crazy challenges: make it in an hour
stamping sisters in christ: #46 to red and/or blue
just scraps: #14 make it a double...to use at least 2 of something and use what is on your table
one stitch at a time: #20 use ribbon, lace or a bow (used ric rac and waxy flax)
crazy 4 challenges: use 2 or more ribbons

Tuesday "blues"

2010-06-29T07:26:00.005-04:00

No, this isn't a sad post! Quite the contrary! I am happy that I was able to make a "blue" card at 6:30am, no interruptions, no kids, no dogs, no hubby around....pure joy at being able to craft for a bit!

This card came together quite easily today. The cupcakes (EK success dimensional stickers) were my starting point. Then, found paper that coordinated with the paper on the cupcakes, and viola! Instant birthday card!

Today, this card meets the following challenges:

2 Sketches 4 You: sketch #55
CAS-tastic: #9, blue, yellow and neutral
Stampin' for the weekend: #41, blue and yellow combo
Party Time Tuesday: #5 Anything Goes Birthday

Scrap Happy

2010-06-28T09:34:00.003-04:00

What to do with the left over pieces on the crafting table? Sometimes, if they are small, honestly I pitch them. Usually when the pieces are that small, I am just plum tired of seeing the paper and don't want to even begin to think of another use. If the pieces are still salvagable, I may put them away for another day. However....lately, I have been making extra cards. For sale. The first card (pink and brown) I only had a 4" piece of the flowered DP. But I adore the bracket edge and wanted to make just one more card. So, using the same Get Sketchy sketch, just on a smaller card, put my scraps to work. Even the ribbon is a scrap about 10" long- and it was completely used up! The chocolate background paper is down to a 1x4" scrap- tossed (quite freeing actually!) I looked at my challenges for the day and it even met the Corrosive Challenge: use lots of flowers.

The next card uses up the remains of K&Co paper. But I totally LOVE this card, the color combo just pops! Now, this makes me wish I had more of the paper to make a few more cards with this combo!! The tissue flowers are a kick of mine lately. Just about finished off the sewing pattern on the table as well. The thicker the layers the puffier the flower. The button is from K&Co as well. Twine instead of ribbon (which I rec'd a package in the mail and my order was wrapped in this raffia. I kept it for a "rainy" day and love being able to recycle!) The card meets 2 challenges: Unscripted Sketches #61 (I used to be on the DT and LOVE the sketches! It was fun to participate again!) The other challenge was for Our CReative Corner: color combo keep it cool to use greens and blues.

Happy Birthday America!

2010-06-27T13:00:00.003-04:00

I cannot believe that the 4th of July is next weekend! Seems like summer is just starting, the 4th hits, then BAM! back to school will be here before you know it!

Using some old papers that have been lying around in a pile, these papers were perfect for creating the card that I wanted to today to CELEBRATE the upcoming holiday. Perfect for the CARDS Blog challenge: 4th of July.

Here are the other challenges that I was able to meet:

Card Positioning Systems #173 sketch (turned sideways)
Paper Sundaes: create a birthday card (happy birthday America!)
Stampin' Sisters in Christ: #45, use stripes on the card (on the DP, swirling like a flag in the breeze...)
Stamptacular Sunday Challenges: #65, to use stars and stripes on your card

come back tomorrow for 2 more cards that I made for blog challenges......

challenge friday

2010-06-25T14:16:00.000-04:00

On a roll! This is my second post for today, but this card meets a few challenges:

Get Sketchy #44
Crazy 4 Challenges: paper flowers (I love making these flowers out of old sewing patterns!)
Sew Many Challenges #19: anything goes
A Different Challenge: flora and fauna (however my card is 8x3, not 5x3)
Stamp Something: Flowers and Vintage (right up my alley!)
color Throwdown: pink, chocolate and green

Fun Friday

2010-06-25T07:39:00.001-04:00

Up and at 'em! Yes, I am a total early bird. While waiting for the kiddos to awaken (and as I type they are STILL sleeping..!LOL!) I wanted to play some more. These papers are all BoBunny- kindly donated to me from Kristen, my fabo sister!

The bottom card is for the challenge at Tuesday Morning Sketches #51(I love this site! Great sketches to help me along in crafting!). I changed the direction of the sentiment and added the flower to the side, instead of the bottom.

The black Blessing card is for A Crafty Little Place #44, sketch. I decided to use a prestamped diecut "index card" to hold my punched flowers. The sentiments are both from Stampin'Up!

Other items: MS leaves stamp cut out, CTMH sweet leaf and black inks, twine, flowers from the wedding aisle in LSS, black satin ribbon, twine, buttons, mini rhinestones, fiskers punches.

Sweet Cherry Time

2010-06-24T16:32:00.000-04:00

Oh did I have fun today making some cards! I have been hesitating creating- just feel a bit overwhelmed with my craft room lately. Stifled is more like it.

I had picked up this adorable mat stack from DCWV- nana's girl nursery and couldn't wait to start playing. But, life took a bit of a detour and I put it away. As I was going through the papers, I came acrossed it again and inspiration hit. Plus....I bought a new stamp set from Close to My Heart, So Sweet. Ain't it cute?

So, I am entering this into the blog challenge: Friday Sketchers #107, cute cute sketch that I will be using again (it is the card with the big white satin bow!!)

Off to make some more cute cute fruity cards to "cherry" me up!!

Vintage Cards

2010-06-24T13:21:00.000-04:00

I struggle with masculine cards. However, I stumbled upon this image and realized that it would make a great card for the men in my life. I made my father one (he collects lighthouses) and my FIL (who loves to visit his daughter in Maine and visit 2 Lights Park.) I used my trusty old watercolor pencils and waterbrush, inked the edges, and that is about it. Hubby thought they were perfect!

The other 2 cards I am in love with! Webster pages are new to me and I adore how these turned out! I have one more, but haven't taken its photo yet. I will when it ain't so danged hot outside (97' here in PA...) I think I am really onto doing more vintage styled cards!

What a Crazy Month!

2010-06-22T15:02:00.000-04:00

It has been a bit since I have last posted. I know, I should have done SOMETHING....I did and it was involving all of my girls! The last few weeks of school have been so busy and on top of it, I got incredibly sick. It has been 3 weeks since I got an upper respiratory infection and I am still not 100%. I have a persistant cough that gets so bad, I cannot breathe. I completely understand how asthmatics feel, it is truly scary not being able to catch a breath..... I am sleeping now, which makes all of the difference in the world. My girls are enjoying sleeping in and .... staying up late which cuts in on our couple time. Still working on those kinks. My DD broke a finger this weekend playing in an all-star softball game. Guess this is going to be a regular. This is the 3rd time being at the orthopedic office for broken bones. Of course, this puts her softball 'career' on hold for the summer..... always something with her!

I decided that today I would play, no matter how the outcome was for the cards. I needed to get the mojo out and working again. Though, I have had 2 big workshops in the past week and made oodles of card designs for those. So, cruising the blogs, I came across these 2 that I wanted to participate in: Caardvarks- dry embossing for their June challenge and Krista-Kris-challenges #37: color challenge of Kraft, dark pink, and black.

My sister Kris, gave me some Heidi Grace stickers that I have been wanting to use, but they are BIG. So I cut one in 1/2 to use 2 ways. I like how the black makes everything POP!

Thanks for coming back and visiting! I am working on a schedule to post and have GOBS of ideas floating through my head now! Can't wait to make more!

Winner!

2010-05-25T16:02:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Wendy! She is the winner of my One Year Blog-iversary candy prize!

Lots of goodies coming your way Wendy! Send me your address kbecker (dot) ctmh (at) gmail (dot) com. You have until Thursday or a new winner will be chosen.....

Thanks for entering- Kelly

Vintage Card

2010-05-25T13:49:00.001-04:00

I am Sew happy! I received some wonderful goodies in the mail yesterday from Crafty Secrets and had to play! I got this new sewing stamp set and some vintage cardstock die cuts. My morning yesterday found me at a local second hand store where I had a ball!!! I found some old crochet doilies for 25cents (I cut these circles down to fit my card), some satin ribbon (50 yeards for 75cents), old buttons, OLD childrens book that I can cut to my hearts content (35cents each) and even a cute pair of shorts for me!

I used some Wild Asparagus paper, inked in black to add distressing (age), used some seam binding for my ribbon. I love the final look even though I am not crazy about the brown and blues.

I am showcasing this card in the CARDS blog challenge of punny sayings "I am SEW happy we're friends" and also Moxie Fab challenge: Fabric. I think I used fabric in a new way....doilies on my card, seam binding instead of satin ribbon, and the use of busts on the card where you would hang a garment to hem and tuck before final fittings. That could be a bit of a stretch.....hehehe! This card also works for the stamp something challenge of using 2's of things for their 2 year anniversary (2 doilies, 2 patterned papers) and for the Stampin'Sisters in Christ challenge to add Distressing to your card to give a vintage look.

I just love happy days and recycling old stuff. Do you shop a thrift stores? Any good or favorite finds?

Free Friday!

