Thank You

Yes, thank you.  Thank you for happening by, for reading, for commenting or just thinking about what I have posted here. 

This is an uber-simple card with 5 layers.  It is not my regular style, layered up like it is.  It does reflect how I feel today.  I just wanted things to be simple, symmetrical and clean (in design). 

Today, I am contemplating how to finish FUN week for my daughter.  We have been to the Children's Museum, the zoo, to a local hotel with a heated pool, had an overnight with a grandma and have a play date today.  I think that is plenty for one who is four years old. 

Switching back to the main theme, thanks again for sharing your time with me!

Details - Stamps: Thank You Kindly; Paper: River Rock, Old Olive, PC Soft Serenity; Ink: Versamark, Old Olive; Accessories: clear ep, heat tool.

Viva La Verve in December

I had a chance to play today and created the last three cards for December's Viva La Verve sketch challenge.  This is the 4th sketch by Teresa Kline.  One twist with Viva La Verve is that it's an inspiration and sketch challenge combination.  This month the topic of inspiration is Ornaments and Decor.  I find a fun Christmas decor site and used this Nativity Stable for my inspiration. 

I think this Plain Jane from Verve is totally cute!  I went with a yellow and blue color scheme to mimic the stable colors, the stars in the image to match the star hanging in the stable and the embossing folder to match the backdrop of the stable. 

I modified the sketch a bit.  I didn't add in the butterflies, as it just didn't work for me.  I also didn't use different papers, but used different colors to represent layers.

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Little Star (Verve); Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy; Ink: Night of Navy, Versamark, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight; Accessories: Moroccan Screen ef, Nestabilities, clear ep, heat tool, white wrinkled ribbon, mini glue dot, stampin' dimensionals, sponge dauber.

The Day After

This is a photo I took with my daughter's new Mickey Mouse camera!  It's a little grainy but perfect for her.  I altered the photo a bit and made it black and white.  She is really having a ball with all of her new toys.  My hubby wants to go camping (in the rain!).  I think it is not a good idea for several reasons.  The weather is poor.  One of the dogs is sick.  We also would be leaving all of the new toys.  I am sure that we would have fun and we could bail out if the weather turned terribly cold or we couldn't get outside due to rain.  I just don't think it's a good idea.  Camping is for spring and summer.

Since this post features Sweet Pea, I thought I would post this card she made for the last VSN.  I can usually get her to play along with me.  This card was made for Peggy's VSN challenge called Nine Count, where there had to be at least 9 things on the card.  We stamped 9 cupcakes.  I made pencil marks to guide her and then she stamped and colored.  She also chose her own butterfly accent.  I wasn't surprised as the first thing she heads for in my craft room is my MS butterfly punch or the bottle of Modge Podge.  Strange, but that is my girl!
Last week, she used the birthday card she made to accompany a birthday present for one of her daycare friends!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Bitty Basics, Occasional Quotes; Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Pretty in Pink; Ink: Basic Black; Accessories: colored pencils, red gingham ribbon, MS butterfly punch, two way glue pen.

O Holy Night

This star is brightly shining!  Okay, I wanted to tie today in with my card, but I didn't have the perfect card for today.  I want to wish all who happen by here a very Merry Christmas!  I do think that the ivory and the gold make for a very pure looking card.  This makes sense to me for today!

This is from the last VSN and Carole's challenge to make a Christmas card without red and green.  I was able to do that and added some embossing.  Each and every Christmas, I hit my embossing powder hard!  I don't know why, but embossing and Christmas go hand and hand for me.  I used one of Julee Tilman's sketches for this card!  Love her ideas!!!  Speaking of which, I have a few sketches printed out to play with.  Maybe after my girl hits the hay, I will get some play time with a new crafty tool!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Loads of Love, Serene Snowflakes; Paper: Very Vanilla, Brushed Gold; Ink: Versamark; Accessories: Gold ep, heat tool, Textile ef, Nestabilities, M's Ivory satin ribbon, stampin' dimensionals, glue dots, Chit Chat rub-ons.

Everyone Knows I Love a Good Game!

It's only too bad that I just found it.  With games like this, I love how the excitement builds.  However, I say, "better late, than never".   You can find more about this game here :)  Heck, you will want to play too, as the prize gets bigger with the greater the number of players.

Seeing this game posted reminds me that I need to dig out the story or the movie for my little one.  It's jus the right time and the perfect weather for it (I live in Washington and it rains here!).

Okay, off to read the rest of the game posts and to find that movie!

Meeting A Goal

At the beginning of 2010, I decided that I would like to craft every day.  Well, I wasn't able to do that and I found that I didn't want to craft every day.  Sometimes the creative part of me needs to rest and I think this must be true for most.  I have however created at least 331 separate cards or projects that I have posted to my SCS gallery.  I know that I have made many other things that didn't get posted to may gallery.  I can think of 8 different cards and a gift card holder that I have made within the last two weeks that haven't been posted to SCS.  I wonder if it is at all possible for me to complete 365 projects in one year.  It's been a very fun and crafty year.

This particular card is left over from November's VSN.  This was for Lura's challenge called Twinkle, Twinkle... and I made it in honor of my daughter (thus the black bird for Raven). 

