Stamps and Smiles Challenge Day 4

Whew! I did it. I managed to complete all four cards for the challenges at the newly minted Stamps and Smiles. This was the sketch challenge for Day 4. Today is the deadline, and it looks like I'll squeak in under the wire.

I love this little stamp. It practically begs to be colored non-realistically (and I'm great at non-realistic).

I've come to the conclusion that there will never be a day when I'm "caught up"; there are SO many challenges that pop up every day.

So for today's card, you'll never guess what cardstock I used. Hee Hee! Bazill cardstock in Lime Sherbet and Lemon Lime. The stamps are from Rachelle Ann Miller- Playtime, and the sentiment stamp is from Our Craft Lounge- Tree-mendous Love.

The green inks are from Colorbox- Lime and Moss Green.

I colored the cutie patootie turtles with Copic markers, and the buttons and flowers are from Prima.

The tag is from Spellbinders- Ribbon tag trio, and the little turtle ribbon came from the $1 bin at Target.

Have fun everyone, I've got more cards to make.

Mojo Monday Challenge Week 75 and Stamp TV Kissing Technique Challenge

This little baby combines two challenges. There's the Mojo Monday Challenge, which is a sketch challenge, and Stamp TV's Technique Challenge, which was "kissing". I thought maybe I was finally going to be able to involve my husband in my crafting, but then I watched the video tutorial on "kissing". Ha Ha!

You really need to check out these videos, they're quite informative.

So I've got a funny little story about this card. Actually, it's only funny now, it wasn't funny when I got home from work to finish the card. It was late, very late, when I started the card, and I left the pieces ready to be assembled on my work table, including a lovely sheer blue dotted ribbon that matched beautifully if I do say so myself. Only, when I entered the sanctuary to finish the card, the ribbon was gone! It seems my fiendish kitteh, ChaKa, decided he needed the ribbon more than I did. I still haven't found the ribbon, so I had to replace it with a piece of covered chipboard. (really would have looked a lot better with the ribbon). Darn cat.

Materials used: Cardstock: Bazzill- Slate Blue, Lime Sherbet

DP: Basic Grey

Stamps: Papertrey Ink- Beautiful Blooms, Butterfly Kisses (I thought this set was appropriate, since the swirled butterfly was the stamp that "kissed" the solid leaf from the Beautiful Blooms set); Our Craft Lounge- Pea-nut Bunny (sentiment)

Markers: Copic

Border Punch: All Night Media (pulled this out of the mothballs)

Brads: Making Memories

Chipboard: Bo Bunny

Nesties: Labels One

I've got one more Stamps and Smiles card to do, and I then I think I may take a wee shopping break, since I haven't ordered anything in like two whole days!

Buh-bye!

Stamps and Smiles Challenge Day 3

Here is the card for The Day 3 challenge from Stamps and Smiles; another fun sketch challenge.

It gave me the perfect opportunity to use my new Pea-nut Bunny stamps from Our Craft Lounge. Isn't he/she the cutest elephant you've ever seen? Makes me want the other Pea-nut sets. I had such fun coloring this, too. I'm just like a little kid with my colors.

But anway, not going to get caught up unless I move on.

Materials used:

Cardstock: Bazzill- Bazzill White, Pajama, Bubblegum

DP: Sandylion- Candy Stripe

Stamps: Our Craft Lounge- Pea-nut Bunny

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Markers: Copic

Border Punch: Martha Stewart

AND a Nesties Classic Circle for the sentiment.

This card was a lot of fun for me.

Got another one to post, so I'll be back in just a few minutes.

Timeless Tuesday Challenge, Stamp TV Color Challenge 1, Stamps and Smiles Challenge- Day 2 (Oh My!)

Well, I believe I have maxed out my ability to combine challenges; I've done three with this card (I don't see ME being able to do more than that). I'm not sure if it's easier or harder to make a card that combines challenges- it does almost seem like you have an instruction list to follow, though.

First up is the Timeless Tuesday Challenge from the Flourish Stamps blog. Flourish stamps are SO beeyuuuteeful (I don't have any yet; I think I'm going to have to do something about that). This is my first Timeless Tuesday challenge, but I have a feeling it won't be my last. This week's challenge was to use vellum. I've placed a sheet of printed vellum over my cardstock base to soften the color while still allowing you to "feel" the color.

Next, we have Stamp TV's Color Challenge. I must admit, this is a color combination I've never used. The melons and oranges typically aren't my thing, but I really liked the way this came together. I'm learning a lot from Gina K. at Stamp TV (bless her sweet heart for that site). The colors to be used were: Always Artichoke, Apricot Appeal, and Pumpkin Pie. I didn't have these exact colors, so I did the best I could comparing the sample card online.