2010-05-21T11:51:00.001-04:00

I love Fridays! I give myself the day off- no housework, no laundry, no dinner plans. Just do what I want. Today, hubby off on a business appointment, leaving me with no guilt to play the morning away!

This card is a bit different for me. I typically don't do chipboard, but after seeing the fun things that can be done with it, I opted to try something new. I covered this heart in pink DP, then added lots of "sugary" glitter to it. The bird is from Inkadinkado that I cut out. All pieces are added with foam tape for dimension! I made the flower using seam binding tape that I did a loose stitch and pulled tight, then sewed the ends together making a circle. Quick and easy! Love to make these new flowers (between this type and the tissue paper flowers, my table is covered in blooms!!!)

I am entering this card in a few challenges:
Stamping Sisters in Christ #39: make a joyful noise or something showing music. What better way to celebrate the new spring than to listen to the birds chirping. My youngest wanted to do bird feeders this year and it has been a pleasure to see all of different birds that eat from the feeder. But boy to they make a mess!! seeds are everywhere- find myself yelling at them just like I do the kiddos about eating what is here before giving them more! yikes!

Papertake weekly: say it with flowers. Made my own and the bird has flowers on her belly!
Tuesday Morning Sketches: #46: use your fave color combo and glitter. I love PINK and GREEN together!
Charisma Cardz: #20 3D- the bird and saying on 3d foam tape, then twine and flower add texture and dimension
Stamp Something Challenge: use 2 of something. they are celebrating their 2nd birthday. I have 2 kinds of hemp, 2 types of flowers (stamp and made) and 2 types of curves- apron punch and the heart which add softness to the card with the other hard lines
Stamping 411: loose interpretation of the #151 sketch this week9 use a shape on the front and I used a heart.

Thanks for stopping over today, have a great weekend and enjoy the spring!

Manic Monday- 3 cards, same paper set

2010-05-17T14:55:00.000-04:00

I bought some paper a bit ago because, well, I loved the colors of it. No other reason, very different for me, but once I got it.....a new story developed. I had NO idea what to do with them. No mojo, nada. What kind of project could I make? The gray is dark, I don't do much with blue, the prints on the paper were very large......so they sat. And sat. And sat. So, I told myself to make something, anything, that would use up the papers. "Waste not want not" my mom's voice rang in my head. So, pulling out my sketch book and researching some challenges for the week. Here are my creations.This card is based on the sketch over at Friday Sketchers #102. Ironically, I found this covered button in my stash looking for some rhinestones and guess what? It is the perfect match for this set....K&Co Amy Butler "lotus" and the button is by K&Co...how's that for karma? Tissue pattern for the flower, SU! sentiment and lace that I "coffee" dyed to antique it a bit. The black distressed edges really make the layers stand out. Also on Just Scraps, the challenge was to use scraps of GRAY- I was able to make 3 cards and only cut 3 papers, using the left overs to make the additional cards! Still have lots on my table, but I will save them for a rainy day.

This card was made using the Get Sketchy #38 sketch, 365 CArds #73- Tri colored challenge: gray, blue and black- cream being a neutral. And for Stamp Something: celebrate something (always need those birthday cards!) The flower was made using the cricut with decreasing sizes (2",1.5",1" etc...) black grograin, rhinestones, button, hemp...

And this card, is for an older sketch over at Totally Stampalicious. I bought this ribbon on clearance today- it is Anna Griffin wedding satin, precut into 18" lengths, 20 of them for $1.50 - bargain since I can't buy satin ribbon for close to that price! K&Co button on a ribbon flower I made using seam binding. Love IT! Thanks for stopping over today!

Blog Candy Alert: go HERE to see the post and to leave a comment (and see the goodies!)

Happy Saturday and Blog Candy Extension

2010-05-15T07:14:00.001-04:00

Here is the photo of some goodies that I have up for grabs for my One Year Blog-iversary! And to celebrate 20K hits! It has been an awesome year! For US residents only please due to increased shipping costs. I have extended the drawing another week to 1) be able to finally show a pic of the goodies and 2) change the link to enter. Leave me a comment here by 5/22 for a chance to win- tell me what new trends are you seeing in the crafting world and how you are going to use them. Entrants must have a valid email address so I can notify you AND you will only have 3 days to get in touch with me or I will choose another winner! Onto my card..........

I am having a workshop in a few weeks showcasing how easy it is to make flowers for your cards! This is a fancy version of the one that we will be making, but I like to have an extra sample so my guests can see the variety of choices they can make when they craft on their own. I used some tissue paper (you know, the good sheets you keep when you receive a present...???) and the paper is Wild Asparagus that I have had since last summer and haven't figured out how to go through this HUGE stack! I am not a big purple fan, but this card works for me! The green has a gray tone which works with the DP paper I chose, rhinestones and dew drops add the extra dimension to this card. I am entering this card in a few challenges this week:

365 cards #73- Tri Colored: use only 3 colors (green, purple and cream)

ABC challenge: U for unused stash (1 year old DP by wild asparagus and the flourish stamp I have had for a few years when they were first popular)

For Fun Challenges: use a stamp no digi (flourish stamp and birthday sentiment)

character cafe #18: recycle and reuse (tissue paper for the flowers)

STamp challenges: to celebrate something (birthday)

scrap and stamp something: ribbon and stamped image

totally gorjuss: round and round (used round punch to make tissue flower, round dew drops, round rhinestones, rounded apron punch for softness....)

supplies: Wild Asparagus paper, tissue paper, fiskars 2" scallop punch, hemp and button, green ribbon from michaels, flourish stamp, green ink and cardstock CTMH, birthday stamp from sweet and sassy, dew drops and rhinestones, MS double apron punch, smokey plum cardstock CTMH

Happy Friday! Dont' forget to enter for some blog candy

2010-05-07T10:52:00.000-04:00

I am trying to get a little bit of a start on end of year teacher's gifts. I usually like to write a nice card to show our appreciation for the hard work that they put out teaching and a small gift card to a local ice cream parlour. This year I am opting to put a small pack of greeting cards together. This is one of them.....

For Challenges:
Totally Stampalicious: flower power
CAS-tastic challenges: b'day cards
Belli Challenges: b'day cards
Paper Play Challenges: stamp something and bling (glitter and rhinestones)
Stamp challenge: b'day challenge
Clearly Inspired: may flowers

Supplies: pink cardstock from CTMH, Happy Birthday greeting from CTMH, tulips from the Springtime set CTMH, the white cardstock is scored with a fiskars tool (took out the blade and used a scoring blade- makes it very easy to figure out my lines!), colored in with more CTMH markers, prisma glitter, ribbon from Tuesday Morning and the pink rhinestones from Taylored Expressions.

Blog Candy alert: see here

Wedding Card Challenge

2010-05-06T03:00:00.000-04:00

This is my last week designing for Charisma Cardz and I thought I would go out with a bang! Schedules at our home are CRAZY with the kids in sports, traveling hubby, and my own business blooming. This week's challenge was issued by Jan and it was to create a Wedding Card. I made a very similar card for the Shabby Tea Room challenge a few weeks ago, but found this ribbon and these great black rhinestones while cleaning, and well you know, along came another card using these scraps of Anna Griffin paper....!!! I actually was able to sell the original one at a craft show that my sister, Kris, and I participate in. The purchaser was quite impressed with the rather large gray satin bow on it!

Mothers Day Card- challenge crazy/Blog Candy Alert

2010-05-05T20:39:00.001-04:00

I love the softness of yellow and when paired with white, to me it is a stunning combination! I scoped out my sisters blog the other day and was reminded of some of the same tools sitting in my cupboard that she pulled out and used: the scallop punch and score tool. Kris makes some amazing cards and I am always inspired by her work. We have different tastes- I love vintage and stamps, she is into graphic designs and she loves to use chipboard and stickers on her cards.

Her yellow card inspired me to make a SIMILAR design for mothers day. Sad thing....I just bought some cards because I wasn't sure I would have the time to make them :( Life of a cardmaker!LOL!

This card uses all scraps from my bin: white 7x6 cut down to fit the 5x7 card. The yellow for the border and rose flower used an old bobunny patterned paper, they were 12x1.5" strips (which I cannot believe I kept!) Rhinestones, satin ribbon, prisma glitter finish off the card. The mothers day sentiment was typed on the computer and cut with my nesties.

Click here for the blog candy information: HERE

Cards Blog challenge: mothers day card

For fun challenges: mom

Crafty cardmakers: distressed (I inked all of my edges with a dark yellow ink to add depth) and I crumpled the edges of the flower to bend the edges back to make it more realistic.

The Pink Elephant: Mommy I love you

Totally Stampalicious: flower power

Ooh-la-la creations challenges: minimalist, white space essential

just scraps: scraps only and shades of yellow

The Shabby Tea Room: Blinged out ( lots and lots of glitter on the flower for shine!!)

Delightful Sketches: use your punches (I used the ek success scallop to make the border and the make the rose flower...!)

