Blue Egg Paper Craze

Terracotta and Aqua

2011-08-11T14:41:00.000-04:00

Great color combo! I thought I'd do something different and pair up this striking Terracotta with Aqua. I think it turned out great! My only complaint, maybe I should have clear embossed the sentiment to help it stand out as it was stamped over the medallion image.

Supplies:
Stamps: Merci and Mehndi Medallion (PTI)
Paper: Aqua Mist, Terracotta Tile (PTI)
Ink: Vintage Cream (PTI)
Ribbon: Aqua Mist Satin (PTI)
Corner Rounder: Corner Chomp
Other: Tiny Pearls (Michaels)

cQc#95 and FTL#151

2011-07-31T09:45:00.000-04:00

This week's Color Q challenge colors are fabulous! I had not taken a good look at the new Stampin' Up! In Colors but I must say, I love them! Since I didn't have any of them on hand, I improvised with what was available.

Oh My Heavens! Can you believe this embossing powder?!!! I think I'm in LOVE! This is the new Recollections embossing powder (by Michaels stores) in Glacier. On top of that gorgeous blue - perfection! I can't wait to try it on tons of dark colors. I was seriously laying in bed this morning thinking I need to try it on Kraft cardstock. I held myself back and didn't buy any other colors, but they had bright pink, chartreuse green, champagne, baby blue.... I could go on! I've gotta try them ALL -bwa ha ha! ;)

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (color unknown), Berry Sorbet, Whisper White
Ink: Versamark, Close to Cocoa
Stamps: Sentiment, Mehndi Medallion (PTI)
Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart) Apron Scallop punch (Fiskars)
Embossing Powder: Glacier (Recollections)
Brown crinkle ribbon (SU!)

Chartreuse Birthday

2011-07-29T17:40:00.000-04:00

Here's a B-Day card I made for one of my sisters in law. I like the black and chartreuse color combo. I think I'll have to try it again sometime.

Stamps: Boho Blooms (SU), Mat Stack 2, Birthday Girl sentiment (PTI)

Clear Embossing powder

Simply Chartreuse satin ribbon

Tiny adhesive pearls

FTL 147

2011-07-09T20:17:00.000-04:00

I love this paper, even if I haven't had much of a chance to use it. Here's my take on the sketch:

Card Measures: 5" square
Circles: 1 3/8"

Cardstock: cardbase - Berry Sorbet (PTI), circles - Cameo Coral, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze (all SU!), Harvest Gold (PTI), Scalloped Edge - Fine Linen (PTI)
Patterned paper - American Crafts
Stamps - Flower Fusion #4 (PTI), Sentiment (PTI)
Stickles

Hello Again and Violet Birthday

2011-07-07T14:52:00.000-04:00

Sooo..... I know, I know, it's been awhile. In my defense, I did just buy my first home, start home improvement/beautification projects (hello teal green kitchen! LOVE!!), move, host visiting friends and family, and deal with the onset of summer.

I never stopped crafting. And I certainly NEVER stopped buying more supplies ;).

Now that my life is back in order, and I'm in between house projects (oh the joy of owning a home! - mostly painting/decorating ideas), I thought it'd be nice to update the old blog-O. Enjoy!

This card I made a while back and thought it'd be nice to share. I masked the larger violets when I stamped. This technique allows for the appearance of smaller violets behind the larger ones. Super easy, and super effective.

Stamps: YOTF Violets (PTI), Mat Stack 1 (PTI), Sentiment from Butterfly Dreams (PTI)

Paper: Whisper White (SU!), Elegant Eggplant (SU!)

Ink: Elegant Eggplant (SU!), White (SU!)

Embellishments: Rhinestones (Michaels), Prisma Glitter (PTI)

OTWC #47

2011-03-02T13:45:00.000-05:00

I love purple! It was one of the colors at my wedding. I was so happy to see a challenge this week with lovely shades of purple included. Here's my take - super simple.

Favorite Color Combos

2011-02-28T14:46:00.000-05:00

During the Papertrey Ink anniversary celebration, Nichole Heady posted the favorite color combos for each PTI design team member. I thought I'd try some out. I think this one was Betsy's favorite color combo: Scarlett Jewel, Hibiscus Burst, Harvest Gold and Rustic Cream. Here's what I came up with:

I used the Copic trios for Summer Sun on my center butterfly, and the Copic trios for Hibiscus Burst on my other two butterflies. The sentiment was stamped in SU! Purely Pomegranate. I used clear embossing powder on the Mat Stack 1 die cut. I ran the card front through my Cuttlebug to emboss with the Moroccan Screen embossing folder. I love this color combo as well. I'll have to try it out more in the future. What's your favorite color combo?

cQc #72

2011-02-19T17:55:00.000-05:00

Yeah! I completed a challenge this week! I love the sweater Arielle chose for the Color Queen Challenge this week. I love the color combo for cards as well. I liked it so much, I made two cards!

This was actually the second card I made, but I like it the most. I used my new Dot Spot from PTI (Papertrey Ink). I love the graduated dots that give a 3-D effect. And these colors in the Dot Spot - perfect! I also love the Say it with Style stamp set (also by PTI), but I rarely find just the right fit for it. Fortunately, I was able to use it for both my cards.

I stamped my sentiment in Not Quite Navy on Baja Breeze cardstock.

Next up is the first card I made with this color combo. Not sure why, but I just didn't like it that much. I stamped the background with the Diamonds Background stamp in Versamark. I also used the Monday Video tutorial from PTI a couple weeks ago, mixing and matching sentiments from several different sets.

I used Fine Linen buttons for my bit of Kraft on this card. Enjoy your weekend!

Valentine's Day Madness!

2011-02-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

For some reason, this year, I have gotten into Valentine's Day more than I ever have. Maybe it was all the cute projects/ideas on the How Does She site. Yeah, that was probably it. Valentine's Day Ideas

I saw these jars with vinyl lettering posted and thought: What an EASY teacher gift! So I enlisted the help of one of my girlfriends, Windy. She owns a vinyl lettering business and does the cutest stuff! Check it out here. She happily agreed to cut vinyl for me and a bunch of other friends. I thought: ok, now all I need is to stop by Hobby Lobby and pick up jars. But.... then I found these little jewels I'd been saving up: Gold Canyon Candle jars that were cleaned an prepped and just waiting to be filled with, something. I used these free downloaded Valentines by CreativeMama.com as tags for each jar

Next up, I loved the tin mailbox idea for each of my kids. Once again, Windy helped me out and cut all my vinyl. I can't wait to surprise the kids with these little cuties filled with Valentine's Day treats! I couldn't resist, I HAD to get the pink one for myself.

Finally, I tried the heart shaped Rice Krispie Treats. I used a spatula and melted milk chocolate for some goodness on top. Then I sprinkled with some V-Day Wilton's sprinkles. Once again, I used the free downloaded Valetines. The treat bags I picked up at Michael's. At first I was hoping for some heart printed ones, but they must have all been sold out. It was Feb. 11th, afterall. But I actually like the pink polka dot better, because I can use them for anything now.

Favorite PTI Project of 2010

2011-02-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

I glanced through my prior blog postings and have to say this card is probably my favorite from the last year. I made it for a friend's October birthday. I love the layers of Mat Stack, label and the combination of stamping and preprinted embellishments from the Color Couture collection.

PTI January Blog Hop

2011-01-25T14:36:00.000-05:00

This month's challenge was to create something using a less used PTI stamp set. I got the Star Prints set shortly after it was release. I notice time and again, it's not always the set I reach for while creating. This month I thought I'd give it a try and make something baby themed for the Blog Hop. I made a card and a box (with a previously unused template I'd downloaded). It feels great to use what I have!

Colorful Butterflies

2011-01-16T16:42:00.000-05:00

I decided to try out some of my new copics. I used the Aqua Mist, Berry Sorbet and Summer Sunrise colors. I embossed a 1/4 sheet of Cameo Coral cardstock with the Elegant Lines folder by SU!. Sentiment is stamped in Ruby Red. I used a touch of Stickles for the bodies of the butterflies. I also glued only the centers down so I could pop the wings up off the card.

Snow Ball Pail

2011-01-15T08:23:00.000-05:00

I have a goal this school year to make a little something every month to send in to my boys' teachers. This month I thought I'd try the Snow Balls Nichole Heady posted here. I followed this recipe from the food network, but I have some suggestions: first, I'd cut down the heavy cream, I also had to add a TON of powdered sugar, and last, I added some coconut to the truffle mix. Otherwise, you'll end up with a runny mess.

