Anjillic Creations

Make It Monday #28

2011-08-21T14:57:00.001-07:00

This week's Make It Monday is "Glitter Die Borders." In other words, outlining your die cut with glitter. Trust me that mine is glittered, LOL! You may be able to see it better in the second picture. I used Daydreamer for the first time, and a sentiment from Botanical Silhouettes:

What an easy technique that can give an otherwise plain card a little pizazz. I'll be doing this again, I think. :-)

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Daydreamer, Botanical Silhouettes
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Royal Velvet
Ink: Watermark; Memento--Grape Jelly; E.P.--Stamp Diego Ultra Detail White
Other: Die--Spellbinders Labels 13; Glitter--Doodlebug Design Lily White; Embossing Folder--Cuttlebug; Copic: G28; 2-Way Glue (SU)

SSIC #102

2011-08-20T18:59:00.001-07:00

This week's challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ (#102) is to add some aspect of music into your project. The scripture is: Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
This spoke directly to my heart, and put a smile on my face! The happiest moments of my week are Sunday morning at the beginning of services, when I am singing and praising God. No matter what's going on in my life, what I'm worried about, I am lifted out of my earthly problems and just feel joy. In fact, I am that annoying woman in the pew ahead of you who is literally dancing, LOL! I've tried to stay still, but despite occasional good-natured teasing by friends, I just can't do it. I'm not out in the aisles or anything, but I just can't hold still. :-D So, here is my card for this challenge (bonus points if you can find the musical aspect without clicking on the picture to enlarge it):

And the inside:

Were you able to see that the sky behind the lamb is musical notes stamped in pink (you know, as in a lullaby)? Sorry it doesn't show up better here, but it's pretty cute IRL! :-D I had so much fun making this. It's for the daughter of one of my mom's friends, her third child, her third girl! Pink and green are the shower colors, and there was a little lamb on the invite, so . . . I tried to go with the flow . . . What do you think?

Supplies
Stamps: Sandylion--Girl Clear Stamps; PTI--Inside & Out: Baby and Background Basics: Sheet Music
Paper: PTI--S.S. White; SEI--Aunt Gertie's Garden
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Other: Googly eyes--Michaels; Dew Drops--Stamping Bella; Doily--Martha Stewart; Border Punch--Martha Stewart

Card Patterns #128

2011-08-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

Card Patterns' sketches are the BEST, aren't they? Here is this week's above, and below is my interpretation (it's mirror imaged):

And here's the inside. The picture is funky, but I'm adding it anyway :-):

This is a birthday card for a friend who has had a rough year. She loves burgundy and green, so this should be right up her alley. :-) Did you notice the scallops made out of vintage book print? I have been on the lookout for a suitably "vintage" looking used book, something whose typeface doesn't look modern, and whose pages do look old. Finally, I found something at Goodwill! It's an old children's paperback on fairies, and I think it'll do just fine for adding that vintage touch! (I also finally picked up a pair of jeans while at the thrift store, to rip to make denim "ribbon." Now to just take the plunge and rip into a pair of perfectly good jeans, LOL! Thank you to Renee for this idea!)

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Giga Guidelines, Make a Wish, Fancy Flourishes
Paper: PTI--Fine Linen, K & Co.--McKenna; stash
Ink: Watermark, Ranger--Old Paper Distress Ink; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Other: Ribbon--Michaels; Flower--Recollections; Gold Pearls--Recollections; Die--PTI Small Scalloped Border

CR84FN36

2011-08-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

Isn't this pretty? I always feel inspired by CR84FN's color collages, even when I can't find the time to enter a card in their challenge. Color is what thrills me the most about papercrafting, so the appeal makes sense to me. :-) Here is challenge #36:

And here's my card:

And the inside (the kraft layer is embossed):

I chose cream for my neutral. Kind of out of my usual style--I mean, look at all that white space (or should I say yellow and cream space?)! For me, this is CAS. It still took me 17 hours to make, LOL! I made this for the neighbors across the street who recently had a baby girl, Louisa Marie. She's a doll. :-)

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Sweet Baby and Inside & Out: Baby
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream, Kraft, Lemon Tart, Father Knows Best pp
Ink: Memento--Rich Cocoa; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Other: Dies--PTI--Sweet Baby and Ribbon Tails; Embossing Plate--Spellbinders; Button--PTI Lemon Tart; Floss--DMC Ecru; Border Punch--EK Success

ODBDSLC #72/MIM #27

2011-08-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

It seems like forever since I've participated in a Make It Monday challenge! I'm getting this in just under the wire, but early days for the second challenge I'm entering it in, Our Daily Bread Designs Shining the Light Challenge #72. The 27th MIM challenge is to use Copic markers to make your own custom ribbon. I've seen Nicole do this many times but had never tried it myself . . . fun! For ODBD, the challenge is to incorporate a tag in your design. You didn't have to make a pocket, although I did. It's something else I've seen many times but had never attempted myself. This is a birthday card for a sweet lady, and I thought she'd appreciate a bookmark along with her card:

Here's the bookmark. Whoa, it looks so much darker to me now! :-)

And the inside (more ODBD):

Well, it's fun & bright, so it should give her a smile. :-) Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies
Stamps: ODBD--Mini Tags 3, Thinking of You; PTI--All Booked Up
Paper: DCWV--Life of the Party; PTI--S.S. White; stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Versacolor--Burgundy; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Other: Dies--Spellbinders Ribbon Tag Trio Three, Classic Circles, PTI--Bookmark; Ribbon--Martha Stewart; Copics--R35, R37, R39, YR00, YR12, YR15, G24, G85; Flowers--Prima; Brad--stash; Sewing Machine; Corner Chomper

SSIC #101, With Sympathy

2011-08-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Hello! Is summer keeping everyone busy? What happened to the lazy days of summer? I think I'm living the crazy days of summer, LOL!

In the last two weeks, I've had two close friends lose a parent. My friends are each other's best friend, and in a way, I think that's actually helped them. Each parent was over 90 (one 97!), so neither passing was unexpected and that's a blessing. But still sad.

So, in these crazy days of summer, with my mojo on vacation without me (again), I sat down to make two sympathy cards. This is the first. I'm entering it in Stampin' Sisters in Christ's challenge this week, which is to use something you've had in your stash for a long time, something you just had to have but have yet to use. My item for the challenge is the light green rose. Michaels had these out quite awhile ago, and I was a little upset that they only had one bottle left when I discovered them because I was so sure that I would use them like crazy and need two bottles! So, there they've sat, in plain sight on top of the organizer I keep flowers and bling in . . . never used. Not once. Until now, thanks to SSIC!

Supplies
Stamps: Verve--New Mercies
Paper: PTI--Fine Linen; K & Co.--Margo; stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Watermark; Ranger--Old Paper Distress Ink
Misc.: Dies--PTI Sending You, Daily Detail Doilies, and Edgers #1; Seam Binding--Martha Stewart; Flower--Michaels; Pearls--Zva; Copic--E43; Sewing Machine; Corner Chomper

Feel Better

2011-08-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

This card was for a dear blogging friend--and Post It--Michelle. She had knee surgery with a *very* painful recovery, and one day I kind of wacked myself upside the head for not making her an encouragement card! :-) So the next time I was in my craft room, I remedied that situation. It must have worked, because even before I wrote inside it, she had posted that her knee was better, and she was starting to get around to important places like Target, LOL! I hope you're still "makin' strides," Michelle!

Supplies
Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms--Get Well Centers
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream; DCWV--Citrus
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black; Ranger--Mustard Seed & Shabby Shutters Distress Inks; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear
Misc.: Dies--Spellbinders Classic Circles, PTI--Banner Builders; Seam Binding--Etsy; Brad--Basic Grey; Border Punch--Fiskars; Cording--WeRMemoryKeepers

Happy Birthday to My SIL!

2011-07-31T21:24:00.000-07:00

My SIL is a graphic artist. Not just a graphic artist, but a GREAT graphic artist . . . so I wanted her card to be special. With a milestone birthday, I had to break out PTI's numbers dies and glitter them up--you'll see more cards using them soon since they are so fun to work with! The paper choices came from the folder I keep large patterned paper scraps in. The colors didn't photograph true--I tried to tweek them, but that's not my strong point. :-) They actually blend nicely in person, and the ribbon isn't so blue, but more greenish IRL too. Oh, and the flowered paper is sparkly. Now that I've told you what you didn't see, here's what you did, LOL!:

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Big Birthday Wishes, Mehndi Medallion
Paper: PTI--Rustic White, Ripe Avocado, Hawaiian Shores, Green Boutique; DCWV--Linen Closet
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black; Watermark; Versacolor--Bamboo; E.P.--Filigree Clear, Stamp Diego Ultra Detail White
Misc.: Dies--PTI Numbers and Edgers #1; Seam Binding--Etsy; Rose--Prima (thanks to Lorraine!); Decorative Scissors--Fiskars; Glitter--Filigree; Rhinestones--Recollections; Corner Chomper

Papertrey July Blog Hop

2011-07-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, yay! July's Blog Hop with Papertrey Ink is another gorgeous inspiration photo:

Isn't it dreamy? I want to curl up in that window seat with a good book! Sigh . . . Here's the card I created based on this inspiration:

And the inside:

Yep, it's another get well card, just like June's Blog Hop! This one is for a friend who broke her shoulder on the job (she's a nurse). She's on a morphine patch while waiting for surgery, and I feel so bad for her. Hopefully, she'll get a little boost from this card!

This is actually my third attempt at a July Blog Hop card! I had an elaborate idea that came to me when I first saw the picture. I drew a sketch and brain stormed ideas. Then I sat down to make it. Um . . . didn't go so well. It looked hideous, actually. So I broke out some different stamp sets and moved things around and . . . nope, still hideous. :-D I decided that it wasn't meant to be, but at least I could use the elements to make Barbra a get well card. Well, once I stopped trying so hard, the card came together quickly and still reminded me very much of the inspiration picture! Woo hoo!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Guidelines Two, Asian Fusion, Green Thumb, Healing Touch Sentiments
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Aqua Mist, Melon Berry, Spring Moss, Lemon Tart
Ink: Watermark; PTI--Melon Berry, Aqua Mist; Memento--Tuxedo Black; Embossing Powders--Stamp Diego Ultra Detail White, Filigree Clear
Misc.: Impression Plate--PTI Woodgrain; Embossing Folder--Cuttlebug; Dies--PTI Alpha Blocks & Spellbinder Classic Circles; Seam Binding--Etsy; Pearls--Recollections

Paper Dolls Challenge #41

2011-07-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I'm playing along with the Papertrey Paper Dolls Challenge #41. Why? Because I happened to see the card Jen made for it on her blog . . . and that the challenge was to use twine . . . and I LOVE using twine! Here's my entry, a birthday card I made for a friend:

I think where and how I used the twine is self-explanatory, LOL, so I'll just get on with the supply list! :-D

Supplies
Stamps: Impression Obsession--Borders
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Simply Chartreuse, Hawaiian Shores; DCWV
Ink: Watermark; Fresh Snow; Embossing Powder--Stamp Diego Ultra Detail White
Misc.: Twine--The Twinery; Die--C.C. Designs; Floss--DMC; Stickers--Stickopotamus; White Pen--Inkssentials

Post It Birthday--Danielle W.!

2011-07-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

I'm a couple of birthdays behind in posting cards for Post It celebrations! Here is Danielle W.'s:

I would love a bite of that cupcake right about now! It's been awhile, but I hope it was a great birthday for you, Danielle!

Supplies
Stamps: Verve--Carpe Cupcake
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Kraft; stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Ranger--Milled Lavender Distress Ink; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear
Misc.: Dies--Spellbinder--Eyelet Circles, Classic Circles; Glitter--Palette Ultrafine Prisma; Stickles--Yellow; Ribbon--Michaels; Copics--E47, E71, BV00, BV31; Rhinestones--Recollections; Corner Chomper

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2011-07-17T20:48:00.001-07:00

Although it was actually on the 14th, we celebrated my mom's birthday today. She's a little under the weather, so it was just a quiet (okay, with a 4 and 1-year-old, it's never quiet, LOL!) get together at home and we'll take her out for some more fun when she's feeling up to it. Here is the card I made for her:

I based it around PTI's Lavender Moon color. I love a good lavender-y pink and Lavender Moon is lovely--I need to use it more often. It matched some patterned paper I had in my stash perfectly, and when I decided to use the gardenia flower, the color combo had created itself! The Labels 2 panel is embossed with a Waltzingmouse stamp in watermark ink. I also stamped a strip from WM's Text It along the bottom in Lavender Moon ink and did lots of shading with Ranger's Victorian Velvet Distress Ink to tie everything in together. I used a bit of Scrapper's Floss for the first time, along with some pearl trim and seam binding to decorate, and stamped the sentiment on vellum for a soft look.

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Damask Designs; WMS--Vintage Labels 2 & Text It
Paper: PTI--Rustic White, Lavender Moon, New Leaf; vellum; stash
Ink: Watermark; Staz-On--Jet Black; Memento--Tuxedo Black; Ranger--Victorian Velvet Distress Ink; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear
Misc.: Ribbon--Etsy; Gardenia--Prima; Scrapper's Spool--Karen Foster Design; Pearls--Hirschberg Schutz & Co.; Border Punch--EK Success; Die--Spellbinders Labels 2; Corner Chomper

Card Patterns #123

2011-07-10T21:51:00.001-07:00

This week is Card Patterns' Sketch Challenge #123! You can find all the details here. Here's the fantastic sketch:

I loved it at first sight, LOL, and had such fun making the following card:

Aren't those Life of the Party papers scrumptious! I think I've used them three times already and I just got the pad a few weeks ago (and haven't had much crafting time)! To make the flower embellishment, I combined a doily die cut from Papertrey Ink, a crocheted flower from Frog Feathers , and a brad from K & Co. And the stamp is from a new-to-me company, Clear & Simple Stamps. I love challenges where I can combine elements from different companies to make something unique. :-)

Supplies:
Stamps: Clear & Simple Stamps--Friend
Paper: PTI--Rustic White, Aqua Mist; My Mind's Eye--Lime Twist Life of the Party
Ink: PTI--Dark Chocolate; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear
Misc.: Die--PTI Doily Details; Crocheted Flower--Frog Feathers; Brad--K & Co.; Decorative Scissors--Fiskars; Flower Punch--Fiskars; Pearls--Recollections; Corner Chomper

Shabby Thank You

2011-07-08T21:22:00.001-07:00

Sorry I've been slack in posting! I cannot believe how busy this summer is! It seems like every facet of my life is clamoring for my attention at the same time, and as a result I am getting very little creative time in. :-( I know things go in cycles and it will calm down, but in the meantime I am fantasizing about taking a few days off work to reorganize my craft room and get some good quality crafting time in! ;-) I've also been very behind on visiting *your* blogs--it's one of the highlights of my day to see what others have created and comment on their masterpieces, and I'm so sorry I'm so behind!

I was able to sneak in a few moments last week to make this card. I needed a thank you card and it was near the 4th, so I went with red, white, and blue and a shabby denim "countryish" look. Yee haw! :-D

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--YOF: Roses, Ribbon Tails; Skipping Stones Design--Chick Chat
Paper: PTI--Rustic White; Deja Views--Weathered Sky; stash
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black; Watermark; PTI--Pure Poppy
Misc.: Button (silver)--la petite; Button (red)--PTI Pure Poppy; Twine--PTI; Pinking shears; Sewing machine

Happy Birthday, Dad!

2011-06-29T22:37:00.001-07:00

My dad is the best. I'm definitely a daddy's girl, still, and I don't plan to change! :-) His birthday was Tuesday, and this is the card I made for him. I wanted to do a retro card--in fact this is the main reason I bought Ad Sense! It's such a unique stamp set. He loved it, and put it next to last year's (which he refuses to take down, LOL!).