Cheers and challenges eclectic ensemble: new challenge, celebrate mothers day

Raise the Bar: mothers day challenge

no time to stamp: mothers day

Teachers Appreciation Day May 11th/ Blog Candy Alert

2010-05-05T14:29:00.001-04:00

I am so excited! My sister uploaded a new photo image software program on my 'puter to help with my cards! She walked me through the steps today and this is the final product! I love it! This card is for a teacher that is just incredible this year, just what our second grader needed. Firm, nuturing, and has high expectations for her. DD is thriving- will be sad to see the school year end for her.

The pages are from Websters and Kris made some of these fabulous tissue paper flowers made out of an old pattern. She glittered them and added the mulberry flowers with a button. I printed the sentiment from a site on the computer and printed out. Used a nestibility punch to give an added flair to the card. I took the lace and "coffee" dyed it using instant starbucks sample that I was given recently. It added the perfect vintage look I was looking for. In case you ever want to "tea or coffee" dye some off white/cream or even white lace or seam binding. Heat the water, add the tea (steep for 5 minutes or so for depth of color) then add your product. Check on it every so often for the color that you are looking for. I then folded in a towel to pull off the excess moisture, let sit in the sun for a day to dry. Viola! I have some more stuff to make using the hem binding and lace that I just dyed. My mojo is tearing loose!

Stop by later for more cards! Thank you for visiting! If you leave a comment to tell me that you were here, you can be entered into my give away for some blog candy! US residents only, please due to shipping costs. I have been blogging for just over a year now, have over 20K hits, and made some great new "friends"! So I have lots to celebrate. Winner will be chosen by Random.org on May 15th!
** There will be clear alpha set stamps, flowers, ribbons, other misc goodies. I will try to get a pic uploaded of the goodies......**

Thursday Challenge at Charisma Cardz- Girly Card

2010-04-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today was my turn to set the challenge at Charisma Cardz. Being that Mother's day is next weekend, my first idea was to make a card to honor the women in our lives. However, since the majority of the team is in the UK, we switched it up to "girly cards" with an added challenge to add flowers to your card- no cheating and just using flowered patterned paper!!! We also have a super sponsor this week- Digi Stamp Boutique. I chose this image of the flowered cupcake and did some paper piecing on it. Really like how this turned out. I am so not into using the copics- find them hard and intimidating. Some people do a wowser of a job on their coloring images. But me, no thank you- like the quick and simple! LOL!

recipe: CTMH emporium papers, Digi stamp Flowered Cupcake, satin ribbon, button, glitter all miscellaneous. Paper flowers and leaves from my flower bag.

Quote challenge

2010-04-22T03:00:00.000-04:00

The challenge for this week at charisma cardz was to make a project with a quote on it. I have a few stamp sets with sayings, but realized very quickly that they weren't really a quote...... This cards uses all CTMH papers- love the olive and purple together. The stamped sentiment (ha! won't commit to it being a quote or saying...!LOL!) is from Stampin' UP.

totally out of my comfort zone....

2010-04-15T19:29:00.000-04:00

I am learning that blogging can be addictive. Time consuming. Blathering on about nothing and everything. I am finding that I am not much of a conversationalist on this computer. Don't get me wrong, I love love love to talk. That is to someone that can talk back and laugh at me! So, those of you that do this daily, my question is .... how do you keep people interested in reading? I guess not liking to write papers in college, it carries over to not liking to write here. I don't keep a journal, I never aspired to want to write a book. I tend to write things direct and to the point. After all, when you visit, you could care less about my daily grind, you are here to see my project. What products did I use and did I do a fun new technique. So, since you are here for this card, I won't keep you in suspense any longer and give you the deets:

I used the sketch at a new site to me: Pals Paper Arts #38
Crafty Card Makers: to challenge yourself I challenged myself to 1) using rubons which I hate to do. I bought these whimsy rubons last summer on clearance at AC Moore and swore I could do something cutesy. Today I found them cleaning for a flea market. I think I like how this turned out- very bright. It also challenged me to use really really bright bold colors- I tend to use softer colors. So, another blog challenge was The Wildflowers Patch: to use 3 punches (see the fiskars lace punch I did 4 times..? and to use bold colors. And Cute Card Thursday was to make a project "touchy feely" texture: satin ribbon, glitter rubons that are cool and smooth to the touch, and the punches .

All in all, I am surprised at this card. Even hubby made a comment about it being cute and very very different (he is my gauge when I am not sure of something....he is direct and truthful, sometimes to the point of driving the proverbial knife in my heart...LOL!!!)

have a great evening!

simple and elegant

2010-04-15T11:42:00.000-04:00

These cards were the favorites from my last workshop. Surprise me! Simple yet elegant. The girls made up every kit I had prepared!
I am also entering these into the CAS-tastic Challenge blog for the design team call. Anything goes that is clean and simple!

The stamps I used are from Close To My Heart, misc ribbons from Tuesday Morning (wrapping paper section), pearls and paper flower from Michael's. Martha Stewart butterfly punch and fiskars apron punch, scallop scissors, dew drops and glitter finish off these cards.

I hope that you are inspired to make some simple and elegant cards for your stash.

Pretty in Pink

2010-04-14T18:16:00.000-04:00

I found myself in a pink mood today. Last night I made some cards and left out these Anna Griffin papers on the table. Instead of putting them away, I created 5 more cards today with them! Productive, yes, and now I can say that I am glad that they are gone! LOL! Too much of a good thing I think....!

I am also going to enter these into the new site CAS-tasticchallenges.blog. This is a new site I found today and they are doing a design team call. Why not- I love challenges! Hope they like my style!

I used the sketch on Card Patterns # 59 for the starting point on both of these cards. Funny how a sketch can be interpreted in so many unique ways! Also for the ABC- Challenge: sparkle- lots of glitter and dew drops on these cards!! Hubby even gave the seal of approval on these!!

recipe: Anna Griffin papers, cricut George to cut the ovals and circles, Inkadinkado and CTMH floral stamps, prima flowers, prisma glitter, dew drops, lace and ribbon from Joann fabrics, fiskars scallop punch. Sentiments from SU- whimsical words (I just love this new set I got!!!)

challenges

2010-04-13T09:07:00.000-04:00

I finally had the courage to play along with a new site The Shabby Tea Room. The guests on there really intimidate me with their creativity, but when I saw this weeks challenge, I knew the perfect papers to play with . These grays are from an older Anna Griffin line and the sketch was to use lots of squares and a quilt photo for inspiration. The card has lots of layers, all using 3d foam dots. The beautiful satin ribbon came from Aerie (a clothing store by american eagle and when you make a purchase, they tie your bag up- great way to recycle!) It also meets a few other challenges: Cute card thursday: monochromatic, Stampin for the weekend: ribbons and bows, OUr creative corner: bows, totally gorjuss: create texture (satin ribbon, 3d, pearls, embossing), corrosive challenge: texture and the cuttlebug spot: add bling!

This card was so much fun to make! I love vintage and shabby! I purchased this new ribbon from an etsy seller and adore it! it is tea dyed and crinkled- very vintage looking! The card was inspired by the sketch at 2 Sketches 4 You on monday. Again, older Anna Griffin papers, new SU! sentiment, prima vintage flower, and ink distressed. All meets the challenges for the above sites.

Finally, this card used the remaining scraps from above card. My nieces b'day is this week and I needed an appropriate preteen card. I used the bonus sketch at 2S4Y which helped me out alot! I love this satin ribbon with cupcakes all over it- a bargain from Joann Fabrics by Debbie Mumm.
challenge also for tuesday morning sketches: soft hues, flowers and ribbons , and creative crew card: happy birthday!
Thanks for visiting today!

Mellow Yellow kind of mood....

2010-04-11T10:25:00.000-04:00

I found myself playing with yellow yesterday. I am home recovering from some minor surgery and can't do much bending or lifting. I am rewarding myself by playing in my craft area. Anesthesia gives me insomnia, so I love the quiet of the house in the middle of the night when I can work with no guilt, no noise, and stupid television...LOL!

I bought these card bases on clearance, but they are in pastel colors. Didn't think I would have that hard of a time using them, but.... came across a blog challenge to use the colors pink, yellow and green. Viola! Perfect use of the bases!

All stamps and inks used are from Close to My Heart, K*Co card bases, misc scraps of papers, ribbons, buttons, glitter.

The top card, Kristen inspired me to make my own paper flowers. I found a tutorial on Bobunny's website- use a 3" circle and cut into a spiral. Starting from the middle, tighten back into a circle and glue down onto a 1" circle (this is the hard part to hold the circle down for the glue to dry...) Added glitter and pearls to the middles. I kinda like the look- not sure how many of these I will do.

Challenges:
Stampin for the Weekend: ribbons and bows
Our Creative Corner: bows
Raise the Bar: flowers
Sugar Creek Hollow: sketch for the top card
totally Gorjuss: create texture
Daring CArdmakers: if the shoe fits
Jffstamps: pink yellow and green
ssds challenges: create a birthday card
delightful sketches: buttons and bling

corrosive challenges: add textures

April showers bring May flowers...

