The Bald Dragonfly

Mysteriously...

2012-02-14T06:00:00.010-06:00

Welcome to Sketch Challenge 115 and the release of Sassy Cats! If you just came from Wendy J.'s blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened along my blog today, start at the beginning of the hop at Skipping Stones Design. The entire hop order is there and you can hop from blog to blog with ease. You can also check out the challenge details!

So I have a really good excuse for the not so good photo quality. Bleh. Seriously. My daylight bulb mysteriously dislodged itself from the crafty lamp and broke. (Mysteriously is the key word.) Working full time, dinner and homework doesn't leave any time for daylight photos and expediated online shipping was just a little too much. I hope the replacement arrives soon.

...A couple of things. Although this stamp set was created in the sassy style that Skipping Stones Design is known for, this set doesn't have to sassy at all! I simply stamped one of the cat's without its very characteristic eyes and replaced them with some googlie ones. Then I used a lighter color pallete and inked the edges for a soft look. I chose the most generic sentiment included in the set used it on this card.

Be sure to hop along and leave comments on all the fabulous designers’ blogs. This month we are welcoming Cyndi Bundy and Barb Turpin to our team as Guest Designers! Kazan Clark will be providing all the fabulous sketch inspiration this month including the sketch we're using in today's hop!

One Last thing! The Tweetheart Sale has been extended! When you buy 3 sets at regular price, you'll get the new HeartSong 2 for free, which isn't being released until April! (You'll get it before everyone else!)

Head over to Kazan's blog for some more Skipping Stones Design inspiration!

Lost Mittens

2012-02-09T23:00:00.000-06:00

The three little kittens, they lost their mittens,

And they began to cry,

"Oh, mother dear, we sadly fear,

That we have lost our mittens."

"What! Lost your mittens, you naughty kittens!

Then you shall have no pie."

"Meow, meow, meow."

Then you shall have no pie...

~Mother Goose

Reading Mother Goose poems at my age cracks me up. Most of them don't make a pinch of sense, but then they are stuck in my head for a long time! Living in Wisconsin during winter, our house is constantly full of lost mittens, now that they are too old for the length of yarn that connects the pair.

There is a fun new challenge debuting tonight at CAS-ual Fridays! Create a clean and simple project that utilizes paper piecing. We are welcoming back The Craft's Meow as a sponsor so you don't want to miss your chance to play along to win the fabulous prize!

I paper pieced the mittens from the great The Craft's Meow set Warm Winter Wishes, which has big, outlined images that are perfect for this application. A bit of snowflake and sentiment stamping from the same set and glue and string (in the shape of a heart!) finished up the card.

Please check out the CAS-ual Fridays Blog for challenge rules, sponsor and prize details as well as to see the fantastic paper pieced creations from the Girl Fridays!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Rustic White) Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper: (Stella and Rose) My Mind's Eye
Stamps: (Warm Winter Wishes) The Craft's Meow
Ink: (Rich Cocoa) Memento, (Brocade Blue Pigment) Stampin' Up!
Fiber: (Rust Burlap String) May Arts
Tools: (Corner Chomper) WR Memory Keepers

For Sebastian

2012-02-08T21:26:00.002-06:00

I learned about Sebastian and his great courage from Amy's blog, who read about it at Charlene's blog. If you'd like to send some love to a little boy who has the most courageous heart, please read about him at Ms. Brown's blog, and please consider making up a card and sticking it in the mail. Be prepared to feel love for a little boy that you've never met. I have two boys of my own so Sebastian's story really pulled at my heartstrings. I want to put just one smile on his face.

I was inspired by the colors from the Lawnscaping Challenge-so striking. Red, Black, White and spots of Gray. Although don't literally showcase hearts on my creation, I still feel as though the puppy on this card will bring a smile to Sebastian's face, help him feel the love, as Ms. Brown indicates, along with all the other cards that will soon line the hospital room walls. I know how much our "puppy" brings joy to my boys. The puppy is colored lightly with marker, and his tail and muff are have been shaded with a white gel pen for dimension.

Also, I took the layout available at Artful Delight and transformed it into a card. The notebook panel and patterned paper panels represent the three photo boxes, the clouds are the circles and the banner is the title. I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I can make a card from a layout sketch.

So this creation is going into an envelope that has already been addressed and stamped, and it will be sent out tomorrow. I know in my heart that this crafty blogging community is full of love, will you please consider making and sending a card, and show Sebastian some love?

Supplies:
Cardstock: (White) Office Max, (Soft Stone) PTI
Patterned Paper: Crate Paper, Envelope
Stamps: (Critters in the Burbs, Sophie's Sentiments, Bannerific) LawnFawn
Ink: (Onyx Black Versafine) Tsukineko
Dies: (Clouds, Notebook) PTI
Tools: (Circle Impression Plate) PTI
Other: (Black Pen) Pilot, (White Gel) Signo, (Markers) Copic

All That Stuff

2012-02-07T06:00:00.005-06:00

I guess I spend too much on this computer because the little one sees me posting this card and says that I should make it, like all the cards I look at. I told him that I did make it. And then he says, oh, it's pretty with all that stuff on it. You should make another one, but not so big, but use black, but after I go to sleep. Then, as he walks out he said that maybe I could use some smiley face stickers too, because he likes them... He cracks me up lately.

Tis February now, and that marks a new set of fabulous guest designers and a new talented sketch artist this month over at Skipping Stones Design! Check out the blog for more challenge rules, prize information and to see the great cards from the guests and the design team! And check out this bit of news: There is a "Tweetheart Special" at Skipping Stones Design this week. If you purchase and three stamp sets, you will receive Heartsong 2 for free, which isn't being officially released until April!
Kazan
Barb
Cyndi
Joann
Jingle
Wendy
Taylor
Katie
Stephanie
Shannon
Wendy

I figured it was about time to ink up this beauty of a butterfly from Healing Wings, I've seen so many great cards made with it. I used a sentiment from Sentiment Frames. Ooh, and I made the cabochon type flower too! The colors are derived from the lovely, soft and serene color palette at The Play Date Cafe. Dreamy.

Supplies:

Cardstock: (Rustic Cream) Papertrey Ink

Patterned Paper: GCD

Stamps: (Healing Wings, Sentiment Frames) Skipping Stones Design

Ink: (Vintage Photo Distress) Ranger

Fiber: (Burlap String, Lace) May Arts

Other: (Labels 4 Nestabilities) Spellbinders, (Clay Flower), (Copic Markers)

Ring for Aba

2012-02-06T19:25:00.000-06:00

The littlest came home from school not to long ago asking his papa for a ring.
Papa: What do you need a ring for?
#2: I need a ring so I can marry Aba.
Papa: You are going to marry Ava?
#2: Yes, I'm going to marry Aba and I need a ring like you married mama with a ring.
The oldest piped in and said he could give #2 the rings he got out of a vending machine a couple months back.

So today we made Ava (or Aba) a special Valentine using the cute freebie digital image created by Beth from Papertrey Ink in celebration of their five year anniversary. After I cut the cardstock down to size and used a circle punch to make a hole, I ran it through the embossing machine using the Polka Dot Basics II Impression Plate, then attached a colored bee image behind the front flap and rounded the corners! I cut a small length of ribbon and stapled the valentine and ribbon to the juice container. Now that I think about it, since these sweet notes were super easy, quick and inexpensive to make that the boys could help me and they could be their treats instead of candy for the school parties.

How Does One?

2012-02-05T19:50:00.001-06:00

“How does one become a butterfly?

You must want to fly so much

that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.”

I'm joining in today, along with so many talented bloggers, in the Papertrey Ink Anniversary Festivities! Papertrey Ink has a fabulous design team, and the inspiration each month is amazing. It was difficult to choose who to be inspired by. I choose to work with Michelle's favorites... her style appears to be a mix between clean and simple and vintage, which I am really liking as of late. Also, the colors of my card were inspired by the cute image from Inspired By. I love the fresh aqua against the almost red, with touches of black! I thought the stamp and button dies gave a nod to the boutique shopping experience.

Coulda and Shoulda

2012-02-04T18:09:00.004-06:00

A nod,
a bow,
and a tip of the lid
to the person
who coulda
and shoulda
and did.
~Robert Brault

"A Poem Missing the Word Woulda"

My husband asked me if I was going to make cards for the magazines today. He thought I should keep at it because I was bummed that I worked so hard last time and didn't get anything picked up. Then he took the boys and came back a couple hours later and asked how things went, with the whole card making business because obviously, I hadn't cleaned any of the house. I told him with a thankful note in my voice that yes indeed, I did make a few cards. He's a good one to keep around a few more years.

