Tropical Sunset

Since I've been back, I couldn't find my mojo, so I decided tonight I would kick start it with a challenge: Zindorf style. Yeah, way to ease myself back into the crafts room! ;)

The wonderful people at Penguin Pants Stamps asked me to try out one of their sets, and I chose Aloha Paradise. A bit out of my normal style, but I love the images - and would love to be on a beach right now!

I started with Amy's Friday Sketch (AMYRS60) and grabbed my brayer and sponges. After playing with the brayer for a bit, this is what I came up with:
Don't you think this would make a great summer birthday card? Yum. I can taste the mojitos now.

Stamps: Aloha Paradise (Penguin Pants Stamps)
Paper: More Mustard, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White (SU)
Ink: So Saffron, Only Orange, Summer Sun, Brilliant Blue, Basic Black, Pink Passion, More Mustard, Creamy Carmel, Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo Yellow (SU), VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: 1 3/8" circle punch, sponges, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip markers (SU), Floral Screen embossing folder, CB (Provocraft), clear embossing powder (Ranger), dew drops (Robin's Nest), VersaMark pen (Tsukineko), white Glaze pen (Sakura), corner rounder punch (EK Success), heat tool (Marvy Uchida)

I stamped the tree in VersaMark, then black, and embossed. Then I coloured with markers - trying a bit of shading - and then covered that in VersaMark using the pen, and embossed again.

Lots of brayering and sponging for the sand, water, and sky. I masked off the sun, and used my white Glaze pen at the surf line (I love how that looks!).

All of the above is all from Michelle Zindorf's blog/techniques. The rest of the card is fairly obvious. The only thing I couldn't work in from the sketch was the ribbon. Oh well, I'm very happy with how it turned out!

Penguin Pants (don't you just love the name?) have a wide range of styles, from fun, cartoon-ish drawings to very realistic, gorgeous images. Another personal favourite is Cheers. Can't you just see a yummy margarita, complete with salt (glitter) on the rim?

You may remember this card I did, featuring Around the Farm. See what I mean about cute images? I just want to squish that pig!

ps. Check out my blog counter. I'm almost at 10,000 hits!!! Look for a great giveaway to come as soon as the counter ticks over.

Me and You

Whew. Just got back from a five day work trip in Texas. I had a couple projects ready to be posted, but just didn't have the time to do it!

So, here's a scrapbook page I made last week.
The retro look of the photo made me think of this line from Sassafras Lass (which was in that pile I just bought). One down, many to go!

Stamps: none
Paper: Sassafras Lass
Ink: none
Accessories: Close to Cocoa marker, green button, hemp twine (SU), chipboard stickers (Sassafras Lass), off-white lace ribbon (Tie One On Ribbon Club), blue ric rac, buttons (unknown)

Flower Trio

Here's that card trio I mentioned a few days ago. I started with the yellow one, and meant to use it for the Mellow Yellow Cuttlebug Challenge (with Swiss Dots) but just didn't want to do it. So I decided to make two more, and call it a set.
I rock 'n rolled the stamp in two colours, and used a marker to "thump" the flower centre. I also re-stamped the image without reinking, to create some depth. A simple sentiment, and some Stickles finish them off.

Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Best Yet (SU)
Paper: Whisper White (SU)
Ink: Summer Sun, So Saffron, Blush Blossom, Groovy Guava, Mellow Moss, Old Olive (SU)
Accessories: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa markers (SU), Stickles (Ranger)

Dotty Bright Birthday

Alrighty, you'll want to put on your sunglasses for this one. Are you ready?

This card covers three challenges:

- Mellow Yellow Monday Cuttlebug Challenge
- Mojo Monday #74
- TCPTUES46: Cupcakes

I told ya!

Okay, so I started with the Mellow Yellow challenge, and I just got this yellow glitter paper as a free bonus with an order. I never thought I'd use it, but there I was, looking at it. I wasn't sure how it would emboss, but Swiss Dots worked perfectly. I knew I had to stick with the bright colours, so I dove into some paper I bought years ago. The green/pink/orange dots. Finally, a use for it!

I paper pieced the cupcake, added lots of Stickles, used a white Glaze pen for the sprinkles, and dug out a yellow Glitter Dot. One of those neat little bows finishes it off.

