Birthday Cake Cheers

It's only been three days, yet it feels like I haven't crafted in weeks!

I just bought a Martha Stewart butterfly punch, so I knew I wanted to use it on a card. This weeks' Mojo Monday sketch #71 was the perfect opportunity. I combined it with this week's Color Throwdown combination #27, which is Real Red, Basic Black, and Brocade Blue.
The only Brocade Blue I have is the grosgrain ribbon (I have almost no supplies in the Rich Regals family - just Taken with Teal and So Saffron!), so I cheated and used the Bashful Blue side of the Summer Picnic DSP.

The frilly border from Smells Like Cake reminds me of a lace curtain, so I imagined the main image as a window display at a cake store. I briefly thought about covering it with a sheet of transparent paper, but didn't think it would work.

I added lots of Stickles (on the cakes and the frilly border), some Crystal Effects (on the cake toppers), and coloured the top of each cake with my white Glaze pen from Sakura. Both are hard to see in the photo. And there's the butterfly, fluttering by the store window ;)

Stamps: Lots of Thoughts (SU), Smells Like Cake (The Cats Pajamas)
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black cardstock, Summer Picnic DSP (SU)
Ink: Real Red (SU), Noir Black (Palette)
Accessories: Black journalling marker, Pure Color pencils, Crystal Effects, Blue Brocade grosgrain ribbon, 1 1/4" square punch (SU), 1 1/2" scalloped square punch (EK Success), Stickles (Ranger), rhinestones (Hero Arts), butterfly punch (Martha Stewart), white Glaze pen (Sakura), pencil crayons (Media)

Cherry Blossoms

Another card for the latest OCC sketch. I had this idea before I made the other one, but wanted to use my JustRite stamps first. Anyway, I'm glad I let it sit for a day, I had the idea to use DSP instead of just cardstock. Again, this is made with all scraps!

I used my Nesties to cut out the circles, then cut a strip out on each side. I inked the cherry blossoms in Purely Pomegrante, then used a wet Q-Tip to clean the branches, before I colored them with the Chocolate Chip marker. I've done a similar technique with this stamp before, but instead used my Blender Pen to clean the branches. I'd rather use the Q-Tip, as I hate wasting the Blender Pens! I saw the Q-Tip idea on Jennifer's blog.

I made another PolyShrink charm. This time I cut out the scalloped circle with my Nesties, stamped the flower, punched the small hole, and shrank it with my heat gun. I attached it with a jump ring.

I added some Dew Drops for shine, as well as Crystal Effects on each flower.

I'm trying to do something on the inside of each card. For this one, I simply stamped the cherry blossoms on the inside.

Stamps: Eastern Blooms (SU)
Paper: Whisper White cardstock, Purely Pomegrante textured, Bali Breeze DSP (SU)
Ink: Purely Pomegrante (SU), Timber Brown Staz-On (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Chocolate Chip marker (SU), CB (Provocraft), Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest), white Glaze pen (Sakura), white ribbon (Offray), PolyShrink (Lucky Squirrel), jump ring (unknown)

Thank you, friend

This is for the latest OCC sketch. I knew right away that I wanted to use my new JustRite stamps, and decided to make a monogrammed card for my aunt. I also challenged myself to use only scraps, as my scraps drawer is getting quite full!
I realize it ended up simple, but I'm trying to choose something I can replicate, as I want to make her a little gift set.

I am in LOVE with the Small Letter set from JustRite. Here I made the "Thank you, friend * I appreciate it*" sentiment. Can you imagine all the possiblities?

Stamps: Curlz Monogram, Small Letter (JustRite)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Blue Bayou, Whisper White cardstock, Soft Sky textured (SU)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky (SU)
Accessories: 1 1/4, 1 3/8 circle punch (SU), Perfect Paisley, Swiss Dots embossing folders, CB (Provocraft), Nestabilities (Spellbinders), flowers (Prima), pearls (Kaiser)

Organizing ribbon

Remember this? I have a fair bit of ribbon, but lots of short pieces and really long rolls (like the SU grosgrain!).

I've finally come up with a way to organize my ribbon that works:(click on the photos to see a larger view)

The black "hook" things (there's two of them there) and the wood shelves are from Ikea. I bought those hooks a good 10 years ago (yowza!) and the wood shelves at least four years ago. So it pays to be a packrat!

For my shorter bits of ribbon, I used office binder clips. Of course they're in Roy G Biv (aka. rainbow) order. The last two are "misc" themes, and the very last one is all Christmas/Winter. I've also got my twine hooked on, still in the bag (it's just easier to leave it that way).
For my spools of ribbon, I was happy to discover that most fit in these shelves. The larger ones sit on top, which is good enough! I started unrolling my SU ribbon onto the smaller Michael's ribbon spools, but there's just way too much SU ribbon on a roll! So I just leave them there. (again, Roy G Biv order - I can't help it!)
I guess my advice is to look at what you have, and use it, rather than jumping right into a purchased item. We all know that I love a good reason to shop, but I'd rather spend my money on pretty paper and fun stamps, not expensive craft storage pieces. Ikea is your friend! ;)

And the winner is...