And last, but most definitely not least, is the Stamps and Smiles Challenge- Day 2. Yeah, I'm just a little behind since Day 4 was posted today, but I think I can get caught up tomorrow after work. This was a sketch challenge, a nice easy sketch that even I managed to do.

Materials used:

Cardstock: Bazzill (I sound like a broken record with the Bazzill cardstock): Mango, Tangelo, Ivy

Stamps: Verve- Hundred Hearts, Fluttering By; Basic Grey- Flourish Corners

I embossed the butterfly (is that not an adorable butterfly?), and cut him out, then I lightly scored both sides of his body with a Scor-Pal and gently folded the wings up a little; got the dimensional look without any foam dots or anything.

The border punch is from Martha Stewart.

I had a good time with this card, I hope you enjoy viewing it.

Nighty night (well maybe for you, I've got to get caught up on the Stamps and Smiles challenges).

Papertrey Ink February Blog Hop!

So here it is! The February Blog Hop Challenge from Papertrey Ink! This is so exciting.

The challenge was to make a card using at least one Papertrey Ink product rendering your interpretation of spring.

Yellow is spring to me. Whenever I see the color yellow, it just reminds me of spring, since around here, that's usually the first bit of color you see; those adorable little daffodils poking their pretty little heads up through the thawing ground. So I went with a monochromatic card in shades of yellow. It just reminds me of spring's first delicate shades that crescendo into glorious sunny colors.

So, for the materials used:

Cardstock: Bazzill- Lily White, Sugar Cookie, Buttercream, Sunshine, Bumblebee

Stamps: Papertrey Ink- Flower Garden, Beautiful Blooms

Ink: Colorbox- Daffodil, Sunflower

There's some machine stitching around the edges, and I didn't have quite the shade I was looking for in the button or ribbon, so I colored both with Copic markers.

Enjoy the blog hop!

Stamps and Smiles Challenge and High Hopes Challenge

I combined challenges again today. You don't know how glad I am that "they" allow you to do this. I wouldn't be able to participate nearly as much without combining challenges. I consider it a great day if I'm able to get one card made.

First there is the Stamps and Smiles Challenge. Stamps and Smiles is a new stamp line created by Jennifer Meyer. Her blog is the cutest thing I've ever seen. This challenge is a sketch challenge.

Then we have the High Hopes Challenge #19. The challenge at High Hopes this week is to do some sponging, which I did on the sentiment, and a teeny bit at the top corners of the card.

I used some of the gorgeous stamps from Verve Stamps on this card. The set is called Hundred Hearts. The cardstock is from Bazzill (one of these days I WILL run out of Bazzill cardstock) in Vanilla and Java. The DP is from Deja Views. The scalloped border punch is from Martha Stewart. I stamped the sentiment on an oval cut with the Nesties Classic Oval Large. The pearls are from K & Company (I really, really love those pearls), and the ribbon is from Offray (and I only remember that because I just got the ribbon last Sunday). I'm happy with the way this one turned out, and I managed to complete it in just over an hour. I am an SSS (Supremely Slow Stamper).

One last thing, don't forget the blog hop at Papertrey Ink tomorrow. This will be a first for me. I've "hopped" several blogs, but I've never been "hopped". It sounds like it's going to be a blast, though. Maybe I'll run into "ya'll" there.

Gina K. Technique Challenge

Oh dear, a technique challenge. I consider myself to be "technique challenged"; I seem to keep doing the same things over and over. Most of the time, I simply forget to do something different when I'm immersed in creating a card.

Today's card is for the Gina K. Technique Challenge. The technique is called "thumping". You should head on over to Gina's new site, Stamp TV for the video tutorial. She can explain it a lot better than I can.

My leaves turned out a little wonky on the coloring, but it's the first time I've tried this technique. (Actually, this final product was the third attempt for this project; you should have seen the two rejected attempts- Yikes!)

All in all, I'd say the technique is pretty cool, if you have the right markers to pull it off. I used Zig pens (anybody remember those?) from my scrapbooking days. Those markers are almost 10 years old.

Anywho, materials used:

Cardstock: BAzzill- Bazzill White

DP: NRN Designs; Basic Grey

Ink: Colorbox- Violet

Stamps: Papertrey Ink- Beautiful Blooms

Pens: Zig- Pale Mint, Kiwi, Spring Green, English Lavender, Splash, Orchid

Brads: Karen Foster?