Towards the end there, my individual creativity was running out so I turned to a few challenges to help jump start it again. Young Crafters Unite has a great sketch, and Market Streets Stamps Paint the Town Color Challenge was too irresistible to pass up.

Supplies:

Cardstock: (So Saffron) SU, (Vintage Cream) PTI, (Gray) Bazzill

Patterned Paper: (Farmhouse Collection) October Afternoon

Stamps: (Cane, Vintage Notepad, Faith In You) Market Street Stamps

Ink: (Really Rust, So Saffron Pigment) SU, (Vintage Photo Distress) Ranger

Embellishments: (Sticker Bird from Farmhouse Collection) October Afternoon, (Natural Burlap String) May Arts

Malfunction

2012-02-02T23:00:00.005-06:00

Stephanie Speck: But you can't die. You're a machine.
Number 5: No.
Stephanie Speck: No, you're not a machine?
Number 5: Yes.
Stephanie Speck: Yes, you are, or yes, you're not?
Number 5: Yes.
Stephanie Speck: Yes, WHAT?
Number 5: Yes, not.
Stephanie Speck: Talk about a malfunction.

Ooh, another fun CAS-ual Fridays Challenge is up and this week it is all about the movies-create a clean and simple project inspired by any movie! As with most children, my boys can watch the same movie over and over and over again. The current choice is Short Circuit, from 1986. Malfunction is a a new favorite word, and I often hear it used in pretty funny ways!

There is some great inspiration over on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog, and there you can find out more about the fabulous sponsor, Simon Says Stamp, as well as challenge details and rules.

Never Regret (& a Winner)

2012-01-31T06:00:00.003-06:00

***For my post, For Cath (sans CHA) with Love Blog Hop, please scroll down!***

"You've got to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you've got, and remember what you had. Always forgive, but never forget. Learn from mistakes, but never regret." ~Unknown

Today marks the debut of another fabulous sketch challenge over at Skipping Stones Design! A fun, whimsical little sketch that I think you'll love. I played around with the lovely Sentiment Frames set and some pattered paper for my version of the sketch. You've really got to check out the blog for prize details and challenge rules, and to see the great inspiration from the design team and guest designers!

(Yep, my card picture is pretty huge, but can you see the linen impression? I think, as well as maybe a few other crafty gals think, when you feel as though a card is missing something, it never fails to add a bit of linen impression and you end up with a smile on your face...)

*********

Thanks for all the lovely comments on my card for the Stamp It! 3 Ways Paper Craft's Blog Hop. The winner of a free copy is #12, according to Random.org

Judith said...: Woohoo, look at the gorgeous embossed background!; January 27, 2012 6:42 AM

Judith, please email me with your address and we'll get that great magazine out to you right away!

For Cath (sans CHA) with Love Blog Hop

2012-01-30T23:00:00.009-06:00

com·mu·ni·ty [kuh-myoo-ni-tee] noun, plural -ties

1.a group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists

A few gals from this fabulous blogging community had a brilliant idea to put together a blog hop for Cath, the personality and mastermind behind Moxie Fab World, as she is gearing up her journey to get well from some recent shoulder pain. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to join in! Here's to you, Cath, wishing you well!

I was inspired by the modern and graphic inspiration photo over at the Paper Smooches Sparks Challenge to make a cheery get well card. I stamped the leaf image, from Vogue Abode, repeatedly in white, mint, teal and yellow chalk ink and the created a banner sentiment from Sentiment Sampler. A bit of May Arts Natural Burlap String and a hand molded flower finishes the look.

Take Those Dreams

2012-01-30T06:42:00.001-06:00

Caterpillar in the tree

How you wonder who you'll be

Can't go far but you can always dream

Wish you may and wish you might

Don't you worry, hold on tight

I promise you there will come a day

Butterfly fly away, butterfly fly away, butterfly fly away

Flap your wings now you can't stay

Take those dreams and make them all come true.

~Written by Glen Ballard and Alan Sivestri

I'm joining in on two great challenges this week, the first being the color story from The Play Date Cafe and the second the sketch challenge available at The Craft's Meow. The little butterfly girl stamp from The Craft's Meow gets me every time thinking of the curiosity and imagination my sisters and I had growing up, as well as how we would put all their faith into knowing a dream could come true when blew those dandelion weeds off the stem. Some days I do not think much has changed...

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Natural White, Night of Navy) SU

Patterned Paper: (Curio Collection) Basic Grey

Stamps: (Butterfly Kisses) The Craft's Meow

Ink: (Purple, Blue Pigment Ink) SU, (Distress Ink) Ranger

Fibers: (Crocheted Lace, Natural Burlap String) May Arts

Tools: (Scalloped Circles Nestabilities) Spellbinders, (Damask Impression Plate) PTI, (Tag Punch) McGill

Other: (Markers) Copic

Look Beyond

2012-01-27T05:00:00.075-06:00

Rafiki: Whoo! Hoo hoo hoo! Life without worry. You seek Hakuna Matata.
Timon: Harpoon a tomato?
Rafiki: Hakuna Matata, it means "No Worries."...To find it, you must look beyond what you see.
Timon: What the heck is that supposed to mean?
Rafiki: It means, look beyond what you see!
~Exert from The Lion King 11/2

Do you ever pick up a stamp set and study it, just stare and think before inking it up? Do strive to think beyond the normal use of the set? Look beyond what you see? Stamp It! 3 Ways from Paper Crafts is all about ways to use a single stamp set in multiple applications, and what inspiration it holds within its pages!

I'm so excited to be part of today's Paper Crafts Magazine's blog hop featuring more applications of stamp sets that are featured in Stamp It! 3 Ways. I had a card published in this issue using Grunge from Skipping Stones Design. My intent was to showcase how a typical masculine set, and a great one at that, could be used in a feminine application as well. Soft colors, frilly details, lots of textures... And I brought that same idea here today to show you!

This card features the scallop background stamp in the set. I stamped it with watermark ink, coated it liberally with clear embossing powder and then sprinkled a little bit of gold embossing powder on top of that. After heat setting the stamped design, I inked the edges, added a patterned paper panel, some burlap string and a sentiment tag.

Please hop on over to the other fabulous designers! We each have a copy of Stamp It! 3 Ways to give away, you can win by just leaving a comment on each of our posts!

·         Jaclyn Miller
·         Julie Masse
·         Laura Williams
·         Heidi Van Laar
·         Emily Leiphart
·         Mariana Grigsby
·         Julia Stainton
·         Sarah Moerman
·         Karen Baker
·         Laura O’Donnell
·         Kelley Eubanks
·         Kimberly Crawford

And for icing on the cake, stop by the Paper Crafts Connection Blog and leave a comment for your chance to win this...

I'm also super excited to see a stamp set that I designed grace the cover of this fabulous issue too (Carved Love from Practicing Creativity Designs)!

Thank you so much for your visit today, your next stop is Laura O’Donnell.

The comment deadline for chances to win on each blog is Sunday, January 29^th at midnight MST.

Many Kisses

2012-01-26T23:00:00.000-06:00

In 1907, the first Hershey Kiss was introduced.

What symbolism one little shaped piece of chocolate can have...

do you remember when you received your first kiss?

CAS-ual Fridays is bringing another fun sketch challenge with a super sweet prize from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps! Check out the challenge rules, sponsorship and prize information, as well as delicious eye candy from the Girl Fridays over on the CAS-ual Fridays blog!

Layers of Love

2012-01-25T06:00:00.002-06:00

Love? To me? Well, that just might constitute getting up early when you had the opportunity to sleep in but instead drove your wife to work so she wouldn't have to brave the depths of the new fallen snow. It might be the super large wet Spaghetti-o filled smooch planted on an unsuspecting mama's cheek. It perhaps is could be calling your daughter to just make sure she's ok, or your sisters to discuss the latest tv show gossip. Layers of love, and I'm so very lucky to have got it.

I'm also pretty lucky that the talented Tenia Nelson from Jazzy Paper Designs has joined me in a Carbon Copied post, where we are both showcasing our take on the current Just Us Girls Color Challenge and using the SRM Stickers #53008 Forever sheet.

I had an inkling to go soft and pretty so I chose a shimmery pink cardstock (can't really tell in this photo but you've got to trust me), a doily, lace and pretty little decorative stick pins. I purely do not think I've layered this much ribbon before, but it was a ton of fun choosing what I thought would work together for a fun, texture full design.

I can't wait to see what Tenia has in store today! I adore her layering skills and sense of color and composition. If you haven't the pleasure of visiting her blog, please check it out!

One last thing, May Arts has teamed up with Hero Arts this week, stop on over there too and leave a comment for your chance to win goodies!

Songbird Serenade

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.

May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.

May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.

And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.