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Asian Artistry; Paper: Whisper White, Basic Gray, Night & Day dsp; Ink: StazOn Jet Black, white acrylic paint; Accessories: XL bird punch, M's rhinestone, stampin' dimensionals, 1/8" black taffeta ribbon, mini glue dot, MM edge distresser, Finial Press ef.

It's The Holiday Spirit

I have finally got it and boy have I got it bad (or good, one might say)!  I might do myself a favor and remember that I enjoy the holidays soooo much more when I am prepared.  Almost all my shopping is done and I can now enjoy the rest of the shopping without pressure.  I do enjoy the holiday sights and sounds and the patience of people that doesn't normally exist!

This card is one from some time ago.   I made it for the VSN mini from this past October.  This was Kelly's challenge to be inspired by some Cloud 9 Design product.  I used a CPS sketch to get going on the challenge again.  Speaking of VSN, I haven't checked the thread lately to know if there is any news of the next VSN.  I had such a good time the last time that I would hate to miss it.  Have you ever played along with VSN?  It's a guaranteed good time!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: All Year Cheer II; Paper: Whisper White, Early Espresso, AC Merrymint; Ink: Early Espresso; Accessories: white gel pen, oval template, slot punch, white satin ribbon, paper snips, glue dots.

A Fun and Festive Day

We started today out like any other Saturday with morning coffee and cartoons.  It quickly turned into a crazy, busy day!

The first stop we made was at the bank with a super long line.  The woman in front of me turned around and apologized for the three transactions that she had to make.  Next, we hit Starbuck's for a little Christmas shopping and liquid refreshment.  Then we headed to Michael's (coupon in hand) to get the birthday party gift and the kraft bag to which I attached this lovely tag I made for a recent Technique Tuesday challenge.  Again, terrible lines and a woman in front of us who was returning 12 Christmas picks.  The checker had to scan each pick and then she goofed up and had to have management assistance.  The woman returning all the picks said, "Oh, I'm so sorry.  I am THE person I hate to be in line behind".  I was gracious, but running out of time.  My four year was complaining of being hungry. We finally checked out and were on our way.

I elected not to go to the McDonald's nearby as it was further away from the party.  Instead I drove to the mall, parked, wrapped the package and took my daughter into the mall to find they had closed the McDonald's in the mall.  I offered to buy her pizza at Chuck E. Cheese instead and she agreed.  So off we went to the party at Chuck E. Cheese. 

I have never been to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese and I will never go again.  There was this horrible schizophrenic energy in the room.  There must have been at least 3 parties going on and children running everywhere.  All the games had lights flashing and buzzers buzzing.  It was crazy.  I was afraid my daughter wouldn't eat her $8.00 pizza (as I have heard that their food is terrible), but she did.  I had a little bit and it wasn't too bad.  All in all, we spent two hours in that zoo.  Then I ran out to the parking lot to move clothing, stamps and a dozen farm fresh eggs into my girlfriend's car while she watched the children.  Of course, the forecasted downpour had begun and I discovered that my shoes are toast as one of my feet got soaked!

I was going to run more errands, but I bagged it and took my daughter home for a nap.  My hubby had stoked up the wood stove and the house was nice and cozy.  She went to sleep quickly and I caught up with some chores and even had time to clean up my craft room a bit.

Bedtime is in a few minutes so that I can prepare for tomorrow's Christmas party for the grandkids at my MIL's house.  I'm not very excited about a house full of children in a very small house with a grandma who has no limits!  I think I will only last for a couple of hours.

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: A Little Round (Technique Tuesday); Paper: Kraft; Ink: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip; Accessories: sponge dauber, 1 1/4" square punch, stampin' dimensionals, MM eyelet, deep red embroidery floss, Star Dust Stickles, Chit Chat rub-ons.

Fortune 500

This, my friends, is hubby's hobby!  This is what leaves me several guilt-free crafty nights a month.  With weekly practices and several shows a week, I get a bit of free time.

Tomorrow night is a great example.  They are playing in the San Juan islands tomorrow night and that requires leaving early and staying overnight due to limited ferry schedules. 

Anyway, this card was for Pat's VSN challenge to make a card inspired by music.  I chose hubby's new CD and cased the cover for my card.

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Pure & Simple Alphabet, Rough Edges Alphabet, Always; Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Summer Sun, Tangerine Tango; Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Versamark; Accessories: white ep, heat tool, MM page pebbles.

A Verve Gift Trio

I got a little crafty with some gift items for my nephew who is an exchange student in Germany.  It's a good thing that the Verve deadline is today, as I need to get this in the mail to my nephew!  This  trio is for this month's project parade. 

I chose to use blue as he has a constant argument with my mother, his grandmother, about blue being a Christmas color.  My mother disagrees with him. 

So what you see here is a CD holder (the large square), a pop-up gift card holder (the smaller square) and some gift wrap (that casually hides some Almond Roca)!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps:  Merry Wishes (Verve); Paper:  Kraft, Whisper White, Soft Sky, SEI Wintersong dp; Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Sky, Versamark, Craft White; Accessories:  Nestabilities, White ep, heat tool, Stardust Stickles, Waterfall Stickles; May Arts Burlap string, White SU ribbon, stampin' dimensionals, white gel pen, paper snips.