Now for the fun stuff! I picked up these medium clear paint cans at Michael's and added a strip of Heidi Grace Snowflake Park flocked paper I had punched with my Apron border punch.

I downloaded the font (Christmas Flakes) from Dafont.com for free. Once I printed my Snow Balls label I die cut it from the Mat Stack 4 die by PTI. I ran both my label and the paper strip through my sticker machine to make them easy to apply to the paint cans.

Finally, I added some coordinating Heidi Grace snowflake rub ons. They were the perfect touch!

I loved the way these turned out! I hope the teachers liked them too.

Baby Buttons

2011-01-08T22:30:00.000-05:00

I love the way Maile Belles has been using the silk ribbon to tie on buttons. Can you tell? I also fell in love with the Spring Moss/Avocado color combo. I used Spring Moss paper and Old Olive ink for this one. The button is Fine Linen. I wanted to pull in some of the other background colors, so I used my Prima flowers and added some centers.

cQc #66

2011-01-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

I can hardly believe Christmas is over already. This Holiday season seemed to fly by this year. I'm finally getting back into the swing of things with my papercrafting. I haven't played along with the Color Queen Challenge in some time, but when I saw this color combo, I immediately thought of my Tea for Two stamp set. Here's what I came up with.

I stamped the Mat Stack 1 with Versamark and clear embossed. I didn't have any Daffodil Delight, so I used a Harvest Gold button and Harvest Gold Ribbon. I was inspired by the polka dots from the sample image, so I used my cuttlebug embossing folder for the background.

Skating By

2010-12-04T22:56:00.002-05:00

I loved Maile Belles' card a while back with cut out ice skates dangling on the front. Seen Here I thought I'd try my own version. I cut mine out of glitter cardstock with my Cricut. I used some downloaded Color Couture paper from PTI, along with a Color Couture card template. First time I've used either.

Cherry Cobbler Thank You

2010-11-26T09:45:00.000-05:00

I was SUPER excited when PTI released the stamp set that coordinated with their Mat Stack Die 1. I'm looking forward to all the other releases to follow! I'm in love with labels, Just like the rest of the stamping world, I suppose. I like the look of white stamped on Cherry Cobbler, so I decided to try it again, with the Delightful Dahlia stamps. I added tiny pearls under the sentiment, medium ones on the smaller flowers, and large pearls on the big flowers. I really love the simplicity and beauty of this one.

Felt Christmas Tree

2010-11-24T14:31:00.000-05:00

I loved the idea of the green felt Christmas tree and different colored buttons that Maile Belles used on her blog back in Sept. Now that I finally have the tree die, I decided to try my own version. I used buttons from an Autumn Leaves Bag o Buttons (I loved the Christmas color combo).

Then I mounted the tree to a piece of Baja Breeze cardstock that was embossed with Elegant Lines.

FTL 117

2010-11-23T09:19:00.000-05:00

I am so happy with how this card turned out. I have been wanting to experiment with white dots on Cherry Cobbler paper for a while. I cut the snowflakes with my Cricut from white glitter cardstock.

Pretty Paper

2010-11-17T14:28:00.001-05:00

Eek! Are we REALLY more than half way done with November???! Where did the time go? I have been super busy the last couple of weeks and haven't updated. But today I HAD to share this card because of the gorgeous paper! It almost felt immoral to cover it up.

I used the new Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Up! paper for the card base, and Victorian scalloped circle. As well as the ink to stamp the Holiday Tags 2008 (PTI) center. I added glitter to my star with a two way glue pen. The sentiment was stamped and embossed with a mixture of white detail embossing powder and glitter. I added some Aqua Mist ribbon to accent the mat of Aqua Mist.

FTL #114

2010-10-30T14:06:00.000-04:00

I used some spare maple leafs I punched from a previous card. I used those to make my flowers, and a flourish from PTI's Fancy Flourishes. The sentiment is from Everyday Button Bits.

Mummy Oreos

2010-10-29T10:30:00.000-04:00

I found this idea when someone on the PTI forum posted a link. I HAD to try these. Here's the link: Halloween Cookie Suckers

The website with the instructions even has a free downloadable PDF for the bags. I used the snapshot tool on Adobe to only print out the front of the bag (I'm stingy with my colored ink) and added some orange stickles to the center of the circles. I made the box out of Basic Black and added the spider web stamp from Spooky Sweets II (PTI).

The mummies are wrapped in sucker bags I picked up at Michael's, and super thin orange ribbon. I stamped little tags from the retired SU! set Boogily Eyes. I used a watercolor pencil and blender pen to add some color to my mummies and topped them off with teeny tiny googily eyes. I matted the mummy image with Rich Razzelberry scalloped circles. On the back I stamped 'Happy Halloween' and a little pumpkin.

Some tips - my 'Boo Box's were a little top heavy from the suckers, not sure what would work best to keep these upright. That's why they're photographed laying down.

FTL112

2010-10-20T15:42:00.000-04:00

I have more ideas for this layout, but here is what I came up with yesterday afternoon. Stamped the text style stamp on Barely Banana in So Saffron. The sheer ribbon I picked up at Mike's and it's a perfect match to Rich Razzleberry.

Christmas Card Caddy

2010-10-17T15:45:00.001-04:00

I saw this idea a couple of years ago in Holiday Cards and More (Vol.3) and wanted to try it. This year I was able to find the caddy at Hobby Lobby and finish it off with some of the Holiday paper I had left over from my other Christmas crafts. (see original post December 6,2009)

I began by sanding and then painting the inside of the caddy with two coats of Santa Red paint. After tracing each section with a pencil, I cut out my patterned paper. I assembled the front section complete with label and Pointsettia before attaching the panel. I brushed a thin layer of Modge Podge onto the wood and then placed my paper. I chose the 'Holiday Wishes' sentiment instead of simply stamping 'cards' on the front.

Cinema Saturday #98

2010-10-15T14:14:00.000-04:00

I haven't participated in this challenge in some time, but thought I'd give it a try this week. I remember seeing this movie in the theater, and I loved it! I think it's one of Robin Williams' best performances. I admit I was a little stumped with the felt challenge. I added the lines on my maple leaf with a marker, but later thought maybe I should have stitched the lines. Not my most favorite work - but I gave it a try.

Glitter Maples

2010-10-12T15:31:00.000-04:00

I love the colors of the leaves in fall. I used Martha Stewart Glitter in three colors to create this card. I cut the squares to 1.5 inches. I ran the backing through the sticker machine and coated it with glitter. I used chocolate bakers twine and a Harvest Gold and Orange Zest button. The sentiment is stamped in Really Rust. My favorite is the orange glitter.

Maple Leaf Gratitude

2010-10-09T17:58:00.002-04:00

I've seen Maile Belles do this a lot (and Arielle Gordon as well) and thought I'd try it on my own. As I was testing out the idea, I realized that I needed to place my buttons on a piece of paper that matched the color of the buttons in order to allow the gaps between buttons to go unnoticed. I covered my orange square with Extra Wide Tacky Tape and placed my buttons. Then, I thought, maybe I could fill in the gaps by pouring glitter in instead. Since the tacky tape already covered the area, the glitter sticks like a charm. I like the tiny bit of extra glitz when the light hits it (even if you cant see it well in this picture).

Happy Fall Teacher Gift

2010-09-26T14:44:00.001-04:00

I know it's a little ambitious, but I plan on giving my boys' teachers a little something papercrafted every month. I can't seem to resist with fall upon us. This month I have these little jar candles I bought for their 1st day of school gift, but forgot about. So I included those with some new Hershey's Pumpkin Spice Kisses. These things are DELICIOUS, in case you haven't tried them yet....

I used some Doodlebug paper I've had for the last couple of falls. I just love it! Stamped the label with Rich Razzleberry and the leaf with So Saffron. The rhinestones were only 99 cents at Mikes (a great assortment of Halloween colors in various sizes). I think they add a lot to the finished project. I also think the strip of paper added to the top of the gable box makes the project look polished. Such a simple addition - but it adds so much.

PTI September Blog Hop

2010-09-25T14:42:00.000-04:00

This is the first time I've entered the blog hop for PTI. The challenge was to showcase something you've learned from other bloggers. As simple as it might seem, I hadn't tried using a layer of patterned paper behind my felt flowers until I saw the wonderful things Geny Cassady had done on her blog here.

Here is my version done up this morning:

I used Basic Grey paper with PTI Harvest Gold felt and new Fine Linen satin ribbon. The soft yellow cardstock was from my stash, Bazzill basics, I think.