Ribbon: From the $1 bin at Target

So, don't forget to check out Gina K.'s new site (I in fact don't have any of her stamps- YET!); I've got to go play with the new Verve stamps I got today. Did you remember the sale Verve Stamps is having? OMG, these stamps are gorgeous! I feel a card coming on!!!

I need help.

Spellbinders Challenge and OCC Challenge

Doh! I got so busy last night catching up on some TV programs from last week and working on this card for these challenges, that I completely forgot to post. Bad blogger, no new stamps for you this week! ( I lied, I'm waiting on orders from Our Craft Lounge (they have some adorable new releases) and Verve Stamps (they're having a sale through the end of this month).

I've got another two challenges in one card today. The first is for the Spellbinders' Challenge (you're supposed to create a card using the Spellbinders products), and the second challenge is Our Creative Corner, which is one of my favorites. I haven't been making cards or participating in challenges very long, but in the 3 (or is it 4) weeks that I've been participating, I always try to do the challenge from Our Creative Corner. If you have the time, you should really check out the fantastically gorgeous work from those ladies. Oh yeah, the OCC challenge this week was to use a tag on the front of your card.

So here's my little attempt:

Since I needed to showcase the Spellbinders' products, my itsy brain started thinking about just how many sets I could use on one card without the card looking like I just tossed everything at it. I've used a total of 7 different Spellbinders die sets on this card; 5 on the front, and 2 inside. The use of the dies is pretty self explanatory when you view the card, so I won't bore you with those details.

I purposely left the message area inside blank; I'm not sure who I'm giving the card to yet, so I'll hand write my message when I have a definite recipient. On the bottom, I cut out the castle from a sheet of DP from Sandylion (Dreamland is the line, I think).

So, without further ado, for the materials used:

Cardstock: Bazzill- Bazzill White

DP: Heidi Grace (green stripe); Sandylion

Stamps: Imaginisce (I adore that little froggy); Simon Says Stamp (the sentiment)

The little froggy prince is colored with Copic markers.

The bling and the pearls are from K & Company

For the nesties: Classic Square Small, Scalloped Square Small, Classic Circle Large, Scalloped Circle Large, Ribbon Tag Trio, Long Classic Rectangles Large, Long Scalloped Rectangles Large.

So now, I've got to clean up the aftermath of my creative flurry and get started on something else. Hmm, what am I in the mood to do today?

I wonder why spring is my favorite season, but Easter cards are one of my least favorite cards to make?

Talk at ya tomorrow!

Sending Our Thoughts to Derek

Today's card is being mailed to a precious little 2 year old boy in Texas that was badly burned in an accident recently. Donna from Serenity in Stamping was kind enough to share his mailing address with us, so we can send him a card to wish him a speedy recovery.

I knew I didn't want anything frou frou here, I just wanted something simple and happy.

I practically pulled these stamps from Provo Craft out of the mothballs. These are one of the first sets of acrylic stamps I remember seeing. They're actually mounted on individual acrylic blocks. So I just stamped the little happy faces in Brilliance Graphite Black, and did a little coloring with Copic markers. I mounted the faces on Bazzill cardstock (Great Lakes). The rainbow ribbon is from Offray (I love that ribbon- definitely makes me feel happy). I don't remember where the buttons are from.

Inside is just a little more ribbon and a computer printed sentiment- the font is Boopee from Acid Fonts.

Hopefully, the card will at least make little Derek smile. Our thoughts are with him as he fights to recover from his injuries.

I'm sending happy thoughts to everyone else out there tonight, too. Reading about someone else's misfortune makes me realize just how fortunate my family is.

Can Anybody Find Me...

So here's my first attempt an an interactive card; an Easter card for La Princessa. The idea for the card was inspired by one of the events during Papertrey Ink's anniversary celebration, "The Bunny Hunt", and a song by Queen.

All the little eggs lift up, but only one (the golden egg, of course) has the "prize".

Here's the inside of the card. Cheesy, but I'm hoping it will please my little princess.

Who says you can't use Christmas stamps on an Easter card? The designs stamped on the eggs are from Papertrey Ink- Take A Bough. They were stamped using Colorbox ink in Papaya Cream, Pistachio and Glacier Ice, and then heat embossed with clear embossing powder, and the edges inked in a coordinating color.

The bunny (stamp from Hero Arts) was flocked using Doodlebug Crushed Velvet flock.

The cardstock is from Bazzill- Pear and I think the patterned paper is from Daisy d's.

I used Nestabilities classic and scalloped squares.
The ribbon is from Basic Grey (I think), and the buttons are from Foof A La.

The font on the sentiment is "Tall Paul", and the sentiment was popped up with foam squares from Making Memories.