2010-04-10T07:18:00.000-04:00

I have been playing with some old supplies (though is there anyone amongst us that doesn't hoard stash??) and came across this very old CTMH stamp set, which I think I have had for 5 years now! I still love it! So, catching my sisters blog the other day (Kristen Swain), she challenged herself to going outside of her comfort color box and made some great purple and green cards.....see the sibling rivalry thing happening???

I had to make some of my own purple and green cards..... Green is one of my fave colors, but purple is not a color I gravitate to. I like it, but find it hard to work with. Even the camera changes the hue of it.

This card was made for a workshop that I am hired to run at the end of the month. The hostess stumped me by asking for teacher thank you's, however, not all of the ladies attending have children so I had to make a card that would work for anything. So, searching online, I came acrossed a set of cards made by Dani Reid (http://www.dannisdoodles.typepad.com/) and made a card inspired by her black and red cards. I typed up the sayings on the computer: you are a wise old owl and you are the wisest teacher of them all. I think all of the guests will be happy with this one. I also used a real twig for the owl (we had a terrible storm a few weeks ago and the yards are still a mess making this an easy job to find a stick!!LOL!)

Challenges entered:

Raise the Bar Challenge: #13, Lets Hear It for Spring (make a spring card)
Delightful Sketches: Buttons and Bling

KLSNS blog: use organic material (twig with owl!)

our creative corner: bows!

stamp in for the weekend: use ribbons and bows on your project (I also used 3 stamps, 3 rhinestones, buttons, ribbon as embellies however, no charm....
Design Dollies: use flowers (hence the title April showers bring May flowers)

stamp scrap and doodle saturdays: create a birthday card

totally gorjuss: #25 challenge, to add texture to card (see owl card)

moxie fab challenge

2010-04-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

This weeks Moxie Fab challenge is to use the sketch with a quote bubble. Everytime I look at this card, it really does crack me up! Usually it is listening to some of my friends chatting about our hubbies (which we really do love) but they happen to be driving us crazy at the moment....

paper: MM Sabrina line, prima flower, misc button. Black and white plain cardstock CTMH, Bella Stamp and sentiment Clear Studio G stamp. markers and black ink finish off the card.

Thank You Challenge!

2010-04-08T03:00:00.000-04:00

I love this weeks challenge at Charisma Cardz- thank you! I found this fabulous stamp at Michael's last week for....(drum roll) 50cents! Good for me being frugal that I am! The journal jot is a stamp from Martha Stewart, paper is K&C0 line, misc green satin from Joann fabrics, MS butterfly punch, pearls are wedding clearance, Foof-a-la button, waxy flax.

I am so happy with the final outcome. I have so much to be thankful for, namely a group of friends that will stand by me through thick and thin. When I send this card to one of them, I hope it conveys my gratitude for their friendship. Thanks for stopping by! I am grateful for your patronage and hope that YOU find some inspiration amongst my creations!

changing up a sketch a bit

2010-04-03T03:00:00.000-04:00

Before I begin, US is hosting a fun blog hop this weekend! You can go on a Treasure Hunt! You must start at US and then go to the participating designers, find their project based on their clue, write them down and when you are finished email the moderator with your names/projects and you could be the grand prize winner! Fun? Get going! In my label" Unscripted" is where you will find my treasure. Here is my clue:

To find me, read all of the clues

in my project you won't find any blues

red, brown, and green are chosen

and the prop is ice frozen......

This weeks sketch was a lot of fun (but then again, aren't they all?). I am in the mood to purge old paper packs and gave myself a goal that each day I am to use up whichever set I pull out. Since Easter is upon us, I wanted to create some religious cards for my church. God has given all of us certain gifts which we are to use to further His Kingdom. Using creativity to my best ability, I like to give back and the church sends them to "shut-ins", those sick or in crisis, or really to anyone that is hurting. I was able to make 10 notecards in a hour this morning to take with me on Sunday. I think Judy will be pleasantly surprised!

If you notice the front 2 cards, they use the same sketch- just varied it up a bit. The same- 2 panels 2x5". Varied is how I did the "triangle" piece.

How can you vary up the sketch at Unscripted Sketches this week? Don't forget that we will now be picking our top 3 and sometimes a design team member will be offering up a prize!

recipe: Basic Grey Wisteria line, black ink from Close to My Heart, Purple cardstock CTMH, and the stamps I won from a contest....

Life is Ruff!

2010-04-01T03:00:00.000-04:00

Charisma Cardz designer Allison threw us a challenge this week to make a project : Animal Magic! I only have a few "animals"....besides the kiddos!LOL!....so not having used this dog stamp set in a while, I pulled it out along with these great pet paper scraps and created a cutesy card for a friend.

The papers are scraps Kris passed on, the sketch I followed from Friday Sketches (from 2 weeks ago), and the stamp set is from Close to My Heart. Not much explanation needed here, simple card that explains itself.

Now, if only I knew what friend I could send this to without them thinking that I am "calling" them a dog...........

Are You Ready for a Treasure Hunt?

2010-03-31T14:09:00.000-04:00

Some of the designers on Unscripted Sketches are participating in a fun new blog hop! Go on a treasure hunt this Saturday and the first person to send in the names/projects of the designers linked will win a prize.

Check in Saturday morning starting at Unscripted Sketches for the details and those participating to begin. Good Luck!!

Easter is Here

2010-03-29T17:03:00.000-04:00

Note: I just found out that my card was chosen as the top 5 over at Get Sketchy! Wahoo!

So I took a few quite moments this morning and created this Easter card. Usually I don't, but these colors were out on my table and screaming for me to use them for a quick card to send to my dad and stepmom (who live in Md and I don't get to see too often....). I liked how it turned out and may have even decided to make more in the future...hehehe...!

supplies: all cardstock and ink colors are Close to My Heart in buttercup, sweet leaf and orchid bouqet. The stamps are an egg set I picked up last year by Clear G studio stamps, Sentiment: say it in style and black ink- also by Close to My Heart. cricut george cartridge for the circles! fiskars apron punch. Used the swiss dots embossing folder by cuttlebug, purple satin ribbon, button and waxy flax are in my stash.

Challenges:

Card Blog: Easter card
Cricutcardzchallenge: #18 easter
Colour Create challenge: #41 pastels
Cute Card Thursday: #105 add dimension (3d foam embossing, raised button and glitter
Our Creative Corner 6: easter
Paper Play Challenges: #12 easter
twisted thursday: buttons
daring cardmakers: egg-citing
corrosive challenges: easter
crafty cardmakers: spring/easter
the cuttlebug spot: pink, green and white (used yellow too!)
our daily bread designs: easter
the pink elephant: pastels

3 cards for submissions to Cards Blog and Moxie Fab challenges

2010-03-27T16:30:00.000-04:00

I am entering some cards into the Cards Blog Easter challenge. The above card is made using some new Prima Flowers, ribbon from Michaels' Basic Grey Opaline pearls, MS butterfly and double apron punches, the sentiment is from Our Daily Bread set I rec'd in a blog prize from Stamping Sisters in Christ. Cardstock of kraft and purple are Close to My Heart. Thank for looking!

Here is another card for Cards Blog- Easter Challenge. Easter is always a time of renewed faith for me and butterflies show a sign of new life (Spring). I love the simple look of this card! Used 2 cuttlebug folders for embossing, butterfly stamp from Inkadinkado, and some new flocking from Doodlebugs. Misc ribbon, button, gold pearl, glitter finish off the card.

This card is for the Moxie Fab paper piecing challenge. I was on a kick lately of paper piecing- such a great way to add color without markers (which totally stump me!) MME paper, statin ribbon, button, thread, rhinestones. Stamp set of balloon from Verve, sentiment from Sassy Stamps before they went digital! Balloon on 3 d foam tape for extra dimension. Thanks for stopping by!

Sketch Challenge

2010-03-27T03:00:00.000-04:00

The final weekend of the month of March- time for another layout. I am so excited, I have done 6 pages for my album- even bought a new one to fill up!!! Yeah! Have you checked out the Design Team from Unscripted Sketches for inspiration???

Bobunny Alissa line, sketch number 48, Unscripted Sketches, misc jewels, rhinestones and pearls (all from Walmart).

moxie fab #3- paper piecing challenge

2010-03-26T17:44:00.000-04:00

Stamped the cupcake 1x on pink paper and again on chocolate paper. Popped up with foam tape, added flower. Stamped sentiment using close to my heart stamp. Paper from Big Lots.

Moxie Fab #2

2010-03-26T17:39:00.000-04:00

Moxie Fab Paper Piecing Challenge #2.

moxie fab challenge

2010-03-26T17:35:00.000-04:00

Paper Piecing! Love this umbrella set from Close to My Heart. restamped the umbrella and popped it up with 3 d foam! Paper is Debbie Mumm. Entering into the Moxie Fab challenge!

Spring is Here!

2010-03-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

The Charisma Cardz challenge this week was presented by Vee. Make a spring card. I am so in the spring mood- ready to even clean! LOL! Fat chance of that happening...... So instead I am busy creating some cards. My sister and I have 2 shows approaching and we need some inventory. We are busy making cards for the events! I am so excited to be doing some new cards, participating in blog challenges again and using up old things that I have had sitting around.