More Time

I had more time for crafting today and began work on a project I have been thinking about for two weeks now!  I'm not ready to show the whole project, but I will tell you that I have been working with my Verve images. 

So.....I picked a card that I made with my Verve stamps from the last VSN.  I made this one for Carole's challenge and even stamped inside my card!  I hardly ever do that!

I am having trouble adding the little peek inside, so check it out here!  I also used Karen Giron's sketch for this card. 

Thanks for stopping by :)

Details:  Stamps: Kind Words (Verve), Blue Skies (Verve), Beautiful You (Verve); Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Poppy Parade; Ink: Poppy Parade, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Peach Parfait; Accessories: Square Lattice ef, Nestabilities, M's silver pearls, stampin' dimensionals.

Time For Crafting

I hope so!  I am home from school today as my daycare provider is still in Hawaii for her vacation and my relative that was supposed to care for her fell ill.  I am not too upset about it though.  Nothing critical is going on at work today and I have a huge to-do list in order to get ready for Christmas.  I think nap time will be quite productive for me. 

I hope to play a couple of challenges today.  Maybe I will make a set of 3x3 cards like this set.  I made this for Marilyn's VSN challenge that last go round!  Seriously, I made this cute set of  4 in under 45 minutes.  I went CAS and that always helps.  I did do kissing with a solid image butterfly stamp and then fussy cut them out.  I applied glitter and popped them up on a plain white base.  Finally, I added a short sentiment!

Thanks for looking and have a terrific Tuesday!

Details - Stamps: Butterfly Accent, Vintage Labels, Canvas, French Filigree, Pretty Pattern, Woodgrain; Paper: Whisper White; Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso; Accessories: Paper snips, Two way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds, stampin' dimenisonals.

An Apple A Day...

Or maybe just a post a day will keep the crafting blues away!  I made this fun little card during the last VSN.  I made this one for Lela's challenge to make a thank you card and to make it personal.  I made this card to give to a teacher friend, thus the apple theme.  I cut the paper strategically to isolate the one green apple and then worked with the design to come up with a Clean and Simple design that could work. 

Crazy, but I used decorative scissors to get those tiny little scallops.  I just had to try and it wasn't too bad.

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: One of a Kind; Paper: Random Textured White, Chocolate Chip, OA Cherry Hill dp; Ink: Chocolate Chip; Accessories: large oval punch, scalloped oval punch, decorative scissors, corner chomper, stampin' dimensionals.

It's The Holiday Season

I am feeling a little bit of the holiday spirit.  While I have been busy crafting, I haven't been posting much!  I will be trying to get back into the routine of posting, especially with winter break coming up. 

This set of 10 cards is the November selection I made for this year's Christmas Card challenge.  Can you believe that I made 110 Christmas cards this year.  Since my little one is still young, I send picture cards to family and friends at the holidays.  What that means is that the ladies that I work with were absolutely thrilled to be able to pick up a few hand made boxed sets of Christmas cards.  That's right, I built my own boxes and used acetate to make the lids so you could see the cards.  I also received three custom orders for Christmas thank you cards and mother-in-law/sister-in-law gifts.  Hooray, it was fabulous!  Although, now that I am busy with holiday prep and projects, I have 30 cards to make!

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful Sunday!

Details - Stamps: Short & Sweet; Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Jillibean Soup Heavy Cream; Ink: Early Espresso; Accessories: small oval punch, large oval punch, white taffeta ribbon, stampin' dimensionals.

Mouse and Butterfly

I know, it's a goofy title.  The butterflies are obvious in the winter white and marcasite embossing powder.  The mouse comes from the sketch challenge I played.  You see, this is a fabulous Waltzingmouse sketch. 

The butterflies were a special request by my daughter.  She wanted to have butterflies on the birthday card for her friend, Mercedes.  I chose the color scheme to match the gift bag we had ready to fill after our shopping trip.

With all the glitz of the embossing powders, I felt like I had to make the sentiment panel stand out a bit too.  I added dots like a marquee and went over the white and hot pink dots with a Sakura Clear Star gel pen to give them a bit of sparkle too!

I got the wonderful crocheted ribbon from Mandy at Limelight Papercrafts.  Incidentally, she is closing her shop and putting many items on sale.  You may want to check it out!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Well Scripted, Blue Skies (Verve); Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Pink Passion; Ink: Versamark, pink passion marker; Accessories: Marcasite ep, winter white ep, heat tool, May Arts black crochet ribbon, white gel pen, Sakura clear star gel pen, corner chomper, wide oval punch; Techniques: embossing.

Not So Long This Time

I had a ton of fun making cards for VSN this past weekend and now it is time to share them.  I made this card for Denise's challenge to pop up your sentiment. I also found a Waltzingmouse sketch that worked fabulous with this challenge!  

I really admire some work done by Sarah Martina and find that she uses paint on her projects.  I just had to try, so I painted up my edges for a little more interest.  What do you think?

I also busted about a new to me cupcake punch and had fun with it!  It is so perfect, I just love it!  I see many, many more birthday cards in its future.

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Vintage Labels, Happy Moments; Paper: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, BG Two Scoops dsp; Ink: Night of Navy; Accessories: MS cupcake punch, Stardust Stickles, curly label punch, 1 1/4" square punch, white acrylic paint, stampin' dimensionals, MM edge distresser.