Stamps: Smells Like Cake (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Whisper White (SU), DSP (Michael's), Sugar Coated paper (Doodlebug Design)
Ink: Green Galore, Only Orange (SU), Noir Black (Palette)
Accessories: Photo Corner punch, markers (SU), Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Swiss Dots embossing folder, CB (Provocraft), glitter dot (Dress It Up), ribbon (Michael's), Stickles (Ranger), white Glaze pen (Sakura), pink glitter gel pen (American Crafts)

So, I went on a bit of a scrapbooking supply spree. Paper, mainly, but with lots of matching embellishments. Here's the stack:

It's hard to tell, but trust me, there's a LOT there. So, if you don't see some scrapbook pages posted here in the next couple weeks, please send me a threatening email...pretend to be from Visa ;)

ps. Check out mudmaven's blog for some candy!

No time to post!

I actually have a trio of cards made, I just don't have time to photograph and post about them!

You'll note that it's 2:28 am and I'm still awake. I worked fourteen hours today. And I'm still about a week behind, with two days to catch up.

Anyhoo, I promise to try to get the cards up tomorrow!

ps. I'm almost at 9500 hits! Gah. Now I have to come up with some blog candy! Actually, I already have some planned ;)

Yummy blog candy over at Bunny-Zoe's blog

Nikki is celebrating a year of blogging and over 51,000 hits with some awesome blog candy. Check out her blog for a chance at one of five awesome giveaways!

The Craft Critique Carnival has started!

Check out these two posts on Craft Critique to see all the fun Valentine's Day projects:

Post One & Post Two -- see a familiar name on this list? ;)

Monogram Set and more!

This week's Stamp Simply (ssnotime74) is to make monogrammed items. I needed to make some more monogrammed cards for my aunt, so I came up with these:

These are also for Cuttlebug Challenge Be Inspired #18 - shaped cards. And I loved how Dawn embossed kraft cardstock, so I tried that too! Here's a close-up of each card:


It's late, and I need to get up early, so I'll add the recipe for each card tomorrow. I'll also share a quick tutorial on how to make that ribbon flower!

ETA: Here's the recipe!

Stamps: Simply Said (SU), Curlz Monogram set (JustRite)
Paper: Whisper White, Kraft, Blush Blossom, Lovely Lilac (SU)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Blush Blossom, Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo Yellow, Lovely Lilac (SU), VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: circle punch, brads (SU), Classic Circles, Labels II, Scalloped Cricles Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Swiss Dots, D'Vine Swirls, Birds and Swirls embossing folder, CB (Provocraft), paper piercer (Making Memories), design ruler, Stickles, clear embossing powder (Ranger), dew drops (Robin's Nest), purple ribbon (American Crafts), pearls (Kaiser), yellow ribbon (unknown)

And of course, it's almost Valentine's Day. Chloe and I made cards for her daycare/preschool class and teachers. I helped her with the names on the front:
And she wrote her name on the inside.
Finally, I just had to redo the base of this card (don't laugh Carrie!). I think this looks much better!

Butterfly Award!

The awesome Jill, from inkgenious, gave me a Butterfly Award! It means a lot to me. Jill's was the first craft blog I ever followed, and I think she's super sweet and talented! Thanks Jill :)
I wanted to pass on the love, so here's my nominees:
- Leanne (Crafty Auntie)
- Carrie (Scrapster)
- Chelle (Tales from the Craft Cave)
- Jodi (The Craft Den)
- Carley (Craft Spice)
- Emily Kate (Emily Kate Crafts)
- Lexy (Lexy's Card Blog)

RULES
1) Post the award’s logo on your blog
2) Add the link to the person who nominated you
3) Nominate at least 6 others & post their links.

Hey Chickie

You know when you make a card, and you think it's going great, and then you take a photo and upload it, and realize that it just doesn't look how you thought?

Yeah, this is one of those cards.
I think it's the Cuttlebug smoosh technique that's throwing it off. The ink is a bit uneven. Darn brayer!

Anyway, this is for another challenge from the Papertrey Ink blog: make a card for your best friend. I'm lucky to have several close friends, but I've known my bestest friend for 21 years. We've been through a LOT together. I'm pretty sure she doesn't read this blog, so it should be a surprise (her birthday is in March). The best part is that her nickname is Chickie (or Bird) so this card is perfect!