The winner of the blog candy is:

Chelle said...

Wheee! I'm #1 - errr, the first to comment :D

I've posted on my blog and I've already sent a card to DBU, so I guess count me in x4 please!

January 15, 2009 4:24 AM

Congrats Chelle! I guess there is something to being #1 ;) Send me your address, and I'll mail off the package this weekend.

Thanks to everyone who entered. Can you believe I'm already over 8000 hits?!! I've already started thinking about the 10,000 hits blog candy...

You've got to know when to hold 'em

...know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away, and know when to run...

Yes, I have The Gambler running through my head. The reason? Tonight's card went in the wrong direction. And it isn't a good one :(

To distract you, here are a couple photos of my little stamper. She just turned three, and (big surprise) LOVES my crafts room. Does this count as one of my crafts room photos? ;)



I set out tonight to create a card for Amy's Friday Sketch #45. I saw a great opportunity to use a very neglected stamp, and also some of my prized Basic Grey paper.

Alright, I guess I can't delay this any longer. Here's the card.
I think I lost it when I started distressing the edges with the ink. I went a bit overboard on the Old Olive layer, and then I couldn't get the bow to work, and the whole thing just bugs me now. Oh, I'm also upset that you can't see the images on the vertical patterned paper layer (Deciduous from the Basic Grey Mellow line - LOVE IT!)

I thought I'd do something different, and used the debossed side of the Old Olive layer. It's hard to see in the photo, but I like how it looks in real life.

Anyhoo, here are the deets:

Stamps: The World Over (SU)
Paper: Chocolate Chip. Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla cardstock (SU), patterned paper (Basic Grey)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU)
Accessories: Chocolate Chip PolyTwill ribbon, felt flowers, brads (SU), Floral Screen embossing folder, CB (Provocraft), pencil crayons (Media), brown felt flower, brads (unknown)

you & me (one card, three challenges!)

First of all, if you haven't already, be sure to comment on -->this post<-- to win some blog candy! There are a couple ways to get extra entries, so be sure to increase your luck! The deadline to enter is today (Jan 21) at 11:59pm PST ;)

So, let's get on with the card, shall we? As I hinted in my post title, this card satisfies three challenges:

1. Color Throwdown #CTD26: Kraft, Pink Passion, Black
2. Mojo Monday week #70
3. DCFTL0109, which is actually a challenge for the Dirty Dozen/Alumni on SCS, but I just had to play along! The challenge was to create a Valentine's Day card with texture, but no red (pink is okay)
There's a lot going on, but I don't think the card requires much explanation. I'm really happy with how it turned out!

Stamps: Warm Words (SU), Forever Love (Sugarloaf)
Paper: Whisper White, Pink Passion, Kraft, Basic Black cardstock (SU), patterned paper (unknown)
Ink: Whisper White, Pink Passion, Basic Black (SU)
Accessories: Hemp Twine (SU), Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Perfectly Paisley & Argyle embossing folders, CB (Provocraft), ghost flower (Heidi Swapp), ribbon (Michael's), clear embossing powder (stampcraft), sewing machine (Janome), thread, button (unknown)

As I was assembling the card, I noticed how neat the white thread looks on the black cardstock, creating a nice zig-zag border. I'm filing that idea away for future notice!

I'll be back tomorrow with another crafts room post, and hopefully another scrapbook page (or two!).

It's been a long time...

Since I've completed a scrapbook page! I think the last one I did was in June, so over six months ago!

Anyway, one of my New Year's resolutions was to get caught up, so this is a start!
This page came together quickly using a few elements from the U R Sweet (ugh, I can't stand the "txt" language) Simply Scrappin' kit by SU. I was happy how the arrows draw your eye along the path, telling the story in photos. I made liberal use of my Sakura white glaze pen.

I don't like my handwriting, but everyone says it's a personal touch. So I try to handwrite my journalling, and just live with it!

Stamps: none
Paper: Old Olive cardstock (SU)
Ink: none
Accessories: U R Sweet Simply Scrappin' set, My Way punch, black journalling marker (SU),white Glaze pen (Sakura)

ps. Don't forget about the blog candy! Go to -->this post<-- for details.

Tool storage

Continuing with the tour of my crafts room, let's talk tool storage. I'm a practical organizer, and like to have a place for everything, but have it in easy reach. So the wall is a great place to store tools.

First up, punches:
Punch storage is simple with the Bygel rails from Ikea (in the kitchen department). They are easy to screw on the wall, and hold the punches securely. Apparently I should have bought the longer ones...