And Still Not Found!

Man, has it been a long time since I have posted!  This card did not come without much anguish.  Not because it is a sympathy card, but because it is monochromatic blue.  Who knew that would give me such trouble?

Anyway, this was for a Flourishes challenge to make a card with a monochromatic color scheme.  I am happy to have it completed and like it even more as I continue to look at it!

I had sympathy in mind as my mother asked me to make her such a card.  Although, now that I think about it, I'm not sure if she needed a sympathy card or a "care and concern" type card.  Oh well, with VSN starting in a matter of minutes, I should be able to come up with something.

Thanks for stopping by!

Details -  coming soon. 

I've Been Lost

I know that I am not the only one who has been lost.  I just couldn't find my craft room, time for my craft room or the energy to do something crafty!  I am blaming it on work which has been sucking the life from me and the change in the weather.  All I have wanted to do is just sit on the couch and that is never productive. 

Yesterday, I was able to create two cards.  I'm doing the happy dance here because I don't feel creatively exhausted.  I am sure that I will get back to my craft room today and get a little more crafty goodness cranked out!

This card meets the criteria for Kimme's Hope You Can Cling To challenge to make a card with ribbon.  This card is also for Flourishes World Card Making Day challenge to make a shaped card with pink and ribbon.  I chose the top note die to make my card with.  I love the curves of it.  It's curvy, just like me!  It's hard to see in the picture, but I used the Vintage Wallpaper stamp for my background on the white card stock.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a safe and happy Halloween!

Details - Stamps: Vintage Wallpaper (Flourishes), Thinking of You (Flourishes); Paper: Regal Rose, Whisper White; Ink: Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Tea Stain Ink; Accessories: Top Note die, ticket corner punch, ivory satin ribbon, Button latte button, glue dots, Kaisercraft blush pearl, stampin' sponges.

No Words Today

No words, no sentiment on this challenge card today.  It's for the Hope You Can Cling To challenge by Joan to create a card without a sentiment.  It really truly was a challenge and than I found a sketch that could work. The sketch is from Card Positioning Systems.  How fun is this?

Finally, I added some faux stitching for Brooke's World Card Making Day challenge.  Oh, and by the way, that embroidery floss looks nowhere near as bright in real life.  I just couldn't figure out how to edit the photo or shoot the photo to accurately show it!

It is absolutely pouring here today.  Blah!  I have errands to do with my 4 year old daughter and the rain makes me want to curl up under a blanket and watch movies.  I am sure that could talk her into movies, but we both really need a haircut!

I'll post you later about what we decide.  Have a great day!

Details - Stamps: The Artist in You (Unity); Paper: Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette, Crumb Cake, watercolor paper; Ink: Crumb Cake; Accessories: WCC, water mister, Nestabilities, 3/4" circle punch, moss embroidery floss, stampin' dimensionals; Techniques: CAS, faux stitching.

Verve in Purple

Yum!  Look at all that purple!  Yippee, it is one of my favorite colors.  This card is based on one of Julee Tilman's sketches for WCMD.  That circle sure did trip me up!  I just wasn't sure what to do with it!  I do have to say that I love my new bow easy.  It is like totally cheating, but puts out great little bows!

It has been a super long week at work and without hubby around.  My SIL took my daughter for movies and a sleepover tonight, so I should really take advantage of the time to craft.  However, I am just pooped!

I am going to head to bed and try to craft early in the morning!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Kind Words (Verve); Paper: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Rich Razzleberry, Cottage Wall dsp; Ink: Early Espresso, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive; Accessories: Nestabilities, Scallop Border punch, Canvas Impression plate, M's pearls, white organza ribbon, stampin' dimensionals, mini glue dots.

Hope You Can Cling To

Hope You Can Cling To is the WCMD month of challenges on SCS, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I knew when I saw the series of challenges that I would use this fabulous Verve quote.  Beate challenged crafters to make a card inspired by lingerie.  This is my card based on that inspiration. 

I also used a Verve sketch for Verve's WCMD Fall Release challenges.  I am super tired tonight and will keep my chatter down to the bare minimum.  I am going to hit the hay after I finish my post and adhere a satin bow to an unfinished card in my craft room.

One interesting note:  I noticed the views on my card shoot up just after I posted it and found out that Lydia had posted it on the SCS Facebook page!  What an honor!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Blue Skies (Verve); Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Bella Rose dsp; Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose; Accessories: Black organdy ribbon, Nestabilities, paper snips, sponge dauber, Sakura Clear Star gel pen, mini glue dots, stampin' dimensionals.

Time Again For Verve

Woohoo!  It's sketch time again for Julee's Fall Release which she coordinated with World Card Making Day.  I wasn't able to start the sketches on Saturday, but I did start them last night!

I do realize that the only Verve on this card is the sentiment.  Isn't it gorgeous?  I know that this isn't a new set, but it is classic Verve.  I love the mix of fonts that Julee uses.  She is one talented woman! 