~Irish Blessing

Skipping Stones Design has another really cool sketch this week. You can make it clean and simple, shabby and chic, or whatever suits your fancy. There are many wonderful examples over on the Skipping Stones blog, as well as challenge details!

The beautiful, neutral color palette offered at The Play Date Cafe and a Favorite Things Challenge from Basic Grey proved to be such a great starting point. If you haven't noticed, I've got a thing for crafting with birds lately, they prove to be one of my all time favorite subjects. I've also been experimenting with layers, textures and the natural color scheme. It's fun to step outside your normal limits, just to see what you can come up with. I started by stamping the sweet little songbird image from Heartsong onto kraft paper, colored him with a mixture of Copics and Prismacolors and then carefully fussy cut him so he could rest on a burlap background. A bit of beautifully realistic patterned paper from Basic Grey's Curio Collection and twine, a button and a stamped sentiment from Uplifting completes the look.

White Shirt

2012-01-23T08:00:00.003-06:00

Me: Boys, find a white shirt to put on and come here when you are done, I need to take a picture.
Boys: Why?
Me: Because I said so.
Boy #2: Mama, I don't have a white shirt.
Me: Why?
Boy #1: Because you said so.
Me: Oh dear.

Judith has an absolutely lovely inspiration photo up for her challenge at Jay Gee's Nook. I was inspired by the hues, softness and silhouettes. I created some faux leather paper with a few ink pads and foam.

The above conversation happened when I was attempting a good picture for a project I have up over at The Project Girl today, featuring some kits designed by Jen Allyson at Design House Digital. (Yes, Mom, you'll get a copy if I can get my act together to print it out!)

Fearless Liberty

2012-01-22T09:22:00.002-06:00

Away I spring with a tireless wing,
On a feathery cloud I poise and swing;
I dart down the steep where the lightnings leap,
And the clear blue canopy swiftly sweep;
For, dear to me is the revelry
Of a free and fearless Liberty.

~Author Unknown

The boys went out driving yesterday and came upon three eagles perched in a tree. Nothing makes me think more about the freedom that I have than seeing the regal bald eagle roam about.

Anywho, a quick card to share for my entry into the Moxie Fab World's Cool Tools Week Die Cutting Challenge. I thought that I'd dare using the Cricut and make use of the electronic sizing and border option of to my advantage as well as working with a monochromatic color scheme and threw in a pun for good measure. (The sentiment and faces were computer generated.) I say "dare" using it because sometimes it shoots sparks.

Black Tie Affair

2012-01-19T23:00:00.001-06:00

According to Forbes, women should stick to the classic cocktail dress paired with rhinestone chandelier earrings, stack of bangle bracelets or a chunky statement necklace for a black tie affair. Oh dear, I don't own anything that is remotely close to that. Yes, a classic cocktail dress paired with chandelier earrings and bangle bracelets sounds shall go on my wish list...

CAS-ual Fridays is challenging you to participate in a strictly black and white challenge this week, and Cindy Coutts is the sponsor! For more details, please check out the blog, there you will find out more about the sponsor, challenge rules and to see the great inspiration from the Girl Fridays too!

I wanted to add a bit of interest in the stark design so I grabbed a detailed and dainty stamp set from My Mind's Eye and stamped both in pigment black ink as well as watermark ink and then embossed in black. It is like a matte/high gloss look that I will have to try again!

Sings a Lullaby

2012-01-19T06:00:00.004-06:00

"The bluebird sings a lullaby, the firefly gives a light,

the twinkling stars are candles bright, Sleep, [Child], Good Night."

Elizabeth T. Dillingham

There's just something about the bluebird that I find so magical and majestic. My creative infatuation with bluebirds took off with the first card in this post and I had to create another version. I have a tutorial on giving personality to silhouette images over on the Skipping Stones Design blog today featuring the Garden Stamp Kiss stamp set.

I based the card off of the sketch over at Wee Memories, their last challenge. (What a great run, and thank you for the inspiration!) I hope you can pop on over to the Skipping Stones Design Blog too, to let me know how my tutorial was, albeit a brief one. (This is where learning how to shoot a video might be helpful! On the to-do list, I assure you!)

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Rustic White) PTI, (Blue) The Paper Source
Patterned Paper: (Orange from Stella & Rose Collection) My Mind's Eye
Stamps: (Bird and text from Garden Stamp Kiss, Sentiment from Healing Wings) Skipping Stones Design
Ink: (Vintage Photo, Antique Linen, Walnut Stain Distress) Ranger
Fiber: (Natural Burlap String) May Arts
Tools: (Eyelet Border) PTI
Other: (Colored Pencils) PrismaColor

Dancin' on the Street

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

"Snowflakes, snowflakes... Are such funny things.
They haven't feet or haven't wings.
Yet they sail through the air...With the greatest of ease,
And dance on the street, Wherever they please."
~Author Unknown

Woohoo, it's a long overdue edition of Carbon Copied today-same set, same challenge, same day! The talented Jen from Jen Shears Designs and I are featuring Lawn Fawn's Fly Free and Bannerific and for a real challenge we are participating in Lawnscaping's Winter Wonderland! Love this challenge site because it often times makes me think of these stamps in different ways to get more use out of them.

Here in Wisconsin, winter is all about snow and the monochromatic landscape, not to mention the chilly temperatures! My card features some paper piecing and spray painted snowflake embellishments. The vintage color scheme was kind of dictated because of those copper snowflakes. (Funny, but true story: For some reason, my husband thought copper was gold?? Eh, metallic is close enough, I suppose. I was originally hoping for gold but now I'm liking the copper, as I was able to bring in a fun splattering of spray mists too!)

I can't wait to see Jen's take on this edition of Carbon Copied at her blog, Jen Shear's Designs. She's fabulously talented and does amazing projects with ribbon. Plus, she is so sweet to, it's a win win situation! Click on the Carbon Copied icon on my sidebar if you'd like to sign up for a feature edition with me!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Kraft) PTI
Patterned Paper: (Manilla Basics Collection) Basic Grey

Stamps: (Fly Free, Bannerific, Sophie's Sentiments) Lawn Fawn

Ink: (Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo Distress) Ranger

Fibers: (Natural Burlap String, Vanilla Crotchet Lace) May Arts

Embellishments: (Spray Painted Snowflake Confetti), (Rhinestone)

Other: (Treasure Hymn Spray Mist) Shimmerz

Steady

2012-01-17T06:46:00.001-06:00

"The greatest thing about men is that they are steady.

You know where they stand.

They believe the same thing Wednesday that they believed on Monday,

no matter what happened Tuesday..."

~paraphrased from Steven Colbert

The Skipping Stones Design Team and the wonderful guest designers has another showcase of great cards today featuring a great sketch and the stamp of the month (available for only $12.95), Grunge! Check out the blog for contest details, prizes and great inspiration!

If you have a difficult time making masculine cards, Grunge is perfect set for you...even guys need cards too, right? The patterns make it so easy to create a simple and effective card.

Before you leave, I thought I'd mention the super PMS (Purchase More Stamps) sale over at Skipping Stones Design that lasts through January 22nd. There's more details on the blog, but here's a quick gist: Buy 1 set and save 5%, buy 2 sets and save 10%, buy 3 sets and save 15%, purchase 4 sets and save 20%, buy 5 sets and save 25% and purchase 6 sets OR MORE and SAVE 30% on every set you buy-no limit!!! If you ever have a problem with the checkout, email SSD with your order and a pay pal invoice will be sent to you, just be sure to mention the sale!

Both Sky & Earth

2012-01-12T23:01:00.003-06:00

**For my CAS-ual Fridays post, please scroll down or click here!**

"When Nature made the bluebird,

she wished to propitiate both the sky and the earth,

so she gave him the color of the one on his back

and hue of the other on his breast."

~John Burroughs

Welcome to the Tiffany Doodles Blog Hop celebrating the second anniversary of Tiffany Doodles! I'm very honored to have been asked to participate in this event, and super excited to have a reason to create with Tiffany's wonderful images again! This is one fabulous hop...You should have arrived from Collette's Blog. (If this is your first stop, please go back to Jessica's blog so you don't miss anything!)

One of the best things, in my opinion, about Tiffany Doodles digital images that separates them from the rest of the digital images out there, are her photo sketches. I used the Bluebird3 stamp found here- it has always been one of my favorite Tiffany Doodles images...

After bringing him to life with a combination of markers and colored pencils, I die cut a panel and mounted it onto patterned paper, stamped a sentiment and wrapped everything with a bit of string.

I was on a roll and couldn't stop with just one card. On the above card, I used the Lenten Rose image and based a card off of the talented Barb's Barbles Inspiration Photo Challenge... a combination of the yellow flower and the rose colored glasses photos.