Got to run now; I am so far behind on my challenges it's unreal. I didn't get to post yesterday (cause I felt like an old pile of doggie doodie- darn sinuses), so my world has been tossed into chaos.

Who else is looking forward to Papertrey Ink's Blog Hop on the 25th?

Hope to see you there!

Mojo Monday Challenge Week 74

As you can see from the title, today's card is for the Mojo Monday Challenge (week 74), based on the sketch of the week.

I really enjoyed this sketch. While searching for the colors I wanted, I came across this DP. It spoke to me, and the rest of it just kind of came together. I'm actually quite happy about the way this card turned out. Have to give credit to my Design Consultant again, though. He talked me out of making it an Easter card, which was the original plan. Ehh, I get tired of looking at pastels for EVERY Easter card.

Materials used:

Cardstock: Bazzill- Bazzill White, Patina, Artesian Pool

DP: Daisy Bucket Designs

Stamps: Papertrey Ink- Beautiful Blooms, Butterfly Kisses, Flower Garden

Ink: Colorbox- Frost White, Mint; Colorbox Chalk Ink- Prussian Blue

Oh, musn't forget the ribbon of unknown origins. I apologize to all the ribbon manufacturers out there. I really need a way to identify my ribbons. Currently, I unbox, unwrap or unspool them, and they go into large glass jars according to color. Works great for organizational purposes; not so great for a materials list.

So, must go look at some more stamps now. I've got a couple of cuties on the way from Our Craft Lounge, and I don't want them to feel like the only new kids in town. Heh Heh

See ya tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day. Anybody else getting tired of the cheesy movie quotes at the end of the post? LOL

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Sketch Challenge 4

Today's card is for the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Sketch Challenge over at Paper Craft Planet.
I enjoyed this sketch; it was simple, but fun. This card is going to an incredibly sweet lady that I used to work with. I ran into her Saturday when we went to dinner (hadn't seen her in years), and she was just as sweet as I remembered.
Materials used:
Cardstock: Bazzill- Cream Puff, Horizon Vanilla, Mud Pie
Stamps: Inkadinkado- Flower Pot Sentiments
Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink- Chestnut Roan
I think the buttons are from Creative Imaginations
I did some more machine stitching.
I ended up only coloring the bloom on the stamped image. I kept debating whether or not to color the image at all; it looked quite striking in just the chestnut color. So I asked my Design Consultant, a.k.a. "Honey", what he thought. He said the image reminded him of the antique sepia toned photos where only a portion of the image was colored, and that maybe I should just color the flower. Hmm. Not a bad idea.
Okay, I'm off to work on another challenge project, and maybe sneak in an order to Our Craft Lounge while I'm at it (they did just release 28 new sets, don't ya know).
Hasta la vista, baby!

OCC Sketch Challenge; High Hopes Challenge #18

I've combined two challenges with one card again today. First, we have the sketch challenge from Our Creative Corner (http://ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.com/), and then the oh so fun challenge of "Think Easter and Spring" from High Hope Stamps (http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/). They have some really adorable stamps (hint hint- Honey, I know you're reading this update).

For this card, I used Bazzill cardstock in Buttercream, Lily White, Horizon and Vanilla.

The DP is Daisy d's (I love that paper)

Stamps are from Hero Arts- Sending Happy Thoughts.

Ink is from Colorbox- Daffodil, and Stampabilities- Brown.

Flowers are from Prima, and the pearls are from K & Company.

I tried a couple of experiments with this card. I was getting a Beatrix Potter kind of vibe from it, so I decided I was going to watercolor the stamped images. I'd never done that before, and I have to admit, it looks like I've never done that before.

The other experiment was to custom color the ribbon using a Copic marker. I swear the ribbon isn't as blue as it looks in the pic; it matches, ya gotta believe me! Also, I did a little machine stitching. I decided I need more practice doing that, so you'll probably see more machine stitching going forward.

Can't forget the Nesties! I used the Classic Square Large, and the Classic Circles Small and Large.

BTW, Pink Gem Designs is giving away blog candy! They're coming up on 20,000 hits (since November of 2008, can you believe it?). The link is to your right under My Favorite Blogs. Check it out if you get the chance.

May the Force be with you.

Papertrey Ink- Dawn's Favorite Color Challenge

Well, tonight's the big night for Papertrey Ink's release party. It's been a grand two weeks of challenges, blog hops, and giveaways. Sadly, I haven't won anything, but playing along has been TONS of fun.

For the last challenge, you were to visit Dawn McVey's blog, http://www.dawnmcvey.typepad.com/, and choose one of her color combinations of the gorgeous items she's been creating for this event.