Good new related to the Verve Release Party this Friday.  My SIL called and invited my daughter (her niece) to come and have a movie night with Auntie!  My niece gladly accepted as her Auntie is a total spoiler.  You see, this SIL is my hubby's older sister (12 years) and hubby waited to have children until he was 40!  Soooo, my SIL treats her niece more like a grand-daughter!  I am treasure my SIL and all the love and attention she showers on my daughter.  I never had an Auntie (both of my parents are only children) so I think this is a very special relationship!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!

Details - Stamps: Ornamental Christmas (Verve); Paper: Whisper White, Early Espresso, AC Merrymint; Ink: Early Espresso, Baja Breeze; Accessories: Nestabilities, stampin' dimensionals, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, sponge dauber.

Another Witty Inspired Card

Jessica Witty published this sketch in Papercraft's Go To Sketches.  I love her sketches!  I really layered this one up, for me.  I hope you can still see the sketch.  I placed a bow where her sentiment was and the tree is there in place of the triangle shape. 

I have a confession to make.  I agonized over cutting into the sheet music.  It was in a piano book and it is the music and lyrics to "O Christmas Tree".  It was totally fitting, but it went against every bone in my body to tear out a page and then cut it.  I have such respect for books (and music) that it felt illegal.  Well, that guilt melted away when I saw how perfect the sheet music worked with the image.  I hope you like it too!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Details - Stamps: Solemn Stillness; Paper: Whisper White, Bravo Burgandy, Old Olive, sheet music; Ink: Old Olive, Versamark; Accessories: silver ep, heat tool, top note die, paper snips, sheer burgundy ribbon, glue dots, stampin' dimensionals, petals-a-plenty ef.

Fall Out From World Card Making Day

While I didn't have a bunch of time to make cards on the actual holiday, I tried to make up for it by crafting most of Sunday!  Here is one card I made at the end of the evening last night.  I fulfilled two challenges with this card.  The first challenge was a challenge sponsored by Technique Tuesday.  I don't have any of their stamps yet.  The challenge here was to create a card based on this inspiration piece.  I'm sure that it is easy to see where my hearts came from and why I chose this specific designer paper.  The other challenge is a sketch challenge through Unity Stamp Company.  The sketch was designed by Lisa Arana.  The more I look at this card, the more I love it!

Today promises to be a fun day, after I get through work.  Speaking of work, I should probably get dressed for it!  Have a great day!

Details - Stamps: Lovely Bits and Baubles (Unity), Simply Said (Unity); Paper: Kraft, Whisper White, Bordering Blue, Kaisercraft Pack Your Bags dsp, vellum; Ink: Crumb Cake, Bordering Blue, Chocolate Chip; Accessories: Nestabilities, square punch, stampin' dimensionals, With Love embossing borders, corner chomper.

The Day After

Hello all, it's Sunday!  It's the day after World Card Making Day and the day after my girlfriend's baby shower.  I hosted it at my house.  Anyone who has hosted a party like that knows how much goes into pulling off an event like this and how nice you want it to be.  I am happy to report that it was a success! 

So after all my guests went home and the dishes were done, I treated myself to a little crafty time.  I came up with this little number!  I was working off the Caardvark's Clean and Simple challenge.  The task was to create a new clean and simple card.  I used a sketch from the clean and simple stamping blog and also used Sharon Johnson's challenge "3 is the number" to inspire this card. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Patterned Pines, Christmas Greetings; Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy; Ink: Versamark, Night of Navy; Accessories: White ep, clear ep, heat tool, corner chomper, M's silver pearls, M's silver wired ribbon, mini glue dot.

So Thankful

I made this card in honor of the staff at Home Place.  They cared for my father-in-law when he was too ill for us to care for him at home.  He had Alzheimer's Disease and passed 3 years ago.  I was prompted to make this card by Carolyn King's challenge and an amazing prize that she is offering.  But really, like she states, the real prize here is making some feel special and appreciated.

Other challenges played into the design of this card.  The sketch and leaves come from the most current Limelight Papercraft's sketch and product focus.  The color scheme comes from the current Our Creative Corner Challenge.  The main panel design comes from Maria's World Card Making Day challenge to not use patterned paper. 


Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Gratitude=Joy (Unity); Paper: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip; Ink: Cajun Craze, Old Olive, More Mustard; Accessories: stampin' dimensionals, Chit chat rub-ons.

September's Simple Cards

It's crazy how busy I have become and how I long to craft (and then have no energy!  I did manage to make this set of 10 Christmas cards for the Christmas Card challenge on SCS.  Seriously, I did most of it while watching television.  I intentionally picked an easy layout, which just so happens to be this week's CAS Challenge.  The challenge is to use this sketch by Charlene!
I look forward to a load of crafting in the next couple of days as I have a baby shower to host and World Card Making Day is just a few days away!  Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Holiday Spirit; Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Christmas Cocoa dsp; Ink: Real Red; Accessories: stampin' dimensionals, PTI canvas impression plate.

My First PTI Blog Hop

 

I read about the PTI blog hop this morning and decided to play along.  If I read correctly, you only need one PTI product to play along.  If I interpreted that incorrectly, I apologize.  I have only recently began my acquisition of PTI products, starting with the Canvas/Linen impression plate. 

This blog hop is all about learned skills or techniques.  I discovered this woodgraining technique a while ago and truly love it.  It certainly isn't a new technique, but sometimes it's helpful to rediscover older techniques. 