Your next stop on the hop is the uber talented Donna Mikasa!

Remember, please leave a comment for your chance to win a Bluebird3 or Lenten Rose image-you choose!

Here's a bit more quick information about the hop, but complete details can be found on the Tiffany Doodles Blog: You have three days to comment on this post and the eighteen other participant's posts-each participant has a featured digi that you could win! All winners will be posted on the Tiffany Doodles Blog on January 18th. Also, Tiffany is giving away the entire January release and all you have to do is create a card or project using a Tiffany Doodles image, blog about it, and add your name to in linkz tool which can be found on Tiffany's blog.

Ruffled Bums

2012-01-12T23:00:00.001-06:00

You know those cute little tights for girls with the ruffled bums? If my boys had been girls they would have worn those every day, I just think they are such a cute accessory, especially when they crawl. Pink, purple, yellow...I would have purchased every color to coordinate with every little dress! I went through a phase when I accessorized my boys with cowboy boots, those were pretty cute too. Especially when they decided to don them while wearing just a diaper...

The new challenge is up at CAS-ual Fridays and were encouraging you to showcase the highs and lows-create a project featuring scallops! Annabelle Stamps returns for another sponsorship and has a great prize!

My card today features a tried and true layout and highlights a scallop border punch. I pulled out some matching patterned paper scraps, punched them, inked the edges and then adhered just the tops. Stamped the sentiment and wrapped the card with twine. I ruffled the scalloped edges a bit and even bent the top piece outward for more dimension.

With the card all said in done, it reminds me of those cute little tights with the ruffled bums. A dainty card that I feel would be great in welcoming a new addition or to celebrate a little girl's birthday.

Head on over to the CAS-ual Fridays Blog to read more about the challenge, sponsor and prize and to see the lovely highs and lows from the Girl Fridays!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Kraft) PTI
Patterned Paper: SU
Stamps: (Sentiment Sampler) Paper Smooches
Ink: (Vintage Photo Distress) Ranger
Fiber: (Natural Burlap String) May Arts
Tools: (Scallop Border Punch) Fiskars

Bucket List

2012-01-12T10:15:00.000-06:00

Nothing's sweeter than indulging in time crafty time with May Arts ribbon and Helmar Adhesive! As usual there is a chance to win some great goodies if you would like to leave a comment for me over on the May Arts Blog after checking out the I've got up today!

Softened Stripes

2012-01-11T20:41:00.003-06:00

In my little house we don't know who Gareth is. We don't even really follow fashion, right now if it is warm we wear it. Case in point, when asked about what they say in the Runway Inspired Challenge picture, featuring a dress by Gareth Pugh, my boys (all three!) offered these suggestions: Who's Gareth, I don't have any friends named Gareth. I see a girl wearing an ugly dress and ugly shoes. I see a big belt and and itty bitty waist. Too much black and white! Too much stripes! Wow, that dress is really, really big...and ugly. What did I see? A soft face trying to look all tough and hard core. A bit of blush peeking through all the harsh lines and overflowing movement of the dress.

However unconventional this entry might be, I used the compilation of my family's thoughts when composing the card. I found a big sentiment and paired it with a dainty leaf stamp, both stamped in bold black ink. The base is soft stone, almost white but not quite, and is embossed with woodgrain to mimic all the stripes. I added a touch of gray and blush coloring too, all to soften up the design. As usual, I kept the design very minimalistic too, or should I say clean and simple. Young Crafter's Unite is after my own heart with their current Clean and Simple Challenge.

Why do models have to look so fierce when they are so naturally beautiful?

Pops of Red

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Skipping Stones Design's Sketch Challenge #110. There's a fantastic blog hop going on today in honor of the release of Grunge Two, so you should have arrived from Pamela's blog, you are in the right place!

Grunge Two is another fabulous set that is a must have, especially if you have trouble with masculine cards. However, the set isn't restricted to those guys, you can use some sweet colors like yellow, red and pink to create a project that has a touch of femininity to it as well!

There is some great inspiration along the way! Stop by the following design team and guest designer's blogs to see more of this new set in action. Skipping Stones Design has the complete listing and challenge rules as well if you get lost or need to find out more about the prize up for grabs this week!

Your next stop is Katie's blog!

Chip Off the Ol' Block

2012-01-05T23:00:00.041-06:00

The older my boys get the more I hear from my husband's mother: "He's just a chip off the ol' block. I remember the time Brian did..." Oh dear, I have a feeling that there are many, many more stories to follow.

CAS-ual Fridays is back from a brief break during the holidays and there is a super fun challenge for this week. Create a clean and simple project featuring chipboard. And the ultimate prize is up for grabs, sponsored by Simon Says Stamp-you've got to stop by the blog to check out the details, freshen up on the rules and see some great inspiration from the Girl Fridays!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Real Red) SU, (White) Office Max
Stamps: (Key to my Heart) Practicing Creativity Designs
Ink: (Basic Black Pigment) SU
Other: (Black Mist) Shimmerz, (Woodgrain Embossing Folder) Craft Concepts, (Chipboard Heart) Unknown

Mo's Diner

2012-01-03T06:28:00.001-06:00

There's nothing like sipping a thick milkshake in a shaped green-tinted glass through a long red straw. When you are close to the bottom simply pour the rest of your treat from the still cold stainless steel mug that the waitress served with the shake. Gotta love those vintage diners.

January marks a new sketch designer, Pamela, and guest designers Candice, Julie and Emily at Skipping Stones Design. I invite you to take a peek at the inspiration over on the blog and try your hand at the sketch challenge as well, there's a great prize up for grabs!

It's confession time. I was totally stumped with this sketch, not sure why. I just froze. After I thawed I made two cards that I was completely unhappy with. So much so that they ended up in the good ol' garbage. I needed some other inspiration, so I turned to the challenge at Paper Variety. The pattern from Pumpkin Seed Sentiments is so much fun, especially stamped with black ink onto white! Add a hint of pink and I think it is very reminscent of the retro diner cafes.

Bun

2012-01-02T08:08:00.000-06:00

I always thought it would have been fun to don a white apron and hair net for Halloween, a few months before my first born arrived. You see, I would have been a Baker with a Bun in the Oven. Yeah, it never happened because I was too shy, but I still think it would have been the most fun of "outfits."

Lawn Fawn is having a contest to make a few cards for their CHA show and catalog and I thought it would be fun to try my hand at a few entries with the Plus One set. (Thanks Jen!) This one above is bold, bright and a bit of retro. A touch of glossy accents for the oven window completes the card.

This one is soft, sweet and my take on vintage/shabby chic. I used the little stamps from the set to create patterned paper.

Lots to do today like taking down the decorations and cleaning. The house always looks empty when that happens.

Becomes a Rose

2011-12-31T05:00:00.004-06:00

"Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows, Lies the seed, That with the sun's love, In the spring, Becomes the rose" ~From The Rose by Bette Midler

What an amazing experience it has been to guest design for Artful Delight during the month of December and being able to feature projects from their gorgeous December Card Kit.

(Hurry! There's just a couple December scrapbook kits left, and all other remaining months are vastly discounted!)

The kit included a perfectly sized bottle of glossy accents which I put to use on the above card. It is unreal how this product can change the look of paper. I touched up the Authentique Dotted Patterned Paper with it and then used it on a handmade flower. Simon Says Stamp is having an Anything Goes Challenge so I thought to enter this card.

I also wanted to showcase how the stamps included can be used by themselves to create a unique project too! The following card is based off the inspiration picture at Paper Smooches Sparks Challenge and features misting as well. (The January Kit includes a bottle of mist, just saying!)

(Here's the inspiration picture...)

So there you have it, thanks for joining me every Saturday this past month as I featured the card kit from Artful Delight! And thanks, LeeAnne, for the wonderful opportunity. You can check out all I made with this kit here, here, here, and here! The best part is that I still have a ton of product left over too!

Please stay safe tonight if you are going out and let's have a blast in 2012!

Wrong Side of the Bed

2011-12-29T06:46:00.000-06:00

Old Man Winter must have gotten into an argument with Mother Nature last night because he purely woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Father Time is against me as I have to travel a ways to get to work this morning on some pretty bad roads stuck with ice and snow...I'll make this short!