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Ad Sense, Polka Dot Basics, Simple Alphabet
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Terracotta Tile, stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Watermark; PTI--Terracotta Tile, Enchanted Evening
Misc.: Dies--PTI Ad Sense; Embossing Folder--Cuttlebug; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear & Stamp Diego Ultra Detail White; ScorPal (embossing around edges of dark blue card base)

Papertrey June Blog Hop

2011-06-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! The 25th of each month is the day for Papertrey Ink's Blog Hop! This month participants were given this sweet picture below as inspiration for a card or project.

And here is my card:

I must admit that picture inspirations are the hardest for me. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I'm so visual that I have to fight the desire to duplicate every. single. thing. in the photo, which would be a disaster! :-) I chose to make a "happy healing" card for my boss, who is home right now having had back surgery. I am so glad that PTI came out with the Healing Touch Sentiments stamp set because it's more than just "get well." Sometimes the situation is more (or less) than that and it just doesn't sound appropriate to say, "Get well." Now we can be nuanced in our wishes and it just feels better, you know?

I chose Simply Chartreuse as the background cardstock because the color stood out to me. I sponged layers of colors to mimic the wall in the picture. I decided to focus on bringing out the tulle, wood, and white wicker aspects, as well as using some Smokey Shadow ink to represent the shadows in the photo. I made a butterfly using aqua tulle, embroidery floss, pearls, and pinking shears. The composition of the card is obviously based on that of the picture, with the "action" down in the lower right. I added a Healing Touch Sentiment, also in Smokey Shadow. (I used an atyou Spica black glitter pen over some of the flourishes and sentiment for some sparkle and highlight.) There, I did it, LOL! In my efforts to not be totally literal, this is actually pretty CAS for me--I hope my boss likes it!

Thanks for stopping by my blog to say hi! I am working today, and don't have reliable internet access there so will most likely be doing my "hopping" tonight and over the next couple of days. I can't wait to see what you all have made!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Healing Touch Sentiments, Fancy Flourishes
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Rustic White, Simply Chartreuse; stash
Ink: PTI--Smokey Shadow, Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse, Orange Zest, Terracotta Tile; Versacolor--Cinnamon, Camellia; Colorbox--Yellow Citrus
Misc: Corner Chomper; Die--PTI Take Three; Embossing Folder--Sizzix; Tulle--Michaels; Pearls--Zva Creative; atyou Spica pen--Black; Embroidery Floss--DMC White

Happy Father's Day (and C4C92)

2011-06-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

Hello! This was my Father's Day card for my dad this year, and I'm also entering it in Crazy 4 Challenges #92 challenge, which is to use twine, floss, string, etc. on your project.

A little bitty story behind this card . . . when I was a kid, we had a black and white houndstooth couch (imagine it on red & black indoor/outdoor carpeting--it was the '70s!) that I *loved.* I've been wanting to make chairs & couches with a houndstooth pattern ever since I bought Papertrey Ink's On the Couch, and recently I found houndstooth stamps in two different sizes of patterns--none as small as I wanted, but not too bad. ( BTW, this will pretty much insure that PTI will come out with a houndstooth set in the next few months, LOL!) I wanted to see if my dad would "get it" and he did--he understood the houndstooth reference right away! :-D

Please click on the picture to see the card bigger--I used a background stamp on both the card base and the creamy white panel, and an impression plate on the brown area--PTI's Vineyard Impression Plate made the perfect textured carpet--and they are hard to see. :-)

I just want to add a big thank you for all the recent love regarding my freakish good luck streak of late. Consider each and every one of you hugged!!!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--On My Couch, Chair-ished, Background Basics: Geometrics; Technique Tuesday--Houndstooth
Paper: PTI--Fine Linen, Enchanted Evening, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream; stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Watermark; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Misc.: Impression Plate--PTI Vineyard; Twine--The Twinery; Button--Button Lady; Copics--W-1, E19, E43; Corner Chomper

Card Patterns Guest Designer & More Good News

2011-06-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

Guess what? I'm the Guest Designer this week at Card Patterns! I know, I can't believe it either, LOL! Isn't the sketch gorgeous? So many pretty possibilities . . . For my card, I flipped and mirror-imaged the sketch. I thought it looked fun that way. :-) I made the card for a friend's 50th birthday. I had NO IDEA that she was turning 50--she looks 40 at most--so I wanted to emphasize that fact with one of Papertrey Ink's sentiments from Big Birthday Wishes and young, light-hearted colors. I'm giving it to her tomorrow and hoping she likes it!

I have had the coolest couple of weeks in papercraft blogging land! A Stampin' Sisters in Christ Shining Star, an Our Daily Bread Designs Shining the Light award, a Waltzingmouse Stamps Top Mouse award, a Card Patterns Guest Designer gig, and just this morning, a reader alerted me to a shout out from Cath Evalson on the Moxie Fab Blog! What? Am I having a really long dream or something?? I don't want to wake up, LOL! Seriously, it has been one thrill after another around here lately, and I am so incredibly grateful! I have a feeling that times like this are very few and far between, so I am enjoying the abundance while I can.

In celebration of my good luck and also of passing 100 posts here on the blog, I will be giving away some blog candy soon! Stay tuned for some pics and info in the next week or so. And it's almost July. You know what that means . . . Jill's 2nd Annual Christmas in July Challenge!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Big Birthday Wishes
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream; My Mind's Eye--Life of the Party; stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Ranger--Worn Lipstick Distress Ink; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Misc.: Embossing Folder--Cuttlebug; Border Punch--EK Success; Ribbon--American Crafts; Button--American Crafts; Twine--The Twinery; Glitter--Doodlebug Design Sugarcoating; Dies--PTI Number Dies; Glitter Dots--Recollections; Corner Rounder

SSIC #92

2011-06-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hello! It's baby time! This week's Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge is to use something *new* on your project. Well, it just so happens that I had a couple of new products to try out and I needed a card for a friend's baby shower (she's expecting a boy, who will be named Moses). The not one but two new things I used were 1) the "wave-looking" border punch, and 2) Glimmer Mist, which I spritzed on the clouds. The border punch had been on my Michaels wish list for some time, just waiting for the right 40% off coupon, and the Glimmer Mist was a result of the Make It Monday challenge a few weeks ago to make your own. I liked using it, but thought that buying some "real" stuff would be easier than making it myself, and look better too.

I hadn't even thought of the border punch as looking like waves until it was sitting on my craft table--must have been the angle. Now I'm going to be hard pressed to see it any other way, LOL!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Bitty Baby Blessings & Up, Up, and Away; Sandylion--Girl Clear Stamp
Paper: PTI--Blueberry Sky, Bitty Box Basics; Cosmo Cricket--Togetherness; stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Watermark; E.P.--Ultra Detail White
Misc.: Die--PTI Clouds; Glimmer Mist--Pearl; Border Punch--EK Success; Felt--PTI Vintage Cream; Baker's Twine--PTI

ODBDSLC #63

2011-06-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! Today I'm posting a card for Our Daily Bread Designs Shining Light Challenge #63. If you're a blog regular, you know it's one of my favorite challenges to participate in! This week's instructions were to use a sentiment only, no stamped images. I had this cheery paper from DCWV that I've been dying to use, and . . . do you keep an idea book? You know, something you can carry with you to jot down those ideas that just pop into your head at the strangest times? I started carrying one in 10th grade, when I was obsessed with sketching. Now my book is a mish mash of card sketches, embellishment ideas, challenges, color combos, and what appear to be random words strung together (what did I mean by, "violet lighty salsa stripe?" Lighty isn't even a word!) Well, I must have a million sketches in there and for this card I did something I'm proud of . . . I actually used one to make a card! I'm not saying it's super unique. I'm not saying it's the breakthrough of the century. But I did come up with it my own self, write it down, and then come back and use it months later. I feel so grown up, LOL! Before I list the details, I want to mention that the green spotted-looking paper behind the sentiment circle is glittery IRL. It's sooo pretty! But the glitz doesn't want to show up in a picture, so I am pointing it out because I am OCD that way. :-D

Supplies
Stamps: ODBD--Blessings
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream; DCWV--Cotton Blossom
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black; Ranger--Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Dies: Spellbinders Classic Circles
Misc.: Crocheted flower--Frog Feathers Etsy store; Pearls--Zva Creative; Brad--Creative Imaginations; Ric Rac--Wrights; pens--Spica atyou orange and gold

WMSC #50

2011-06-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that Waltzingmouse Stamps' sketch challenge is at #50? Wow, where has the time gone? Here's the sketch for WMSC #50:

And here's my take:

And the inside:

This card is for the sheriff's birthday. No, really. I work at the Sheriff's Museum, and we started a tradition last year of me making the sheriff a birthday card from us. (You can see last year's here.) You'll understand when I say that I actually woo hoo'd aloud when Claire released her Western-themed stamps--I should be set for the next several years thanks to her, LOL!

Supplies
Stamps: WMS--Way Out West, Back in the Saddle, and Very Vintage Labels #3
Paper: Cosmo Cricket--Wanted; stash
Ink: Ranger--Vintage Photo Distress Ink; Ranger--Vintage Photo Distress Embossing Powder
Misc.: Chipboard--Cosmo Cricket Wanted; Die--Spellbinders Labels 3; Twine--stash; Edge Distresser--Heidi Swapp; Copic--W-3

CPS#117/CR84FN/C4C89

2011-06-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today I have a 3-challenge card! I don't manage that very often, but these three challenges came together so well. The challenges I am entering are CardPatterns Sketch 117:

CR84FN 30 color challenge:

And Crazy 4 Challenges 89, which requests a card showing a favorite vacation spot or activity. Since my favorite thing to do on vacation is to READ (yes, even more than papercraft!), I chose this cute little reading hedgehog image:

Isn't it adorable? I'm not much into "cutesy" images, but I am trying to venture into those waters because I have a niece & nephew who kinda love that sort of thing! :-) This card is for my niece. She's only 15 mos. old, but my SIL took the sweetest pictures of her "reading" the other day. She was sitting cross-legged, paging through a book, and "talking" as if she was reading! How cute is that?! She only says one real word at this point ("Cooper," the name of their cat), but she was "reading!" I have high hopes for another bibliophile in the family. :-)

So, I flipped the CPS sketch on its side, used the soft color palette from CR84FN, and the subject matter from C4C! What do you think?

Supplies
Stamps: Stampavie (Tina Wenke)--Hedgehog Reading; PTI--All Booked Up
Paper: PTI--Kraft, Bitty Box Basics, Vintage Cream; Pink Paislee--Hometown Summer
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Copics: Y00, Y11, E50, E42, E43, E44, R01, R30, G21, G40, B37, B41, B45, W-1, Colorless Blender
Misc. Pen--atyou Spica Gold; Dies--Spellbinders Classic Ovals and MFT--Buttons; Twine--PTI, Cord--stash; Corner Rounder; Impression Plate--PTI Book Print (on kraft layer)

FYI Challenge #6

2011-05-31T18:31:00.000-07:00

I am trying out a new challenge today! It's by the "For Your Inspiration" blog (find it here). They post an amazing picture, and you create a card or project based on how it inspires you. Here is this challenges' picture below:

And here's my card:

What most made an impression on me were the rainbow of colors, the blue, blue background, and all the many lines. The idea for the "twiney" flowers popped right into my head. Next, I had to actually make them. This is where a lot of my ideas just don't work out in practicality, LOL! But fortunately, these did. I love 'em and will make more of these for sure! Just think of all the embellishments that could be used for centers . . . (BTW, they were incredibly easy to make: Just cut some of the smallest die from Spellbinders' Inverted Scalloped Circles, tape a piece of twine to the back, start winding in the inverted part of the scallops, and tape the twine again when you're done! Add a center of your choice.) I used The Twinery twine. I did try PTI's but it's just too thin and subtle for the bright effect I was going for. The Twinery has lots of wonderful colors to choose from, and really matchless brightness and size--I hope they come out with even more colors! :-)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Tiny Tags, Flower Fusion #1
Paper: PTI--Blueberry Sky, S.S. White, Bitty Dots Basics
Ink: PTI--Pure Poppy, New Leaf; Versafine--Onyx Black
Misc.: Border Punch--EK Success; Dies--Spellbinders Classic Inverted Scalloped Circles and PTI's Tiny Tags; Embossing Folder--Cuttlebug; Twine--The Twinery; Buttons--PTI Pure Poppy, Terracotta Tile, & Plum Pudding; Corner Chomper

Eggstra Special Thank You

2011-05-26T23:04:00.001-07:00

To understand the sentiment behind this card, you need to know something about me. I love deviled eggs. I mean I love deviled eggs! They are my second favorite food--after chocolate-covered strawberries. :-) And I have a friend, Sheryl, who makes the best deviled eggs in the world. And when she makes them--for a get together, a party, a picnic, a potluck--she always makes extra for me to take home. How sweet is that? Well, I wanted to make her a thank you, so I bought a gift card from Vons, and made this little card to house it. I could not resist using Verve's "eggy" stamps, and the chicken-themed paper from Melissa Francis. I fashioned the simple gift card pocket with ScorTape and wrote a thank you note on the top portion of the inside. She liked it!

Supplies
Stamps: Verve--Chicks Rule & Egg-stra Special
Paper: PTI--Lemon Tart; Melissa Francis--Kitschy Kitchen
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Misc.: Die--Spellbinders Labels 8; Flowers--stash; Copics--Y00, Y32, YR00, YR12; Ribbon--Ellen Hutson

Papertrey May Blog Hop Challenge

2011-05-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Blog Hop, PTI fans! Thanks for visiting my little home on the 'net. :-) This month's theme is flowers, and I'll bet everyone had a great time making a creation with what has to be the all-time favorite handmade card embellishment, right? I know you're busy trying to visit as many blogs as possible, so I'll stop talking now and list my supplies!

P.S. This is my 100th post! I should give away some blog candy, huh? ;-D Stay tuned . . .

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Flower Garden Sentiments and Garden of Life
Paper: PTI--Rustic White, Hawaiian Shores, Beautiful Blooms, Bitty Dot Basics
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia; Ranger--Antique Linen Distress Ink; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Dies: PTI--Picket Fence; Spellbinders--Large Scalloped Circles and Fancy Tags
Impression Plate: PTI--Woodgrain
Misc.: Felt--PTI Pure Poppy; Twine--The Twinery Honeydew, Brads--Making Memories; Corner Chomper

Make It Monday Challenge #16

2011-05-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

This week's Papertrey Ink Make It Monday Challenge (details here) is to create a sympathy card. In an eerie coincidence, I just made this one. Eerie because I don't have anyone I've made it for, I just had a feeling that I should have one on hand. I hope it was for this challenge, and not because I will actually need to send it!

I tend to use natural colors and images when making sympathy cards. Most of the ones I've made in the last few years have been for men--I mean, to send to men, on the passing of their wives--so greens, browns, blues and the like are colors I reach for. For women, I also use greens and blues, but softer shades like Ocean Tides and Soft Stone, and I never use black for either. Smokey Shadow is gentler and more hopeful, I think. I also use PTI's add on sympathy set for the loss of pets regularly--that set is a perfect example of PTI's thoughtful and thorough inventory. I mean, who else would think of it?

For this card, I used Kraft, Fine Linen, Ripe Avocado and the patterned paper collection Pacific Vineyards along with the 2009 Anniversary stamp set, Round and Round--an excellent one for sympathy cards, especially when you need one quickly. I can tell that Royal Velvet will be added to my roster of colors for this type of card. I also used the sewing machine, leaving the thread ends long for a rustic look both inside and out. The twine hopefully added to the rustic feel too.

This is a card I would send to a man, or a family, but I could easily make the same exact card with different papers/color choices and a ribbon in place of the twine for a woman. These are cards no one wants to make, but nevertheless are needed. Thanks to PTI for the wonderful products that make this job easier.

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Round & Round, With Sympathy (inside)
Paper: PTI--Kraft, Fine Linen, Ripe Avocado, Pacific Vineyards
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia; Versacolor--Grape, PTI--Ripe Avocado, Tea Dye Duo; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Misc.: Buttons--PTI Royal Velvet; Embossing Folder--Cuttlebug; Twine--stash; Corner Chomper; Sewing Machine

Make It Monday Challenge #15

2011-05-20T21:28:00.001-07:00

This week's task for Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday Challenge is to make your own spray mist (details here).