Color Couture Fall Birthday

2010-09-24T15:29:00.000-04:00

I love the Color Couture from the August release at PTI. I used a sentiment, flower, leaf and boarder from the color collection. I did all the background stamping in versamark - leaves for the label and flourishes for the card. I threaded the buttons with twine, but I wonder how cute that would be with chocolate baker's twine. Hmmm.... something else to add to my order.

Easy Card Front

2010-09-22T16:22:00.000-04:00

I'm having some problems with my photo software, but I wanted to get something new up. I found these flocked stickers from Making Memories in the clearance bin at Michael's and thought I'd try them. This one was a square frame with flocked lines. I mounted the sticker on Chocolate cardstock. I know it's hard to make out, but I also stamped the Rich Razzelberry card base with Bella Toille in Versamark.

I added a felt flower and Lemon Tart button with a small sentiment tag.

New Color Combo

2010-09-16T16:08:00.000-04:00

I know the flash from this photo makes it a little hard to see, but the color of the card base is a soft aqua. I really wanted to experiment with this color combination. I love it! I embossed the flowers with white detail powder, and embossed the sentiment with Carnelian Pearluster embossing powder.

Beautiful Leaves

2010-09-05T15:12:00.000-04:00

I used a strip of some Christmas paper from last year, although I don't think anything about it screams 'Christmas only', to add some gorgeous green color to this card. I stamped my leaf background in white on kraft cardstock. For the buttons, I prethreaded each one before adhereing them with glue dots. The sentiment is from Lily of the Valley and stamped in Garden Green. I actually had this card in my head for a long time and finally got the idea to paper yesterday.

Non-Traditional Christmas

2010-09-03T15:24:00.001-04:00

I think this will be the second card for our Christmas workshop. I used a piece of pink patterned Christmas paper and embossed the Medallion using some white detail powder mixed with prisma glitter. I think it turned out great! I added a label cut from the Storybook Cricut cartridge. I used stamps from the Tree Trimming Trio, clear epoxy stickers and SU! dye ink in Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette and Rose Romance.

I love this card!

First Christmas Card

2010-09-01T09:53:00.000-04:00

I know, I know, it's only September 1st, but I'm already prepping for the Christmas craziness. Some of my friends, who attended a big Christmas workshop last year, want to do a cards only day this year. This is the first style card they chose - my take on a Christmas mini-bag from the new Stampin' Up! Christmas catalog. This one I used Certainly Celery and Garden Green. The patterned paper is left over from a few years ago - Foof-a-la-la-la (no kidding!).

I cut a circle using my Mervy (purple) circle punch. I'm not sure, I think it's 3 inch diameter. I used a pencil to trace the circle in the center of my vanilla cardstock. This was my guide for making my wreath. I cut about 20 circles of each: 3/4 in and 1/2 in. I just glued each circle individually in a pattern I liked. No real method to it. After I was happy with my wreath, I added three buttons and a pretied bow. I think if I do it again, I might change the color of the modern label I punched for the sentiment. I would also make the vanilla 'center' 4in x 4 1/4 in (instead of the 4x4 I did here).

Fall on the Brain

2010-08-29T14:08:00.000-04:00

I can't help it, I LOVE fall! I love everything about it - pumpkin patches, changing leaves, cooler weather, cinnamon in the air, apple pie. It's all so wonderful! That said, I couldn't help making a fall color inspired birthday card. I loved the ombre look of Maile Belle's card from this months Papercrafts magazine, so I decided to do my own version. I used Harvest Gold, Orange Zest, Terracotta Tile, and Dark Chocolate.

I stamped and used clear embossing powder on the leaf background. Then, I cut a mat stack 2 die in Dark Chocolate and added a Harvest Gold center. At first I was stumped - I don't own the Fall Tags set - which would have gone perfectly inside the mat stack. Then I decided to glance over what I had and see what would work - bingo! I used a stamp from the Spring Tag set and heat embossed it in clear. The sentiment I stamped in Really Rust ink.

Back to School Goodies

2010-08-21T15:20:00.001-04:00

I have been busy this week. School starts on Monday and things in my house have been a little crazy (but when aren't they, with three little boys running around?). I have finally completed the back to school gifts for the teachers and I'm so excited to share.

I used the Let's Do Lunch template from My Timeless Templates from PTI. This year, I used a strip of ribbon, which I folded near the end for extra strength, and secured with a bronze large brad. I also added a bow and school themed button to the front. These were both secured with hot glue after the box was put together.

I actually punched two of the file tab punches in red, one for the bottom, and one for the lid. Then I used velcro dots to keep the top closed. I think this method works the best.

Inside each box are 4- 4x4 note cards, a pillow box with beaded lanyard inside, and a matchbox with 4 Hershey's nuggets inside.

I used the Holiday Treats set by PTI to stamp the labels of the nuggets. I hand wrote "Welcome Back" with an Old Olive SU! marker.

One set of notes was a simple Thank You from Simply Stationary - I added a dry embossed line around the edge, 1/2 in from all sides.

For the other teacher I included monogrammed thank you notes from Simply Stationary. This time I used my black pen to add a line around the edge (1/2in from all sides).

Finally, I added beaded lanyards. I thought I was done last night, but I had no idea for packaging the lanyards to look cute. This morning I thought about a small pillow box. I dug through my patterns and found one the perfect size. I added a tag and some ribbon to the front.

Get Well Wishes

2010-08-12T08:03:00.000-04:00

I set out to make a get well card for a friend yesterday. I liked what I came up with so much, I decided to make two. The second one came together much faster, as you can imagine. I actually inked around the mat die with some vintage dye ink.

Take Two

2010-08-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

I liked the FTL sketch so much, I decided to try another variation. This time I stamped the small dahlias on white in Pale Plum and Rich Razzleberry. Then I cut the spellbinders smallest label out of my patterned paper, three in a row. This took some measuring and careful planning, but so worth it.

I added some Vintage Labels in Rich Razzleberry around the cut windows. I embossed the sentiment in white, although I think for this tiny font I really need detail white powder. Add that to my shopping list. I mounted the entire patterned paper using 3M Foam tape. Gives it a little depth but not too much.

FTL #102 and OTWC #19

2010-08-08T17:23:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love the colors this week from the OTWC challenge: yellow, pink and green. As always, the inspiration photo is fabulous. I also thought I'd combine this challenge with the FTL for this week.

At first I was going to use some teacups from the Tea for Two Additions set. But then, I saw my Delightful Dahlia and was inspired. I haven't used this set in a little while, so I pulled it out for the challenge. I thought it would be perfect with the leaves in place of the small circles for the sketch.

Usually I either stamp the dahlias in color on white, or color them in using copics or a blender pen. This time I thought I'd try something I've seen elsewhere and stamp and emboss them on colored paper. This made for a very simple, elegant card. I added some frames around the dahlias with the Vintage Labels set. The sentiment is from Damask Designs.

cQc #44

2010-08-05T16:08:00.000-04:00

I don't have any of the newest In Color colors. I substituted Ruby Red for Poppy Parade. Although I think the Poppy is a little more orange than this.

I used some PTI Polka Dot Basics for the background. I hope I didn't go a little too overboard on the Polka Dots on this one.

I also used the Cuttlebug embossing Swiss Dots folder for the black.

FTL #101

2010-08-04T13:05:00.000-04:00

I love the sketches from Clean and Simple. Maybe I keep mine a little 'too' clean and simple, but I love it that way.

I just got the Tea for Two and Tea for Two Additions stamp sets and dies from PTI. When I was getting ready to order them I knew exactly what paper I would use the most with them - some retired Stampin' Up! DSP Ginger Blossoms. I even went on ebay and bought 2 more packages of the paper because I was afraid I'd run out! lol. Since I didn't have the River Rock stamp pad, I stamped this tea pot in Chai from the PTI tea dye duo. Turned out perfect. I added a tiny Prima flower and copper brad.

OTWC #18

2010-08-03T11:23:00.000-04:00

At first I wasn't so sure about this color combo. Then I remembered that I had a Whiff of Joy image I had watercolored some time ago that would go perfectly. I used Pacific Point DSP and cardstock, along with Lemon Tart (PTI) cardstock.

I know it was the mojo sketch from a couple of weeks ago, but I saw those squares together and thought B-A-B-Y. I finished it off with some liquid pearls (I didn't know it until recently but to make these 'pearls' instead of peaks, you tap the paper from behind after placing the pearls where you want them).

