Circles in a Square sketch #24

You see, my husband and oldest daughter are square kinda people. Everything follows a rule, has boundaries, a specific way of doing things. Me, and my other girls, well we are circle kinda people. We go with the flow. Rules are changed to fit our needs. Life is meant to be explored FREELY, not with boundaries. This card is to honor all of us.

Welcome to sketch #24 of Unscripted Sketches. 9 Circles. My sister kindly gave me these felt cupcakes from Martha Stewart (have to get some more of them...!) and they worked perfectly for this card. I think the sun gave these colors a little washed out look, but you get the general idea LOL! Celebrate today and every day- all of the differences of your loved ones, that make them lovable and unique. Embrace those differences!

Basic Grey's new challenge blog

I stumbled across this blog a week or so ago, while it was still under construction. I checked in today to see that they are back up and running and have a sketch challenge for the 1st new challenge on the newest improved site! I loved the sketch! I used more of my Wisteria Basic Grey papers (almost done this pack, need more!). The faith charm was from the jewelry dept on major clearance, stamp is from Verve, flower is prima- just added some sparkle glitter for more depth, misc satin ribbon. Lace is a new embellie for me. Stopped at Joann's last week and got some on clearance to try it out. I have to say, I love it and it matches the doily scallop punch from MS. Thanks for stopping by- Basic Grey will get more visits from me!

2 cards, 2 challenges today!

I have been following this site for a bit now, but haven't participated until today. I am finally caught up with some sketches from last week and actually had this morning to play along! Color Throwdown was to combine amethyst, garden green and buttercup- the sketch is mine. Love this color combo and it made a great birthday card for my stash! Used CTMH amethyst and buttercup cardstock and markers, my DT stamp Gracie (from Sherrod Studio), for the flowers, MS punch. Misc ribbon from Michael's and Heidi Grace pins.

365 Cards is Super Sketchy Sunday and I really liked this sketch. Bought some new "clearance" items and tried my hand at a felt boarder. It is a little bright green but thought it worked for the bright cheeriness of this card. Even used a rubon for the inside of the card. I think decorating the inside adds and extra pizzazz, but usually forget to do it- LOL! The patterned paper is K&Co sweet berry, the rest of the items are just miscellaneos stuff I have had or been given by Kris.

have a great sunday! off to the grocery store, then the pool, then who knows what. Hopefully a family movie night to see Inkheart.....

Card Patterns #23 Challenge

I thought I liked this card when I was putting it together and now that I see it online, I realized that I am not so crazy about it. Think it is because I didn't matte the saying onto another piece of cardstock to make it stand out like usual. And too much white. I am done for the day- 2 hours of creating has finally taken its toll- LOL! Card patterns sketch #23 was the inspiration for this card.

supplies: misc stamp sentiment, prima flowers, paper by K&Co Sweet Berry, MS butterfly punch, misc rub ons. K&Co pearls/rhinestones.

a layout completed in under 15 minutes!

whew! I am learning that NOT all things must be layered and embellished "out the wazoo" for an effect. I combined 2 challenges for this layout. The sketch was from Unscripted Sketches #14 and the formula was from Use It! #18. I am happy that I got a layout done! So much for my 1 a week. I am working harder on the photo pile that keeps growing (not including the photos on my comp that haven't been printed since March.....hubby giving me a wrist smack for that!)

The sketch, well self explanatory. This site is great since you can create whatever project you would like to as long as you keep to the general idea of the sketch. Use It was to : add texture, use 2 punches, paper from fave manufacturer, and as a bonus to use pearls.

Manu is Bobunny. Texture was added by using text c/s in white for the border, felt flower, silk flowers, lace ribbon, gold brad. 2 punches used MS doily lace and punch out border in white from CTMH. Added the bonus pearls on the vellum saying.

Off to do some more sketches while I have the free time today! Thanks for stopping by- Kel

Grand Opening of Sherrod Studio

Today is the grand opening of Sherrod Studio, by Kim Sherrod! Stop on over and see the wonderful stamp sets she has for sale! I am having so much fun with this set, Gracie. See yesterday's post, featuring Gracie- she is a cutie-patootie! Gracie was designed after a character in Richard Evans book. The sales from this set will be going to a charity "The Christmas Box International Lifestart Initiative".

What is hppening at Sherrod Studio Grand Opening on July 1? Well, there will be some blog candy up for grabs (see also Sherrod Studio Creative Blog or Kim Sherrod) AND (drumroll here....) FREE SHIPPING on orders placed between 7/1 and 7/7/09! Get shopping!