The bottom strip is a paint chip from the hardware store. The flower is chalked and has glitter in the center for added detail (hard to see on the computer!). Used the last strip of this green ribbon, misc button and waxy flax. Simple simple card. I love going back to the basics!

New Life

2010-03-22T13:57:00.000-04:00

That is what spring and butterflies make me think of. The buds are on the trees and plants, the birds are chirping, softball season is starting, soon our yard will be full of butterflies! I LOVE SPRING!

This card used a variety of techniques. Cuttlebug embossing: swiss dots and victorian. Stamped the butterfly (Inkadinkado) then cut out. Applied new doodlebug felting in yellow to the wings- hard stuff to work with!!! Also applied prisma glitter to the white on the b'fly. Popped dotted with 3D foam. Satin ribbon, waxy flax and button finish off the bow. Stamped sentiment from Sassy Stamps.

Challenges:

Crafty Cardmakers #17: spring into spring
Design Dollies: black, white and yellow
The cuttlebug Spot: if you had wings
Our Daily Bread: #6 think spring and new life
Totally stampalicious: ribbons and polka dots

It's Officially Spring!

2010-03-21T13:41:00.000-04:00

The weather here in eastern PA has been GORGEOUS! Mid 70's, plenty of sunshine, and all of our neighbors were out yesterday doing some sort of yard work. We cleaned out our garage and man, I love how much room we now have! I won't have the heebies going out and doing laundry now! So, after we all came in and took a water break, I had a moment of inspiration and created this card. Believe it or not, it came together in less than 45 minutes!

It is for the following challenges:

Sketch: Delightful Sketches #17
Stamp Something: distressing. I sponged walnut ink over all edges to make them pop and to give a bit of vintage feel.
Caardvarks: Lacy Days. To use lace on your card
Our Creative Corner, All Sorts Challenge, and Crazy 4 Challenges: to make a Spring Card
Totally gorjuss: use ribbon
Sketch Saturday: the sketch (funny how 2 different blogs have virtually the same sketch this week!)
ABC challenges: q for quotation. Used Psalm 32:7 verse

can you use a paint chip on your project?

2010-03-20T03:00:00.000-04:00

Unscripted Sketches has been doing some "extra" challenges with the sketches and this week was to incorporate a paint chip. We are in the process of painting 2 of our girls rooms and we have a ton of these babies sitting around! LOL! Be sure to check US out as we have changed our format! We will be picking Top 3 Winners each week and some weeks may even include a PRIZE!

All papers are miscellaneous scraps sitting around. The card is 5.5x 5.5. I broke out the chalks for this card- for the spring feel. Versamark works fabulously to hold the chalk on! Heidi grace pins, $1.00 ribbon at Mike's, CTMH stamp set and Sweet and Sassy sentiments.

Show us your project with a paint chip- if you dare, or just use the sketch as is! Don't forget to link your project to US!

out of my comfort zone....

2010-03-19T19:24:00.000-04:00

So, i wanted to use up this last piece of basic grey bird paper and found a sketch challenge at Get Sketchy. However..... I am not to thrilled with this card. Mostly it isn't my style or colors. I love pinks and browns, bright summer colors, and anything with green. But as I am preparing for a craft show next Thursday, I know someone will purchase this card!

This is also for the following challenges:

Color Throwdown #84: ocean, black, light blue, and sorbet (Close to my heart colors and the sorbet is in the flowers....!)
Daring Cardmakers: Tweetie Pie to use a bird on your card
Get Sketchy: #30 sketch challenge and they are having a blog hop!

more late night crafting

2010-03-18T12:34:00.000-04:00

Hubby came home late from a business trip, due to mechanical failure of the plane (yikes!) So in waiting up for him to arrive back home, I decided to watch American Idol and craft some more cards.

This card is for the following challenges: Bonus sketch at 2sketches4you, Cute Card Thursday #104- Happy Birthday, Twisted Thursday #48 to use pastels (the pink and green qualify for spring colors ;) )

This card is for the following challenges: Creative Card Crew#46- going dotty, ABC challenge- q is for quotation, Twisted Thursday #48 to use pastels, and Paper Play Challenges #11- good luck (I hate to say good luck since I believe that all things come from God, not luck or fate so this quote is perfect for the believer or non believer that "things will always look up" once we have perspective.)

Charisma Cardz Challenge

2010-03-18T03:05:00.000-04:00

Leanne came up with a theme for us, Something for the Kids. This time of year is crazy with birthdays galore. This card is for DD. Our oldest will be thirteen at the end of the month- where o' where does the time go???? I still vividly recall the time in the hospital giving birth.... yikes.

Went to wally mart and bought these cute cake stickers on clearance. This is the 3rd card I made with them. The papers are clearance from Taylored Expressions, the sentiment is Close to My Heart and the ribbon is mikes' clearance rack. Martha punch, deco scissors, swarvorski gems on the bottom to balance the card out.

Thanks for stopping by! What is your kid challenge? Stop over to Charisma Cardz and link your project this week!! You could win one of 2 prizes!!! Good luck!

more cards

2010-03-17T13:28:00.000-04:00

while having the scraps of debbie mumm papers out on the table, i decided to keep making some more cards. these ended up as baby cards- cute cute cute! debbie mumm stickers compliment the papers.

these are for the following challenges:
-creative card crew #46- going dotty (elephant card)

-cards and things sketch #24 (elephant card)
-creative belli challenge- sketch #1 and to use a clip (i used an old photo clip to attach my saying to the top pink card)
-cricut cardz #17- to create card for a childs b'day (elephant card can be used as a first b'day or welcome baby, used georges to cut out circles)

The results of "burning the midnight oil..."

2010-03-17T09:32:00.000-04:00

There are 4 cards here to view for various challenges.
Hubby away on business, thus I can't sleep. So, instead of tossing and turning, I spent a few quiet hours crafting some cards for various challenges. I can't tell you the last time that I wanted to do that.

This card was a sketch challenge for Mercy Kerin's blog, #65 and Flutter by Wednesdays #100- butterflies. The card is all purple- monochromatic. The cardstock is actually from Debbie Mumm and it is full of sparkle, not even including the sparkly from the glitter on the butterfly! The pearls are Reminisce clearance, MS punch, 3d foam dots, photo hanger to hold the tag, CTMH sentiment.

This card follows the sketch over at Inspirational Cards #58 and the extra challenge is POLKA DOTS. I love this umbrella stamp from CTMH and I tried to do something different with the banner and curved it for added "umph". It also is for the Pink Elephant- #58 Spring and Creative Card Crew #46, going dotty and Crafty Creations- #59 spots and dots.

The card is a sketch challenge over at a new site to me: Cards and Things, #24. It makes a cute baby shower or 1st birthday card for a child. The Pink Elephant- anything spring.

This final card is for the bonus sketch at 2 Sketches 4 You and another for Pink Elephant- anything spring. I love this paper pack from Debbie Mumm!

St Patty's Day tribute

2010-03-16T15:38:00.000-04:00

Typically I don't do St. Patty's day cards. More because I don't know who to send them to, but this year I pulled out some older stamp sets I had from Clear G and created this simple card. I love the shamrock, since I had my chalks out, figured why not try? Love the effect!

Papers are bits and pieces I had lying around on the table, used the last of this green ribbon, pins Kris gave to me, and apron punch/cuttlebug embossing folder for the smaller details.

This card is for 3 challenges:
-The Pink Elephant #58 Anything Spring

-creative inspirations #52, white yellow and green
-Cupcake Craft Challenge #82, Going Green

spring anyone?

2010-03-15T14:52:00.000-04:00

Just a few more days. 5 to be exact until Spring is officially here! The east coast has had some of the wackiest weather ever! We had our 5 nor'easter of the year, this one dumped 3 inches of rain over 2 days and it is STILL raining! I guess I have to be thankful it isn't snow! Yes, we had enough of that this year.

During a recent outing to wally mart, I found these clearance cake stickers- quite 3 dimensional and fell in love with the colors. This time of year, we have a number of birthdays and I always find that I am short on cards. So, 3 stickers got me 3 cards. Here are 2 of them. You will have to come back on thursday to see the last one- it is for the Charisma Cardz Challenge....and no it is NOT birthday themed. LOL! no cheating.....!

This card is for the sketch challenge over at 2 sketches 4 you. It has been forever since I participated on this site and since the end of January since I did any other challenges other than Unscripted Sketches and Charisma Cardz. I am telling ya, this time of year is C R A Z Y!!! So, used paper I rec'd ages ago from Taylored Expressions (I think they are a mix of MME, DCWV), CTMH sentiment and lots of 3d foam to pop up each layer.

This card is for the challenge over at The Pink Elephant. Week #58- Anything Spring! The background paper reminds me of dogwood trees in bloom and the color palette is definitely spring!

Sketch #46, Unscripted Sketches

2010-03-13T03:00:00.000-05:00

I have been totally loving the new sketch designs we have at Unscripted Sketches!!! They can certainly be adapted to a card or, in my case, a layout.