Here's mine- I can't say as I've ever combined these colors before. I don't know why not; they're absolutely stunning together. I CASEd one of the cards she made with this color combination; it was too adorable not to.

So, for the materials used-

Cardstock: Bazzill- Mud Pie, Buttercream, Atlantic

Stamps: Rachelle Ann Miller- Dream Flowers (these were heat embossed with clear embossing powder); Hero Arts- Sending Happy Thoughts (the sentiment)

I used that Swiss Dots embossing folder, yet again. I lightly swiped some of the Frost White ink across the surface to get a little color on the raised area, and then went ahead and inked the edges of the Mud Pie cardstock with the same ink.

The border punch is from Emagination (blew the dust off that one).

Ink: Colorbox- Frost White, Cyan, Robin's Egg

Ribbon: Making Memories (I think)

Flowers: Prima

Pearls: K & Company

This was a fun little card, and I believe I'll be using this color combination again.

Don't forget to join the release party over at the Papertrey Ink forums tonight (starts at 10:00 Eastern).

That's where I'll be tonight, which is why I'm posting so early today.

Hope to see (uh, chat with?) you there!

Valentine for Hubby

Last, but certainly not least, the Valentine's Day card for my husband. It was inspired by this bedding set from a JCPenney catalog. I get catalogs from everyone under the sun (I'm sure you do too), but now, instead of immediately throwing them out, I scan them for ideas to use in my cards, or on scrapbook layouts.

Then I put them in my handy dandy idea book, where they wait patiently for me to use them.

This card is stark, very stark. It was intentional, although it's certainly not my normal style. I'm sure my husband will be grateful that it's not a girly card.

Cardstock is Bazzil- French Vanilla and Jet.

Stamps are from Fiskars (Flourishes) and Papertrey Ink- Butterfly Kisses (dots). I put some Doodlebug flocking over the dots.

Rub-ons are from Basic Grey.

Inside is a Nestabilities Labels One die on the French Vanilla cardstock. The font is Chopin Script from Acid Fonts.

Stamps used here are Basic Grey- Flourish Corners, and Technique Tuesday- Avalon lowercase.

You might (or you might not) wonder why the signature stamp is "CG" when my name is Kay.

"CG" is short for the nickname my husband gave me when we first started "dating". I won't bore you with what that means, TMI.

Inside the card I'm placing a two page letter to my husband outlining some of the many reasons why I love him. Don't ya just love Valentine's Day?

Uh huh, next holiday please! I'm going to go start some Easter cards.

Happy stampin', ya'll! (You like my Paula Deen impression?)

I think I need some sleep.

Monday Mojo Challenge Week 73

Monday challenge? Yeah, I know, I'm just slightly behind. I finally got a little bit of time to work on this tonight. I've actually been dreading this card. It's for my son, Bradley, for his birthday. First of all, making a "man" card is WAY out of my comfort zone. Second, my son is turning 16 in a couple of weeks, and is impossible to please. I tried, I really did, to make this a non-girly card.
The card is based on the sketch for the latest Mojo Monday http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/ challenge. Their sketches always look so great.
For this card, I used Bazzill cardstock in Raven, Nor'easter, Pomegranate, Vanilla, and Tiara (Bling cardstock).
The stamps are Fiskars- Flourishes; Papertrey Ink- Butterfly Kisses, Women of Life; Technique Tuesday- Free Press
A Labels One Nestabilities was cut in half for the sentiment.
The jewel brad is from Creative Imaginations.
The ribbon is from Basic Grey (if it weren't so distinctive, I wouldn't have remembered this one either).
Oops, forgot to mention that I stamped and embossed the monogram, then cut it out and popped it up with dimensionals.
I hope he likes it. Although it was nervewracking, it was still fun.
So, now for the cleanup, and then I have some new stamps to catalog, label and store. (Yes, that is fun for me).
Until tomorrow, play on!

Nesties Storage

I have no new cards today, which causes me angst. Sometimes life and the job get in the way of playtime, but that's just the way it is. So, I thought I would just share a little something about the way I store my "nesties".

These little babies are a hot commodity now, and rightly so. They are a fabulous product, so versatile, and the results are crisp and professional. Enough about that (I am in no way affiliated with Spellbinders, BTW, I just love their products). There is a lot of discussion on the best method of storage for these little gems. Let me just say, it is my opinion that ultimately only YOU can decide what is the best method for YOU. It boils down to your personal style and taste. That said, I'm still going to share how I store my nesties, 'cause this is what works for me. I am not one that can get anything done if all my "stuff" is visible. It just overstimulates my senses, and I cannot concentrate on what I'm doing with the visual distractions.