I used this week's Fall To Layout to help flesh out my card.  I love the clean and simple look that allows the woodgrain technique to take center stage!  The woodgrain texture is backed by the subtle PTI impression plate texture.  I have finished it off with a simple sentiment.

I added this close up photo of the corner of the card just to show the subtle texture of the impression plate that is so nice!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Fluttering By (Verve); Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Bordering Blue; Ink: Night of Navy, Going Gray, Bordering Blue, Craft White; Accessories: Canvas impression plate, Scallop template, corner chomper, stampin' dimensionals.

I'm Smiling

I received a happy message this morning!  I was invited to be a VSN hostess for the next VSN, On Cloud 9!  I can't wait to be a part of this fun SCS activity and hubby will have to let me off for sure!  I think I will have some credit built up as I missed the last VSN and he goes off for a 10 day West Coast Tour with his band next week.

This card is leftover from Verve's 3rd Anniversary celebration last month.  I chose to show this one today due to the sentiment!  I am hoping to crank out some cards this weekend.  Hubby has gone camping and it's just my Sweet Pea and I.  We went to bed early last night as both of us are getting colds.  It's just that time, as I have been back in school for 3 weeks!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day!

Details - Stamps: Blue Skies (Verve); Paper: Whisper White, BG Lemonade; Ink: Basic Black, Going Gray, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze; Accessories: M's self adhesive black pearls, stampin' dimensionals, paper snips, Waterfall stickles, Diamond stickles, embossed curve punch, corner rounder, square punch.

Catching Up With CAS

I made this little cutie to meet both this week's and last week's CAS challenges.  This week's challenge is a Fall Color Challenge to use Vanilla, Red, Brown and Kraft.  Last week's CAS challenge was an Inspiration Challenge using a cool balloon wreath photo.

I have probably seen this sketch or design somewhere, or maybe it's my own!  It' the rare card I make that is my own sketch.

This weekend promises to be fun-filled.  First, dinner out with my sister and my mom.  Then lots of girl time with my daughter!  And we are supposed to have nice weather!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Warm & Fuzzy (GinaK Designs); Paper: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, Print Pack dsp; Ink: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler; Accessories: Aquapainter, Scallop edge punch, stampin' dimensionals, Chit-Chat rub-ons.

A Little Fun For Tuesday

I just love this cow!  It's a dollar stamp from Michael's and it has so much personality.  We used to have cows, but hubby needed a break from the cow project.  So now, we will have a freezer full of beef instead.  It's a decent trade for a little peace of mind for the hubby.

I made this card for a Dare To Get Dirty Challenge and also for a Teapot Tuesday challenge.  I took this got milk sticker from my daughter, I think a dairy princess gave it to her at a parade this past summer!  I knew that she wouldn't even notice and it made such a cute card.  I have no idea what I would even use this for, but it was so much fun!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: M's $ bin stamp; Paper: Whisper White; Ink: Versamark; Accessories: Got Milk? sticker, Black ep, heat tool, paper snips, stampin' dimensionals; Techniques: CAS, embossing.

A Little Cheer on a Rainy Day

The rains have come and it is UGLY!  We had buckets and buckets of rain today.  So I bring you some summery cheer from the first week of August!  I dreamed up this card while I was camping in 95 degree sunshine with my family!  Don't you just love that juicy little strawberry?

I'm still in a bit of a crafting funk, so I had to resurrect a card from a while ago that hadn't made it to the blog yet!

Tomorrow is another busy day with swimming lessons after school!  I will try to learn to use my new bow easy.  Be on the look out for fancy new bows!  Take care and as always, thanks for stopping by!

Details - Paper: Whisper White, Poppy Parade; Accessories: Colorbok rub-ons, Swiss Dots ef, scallop border punch, scallop circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, white gel pen; Techniques: CAS, embossing.

Spider Legs

Wow, these are way easier for a 4 year old when they are scored.  So I got out my Scor-pal and scored every inch for her.  It was still hard for her to figure out how to fold it back and forth.  She wanted to wrap it around and around.  Finally, we settled on a method.  "Fold it up, turn it over, fold it up, turn it over" and so on!  After much practice we ended up with eight spider legs!

We used 1/2" and 1/4" circles for the eyes and a wide oval punch to make the smiles on our fun spiders.  For the body, we traced a cake pan onto our card stock and cut it out.  Then we cut to the center and made a cone shape for the body.  Sweet Pea decided to decorate her spider with a pencil, thus the silver markings on the spider on the left.

Hope you have a fabulous Sunday! 

Details - Paper: Black, White and Red; Accessories: wide oval punch, 1/2" circle punch, 1/4" circle punch, kite string, glue stick, scissors, scor-pal, cake pan.

An Experiment for Sweet Pea

This little girl could be my Sweet Pea.  Although she probably won't be so sweet tomorrow.  Her Daddy and I are running an experiment tonight.  My girl is a little night owl, just like her Daddy!  So tonight we will just see how late it is when she decides to go to bed by herself or how late it is when she falls asleep on the couch. 