I haven't yet jumped on the spray mist bandwagon. I only own three reinkers. I don't have any of the pearly powder stuff. I *do* have a Tim Holtz mister or two laying around. What the heck, I thought, I'll give it a try. I knew I wanted the "mist" to have a metallic effect if at all possible, so I used the only metallic reinker I have, one called Amber Satin. And you know what? It worked. After I got over my panic that I had sprayed too much and permanently warped my paper I mean, it worked. (Flattening out after drying proved no problem.) I just may try this 'ole trick again--or actually invest in a "real" spray mist, LOL!

You can actually see the metallic-y finish in the first photo pretty well, I think, but I added a close up shot too. I sprayed Mr. Frog, the pennant banner, and the left-hand of the two patterned papers. This is actually a birthday card for a grown woman. When is Boy Basics: Frog Hop appropriate for an adult woman? When your small group has the frog as its unofficial mascot, and group members give major props for anything frog-related, LOL!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Boy Basics: Frog Hop
Paper: PTI--Aqua Mist, Rustic White; Basic Grey--Sweet Threads
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black; Ranger--Tattered Rose, Tea Dye, and Vintage Photo Distress Inks; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Dies: PTI--Frog Hop; Taylored Expressions--Pennant Border; Spellbinders--Labels 8 and Big Scalloped Circles
Misc.: Alpha Stickers--Making Memories; Googly eyes--Michaels; Rhinestones--Elements; Copic Marker--100; Reinker--Color Box Amber Satin

Play Date Cafe Challenge #81

2011-05-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

Mojo, where are you?! Seriously, I've been occupying myself with organizational tasks lately because my creative mojo is apparently on vacation, without me. Sheesh. I haven't been on a vacation in 2 years, 3 months. (Not that I'm counting.) You'd think my mojo would invite me, but NO. ;-D

However, today I am happy to have a card to blog! I was looking through challenge sites over the weekend and saw the color combo that the Play Date Cafe is using this week--I LOVE purple and green together and really wanted to make something for this challenge, even if my mojo is in Cabo without me. I scored a card base of Royal Velvet about 1/2 inch apart in two columns on either side of a central area. I used Scor-Tape to add a line of glittery goodness to the center of each scored area. Next, I die cut the flowers from PTI's Delightful Dahlia in Soft Stone, stamped them with a background stamp, and then with the Dahlia stamps. I glittered the centers and added rhinestones, and popped them up in the center area, with the leaves framing them. Lastly, I combined white embossing powder and glitter and embossed the Happy Birthday sentiment and added tiny rhinestones under it.

{I apologize for the picture--I went to use my "good" camera, only to find that its batteries need recharging and I have no replacements for the meantime! So, I had to use my point-and-shoot and I don't feel that the colors are quite true. Also, the flash kept flashing in the center tiny rhinestone, making the trio look uneven--they are even IRL, I swear, LOL!}

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Delightful Dahlia; Stampendous--Pattern Trio
Paper: PTI--Royal Velvet, Simply Chartreuse, Soft Stone
Ink: Versamark; Versacolor--Hyacinth; Memento--Grape Jelly; PTI--Ripe Avocado
Misc.: Dies--PTI Delightful Dahlia; Glitter--Palette Prisma; Scor-Tape 1/4"; Embossing Powder--Stamp Diego Ultra Detail White; Rhinestones--Recollections

Happy Mother's Day: SSIC #87 & JUGS #82

2011-05-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have my mom's Mother's Day card finished. I'm trying hard to make cards ahead of time, and right now at least, I'm doing pretty well! This card was a real departure for me. I wanted to play around with vintage-ness and not use a sketch. I thought Stamping Sisters in Christ's challenge to not use any patterned paper, and Just Us Girls' challenge to use the emboss resist technique both would lend themselves well to what I was picturing in my head. Aqua Mist and Ocean Tides are my mom's favorite colors, and last year's card was Ocean Tides, so . . . the color was an easy choice. I went with white on white too, because I like the look of it when the white is embossed. I have to give a shout out to Diane Jaquay on this card--it wouldn't have been possible without her. Why? Because I won some lovely blog candy from her several months ago, and the doily is something from the goodies that I've been hoarding. Also, she's been using amazing flowers like the one here, and thanks to her I've ordered some (and that lace too, come to think of it) from Frog Feathers on Etsy. Thanks for the enabling, Diane! :-D Here are the details:

Supplies
Stamps: Verve--Thankful Blossoms
Paper: PTI--S.S. White
Ink: Versamark; PTI--Aqua Mist; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Misc.: Embossing Folder--Sizzix; Border Punch--EK Success; Doily--stash; Flower and lace trim--Frog Feathers; Pins--Maya Road; Ribbon--PTI; Pearls--Prima; Corner Chomper

Market Street Stamps Sketch Challenge #1

2011-05-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out Market Street Stamps yet? They are super cute, they have one bilingual set, and I have high hopes for more! They have just started their sketch challenge, and since I recently got my first order from them, I rushed to enter . . . just under the wire . . . :-D They have some unique backgrounds. I love full-sized backgrounds, and I knew I could get a lot of use from this "Loopy" one! I embossed it in silver to match the robot theme, and then stamped and fussy cut the cutest robot ever for my top layer. The ribbon had to be silver too, of course! I borrowed a "robot-y" sentiment from another company that I thought would go perfectly. I can't get over how adorable the robot is!

Supplies
Stamps: Market Street Stamps--Loopy Polkas and Robo Love; Wordsworth--Robots
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Enchanted Evening, Scarlet Jewel; stash
Ink: Versamark; Versafine--Onyx Black; E.P.--Filigree Clear & Silver
Misc.: Pen--Sakura; Trim--stash; Decorative Scissors--Provo Craft

Make It Monday Challenge #12

2011-04-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

Guess what?! I was able to sneak some stuff out and make a card! My bedroom is a MESS, but I got to do some creative therapy and that's all that matters, LOL! Yay, all may not be lost for the next month or two! :-D

I don't think I've ever tried the framing technique before on a card, but I have long admired it in Nicole Heady's designs, so I was really happy that I got to actually give it a try this week! I went classic with my design--no tweet-worthy clever twists in sight--and ended up loving it. I always--I mean always--feel happy when using the In Bloom stamp set from PTI. There is no question that I've received more positive response to cards made with this set than any other. Basically, you just can't mess it up, it makes you look good!

I used two patterned papers, one from Pretty Pastels and one from Everyday Blessings, to stamp the blossom and leaf images on. I colored the images in with Copics. I placed them where I wanted first, stamped the sentiment (also from In Bloom) and *then* drew in the frame. I added the tiny rhinestones at the end when I felt it needed a little something else. (Also because I cannot leave well enough alone. If I were camping in the Grand Canyon with the Brady Bunch, that would be my Indian name: Cannot Leave Well Enough Alone.) Reason #409 why I will never be a CAS designer! :-D

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--In Bloom
Paper: PTI--Spring Moss, Vintage Cream, Pretty Pastels, Everyday Blessings
Ink: PTI--Ripe Avocado; Versafine--Onyx Black; E.P.--Filigree Clear
Misc.: Copics--BG11, YG91, Multiliner o.5; Rhinestones--Taylored Expressions; Pinking Shears

I'm Bummed . . .

2011-04-26T20:59:00.001-07:00

. . . I am. But first, this Easter card I made for my little niece. :-) I Fun Flocked a bunny image from Skipping Stones Design's Gray Hares set and popped him up on some nesties. Papertrey Ink's Egg Hunt patterned paper was an easy choice, and provided most of the rest of the decoration!

So why am I bummed? Well, due to circumstances beyond my control, I am losing most of the access to my crafty space for awhile--maybe until mid-June. I won't go into details because you don't want to sit here reading a novel-length post, lol, but suffice it to say that it really can't be helped and I am SERIOUSLY SAD about it. Actually, I've been downright depressed for a couple of days. My family loves me but they really have no idea how important a papercrafting creative outlet is to me. Can you relate? :-D I may be able to sneak in from time to time and play (I hope so, there are a lot of birthdays coming up!), but I can't count on it. I do have a few cards I haven't shared yet, so I'll try to post at least once a week with those, and I will be visiting blogs & commenting as usual (and looking forward to it!). But I wanted to let you know why the pace will be slower around here for 1-2 months, and to explain what's going on if I should at any time appear to be going crazy. ;->

Supplies
Stamps: SSD--Gray Hares
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Harvest Gold, Plum Pudding; Egg Hunt
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Colorbox--Yellow Citrus; Versacolor--Bamboo; E.P.--Ranger--Super Fine Detail Clear
Dies: Spellbinders--Classic Ovals & Labels Trio
Misc.: Punches--Martha Stewart; Fun Flock--Stampendous; Sparkly Fluff--Our Craft Lounge; Rhinestones--Taylored Expressions; Flowers--Prima; Copics--R21, Y32, Y35

Make It Monday Challenge #11

2011-04-20T21:43:00.001-07:00

Hola, amigas (and Ted)! ;-D Here is my entry for this week's Make It Monday Challenge for Papertrey Ink. This week's challenge is to emboss using the steel dies PTI offers. I went really different for this one . . . I used the triangle pennant dies from the Banner Builder Collection. After embossing Pure Poppy cardstock with the pennants, I carefully cut out around each one, so that the embossing (debossing, actually) would be an integral part of each petal. I stamped on each petal in Versamark with the zig zag image from BB: Christmas, built a flower one petal at a time, and then centered it with a colorful brad. What do you think? Well, it seemed like a good idea at 4 a.m., LOL! I had a fun Spanish theme in mind because I couldn't wait to use the Fiesta paper pad from WeRMemoryKeepers--ole!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Turning a New Leaf & Background Basics: Christmas; The Cat's Pajamas--Hola Tequila!
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Pure Poppy, New Leaf; WeRMemoryKeepers--Fiesta
Ink: PTI--New Leaf, Pure Poppy; Versafine--Onyx Black; Versamark; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear
Misc.: Dies--PTI Banner Builder Collection, Turning a New Leaf; Brad--K & Co.; Scissors--Provo Craft

Totalmente Mocha Chica

2011-04-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

This is a little set of notecards I made on a whim. I was sorting through paper, and found the Mocha Chica line Kim Hughes did for Cornish Heritage Farms. Since I don't have any of the stamps from her new line, Paper Smooches, (yet!), her fun drawings were just calling out to me to use them! That's right, NO STAMPS on these 4x4 babies! Just elements from Mocha Chica and ribbon, twine, and buttons from my stash. Fun!

Supplies:
Paper: PTI--S.S. White; Kim Hughes--Mocha Chica
Buttons: PTI--Hawaiian Shores; stash
Ribbon: Martha Stewart; scraps from stash
Baker's Twine: The Twinery
Misc.: Corner Chomper

Another Post It Birthday Card!

2011-04-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

Here is the card I sent the talented Jen--check out her blog here (Only Love Is Real! Papercrafts). I adored making this--all that glitter . . . the gorgeous blue of the PP . . . and inside, a matching cupcake--which I forgot to snap a photo of, but you can see a snippet of it in the pictures. :-)

Supplies
Stamps: Verve--Great Friend, Carpe Cupcake
Paper: PTI--Soft Stone; DCWV; Graphic 45
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Versacolor--Celadon; Embossing Powder--Super Fine Detail Clear
Misc.: Glitter--Martha Stewart Coarse Glitter in Crystal; Copic--BG09; Rhinestones--Recollections; Die--Spellbinders Fancy Tags; Corner Chomper; Leaves--stash; sewing machine

Retreat Treats

2011-04-11T13:32:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted as much lately, and here's the reason why. Okay, these cards didn't really slow me down, but the event that they were for sure did! Like many churches, mine holds an annual retreat for the women, three days when we can get away and just be girlfriends and have fun. Well, I've been having a little trouble getting back in the swing of posting since I got back--I think I need three more days away! ;-D

I started a tradition last year of making cards for my closest friends who would also be attending the retreat--a chance to tell them what their friendship has meant to me during the last year, and how they've contributed to my spiritual journey. Last year I did all unique cards, but this year I changed to matching ones in the interest of time. :-) I chose an outside image called Tiers of Treats because I wanted to use the inside sentiment, "Friends--God's Sweetest Gift." That's PTI's It's Official order pad image too so I could emphasize that their friendship is exactly what I'd order! :-D You can't see it in the pictures, but the front of the card is impressed with PTI's Picnic Plaid impression plate. It's a nice deep impression too, so I'm sorry it doesn't show up. :-)

Supplies
Stamps: Stampendous--Tiers of Treats; Inkadinkado (inside); PTI--Simple Alphabet & It's Official
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Scarlet Jewel, Berry Sorbet, Bitty Dots
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black, Ranger--Aged Mahogany & Tattered Rose Distress Inks; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear
Copics: YG23, YG25, YG95, E57, E59, RV83, RV85, RV89, R20, R22, R24, C1, W1
Misc.: Pens--atyou Spica--Silver; Dies--Spellbinders Classic Rectangle, Scalloped Rectangle, Ribbon Tags Trio; Ribbon--American Crafts, Michaels; Impression Plate--PTI Picnic Plaid

Make It Monday Challenge #9

2011-04-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

It really should be called Make It Saturdays, right? ;-D I've been busy this week, and next week looks busy too, and then the next week is Easter week . . . shoot, I'm glad PTI gives us a whole week to get each challenge done! Challenge #9 is to use heat embossing on your project. Since I use heat embossing on 99.9% of the cards I create, this was right up my alley. I went CAS and embossed flowers from Flower Garden (which I got with my Papertrey Paper Dolls gift certificate!) in white on True Black cardstock. I added a sentiment from Signature Series: Dress Form because I liked how it looked, design-wise. I thought about adding one POP of color, but I decided that Flower Garden doesn't need one! I am in love with both stamp sets . . . wish I had a week off from work just to play with them!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Flower Garden, Signature Series: Dress Form
Paper: PTI--True Black
Ink: Watermark; Embossing Powder--Ultra Detail White
Misc.: Corner Chomper

JUGS #78

2011-04-06T21:46:00.001-07:00

It's time for another sketch challenge from Just Us Girls! (Here's a link.) I really liked this sketch, and thought it would work for my nephew's Easter card--yes, this is an Easter card! He is very firm about which colors are "girl colors" and which colors are "boy colors." (Are all 4-year-olds like this?) And he reminds me frequently that his favorite color is green. So, no girly pastels for Adrian! I thought this cute stamp set from Verve would "quack him up," just like it says, and the basket would still be Easter-y. I sure wish I had a teeny oval punch to make some Easter eggs to put in the grass. I do have a "Happy Easter" sentiment inside--maybe I'll try to improvise some eggs to put in there. :-D

Supplies
Stamps: Verve--Egg-stra Special, Chicks Rule, Lucky Ducky
Paper: PTI--New Leaf; stash
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear
Buttons: PTI--New Leaf
Baker's Twine: PTI and The Twinery
Dies: Spellbinders--Classic Circles
Copics: E33, E37, YR23, YR31, G85, T1

Post It Birthday--Lorraine

2011-03-30T23:08:00.001-07:00

This card is another Post It birthday card! I made it for Lorraine, the ever patient. Her birthday is December 2. I sent this . . . um . . . the very beginning of March? Anyway, she accepted the late birthday wishes with grace, and I vow to be more on top of things from now on! :-D

***I had the biggest thrill today! I was the featured customer on Our Daily Bread Designs design blog! Take a look! Isn't that cool? :-D

Supplies
Stamps: Skipping Stones Design--Funny Coffee Vol. 1; PTI--Tiny Treats: Valentine
Paper: PTI--Sweet Blush; K & Co.; Chatterbox; stash
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia; Ranger--Old Paper & Frayed Burlap Distress Inks; Embossing Powder--Ranger Super Fine Detail
Die: Spellbinders--Labels 16
Copics: R20, RV32, E04, E17, E41, E70, YG91, YG93, YG97
Misc.: Flowers--stash; Ribbon--Michaels; Embossing Folder--Cuttlebug; Corner Chomper, Sewing Machine

Make It Monday Challenge #8/CR84FN21

2011-03-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

It's MIM time again at Papertrey Ink! This week's challenge is to use ink shading on your project. I've only ever inked the edges of my paper, so fortunately there's a video by Betsy Veldman showing how to do something a little more elaborate! I chose to use the colors from the CR84FN21 challenge--just because I loved them. Isn't their graphic gorgeous?