Next is a very handy storage area, the peg board (I bought it, as well as all the hook accessories at Home Depot). It's right above my work area, so it's perfect for all my tools.

It holds everything from my scissors (ahem, I have a few different kinds), Crop-a-Dile, stapler, bottles of things, brayer, heat tool...the possibilities are endless! You can see that I still have lots of space left.

ps. Don't forget about the blog candy! Go to -->this post<-- for details.

pps. Chelle, I will get to your questions in later posts, but I found the desk on Craigslist, and the ribbon holders are all (old) Ikea stuff. The Bygel rails are $3/$4 (depends on size).

Cheers to You

First of all, if you haven't already, be sure to comment on -->this post<-- to win some blog candy! There are a couple ways to get extra entries, so be sure to increase your luck!

Now, onto today's card. As I was browsing my usual blogs, I was struck by this card on Dawn McVey's blog. I absolutely LOVE Dawn's work, and knew I wanted to case that card!

On the OCC blog, today's challenge is to use the emboss resist tutorial. So I decided to give that a try.Like the bow? I've seen it popping up here and there, and wanted to give it a try. I attached the ribbon around the card, and then attached the bow separately. I used redline tape to put it together. I wish I had the 5/8" SU ribbon in Tempting Turqouise, but had to make do with the 1/4".

Not much else to explain here. I blew the dust off of my Colorbox Fluid Chalk inks. Aren't the colours gorgeous? The ink is so creamy, it just glides on. I just swiped it right across my embossed flowers, and buffed it off. Easy peasy card. The clear rhinestones sparkle it up!

Stamps: In the Spotlight, Lots of Thoughts (SU)
Paper: Whisper White (SU)
Ink: Blue Lagoon, Dark Peony, Lime Pastel (Colorbox), VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: 1 1/4" circle punch, ribbon (SU), rhinestones (Kaiser), clear embossing powder (stampcraft)

I'll be back later with another post about my crafts room: spotlight on punch storage!

A peek into my world

First of all, if you haven't already, be sure to comment on -->this post<-- to win some blog candy! There are a couple ways to get extra entries, so be sure to increase your luck!

I've been promising to share photos of my crafts room, and I thought I'd start with an overall photo. Then, over the next week, I'll share some of my favourite parts, along with some organizational tips. Because we all know, I'm all about the organization!
Click on the photo to see a larger view. And check back over the week for more photos and lots of details!

The Best is Yet to Be & BLOG CANDY ALERT!!!

UPDATE: The blog candy is closed, the winner is Chelle!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yup, I've finally got the blog candy put together. You'll find all the details at the end of this post. I can hear you all groaning. Yeesh. Just look at my pretty card, and then you can find out how you can win! ;)

This card is for several challenges:

- The OCC colour challenge (two shades of blue and a neutral)
- Cuttlebug Be Inspired #14 (use your favourite embossing folder)
- Jen @ i{heart}2stamp's blog candy card challenge (make cards for international students at Dallas Baptist University); I plan to send along some other cards that I've had in my stash for a while - might as well put them to good use!

I was also inspired by a couple of my favourite craftsters, Faith (Stampin' With Markie's Mom) who has a style all her own, and Heather (pine is here), who is the Kraft paper queen!

It's hard to see, but I embossed the largest label and the sentiment with the paisley CB embossing folder. I love the idea of the paisley folder, but don't use it enough. I think I'm going to make another card with it, as you just don't see enough of it with this card. Originally I was going to use a larger label, but changed my mind on the design. Hence the reason you can't see to much of it!

To make the ribbon buckle, I used my Crop-a-Dile to punch three holes side-by-side. The Crop-a-Dile is useful for this because it has guides for the hole punches, so you can be sure they're all punched in a line. I just used my small snips to clean up the part that's showing. Here's a close-up (before embossing):
Stamps: Best Yet, Simply Said (SU)
Paper: Whisper White, Blue Bayou, Kraft cardstock, Soft Sky textured cardstock (SU)
Ink: Whisper White, Blue Bayou (SU)
Accessories: Designer Label punch, Soft Sky ribbon (SU), Labels Two and Large Standard Circles Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Perfect Paisley embossing folder, CB (Provocraft), Crop-a-Dile (WeRMemoryKeepers), White Glaze pen (Sakura), brads (unknown)

Okay, here's what you've been waiting for - the blog candy!

I'm celebrating my blogaversary (which was in November - whoops!) and 5000 hits. Well, I was supposed to celebrate 5000 hits, but I'm two months late. And since then, I've jumped to 7409 hits! So yay, let's celebrate my 7409 hits! ;)

There is a chipboard alphabet and coordinating die cut flowers from K&Company, the Snow Fun cut & emboss set from Provocraft, and some dimensionals and sticky stars.
For a single entry, just make a comment on this post. That's it!