Birthday Blog Hop

2010-07-28T08:15:00.000-04:00

Here's a little birthday card I made using the Eiffel tower from the retired SU! set Paris in the Spring. I also used the Happy Birthday from Delightful Dahlia (PTI).

The scalloped layer is actually some of that glitter paper. The rhinestones are Martha Stewart.

CQC #42 and FTL #99

2010-07-21T09:30:00.000-04:00

I am so happy I found Arielle's Colour Q Challenge site. I never would have paired these colors up on my own, and it was great to work with them. I also used the FTL on Clean&Simple to create this one. I love their layouts!

The only Tangerine Tango I had was from the textured In Color sampler, so I decided to use that as the base for my card. This card is 3.5x6 inches.

I used the now retired set True Friend by Stampin' Up! I love this stamp set. I usually use the sentiment that came with the set, but this time decided to go with one from Say It With Style by PTI. The large flower I used the Rock n' Roll technique. I stamped on the So Saffron pad first, than rolled the outer edge of the stamp on the Real Red stamp pad. I added some Pure Poppy buttons to the centers and -There it is!

OTWC #16 and Moxie Fab Classy & Elegant

2010-07-17T21:33:00.003-04:00

This is the first I've played along with the Off The Wall Craftiness challenge. I love love LOVE the picture collage. This card is also for the Card Style Classy and Elegant for the Moxie Fab World Blog Here

I bought this paper at a national chain called Paper Source. They have some of the most beautiful paper I've ever seen. This is Japanese paper with Cherry Blossoms in Pink and a coordinating pink scalloped design.

I matted the Japanese paper on light pink pearl cardstock. From the above picture you can see that the Japanese paper is a beautiful pearl. The sentiment (from Damask Designs PTI) I stamped in silver. I added small paper flowers with pearl centers to balance the card design.

I found this little white button that looked just like the blossoms which I stitched to the bow.

From the amount of pictures, you can tell I love this card. I'm not sure when or who I will give it to, but I will be sad to see it go when it does.

CQC #41

2010-07-16T17:48:00.001-04:00

I know Pink Passion is a bit more purple than this, but I really liked this glitter paper I had in my stash. The flowers are cut in Raspberry Fizz felt by PTI.

I used a pearl pink and silver on the scalloped edge, along with some SU! Gray Taffeta Ribbon. The sentiment is PTI.

My husband even offered his input - he suggested I mat the felt on a circle of gray to help it stand out. I think he was right.

Color Q #40

2010-07-10T20:43:00.001-04:00

I threw this together last night. Not sure if I'm satisfied with the end result. Anyway, I did use some PTI background stamps on the Barely Banana, Cameo Coral and Bermuda Bay.

Bright and Cheery

2010-07-06T15:52:00.000-04:00

Hello All! I picked up this American Crafts paper at the local scrapbook store. I couldn't pass up these bright and fun summer colors. I paired the patterned paper with Daffodil Delight and added Berry Sorbet (PTI) buttons. I also cut out some of the flowers from the patterned paper and mounted them with foam tape. This card is actually based on a card video done by Kristina Werner. Seen Here

Butterfly Blues

2010-06-28T22:55:00.001-04:00

I just bought 2 new copics this weekend - Robin's Egg (B02) and Frost Blue (B00). I'm taking baby steps with the copics - I now have 5 colors (3 pink and 2 blue). Yipee!

Anyway, experimented with them yesterday and came up with this butterfly in blue. I wanted to test how copics did with some of my SU! ink. So I stamped the butterfly in Pacific Point (I LOVE this blue!!) and then shaded the wings inward. I had a tough time finding a lighter color blue cardstock for the background, but this is what I came up with. I cut out the butterfly and mounted it with a foam square inside a Vintage Label stamped and cut out window. I resisted the glitter - this time...

MM #144 Mermaid

2010-06-27T21:43:00.000-04:00

I've had this mermaid a while, but couldn't come figure out how I wanted to use her. Here's what I came up with. I used Taken with Teal and the Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper from a while back.

I used large pearls in the center of her crown, then gradually went smaller. I colored her hair with SU! Watercolor pencils, but the rest I used my blender pen and ink pads. I coated her tail in some sparkly Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

I love it, it all feels so tropical!

Color Q #37

2010-06-20T12:05:00.000-04:00

I haven't played along with the color challenge in some time, so I thought I'd try my hand at it this morning.

I love the look of Ruby Red and Cameo Coral. I'm sad they are being retired at the end of this month.
I used my Ruby Red to stamp the text background and the Damask Star.

I wanted to stamp the sentiment in Very Vanilla by my pad doesn't seem to want to stamp with my clear stamps. I used Always Artichoke instead. The buttons are New Leaf by PTI. I actually don't care for SU!'s Cameo Coral ink pad, so I went with a Colorbox Rose Coral instead, I think it matches the color of the paper much better.

Original By Nichole

2010-06-19T09:22:00.001-04:00

I was so impressed by Nichole Heady's card (seen here) I wanted to try my own version. I stamped the butterfly using Robin's Egg by Colorbox and then used a two way glue pen to add Forget Me Not super fine glitter over the butterfly. This glitter I picked up at Paper Source and it has a beautiful blue hue to it.

I thought the Guide Lines 2 set would go nicely as a background so I stamped that in Versamark on Aqua Mist CS and inked around the edges with Very Vanilla ink. I used Kraft for the base and the strip of paper behind the ribbon. I stamped that strip with Text Style on Close to Cocoa ink. The scalloped edge is from some scrap brown paper. I finished it off with the ribbon loops (like Nichole showed in her video) in a brown satin ribbon. I love it. But I can't take any credit for the design idea - it's all Nichole.

Basic Grey Flowers

2010-06-13T16:06:00.000-04:00

I can't help but love this Basic Grey paper! It's called Lemonade, and doesn't it just make you think of summer? First up is a 5x5 in square. I cut the red square and added 1 1/2 squares of some of the paper from this collection. Then I decided to add a small element to each square.

The turquoise ribbon flower I found all made in the ribbon section of Joann's. That center button I just loved so much I HAD to include it somewhere.

After I had my red card front completed, I cut a 6x6 in sq and used my scalloped edge punch along all four sides. I trimmed up the corners with my straight scissors and added my card front. Finally I created my card base (5x5) and adhered it to the back of the scalloped layer. This was the only way I could think to get the scalloped edge all the way around.

For this card I used Basic Grey Sultry collection. I stamped my sentiment in Rose Romance before running it through my cuttlebug machine with the embossing folder.

I added coordinating buttons to the center of each flower (don't you LOVE that green one?!). These green buttons were from a 'Bag o Buttons' from Autumn Leaves.

The ribbon was from an old Chatterbox ribbon collection (olive) and worked perfectly. I might have to keep this card for myself, I love it so much! ;)

I came, I shopped

2010-06-09T16:37:00.001-04:00

I saw this quote a couple years ago in one of my cards magazines. I love it!!! SOOO ME! In case you can't see, it says: "Veni, Vidi, Visa. I came, I saw, I shopped." And don't you just love this shopping girl?! She's from a retired CTMH set, Ms. On the Go. These papers are KI Memories from my stash (I totally forgot I had them!), and I fell in love again with the color combo. I used the Penshurst and Penshurst Shadow fonts downloaded from dafont.com.

This is another use of my KI Memories paper. This time I cut some 1 1/4 inch squares. The label is the Penshurst font I printed and punched out with my Modern Label punch. The flower is felt, cut with the PTI die. I love the pink and orange together!

Same design, this time I put it on it's side and used a flower stamp from the discontinued Sweet on You stamp set. Again, I printed the sentiment and then punched it out.

One Card, Many Ways

2010-06-05T17:58:00.000-04:00

This card design I cased from a post by Maile Belles seen here (May 13 entry). I used some paper by My Mind's Eye and the Butterfly Dreams stamp set. I cut the butterfly from Cameo Coral and stamped over it in Ruby Red (what a great color combo!).

Here is the same card design with some of the same paper. This time I punched the Apron border punch along the edge. I stamped the vintage label in Ruby Red. The butterfly is cream felt with a Melon Berry button center.

Yet again, same card design. I liked the Apron border punch so much I used it here. The vintage label is stamped in Elegant Eggplant. This time, I decided to try something new and die cut the flower from purple craft foam. This gives the project a different dimension and texture than simple cardstock. I also discovered that the best way to adhere a button to craft foam is with hot glue. I then used a tiny dab of hot glue to adhere the flower to the card. The button is Ocean Tides and the ribbon Plum Pudding.