First I embossed BB: Text Style over the cream background with clear embossing powder. Next, I stamped images from Life in Smokey Shadow. Finally, I used three Distress Inks to shade the background, and wiped the excess ink off the embossing. I added mats, ribbon, a tag and trim, and trimmed one end with pinking shears. Not unique, but a good canvas upon which to practice a new technique!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Life, BB: Text Style, Tiny Tags
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream, Scarlet Jewel, Simply Chartreuse; stash
Ink: PTI--Smokey Shadow; Watermark; Versafine--Onyx Black; Ranger--Antique Linen, Aged Mahogany, Shabby Shutters Distress Inks; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear
Die: PTI--Tiny Tags
Ribbon: PTI--Scarlet Jewel Bitty Dot
Misc.: Trim--stash; Floss--DMC Ecru; pinking shears

Papertrey March Blog Hop Challenge!

2011-03-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I'm remembering--on time--to participate in this month's Papertrey Ink Blog Hop! The challenge is to use embroidery floss in a "fun and inventive way." Although I have just about every color DMC floss from my cross stitch days, I was initially stumped. And then one night, as I was just drifting off to sleep . . . this idea popped into my head! Fortunately, the next day was my day off so I could make the idea a reality before I forgot it, LOL!

I selected the butterfly image with the lines from Butterfly Kisses (one of my first PTI sets--I would love to see the Design Team revisit this one!) and stamped it in a very light color to use as a guide. I stitched every other line in a deep mauve color (please, PTI, come out with an ash rose/mauve color, pretty please!). Next, I blended a lighter mauve color with a platinum-y metallic thread and stitched the remaining lines. Using a Smokey Shadow-ish color, I stitched a little body and teeny antenna. Then I curved the Birthday Wishes stamp from the same set and stamped it underneath the stitched butterfly. I attached the circle they are on slightly tilted because, well, I thought it looked cooler that way! :-D I matted the white circle with a pearlescent mauve one, and placed them both on a Labels 3 die cut of Ocean Tides Bitty Box Basics.

The background on the Ocean Tides cardstock I created by stamping the asterisk-like flowers--big and small--and the littlest solid butterfly image, all from Butterfly Kisses as well, in watermark ink and then embossing them with a sparkly embossing powder. Finally, I made a french knot in the center of each of the larger flowers, in an Ocean Tides-like floss, to create some tone-on-tone texture. I hope you like it!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Butterfly Kisses
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Ocean Tides, Bitty Box Basics; Best Occasions--Pearlescent Paper Pack
Ink: Watermark; Versafine--Onyx Black; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear and Ranger--Bridal Tinsel
Dies: Spellbinders--Classic Circles & Labels 3
DMC Floss: 317, 778, 927, 3726, 30762

Make It Monday Challenge #7

2011-03-23T23:13:00.000-07:00

If you frequent the PTI forum, I think you know who this card is for. Lee Anne has been in my thoughts since we heard the sad news, and I am praying for her and her son daily. I know from following her blog that Wishing You is one of her favorite stamp sets, so it was an easy choice for me when making her a sympathy card. I shaded the leaves and tulips a bit with copics, trying out this week's MIM challenge to use copics on non-neutral cardstock. Otherwise, it's a simple card for one of those very tough times.

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Wishing You
Paper: PTI--Smokey Shadow, Simply Chartreuse, & Sweet Blush; Basic Grey--Olivia
Ink: PTI--Sweet Blush & Simply Chartreuse; Watermark; Versafine--Onyx Black; Embossing Powder--Stamp Diego Ultra Detail White
Die: Spellbinders--Labels 4
Brads: Basic Grey--Urban Prairie
Copics: R20, YG 95; Colorless Blender

HEC #15

2011-03-22T19:28:00.001-07:00

HEC, it's time for Ted's Happily Ever Challenged again! (Details here.) For March, Ted's challenge requirements were that the card 1) include a shamrock (with three leaves not four!) and 2) be in the colors of the Irish flag: green, white, and orange. So here's my entry. I made my own shamrock, using three heart die cuts and a free-cut stem. I distressed the white layers with a little neutral distress ink and the orange layers with white. The ribbon is Martha Stewart seam binding. Right now, my Michael's has a ton of Martha Stewart ribbon on clearance for $1, regular price $6.99! I went a little crazy. ;-> I feel like I'm kind of stuck in a rut with those side loops w/buttons, but ribbon is generally my biggest challenge in card making. I need a remedial ribbon class, help! :-D

Supplies
Stamps: Impression Obsession--Mini Messages
Paper: PTI--S.S. White; Zoe Pearn digital paper--Hawaiian Sunset; stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; PTI--Fresh Snow; Ranger--Pumice Stone Distress Ink; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear
Dies: PTI--Heart Prints; Spellbinders--Labels 8
Misc.: Border Punch--Fiskars; Embossing Folder--Cuttlebug; Copic--T1; Buttons--Foof a La; Baker's Twine--stash; Ribbon--Martha Stewart; Corner Chomper

Post It Birthday--Denise

2011-03-21T23:19:00.001-07:00

This card was for sweet Denise. I used one of my all-time favorite PTI images--the cupcake from Baby Button Bits. LOVE. I had this on display in my craft room before I sent it (late, of course) and a friend saw it and went crazy for it. She said it was made in "ice cream colors" and she wants one just like it for her birthday! Well, that's one card I won't have to brainstorm. :-D

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Baby Button Bits & Vintage Picnic
Paper: PTI--Kraft; Kim Hughes--Mocha Chica
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia; Ranger--Frayed Burlap Distress Ink; Embossing Powder--Ranger Super Fine Detail Clear
Dies: PTI--Mat Stack 3; Spellbinders--Labels 8
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug
Ribbon: PTI--Sweet Blush saddle stitch
Button: PTI--Sweet Blush
Misc.: Pearls--Zva; Copic--E47 (for pearls); Corner Chomper

Post It Birthday--Anne

2011-03-20T21:42:00.001-07:00

This is a fun card I made for Anne's birthday. It was a little late. :-D But it made it all the way to New Zealand safely--whew! I embossed the edges of the Labels 10 die cuts with crystal powder (looks greenish here?), and just kept bending up that ribbon! The hat is from a set by K & Co.--I fell in love with it and this is the first card I used one of them on. It won't be the last!
Happy Birthday again, Anne!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Birthday Bash Sentiments
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Lemon Tart, Orange Zest & Hibiscus Burst
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; PTI--Hibiscus Burst; Watermark; Embossing Powder--Stampendous Crystal
Dies: Spellbinders--Labels 10
Ribbon: Michaels
Party Hat Sticker: K & Co.
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug

Make It Monday Challenge #6

2011-03-16T22:33:00.001-07:00

Hello! I hope you're having a good day as you read this! I've felt kind of "off" today, and am just now starting to feel like myself--just in time for bed, LOL! Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday challenge for this week is partial impressing/embossing. I used PTI's Book Print impression plate to make my impressed layer (the yellow one). I've added a close up of it in case the overall picture doesn't pick up the impression. I impressed at an angle, because I thought it fit in with my angled layers--in a way, it's like a fourth angled layer, don't you think? That giant flower is one I rescued--it was part of the decoration for an event at church, and they were just going to throw them away! Picture me leaping in slow-motion, my arms outstretched, "Nooooo" escaping from my lips as I catch the blossoms just before they hit the trash! Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit, but come on, a crafter can make anything work, right? I have two more to play with!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--It's Official
Paper: PTI--Terracotta Tile, Orange Zest, Summer Sunrise & Vintage Cream
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; PTI--Chai Tea; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear
Impression Plate: PTI--Book Print
Die: Spellbinders--Ribbon Tags Trio
Misc.: Border Punch--EK Success; Baker's Twine--stash; Flower--Michaels

WMSC #38

2011-03-15T18:28:00.001-07:00

I made a little something for Waltzingmouse's Sketch Challenge this week, and most importantly, I got it uploaded on time, LOL! I decided to make a tag, not something I do often--but the design just cried out for one, don't you think? Although I'm not particularly knowledgeable about it, I love Asian design & art and think Claire's Asian-influenced sets are just gorgeous. I don't have anyone in mind to give this to yet, but when I do, I'll make a card for the occasion to go with it. (And put a gift inside, of course!) :-D

P.S. They're hard to see, but there are three clear rhinestones on the tag where the three buttons are on the sketch.

Supplies
Stamps: WMS--Asian Gardens & Faux Fun Circles
Paper: PTI--True Black & S.S. White; DCWV--Cotton Bloom Stack
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Embossing Powder--Filigree Clear
Dies: Spellbinders--Classic Circles
Misc.: Rhinestones--Recollections; Ribbon--Michaels; Twine--The Twinery Charcoal

JUGS #75 & Totally Hues #3

2011-03-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hello! It's Papertrey release day and my day off! Woo hoo! ;-D I had a great deal of fun in my craft room making this card. Just Us Girls' challenge this week was to use the "acrylic smash" technique. Not only had I never tried this technique, I had never even heard of it! So of course I had to try it! It involves putting acrylic paint on the back of a stamped piece of acetate card stock, and wasn't hard at all, although it was a teeny bit messy and there's room for improvement. :-) I used the color palette from Heather Pulvirenti's Totally Hues #3 challenge because a) I loved it, and b) it references PTI colors, so I had the exact right ones. I can see myself using this color combo again, for sure.

Did you see what stamp set I used on the acetate? Yep, that's 2010's CHA exclusive set, Four of a Kind! After forever being too late to nab the ones that go on sale on the PTI forum from time to time, I lucked out--Lisa from Oregon (West Coast) put her items up at night, and I was the first person to PM her about this set! I will NOT let this year's CHA go by without a proxy shopper!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Four of a Kind, Background Basics: Petal Power, & Asian Fusion
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores, Orange Zest, Summer Sunrise, & Clear
Ink: StazOn--Jet Black; Versafine--Onyx Black; PTI--Summer Sunrise, Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores, & Orange Zest
Paint: Making Memories--Sunflower; Plaid--Metallic Pearl White (I mixed them.)
Dies: Spellbinders--Classic Square & Labels 10
Misc.: Ribbon--Michaels; Baker's Twine--The Twinery Lemondrop; Tulle--Michaels; Button--PTI Summer Sunrise; Corner Chomper; Ranger Tiny Attacher

SSD #67

2011-03-13T18:10:00.001-07:00

It's sketch challenge time for Skipping Stones Design. I *just* ordered a few sets (to add to my funny stamps stash :-) and was thrilled to have the time to make a card for this weeks challenge! I could not RESIST this newish set, Birthday Purses, because my girlfriends, who had been threatening to take me to the Coach outlet at the border for ages, finally succeeded and we spent a great afternoon purse shopping recently! (I was good and just got a makeup bag--which I needed--gotta save that disposable $$ for stamping supplies, right?!) This birthday card is for my BFF, who is somewhat obsessed with purses, lol. I always make her two cards, one funny and one elegant, so this can be the funny one! :-D I just got Cosmo Cricket's new UPcycle 6x6 paper pad--OMG, it's great! And just the thing for a card about purses . . .

Supplies
Stamps: SSD--Birthday Purses
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream & Hibiscus Burst; Cosmo Cricket--UPcycle
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia; Ranger--Mustard Seed & Antique Linen Distress Inks; Embossing Powder--Ranger: Super Fine Detail Clear
Dies: Spellbinders--Labels 14; PTI--Eyelet Border
Misc.: Flowers--Prima; Pearl--American Crafts; Ribbon--Offray & Michaels; Pen--atyou Spica Sand & Pink; Raindrops--Cloud 9 Design; Corner Chomper(s)

Make It Monday Challenge #5

2011-03-12T21:52:00.000-08:00

Make It Monday challenge #5 from Papertrey Ink was to distress your edges! (Details here.) No problem . . . I had some fun distressing all the edges on this card, both with a distresser tool and with ink. Hopefully it will brighten someone's day!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Floral Frenzy & Up, Up and Away
Paper: PTI--Spring Rain & S. S. White; stash scraps
Ink: PTI--Fresh Snow; Versafine--Vintage Sepia; Ranger--Antique Linen Distress Ink
Dies: PTI--Beautiful Blooms II #2 & Buttoned Up #2
Misc.: Felt--PTI Harvest Gold; Ric Rac--stash; Floss--DMC Ecru; Heidi Swapp Distresser; Corner Chomper

Papertrey Paper Dolls Blog Hop Challenge

2011-03-11T10:50:00.001-08:00

Looking back, I *think* the first challenge I ever entered was one from the Papertrey Paper Dolls--one of the supportive blog commenting/challenge groups that have sprung up on the PTI forum. I joined the Pixies when it was formed, but that group has unfortunately fizzled out, so I leaped at the chance to join the Post-Its, which is proving to be a wonderful experience! Anyway, I have kept a sweet spot in my heart for the Dolls, and so I wanted to be sure to participate in their first blog hop and blog hop challenge! (Info here, go check it out! Lots of VERY talented ladies!)

The challenge is to use items for/on your card that begin with "P," "T," and "I" to honor the PTI stamp company that brought them all together. Fun idea, huh? The Dolls are coming up on a year together, as well as welcoming some new members, so I made them a card celebrating that! For my card, I used: P = paper (hee!), pennants, purple, polka dots, and presents; T = twine, both baker's and jute-style; and I = impression plate (linen on the solid purple layer, doesn't show up at all (!), and ink: stamp ink, shading ink, and the white ink I used to color in the flowers on the kraft layer.

Ta da! Congrats on your first happy year, Paper Dolls, and may you look forward to many more!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Make a Wish, Fresh Alphabet, Polka Dot Basics II, Background Basics: Spots & Dots
Paper: PTI--Royal Velvet, Kraft, S.S. White; stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Watermark; Ranger--Dusty Concord Distress Ink, Memento--Grape Jelly
Dies: PTI--Banner; Spellbinders--Classic Ovals
Twine: PTI--Rustic Jute; The Twinery--Lilac
Punches: Hole punch--Fiskars; Border punch--Martha Stewart
Misc.: Fun foam

JUGS #74

2011-03-09T18:48:00.001-08:00

(Apologies for the not-so-fancy picture--I missed this card when I had my "stuff" set up--probably because it was on display!) :-)

This week's Just Us Girls challenge is a sketch challenge (details here) and isn't this a unique sketch? It's based on a card by Lauren Meader--her card is gorgeous, see it here--and I had to try it out. I embossed the card base with dots, added Egg Hunt papers from Papertrey Ink because it's feeling Springy around here, and used a coaster, trim, and flower to match. No stamps, I can't believe it! Might be a first. :-D

Supplies
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream, Egg Hunt
Ink: Ranger--Antique Linen Distress Ink
Buttons: PTI--Plum Pudding & Orange Zest
Misc.: Coaster & string--We R Memory Keepers; Flowers--Prima; Die--Spellbinders Mega Ovals; Corner Chomper

ODBDSLC #51

2011-03-08T23:10:00.000-08:00

This card is for Our Daily Bread Designs' challenge this week: to use at least two of the following colors: ivory, yellow, pink, and blue. I, of course, chose all of them. :-) I made this for a friend who's going through a bit of a tough time right now and can use some encouragement. I notice that the pink looks peachy in this picture, and it is, but not quite *this* peachy. It's a really pretty paper from Sassafras's Indie Girl pad, and I noticed that Michelle Wooderson used it on her project for today too! (And the color is a lot better on her blog. I really need some tips for my dark pictures!) Creative minds think alike? More like "coincidences happen," LOL!

