So Tired!!!

I have been creating all day long and I am *Finally* done with my projects. I sat here thinking I may as well crank one more out! LOL! I checked the SC over at SCS and it had been posted, so I decided to quickly make a card. Super simple since I used a lot of DSP. My DH got me a new stamp shelf for Christmas, so I have been trying to get things organized a little along the way. I am still far away from where it needs to be! I couldn't get to all of my stamps, so I chose to use "Wild About You" since the tall giraffe fit the rectangle panel quite nicely. I paired it with the "Sweet Always" DSP that I *had* to have and have only used twice! I know...it is sad! I kept everything clean and crisp; simple! I decided to add a little interest to all of the square corners by punching out the sentiment with my oval punch. I also added a strip of scalloped vellum to the side. It looks cuter in real life. My *photo setup* got moved when I moved my stamps, so this photo isn't the best. I guess I am rambling...Must get to bed! Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:

Wild About You stamp set

PTI White cardstock, regal rose, chocolate chip, Sweet Always DSP

Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie ink

Chocolate Taffeta Ribbon, Oval Punch, Pretty in Pink Brads, foam squares, scallop edge punch

Bunny Thanks!

I decided I had better make a greater effort to get my Thank you cards done that I need to send out for all of our great gifts we recieved for Christmas. As I was creating this, I realized that I probably should look through my stash to see what I *already* have. But what fun is that? I always like to sit and down and make new ones. However, I am in a bit of a time crunch, because I am *supposed* to be working on some design deadlines. So...I guess it is back to my stash! LOL! I will probably be MIA tomorrow so that I can get everything finished up. I will be back by mid-week with some new designs.

I rummaged through my stamps and decided to use this cute bunny image from SU!'s {Serene Spring} before it retires. It is so much fun to color and I decided to use my Aquapainter and ink refills to color the image. I was hesitant as to which colors to use until I settled on this "Raspberry Tart" DSP from SU!. As I sat looking at this card, I knew it needed something else, but I couldnt' figure out what until I uploaded it and saw it on my computer screen. At that point, I just decided to keep it. It is a little plain, but that is okay every once in a while, I guess.

I first cut and embossed the white paper for the main image with my cuttlebug and the label 2 large die from Nestablilities. I sponged the edges, stamped the image and watercolored.

Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:

*Serene Spring, Thank You Kindly

*PTI White cardstock, Raspberry Tart DSP

*Palette Noir Hybrid Ink, Ink refills: kiwi kiss, always artichoke, going gray, basic gray, pink pirouette, ruby red, creamy caramel, close to cocoa, so saffron, rose red, antique linen distress ink by Ranger

*martha stewart lace punch, diamond stickles, white silk ribbon by creative impressions, SU! button, crochet thread, glue dots, foam squares

You're a Blast!

I needed a quick boy Birthday card this morning! One of my sweet kids that I teach at church is *finally* turning 4! All of his class mates have been 5 for a couple of month now and he has been patiently waiting! I will be taking his gift and card to church today to get it to him before his big day! Whenever I need a quick card, I love using a sketch. Well, what do you know, Jen's sketch worked perfectly for today's card! You can check it out here: http://www.iheart2stamp.com/ . I used some retired paper and for the life of me I can't remember what it is called. ugh! Sorry 'bout that! I also used my ever essential *pun fun* stamp set. It has been one of my *go to* sets for kids cards lately. I used my prismacolor markers to color the image and added a few diamond stickles to the stars and rocket! I used a minimal amount of ribbon because I didn't want it to look to feminine! I also added a star brad to the center of the punched star image. I also used the sentiment from "Wow flowers". I have never used that set until today. Isn't that sad?

Also, my DH bought me some great items for my stamp area. As soon as I have everything organized, I will share some photos. I am super excited to get everything all arranged! I hope that it will help spark some inspiration! LOL!

I also tried another *fabulous* recipe yesterday. We had a family dinner last night with my extended family and I wanted to bring a little something for each family. I had already given away the last of my jam, so I needed something a little quicker to make, but equally fun! My sister and I got together and whipped it up and it turned out beautifully! I will be making up some more today to give to a few ladies in the neighborhood, so when I do, I will share it all with you! Keep posted! Thanks for fluttering by!