I place my nesties in full size CD jewel cases that have adhesive backed magnetic strips placed in them. Two strips work for some sets, three strips work better for others. The first photo shows all the nesties that I have currently placed in cases. There are 19 sets in those 12 cases.

For sets that do not "nest" perfectly upon themselves, like the scalloped hearts and the scalloped squares, just alternate the dies on each side of the case.

For the dies that DO nest perfectly, you can get two set of nesties in one CD case easily. They stay put, the case closes firmly, and you have a nice, neat, compact, organized way to store them. Both of the scalloped square sets (small & large) are shown in this CD case.

After placing my sets in the CD cases, I get out my handy dandy Brother P-Touch label maker and label each case. I love labels; I'm a label freak. I label everything I can get my hands on. (Remind me to post a picture of my spice cabinet sometime- LOL). Then they are stored like proper little soldiers in the top shelf of one of the corner shelf Store In Style cubes, directly underneath my Cuttlebug. Out of the way, not in my line of sight, but still right at hand when I need to use them.

That's all I have for now; my Copic markers did indeed arrive today, so after I finish wiping the drool off them (mine, not my daughter's), I'm going to get to work on a custom color chart (got to stay organized).

Live long and prosper.

Valentine for La Princessa

Here's the Valentine's Day card for my daughter, AKA, La Princessa. I know, it's not a traditional Valentine's Day card. She's 3, and doesn't care about all that yet. She does, however, really like Tinkerbell (at least she does this week). So I did my best to "Tink" up this fairy stamp from Inkadinkado, using Copic markers, of course (and that next order should be here tomorrow).
I really have to hand it to the folks at Oozak; they ship with lightning speed. Sometimes it's hard finding what you want it stock, apparently I'm not the only person that enjoys getting my markers there. But I digress.
The cardstock is from Bazzill- key lime and wisteria. The DP is from Chatterbox- Light Parlor Paisley (this stuff has been in my stash for years, that's why I hate to throw anything out, you never know when you're going to need it). The fairy's wings were given a light dusting of holographic embossing powder.
I did not use any Nesties on this. I went old school and cut out the ovals with some Coluzzles.
I didn't bother with a sentiment here, my daughter wouldn't be able to read one yet, so any sentiment would have been more for my benefit than hers. However, her daddy and I did sign the inside, which reads, "Happy Valentine's Day to our "Stinkerbell".
I'm thinking about posting some pics of La Princessa. Everyone should see how completely adorable she is.
That's all for now. I'm off to see if there are any other challenges this week that I might be able to participate in. OMG, those are fun! I love the pressure of a deadline!
Sweet dreams to those of you that sleep. The rest of you? Go make something.

Papertrey Ink's Friends 'Til The End Challenge and High Hopes Challenge #17- Sketchy Time

I've been dying to use this cute little stamp since I got it (last week). I had already started a sketch for a card that was going to be for my husband. Then, while reading Nichole's blog over at Papertrey Ink, I saw today's challenge was all about "Friends 'Til The End". Yeah, go ahead and laugh, but my hubby IS my best friend, so this one's for him. I've already hand delivered it (kind of had to, since he receives updates on my blog). Part two of the two challenges with one card is from High Hopes Stamps, so this is based on their sketch for the challenge. They sure do have some adorable stamps.

So this is made with Bazzill cardstock in Lima Bean and Reed.

The stamp is from Rachelle Ann Miller "My Prince Charming". The stamped image is colored with Copics (wonder when my order will be arriving?) and mounted on a Nesties Scalloped Rectangle. The sentiment is stamped onto a diecut from K & Company- Scrap Pad to Go "Dollhouse", and the stamp is from Papertrey Ink- Pond Life

DP is from K & Company- the same Scrap Pad as the diecut, and last but not least, the button is from Doodlebug.

This one was a whirlwind, I had to start it when I got home from work this afternoon, and somehow managed to run back and forth from the sanctuary to the kitchen without burning dinner. Whew! I may actually go to bed now...... unless there's another challenge somewhere? LOL

Valentine's Day at Daycare

Well now, here was a project that I would almost consider to be "mass produced". I wanted to make the Valentine cards for my daughter to take to her daycare this year, instead of buying a box of whatever is on the shelf that looks cute, like I usually do. I made two of the top card for her teachers. Everything came out of the "stash", so there are quite a few things that I might not remember the source of. The circles are Nesties, of course, and the stamps used on them were Corner Flourishes from Basic Grey, and L'Amour from Technique Tuesday. The button was from Tres Jolie, and that's about all I can remember.