Supplies
Stamps: ODBD--Grow in Grace
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream, Enchanted Evening, Lemon Tart; Sassafras--Indie Girl; stash
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia; PTI--Chai Tea Duo; Embossing Powder--Ranger Super Fine Detail Clear
Copics: R01, R12, R21, YR23, YR31, G21, G99, YG63
Dies: PTI--Medium Scalloped Border; Spellbinders--Labels 16
Misc.: Ribbon--stash; Raindrops--Cloud 9 Design; Impression Plate--PTI Linen; Sewing Machine, Corner Chomper

Christmas in . . . March!

2011-03-07T22:14:00.001-08:00

You know how over at the PTI forum, there's a thread that focuses on getting Christmas cards done throughout the year rather than facing a huge task at the last minute? Here's my first effort for Christmas 2011! These are the first of the cards for my book group. I can't resist stamps that involve books and/or reading, and so when I first saw Bellas a couple of years ago, it was a no brainer that Bookwormabella was my first one! I decided on an easy to reproduce design, and it proved to be . . . except for the coloring, of course! Man, that takes a long time. But, I only have 12 to make, so if I do 4 per month, I'll have them done in no time. I, um, was way too on top of things and cleaned everything up without writing down a supply list so . . . sorry about that. :-> That's Bookwormabella by Stamping Bella, of course, sheer ribbon from Michaels, buttons from PTI, a Spellbinders labels nestie, and odds and ends of Christmas papers from the last few years. And a bunch of Copics. :-D

Happy Little Bitty Bird Birthday!

2011-03-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

Here is a card I made for a friend who loves to sing. I think she'll get a kick out of it. :-) I've had the Beautiful Blooms II paper for awhile . . . and I finally used it! I just got Little Bitty Bird, and I've already used it! I'm so proud of myself, LOL. Here are the details:

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Little Bitty Bird, Birthday Basics, Background Basics: Sheet Music
Paper: PTI--S.S. White, True Black, Beautiful Blooms II
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Versacolor--Bamboo; PTI--Chai Tea; Embossing Powder--Super Fine Detail Clear (Ranger)
Dies: PTI--Little Bitty Bird; Spellbinders--Big Scalloped Squares
Buttons: PTI--True Black
Ribbon: PTI--Pure Poppy
Misc.: Rhinestones--Andro; Copics--YG91 & YG93; Smooch--Pool; Brads--American Crafts

Mr. & Mrs.

2011-03-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

This card was for a young couple at church who eloped. It was so romantic! They're so young! I feel so old, LOL! :-D I drew the colors from their invitation to the reception and was happy that the Linen Closet papers were a perfect match. (You can't tell, but the flowered paper is glittery IRL.) I finally got to use a lovely organza flower I won as blog candy from Michelle Philippi awhile back because it was just the right color. Simple, but I love it.

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Big & Bold Wishes & Fancy Flourishes (on envelope); Verve--Thankful Accents
Paper: PTI--Fine Linen, Aqua Mist & Hawaiian Shores; DCWV--Linen Closet
Ink: Watermark; Embossing Powder--Filigree Gold
Ribbon: Offray
Flower: Handmade Flowers (etsy)

Make It Monday Challenge #4

2011-03-03T21:00:00.001-08:00

This week's Make It Monday challenge for Papertrey Ink is to use fun foam on your project for stamping and/or embellishments. (Details here.) I was wowed when I watched Heather Nichols' video on using fun foam--it was an "a-ha" moment when I saw how easily it cuts with even intricate dies and realized that you can stamp on it too! Ooh, the possibilities! So, I thought of what I considered a clever idea using Wise Owl. I sat down tonight to execute it and . . . I struggled. I mean I really, really struggled. Nothing came out how I pictured, and I was hampered by the fact that I only had fun foam in one color--white--which I had *just* purchased to make buttons with PTI's new button dies. I scrapped my first idea and went with #2. That was just as bad, although I did keep the die cuts to use on something else later. I really wanted to both stamp with and use fun foam die cuts on the card, so finally, I threw my hands up and did something simple, not-so-creative, and boring. Ta da! LOL! But I got something done, darn it, and if a great new idea pops into my head tomorrow at work, I'm ignoring it! ;-D

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Fillable Frames #5 & 6
Paper: PTI--Kraft
Ink: PTI--Plum Pudding & Fresh Snow; Versafine--Onyx Black
Dies: PTI--Fillable Frames #6, Buttoned Up #1, and Beautiful Blooms II #3
Misc.: Fun Foam; Twine--Lilac, The Twinery

Wishing You Well

2011-02-27T18:40:00.000-08:00

I'm popping in quickly to post a get well card for a sick friend (pneumonia!). She is actually feeling pretty good, but gets out of breath quickly when she tries to do anything--she is so bored! I used PTI's Vintage Picnic stamps and DCWV's Linen Closet papers. I was thrilled to find that the Linen Closet collection coordinates beautifully with PTI's Aqua Mist and Fine Linen colors! (And kraft, and Rustic White, and even Hawaiian Shores for some patterns) This was my first time using Fine Linen, and I really liked it as an addition to PTI's rainbow of colors. I paper pieced the picnic basket, did some stitching around the edge of the "quilted-looking" paper, and added some lace and a die cut flower with a fuzzy brad for the center. You can't tell in the pic, but the stamped flowers are colored white with some sparkly Smooch.

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Vintage Picnic
Paper: PTI--Rustic White, Fine Linen, Aqua Mist; DCWV--Linen Closet
Ink: StazOn--Timber Brown; Versafine--Vintage Sepia; Ranger--Antique Linen Distress Ink
Dies: PTI--Mat Stack #1; Spellbinders--Scrap-Mart custom; MFT--Flower Trio
Misc.: Lace--Hero Arts; Copics--W0, YR15, G21, G24; Brad--Doodlebug Design; Smooch--Moonlight; Sewing Machine

Make It Monday Challenge #3 & JUGS #72

2011-02-22T18:32:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that I have this week's MIM card done, photographed, and uploaded already! Yay! :-D This week's challenge is to use a glitter strip (or 3 or 10) on your project. (Here's a link to the challenge here.) I drew the color inspiration from this week's Just Us Girls challenge (here). I loved the combo of aqua, melon, and kraft, and I wanted to give PTI's Melon Berry color some love, LOL! So, this is just a really simple card that I made by combining scraps, basically. I punched a little, stamped a little, and used elements that were just sitting there on my craft desk to make something a bit different for me. The vellum Mat Stack 4 was one I cut for the first MIM challenge and didn't end up using. It looks a lot better here, I think! :-) You can't tell in the picture, but I used a crystalline embossing powder on the sentiment to echo the glitter strip.

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Signature Greetings & Background Basics: Diamonds
Paper: PTI--Kraft, Melon Berry, Aqua Mist, & S.S. White; vellum--stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; PTI--Fresh Snow; Embossing Powder--Stampendous Crystal
Border Punch: Martha Stewart
Misc.: 1/4" Scor-Tape; Pearls--Recollections; Corner Chomper; Ultrafine Prisma glitter; Die--PTI Mat Stack 4; Butterfly--Petaloo

Make It Mondays: Week of 2/14

2011-02-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

Yay, I actually made a card for PTI's new Make It Monday Challenge! I needed a card for a friend who had surgery this week, and I thought it would be the perfect one to use this week's element on: a vellum sentiment strip. I have tons of vellum in my stash from when I was scrapbooking regularly since I liked to journal on vellum almost exclusively. Well, since I fell in love with making cards, I haven't been scrapbooking too often, ahem, and so I was excited to play with it again for this challenge!

First I colored PTI's Year of Flowers: Gladiolus in purples and then I paired the cut out image with Plum Pudding cardstock and patterned paper from Guidelines. I punched the vellum strip with a border punch on both long edges, and then stamped the "Happy Healing" sentiment on it and placed it partly behind the flowers. I added some pearls to the strip and Perfect Pearls to the centers of the gladiolus flowers and rounded two corners of the card. To finish, I inked the edges with Chai from the Tea Dye duo. Ta da! :-)

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI--YOF: Gladiolus & Healing Touch Sentiments
Paper: PTI--Plum Pudding & Guidelines; vellum--stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; PTI--Chai
Misc.: Border Punch--Martha Stewart; Embossing Powder--Ultra Fine Detail--Clear; Pearls--Recollections; Perfect Pearls--Opal White; Copics--Darn it, I put them away before I wrote down the colors--so sorry!

Valentine's 2011 Goodies

2011-02-19T21:36:00.000-08:00

Wacky picture, eh? I just couldn't get these little Valentine's goodies to look "styled," i.e. "good." Could have had to do with the fact that I procrastinated taking a picture until about 2 minutes before leaving the house with them, LOL! These were just little "sweet friend" gifties for my peeps at church. I tried to channel Michelle Phillipi and toss some cute stickers 'n stuff on a die cut from Simple Valentine paper. Fun! And the peeps loved 'em. The heart shaped jelly beans are by a company called Gimbals, and are flavored with honey--so good! They also have cherry-flavored ones that are more appropriate colors for Valentine's Day, but the store was out, so I tried these and like them better. Oh, I got them at Fresh & Easy (love that store!).

Supplies
Paper: PTI--Simple Valentine
Stickers: EK Success; Michael's; Recollections
Bags: Michaels
Die: PTI--Fillable Frames #10
Ribbon: Offray
Rhinestones: Michaels
Other: Tim Holtz--Tiny Attacher

PTI Blog Hop?

2011-02-11T20:17:00.001-08:00

Ah, well, better late than never? :-D I made this card for PTI's January blog hop--where you were supposed to use a stamp set that had never seen ink, or hadn't seen it in a long while--and then completely forgot about it! So, I'm going through photos tonight and . . . there it was. Sigh. Hopefully, I'll be more on the ball in February! :-)

I chose the stamp set "All About You." I bought it when it was released and had yet to use it. I've used the "Additions" companion set, but just not this one. The choice wasn't easy as I had, ahem, quite a few uninked sets to choose from. :-) I'm not wild about the card, but I do like the colors, and I'm sure it will come in handy to perk up someone's day.

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--All About You
Paper: PTI--SS White; Chatterbox; stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Versacolor--Narcissus & Camellia; Ranger--Tattered Rose & Crushed Olive Distress Inks
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Super Fine Detail
Buttons: PTI--Sweet Blush; stash
Trim: Michaels
Die: Spellbinders--ScrapMart exclusive
Misc.: Tim Holtz--Tiny Attacher; Fiskars--Corner Chomper

Papertrey Customer Favorites of 2010

2011-02-04T21:47:00.001-08:00

Papertrey Ink, the best, most creative, most customer-input-friendly stamp company EVER, is celebrating their 4th anniversary this month, and having lots of contests--woo hoo! This first one is about favorites--customers are asked to post, or re-post, their favorite project from 2010 that uses PTI. Here's mine! I've not posted this card before. I've been waiting for a special reason to post it because it's not just my 2010 fav but my favorite card I've made, ever. Why? I have no idea. It was made late one night with scraps left on the table from another card I worked all night on. It came together easily. And something about it really appeals to me. It's not my usual style at all, but I love it. And I hope you like it too! Happy 4th Anniversary, PTI!

I can't find my list of supplies I used for making this, so I'm going on guesswork here :-)

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Fancy Flourishes, Scattered Showers, and ??? (flowers used with Fancy Flourishes on the Hawaiian Shores panel)
Paper: PTI--SS White, Dark Chocolate, Orange Zest, Hawaiian Shores
Ink: PTI--Dark Chocolate; Watermark
Embossing Powder: Fine Detail White
Button: PTI--Orange Zest
Ribbon: Michaels
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug
Edge Punch: Fiskars (?)
Misc.: Corner Chomper

HEC #13

2011-01-28T22:46:00.000-08:00

Hi! Here's my card for Ted's Happily Ever Challenge #13 . . . just a day or two too late! I, um, have had the card done for a couple of weeks. I forgot I didn't have until the 31st to post it, and I lost out. :-( The challenge is closed, and I saw that Kim O'Connell won the gift cert to PTI--congratulations Kim! (Pop on over to her blog, she has some cute cards!) Ted's January challenge was super challenging to me: 1 of everything--1 base card; 1 embellishment; 1 stamp image; 1 patterned paper; 1 ink color. What?! Surely he meant 11 of everything? I didn't think I could do it, so of course I had to try to do it! It was the fastest card ever--10 minutes max, and I actually like it. I *may* add a doodad or two before using it, but maybe I'll be able to resist temptation and leave it CAS, who knows? ;-D

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Scattered Showers Additions
Paper: PTI--Dark Chocolate; Making Memories
Ink: Watermark w/white embossing powder
Ribbon: Michaels
Misc.: Score Pal

WMSC #30 Celebrate!

2011-01-19T19:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome! Today's card was made for Waltzingmouse's latest sketch challenge, #30. I went a completely different direction than I usually do for this challenge: CAS! I also tried paper piercing for the first time--if you look closely, the pattern in the sketch is paper pierced on to the 1 layer card. One layer! I can't believe I made a one layer card! The concept for this card was one of those that popped whole into my head the minute I saw the sketch, and I was a bit nervous trying to carry out my "vision." I even inked the flowers with two different colors on one stamp to try to get a varigated look, not something I'm real experienced at. But I'm happy with the results and happy that I ventured out of my comfort zone!

Supplies
Stamps: WMS--Asian Gardens & Asian Gardens Additions
Paper: PTI--SS White
Ink: PTI--Dark Chocolate & Hibiscus Burst; VersaColor--Camellia
Other: Rhinestones--Stamper's Dream; Paper piercer--Ellen Hutson; Embossing Powder--Ranger Super Fine Detail

SSIC #72: Happy Birthday

2011-01-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

Hello! Firstly, thank you so much, all who commented on my last post, the sympathy card! Each of you brightened my day immensely by your generous remarks! (And it actually got awarded a Shining the Light award!!) Everyone of you please consider yourself hugged!

Today I am happy to post a card I made for my sister's birthday. I used one of the most beautiful stamp renditions of a rose ever--Papertrey Ink's Year of Flowers: Roses. It was a joy to color! I'm entering it in Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #72, which has the theme of "new," interpreted how you'd like. The scripture is 2 Cor. 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." My "new" element for this challenge is the self-adhesive crocheted trim. It's so cool! You don't have to worry about adhering it, just cut to size and stick on--yay! :-) I will be buying more, I'm sure!

I also want to mention the wrinkled seam binding I used on the card. I won it as blog candy awhile back, and I just had to show you how deliciously it was packaged. Here's how the goodies arrived, in decorated box with card:

Sorry, not the best picture, but you get the idea. And when I opened the box up, look at what was inside:

Isn't that clever?? She (Michele) calls it "Ribbon Candy!" I just love the cleverness and care with which this selection of ribbon is packaged & presented. You can find some yourself at Willy Nilly Art & Whimsy on Etsy. (I have no affiliation with Michele, I just loved her product!) Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--YOF: Roses & Birthday Bash Sentiments
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream; October Afternoon--Thrift Shop; Melissa Frances--Kitschy Kitchen
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Super Fine Detail
Ribbon: Willy Nilly Art & Whimsy
Trim: Hero Arts
Copics: R20, R22, R24
Misc: Sewing Machine

Sympathy Card

2011-01-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

Hello! Today is 1-11-11, isn't that cool? I was at the dentist today, having a root canal, and my dentist was really into the date. He promised magical results due to all the ones, LOL! Okay . . . as long as there's no pain, I'm good. :-) Today I have a card that I've entered in three challenges. Getting my card making mojo back is slow going, I've found, so I decided to play along on some challenges to get it flowing again.
I needed a sympathy card for a friend, and Our Daily Bread Designs is a company I often turn to at those times. Their challenge this week is to use both something new and something old from your stash. My something new is the blue rose patterned paper I used on the card front, and to line the envelope. I just saw it at Michaels and fell in LOVE. I'm so excited that I used something I just bought and didn't hoard it for a year or three! :-) The something(s) old are the eyelets at the corners. I must have had those for 6-7 years or more! And I've had the sheer navy ribbon for at least 5. I'm glad this challenge gave me a push to pull out some neglected supplies!
The second challenge I am entering this card in is this week's Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge. The scripture this week is Ruth 2:12, "May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." And so, we are to make a card or project which includes wings. The ODBD bird stamp fit the bill nicely. I stamped it twice, cutting out and popping up one copy so that it could rise above the top of the nestie.
The reason I included the envelope in the photo, and also added a second photo with the front of the envelope and the inside of the card showing, is that the third challenge I'm playing in this week is Just Us Girls (JUGS) Challenge #66 "Envy of the Envies." Entrants are to dress up their envelopes, front and back, to make them as special as the card inside. I need to do this more often!