The starting point was the sketch. In trying to keep up with my goal of 2 layouts a month, this week I really wanted to scrap. Next came the photos. These were taken in 2008, and my girls had an absolute blast down at the ocean (hon). We hadn't been since DD was 3- many years have passed and little did I realize that the beach was only 1 hour away from our home. And.... we have been here almost 11 years. How sad am I?

I really wanted to capture her contemplation at the shore line. When I see the ocean, all of my problems go away. Why? Well, how big is the ocean? How many grains of sand on the beach? My problem is put into perspective, just when I hear the waves and smell the salt. Ahhh.....

I created my own background with 2 sets of stamps: Bobunny and CTMH. The circles are colored to match the sand and the water. I used CTMH cardstock: black and desert sand. BoBunny patterned paper, stickers and Anna Griffin seashell. Jolees fish stickers too.

Beautiful Butterfly

2010-03-11T03:00:00.000-05:00

Carly issued the challenge this week at Charisma Cardz and I KNEW immediately what I wanted to make. Now that doesn't happen all that often (usually I have to visualize my project before I create it....) The stamp is from Inkadinkado, Hello is from Close to My Heart Gracious Greetings, AC dotted ribbon, Foof-a-la button, hat pins and rhinestones were from the craft store. Bobunny papers the Alissa line.

I found this sketch over at 2 Sketches 4 You, it is a 5.75" square. 4" circle cut on the cricut and embossed with the swiss dots cuttlebug folder. Butterfly has added dimensions being on 3d foam squares. Added lots of prisma glitter to the wings giving lots of sparkle!!

Weekly Sketch Challenge

2010-03-06T03:00:00.000-05:00

Here is my interpretation of the sketch this week at Unscripted Sketches. I love the new sketches that have come out! I can't wait for next weeks as well....(hint, hint to come back!LOL!)

The papers were old Bobunny stash (i think from 2006). Flowers are prima, bobunny, and mulberry flowers Kris gave me cut from silk flowers from the craft store..... Ribbon I picked up from Tuesday Morning, in the wrapping paper section (go figure) and the sentiment I just picked up from Sweet and Sassy. They are clearing out the acrylic stamps and going all digi. I got some great deals from them!!! The buttons are from Foof-ala (and I LOVE them, I am going to get some more!!)

I have a few more cards to make from this paper pack before I toss the scraps. This is probably my 5th card using these papers and I have to say, I love the color combo, but definitely sick of this paper. It is starting to affect my mojo.

Don't forget to link to Unscripted your PROJECT not just a link to your blog. It makes it really difficult to find that way!

See you soon-

Charisma Cardz Fairy Challenge

2010-03-04T03:00:00.000-05:00

I think I can say that most of the DT at Charisma Cardz had a real challenge on their hands coming up with a fairy card. Luckily, mine was a free download from Inky Impresssions and I have certainly gotten my use out of her!! Love the pink and green combo (reminds me of the early 80's and being a preppie!)LOL! The papers are old Bobunny stash, lovely misc satin ribbon and I printed the sentiment on cardstock using my new printer.

Unscripted Sketches #44

2010-02-27T03:00:00.000-05:00

Finally, using up that wonderful paper line Bobunny debuted over the spring/summer 2009, Abbey Road. Love the blues, greens, and chocolate all together. This line is so versatile, love the heavy cardstock paper that is reversible!

Unscripted Sketch #44, is the starting point for my layout. I have been bitten by the scrapbooking bug! In going back through these older photos and scrapping, I am learning that I need to refine my shots. From this outdoor art garden, I must have taken 25 shots of the statues and sculptures! Now looking back, how or why would I scrap so many of these? I have some good ones of the girls and hubby, a few of me, and those are what I should be concentrating on. I have found that over the years I have changed how many shots I take, now need to concentrate on WHAT shots I take AND not to print every one out! I think I have tossed away plenty of money on the unneccessary pics I won't use, as well as the blurry images. Life is teaching me some lessons along the way!

Birthday Card Challenge, with an extra...

2010-02-25T03:00:00.000-05:00

It is my week at Charisma Cardz to choose the challenge. My youngest will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow, so I wanted to do a birthday card challenge. The extra....add a candle to it!

I was lucky enough to be in Michaels perusing the clearance aisle and found these rather large candle stick stamps (hero arts?). The card is 6x6, 4.5" circle and the candles are 3" tall. Printed on patterned paper to get the celebratory effect. Close to My Heart paper, satin ribbon, tag and flower complete the look.

Do you have enough Birthday Cards in your stash?

Unscripted Sketch #43

2010-02-20T03:00:00.000-05:00

It's a sketch challenge with a piggy back challenge this week at Unscripted! The extra challenge, should you dare, is to use the colors light blue, green, bamboo and brown bag. I chose the Bobunny Line, Abbey Road, and substituted brown bag for chocolate. I love this paper!

Come back next week to see the layout that I have done using the same line, just a completely different look!

Sketch Challenge at Charisma Cardz

2010-02-18T03:00:00.000-05:00

I am so doing the happy dance since I finally finished off a pile of scraps to make this card! I am in such a cleaning mood lately, purging, reorganizing my rooms, making a big pile of things to go to the thrift store. I get this way every Jan/Feb and want to declutter me and my household.

The sketch challenge at Charisma Cardz was a lovely one to try. I really jazzed this card up: using crytals, grommets, flowers with glitter, scallop scissors, 3D dots. The paper line is BoBunny Abbey Road collection. I won this a bit ago on a card challenge. Green is myFAVE color and it works so well with baby blue and chocolate. I think the last few projects I have worked on are this line and the BB popsicle line. My sister, Kristen, is on the design team there and passes on the leftover scraps she has from older collections (yes, I am lucky!)

BLOG CANDY ALERT!

US Residents Only:
In purging, I have come across some extras of Bobunny papers that would love a new home! If you are interested in receiving some 6x6 sheets of double sided paper- leave me a comment and have an accessible email account. Tell me what is your favorite color combo!

Unscripted Sketches #42

2010-02-13T03:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, so if you haven't played on the Unscripted Sketch Blog lately, you really need to see their sketches! Wow! I have had such fun making projects- especially so since 50% of the work is already done for me. All I need to do is find a photo or 2, papers that match and bingo! Work is done.

A few weeks ago I organized my photos and labeled the tabs. They are waiting for me to pull out by month and scrap. I am far behind (I sometimes rather make cards because of time constraints), but isn't everyone? Each year the Elementary school puts on a great Field Day. The kids are outside all day playing, drinking lots of water, and competing blue against white teams. As you can see, Popsicle girl is on the enemy team of White..... Parents are invited to come and go or help all day long. We pull the wagons full of bottled water, help the nurse put on bandaids, cheer on our kids, and help the kids complete each course. It is tiring, but also exhilarating!

recipe: Bobunny popsicle line, all paper, stickers and journal spot

Charisma Cards Man Challenge

2010-02-11T03:00:00.000-05:00

I don't do masculine cards very well. Mostly because I don't think that my husband truly appreciates how each card I make is a piece of art. Now don't get me wrong, I do make them for him, but I am so used to making cards with buttons, bows, satin, pins, charms, etc... that making a "simple" card is hard to do.

Charisma Cardz Challenge this week is to do a masculine card. I found these scraps from an old Close To My Heart paper pack and wanted to put them to use- to finally be rid of something small!!! The stamp set is also from them (though it looks like I pressed to hard on the image and R&S smeared a bit....). I certainly am ahead of the game with getting his card made!

What masculine card can you come up with? Don't forget to link your project directly with Mr. Linky, not just to your blog.....

Sketch #41- Unscripted Sketches

2010-02-06T03:00:00.000-05:00

What better way to catch up on scrapbooking than to use a sketch to get my mojo moving?!?! I tell you, I have 2 down and 22 more to go to fulfill my resolutions for 2010! Pics are all in order, boxed and ready to go. Now if I could just find a site that would allow me to make 2 page layouts with multiple photos.....

Unscripted Sketches has some great new designs this month and there are some added challenges attached! Come back and see them weekly-

Papers: bobunny popsicle line
misc: clear/frosted black stickers (love these, wish I know the manufacturer!)

That's it for now!

Charisma Cardz- I Love You Challenge

2010-02-04T03:00:00.000-05:00

As I sit here writing this, the Barney song "I love you, you love me, we're a great big family" keeps playing in my head. Maybe because of watching American Idol and the "child star turned dominatrix idol wanna be" was on singing her song has something to do with the echo in my head. sigh....

Very easy peasy card this week. I started to follow the Tuesday Sketchers challenge, but never got this posted. Love love love the sketch. As I am busy prepping for a workshop, I felt that this card would fit perfectly into my theme of "waste not want not" use up those scraps! Each piece is 2" x 5.5 (descending 1/4" each cut) and the hearts were cut on the cricut (george basics cartridge). The paper line is an old BoBunny Heart Attack. The stamp is from Michaels dollar (Studio G, clear stamps) with CTMH black ink.

Simple enough? My kids will love the card- nice to be ahead of the game. Now if I could come up with something for hubby........