The cards for her classmates (19 of them, to be exact), were again made utilizing some of my stash. I had several sheets of pre-embossed red cardstock that were just perfect for this project. I didn't have enough for all the cards, so the last four were embossed using the Swiss Dot embossing folder from Cuttlebug. There were 5 different scenes that I stamped, using "Mindy's Zoo" from Autumn Leaves. I didn't want to bore everyone by taking photos of all 19 cards, so I just did 3 random samples. I mounted each stamped scene on a Nesties scalloped square, using various papers from Bo Bunny and SEI, and inked the edges with Colorbox ink in Cyan.

Some of the scenes were colored with watercolor pencils. While coloring, my first Copic order arrived, so I finished the rest with Copics. Wow! I became an enamored fan of Copic with the first brush stroke; those markers are truly remarkable. Each little animal has a heart on his/ her body that was stamped with the little heart stamp from Technique Tuesday "Loves Me, Loves Me Not", colored, and then received a nice shiny coat of of dimensional glaze, Glossy Accents from Ranger.

Inside each card is stamped "Happy Valentine's Day" with an alphabet stamp from Studio g. I'm not sure what possessed me to hand stamp each individual letter on 19 cards, but the stamps were perfect for the project.

Matching red envelopes were made for each card, and then I helped my daughter, La Princessa, sign them all. She does pretty good for a 3 year old, but I couldn't just give her free reign with the pen ('cause I'm an awful person, and I didn't want her marking over my stamped sentiment, that's why). Lots of work, but a really fun project. I might just do it again next year.

CPS Sketch Challenge AND OCC Inspiration Challenge

I have combined two challenges today for a Mother's Day card (there's no way I can keep up with all the challenges, even when I do combine them, but at least this way I can participate a little more).
Card Positioning Systems (http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/) is celebrating their second anniversary, along with Papertrey Ink (http://www.papertreyink.com/), and they have teamed up for this sketch challenge showcasing some as yet unreleased Papertrey Ink products.
Also, Our Creative Corner (http://ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.com/) has an inspiration challenge. You needed to choose your favorite embellishment, and design a card around it. I chose the felt flowers from Queen & Co.; when I saw them, I knew I just had to have them, even though I had no idea when or how I was going to use them (I know you have all done the very same thing at some point). They "spoke" to me, and that was that.
Yikes! There are no stamps on this card. I hope that doesn't disqualify me for anything somewhere. Stamps just didn't happen here; I don't know what else to say. That's the way things play out sometimes.
Materials Used:
Cardstock: Bazzill- Asparagus; other cardstock was color altered using Walnut Inks (the original color was the same blue Pizzazzill cardstock used on the Father's Day card below).
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug- Stylized Flowers
Chipboard: Bo Bunny Double Dot Chipboard
Felt trim: Queen & Co.- Flower Doodle, Lavender
Diecut ("M" & hearts): Heidi Grace- Vineyard
Walnut Ink: Tsukineko- Walnut and Lavender
Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink- Chestnut Roan

Well, it's a beautiful day here today, so I think I'll stay inside and make some more cards.

Bitty Dot Sketch Challenge

I'm posting a card for another challenge! I am so excited about finally taking the leap to show other people the cards I make (instead of just the recipient). This was a big step for me. I usually like to keep to myself and just quietly observe.

Anywho, this is for the Papertrey Ink sketch challenge. They are on Day 7 of their 2nd anniversary celebration, and they've been giving away some sweet prizes.

Materials Used:

Cardstock: Bazzill- Carob, Key Lime; Pizzazzill- Starmist

Stamps: Papertrey Ink- Pond Life

Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink- Creamy Brown, Chesnut Roan, Prussian Blue; Colorbox Pigment Ink- Moss Green

This was a super simple, easy peasy card, but hey, Nichole said to put together a "quick little card".

That's probably it for today. I've got some messiness to clean up in the sanctuary, and some yummy new stamps to catalog. Nighty night!

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Sketch Challenge

Look, today's card isn't pink! This little sweetie is being posted for my first ever submission to a challenge, and it's a two for one. It's being posted for Paper Craft Planet's Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Sketch Challenge 2/6/09 from Korin, and it's also being posted for Two Peas In A Bucket 10th birthday celebration card challenge.

Don't look too closely at the coloring, I have a limited number of Copic markers, so the poor baby looks like she has a spray tan. Not to worry, I just placed an order for 48 more markers to help fill in the gaps (yea, me!)