Supplies
Stamps: ODBD--Lift Up Our Hands & Flourished Christian Symbols; inque boutique--Monarch
Paper: PTI--Rustic White (original); Hot Off the Press--blue rose pp; stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Encore--Copper; Ranger--Antique Linen Distress Ink; PTI--Enchanted Evening
Ribbon: Michaels
Dies: PTI--Envelope Liner; Spellbinders--Labels 4 & Cross Collection
Eyelets: Doodlebug Design
Pearl: Zva Creative (my first Zva!)

Praying You'll Soon Be Well

2011-01-07T20:42:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday! Too bad it's just my Thursday, since I always work on Saturday! :-) Today I have a card I made for a sick friend. It's actually pretty simple, letting the patterned paper do most of the work. And those white things behind the sentiment circle? That's raffia. I don't know what I was thinking. Kinda weird looking now that I've photographed it, LOL! Anyway, I used a new-to-me Martha Stewart butterfly punch (fun!) and one of my favorite border punches too. It should at least put a smile on my friend's face. :-)

Supplies
Stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs--Get Well
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream, Berry Sorbet & Sweet Blush; DCWV--Old World stack
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Ranger--Tattered Rose Distress Ink; PTI--Tea Dye Duo
Punches: Border Punch & Butterfly--Martha Stewart; Corner Chomper
Dies: Spellbinders--Blossom
Misc.: Embossing Powder--Ranger Ultra Fine Detail Clear; Pearls--Recollections; Raffia--Plaid Enterprises

Happy 2011!

2011-01-01T12:19:00.001-08:00

A wonderful new year to each one of you who've popped in to my blog! I'm filled with that new year optimism that takes a hold of most of us at this time, chock-full of card making resolutions and plans! In 2011, I'm hoping to blog weekly, do at least one challenge a month, make all my birthday cards a month ahead of time, comment more regularly on others' blogs, and make Christmas cards all year long. What about you? What special resolutions do you have for your crafting time this year?

I'm starting the new year off with a card that is one of the few custom creations I've been asked to make. Remember the 80th birthday card I posted here? I call this the "companion piece" because a dear lady at church saw the other card and requested one for her friend in a similar style, in peach tones. I had just figured out what I'd done wrong threading my sewing machine (the bobbin was in backwards, of all things!), so I wanted to add some decorative stitching and she really liked that touch. You'll notice the classic PTI stamp set Blooming Button Bits (don't worry, I tacked that far right button down further after seeing this picture, lol). I call it classic because it really is, isn't it? Flexible, non-trendy, and super useful. I love all of the Button Bits sets and hope there's another one or two added to PTI's inventory this year.

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Blooming Button Bits & Green Thumb
Paper: PTI--Melon Berry & Vintage Cream; October Afternoon--Thrift Shop; stash
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia; Versacolor--Bamboo; Ranger--Antique Linen & Mustard Seed Distress Inks; PTI--Melon Berry
Buttons: PTI--Melon Berry
Floss: DMC--Ecru
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Super Fine Detail Clear
Misc.: Sewing Machine, Spellbinder's die

Happy Birthday D!

2010-11-29T18:37:00.000-08:00

Hello! Did everyone have a good Thanksgiving? I did, although our guests left me with something to remember them by--a cold! Ugh, I hate being sick and thus I am the worst patient in the world. Reeeaaally cranky and whiny. You may have guessed that by now, LOL! The card I'm presenting today is one I made for my SIL's birthday. Her name starts with a "D," hence the ghost letter, and otherwise it's just strips of paper, stamps, and impression plates. I made the balloons by cutting small ovals with Nesties and then attaching little hand-snipped triangles to the bottoms. The tag is a punch. Please forgive the infamous kitty condo--I still haven't gotten the light box out again! :-D

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Background Basics: Tin Types & I honestly can't remember the set the "Happy Birthday" is from, but it's PTI!
Paper: PTI--Dark Chocolate, Green Tea Leaves; stash
Ink: PTI--Dark Chocolate, Ripe Avocado, Melon Berry, Fresh Snow
Dies: Spellbinders--Classic Ovals
Impression Plates: PTI--Tin Types; Cuttlebug--Polka Dots
Misc.: Ghost Letter--Heidi Swapp; floss--DMC Ecru

Birthdays are the Best

2010-11-22T12:16:00.001-08:00

Yes, that is my television, in all its dusty glory! I was in a hurry and didn't want to take the time to set up my photo thingee, so I just popped the card down in front of the TV, since it matched the color scheme. :-) This is a birthday card that came together quickly for me. I tend to be very spontaneous in card making (the only area of my life I'd call spontaneous, LOL), so all I knew going in to it was that I wanted a black, white, and hot pink color combo. (This was because the recipient, after seeing another card I'd done with a black base and bright color accents said, "Now this I like." LOL! I teased her mercilessly that she meant that she hadn't liked any of the cards I'd made for her before, and made sure to make this year's birthday card to her specifications!) After pulling the papers, I saw these rhinestones in my bling drawer, and they matched Raspberry Fizz exactly--woo hoo! So then Blooming Button Bits came to mind . . . check and see if there's an appropriate birthday sentiment in there . . . yep! Good to go!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Blooming Button Bits
Paper: PTI--True Black, Raspberry Fizz, SS White, & Bitty Box; stash
Ink: Versacolor--Evergreen
Ribbon: Stash (it came off of a gift and matched R. Fizz exactly! Don't you love when that happens?)
Rhinestones: Kaisercraft & Stamper's Dream (teeny ones)
Dies: PTI--Mat Stack 4, Envelope Liner; Spellbinder's--Scrap-Mart custom design
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Super Fine Detail Clear; Stamp Diego--Ultra Detail White
Misc: Impression Plate--PTI Linen; Corner Chomper

I'm Back!

2010-11-01T11:43:00.001-07:00

Hello! Remember me? LOL! I'm back to blogging tonight with a card I made for a friend's 80th birthday. That's kind of a big deal birthday I'd say, and I wanted to make something special. My friend loves pink almost as much as I do, so it was a no brainer to choose it as the dominate color of the card! I tried a first for me--the cupcake liner flower/backing for a flower. I didn't really know what I was doing, I just distressed and folded the liner until I liked the look. I haven't made another one since. But I sure hope to as a LOT of liners came in the package, LOL! The cute crocheted flower is courtesy of Lisa V. (visit her blog here). I won a package of these lovely, almost Berry Sorbet colored flowers (she has them in an online store, although I think she is out right now) and am stretching them out for as many cards as possible! I also bought some basic crocheting supplies and intend to learn how to make them. It can't be that hard, right? Even for a complete crocheting novice? Yeah, I'm not going to hold my breath. :-D So, anyway, hopefully I'll be back soon to post a few more cards I made while I was busy letting life overwhelm me. It's nice to be back!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Birthday Bash Sentiments
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream & Berry Sorbet; October Afternoon--Cherry Hill: Recipe Box; Mellissa Frances--Kitschy Kitchen
Ink: Ranger--Antique Linen & Tea Dye distress inks; Versacolor--Pink
Border Punch: Recollections
Tag Punch: McGill
Dies: Spellbinders--Labels 9
Ribbon: Etsy Shop
Cupcake Liner: Wilton
Crocheted Flower: Lisa V.
Other: Sewing Machine

ODBDSLC27

2010-08-30T22:18:00.000-07:00

The challenge at Our Daily Bread Designs this week is TEXTURE, whether it be by embossing, distressing, or through embellishments. Unfortunately, I needed a sympathy card this week. After I made it, I realized that it fit the challenge well, so I decided to submit it. Here's a second picture so you can see the texture a bit better:

I did lots of distressing, tearing, inking, and fraying and was happy with the result as it looks really different from any card I've made before! It's always fun to try something new, isn't it? :-)

Supplies
Stamps: ODBD--Lift Up Our Hands
Paper: PTI--Kraft & Vintage Cream; stash
Ink: Ranger--Frayed Burlap & Walnut Stain Distress Inks
Die: MFT--Rolled Flower
Distress Tool: Heidi Swapp
Misc: Sewing Machine, Canvas strip, ric rac--stash

HEC #9

2010-08-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

And now for something completely different . . . Ted's challenge on Happily Ever Crafter for August was to keep it simple, stamps and pens only. This was really, really hard for me. I had a basic idea, but as I made the card, I kept starting to reach for dies . . . more cardstock . . . glitter . . . you name it. :-) Well, I did finally get something I liked, despite so-so masking and some questionable stamp lining up, LOL! I used a PTI set that hadn't seen love in awhile, Garden of Life. With the small leaf image, I stamped "grass" in various green inks. I stamped and masked FF #5, then stamped the two-step flowers. I colored their centers with a glittery pen, and then added the sentiment to the center of the Fillable Frame. It's actually a long sentiment, all one line, so I had to break it up by inking one part at a time. There! Something I'm pretty sure I haven't done before--a one-layer card! Think you're up to the challenge? Details are here on Ted's blog.

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Garden of Life; Fillable Frames #5
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream
Ink: PTI--Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss, Simply Chartreuse, Plum Pudding, Terracotta Tile & Dark Chocolate; Color Box--Yellow Citrus
Pens: atyou Spica--Red & Yellow

WMSC #10

2010-08-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

Whew! Just under the wire! ;-D I decided to make a Christmas card for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #10 (details here) since it was Claire's Christmas stamp sets from last year that first captivated me. I embossed the white card panel, and cut the snowflake paper out with a nestie. I stamped the gorgeous retro/vintage star and the holiday sentiment and embossed them in gold filigree embossing powder. I then took two of the border images and embossed them in gold as well, just under and over the embossed portion of the white cardstock. I love how that looks! I used gold brads for the two side elements, anchoring some teeny gold lacey ribbon with them, and using the ribbon for the tag bow as well. Another Christmas card for the "finished" stack! :-)

Supplies
Stamps: WMS--Seasons of Love & Very Vintage Christmas
Paper: PTI--SS White; My Mind's Eye; stash
Ink: Watermark
Embossing Powder: Filigree--Gold
Embossing Folder: Stamping Up!
Ribbon: Offray
Brads: American Crafts
Die: Spellbinders--Big Scalloped Squares SM

CTMH

2010-08-17T20:35:00.001-07:00

I have several sets of CTMH stamps that I haven't used in AGES. My mojo is on vacation (I'm jealous, since there's no vacation for me this year), work is crazy and will be for the rest of the month, and my mom is sick so I'm kind of preoccupied with that. Tonight I said, "Enough!" and pulled out a CTMH set for a quick card to cheer me up! I used "With Love," some PTI patterned paper and cardstock, and ribbons and pearls from my stash. I purposely didn't add a sentiment because I thought the card could be used for several different occasions, depending on what I need. I feel better now. :-D

Supplies
Stamps: CTMH--With Love
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream, New Leaf, Hawaiian Shores, Green Boutique & Simple Valentine
Ink: PTI--Hawaiian Shores & New Leaf; Versafine--Onyx Black
Button: PTI--Pure Poppy
Ribbon: Michaels
Twine: PTI--Rustic Cream
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Clear Super Fine Detail
Misc: Scallop scissors; Scor Pal; pearls

The Cat's Pajamas Blog Hop!

2010-08-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

Howdy, Pardners! Today I'm posting my card for The Cat's Pajamas' first Customer Blog Hop! I'm a customer, so I'm hopping! :-) Believe it or not, this card was made for the birthday of the Sheriff of San Diego County, Bill Gore. He was elected one month before his birthday, so we at work decided that we couldn't resist the sentiment here. I had a lot of fun making this, choosing papers and distressing everything. It took a few tries to get the image colored in a way I liked. At first, I colored the buildings behind the penguins, but it just didn't look right--too busy. So I tried another, more subtle set of colors. Finally, I left them uncolored and I really like how it looks! Happy 1st Customer Blog Hop, TCP!

Supplies
Stamps: TCP--It's a Western Thing
Paper: PTI--Kraft & Rustic White; stash
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia & Onyx Black ; Ranger--Antique & Brushed Corduroy Distress Inks
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Fine Detail Clear
Copics: I can't find the list of them, sorry!!! I'll add them if/when I find it!
Twine: Stamper's Dream
Brads: Making Memories
Distressing Tool: Heidi Swapp

WMSC #9

2010-08-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

Well, long time no post! I've been so busy between company and household stuff that just has to be done (and I'd rather be creating so I'm even more reluctant, LOL), I didn't have any creative time until yesterday. I got three cards photographed tonight, so at least there will be three posts this week! :-)

This card is one I made for this week's Waltzingmouse Stamps Sketch Challenge. They always have such interesting and different sketches, don't you think? For this one, #9, I made my first attempt at vintage/shabby chic. Waltzingmouse is having their customer blog hop on August 17 (details here), and the theme this month is vintage/shabby chic, so I thought I'd practice. :-D I love how that style looks, but hadn't given it a try yet, mostly because I am more of a--well, I don't know what my style is, but it's not vintage/shabby chic! I loved making this card. I'm going to be annoying and say that the picture doesn't do the card justice--it looks amazing in person, IMO (not so humble), as in one of my favorites ever.

I used lots of Vintage Cream cardstock from PTI, and the most adorable paper from Cosmo Cricket's new Togetherness 6x6 paper pad. That little piece of paper inspired me! The Togetherness paper as a whole is just delicious; I can't wait to use more. I cut some flower nesties in different sizes and roughed them up with smooshing and inking. I stamped a little dot in each scallop (would you believe it's the period from WMS' Victorian Alphabet set?), then added buttons--some with floss, some without. For the biggest flower, I used a rolled fabric flower from Ryann Marin Designs' etsy shop. I stamped a gorgeous flourishy outline and my sentiment on a nestie label, and added some crocheted trim and tulle netting. What do you think? I can't wait to try this style again!

Supplies
Stamps: WMS--Victorian Alphabet, Very Vintage Labels #5, and Fancy Phrases
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream; Cosmo Cricket--Togetherness
Ink: PTI--Aqua Mist; Ranger--Antique Linen & Tea Dye Distress Inks
Buttons: PTI--Aqua Mist and Vintage Cream
Dies: Spellbinders--Blossom and Labels 5
Fabric Flower: Ryann Marin Designs
Punch: Corner Chomper--Scallop
Tulle: Michaels
Floss: DMC Ecru
Distress Tool: Heidi Swapp
Crocheted Trim: Stamper's Dream

And the Winners Are . . .

2010-08-01T12:45:00.001-07:00

My very first blog challenge has come to an end, and I want to thank every single one of you who took the time to enter! I have so enjoyed looking at your cards--you are a TALENTED bunch of ladies! You all have certainly inspired me to not procrastinate this year and to get my Christmas cards done early. And it doesn't hurt that I now have 30 fabulous designs to work with and so many new blogs to follow! I hope that each of you is inspired too--that's the whole reason for the challenge! So, without further ado (since I can talk forever), the two winners of $25 gift certificates from Papertrey Ink are:

Random Drawing Winner: Melissa Ladd

Jill's Favorite Entry Winner: Michelle Philippi

Congratulations, Melissa & Michelle! Please email me at anjill@cox.net with the email address you'd like your gift certificate sent to.

It was sooooo hard to choose a favorite, and yet I'm going to do it again! In January, I will be having another challenge with the same prizes. I'm not sure what it's going to be called yet, but it will be a birthday card challenge--I would be honored & thrilled if each of you choose to enter that challenge too!

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for making my first challenge such a friendly, creatively inspiring experience! May I be the first to wish each of you a Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Glorious Winter!

It's Almost Time!