Teacher Appreciation

2010-06-02T22:41:00.000-04:00

So I know this is a little late for the teacher appreciation week, but I hope you enjoy. I used the Milk Made Timeless Template from PTI. This time I added a scalloped circle punch to the top of the containers.

I cut the flowers from felt and stitched the buttons on, then stitched the flowers to the top of the paper clip. I also used some of the Designer paper to cover the black portion of the clip.

I love this thank you label so much! I added some brads and the Kiwi Kiss ribbon to finish it off.

Pink Butterflies

2010-05-19T17:12:00.000-04:00

There are two things that have recently caught my attention in my papercrafting world: the color pink and butterflies. These projects are a reflection of that. First I have a card inspired by Nichole Heady's post back when they released the Butterfly Dreams stamp set. Here I decided to mask the center butterfly and then color each one a progressive color of pink. The card looked great, but I'm currently addicted to glitter too, apparently, so I had to go back over the butterflies with a glue pen and add glitter too. The sentiment is in an old SU! pink - Positively Pink.

This is another Butterfly Dreams card. First I stamped the flourish from SU! Baroque Motifs in Pink Pirouette and traced a few of the lines with some Diamond Stickles. Then I added some butterflies I'd die cut and colored with copics topped with glitter.

This card was inspired by one I saw on SCS with the PTI Violets set. This is the emboss resist technique. I used Delightful Dahlias instead and added Melon Mambo to the centers and the rest in Pink Pirouette. The center Dahlia is colored with copics and highlighted with a little glitter on a few of the petals. Like I said, I'm addicted to glitter lately.

Bermuda Bay, Baby

2010-05-13T09:59:00.000-04:00

I stamped and colored this stamp before I knew what paper I was going to use. I used SU! Watercolor pencils. I then had a hard time figuring out what paper to pair with it. I later realized the green watercolor pencil I used on her dress actually matches Bermuda Bay very nicely. I inked the edge with Very Vanilla ink before mounting the cut out stamped image to the center. This ribbon is BEAUTIFUL! I picked it up at Joann's. I think I'm in love....

This is another similar card to last week (another Go To Sketch). I used Basic Grey papers for this one. I added a sentiment from the Say it with Style set. I loved the limeade colored buttons - I was so glad I got to use them.

OK, another Go to Sketch (aren't they fabulous?). This time I was actually inspired by the shoes of a little girl at church. (Seeing card design ideas everywhere, that's when you KNOW you have a problem.) Her shoes were a dark gray and had spots in these colors stitched on them. Very cute. Anywho, I actually had another idea with stitching and paper tearing which I'll try later, but for now, I came up with this.

Peach Perfection

2010-05-07T09:16:00.001-04:00

Aren't these colors delicious? I see them and think of an Orange Cream-sicle. Mmmmmm. I used another Go To Sketch and die cut my butterfly from some PTI cream felt. I love this stuff! Can't wait for them to come out with more colors. I stitched a Melon Berry button to the center. The paper is My Mind's Eye Be Loved and Bazzill basics in Bluff. I stamped the sentiment in Ruby Red. This is one of the few times I've attempted the ruffled ribbon. It was a little difficult because I was using 1/4" score tape and I think my ribbon was only 1/2" wide.

Springtime Colors

2010-05-03T10:22:00.000-04:00

Greetings everyone! You ever have one of those days when you know you should be doing a bazillion things around the house, but all you want to do is papercraft? It's one of those days for me. It's a hot, humid, overcast day (and I think I'm coming down with a cold) so I'm not motivated AT ALL to do what I should. (BTW, sorry the pic looks off - I'm not even motivated enough to retake the picture. How sad is that?)

Anyway, this card I used my new Butterfly Dreams stamp set and the PTI Anniversary set Round and Round. I don't have the dies for the Mat, but I did notice that this image from Round and Round fits perfectly inside a spellbinders Labels 4 die. Isn't it lovely? I used some Colorbox inks for the butterflies and Perfect Plum for the circle. I found this ribbon (which matches Berry Sorbet PERFECTLY) at Joann's over the weekend.

Next up I have another birthday card inspired by the card I had done earlier with the scalloped circles and matching buttons. This time I cut the small flowers from the PTI die and added buttons.

Finally, I love these little chick buttons from the Everyday Button Bits set by PTI. Aren't these colors great together for a monochromatic card? I used Hawaiian Shores and Aqua Mist and some Chocolate Taffeta ribbon from SU!. I used Bermuda Bay to stamp the sentiment and wings.

Razzleberry Dahlia and Merci

2010-04-27T11:14:00.000-04:00

I created this card based on another sketch from the Go To Sketches issue of Papercrafts. To color this Dahlia I used my Rich Razzleberry ink pad and a blender pen. That's it! Hard to believe, huh? But with my blender pen I was able to get all these different variations of color! I love it!!

I used Stickles in the center of my flower. I also stamped the small dahlia in Pale Plum and more of the large dahlia in Rich Razzleberry. The sentiment in Rich Razzleberry too. I used my two way glue pen and some Dazzling Diamonds to accent some of the petals on the larger dahlias in the background. Although I think it might be too hard to make out the glitter in this picture.

My second card today is based on yet another sketch from the Go To Sketches issue. I used an Eiffle Tower Merci stamp from a set that was for demos only several years back. I used black and Regal Rose for the alternating images.

The ribbon is PTI and the button is thread with PTI Rustic Twine. The button's from my stash. I also used Stickles to go over the small X's on the Eiffel Towers. Simple, but I so love the simple!

Beautiful Dahlia

2010-04-23T16:53:00.000-04:00

Here is my first Dahlia card. I know it's a VERY girly kinda card, but I love this color combo. The turquoise is a some of that bazzill pearl cardstock. I stamped it with Robin's Egg ink by Colorbox. Perfect match! It was just what I wanted - I thought Versamark alone would be too light, and clear embossed would be too dark. I'm so pleased with this.

This is the first time I've colored with Copic markers. I chose the Hibiscus Burst color trio by PTI to test my skills. I like the way this turned out. My next attempt will be to color the Dahlia with my blender pen and Rich Razzleberry ink. Wish me luck!

Box and Fan Fold Flower

2010-04-22T09:49:00.001-04:00

I found this wonderful Bo Bunny paper last week at the local scrapbook store. Although I wish the pattern were on a smaller scale, I loved the flowers and the colors (I immediately knew the purple matched Rich Razzleberry). I used Lauren Meader's Slip Cover Box and my new paper and Martha Stewart Butterfly punch. I also used part of my Stampin' Up! sample sheet for Early Espresso and I have to say: I love this paper! It's a beautiful rich brown - perfect match. (I also love love love the Cherry Cobbler!)

This is the first time I've tried the fan fold flower and I learned a lot. First, I had to use KI Memories liquid glue to get the thing to stay together. Second, the scalloped edge gives the flower a nice look. And third, the flower looks more open with a single strip of paper. Fan Fold Tutorial

Finally, I never post pictures of my family here, but I couldn't help this one. Aren't these guys the cutest?! These are my three little boys.

Color Q #28

2010-04-18T19:59:00.000-04:00

I wasn't so sure about these colors at first. I actually saw some paper at Michael's that included all these colors. I had to resist the urge (I convinced myself I had too many other paper packs that I hardly touch) to buy them. I'm glad I didn't - I like what I came up with on my own with supplies I already had.

As I was using my Ruby Red I became sad at the idea that Stampin' Up! is retiring this color this summer. I used just a touch of Pumpkin Pie because I didn't want it to overwhelm everything. This seems to be a color palette best dabbled in small bits.

I used some of my newest PTI stamps: Text Style and a sentiment from Delightful Dahlias. I like that many of those sentiments fit inside my Modern Label Punch. I also wanted a close up of the white button I have layered over my Hawaiian Shores button - aren't the swirls fabulous?!

Birthday Box

2010-04-16T19:03:00.000-04:00

Another box for you guys. This one is the Time for Take out template from Timeless Templates on PTI. I used Bo Bunny paper and black with Pirouette Pink (I love this pink!!).

I added Prima flowers with some pearls on the front and back flaps. I stamped PTI polka dots II on the pink portion of the box. The top flower center I used a jeweled brad.

I added some Hibiscus Burst Bitty Dot Ribbon and some Black Swiss Dot Ribbon on the handle.

I filled the little box with some Dove chocolates.

Petal/Butterfly Box

2010-04-14T21:38:00.002-04:00

I made this box for a friend yesterday. I downloaded Lauren Meader's Pick of the Petals PDF from her online store: My Time Made Easy. It wasn't that hard to put together. I did make a mistake and affixed the tabs for the seams on the outside instead of the inside of the box. This made the base a little larger than it was suppose to be and the lid a little tricky to put on. But it worked!