There was a pretty modern inspiration picture over on the Runway Inspired Challenge, so my card design is pretty graphic and modern as well. I was drawn to the colors and her dress, pulling in the dull grey, green, purples and blue. I also pulled from the design of the vines and the white overlays in her dress so that is where my main image comes from. I was also drawn to the bag handle and colors.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Soft Stone) PTI, (White) Office Max
Stamps: (Falling for You) Practicing Creativity Designs, (Mega Mixed Messages) PTI
Fiber: (Green Burlap String) May Arts
Other: (Markers) Copic
Tools: (Eyelet Border) PTI

Comic Strips

2011-12-27T06:53:00.001-06:00

The boys' school held a conference about helping your kids with reading a while back. One of the sessions had us cutting up comic strips after reading them together, and then the kids had to put them back together, in order, based on memory, the pictures within each strip and the word bubbles. It helps your child with comprehension and understanding how the English language is read (left to right, top to bottom, etc.). Pretty neat stuff, eh?

There's a new sketch challenge up over at Skipping Stones Design, I'd love for you to try out your take and link up for a chance to win a free Skipping Stones Set. There's a bunch of fabulous inspiration over on the blog too, from the regular design team and our December guests.

Anywho, my design today reminds me of the coloring in comic strips--it was fun to try a different technique! The card base is embossed with a series of circles and all the edges have been inked with black, I did that after coloring. I think it is another comic strip kind of element that is kind of fun.The patterned paper is compliments of Canvas Corp, our partner this month. Their patterns are so fun and bold and absolutely wonderful.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Vintage Cream) PTI
Patterned Paper: (Circles) Canvas Corp
Stamps: (Uplifting) Skipping Stones Design
Ink: (Onyx Black) Versafine
Fiber: (Black Burlap String) May Arts
Other: (Button, Circle Impression Plate) PTI, (Markers) Copic

Fuzzy Snow

2011-12-26T07:50:00.001-06:00

It went down something like this: "Grandma, do you have chicken and noodles instead of beef and noodles. I like chicken a whole lot better." "Eww...are there mushrooms in this?" "I'm not eating that, it tastes gross!" "Where are the mashed potatoes? You can't have Christmas without mashed potatoes!" We had to eat in shifts this year because we've purely outgrown my mother-in-law's house. Since I was in Phase 2 of the schedule, I had to chuckle when I heard many remarks from little to big as I sat waiting for my turn to eat the yummy food...and it was seriously yummy, in my opinion.

Showcasing today a quick tag I made for a last minute gift that came together pretty quickly with the help of the texture challenge at Lawnscaping Challenge and the colors from ColourQ.

The snowman features a coat of flocking, glossy nose and eyes, and real twigs for arms. His scarf is donned with glossy beads and he is nestled among some burlap and woodgrain embossed paper. The tag is tied with silk ribbon and burlap string to the bag.

I hope you all had a great holiday!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (White) Office Max, (Chocolate Chip) SU
Stamp: (Frosty Friends) Lawn Fawn
Ink: (Java) Momento, (Vintage Photo Distress) Ranger
Fiber: (Natural Burlap String, Burlap, Silk Ribbon) May Arts
Other: (White and Black Enamel Accents, Glossy Accents) Ranger, (Markers) Copic, (Brad) Making Memories, (Flocking), (Twigs)
Tools: (Labels Four Nestabilities) Spellbinders

I'll Be Home

2011-12-24T05:00:00.003-06:00

"I'll be home for Christmas / You can count on me / Please have snow and mistle toe / And presents under the tree / Christmas Eve will find me / Where the love light gleams / I'll be home for Christmas / If only in my dreams..."

There's a light dusting of snow outside this morning and it finally feels somewhat like a Wisconsin Christmas! I'm popping in today to showcase a few cards showcasing contents from Artful Delight's December Card Kit.

The above card is based on Authentique Paper's current sketch challenge. (Featured on the above card is Authentique's Gathering Collection-their Bloom Patterned Paper and Icons, which are elements included in the kit!)

Next up is just a fun number playing with some beautiful patterned paper and eclectic stamps included in the kit! Tons of fun this kit is, and I've still got so much more elements from the kit to play with yet!

Allrighty then, just a quick post today because I'm off to celebrate my son's birthday today and a certain someone else's birthday this weekend too! Merry Christmas to you!

Trust

2011-12-22T23:00:00.002-06:00

"Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend? People can be so cold. They'll hurt you and desert you. Well they'll take your soul if you let them. Oh yeah, but don't you let them. You just call out my name and you know wherever I am I'll come running to see you again... You've got a friend.
You've got a friend. Ain't it good to know you've got a friend." ~from James Taylor

CAS-ual Fridays has a fun challenge that will run for two weeks. Use kraft and twine on your project! Often times I have in the back of my head that I need to trust in things beyond my control, lean on others in time of need, and that everything will be okay in due time. This lovely stamp set from Market Street Stamps, our fabulous sponsor this next two weeks at CAS-ual Fridays, so dutifully reminds me on one of my most favorite songs. I find myself humming the tune when times are a bit tough or I'm feeling a bit down.

I discovered a really neat look when working on coloring the pitcher with Copics: turn your paper on the backside! I then stamped the pitcher on a piece of acetate and pressed the acetate to my paper. The twine has been stitched into the panel and the panel tied with burlap string. I'm slightly obsessed with this particular clean and simple layout, I think it works for everything!

I hope that you will find some time over the holiday to participate over at CAS-ual Fridays. Check out the blog for details, rules, sponsorship information and to see the other great projects from the Girl Fridays!

I've got one more post coming on Saturday, but to those that will be busy, have a very happy holiday season!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Kraft) PTI, (White) Office Max
Stamps: (Faith in You) Market Street Stamps
Ink: (Java) Momento, (Vintage Photo Distress) Ranger
Other: (Markers) Copic, (Twine), (Burlap String) May Arts

...And Bright

2011-12-21T07:18:00.000-06:00

May your holiday be merry and bright this year!
I have a project and a few cards up over at the May Arts Blog featuring some merry and bright Bazzill papers and May Arts ribbon, you could take a peek if you'd like over on the blog!
I had a bit of fun creating a card set that features patterned and textured paper, grosgrain ribbon, burlap string and an SRM sticker sentiment. As always, comment for your chance to win some Bazzill goodies!

Also, did you see that Wee Memories is having an Anything Goes Challenge!

I Believe

2011-12-20T06:00:00.009-06:00

"I believe in Santa Claus / I believe in Santa Claus / I believe there's always hope when all seems lost / And I believe in Santa Claus / I believe in Santa Claus, I'll tell you why I do / 'Cause I believe that dreams and plans and wishes can come true / I believe in miracles, I believe in magic too / Oh I believe in Santa Claus..." ~from the ever famous Dolly Parton

Not entirely sure Santa would bring a Visa Gift Card but...

It's Tuesday and that means that there is another fabulous sketch and corresponding challenge up over at Skipping Stones Design! I went ahead and made another gift card holder card because I liked the first one so much! The dots on the kraft baggie are from the Garden Kiss Stamp set, and the sentiment is from Christmas Song. For more inspiration and challenge rules, plus information on the prize, please check out the Skipping Stones Blog!

I just adore this Canvas Corp paper, we were so lucky to team up with them this month! I knew right away that this paper would be perfect current JUGS Color Challenge! Love traditional holiday colors as much as I love the un-traditional colors. I pulled out a fun and whimsical pattern and added some selective stamping right on the little bag. So glad that this challenge came when it did too, because I usually shy away from the fun and whimsical but that paper just kept calling my name!!

Only two more days until my tenth wedding anniversary, four more days until my first born turns eight and five more days until Christmas! Ack! I'm trying to keep sane, how about you?

Frozen

2011-12-19T09:00:00.001-06:00

Are you like me and sometimes sit frozen...staring at lovely patterned paper and fabulous stamps but do not have anything to jump start your creativity? How about trying out a simplified card sketch?

Today on The Project Girl's blog, I'll show four versions from a card sketch that I designed as a Creative Contributor. All of the cards feature products from Jen's Lost & Found Two Collection from My Mind's Eye.

Here's a sample one of the cards:

I invite you to take a look at the other three cards and the sketch over on The Project Girl's Blog, perhaps it is just the sketch needed to finish up those last minute holiday cards...(like me.)

The Gift

2011-12-17T05:00:00.003-06:00

***For my May Arts and Graphic 45 post, please click here!***

"The best Christmas gifts came not from the gift received, but from those given."

I am back for another Spotlight Saturday as a guest designer for Artful Delight, where I get to showcase their December Card Kit! This time I created a card set and packaged them up in their own handmade glassine bag, tied up with some pretty orange twine found in the kit.

I really wanted to showcase the handmade embellishments included in this month's kit and what a better way to do that then with various one layer cards. Each card base is half of an 8.5x11 sheet of cardstock included in this kit. The sentiments all come from the Paper Smooches Stamp set, a perfect addition to this kit.

Let's take a look at the cards, shall we?

These two feature the beautiful layered butterfly focal pieces included in the kit:

Then we've two cards featuring the beautiful diecut flower with clay mold rose center:

And last but not least, the final two each feature a paper medallion from the kit. The first card showcases the yellow side of the medallion through a punched circle card front.