Aside from the CB smoosh, I tapped the bird stamps with different colours to make the birds pretty. I thought the eyes needed some glittery eyeshadow, and then the feathers of course. A load of bling finishes it off.

Stamps: Bird Assortment (Inkadinkado)
Paper: Whisper White, Gable Green (SU)
Ink: Dark Peony, Lime Pastel, Creamy Brown, Blue Lagoon (ColorBox)
Accessories: scalloped edge punch, rhinestone brads (SU), Birds & Swirls embossing folder, CB (Provocraft), brayer (Speedball), rhinestones (Kaiser), Stickles (Ranger), ribbon (Michael's)

More blog candy!

You could win a stamp set from my Stamp Box! Check out Ally's blog for more details.

Wanna win some ribbon?

Amy Rysavy is giving away a load of ribbon on her blog, Prairie Paper & Ink. Check it out!

I should be in the crafts room, but instead I'm catching up on my blogs. I was up to 300+ unread posts. Oops!

Be Happy

There's a HUGE countdown going on over at Papertrey Ink, complete with loads of prizes, of course. Day six features a colour challenge. If you don't have PTI colours, you can substitute with whatever you do have.

I don't yet have any PTI colours (or stamps!) but I will soon - I can't wait to place my order!
This card also fits with the SCS Limited Supplies challenge #LSC205, Clean and Simple. Yes, I had to do it again!

Sorry the lighting is off, I was trying to capture the embossed lines above and below the sentiment (click on the photo for a better look).

Stamps: Tart & Tangy, Everyday Flexible Phrases, So Many Sayings (SU)
Paper: Whisper White (SU)
Ink: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Real Red (SU)
Accessories: Chocolate Chip marker (SU), scoring blade (Fiskars)

ps. It's carnival time over at Craft Critique. Check it out!

Nestabilities storage!

Now that I have a few sets of Nestabilities, I needed a way to store them. After browsing SCS for a bit, I decided CD cases were the easiest way.
A couple strips of magnet (bought years ago at Michael's - it comes in a large roll) and each case holds two sets. I made labels for the spines of the cases.

I store the CD cases in my Cuttlebug box, which slides neatly underneath that little hutch on my desk.

You can see the box also houses my embossing folders, dies, plates, and rubber gaskets (from Home Hardware - for embossing with Nesties).

Thinking of You - Clean and Simple

This is for the SCS Limited Supplies challenge #LSC205, Clean and Simple.
Notice anything different?

There is NO stamping on this card! It took literally minutes to make (maybe two?). Check out the ingredients:

Stamps: none
Paper: none
Ink: Whisper White (SU)
Accessories: rub-ons (SU), rhinestones (Kaiser)

Crazy, right? I actually debated the rhinestones, but decided it needed just a little something to add some glitz.

Modifying stamp sets

If you're a Stampin' Up customer, you probably have this set, So Many Sayings. It's three groups of sayings, all piled up, with three large blocks.

As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to separate the sayings, to make them much easier to use. I'd heard of people mounting them on dominoes, but I decided to just mount them with EZMount. I've had this set sitting (unmounted) on my shelf for many months, just waiting to be used. I want to make some Valentine's Day cards for Chloe, and there are some great sentiments in this set. So I decided it was time to do it!
I decided to use the thin EZMount, and cut out each saying. By the end, my cuts weren't so straight, but I can live with that ;)

Now when I need a sentiment, I just grab one of my acrylic blocks and stamp away!

I'm now thinking of unmounting my wheeled stamps...of course, that will probably take another year!

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)

Pink and green rings

There's a huge New Year's celebration over at Jacksonbelle Embellishments, complete with challenges and blog candy! Here's the card I did for challenge #1 (JBENYE1), which is to use something to do with "rings".

As I was looking through my stamps, I found the Circles & Dots set by Inkadinkado. There were several that looked like different kinds of rings, so I went with those.
Check out that ribbon! I used a Fiskars punch I found at Michaels that creates the ribbon slots (much like the SU scalloped edge punch). Neat, huh?