I cut the butterflies from my Sizzix die in Rich Razzleberry and Razzleberry Lemonade DSP. Inside is a Fabreeze Brazilian Carnival candle. It smelled SOOooo good! I tied a simple white ribbon around the candle and cushioned it with a sheet of white tissue paper.

The label is by spellbinders and I inked inside the die with So Saffron. I stamped the sentiment in Rich Razzleberry. I used pearls and a yellow Prima flower for accent. It was great! I love making little boxes for people - so much fun to decorate!!

Mojo Monday #134

2010-04-13T19:36:00.001-04:00

I truly enjoyed this weeks sketch. I picked this wonderful paper - doesn't it remind you of 80's colors (turquoise, pink and black)? I love it! The ideas just flowed with this sketch. I actually bought this paper about a year ago and I'm finally using it.

I don't know if you can see it or not, but I stamped some Diamond Backgrounds (PTI) in Pink Pirouette on the Pink Pirouette cardstock. I also used PP to sponge my nestability label. I used my swiss dots embossing folder on the Regal Rose cardstock. I also stamped the sentiment in Rose Romance (aka Regal Rose).

Cinema Saturday and Go To Sketches

2010-04-09T10:42:00.001-04:00

This is actually the first time I've played along with the Cinema Saturday. I actually made another card inspired by the colors here, but I ended up not liking it much. Funny how you can think how great something will look, but end up disliking the finished product. So.... I decided to try again.

Here it is - CAS (Clean And Simple). It's a little tall (can ya tell?) at 4"x9". I was actually inspired by two different sources - one was the new Go To Sketches from Papercrafts, the other was a card designed on the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator site as an example of the new Soft Subtles. I used Rose Red and Pretty in Pink, So Saffron and an old In Color I think it was something Merigold, Mellow Moss and Certainly Celery, and Bashful Blue and another old In Color Buckaroo Blue. Anyway, I searched through my button stash and found coordinating buttons to stitch to the centers. I also used Versamark and stamped each scalloped circle with Polka Dots II from PTI. The sentiment is in Rich Razzelberry.

I promised myself a couple of months ago that I wouldn't buy any more card making idea books. I have a ton, and I've been more impressed with what I can find on SCS and other peoples' blogs. But.... I have seen so many people raving about how great this issue was (and I'm a sucker for sketches - anything to make design a little easier). I indulged yesterday and bought it. I was inspired to make the above card from one sketch, and this card from another:

Another simple card - not a lot of fanfare. But I loved the little houses and trees printed on the paper stack paper. I also stamped polka dots from PTI in Pretty in Pink on my PinP cardstock.

Mojo Monday #132

2010-04-03T21:59:00.000-04:00

Here's my take on the MM sketch.

I used some Soft Sky ribbon. I didn't realize until later that the ribbon was suppose to go beneath the square. Oops! I guess that makes it my own, right?

Color Q Challenge 26

2010-03-31T17:35:00.000-04:00

I never would have thought of these colors together (with the celery thrown in there). But it looks quite nice. I used the Bazzill pearl green paper (in case you can't tell). I also used PTI Plum Pudding ribbon for the Lavender Lace.

Spring Orchids

2010-03-30T16:43:00.000-04:00

Among my happy spring cards- another using the Martha Stewart Orchids 3D stickers. I couldn't think what an orchid stem looks like, so this is what I came up with. I later realized that they all bloom on a single stem. Oh well - too late now I suppose.

Butterfly Dreamin'

2010-03-25T16:38:00.000-04:00

I chose this color combo from a PTI color challenge a few weeks ago. These were Niki's favorites: Kraft, Hibiscus Burst, Raspberry Fizz, and New Leaf. I used SU! Kraft, Melon Mambo DSP, Hibiscus Burst ribbon and button, Regal Rose (for the butterfly instead of Hibiscus burst), and Garden Green.

This is a detail shot. I embossed the white with the Swiss Dot Cuttlbug folder.

This is another butterfly favorite. I cut the butterfly out in Melon Mambo DSP and also matted my white swiss dot embossed cardstock with Melon Mambo. I stamped the sentiment from Carte Postale in Melon Mambo and cut out with the Modern Label punch. I added light pink rhinestones to the corners of the wings.

Both of these cards are inspired by something I saw on Split Coast Stampers. After trying to search extensively to relocate the postings (I must have looked at 50 pages and tried numerous search topics) I couldn't find them. Sorry I can't link it up so you can compare.

Spring in the Air

2010-03-21T16:14:00.000-04:00

I have been in such a creative mood the last two days! Since yesterday afternoon I have nearly been working non-stop on making cards. Maybe it's because my new SU! goodies arrived on Friday. A little early birthday present for myself. But let's face it, I really didn't need an upcoming birthday to justify buying some stamping stuff, right? Anyway, since I've got a Cuttlebug now, I thought I'd try a Sizzix die and see how it went. I bought the SU! Butterfly die and am IN LOVE! I've been cutting butterflies of different shapes and colors and just having so much fun.

Anywho... I loved this card style the most - even if it took a bit of work. I found this posted on Split Coast Stampers (here's her post: Butterfly Trifold) and decided to try it. It's a bit tricky but SOOOO worth it for the 'WOW' factor! Check out this tutorial: Half Cut Cards For another blog with a good sample: Click Here and scroll down to 'January Club Project'. I did the embossing after I cut the butterfly. It made it a little easier to figure out which side I wanted the dots to be raised on that way.

I liked this so much, I had to try it twice. This time with my new Razzleberry Lemonade DSP. This time I 'hid' the sentiment behind the butterfly.

This is another one of my favorite creations from today. I was so excited about it. I cut the branch, blossoms (two sizes) and label from my Cricut.

I used some of my jewelry making beads as centers for my blossoms.
I made a few more cards - but we'll save those for later. I wouldn't want to overwhelm you. ;)

Pretty Petal Pocket Totes

2010-03-16T17:48:00.000-04:00

This is one of the Timeless Templates from the PTI website. I wanted to make something little for the boys' teachers in celebration of springtime. It's begun to warm up around here and the weather has been so beautiful (when it's not raining).

I copied the quote from a website that had spring sentiments. I thought it was perfect for a gift given in March. I filled the little 'tulip' totes with a travel size lotion and travel size sweet pea body spray. And a small bag of M&M's and a few Hershey's Bliss chocolate eggs.

I cut and embossed the label from Spellbinders with my Cuttlebug.

For one tote I made a tissue paper flower and added a pink pearl brad. For the other I used a stamped butterfly from Amy Butler.

Japanese Paper

2010-03-09T10:16:00.000-05:00

This weekend I discovered a store called Paper Source. They have some of the most beautiful paper I have ever seen! It's not a scrapbook store. They have large sheets of colorful paper in all different styles. They sell ribbon, stationary, stamps and lots of great papercrafting projects. I decided to try my hand at a box kit they had. It came with all the extra thick chipboard pieces and directions. I chose this colorful Japanese print paper. It almost feels like the paper is painted - it's so luxurious.

I added ribbon for the closure. The box measures 5x7. I did have to buy some special glue that's a lot like Modge Podge- only better. I'm so pleased with the way it turned out! I can't wait to go back and get the pink and brown Cherry blossom print next.

I have a bit of patterned paper left over so I can now make a number of cards to go with the set. While I was there I spotted a Colorbox ink pad color: 'Robin's Egg'. How could I NOT get a color like that?! I stamped the medallion in Robin's Egg and then the senitments in Riding Hood Red and accented with some pearls.

Moroccan Influence

2010-03-07T14:07:00.001-05:00

I bought this Cuttlebug embossing folder. It's called Moroccan Screen. I thought it was so beautiful so I started searching for more Moroccan interior designs to inspire me with my card. I know, it probably all sounds a little too 'artsy' - but I soaked up the beauty of Moroccan style. It's full of rich texture and gorgeous bright and rich colors. I loved it! Anyway, (babbling aside) I made this card.

The patterned paper is from the Wisteria line of Basic Grey. I thought the pattern fit perfectly! The dark purple paper I embossed (a little more than half way down) with the Morocaan Screen folder. I then cut the bottom with some of my old decorative edged scissors. I thought this decorative edge reminded me most of the tops of the windows. I chose this sketch from an old Mojo Monday sketch because the three rectangles all reminded me of the windows in Moroccan architecture. I didn't have anything 'exact' but I used some Spellbinders dies. The flourish was from that $5 MMBI stamp set I bought recently. I heat embossed in gold. I also only stamped and embossed the last two flourishes from a long border stamp in that set. I mounted everything on a card base of Almost Amethyst.