About this card....
Today, I decided to showcase the single flower in the set. Again, using paper piecing- stamped the image on pink c/s and cut out, adhering with double sided tape. The center gems are a bargain I picked up from Taylored Expressions- her garage/moving sale. The sentiment is also from Gracie, and to highlight certain words- I used a Versamark Pen, then with chalk, swiped over the words. The pink matches the pink gemstones, tying it all together. Used my new nesties, black cardstock and MS pink paper, with a white satin ribbon. DD gave me thumbs up for this card......wonder who she is thinking of procuring it for????HHHMMMMM??????

Stop by for more stamp images from the grand opening, I have 2 more sets to showcase during the month of July!

Just "4U"!- Use It! 10 and CP #15

Whew! What a crazy week it has been and even a crazier one to come! For the last few weeks, I have had one sick kid home after another with some sort of virus that turned into ear infections. Then, volunteering at school upon working a few hours. Finally friday had me shopping for....me! Got a great pair of shoes and a sexy sort of outfit to wear out on date nights with hubby (now, just got to get him to go out with me...LOL!)

So, this week will find me in Baltimore on a field trip tomorrow, tuesday the kids have off for election day, my last 2 days of work, and helping my first grader complete a book and diorama for her creepy crawly project, and 3 softball games this week. Is it summer time yet?

I cheated for this card and combined 2 challenges. This one had a different feel in my head- but it is out of the box for me, since I usually use stamped images on my cards, not chipboard. Card Patterns #15 was the sketch and Use it #10! was to 1) monochromatic card - pink 2) rubons or clear stickers (did not use, but used other fun stuff like prisma glitter....) 3) chipboard - 4 and U 4) optional use nontraditional ribbon (used this sparkly ribbon that is a pain to adhere to anything....glad to use this stuff up!)

thanks for stopping by today! until the next challenge.......

Supplies: cuttlebug swiss dots folder, CTMH white daisy c/s, baby pink c/s, baby pink patterned paper (discontinued), Martha Stewart embossed pink c/s, chipboard letters/numbers with prisma glitter, misc ribbon.

It's Springtime!

Happy Spring, for it being the first day, here in lovely Holland, I awoke to the ground covered in snow and the temps hovering in the 40's. Drizzle this afternoon- but I'll take it as this weekend it is to warm up quite nicely!


A few weeks ago, I challenged my sister to make a card using some jewelry charms that I mailed to her. I sent her some birds and I bought keys. I cheated, though, and went back and bought some butterflies (of course, me being the frugal gal I am, tossed through the clearance aisle...).

Back to my story- so Kristen and I designed cards and today, presented them to each other. The fun part of this story, includes you! Create a Spring Card, post onto your blog, visit her at , Blankety Blank Blank , link your blog address and enter a comment on her page with her Bird Challenge. You will be entered in a prize drawing for some awesome blog candy (she even posted a shot of the fabulous stuff she is giving away!!). Her cards are gorgeous and would put a smile on someone's face as they opened the envie! So what say you- are you excited for Spring? Show us your fabulous creations!

Supplies: white cardstock, embossing tools for the basket weave, Martha Stewart pink satin ribbon, Martha Stewart pink paper, CTMH breeze cardstock, Martha Steward butterfly punch, pink cardstock, scallop scissors, michaels' pearls, CTMH stamps/sentiments, Heidi Grace pin, beads and Blue Moon Butterfly charm.

Tweet, Tweet

I was inspired by a card similar to this posted on Splitcoast yesterday.
I pulled out my
Inkadinkadoo birds and K&Co botanicals sets to make this card. I think it is very serene and can be used as a sympathy card, just thinking of you, or for an adult birthday card.

Supplies: chocolate c/s and ink, twilight c/s, paper, and ink, Say it in Style stamp set, 3/8" ivory grosgrain ribbon, Martha Stewart paper lace doily punch, Inkadinkadoo birds and K&Co botanicals.

Simple, yet Elegant cards

Manic Monday is what today has been. Ever have one of those days? On the go, go, go and I am still not done. While waiting to go to my next appointment, I made these very simple, yet elegant looking cards. They make more of an impact as a group. I think the person that receives these will be quite thrilled! No sentiment, means use them in any manner you see fit: birthday, I am sorry, thinking of you, prayers, thank you, the list can go on.

Supplies: Off white cardstock, flourish stamp set, Martha Stewart flowers and doily punch, pink grograin ribbon, CTMH papers.