For a second entry, post about this giveaway on your blog, and post a another comment here with the link.

But wait, there's more! (said in my best infomercial voice) For two MORE entries, participate in Jen's challenge and post a comment here with a link to your card(s).

I'll give you all a week to play, to give you time to get your card(s) done for Jen's challenge. So make sure you post your comments by January 21, 2008 at 11:59pm PST. Make sure your email is available in your profile, or leave it in your comment.

Good luck!

Simple Sympathy

For Cuttlebug challenge #13, I knew I wanted to use my Bird Call embossing folder, and finally break out my chalks (still following my New Year's resolution to use my stuff!). They're glimmer chalks, so the bird has a beautiful sheen, without being sparkly.
It's a very simple card, but I tend to prefer simple for sympathy cards. I don't have many appropriate sentiments, so I left the front without one. If you haven't heard, PaperTrey Ink is releasing a new sympathy set, and I think it's the one I need!

Stamps: none!
Paper: Whisper White, Mellow Moss cardstock (SU)
Ink: none!
Accessories: Bird Call EF, CB (Provocraft), Glimmer Chalks (Craf-T), Pearls (Kaiser), ribbon (unknown)

Happy Hellos

I was happy to come home to some new pretties (Nesties: Labels Two - a birthday present to myself - I'm 33 today!) and had to play with them right away.

Mojo Monday has moved to it's own blog, and I thought sketch #68 would be a great place to start. I also used my new Season of Friendship SU set, which I finally broke down and bought. Ooh, and my new Pretty in Pink ink pad. I got a huge SU box two days ago, a really happy birthday ;) See Leanne, I'm using my new stuff!The bird looks funny, but that's just the reflection of the Crystal Effects. I wanted him to pop out a bit. There's not much else to explain with this card, so I'll just list the recipe.

Stamps: Season of Friendship, Lots of Thoughts (SU)
Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa cardstock, Purely Pomegrante textured cardstock, Berry Bliss DSP (SU)
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegrante (SU)
Accessories: Designer Label and 1 1/8" punches, Crystal Effects (SU), Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Labels Two die, CB (Provocraft), paper piercer (Making Memories), Design Ruler (Tim Holtz), dew drops (Robin's Nest)

Coming up this week: blog candy, I promise! Plus, a look into my crafts room. See you soon!

Calling all Canadian paper craft bloggers!

Get your blog added to Nancy's list of Canadian paper craft bloggers! Check out her blog for more details.

A Little Pastel Birdie

And now for something completely different...

I don't use all pastel colours often, but decided to use some K&Co papers I bought ages ago and have yet to use (part of a New Year resolution!)

Gina K has a paper piercing challenge (GINAKJAN2) -- I combined that with the Jacksonbelle Embellishments challenge #3 (JBENYE3), which was to make a card reflecting a resolution (or to use neglected supplies).(click to see a larger view - it's a bit blurry, but it's the best I could do at 1:30 am!)

I managed to do both! The patterned paper and ribbon are both from my stash, and the sewing represents another of my resolutions - to put my new sewing machine to good use! I have to send a huge thanks to Jody at Confessions of a Ribbon Addict - she has a great tutorial series about sewing on cards. I read them all, and put them to good use! I went a bit crazy with the sewing on this card, but boy, is it fun (and easy!)

The tent topper card layout was inspired by these cards on Michelle's blog, Mish Mash.

I put my Cuttlebug to good use for this card. I cut and embossed both the circle and scalloped circle, and also put the first cut in my Sliders dies from Provocraft - you'll be seeing those often!

Stamps: A Little Birdie Told Me (SU)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Blush Blossom, Pale Plum (SU), patterned paper (K&Company)
Ink: Basic Brown (SU)
Accessories: 1" square punch, Close to Cocoa marker (SU), Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Sliders die, CB (Provocraft), ribbon (unknown)

Birthday Dress

As I was surfing the blogs today, I saw a peek for Amy R's new stamp set, and was inspired by the dress on Amy's first card. I also wanted to create a card for the Jacksonbelle Embellishments challenge, so I went with #4, which is to create a birthday card (JBENYE4).
I distressed the twine by unwinding it. The sentiment is embossed with clear powder, as I was worried it wouldn't stand out enough. I'm always wary about stamping directly on patterned paper! To add dimension, I popped the bottom of each layer.

ps. The layers aren't crooked, apparently it's just my head when I attempt to take a photo!

Stamps: Smells Like Cake (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Cameo Coral cardstock, Linen Prints DSP (SU)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU), VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Scalloped Edge punch, polytwill ribbon, hemp twine (SU), clear button (Making Memories), flower (Prima), D'Vine Swirls embossing folder, CB (Provocraft), clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat gun (Marvy Uchida), felt flower (unknown)