Materials used:

Cardstock: Bazzill- Lily White, Blue Bell, Blue Jean

DP: Doodlebug- Blue Jean La Fleur, Blue Jean Filagree

Stamps: Papertrey Ink- Women of Life; Rachelle Ann Miller- Lily From The Heart and Dream Flowers (inside of card)

Ribbon: Doodlebug Boutique Trims- Blue Jean Assortment

Brads: Doodlebug Boutique Brads- Blue Jean Assortment

Copic Markers

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder- Swiss Dots (my favorite)

Nestabilities- Classic Squares, Small and Large Sets; Labels One (inside of card)

Shapeabilities- Ribbon Tags Trio

Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink- Blue Iris; Colorbox Pigment Ink- Cyan

Glitter: Doodlebug Sugar Coating- Blue Jean

Whew, I think that about does it. I am by no means an artist in the professional sense of the word, but I sure did have fun coloring this sweet baby.

As an interesting (to me) side note, both of the Rachelle Ann Miller stamps used on this card were purchased from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.

Sweet stamping dreams, for those of you that sleep.

Today I have another Valentine's Day card. Did I mention I love this holiday; I just adore all the girlyness (is that a word?) of the pinks and reds. I guess I'm just a romantic at heart.

I'm sending this card to my mother, who lives in Arkansas. She won't be seeing this, otherwise, I'd say "Hi, Mom!"

Materials used:

Cardstock: Bazzill- Lily White, Cupcake, Maraschino

DP: Doodlebug- Bubblegum Filagree

Punch: Martha Stewart- Doily Lace Edge

Stamps: Papertrey Ink- Take A Bough (polka dots on heart), Butterfly Kisses (flower center), Little Lady (flower petals)

Ink: Colorbox- Ruby, Orchid

Spellbinders Nestabilities Die- Classic Heart

Ribbon- unknown (I'm obviously going to have to change the way I store my ribbon)

Glitter: Doodlebug Sugar Coating

On the inside of the card (which I didn't take a photo of, sorry) is an embossed Nestie Scalloped Rectangle with the chorus to "All You Need Is Love" from John Lennon.

Note: If this card looks familiar, it's a CASE of the card in the Doodlebug ad in the February 2009 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine. I love Doodlebug products, in case you couldn't tell.

Another Valentine's Day card today. I made two of these for the granddaughters of a co-worker. Yes, I do enjoy the fact that everyone has little girls, since those are my favorite types of cards to make.
Recipe:
Cardstock from Bazzill in Cupcake and Princess
Ribbon- that same mystery ribbon that I dearly love
Stamps- Stampendous, Bee Buddies; Making Memories foam stamps, Love (the large heart on the background); Technique Tuesday, Loves Me Loves Me Not (tiny heart); Technique Tuesday, Irony (the white squiggle)
Ink- Colorbox, Frost, Orchid, Lilac; Brilliance, Graphite Black
Nesties- Circle, Scalloped Circle
Copic markers
Doodlebug Sugar Coating for the wing shimmer

The inside of the card says, "Hap"bee" Valentine's Day".
Good night for now (yes, I am actually going to go to bed. I traded 2 nights of sleep for the 7 stamps I received today), and happy creative moments to you all.

For the second card:
Same sketch as the first, and this card is for the other daughter of a co-worker. She has fraternal twins (and so precious; they're 9 now I think).
Recipe:
Bazzill cardstock in Lily White, Cupcake, Princess
DP is Doodlebug- Bubblegum Boutique (I think)
Ink is Colorbox- Orchid
Flowers are Prima
Brads are Doodlebug
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder- Swiss Dots
Nesties- Classic Circles
Ribbon- unknown (but if anyone recognizes it, I would really like to have some more of it).

Valentine's Day cards are some of my favorites to make- 'cause I likes me some girly stuff.

First Photo

Well, here it is, my first photo for the blog.
I made this little Valentine's Day card for the daughter of a co-worker.
The sketch was from a recent sketch challenge, but for the life of me, I can't remember where.
Recipe:
Bazzill cardstock in Lily White, Cupcake and Princess
Stamp (tiny heart) from Technique Tuesday- Loves Me, Loves Me Not
Ink from Colorbox- Quicksilver (the little hearts are stamped in silver and the circles are edged with it).
Stickers from Doodlebug- Loopy Love
Nesties- Circle and Scalloped Circle
Last but not least, a little machine stitching around the edge.

A new beginning....

Okay, folks, bear with me. I just started this blog last night, so as you can see, there's not much here..... yet.
There are so many things I would like to accomplish with this blog, but first and foremost, I will use it to share my passion(s) for scrapbooking, card making, stamping, cooking, and whatever other new things I discover.
I've always loved to "create" things. When you create something, it doesn't matter if someone else doesn't like it; it's all about you. You've put a piece of your heart on display, and that's always beautiful.
So I invite you to join me and my sleep deprived ramblings wherever the path may lead.
Have a creative day!