A sketch this week

2010-01-30T03:00:00.000-05:00

In trying to keep to my resolution this year of doing 2 layouts a month, I have 1 down and 1 to go! Unscripted Sketches is the perfect starting point for helping me get my creative juices flowing. At first, this weeks sketch had me wondering what to do. Once I found my photo, then the papers, it really did just fall into place.

I added faux stitching to the layout using "you have me in stitches" stamp set from Close to My Heart. The yellow brads, chocolate ink, honey ink, and all of the paper (veranda line) are CTMH as well. Misc grosgrain ribbon, wheat leaf diecuts are misc and the Journey chipboard/sticker are Anna Griffin. Martha Stewart punch.

Charisma Cardz White on White Challenge

2010-01-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

Hey there! If you want to stretch your crafting abilities, try doing a monochromatic card. And not just any color- WHITE! Yes, this card stretched my imagination a bit! The Charisma Cardz design team has some amazing interps of this challenge, don't forget to stop by and leave some love!

I used my new cricut cartridge, Home Decor, to cut out the chandelier. LOVE IT! added lots of rhinestones for the bling factor. Embossed with the cuttlebug the victorian background as well. Got hurt by that danged machine too! The handle flipped back on me and whacked the crap out of my knuckle. I have a big bruise, swollen knuckle and can't wear my ring hubby gave to me for our anniversary. Of course, it is also my right hand, which I use favorably, so it is taxing me to death!!UGH!

Finally, typed the sentiment on the computer, trying to find a font that conveyed the fancy girly factor I was trying for. White organdy ribbon to finish!

What can you do with all white? Leave a link on the CCC blog, directly to your project!

Congrats to Lillian for winning the Sweet Berry by K&Co. leftovers that was up for grab. Lillian, when you make some projects, let me know!

Unscripted Sketches

2010-01-23T03:00:00.000-05:00

Unscripted is now on Facebook!! Check out this link and become a follower: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Unscripted-Sketches/276734181982?v=wall Interested in becoming a guest designer for our site? Then click the link to follow the instructions.....

I adore the sketch challenges at Unscripted Sketches. I have to say that my mojo wasn't quite working, I really wanted to do a layout and ended up with another winter card. I think that I will give this one to a friend of mine that loves snowmen.

Kristen passed on some scraps of Cosmo Crickets Golly By Jolly line. Colored in the image with markers, used red rhinestones for added bling, prisma glitter on the snowman and red "snowflake".

Charisma Cardz Fruity Colors Challenge #3

2010-01-21T03:00:00.000-05:00

Hello! Today offers a color challenge on Charisma Cardz Challenge site. Fruity colors. Lemon lime, strawberry, bananas, apples, oranges, grapes..... yes, making my mouth water for some fresh strawberries which won't be in season until the end of May..... I digress.

I used the K*Co Sweet Berry line for the paper, the glittered chipboard strawberry and heart. Typed the sentiment from the computer, used my "stored away" nesties, lime green ribbon, misc flower and button to finish off this card.

Good news, I was able to complete 4 cards for this challenge to add to my stash!! I have 4 more sitting on my craft table waiting for me and I am so excited to be able to use "stash"!!! Wahoo! My biggest decision this week will be to "toss" the remaining heart chipboard stickers, 2 orange slices and the owls/toadstool set left over. Or do I keep for a later date. I want to use up my supplies, but after 8 cards, I think I am kinda done with this paper line.... So, tell me what would you do?

BLOG CANDY ALERT: If there is anyone in blogland (from the USA of course) that would like some "left over" goodies, I will be happy to pass them onto you. Leave me a comment telling me you would like some freebies, by Friday night and I will select a random person to receive them (on Saturday morning) and will include some 6x6 papers from the line as well for you to make some cool Berry projects! Think of this as a virtual garage sale, except you will pay nothing! Make sure I can reach you by email when you leave a comment.

new beginnings

2010-01-16T03:00:00.000-05:00

I find myself (for some odd reason) making baby cards. Not for me mind you!!LOL! But, if you have been following me, you will remember that I am working on reducing the size of my stash. Since I made a "new beginnings" card for some blog challenges last week, I am determined to use up the 'scraps' on my table and make more baby cards. These will be great to sell at the craft shows and if not.... well I decided that I am going to donate them to the local hospital, the Labor and Delivery ward. They won't go to waste there!

Unscripted Sketches is my starting point on this card! Love those sketches and it is THE BEST TEAM to be a part of!! The paper is Flair, felt stickers by Anna Griffin, WRMK alpha stickers, misc buttons and flower. MS lacey doily punch. Don't forget to stop on over at US and leave a link to your creation.

week #2 Charisma Cardz Challenge

2010-01-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

This weeks challenge at Charisma Cardz pulls double duty. First, create a card using NEW stash and secondly, use this wonderful digi image from Bee Crafty.

When I rec'd "whimsical girl snowman" the other day, I knew exactly what papers I wanted to use to tie it in with. Even though I am so over winter themed cards and put away all of my papers- cosmo cricket's Jolly By Golly line screamed at me!!

Over the holidays, Kristen (my fabo and incredibly talented sister) passed on some scraps of this paper she had rec'd from her stint over at Pursuit of Craftyness. She knows that I like to recycle and to use up scraps of paper - no matter how small (I am lucky in that sense!) So the papers are new to me, the Pompom ribbon was a new roll, and a new tube of liquid applique completed the first part of the NEW challenge. The rest of the card is made using prisma glitter, martha stewart snowflake punch, 1/2 pearls, and markers to color in.

What new stuff do you have sitting around in your craft area that is screaming to be used? Don't forget to link your project (directly, not your blog addie) to the Charisma Cardz site. Try your hand at becoming the Top 3!

The final product is a bit busy for me, not typically my style, but I do love the final look.

Summertime, Summertime....

2010-01-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

I can only wish! We are just now in the beginnings of winter and already we have been hammered with our first "blizzard". I have a sneaky feeling that we are in for some more wintery snowy weather! So what better way to spend a day indoors than to create!

I pulled out some bobunny papers that I have been wanting to play with and came up with this beautiful card! The sketch at US this week works wonderfully well with my DP's! The flower is BB and all of the beautiful sunflower paper. The sentiment is a new one I picked up on sale at Michael's, brown distress ink, gold brads, gold organdy ribbon, and hat pins finish off the card.

Thanks for stopping by this week! Play along with the sketch at US and see what wonderful creation you can create/share with your friends! Be the first to post a card and you can grab a blinkie!!!

blinged out

2010-01-07T13:31:00.000-05:00

I had my whole afternoon planned today. Go to the bank, the post office, and off to the library. Bags packed and at the door. DH has a lunch appointment and waves bye out the door. Only..... he took the only car that we have today. My vehicle is STILL at the garage where it is recovering from surgery of new shocks and rehydration of fluids. So. Now what to do. Oh I know....CRAFT!

This is the latest creation using a multitude of ideas and challenges from blogland. Yes, I have blogmania. Can't stay off the boards looking for new and exciting ways to play with paper and such!

Bobunny paper (moonlight serenade), jewelry charm, AC ribbon, misc flowers, K&Co gemstones.

Challenges:

Paper Play Challenges Week #1- precious metals
Tuesday Taggers- classic black and white
delightful sketches- sketch #14
crafty creations #49- black and white/color splash
pile it on#30- clear items
belli challenge #82- bling!

Some exciting news for the new year!

2010-01-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited! I have been chosen to be on the Design Team of a groovy site called Charisma Cardz!! I am so humbled to be part of a team- when you see all of the FABULOUS artwork out in blogland, well you know, it just blows your mind!

So, with that in mind, here is my first card for the first challenge of 2010! It is a color challenge: pink, brown, toffee and cream. LOVE those colors together.

Here are the deets on this card: Bobunny OLD stash. This paper has such a wonderful shimmer to it IRL, the camera just doesn't pick it up. The flower is from my stash, leaves are making memories, buttons and pearls, and the sentiment is a rub on from Flair. Used my fancy schmancy deco scissors to scallop the edges (can't seem to justify the cost of the nesties for the scallops....LOL!)

As part of my new years resolutions, I have decided to stop making just one card and leaving lots of scraps. Now, I am going to make as many cards as I can with the papers in front of me and put them aside for the craft fairs in the late spring. I was able to make 4 cards (5x7 in size) with this paper line and I still have about 5 sheets left to use in the future or to sell. Typically I don't like to mass produce, but I am trying to be more efficient in my time and mostly justify the expense of buying future new goodies because I am USING the old stash!

Have an outstanding week!

Playtime!

2010-01-06T10:45:00.000-05:00

I got some new goodies in the mail the other day from Close To My Heart and had to play with this new stamp set! I just love the umbrella! I stamped the outline on the cream cardstock then again onto the DCWV matte stack DP, cut out and popped it up with 3D foam tape. Added lots of sprinkles to make it look like a rainy, wet umbrella- which works perfectly with the sentiment. Some days are just umbrella days, but we always come through them, even just a bit wet. This card is for the Color Throwdown Challenge #74 (blush, chocolate and orange: don't they work well together??) and for the Belli Challenge #82- GLITTER.