And then this one features the other side of the medallion along with some fun misting.

I love that Artful Delight's December Card Kit contents offer the flexibility of being able to create different designs but still have similar elements to make a nice card set.

And, the Artful Delight Sketch Challenge draws to a close on December 23rd. Don't forget to link up your project for a chance to win a free kit!

Fern Gully

2011-12-15T23:00:00.000-06:00

***For my May Arts and Graphic 45 post, please click here!***

"Like the fern, we grow and flourish if we unfurl toward light or truth.

The more we unfurl, the more the tendrils of our true nature begin to show as we loosen,

surrender and soften, releasing and opening as we let go..."

~Exert from Fern Life Center

CAS-ual Fridays brings you a Signed, Sealed and Delivered Challenge for this week-create a clean and simple card with a coordinating envelope! The sponsor, and guest, is the talented Sherri Thompson with Ippity Stamps.

It was just overall fun to play when making something for the challenge... inhibitions melted away the further and further I experimented with distress ink and water. The envelope utilizes the stamping off technique for the fern image. Won't you try to find time to play too? Check out the blog for challenge details, rules, prize information and to see fabulous inspiration from the Girl Fridays!

***For my May Arts and Graphic 45 post, please click here!***

Jingle Bells

2011-12-15T05:00:00.001-06:00

"Dashing through the snow In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go Laughing all the way
Bells on bob tails ring Making spirits bright
What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh
Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh!"

I had a ton of fun creating with the vintage inspired goodies from Graphic 45 and ribbon from May Arts! It brought back memories of my mother's string of jingle bells that were only brought out for one month out of the year to hang on the door leading to the stairs. I have missed the sound of the jingle bells in my home and decided it was time to make my own version.

1. Gather your supplies! I used ~ 2 yards of the lovely red/ivory striped May Arts grosgrain ribbon (RG14) and natural burlap string (SM10), chipboard tags from the Christmas Emporium Collection from Graphic 45, 6 jingle bells, thread and spray paint.
2. Trim a portion of the ribbon, enough to loop around a doorhandle. Fold in half the two edges and stitch each together.
3. Stitch the handle to the length of the ribbon.
4. Adhere the jingle bells to the ribbon at even intervals using strong thread. I spray painted my bells with both black and copper spray paint to give them an aged look.

Once you've finished with the basic steps of the hanger, its time to embellish by tying burlap string bows on each bell and a chipboard tag and button at the top! (Of note: I did loop back the ribbon and adhere it to itself with some strong adhesive. This, along with a weight on the bottom, allowed for stability so the strand does not tangle.)

May Arts Ribbon and Graphic 45 Patterned Paper and Embellishments make for some quick, easy, vintage style clean and simple cards too! Love that combination! I simply selectively trimmed the patterned paper, adhered chipboard tags with ribbon and mounted it all onto a card stock base.

I had the most fun creating with the products, and I hope that you are inspired! Please be sure to leave a comment here for your chance to win some amazing product from both companies, as well as at Graphic 45, May Arts and the following blogs...

Today's hop includes:

If you've missed a few days of the swap hop, no worries,
here's a list where fabulous inspiration can be found!

Jen Shears

And tomorrow, be sure to visit these blogs!

Still in Existance

2011-12-14T06:58:00.001-06:00

I still exist! The Bald Dragonfly still exists! Scary night last night when I found out my everything Google was disabled. Glad to be back up and running this morning.

There's a new challenge site in town, Runway Inspired, and it is incredibly awesome, has an incredibly awesome creator and design team. I didn't want to miss the inagural challenge, so here's my entry! I was drawn to the pattern and color of the dress, along with the black lines of the logo behind the runway. I love the simplicity of my card. I took a white card base, embossed it and then stamped the sentiment. Then I also embossed some yellow cardstock with the same embossing plate and ran it through a die cut and stitched those onto the panel. Yep, the tension was off on the sewing machine, but I'll run with it (pun intended) because I kind of like the messy look.

I was also inspired by the Young Crafter's Unite Challenge to use die cuts!

(Short on time here, so I'll post the supply list later!)

Make the Season Bright

2011-12-13T06:00:00.001-06:00

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

Jack Frost nipping at your nose

Yuletide carols being sung by a choir

And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everyone knows turkey and some mistletoe

Help to make the season bright.

Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,

Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way;

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.

And every mother's child is going to spy,

To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase,

To kids from one to ninety-two,

Although its been said many times, many ways,

A very Merry Christmas to you

-From A Christmas Song

Skipping Stones Designs has another fabulous sketch up this week as well as a Blog Hop to feature many of the wonderful Texture Sets from Skipping Stones Designs! If you are hopping along today, you should have arrived from the blog of Jingle! If you just happened along my blog today, start at the beginning of the hop at Skipping Stones Design. We've got a lot of inspiration to show you, from the regular team to our guest designers, sketch artist and crafty partners!

I received a little help from The Play Date Cafe when choosing colors for the design and The Paper Variety's Falalala Challenge of being inspired by a Christmas tune. Loved working with the Timeless Textures set, these colors as well as the papers from Canvas Corp in my design. What a way to make the season bright, eh?

Head over to Shannon's blog for some more Skipping Stones Design inspiration! I hope that you will be able to join along with the sketch this week, as always there is a fabulous prize up for grabs!

Supplies:

Cardstock: (Light Blue) Walmart, (White) Office Max

Patterned Paper: (Green and Red Polka Dot) Canvas Corp

Stamps: (Timeless Textures, Sentiment Frames) Skipping Stones Design

Ink: (Blue Chalk) Clearsnap, (Vintage Photo Distress) Ranger, (Brilliant Blue Pigment) SU

Fiber: (Natural Burlap String) May Arts

Tools: (Circle Cutting System) Creative Memories

Jen is Delightful

2011-12-10T05:00:00.013-06:00

***For my Lawnscaping All About Red post, please click here***

***For my CAS-ual Fridays post, please click here***

Do you know Jen? She is talented. She is thoughtful and encouraging. She's sweet and kind and everything in between. Jen is absolutely delightful and it's her birthday today!

Erin from Homemade Cards by Erin and I are doing a version of Carbon Copied to wish Jen a very happy day, we are both showcasing PTI's In Bloom Set and Authentique Paper for their current sketch challenge. (Featured on the above card is Authentique's Gathering Collection-their Bloom Patterned Paper and Icons.)

Artful Delight's December Card Kit includes some beautiful Authetique Paper. (Still pinching myself to be able to showcase the amazing products within this kit.) In addition to the card above, I also created a cute little tin to showcase some hair accessories.

The hair accessories were so simple to make! I simply hot glued the metal embellishments in the kit to hair clips. Another quick and easy gift for my husband's niece.

The tin was just as simple to decorate. I measured the sides and top and cut patterned paper to size and then used Modge Podge as a glue and sealer. The top was also embellished with a pack of goodies included in the kit. Both of these projects feature the Basic Grey Picadilly products included in the kit. I'll be entering this into Basic Grey's Anything Goes Challenge!

Remember that Artful Delight has a sketch challenge over on their blog, Artful Delight, too! I used that sketch to create a card. It's a beautiful sketch for a layout but also easily adaptable for a card too!

Woosh, that's a lot of projects already created with Artful Delight's December Card Kit and I'm not even half way through the products yet! Stay tuned next Saturday for some more projects!

Warm Hearts

2011-12-08T23:01:00.022-06:00

***Please scroll down for my CAS-ual Fridays Challenge post!***

Welcome to the second Lawnscaping Blog Hop! You should have arrived by way of Ayu (MimiPipi Craft's blog. Today it's all about red! I'm sharing a sweet, easy, little treat to make for the Christmas season: a hot chocolate wrapper!

And it all features a beautiful, red, foxy friend! I started by coloring the vixen (Lawn Fawn's Winter Fox) with some red and red/orange markers and used the "beyond the border" technique to frame her out.

I distressed the focal panel with some hand made spritz and then mounted it to a long strip of red vintage colored patterned paper. The sentiment (from Making Frosty Friends) was treated with the same distress technique, and mounted to the panel and wrapped with twine. The heart from My Silly Valentine completes the sentiment. I also mounted I scored the paper and die cut one end to match the shape of the focal frame. A simple staple holds the hot chocolate packets and that was dressed up with some twine too.

See, I told you it was easy to make a special gift! Personalization is so simple too, if you'd like to go that route. This little giftie would make a great stocking stuffer as well.

The hop runs from Friday, December 9th to Sunday, December 11th. Comment on all of the blogs for a chance to win prizes from Lawn Fawn, Mold Muse and Whisker Graphics!