2010-07-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday night as I post this, and I am sitting here wondering how the heck I am going to choose a favorite card from all of the FANTASTIC entries in my First Annual Christmas in July Challenge tomorrow! I'll be posting the winners sometime between noon and 2 p.m. PDT, so I know what I'm going to be contemplating in church tomorrow morning! (Shh . . . ) I think I can use some help from the Big Guy on this--I hope the sermon is something like, "How to Choose Between Cards When Everyone is So Talented." It might happen!

So, just so I've got a card to show you tonight (my crafting time has been nonexistent this week) I pulled this picture of one I made a few months ago for a neighbor. Even though I would never wear it in a million years, I do love to papercraft with orange, so looking at this card makes me happy!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Everyday Button Bits
Paper: PTI--Orange Zest; stash
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug
Border Punch: Martha Stewart
Ribbon: Michaels
Die: Spellbinders
Flowers: Prima
Misc: eyelet, rhinestone--stash

WMSC #7

2010-07-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentleman (in case Ted reads this), I have an announcement to make. Look to your right. No, I mean to the right of this post. See the word at the top of the right hand column? (Scroll up.) "Awards." Can you believe it? Last week I won a Top Mouse Award from Waltzingmouse Stamps for WMSC #6! I know, I'm still shocked! Then, the same night, I also found out that I won a Shining Light Award from Our Daily Bread Design for their Challenge #22! I've never won a challenge award before, and I win two on the same day??? It was like Christmas around here, let me tell you! I'm still celebrating. Thank you to two great companies for the honors!

Today's card is one I made for WMSC #7. I turned the sketch on its side, and used one of my new stamp sets from WMS, Victorian Frippery. What a great set! I can see so many possibilities for it. I chose a pink and black color palette for the card because it seemed Victorian and Parisian to me. The patterned paper I have had in my stash for ages, and I'm trying hard not to hoard supplies anymore. ;-> I colored the pearls with a Copic marker to match the pink shade and used some really cool looking ribbon from Michaels that I am not hoarding anymore either, LOL!

Supplies
Stamps: WMS--Victorian Frippery
Paper: PTI--Sweet Blush & True Black; stash
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Pearls: Recollections
Copic: R20
Ribbon: Michaels
Flowers: Prima
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Super Fine Detail Clear
Dies: Spellbinders--Classic Circles & Labels 3
Impression Plate: PTI--Linen
Punch: Corner Chomper

Papertrey July Blog Hop!

2010-07-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

It's Blog Hop time for fans of Papertrey Ink! This month's challenge was to use office supplies in making your project. I knew I wouldn't get my July release goodies in time to use them for this card, so I went with what I had: I used PTI's Woodgrain Impression Plate to impress the card front, and then used some ink to go over it and emphasize the impression. I wanted to go for a desk look. Next I made a little file folder and teeny pieces of paper to go in it. I used Library Ledger to make the little papers. Finally, I used some ruler ribbon from my stash and stapled it on with my tiny attacher, and anchored everything with a swirly paper clip. This is certainly outside my box and I loved making it! Happy Hopping everyone!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Library Ledger, Simply Alphabet & Background Basics: Botanicals
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream, Aqua Mist, Melon Berry
Ink: PTI--Aqua Mist; Ranger--Antique Linen & Tea Dye Distress Inks; Watermark; Versafine: Onyx Black
Impression Plate: PTI--Woodgrain
Ribbon: Bobbin Ribbon
Paper Clip: 7 Gypsies
Staples: Tim Holtz --Tiny Attacher
Edge Distresser: Heidi Swapp
Punch: Corner Chomper

Card Patterns #73

2010-07-22T21:14:00.001-07:00

The challenge over at Card Patterns this week is the sketch above (details here). I used some patterned paper and charms that I've had on hand for years (I'm trying to stop hoarding supplies!). That's a Verve sentiment stamp that came free with your order one month and some ribbon I picked up at Mike's. Nesties, stitching, shading . . . a card. :-)

Supplies
Stamp: Verve--VS009-PJ028
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream; Coredinations; Making Memories
Ink: Versacolor--Baby Blue; Encore!--Copper
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Clear Fine Detail
Charms: All My Memories
Ribbon: Michaels
Dies: Spellbinders--Classic Circles & Scalloped Circles
Misc: Sewing Machine

C4C46--Buttons!

2010-07-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Crazy for Challenges' Challenge #46 was to use buttons! So, with my mojo not so present the last few days, I went literal again--button patterned paper, and PTI's Blooming Button Bits stamp set! I chose this picture because you can see the gold flecks in the red embossing powder on the flowers. It looks really pretty in person! The colors made me happy--they remind me of summer turning into fall, of the anticipation of school starting. Remember those back-to-school shopping trips? Sigh. I was a weird kid, I loved school. You can check out the details of the challenge right here. Who doesn't love buttons? :-)

And in the second picture, you can see my photography assistant. Mia was styling the photo right here, and I persuaded her to pause for the camera. She's a great help, but she's starting to mention words like, "unionization" so I'm not sure how much longer I'll use her! ;-> And if you can see anything I'm doing obviously wrong with my cheapie Amazon.com photo "studio," let me know, I can take it. Would you believe the thing came with absolutely no instructions?!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Blooming Button Bits
Paper: PTI--Lemon Tart; Cosmo Cricket--Material Girl
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Ranger--Distressed Embossing Ink
Ribbon: PTI--New Leaf
Buttons: PTI--Vintage Cream
Embossing Powder: Moon Glow--Hollyberry Red/Gold
Die: Spellbinders--Labels 1
Misc: Sewing machine, Corner Chomper

ODBDSLC21 (Or, Birthday Blessings)

2010-07-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

Our Daily Bread Designs' challenge this week was to create a card or project that has a colored image. I needed to make a birthday card for a very sweet senior lady. Voila! :-D

Supplies
Stamps: ODBD--Happy Birthday
Paper: PTI--SS White & Hibiscus Burst; Jenny Faw Designs
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Ranger--Spun Sugar & Victorian Velvet Distress Inks
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug
Border Punch: Martha Stewart
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Super Fine Detail Clear
Dies: Spellbinders--Labels 3
Pens: Copics--C1, 3; N0; G000, 21, 85; RV02, 21, 34; V04, 12, 91; Y00, 21, 28; YR02; atyou Spica--Lilac & Blossom

WMSC #6 and JUGS #42

2010-07-20T12:45:00.001-07:00

A two-challenge card today! I looked at this sketch from Waltzingmouse and had no ideas. So, I thought--when all else fails, go literal. It looks like a flower to me, so I made a flower! I cut several Large Scalloped Circles from nestie dies, stamped them with a background stamp from WMS, and then rolled like crazy to soften and loosen up the paper layers. Then I inked it some more and cut it to fit the shape of the card. My first try at one of these homemade flowers and it was a fun learning experience. I used one of my grandmother's old earrings as the flower center, and a sentiment from WMS, and stitched around the edges.

The color combo came from challenge #42 at Just Us Girls. I loved it, and so decided to play along with my first JUGS challenge (love the acronym!). I can see using these colors together again!

Thanks for looking, friends!

Supplies
Stamps: WMS--Faux Fun & Fancy Phrases
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream; stash
Ink: PTI--Enchanted Evening; Versacolor--Marigold; Ranger--Dried Marigold, Antique Linen, & Tea Dye Distress Inks
Buttons: PTI--Orange Zest
Ribbon: Michaels
Dies: Spellbinders--Large Scalloped Circles
Misc: Button; sewing machine

Surprise Birthday

2010-07-19T15:46:00.001-07:00

Hee! This weekend I got to see a friend who moved quite far away earlier this year. She celebrates the big 5-0 in September, but our bible study group can't all fly across country for it, so we thought we'd throw her a surprise get-together while she's out here visiting right now. Surprisingly (groan), my birthday card for her was inspired by this card here by the talented Michele at I am Derby. I know what you're thinking--similar colors, but it really doesn't look anything like it. I know, but honestly, the idea for this card popped in my head whole when I saw Michele's card! I already knew I wanted to use the sketch from MTSC82 (too bad I didn't post in time for the challenge, LOL!), and her black with color pops really inspired me.

The card was a hit at lunch, and one of my friends said, "I like this one, Jill. Keep that in mind for later." (Her b-day is in Nov.) Ha! So, quickly, I embossed the color panels with Crystal embossing powder and added lots of glitter to the cake, and a little bling too. My shading on the nesties looks truly weird here, but it looks more "normal" in person. Raspberry Fizz continues to be my favorite PTI color--doesn't it just look gorgeous? The stamps are all The Cat's Pajamas. I love the retro flair of Alma's line, although I don't have nearly enough. I've used the, "Does this mean you're a grownup now?" sentiment on a lot of cards!

Supplies
Stamps: TCP--Smells Like Cake, You Say It's Your Birthday & two flower ones that I think are discontinued because I can't find them on the store site!
Paper: PTI--True Black, Simply Chartreuse, Raspberry Fizz, Summer Sunrise, and SS White.
Ink: Versamark--Onyx Black; Watermark Dazzle--Frost; PTI--Summer Sunrise, Raspberry Fizz, and Simply Chartreuse
Ribbon: PTI--Raspberry Fizz; Offray
Embossing Powder: Stampendous--Crystal; Ranger--Super Fine Detail Clear; Stamp Diego--Ultra Detail White
Rhinestones: stash
Glitter: Ranger--Crystal Ice Ice Stickles
Dies: Spellbinders--Classic Circles & Scalloped Circles
Copics: RV06, 29; YG03; G94
Punches: Corner Chomper; EK Success border punch

CPS #175

2010-07-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

Yep, another post! Another challenge card this morning. I'm trying hard to post them on time! :-D This is my first time playing with Card Positioning Systems.

Supplies
Stamps: Verve--Hebrews 11:1
Paper: Watercolor; PTI--Rustic White, Orange Zest; PP--My Mind's Eye Bloom & Grow
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia; PTI--Tea Dye Duo
Trim: Michaels
Felt: PTI--Vintage Cream
Dies: PTI--Beautiful Blooms #3
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Super Fine Detail Clear
Pearl: Recollections
Copic: YR68 (to color pearl)
Punches: Corner Chomper; EK Success Border & Flower
Other: Sewing machine

SFYTT & Papertrey Posse #2

2010-07-16T23:04:00.000-07:00

After my earlier post, I thought I oughta check the "due dates" for a couple of cards I made, and sure enough, it looks like to be safe, I should post one of them tonight. (I'm getting smarter . . . I hope!) For this card, I combined two challenges: Papertrey Posse's 2nd challenge and this week's SFYTT on Jen del Muro's blog. The nice ladies in the Posse issued a color challenge: Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist, Melon Berry, and Dark Chocolate. I decided to make Dark Chocolate my main color just because I so rarely use it in large quantities. My mom wanted a card to give a friend she meets for coffee occasionally, so I pulled out an actual wood-mounted rubber stamp. They are becoming an endangered species, I think! :-D This is also an oversized card--no reason, I just felt like using a bigger canvas. Interesting sketch, don't you think?

Supplies
Stamps: Magenta--Coffee House; Flourishes--Coffee With Friends; PTI--Library Ledger & Polka Dot Basics
Paper: PTI--Dark Chocolate, Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist, Melon Berry, SS White & Bitty Box Basics
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia; Watermark
Buttons: PTI--Dark Chocolate
Twine: PTI
Flowers: Prima
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug--5x7 Polka Dots
Copics: BG13, 15; B00; E00, 47; YR00, 02, 04
Dies: Spellbinders--Classic Squares & Big Scalloped Squares
Punch: Corner Chomper

C4C45 . . . and WMS :-(

2010-07-16T16:53:00.001-07:00

Welcome! Today I have a card that was supposed to be for two challenges: Crazy 4 Challenges #45, and Walzingmouse Sketch Challenge #5. When I went to do the linky thing today after work, I realized that WMS#5 closed last night! Aaagh! I make the cards in plenty of time but often put off photographing them since it tends to intimidate me. And then by the time the picture is ready to go, it's too late . . . I need to tie a string around my finger or something! Please tell me you do the same thing--even if you have to lie to make me feel better! :-D ( In some great WMS news, my order from the last release arrived today! Yippee! I can't wait to play.)

The C4C45 challenge is still going! Yeah! Their challenge is to use the colors red, black, and white. No problemo. And so I present to you possibly the simplest card I've ever made. CAS (or thereabouts) doesn't come easily to me, so I am proud of this card, LOL! Here are the details:

Supplies
Stamps: WMS--Labels 4; PTI--Beautiful Blooms II & Fillable Frames 2
Paper: Provocraft; stash
Ink: Watermark
Embossing Powder: Stamp Diego--Ultra Detail White; Ranger--Super Fine Detail Clear
Felt: PTI--Vintage Cream
Brad: Making Memories
Dies: PTI--Beautiful Blooms II #3; Spellbinders--Labels 4
Punch: Corner Chomper--Scallop & Cloud

Happy Birthday Coffee Queen!

2010-07-14T18:29:00.001-07:00

Today is the birthday of a very special person--my mom, the Coffee Queen! (I'm just the Coffee Princess.) She loves lavender, frilly, bling, and of course, coffee so this card came together pretty easily. I used a sketch, and I can't remember where from. Maybe Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge? Anyway, thank you anonymous sketch donor! ;->

I also used a very special product: see that lovely, scrunchy, hand-dyed seam binding? I won the most delicious package of it on fellow Papertrey Pixie Michelle Phillipi's blog giveaway. I will be taking a picture of the packaging soon because you won't believe how clever and gorgeous it is, but in the meantime, I would love to direct you to the Etsy shop of the creator, Michele: this good day . I am doing this on my own, she hasn't asked me for any favors, but I am doing YOU a favor if you love this very popular embellishment. Hopefully you can see in the picture that it's variegated, unique, luxurious, and so, so beautiful! It comes in lots of luscious colors too. I dare you to look at that Etsy shop and not drool!

I can't believe I actually used some and didn't hoard it. Well, for Mom . . . Otherwise, this card is pretty self-explanatory. Coffee cup stamp, patterned paper, stamped paper, dies, embossing folder, bling. If you look reeeeally closely, you can see that I even used something totally new for me: a stick pin! It's stuck in the knot of the bow, but you have to search it out because it's partially hidden. :-)

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Background Basics: Retro; Verve--Big Wish; Stamps 'N More--coffee cup
Paper: PTI--Plum Pudding & Lavender Moon; stash
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; Ranger--Milled Lavender Distress Ink; PTI--Fresh Snow; Watermark Frost
Punches: Corner Chomper--Cloud & Round
Ribbon: this good day seam binding
Rhinestones: Kaiser
Pin: Maya Road
Flower: Prima
Dies: Spellbinders--Classic Circles; PTI--Medium Scallop

***Just a reminder: I'd love to have you join my Christmas in July Challenge! There are two prizes up for grabs, $25 PTI gift certificates! The details are right here.

Color Throwdown #100!

2010-07-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

***This is my second post for today. Scroll down if you'd like to see a get well card I posted earlier. Thanks!

Finally! I've photographed a card and uploaded it in time for a Color Throwdown challenge! Number 100, to be exact, which is a very big deal over on the challenge blog--take a look!

I inked up one of the goodies from PTI's June release, All About You Additions, for this card. I stamped the flowers on the nestie, and then again on Pure Poppy and Hibiscus Burst cardstocks, embossing with clear embossing powder and coloring with Copics. Then I cut out the flowers and popped them up to varying heights on foam. I colored clear rhinestones with the Copics to match and placed them as the flower centers. I sponged a little "ground" and "sky" on the nestie, and then layered it on some blocks of cardstock. I embossed the blue paper and then cut the edge with those old decorative scissors we all have lying around from the early days (or am I dating myself?--hee!). I stamped some Spring Moss dots down the side, and then attempted one of my first ribbon "treatments." It was meant to be . . . different . . . than it turned out, but I kind of like its funky vibe! I sewed down the middle first for some interest. I knew I'd need a small sentiment, so I went looking in that old standby, Paper Tray. It comes in handy!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--All About You Additions, Polka Dot Basics & Paper Tray
Paper: PTI--SS White, Spring Rain, Hibiscus Burst & Spring Moss
Ink: PTI--Spring Moss, Pure Poppy, Hibiscus Burst & Spring Rain; Versafine Onyx Black
Die: Spellbinders--Big Scalloped Rectangles
Copics: YG23, 91; RV23, 34; R27, 59
Ribbon: PTI--Pure Poppy satin; DMC--White floss
Decorative Scissors: Provo Craft
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Super Fine Detail Clear
Rhinestones: Recollections
Impression Plate: PTI--Linen

MTSC81: You're a Hoot!