I am thinking she will be up long past Mommy!  Oh well, maybe I will get some morning crafting time :)

This is a card that I made for Amber and Denise's Dare To Get Dirty challenges.  Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Everyday Celebrations, Vases in Vogue; Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Recollections Autumn; Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Basic Black; Accessories: Sakura Clear Star gel pen, WCC, blender pen, stampin' dimensionals, black gingham ribbon, Nestabilities.

Happy Friday!

Woohoo! It's Friday!  It's the last day of the work week and we had some sunshine this afternoon.  I hope it stays nice for the weekend.  We have many outside chores to do in the next couple of days. 

An easy dinner tonight, leftover lasagna I made last night.  No bath routine tonight and a family movie.  Fun stuff!

This card is a card I made for my nephew a while back.  I made it for a Stamp 2 Spend challenge to case Tina.  This is the card I cased, right here. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes; Paper: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Bella Bleu dp; Ink: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel; Accessories: Chocolate Chip grosgrain, Button Latte button, stampin' sponge, glue dots, thin ivory satin ribbon, Chit-Chat rub-ons.

Something Old, Something New, Something Shimmery

I wanted to play along with Verve's Project Parade this month.  I combined a "new" sentiment from Kind Words with some "old" flowers from Because of You!  I just love this look!  Soft and pretty is really what appeals to me!  I had originally intended to use this flower with the Mother Theresa quote in Kind Words, but it didn't fit on the little mini canvas that I had to work on.  Back to the drawing board I went.  I felt pressured for time, so I just went CAS.

Another busy day at work, but I managed to squeeze in this photo just before I had to run detention.  Good thing too, it was just starting to rain!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Because of You, Kind Words (Verve); Paper: Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizazz; Ink: Going Gray, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizazz, Regal Rose; Accessories: Vanilla Shimmer Mist, Canvas Impression Plate, stampin' dimensionals.

A Little Birthday Splurge

I guess I went a little hog wild this year with my own birthday treats.  I just had to have some new Verve!  Love, love, love these darling flowers.  They, of course, came with some fabulous Verve sentiments in amazing fonts!  I don't know how Julee does it, but she keeps coming with gorgeousness each and every release!

I played along with the Limelight Papercraft's sketch challenge for this one.  To go with this sketch, crafters were to include patterns, either through stamps or through paper.  I have heaps of designer paper, so I opted for it!

Hope you had a wonderful Tuesday!  We had swimming lessons.  It was a great time, as I had my mother come and watch my daughter.  Then she came back and we all had pizza for dinner!  A fun family evening!

Details - Stamps: Kind Words (Verve); Paper: Whisper White, Gingerblossom dsp; Ink: River Rock, Ruby Red; Accessories: paper snips, Kaisercraft latte pearsl, stampin' dimensionals.

Another CAS Monday

This is from last week's CAS Challenge, to create a card based on Denise's sketch from this card.  You know I just had to play!  I quartered up my image and then had to glitter it up.

Today, I am back at work.  I'm trying to get into a regular groove, but it might take a while!  I was exhausted this weekend.  I fell asleep in front of the TV each night and even took a nap on Sunday afternoon.  I  never do that!  I forgot to take something out for dinner this morning, sigh!  At least I don't have a bunch of errands to run after work today. 

I just saw today's CAS challenge and it looks fun!  Be on the lookout for that card coming up soon!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Because I Care, Thank You Kindly; Paper: Whisper White, Mellow Moss; Ink: Almost Amethyst, Mellow Moss; Accessories: corner rounder, Sakura clear star gel pen, M's self adhesive rhinestones, Linen impression plate.

Back on the Wagon

Whoops!  No post for two days.  I guess I got a little busy and then a little tired.  I'm going to chalk it up to the first week of work and getting back into the groove.  I made this card for the Etsy Inspired Challenge this week and chose this darling little eye pillow as my inspiration!

Part of my busy weekend was attending a first birthday party in honor of the son of some good friends.  As you can see, I really was in a hurry and could even stage my picture like I normally do.  So....there is no way for you to know that I use my versamark pen to color over the balloons and clear emboss so that they would be shiny. 

As his mother was opening our gift, she told me again how much so loved the handmade cards I had given to her a couple of years back.  She is down to just one.  I guess it's time for me to make some more cards for her!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope that you have had a restful weekend!

Details - Stamps: Changito Solo (Stampendous), Warm & Fuzzy (GKD), Birthday Whimsy; Paper: Whisper White; Ink: Soft Sky, Old Olive, Basic Brown, Brilliant Blue; Accessories: WCC crayons, blend pens, versamark pen, clear ep, heat tool, torn post-it; Techniques: CAS, sponging, masking, embossing.

On a Sponging Kick

I needed a few more quick note cards for a co-worker.  I opted for my version of the Brayered Sky technique.  I am brayer challenged, so I used my sponges.  I created my sunset with a few inks and then stamped over it in gray and then embossed over both!

I love how this turned out, even though it is quite simple!  I played along with a Stamp 2 Spend challenge to create your own VSN challenge to fit with last month's theme, Summertime in the Land that I Love.  I called my challenge "Summer Sky" for the gorgeous sunsets I love to watch with my friends and family. 

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Details - Stamps: Upsy Daisy; Paper: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White; Ink: So Saffron, More Mustard, Really Rust, Going Gray, Versamark; Accessories: white ep, heat tool, stampin' sponge, stampin' dimensionals.