Stamps: Polka Dots and Paisley (SU), Circles & Dots (Inkadinkado)
Paper: Pink Passion, Green Galore, Gable Green, Whisper White (SU)
Ink: Pink Passion, Green Galore, Gable Green (SU)
Accessories: Wide Oval punch (SU), Leave it to Weaver punch (Fiskars), Rain Dots (Cloud 9 Design), ribbon (Michael's)

Mod Birthday

As soon as I saw Laura's Sketch 16 on 2 Sketches 4 You, I knew what I wanted to do with it.

I've had a small swatch of colours hanging by my desk for months, and have already used them on a card, but wanted to try another. Pumpkin Pie, Brilliant Blue, and Soft Sky (or Bashful Blue). SU's Jersey Shore DSP just happens to have those colours, plus Wild Wasabi, which I love too.

(Click on the photo to see a larger version - the smaller version doesn't show the detail well)

Chloe has a friend who is one day older than her, and I wanted to make his card in advance (well, two weeks is far in advance for me!). I used my Sakura glitter pen to add lots of sparkle. I debated whether I should add some to the stars on the background - what do you think?

I used Crystal Effects for the icing and popped up the spaceship and then the cake on that. Doesn't he look like he's delivering it?

Stamps: So Many Scallops (SU), It's a Mod, Mod World, Smells Like Cake (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Jersey Shore DSP (SU)
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Sky, Brilliant Blue (SU)
Accessories: Blender pen, Crystal Effects, 1 3/8" circle punch (SU), Glitter Dots (Jesse James), Glitter pen (Sakura), 1 1/2" circle punch (Marvy Uchida)

Happy {Pink} Birthday

This card is based off of a sketch on Jen's blog, i{heart}2stamp. I covered a sticky star with chunky pink glitter, and decided to go with a monochromatic colour scheme. I wanted to do more with the layers, but didn't want to sew. Oh well. I'd already given up on an (almost) completed card because it just wasn't working, so I wanted to get this one done!

Stamps: Alphabet Soup, Hung Up on the Holidays, Mini Messages (SU)
Paper: Whisper White cardstock, Purely Pomegranate textured cardstock, Bali Breeze DSP (SU)
Ink: Purely Pomegranate (SU), VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: rhinestones (Kaiser), sticky star (Confessions of a Ribbon Addict), clear embossing powder (Ranger), ribbon (unknown)

The stocking

This is Chloe's stocking, which was from a kit I bought at Michael's. Click on it to see a larger version of the photo, where you should be able to see all the embroidery and appliqué work.
I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I started this stocking THREE years ago, for Chloe's first Christmas. Each year I'd still hang it up, even though it was only partially finished. Well this year I had just a wee bit left to do, so I manged to finish it on Christmas Eve!

I'm quite proud of it, although I'll never make fun of someone for just buying a pre-made stocking. If you add up the hours I spent on this...well, let's just not go there :p

Even more blog candy!

Check out Erika's blog for some sweet blog candy. She's celebrating her birthday with a gift for a lucky blog reader - free tuition to an upcoming Journaling 101 course!

Happy birthday Erika!

Christmas Blog Candy

Check out Jill's blog candy - she's celebrating 50,000 hits and the end of her 12 days of Christmas countdown. She also just joined the Jacksonbelle Embellishments design team, so she has a lot to celebrate!

Congrats Jill!

ps. Hoping to get into the crafts room tomorrow. I got a sewing machine for Christmas!

Note of Love

This card is for Jen's SFYTT sketch and Our Creative Corner's Lovey Dovey Challenge.

I masked the "note of love" stamp and stamped the background stamp over top (it's the definition of the word love). The rest is fairly obvious.
Stamps: Lots of Thoughts, By Definition (SU)
Paper: River Rock, Ruby Red cardstock, River Rock textured cardstock, Ginger Blossom DSP (SU)
Ink: River Rock, Groovy Guava (SU)
Accessories: Crystal Effects, brads (SU), Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest), flowers (Prima), large brad (Making Memories)

ps. Does anyone else find that some of their Dew Drops aren't very solidly coloured? See how these ones look spotty? Is that normal?

pps. I'll be posting blog candy for my blogaversary and 5000 hits - late, I know - soon, so stay tuned!