2010-07-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Edited to say that Lee Anne suggested that I enter this card in the "Fun & Cute" challenge at Moxie Fab World. So I did! Thanks, Lee Anne!

Here's a card I made for a friend in my book group who had a stroke on the 4th of July. (Fortunately, it was mild and he will be fine.) He is funny, so when I saw this $1 stamp set at Michaels the other day, I couldn't resist it for a masculine get well card. The inside sentiment is, "Hang in There." I used some PP I got on the same Michaels trip--I wasn't intending on getting any paper, but have you seen DCWV's Songbird stack? Too cute. It had to come home with me! You can see a tidbit of it here (scroll down a bit).

I used the sketch from Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #81. You can see I flipped it a bit. It's sort of upside-down mirror image. Sort of. :-D I paper pieced the owl, then cut it out and popped him up on foam squares and sponged the oval to give it the look of sky. Masculine cards can be challenging, but I think this fits the bill!

Supplies
Stamps: Studio G--You're a Hoot; PTI--Background Basics: Woodgrain; Stampendous--Changito the Monkey (inside sentiment)
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream & Dark Chocolate; DCWV--Songbird; stash
Ink: Versafine--Vintage Sepia; Watermark; PTI--Tea Dye duo & Spring Rain
Buttons: PTI--Dark Chocolate
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Clear Extra Fine Detail
Die: Spellbinders--Classic Oval
Distressing Tool: Heidi Swapp
Corner Punches: Stampin' Up; Corner Chomper

HEC #8 / SSIC #46

2010-07-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

WARNING: Do not make fun of my Copic "skillz" or your computer will self-destruct! :-D

Tonight I am posting a card I made for two challenges: Firstly, Ted's Happily Ever Challenged #8 (here) which challenges us to use red, white and blue. I hope my green leaves don't disqualify me! I could have made blue or red leaves, but that would have looked really strange. ;-> I also decided to enter the Stamping Sisters in Christ Challenge #46 (found here). It's my first time playing with them.

I was inspired to make this card by Peggysue at Roses By My Window. This card here just took my breath away. Isn't it amazing? My card doesn't look anything like it, but I did go make it right after seeing Peggysue's card!

So, I inked up YOF: Roses for the first time! I was intimidated, but I just went for it, Copics-wise. Practice makes perfect, right? I'll get there. I used some PP scraps I've had forever (one of them was printed with "1998" on the back, LOL!) for the backgrounds and the leaves. And that dotty Cuttlebug embossing folder--I think that particular one gets more use than all the others combined! I decided on a sentiment, punched out a tag, and then had to ink the sentiment one word at a time to split it so it would fit.

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI--YOF: Roses, Paper Tray, and Round & Round
Paper: PTI--SS White, stash
Ink: Watermark; Memento--Tuxedo Black; Color Box--Sky Blue
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Clear Detail
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug
Floss: DMC--White
Dies: Spellbinders
Eyelet: Doodlebug Design
Punch: McGill--Multi Tags Scallops
Copics: R27, 29, 59; YG63

C4C44 and Papertrey Paper Dolls #10

2010-07-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

Today's card meets two challenges--well, three actually. I used the sketch from the Papertrey Paper Dolls' Challenge #10, and the guidelines from Crazy 4 Challenges 44 to use two or more ribbons and combined them on this card. And, I'm just realizing that since it's a Christmas card, it's in the spirit of my own Christmas in July challenge! (Details on that here.) Forgive the picture location--yes, that is a kitty condo! I was in a hurry and the only decent light was at the patio doors where the condo sits. You'll see a few more cards with that background in the next week or so! :-D

I used a sticker for my focal point, one a friend had given me last year that I saved to make a card this year. It makes a pretty cute Christmas card, I think! I used Spellbinders dies to cut out the gold and white papers, embossed the red--and swiped it with gold ink--and threw in a piece of PTI PP cut with a border punch. After stamping the sentiment, I mounted it on one ribbon, which I tied at the ends with another ribbon. Oh, and the little snowflake stickers came with the snow globe sticker. Now I have two Christmas cards done, LOL!

Supplies:
Stamp: PTI--Winter Swirls
Stickers: Sandylion
Paper: PTI--SS White, Pure Poppy & Green Boutique PP; stash
Ink: Watermark; Encore--Gold
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug
Ribbon: Offray, Michaels
Border Punch: EK Success

Petite Posse Challenge #3

2010-07-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Popping in to post a quick card. This one I made for the Petite Posse Challenge #3--thanks gals for letting me play along with you! It was also supposed to be for a Color Throwdown challenge, but I didn't get it posted in time for that one. I have intended to enter a Throwdown challenge many times now, but I'm always late--it must have to do with my schedule versus when the challenge posts or something like that.

Anyway, thanks to the Papertrey Posse I thought way back to my first PTI order--the challenge was to tell how you discovered PTI, what your first stamp set was, and then to use that set. Well, I discovered PTI reading Erin Lincoln's blog one night (back when it was on CK's website--she's one of my scrapbooking idols) and she blogged about how her husband had asked her to make him some thank you cards for people at work. She pulled out a stamp set (Out On a Limb) and made the most amazing cards. They weren't cutsey! They were gorgeous! I *had* to know more about this company. I clicked on her link, and the rest is history. ;-D I had a very hard time deciding on my first order, and there have been so many since then (ahem) that I'm not 100% sure if this is what I got that first time, but I think my first order consisted of Out On a Limb, Butterfly Kisses, Borders & Corners: Square, and Borders & Corners: Circles.

So I pulled those sets out and ultimately chose to use Butterfly Kisses and Borders & Corners: Squares on my card. I intended to use a butterfly image or two, but somehow I couldn't make them work, so I used a sentiment--I still love the fonts in this set! And the dots in a square, of course. I knew when I saw them that the Borders & Corners sets would get lots of use by me and I was sure right! At the time, no one else that I knew of had anything like them and they gave me an inkling that PTI was going to be my "go to" stamp company. It think it's a great "testimony" (I don't mean to be irreverent) for PTI that I am still using my very first sets from them two years later! Anyway, I'm getting a bit long-winded here, sorry about that! For this card, I also made my first homemade ribbon flower embellishment. I've been meaning to try to make one for months and I finally did it! This one is my second try, actually. [Anjillic Tip: Hold onto one end of the stitching on the ribbon so you gather the ribbon instead of simply pulling the thread out!] This card is for one of my very few "in person" crafting friends. She's a great scrapbooker and just starting to get into cards. I knew when I saw the color combo on the Color Throwdown blog that it would be just right for her birthday card because they remind me of her.

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Butterfly Kisses & Borders & Corners: Square
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream, Enchanted Evening, Berry Sorbet & Simply Chartreuse; stash
Ink: PTI--Enchanted Evening & Simply Chartreuse; Versacolor--Cinnamon
Ribbon: PTI--Berry Sorbet
Brad: Making Memories
Pearl: Recollections
Punches: EK Success, Fiskars
Die: Spellbinders
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug

Jill's First Annual Christmas in July Challenge!

2010-07-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome papercrafting friends to my first blog challenge! Much as I'd like to, I don't have the time to do regular challenges, so I thought I'd do a doozy when I do get the chance! I've decided to hold a "Christmas in July" challenge because I really, really, really want to make all my holiday cards this year, and I don't want to leave it to the last minute. I thought that with this challenge, I could motivate myself to get an early start, perhaps benefit someone else out there in blogland by doing the same for them, and make two readers very, very happy by awarding them PTI gift certificates!

So, here are the rules:
1) Make a Christmas card (Hanukkah counts too). If you don't celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, perhaps you have a friend who does and you can make a card for him/her.

2) Upload your card to your blog or an online gallery (with a link back to the challenge please) and add your info to Mr. Linky at the end of this post.

3) Leave a comment after you've added your link. If you choose to become a follower of my blog, or are already a follower, leave another comment and you will have two chances to win! Blog about the challenge and you can leave a 3rd comment for three chances!

The challenge runs from July 1-31, and the winners will be announced on this blog on August 1. There are no limitations as to design, stamp company(ies), colors, techniques, etc.. The card can be religious or secular and any size.

The winners will be chosen in two ways: One winner will be from a random draw of all comments left after linking/following/blogging. The other will be chosen by me from all the cards entered--my favorite card gets a prize! The prizes are both . . . drumroll please . . . $24 gift certificates to Papertrey Ink! Yes, you can get a wonderful quality, highly creative, gorgeous stamp set from PTI just for entering my 1st Annual Christmas in July Challenge!

To start us off, I made a cute little card for my 3-year-old nephew. [I can't believe I actually have a Christmas card checked off, and it's only July 1st!] I chose a snowman since they are special to me and he has picked up on this--he made Christmas cards last year for family (including my dog, lol!) and they all had a snowman on them. At least that's what I'm told. The three balls of snow aren't actually touching, but it's totally the thought that counts, right?! What a sweetie! I used Holiday Button Bits for the main image, and tried to keep the style & colors in the "boy" range. Adrian's favorite color is green, as he has reminded me a few hundred times, and I thought the background paper looked like a sweater and snowballs at the same time. I also thought there was a sweater-y pattern to the button. I love the gold twine I used to tie the die cut to the card--I just got it from Michelle at Stamper's Dream and it's great because it's twine/cording but it holds a knot really well, unlike the stuff sold in stores for Christmas wrap. (FYI--she has several colors, I recommend it if you're in the market.) I made sure to listen to a few Christmas songs on my iPod as I made the card, to get into the spirit! I hope this challenge brings you a little bit of Christmas cheer in the middle of summer!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Holiday Button Bits & Polka Dot Basics II (on the scarf--hard to see)
Paper: PTI--Vintage Cream & Simply Chartreuse; Zoe Pearn Bloom & Grow; watercolor
Ink: Versafine--Onyx Black; PTI--Spring Rain & Simply Chartreuse; Ranger--Tumbled Glass & Brushed Corduroy Distress Inks
Button: PTI--Spring Rain
Die: Spellbinders
Distress Tool: Heidi Swapp
Fun Flock: Stampendous--Cotton Ball White (on ball on top of hat)
Twine: Stamper's Dream--gold
Pens: Copics--R27, R59 & Colorless Blender; atyou Spica--clear, peach

Papertrey Pixies Challenge #2

2010-06-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

I actually made this card a couple of weeks ago, but am just getting it posted in time by the skin of my teeth (which is a really odd expression, if you think about it; now I'm wondering about its origins). :-D Karen H. was hostess this month for the Pixies' challenge, and she gave us for inspiration this lovely set of fat quarters from which we were to take any aspect we chose: layout, colors, pattern(s), and so on. Since my favorite aspect of papercrafting is COLOR, that's what immediately came to my mind. To me, the colors I saw here were Raspberry Fizz, Orange Zest, Summer Sunrise, Simply Chartreuse, and Smokey Shadow. Oh, and white of course. :-) So I made a simple card with pops of those colors. I used watermark ink and a tiny polka dot stamp on a swatch of each color, and then punched out flowers from the swatches (there's a big flower and a little flower if you look closely). I embossed the white on white panel with a polka dot embossing folder and attached the flowers to it with white brads. A Spellbinders label for the sentiment and some Orange Zest bitty dot ribbon and this card was done! Oh, and on the inside is the Smokey Shadow flower (didn't want you to think I'd forgotten it) and lots of room to write. Thanks for the fun challenge, Karen!

Supplies
Stamps: Polka Dot Basics II & Communique Curves Sentiments
Paper: PTI--SS White, Simply Chartreuse, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, Raspberry Fizz & Smokey Shadow
Ink: Watermark; Versafine--Onyx Black
Ribbon: PTI--Orange Zest Bitty Dot
Die: Spellbinders
Brads: stash
Punches: Papershapers
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug

June PTI Blog Hop!

2010-06-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

June's challenge is to use your favorite PTI color combo! Well, here's mine: RIPE AVOCADO, SPRING MOSS, RASPBERRY FIZZ & HIBISCUS BURST!

Nichole asked participants to put their color combo up top on their post, in BOLD. I wish I knew how to make those color thingies--you know, like paint samples. You know, I'd happily take a class on computer design for papercrafting blogs. I'd like to know how to make other things too, like a badge, and a banner, and . . . well, I'll have to look into that. Anyway, here is my favorite PTI color combo. I really don't know why it's my favorite, except that it makes me happy to use it. Pink is my favorite color, and I do reach for green more than any other color (except maybe blue) when papercrafting. I needed a get well card, and since my June PTI goodies didn't arrive in time for me to play with them, (sad face), I decided on a favorite, Dawn's Scattered Showers. I stamped the raindrops with watermark ink on the Ripe Avocado cardstock and the paper pieced the umbrella and popped it up on a nestie. Some more patterned paper, a popped up sentiment, ribbon and dew drops--oh, and I used my 2-Way Glue Pen and added glitter to the outside edge of the circle. I also shaded the circle, but it seems to be really hard to see in my picture. This will go out today to hopefully cheer up a friend. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! *** Before I go I want to make an exciting (for me, at least!) announcement: On July 1st, I will be posting my first ever challenge! It will be a month-long card challenge and there will be TWO prizes! We're talking PTI gift certs, people! :-D So tune back in next Thursday for the details, I'd love to have you join in!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--Scattered Showers & Scattered Showers Additions
Paper: PTI--Ripe Avocado, Spring Moss, Raspberry Fizz, Hibiscus Burst, SS White; pp--stash
Ink: Watermark; Versafine--Onyx Black
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Clear Fine Detail
Punches: EK Success border punch; Corner Chomper
Dies: Spellbinders
Ribbon: PTI--Hibiscus Burst
Dew Drops: Stamping Bella
Glitter: Prisma

MTSC78: Happy Birthday Dad

2010-06-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

I kind of had an idea in my head for my dad's birthday card (his birthday is a week after Father's Day--I know, how'd he plan that?) and when I saw Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #78, I thought I'd turn it on its side . . . and square it up . . . and it would be a great layout for my idea! I had had the color combo of Enchanted Evening, Terracotta Tile, Spring Rain and Fresh Snow jotted down for a couple of months but hadn't tried it out yet. It seemed like a masculine color scheme so I thought this would be a good opportunity to use it. Firstly, I did a practice ink up of A Little Argyle since it was my first time using it. I don't know about you, but I had a feeling that for me there would be a Learning Curve with this set! I'm so glad I practiced first! (The dotted lines go inside the diamonds, the dotted lines go inside the diamonds, the dotted . . . well, you get it, LOL!) Once it "clicked" in my head, I made the little rectangle of argyle without incident. Whew! This was also my first time using the bicycle image from Everyday Button Bits, and in retrospect, I need to practice the "ground" shading a bit, but it'll do. My dad is a biker . . . um, cyclist . . . so I think he'll enjoy the image. An argyle Cuttlebug folder, some paper piercing (around the blue edge--hard to see), twine & a tag . . . I think that about does it. Thanks for looking!

Supplies
Stamps: PTI--A Little Argyle & Everyday Button Bits; Gina K. Designs--Simple Pleasures (sentiment)
Paper: PTI--SS White, Enchanted Evening, Terracotta Tile & Spring Rain
Ink: PTI--Enchanted Evening & Terracotta Tile; Versafine--Onyx Black; Ranger--Tea Dye Distress Ink
Buttons: PTI--Spring Rain; stash
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug
Embossing Powder: Ranger--Clear Fine Detail
Dies: Spellbinders
Pens: Copics; atyou Spica
Twine: PTI
Misc: pinking shears, paper piercer, DMC Ecru floss