Back To School

A soft looking card for my first day back.  Courage is the right theme for today.  We have many technology changes and challenges, as well as a whopping schedule change!  I am certain that staff and students will be alright :)

This card was made during the Dare To Get Dirty Challenges for Susan's challenge.  I just love this retired SU  paper and was so happy to get it out and play.  I should do it again!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Details - Stamps: Blue Skies (Verve), Canvas; Paper: Whisper White, Mellow Moss; Ink: Mellow Moss; Accessories: Karen Foster brads, white taffeta ribbon, stampin' dimensionals.

Last Day of Summer Vacation

I managed to squeeze in one little challenge today.  Color challenges seem to be the hardest for me, don't know why?  Anyway, the colors listed for today are all In Colors that I only have in marker form and I wanted to sponge, so I went a little off track.  I found colors that were close and I sponged.  The colors just elicited Halloween for me.  I don't do many Halloween cards, but I had fun with this one.

Back to school for me tomorrow!  Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Details - Stamps: $ stamp from Michael's; Paper: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Whisper White; Ink: Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery, Elegant Eggplant, Early Espresso; Accessories: Chat Room rub-ons, M's self-adhesive rhinestones, purple Sharpie, sponge dauber.

One Layer Christmas

Poppin' pastels is a technique that I like a lot, but hardly ever do.  I gave it a try and I really do like it.  I did spray a sealant over my card and it gave it a bit of a grainy feel.  Kind of strange, but I will see how the chalking holds up now.

This card is for Susan's One Layer Wednesday challenge to use trees.  I had this rather large stamp and wanted to try it.  To keep it CAS, I just scored 1/4" from the top and bottom.  No other embellishments were needed. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Details - Stamps: Scenic Season; Paper: Whisper White; Ink: Versamark; Accessories: stampin' pastels.

Feels Just Right

I just love the watercolor look!  It's feel like Fall outside around here and this sunflower look-alike fits the bill for me.  I made this at the beginning of August for a VSN challenge called State Flowers.  It's the only one of the mini and main VSN that I got to play this time around.  I feel so cheated, but I did get some great family vacation time.

I will hopefully get my hands on this set today to created some note cards.  That is if the gardening and chores permit me to do so!

Thanks for stopping by!

Details -Stamps: Watercolor Trio; Paper: Kraft, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Christmas Cocoa dsp; Ink: Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Old Olive; Accessories: Nestabilities, color spritzer, olive grosgrain ribbon, stampin' dimensionals, corner rounder .

Wildflowers a la Emily

I guess you could say I am in mourning or reliving my most recent glory days!  This is a card I made while on the CAS dt for the challenge that was all about Emily!  She's a fantastic crafter and if you haven't checked out her blog, here's a link!  I had a lot of fun with this sketch.  I turned it on its side and then punch the top part of the card to reveal a bit of the inside.  I stamped my flowers in kraft and vanilla on the opposite color of the card base.  I used some amazing ribbon I got from Limelight Papercrafts!  Mandy, the owner, is super sweet and runs sketch challenges twice a month.  There is one on now!

Anywho, I was just taking a break from gardening on this overcast Labor Day Weekend Saturday!  I hope your day is going fabulously!

Details - Stamps: The Artist in You (Unity), Occasional Quotes; Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla; Ink: Vanilla Craft ink, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip; Accessories: embossed curve punch, Kaisercraft latte pearls, scor-tape, Pink Paislee Tinsel Town ribbon.

Two Hearts

This is another card I made for yesterday's Pep Rally to reveal the Fall CAS DT.  Boy, this season's team is a doozy!  There should be tons of eye candy to make us all drool.  The first challenge is next Monday, Labor Day!  I can't wait!!  I will be playing along for sure.

I had so much fun on the design team, that I am looking into finding another design team gig.  Of course, that begs that my work is good enough and fits with what someone else is looking for!  At least I can try to get in on some behind the scenes fun via VSN.  I think I am ready for that now.  Which reminds me, I need to check the thread to see when the next VSN might me.  I totally missed out on this last one due to Dare To Get Dirty and my hubby's last minute RV purchase and camping trip!

Anyway, have a fabulous Friday of this weekend!

Details - Stamps: In My Thoughts, Simply Said; Paper: Whisper White; Ink: Basic Black, Pink Pirouette; Accessories: SAMJ, Sakura Clearstar gel pen, pink organdy ribbon, glue dot.

Fall CAS Design Team Revealed

Tonight is the night!  The team will be fully revealed in just a few hours.  This is the card that I made for the final challenge of the Fall CAS DT search.  The challenge was about "couples".  I used a couple of leaves.  I tried to go with a Fall theme as the new team is for the fall term.

I made this today.  I had to stamp today after an all day reading training.  We are adopting a whole new reading program and this was the first introduction to it for Instructional Assistants.  Whew, I was on overload at the end of the day!

I used lots of techniques here and still kept it CAS.  I sponged, masked, thumped and rock and rolled!  Hope you had a great day!

Details - Stamps: Autumn Leaf Prints, With Gratitude, Kind and Caring Thoughts; Paper: Whisper White; Ink: River Rock, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Close to Cocoa, Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip; Accessories: SAMJ, sponge dauber, post-its.