Flowers in Bloom

2010-03-05T09:48:00.000-05:00

Last year I made a card similar to this for my late Grandmother. I was inspired by the beautiful cherry blossoms in Washington DC. I thought I'd make another one. The first time around I stamped the tree trunk. This time I cut the tree trunk from my Cricut and then ran it through the xyron machine.

The bottom is PTI grid paper. I added some silver stickles to the center of the flowers. I used pink and silver rhinestones for the centers of the flowers. I also ran the green cardstock throught my cuttlebug with the swiss dots folder.

Thinking of You Flower

2010-03-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

Here's another card I made using Amy Butler paper. I just love the olive, blue and pink together. Here I made another paper flower using Bashful Blue and the Pink Mervy scalloped circle punch (2 inch I believe).

I followed Heather's suggestion here and cut 4 circles then pulled the paper into two pieces. I used one of the coordinating fabric covered brads to hold it all together in the center.

I wanted to let the flower take center stage so I used a sketch from Clean and Simple (#79).

Beautiful Orchids

2010-02-26T10:11:00.000-05:00

I picked up these layered Martha Stewart Orchid stickers last weekend. I had no idea what I was going to use them on, but I loved the spring colors and the glitter. The patterned paper is from the Amy Butler collection (another new love of mine). Although I wish some of her patterns were a bit smaller to make more condusive to cardmaking.

That long patterned stamp I found on clearance: $5 for a set! As much as I tried I couldn't pass it up. It's from Me and My Big Ideas (Sassy Icons). I can't wait to try out the rest of the images.
Enjoy!

Glitzy

2010-02-16T22:06:00.000-05:00

So I know this is a lot of glitz, but ..... I wanted to put a little bling in those empty areas. Once I started, I couldn't stop. Ink colors: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa and Melon Mambo. Kraft and Pretty in Pink cardstock.

Paper Flowers

2010-02-11T15:08:00.000-05:00

I've seen this technique on a few blogs and thought I'd try it myself. I've seen several different techniques, but this one seems to be the easiest. I used my SU! Scallopped Circle punch to cut through 8 layers of tissue paper, and a single layer of coordinating cardstock. I followed Lauren Meader's flower video. I also experimented with larger scallopped circles by Marvy -they seemed to turn out good too. But I thought the size of this flower was perfect for an embellishment to a card. I recommend at least 8 layers of tissue paper.

I really like the cardstock base - I think it made it easier to adhere. I found that Blush Blossom cardstock worked best with these colors. Pretty in Pink seemed to be too dark and just didn't look right next to the red.

My other recent projects have been these teacher gifts. They'll have to wait until after Feb. 14th - no school until the 16th.:(

I can't take any credit for these. I totally copied the idea from a fellow blogger - but I wanted to put it out there. These are mini Reeses Peanut Butter cups. I used a 1 1/4 inch circle punch.

This one is my personal favorite. I think because I love the pink and silver chocolate hearts. I used pink stickles to go over the bottom portion of this stamp.

'Sweetie' Valentine

2010-02-09T15:50:00.001-05:00

I think most of the stamping I did on this is so light, it didn't photograph well. But I used the SU Medallion stamped in white on the pink background. I inked the edges with Rose Romance (I think that was replaced with Regal Rose). I also used the SU Filigree background on the brown heart. The pink also has some Diamond background stamped in Versamark. I love that the sentiment fit so perfectly in a label I cut from my Cricut. It's like they were made for each other.

Button Birthday

2010-02-08T15:44:00.000-05:00

I love making cards - what I'm not so great at is figuring out layouts. I suppose that's why I like the Mojo Monday challenges and other sites that give you a sample layout. This is based on a layout from last year. I went to the Mojo Mondays website and downloaded all the sketches from 2009. It's a great resource to me. Now, if I have one element already made (in this case it was the button balloons) I can find a sketched layout to match.

I love the colors! I found this bag of buttons last week at the craft store and HAD to have it, just for the light green colored buttons that were in the assortment (the other colors were nice too though). I used a needle and thread and stitched the buttons on with a coordinating color of DMC floss from my cross stitch box.

If you enjoy scrapbooking or cardmaking, another great resource for layouts are the Becky Higgins Sketches. I don't make a scrapbook page without them! (Even though it's been months since I last scrapbooked) I love her sketches because she has them divided by the number of pictures. So if you have 3 or 10 pictures from a single event, you can find a sketch to match. Check out her website for more info (on my list of blogs). I own ALL her sketch books!

cQc #18 and Mojo 124

2010-02-07T17:40:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the terrible picture. It was starting to get dark, but I wanted to upload these tonight. I didn't have any Baja Breeze, so I used a blue that was similar from an old monochromatic Bazzill stack. The ribbon is the Old Olive from the Mistletoe ribbon that was available back over the holidays.

Tell me this doesn't scream summer! I guess it's all the snow around here has me dreaming of warmer days. I do love those days when I can easily slip on some flip flops and head out the door. I just LOVE this little girl in her polka dot bikini and matching scarf.

L-O-V-E

2010-02-03T16:45:00.000-05:00

These are little 4 inch cubes I got a while back. The font is from a Chatterbox CD with fonts and clipart. I figured out the perfect shade of pink to print out and did each letter individually. I then went over some of the letters with a 2 way glue pen and added some pink glitter. I inked the edges to soften the feel.

Each side of the cube is lined with coordinating patterned paper. Some of the sides I also added some Valentine's Day stamps.

These cubes are made from chipboard and are hollow, but you could do the same thing with wood blocks and some Mod Podge Adhesive.

Be Mine Banner

2010-02-02T21:01:00.000-05:00

A little like my JOY garland, only less embellished. Nothing super fancy - just something I wanted to display for my hubby. I also thought it would be cute to make a banner that said "I'm Yours", not far from the Be Mine banner.

Nothing super fancy - Everything is cut from my Storybook cartridge on my Cricut. I ran the letters through the Xyron and coated with MS Tourmaline glitter. I added a few strips of some chocolate and pink Valentine's paper. I wanted to further embellish the banner, but ran out of time (I'm trying to do something small every day leading up to V-Day). I can always go back and add some rhinestones or some stickers though..

Snow Day

2010-01-31T10:59:00.001-05:00

As some of you may, or may not know, we are enjoying about 8 inches of snow that all fell yesterday afternoon. With the weather the way it was, I enjoyed a day inside making cards. Of coarse, I had to make my run to the store for some Diet Dr. Pepper before it got too bad out.;b This is something I stamped a bit ago. I was looking at these flourishes and thought - that looks like a butterfly! So I decided to try it out. The rhinestones are the body (in case you didn't guess). I found this bit of gray/silver ribbon in my stash that was just the right size. With a stamp this beautiful, you have to have a beautiful sentiment - I went with one from the Carte Postale stamp set. A few purple pearls to finish it off and - VOILA!

As I was making this card I realized why I loved the look of these colors so much - they were my wedding colors. It's been nearly 11 years but... My wedding colors were a dark royal (or in this case, Elegant Eggplant) purple and silver. I still love it!!!

For this next card I used a stamp I just bought. When I saw this sweet mother and child I thought how perfect that would be for a new mom for Mother's Day. Although I don't have any sentiments for Mother's Day that really flow nicely with this image. So I went with a 'Sweet Baby' instead.

I embossed the background in white using the Filigree (retired SU!) background stamp on a scrap of dark pearly purple paper (say that 3 times fast!). If you look closely, the mother's collar is an eyelet lace - that gave me the idea to punch the holes in my scallop border (Elegant Eggplant). Add ribbon, a bow and a button and you can't go wrong!

Here you can see a little better detail. I added purple pearls around the sentiment and there you go!
Both cards are 5x7.

cQc #17 & MM 123

2010-01-30T09:45:00.001-05:00

Here's a little 2 for 1 action - I decided to combine the challenges and make this card.

Sorry the picture isn't straight. I really love the look of these colors together! In one of my midnight stamping fun sessions, I stamped my SU! Medallion stamp in white on my Taken With Teal cardstock, with no real plans for a specific card, I tucked it away in my desk for later. When I got this color challenge, I thought it'd be the perfect chance to use this pre-stamped piece.

I heat embossed in clear a small strip of the Bella Toile background stamp. Since I had precut my paper strip, I was able to choose what part of the stamp I wanted to show up on my paper strip. I really like this section, with all the swirls.