The next stop is Melania Deasy's blog, and if you get lost, just stop by the Lawnscaping Blog! Thank you for stopping by today and I hope you found something here that inspired you...

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Natural Ivory) Stampin Up!
Patterned Paper: Graphic 45
Stamps: (Winter Fox, Making Frosty Friends, My Silly Valentine) Lawn Fawn
Ink: (Vintage Photo Distress) Ranger, (Onyx Black) Versafine
Fiber: (Natural Burlap String) May Arts
Other: (Markers) Copic
Tools: (Labels Four Nestabilities) Spellbinders

How Goes It?

2011-12-08T23:00:00.001-06:00

Hello!

How Goes It?

We are introducing a new CAS-ual Fridays Challenge tonight-In the Mist!

Create a clean and simple project using mist.

I was asked to put a few ideas together for misting:

• Use pre-made misting products available at your local or on-line retailer. • Create spray mist using a mix of re-inkers and water squirted through a spray bottle. • Create opaque splatters with a mix of acrylic paint and water flicked off a paintbrush. • Add fine water droplets to your background of distress inked paper. • Utilize an airbrush system or marker misting tool • Channel your inner child and spray ink or paint from a brush onto paper by blowing through a straw

Now's the time to try mist out, or further your skills as there is a fabulous sponsor,

Sweet Stamp Shop!

Please check out the challenge blog for challenge details, rules, sponsor information and lots of inspiration from the Girl Fridays!

Supplies:

Cardstock: (Kraft) PTI

Stamps: (Scootin' By) Sweet Stamp Shop

Ink: (Onyx Black) Versafine

Other: (Glimmer Mist) Tattered Angels

Tools: (Corner Rounder) WR Memory Keepers

Classy Pinecones

2011-12-07T12:54:00.000-06:00

I've been busy decorating my home, among other things. How about you?

I have another tutorial (my version of a creation by this guy) over on the May Arts Blog today

that features some "classy" pinecones.

Would love for you to take a peek at the full version over on the May Arts Blog.
Remember to check out the giveaway that they have over there this week too!

Krafty Christmas

2011-12-06T06:35:00.002-06:00

My Christmas gift hunt was on for the perfect coloring book and crayons. Something new and exciting, out of the normal...something that would fascinate a five year old boy. My search was a success, the little boy loved both the items and promptly decided he wanted to work on his book, and that I needed to help him. Fast forward elven years and this little boy, now my nephew, is about two feet taller than me and deciding on collages. Teenage boys. What can you get them for Chirstmas besides the electronics that cost an arm and leg? What would they be happy to receive? A gift card! Gas, food, clothes...Can't go wrong with a gift card!

Skipping Stones Design has a new sketch artist for December, the fabulous Jen del Muro, and our guests are Tosha Leyendekker, Windy Robinson and Kendra Sand. We have the pleasure of teaming up with the amazing Canvas Corp this month too! An early Christmas gift! Please come and join us with a creation of your own following the sketch for a chance to win! There is a ton of inspiration over on the Skipping Stones Design blog and Canvas Corp blog!

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I also have a what I think is a really fun tutorial that will go up over on the May Arts Blog, perfect for the holiday season. I call it "ribbon smashing"! Did I pique your curiosity? Please check it out over on the May Arts Blog! There is a giveaway on the general blog too, as May Arts is sponsoring the Ribbon Carosoul Challenge this week!

Holly Jolly

2011-12-05T09:00:00.002-06:00

Ooh, my little nephew is just at the age where he will enjoy the shiny, bright crinkly wrapping paper more than the presents. I wish I could see him on Christmas Day but I'll have to rely on my sister's explanations this year instead.

I tried my hand at "real" sewing again and made an activity book for him using the Holly Jolly fabric collection by Jen Allyson from Riley Blake. I've got a few more pictures of the inside up over on The Project Girl's blog today, want to take a peek and let me know what you think?

Delightful!

2011-12-03T05:00:00.001-06:00

So tell me...have you ever come across a situation where you have to pinch yourself

(to make sure it is real)

when presented with an offer that is out of this world?

I was invited to be a guest designer for the month of December over at Artful Delight

to feature the card kits available at their store.

And I had to pinch myself again when December's card kit arrived at my door.

Oh my goodness, all the wonderful goodies in one card kit!

Check it out!

(You can find a listing of all the contents here!)

This kit contains the hottest of stamping items right now from stamps by Paper Smooches to designer paper from Basic Grey. Swoon. I'm in love.

Back to my featured projects!

(I only have little boys at my house so this gracious puppy helped model the headband.)

There are these large, full felt blooms included in the kit and

I just knew I wanted to make a headband for my husband's soon-to-be four year old niece.

It was super simple...a bit of hot glue and it was done!

And then I created a cute, bright and happy birthday card to pair with the headband

by stitching some pattered paper to solid card stock from the kit.

I stamped a sentiment onto a hand-cut banner and then

stitched some ribbon (also from the kit!) to the banner and adhered it to the card.

I can't wait to show you what else I have up my sleeve that

I've made with this December Card Kit available at Artful Delight.

Thank you, Artful Delight, once again, for this amazing opportunity!

Oh-would you like a chance to win next month's kit from Artful Delight?!

Create a project using the layout below and link it here!

Rhapsody

2011-12-01T23:00:00.001-06:00

**This is my second post for today, to see a bit of my May Arts/Lawn Fawn project, click here!**

"Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide, No escape from reality
Open your eyes, Look up to the skies and see,
I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy,
Because I'm easy come, easy go, Little high, little low,
Any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to me, to me..."

Lyrics from Boehemian Rhapsody by Queen

Yay! CAS-ual Fridays is back from a Thanksgiving vacation and we

have another utterly fun tic tac toe challenge for you!

The sponsor this week is Paper Temptress and man oh man does she

have some great card stock available! I was lucky enough to receive a sampling.

I was having a difficult time choosing which route to go on the board

so I asked my son to pick one and he chose Aqua, Kraft and Scallops.

I punched out circles from both patterned paper and olive kraft, cut them in half

and then adhered them to an aqua cardbase. A bit of

burlap string and a button, along with a fun sentiment,

finishes off the card. I thought it had a rather bohemian chic look to it

and then from there I couldn't get the Bohemian Rhapsody song out

of my head. (Yes, you can thank me later when it won't leave yours either!)

So, please stop on over to the CAS-ual Fridays Blog

to check out the challenge details and rules,

find out more about the prize and sponsor, Paper Temptress

and see the awesome inspiration from the Girl Fridays!

Supplies:

Cardstock: (Aqua, Olive Brown Bag) Paper Temptress

Patterned Paper: (Recollections Collection) Crate Paper

Stamps: (Sentiment from Word Up) Paper Smooches

Ink: (Rich Cocoa) Momento

Fiber: (Natural Burlap String) May Arts

Other: (Button)

Tools: (Circle Punch) Creative Memories

Caramel Corn

2011-12-01T13:41:00.000-06:00

Have you heard? There is a Lawn Fawn and May Arts Blog Week going on with tons of fabulous inspiration. Check out May Arts and leave a comment for your chance to win product from both companies!

Noel

2011-11-29T06:37:00.000-06:00

The first 'Noel!' the angels did say / Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay / In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, / On a cold winter's night that was so deep. / For all to see there was a star / Shining in the east, beyond them far; / And to the earth it gave great light, / And so it continued both day and night...

(Even though I might only know the first few verses, The First Noel still is one of my favorite holiday songs. You just might hear me sing it loud and proud-but not very well on Christmas Eve-the first two verses anyway.)

Today there is another great sketch at Skipping Stones Designs for the Sketch Challenge, designed by Chan Vuong.

My card features the snowflake image from Rustic Tiles, along with a doily, glitter glue (!), patterned paper and some really pretty ribbon from Creative Impressions.

The color inspiration came from the latest CR84FN Color Challenge, a fun twist on holiday colors.

Please head on over to the Skipping Stones Design Blog to see the wonderful inspiration from the design team and guests!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Kraft) PTI
Patterned Paper: (Lost & Found: Christmas) My Mind's Eye
Stamps: (Rustic Tiles) Skipping Stones Design
Ink: (Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo, Antique Linen Distress) Ranger
Fiber: (Sheer) Creative Impressions
Other: (Doily), (Antique Linen Stickles) Ranger

Secret Santa

2011-11-28T09:05:00.001-06:00

Exerts from Santa Shares His Secret, USA Today

"There really is a Santa Claus...