This card? Well, I am in need of some serious color. We have a cloudy day, snow in the forecast (if you look closely on the grill, you can see the little white specks of flurries we are having!) I am working on my NY resolution of using stash. Found these Debbie Mumm stickers which I bought to go with a matte stack that I found on clearance. So, goals this week include using these up until gone. How many cards can I make??? What ended up being cute is that the card can be used for a girls b'day or a valentines card. This card started with the sketch at Lord Have Mercy #55, fits the Just Stamp challenge: use new stuff, Our creative corner: simple and clean, and Crazy 4 Challenges #18: polka dot fun (the little beetle and the word "dotty" is repeated on the DP as well as my sentiment).

Have a great one and thanks for peeking into my world.....

New

2010-01-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

Welcome to 2010!
It seems as if the challenges this week in blogland are all about something NEW.

I managed to make this card work for a number of challenges:

1) The Pink Elephant- sketch #46
2) Stamp Challenge- "new" something (new baby girl)
3) cupcake craft challenge- #72, baby card
4) our creative corner- 'clean and simple' (I did no fuss straight edges with the exception of using punches for the scallops, stickers no stamps, simple bows and buttons.
5) daring cardmakers - new beginnings
6) stampin'sisters in christ #20- baby card 7) Cute card Thursday #94: New somethings

paper- flair, rubon flair, we r memory keepers alpha stickers, misc ribbon and button, ctmh spring iris cardstock

blog candy winner!

2010-01-04T10:45:00.000-05:00

meluv2scrap said...
Great NAME and blog!! Happy New Year!

congratulations!

random.org generated #24 as the winner. You have until Wednesday (6pm EST) to claim you prize by emailing me privately (see side bar) or I will have to choose another winner.

Ringing in 2010

2010-01-02T03:00:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

At Unscripted this week, we are to think about our goals for the new year. One of my goals, which has been ongoing, is to use up the wonderful stash of every growing products that sit in my crafting area. I have a terrible impulse to purchase 'clearance' items- just because they are cheap, and they sit in a box. I have told myself that 2010 will find me hiding the credit card when I shop!

I would like to catch up on my scrapbooking as well. I wanted to create a layout a week, but that seems to go by the wayside when I sit and create. I tend to make cards as they are much faster to complete and I don't question myself in the process. So, part of my goals is to create a layout 2x a month (less pressure!LOL!) I really need to catch up on my photos (at least they are organized in the photo boxes...!)

NOW CLOSED

*Blog Candy Alert*
What are your goals for the new year? Leave me a comment about a goal you wish to achieve and you could be the lucky winner of "10" fun crafting things! Make sure you leave an email addie to reach you by in the comment section so I can get in touch with you! Winner will be chosen on Sunday (1/3) 8pm EST.

Now onto the blog hop:

Did you start at Unscripted Sketches? If not, start there. If you came to me by way of Jeryn, then head on over to Liz. Check out all of the designers- some are giving away some awesome blog candy!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

No artwork for this week at Unscripted Sketches. Have a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and enjoy time with your family!

Creative Belli DT call

2009-12-23T06:51:00.000-05:00

I am going to try my hand at the DT call over at Belli Challenges. The challenge is to create a project using flourishes. I used the cuttlebug folder to emboss a DP from bobunny and created this wonderful friendship card. It is a trifold card- made for my best friend since high school. We get together yearly to scrapbook and catchup! My favorite time of the year (here's to you Laura!)

2nd card challenge for today

2009-12-22T15:03:00.000-05:00

True to my word, back again with another birthday card using DCWV patterned paper.

First, let me tell you that I used the sketch at Card Positioning Systems as my starting point. However, I don't do circle cards, BUT, I cut a large circle on the cricut to be my focal point on this card. The next best news is that today while getting last minute paper and tags for christmas gifts, I couldn't pass up the clearance aisle in Mikes. I found this new LARGE candle stamp set by Hampton Arts, on sale from 14.99 to 7.99. Gave up a 50% coupon for the choc candy melts I was buying and the computer applied my coupon to the stamp set!! wahoo- got this great b'day set for $4.00!!! I even brought it to the attention of the cashier and she said, "merry christmas to you!" So after doing some laundry to assuage my guilt of crafting, I couldn't wait to start playing! Love it!

sketch challenge

2009-12-22T14:03:00.000-05:00

If you have seen my posts for the last few days, you will recognize the DP from DCWV. Since it is sitting on my table, I am going to try to use the paper in full, no putting it away for another day, dwindle down the scrap box.

The sketch comes from a new site to me, Sketch and Stash Challenge #25. My stash used are: the hat pins from Heidi Grace that I picked up a year or so ago in Big Lots and the dollar stamp from Clear G of the cupcake w/the sentiment. I am also putting this card into Crafty Creations #47 Challenge: No Rules ( it is so nice to do something other than winter/holiday cards!LOL!)

I chose to do a birthday card theme for this paper pack b/c at the past fairs that we participated in November the one card that everyone asked for was "birthday" and we pretty much sold out of what was here. So, now well armed with what sells, I am going to be busy making B'day cards!

See you later this week with more b'day cards!!!lol!!

Its a celebration!

2009-12-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

Today, I am highlighting 2 of the cards that I decided to make this morning during school delays. Very easy to make once you have a sketch in hand! The sketch that I used is from The Pink Elephant #46 (my cards are upside down!!!) and also for challenge #71 Time for Celebration over at Cupcake Craft Challenge. Funny how the cards are appropriate for the "cupcake" challenge...LOL!

And as an added bonus, I am going to enter these cards into the DT call over at Creative Card Crew! I would love an opportunity to design cards weekly!!!

The stamps are Clear G and Verve, DCWV embossed and glittered paper, misc ribbon, flowers and buttons, as well as CTMH rhinestones.

Thanks for stopping over!

Anything but Winter

2009-12-20T15:26:00.000-05:00

I have to say that I am officially over making Christmas and Winter themed cards! I think that I have been making them since July. I came across a challenge this weekend, Charisma Cardz, to make ANYTHING but winter! BTW, there is also a DT call over at Creative Card Crew that "anything goes", so what they hey, I am all for trying! Yeah!

So, while stuck inside during our snowstorm, I was able to create 2 sets of 4 cards using this Bobunny paper stash I have. As you can tell by the photos, there is so much glare from the sunshine on the snow today, it really was difficult to take an outstanding shot. But, you get the gist of the cards....LOL!

The top cards use a sketch from Lord Have Mercy #50 and the bottom cards use the same sketch, just changed up a bit to fit my cards. I just love these paper packs!!!

Thanks for stopping by today- enjoy the craziness before Christmas gets here!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2009-12-20T12:38:00.000-05:00

Todays post is a recap of some of my favorite winter cards. I am relaxing after digging out of 18" of snow here in PA and decided that with Christmas in 5 days, no crafting for me. Instead, I am highlighting some of my faves from Bobunny and Reminisce paper collections. I am entering these into the Twisted Thursday and Stamp Something challenges to post your favorite holiday card. Also into Our Creative Corner and Tuesday Taggers for using the theme of "let it snow"!

With the snow cards, my wish came true (although a bit early!) that we will have a white Christmas! My kids are loving it, not so much for the dogs! They can only hop through it as it comes well past their bellies!

So without further ado, I am wishing all of you a wonderful holiday! Happy New Year and thanks to you, this has been one exciting, fabulous journey on blogland! I am so looking forward to 2010!

something different

2009-12-19T03:00:00.000-05:00

Each year for Christmas, I try to give a gift of myself to my girls. I started a tradition where I make them gift certificate booklets with vouchers inside for some much needed Mommy time. There are 6 per girl, with each book taylor made for each. The books are completely different since they each have different needs. Mik loves to snuggle and be touched- whether it is brushing her hair, massaging her back, just hugging and watching TV together. She values these books the most. So with sketch from Unscripted in hand, I made the cover of her book. I made the GC using MS word, templates for GC. Then I changed them up to make them more personal. Added the mother/daughter clip art photo, typed in dates and printed out (3 to a page!) This will be a winner of a gift!!

flourishes galore!

2009-12-12T03:00:00.000-05:00

During a recent scrap retreat overnighter with a friend, I needed to work on my challenges for Unscripted Sketches. I took these older school photos of my daughters and lugged paper and stash around 2 state lines to work on. Kris gave me some wonderful fun products- anna griffen felt sticker flourishes and chipboard letters, as well as flourish chipboards from bobunny (BB is the paper line too.) The contrast of the brown with the paper really helps make the photo pop. I was able to punch holes in the chipboard to add the larger brads (CTMH chocolate). The trip was a success! I was able to complete 2 layouts, 3 cards as a gift, and a small present for a daughter. As well as shop for other holiday presents! Great 24 hours away from home!

O christmas tree....

2009-12-08T06:47:00.000-05:00

I even have a stamp set titled O Christmas Tree, which is used here on this set of cards. I am giving them to my dearest and oldest friend for the holidays. These cards fit the challenge over at Tuesday Taggers. Thanks for stopping over!

The glitter is MS, anna griffin papers, misc ribbons, CTMH O christmas tree stamp and rhinestones.