I used a sentiment from the SU! retired set, Carte Postale. I thought the swirls of the font coordinated well with the swirls of the background stamp. To accent the sentiment, I added a strip of tiny pearls.

Black Inspiration

2010-01-27T09:33:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I was watching one of my favorite movies - Penelope. If you haven't seen this movie, it's a great chick flick fairy tale kinda movie. At the end of the movie, the credits began to roll and I noticed the background. It was black on black in a beautiful floral/vine pattern. I was inspired!! I immediately thought of my Bella Toile background stamp and rushed to my work area to get the idea on paper. I used clear powder to heat emboss the background stamp on black cardstock.

Next I opted for an accent color of pink (I originally thought of red, but then I liked the pop of Melon Mambo with the black). I'm planning on making a set of these to give as a gift. I LOVE monogrammed stuff! Hope my friend does too.

Pink, Pink and More Pink

2010-01-23T11:43:00.001-05:00

So, growing up, I never really considered myself an 'I Heart Pink' kinda girl. But as I've gotten older, I've really come to love the color. I have a pink trench coat, a pink phone, and a few pink tops. True, my favorite color is still purple (it really has to be the right shade to look good on me), but since stores seem to rarely carry purple things, I turn to the next best 'girly' kinda color - Pink.

Here's another creation using some Valentine's day pink paper. I used some new glitter I found recently for the little 'wings' (I guess that's what you'd call them). I stamped the chicks in Melon Mambo, So Saffron, and Chocolate Chip, and the sentiment in Melon Mambo. The label I cut using my Cricut. Did I mention that I loved my Cricut? :)

MM 122

2010-01-22T09:56:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I know this is a whole lota pink - but I like it! Hope you enjoy too.

The pink pearls are part of a package I found at the craft store. They come all connected, which makes it easy to keep them in a straight line.

Pretty in Purple

2010-01-21T14:16:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love purple. It's always been my favorite color. Even if I don't own a ton of stuff in it. This was also an experiment with my new background stamps. You can see, I still need some practice, but it turned out ok. I sliced a slit along the fold so I could thread the ribbon around. I had to tie the bow a couple of times because my first attempt ended up upside down.:) I used Perfect Plum ink.

Feeling Spring

2010-01-20T12:42:00.000-05:00

I suppose it's that constant looking forward to the next holiday kinda thing, but I'm already looking forward to spring time. At least in my papercrafts. I cut the butterfly and the label from my Cricut. I added dots of Stickles in between the scallops on the egde.

Here's my other recent creation. I've seen lots of stamping with white on darker cardstock, so I decided to try that on Rich Razzelberry. I also inked the edges to give it a little softer look. The scalloped overlay in front is actually silver mattalic - although it looks kinda white in the picture. Again, I cut the Rich Razzelberry with my Cricut ( I love my Cricut!).

cQc#15

2010-01-16T15:29:00.000-05:00

It took me nearly all week to really buckle down and do this color challenge. Initially, I didn't think I'd be able to do it - I have little to no gray, and no Pumpkin Pie marker or ink pad. But last night, as I spent hours playing around with all my stamps and Cricut (I do all my best stuff at 12am :b) I came across some patterned gray paper, and immediately the challenge came to mind. So...... Here's my go at it:

The gray I used for the first layer is actually a silver/gray scrap I found in my file of Basic Gray. I loved it so much, I had to allow room enough to see the pretty stuff. The butterfly is from a set of stickers I bought last year. I thought the green was perfect for the challenge. I used an orange marker (non SU!) I found rummaging through my things.

Another late night creation. I've had this pearly orange embossing powder for a while, but I rarely use orange. I decided to pair it with it's color opposite - blue. Bliss blue is the card base, and Bordering Blue the sentiment and paper strip. I love these rhinestone brads for a bit o' bling.

Last, but certainly not least, is my last creation for this afternoon. This is an old SU! hostess set I got on Ebay. I love the classic look of it. I had a stack of monochromatic textured cardstock I paired with the images. I knew the layout I wanted, but knew I needed a little something more. I stamped the background in Bella Toile with Versamark. After stamping I thought I wanted to make the pattern a little more obvisous, so I pulled out my clear embossing powder. Even though it had been a few minutes since I'd stamped, the powder stuck! Yipee! I also embossed the sentiment in white.

I added some Waterfall Stickles to each corner. Classic.

Sympathy Card

2010-01-15T11:46:00.000-05:00

My 3rd grader came home last week with a note from the school saying one of the 3rd grade teachers (not his teacher) has unexpected lost her husband on New Year's Eve. She's a young teacher - probably in her late 20's - and was only married a year. So sad. I have been meaning to make a sympathy card for her, and here is my attempt.

I was inspired by Dawn McVey's card that was featured on the Papercrafts Magazine this month. I had actually found this color combination earlier this year, but had yet to make a card highlighting it. It's Ruby Red stamped on Cameo Coral cardstock. I love it! I was never a big fan of the Kraft cardstock - but recently have seen such beautiful things done with it, it's going to be on my next SU! order.

MM and Fabric Brads

2010-01-12T14:37:00.002-05:00

Here's my attempt at this weeks Mojo Monday sketch. I'm not so sure about that flower stamp. The more I look at it the more I think I should have put something a little more frilly - if that makes sense. Ok, so being the papercrafter I am, I couldn't go to bed tonight without correcting my card. Here's the updated version. I added a little bling - cuz I LOVE bling! Why I didn't think to coordinate the accent in the first place, I don't know.

While out yesterday I found these beautiful fabric covered brads. So, even though my New Year's resolution was not to buy any papercraftinng products this month (which I've sadly broken already) - I needed to try these out.

Aren't they just gorgeous! They had three different colors - turquoise, rose red, and olive. Each brad different. Can't wait to try out the others!

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge

2010-01-07T13:14:00.001-05:00

I loved these colors together, but initially had no idea what I was going to do with them. This morning, since I wasn't quite satisfied with my Mojo Monday attempt from yesterday (we papercrafters are quite the perfectionists, aren't we?), I thought I'd use that sketch as inspiration for today as well.

As you can see, I did change the sketch around a little. Turned it on it's side and used vintage labels instead of circles.

I used Stickles on the inside of the stamp. I used the 'rock and roll' method to get the two colors. I really like the aqua and yellow together. I used Barely Banana and Cool Carribean for this. I used Close to Cocoa for the saying, and Chocolate chip for the brown scalloped edge.

MM and Project Life

2010-01-06T13:59:00.001-05:00

This week's Mojo Monday challenge I thought I'd do something cool and wintery. I wanted to branch away from my urge to create Valentine's Day cards. I have had this paper for a while and I'm so glad I had a chance to use it. I love the different shades of blue.

I used 3 snowflake brads instead of the 5 on the sketch. I actually forgot about the other sketch element until after I had finished, so I just left it out.

My wonderful news today is my Project Life kit showed up. I was expecting to open the door to a solicitor, but there it was. Ah, the shouts of joy and gladness when I saw my box and pulled it inside. For those who don't know, this is a new kit from scrapbook guru Becky Higgins (Creating Keepsakes). Last year she did a kit called Project 365. It was wildly popular. The idea was to take a picture a day for an entire year. Also to write a little blurb about each picture and each day. Project Life gives you a little more freedom in that you don't have to keep up on a picture a day. You can customize it to your needs. See Becky's blog for more info. Becky's Blog Here

Here's a shot of everything inside. I've already started taking pictures for it! Yipee!

I love the idea of recording the little things, not just the big events.

Here's my picture for today. This is what I'm listening to in my kitchen lately. Tell me if you're doing Project Life too.

New Year's Fun

2010-01-01T20:21:00.001-05:00

This New Year's Day I spent some time playing with my stamps and inks. I also discovered a couple of blogs with great creativity jump starters: Mojo Monday - which posts a sketch every Monday. And ColourQ - which posts a color combination to try for the week. I'm looking forward to future challenges.

Here's my take on week 119 for Mojo Monday

Although it's a little hard to make out, I love the look of Pretty in Pink ink on Very Vanilla cardstock.
I also had fun playing with some Valentine's Day ideas.

I stamped this with Mauve Mist and Purely Pomegranate (both retired). I lined the edge of the larger circle with a 2-way glue pen and added Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

My final project today was a nice monochromatic card. I used Melon Mambo Designer Series Paper and Pretty in Pink, Rose Romance (retired) and Melon Mambo inks. I used my new clear mounted SU! set 'With All My Heart'. I love the coordinating details around each of the sentiments.