He hadn't eaten for almost two days when he went to the Dixie Diner and ordered a big breakfast, then acted as if he had lost his wallet...The owner of the diner, who also was the waiter and cook, came over near the stool where [he] had been sitting and picked up a $20 bill off the floor. "Son, you must have dropped this," he said. "It was like a fortune to me," [he] says. "I said to myself, 'Thank you, Lord.' " He paid for the breakfast, left a tip, pushed his car to a gas station and left town. Then it dawned on him: Nobody had dropped the money, but [the man] had helped him out in a way that wouldn't embarrass him. "Right then, I just made a promise. I said, 'Lord, if you ever put me in a position to help other people, I will do it.' "... "

I couldn't help but grin when reading about the origin of the real Secret Santa-he shares what gift giving is all about and the fun that anonymity brings.

Will you be participating in a Secret Santa Exchange this year? I have a mini-tutorial up over at The Project Girl's Blog featuring hand-made fabric bags. Quick and easy, perfect for this holiday season...

No Chicken Patties For Me

2011-11-25T05:00:00.002-06:00

The conversation last Saturday after a nice traditional Thanksgiving meal at the in-laws...
Me (to the husband): You know, I've never cooked a turkey. Do you want me to try for Thursday?
Husband (to me, with a worried expression): No, we can just have chicken patties.
Me (with a disgusted look): What? No way! I'll try to cook a turkey.
Husband (with an aha moment): Let's just grill steaks, ok?
Me (relieved): Yes, that will be fine.

I hope your Thanksgiving was a great one (if you celebrated it!) and are well relaxed today. Our steaks did turn out excellent, by the way! I'm featuring the lovely stamp set Rustic Tiles from Skipping Stones Design in my card today, on sale for just a few more days! I love this stamp set, because the tiles can be delicate and soft, charming and quaint...or bold and beautiful!

I chose the colors based off the palette over at The Play Date Cafe. Started with the gold base and panel, stamped the panel in deep red and then misted with orange. A bit of inking on the edges and a stamped sentiment, along with a fun, simple fiber treatment and you've got a bold, rustic card.

And since it is Black Friday after all, what a better time than to showcase this card and corresponding sketch featured over at the Scrap Rendez-vous Blog. I'm delighted to be a guest sketch artist again!

A Friend is a Friend

2011-11-23T06:00:00.001-06:00

From the Muppets:
"Well, a friend never bends or pretends when a friend is in need. So depend on a friend who's a friend to his friend indeed. No a friend never bends or pretends when a friend is in need so depend on friend who's a friend indeed."

The talented Chunyuan from Dahlia Memories has delightfully joined me today in a Carbon Copied post! We are featuring Papertrey Ink's Modern Basics and participating in the Embellish Magazine's Color Trends Challenge: Leaves.

I wanted to try out mists on kraft paper again, and kind of do a play on opposites, so I sprayed a kraft panel with green and then mounted that to a kraft card base. Then, on a scrap strip of paper I stamped the leaves in the purple/red and blue color. After that was attached to the card with dimensional adhesive, I wrapped the piece with some string to give it a more natural feel, it just seemed to provide another contrasting element.

I am super excited to see what Chunyuan has, as I mentioned before she is wildly talented. Her designs are always so fresh and clean which is why I'm so inspired by her work. Please pop on by Dahlia Memories if you haven't done so already!

(PS if you are interested in participating in a Carbon Copied post, click on the Carbon Copied Badge on my side bar to read more about it!)

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Kraft) PTI
Stamps: (Modern Basics) PTI
Ink: (Brilliant Blue Pigment) SU, (Purple Chalk) Colorbox
Fiber: (Natural Burlap String) May Arts
Other: (Mr. Huey Mist) Studio Calico, (Marker) SU
Tool: (Corner Chomper) WR Memory Keepers

Purses

2011-11-22T06:40:00.000-06:00

Laverne and Shirley, Thelma and Louise, Lucy and Ethel, Kate and Allie, Cagney and Lacey, The Golden Girls...good ol' shows that brought to forefront trials and tribulations, successes and failures...friendships that stood the test of time. A good girlfriend will stand by your side no matter what.

Yay! It's time for another Skipping Stones Design Sketch Challenge. I pulled out Birthday Purses and paper pieced one of the purses with the same paper used for the blocks. A Creative Impressions hardware piece tied with ribbon completes the look. This set is perfect for Moxie Fab World's Celebrating Relationships Challenge: National Girlfriend's Day. I just think the sentiment is so much fun and so true.

There's great eye candy over at the blog, as well as rules and prize details!

Supplies:
Cardstock: (Vintage Cream) PTI
Patterned Paper: (Pixie-Licious) Cosmo Cricket
Stamps: (Birthday Purses) Skipping Stones Design
Ink: (Rich Cocoa) Memento
Embellishments: (Brad, Ribbon) Creative Impressions
Tools: (Square Punch) Creative Memories

Shimmer

2011-11-19T11:55:00.000-06:00

Are you with me when I say that sometimes when you are feeling blue it is nice to receive an encouraging email? Especially in this crafting/blogging community from a nice, talented and successful designer? Virginia is celebrating a big milestone birthday soon and I just wanted to wish her a very Happy Birthday because she is a sweetheart and totally deserves a great day! I remember that email from her. In fact, I still have it. If you ever need a laugh or some great eye candy, stop by her blog, Yes, Virginia.

The inspiration for my card came from a photograph posted by another talented crafter and blogger, Barb from Kinsale Creations for a little challenge she is having. I was drawn to the colors, the damask and the overall sophistication and elegance of the place setting.

I chose to go with a damask embossed background panel for The Pink Elephant Challenge, but then decided that I needed to ramp up the embossing a little so I created my own shimmery paper. I love how it turned out!

And, one other thing...May Arts has teamed up with Echo Park Paper this past week and I've got my take (and tutorial) on how to transform a common household item into a cool holiday display. I'd love for you to stop by, there are great prizes up for grabs too!

Fallen Leaves

2011-11-17T23:00:00.001-06:00

When the yellow and orange leaves have mostly fallen to the ground and spots of blaze orange scattered throughout the woods can be seen, Thanksgiving can only be a few days away. It's one of my favorite holidays, one of the few that you can enjoy the day by being lazy with your family. The only things you really have to do is reflect on the many things to be thankful for and eat a large meal*, right?
*subject to my own opinion...

CAS-ual Fridays is back, this time with a two-week long competition that allows you to prepare yourself for the big meal and make your thanksgiving wish. The challenge is a sketch that I designed, so I hope that you will have a chance to play along!

We are sponsored by Tradefish Designs. For more details on the challenge, to find out about the amazing prize and see beautiful inspiration from the Girl Fridays, please check out the CAS-ual Fridays Blog!

My card features the beautiful oak leaves from Got Leaves?. I stamped the leaves randomly and overlapped them as well onto a cardstock panel, and then colored each with a marker. A bit of misting and ink distressing the edges finished it up and then I attached it to the card base and tied some string. A stamped sentiment finished off the card.

I can't help be thankful for the little things in my life this week, the sentiment reminds me that I should let others know that I appreciate them. Thanks, The Paper Variety, for calling this to mind today! This little guy is coming to work with me and will be hand delivered.

Three Dimension

2011-11-17T06:52:00.000-06:00

I have a Tips and Tricks post up over at the Skipping Stones Design blog and they were so nce to let me share it here with you all too!

Diving into the realm of three dimension is super simple and so easy! What a way to bring life to your static card or project! Skipping Stones Design offers many stamps transform into 3D so well, especially the small butterfly from Healing Wings.

It's such an easy trick, with few steps involved. Let me show (or remind!) you how...

Start by stamping the image twice onto your patterned paper and fussy cut around the images. (You'll want to use heavy weight card stock or high quality patterned paper so you don't end up with a floppy image.) I lightly shaded one with markers as well-just for some added depth. This will be the back wing.

Then, adhere one image completely to another piece of paper. Fold a portion of the top image over slightly.

Next, glue the folded portion to your other image in relatively the same spot. You can shift the front image slightly for a more natural look. You'll end up with a lovely three dimensional butterfly by using only one stamp.

Complete your card with a few finishing touches. The sentiments from Healing Wings are perfect for a loss or traumatic life event. The butterfly is also so symbolic during these times, and the three dimensional trick brings a feeling of life, love and comfort.

It's my first time playing over at The Ribbon Carousel and I am looking forward to participating again! I used some May Arts Ruffled Trim and Natural Burlap String to compliment the beautiful butterfly. This time it was a sketch, Laura always comes up with amazing sketches.

Supplies:
Cardstock: (White) Office Max
Patterned Paper: (Stella and Rose Mabel Collection) My Mind's Eye
Stamps: (Healing Wings) Skipping Stones Design
Ink: (Onyx Black) Versafine
Fibers: (Ruffled Trim, Natural Burlap String) May Arts
Marker: (Copic), (Sharpie)