Holiday Treats

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! We sure did! My kids are so cute!!! I love seeing the excitement in their eyes and on their faces. I quickly made these tags and cookies up on Christmas Eve to take to my In-law's house to give out to my DH's brothers families. I love making these soft ginger cookies at Christmastime and even at Valentine's Day.

I created the tag by using my Nestabilities Label 2 die (largest one) and the Papertrey, Ink "Holiday Treats" stamp set. I purchased it last year after Christmas so I was really excited to use it this year. I loved seeing all of the things that the PTI design team did with it. I visited the gallery to remember the fun things they did. This design was *heavily* inspired by Pinefeather's design she used. I love it!

I had a request for the recipe to my caramels and I will also share the soft ginger cookie recipe as well.

Christmas Caramels

1 cup butter

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 can sweetened condensed milk

dash of salt
1 cup light corn syrup

Combine all ingredients in a heavy bottom pan and bring to a constant boil over medium heat. Stir constantly until mixture reached the soft ball stage *around 15 minutes*.

Pour into a buttered 7 by 11 pan and let cool.

Cut into squares and wrap each piece in waxed paper.

*Note: mine took less than 15 minuted this year...I have no idea why. I think I cooked it for about 10 minutes once it came to a constant boil.

SOFT GINGER COOKIES

2 1/4 c. flour

2 tsp. gr. ginger

1 tsp. bkg soda

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 c. butter, softened

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup molasses ( I use full flavor)

2 T. sugar

combine flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt. set aside. beat butter 30 seconds. add 1 cup sugar and beat until fluffy. add egg and molasses. beat well. add 1/2 flour mixture and beat until well combined. stir in remaining flour mixture with a wooden spoon. shape into 1 inch balls and roll in the 2T sugar. place on un-greased cookie sheet 2 inches apart and bake at 350 degrees for 8-11 minutes or until brown and slightly puffed. Cool on cookies sheet for 2 minutes and then transfer to a wire cooling rack.

*I doubled my recipe and used my small Pampered Chef scoop and the recipe made around 80 cookies. I used my Kitchen Aid stand mixer and it went so smoothly!

Butterfly Thanks

Today's color challenge was a little difficult for me. I usually don't gravitate towards these color combinations, but that is why it is a challenge, right? LOL! Anyway, I reached for my "Flight of the Butterfly" set that I recieved at convention. I wanted to use flowers, but there wasn't any green in the challenge, so that wouldn't work. I thought that these butterflies would look cute in these colors. I made it quick and simple, but adding a little dimension by using two different cuttlebug embossing folders. I decided to make it a Thank You card, since I will be needing quite a few in the next few days! Unless...I am getting coal this year! LOL!

My Orchid Opulence cardstock has been seriously neglected...it had some fading around all of the edges. I know that they say it is best to keep cardstock out of the light, but I prefer to have mine out where I can see it. I guess I should use ALL of my colors more! I was excited to use some of my retired orchid ribbon as well. I hang on to all of the retired ribbon and accessories for such an occasion. I find that I use alot of my retired colored accessories when I do the color challenges.

I am still on a dead run trying to get everything done before Christmas. I guess we are on the final countdown, now! I made some caramels last night and when I woke up they were hard as a rock. I guess I missed that "soft ball" stage and went right into the hard ball stage! Oh well...they are easy enough to redo. I make them every year and they usually turn out perfect. I will stop rambling....thanks for fluttering by!

I'm Alive...don't worry! LOL!

Hello! I am sure many of you have wondered where I have been! I have been here, just super busy getting ready for Christmas and all. I am sure you all know what I am saying! I will be stamping later today...just have to get some *must do* items off my list! Thanks for understanding! I was able to get most of my jam gussied up in fabric, ribbon and tags. I still have a few bottles left to do, but for the most part, I am on the home stretch. I decided back in June to make some Jam for neighbor gifts and then I made some more in September/October. I have had it made for so long, yet I left it to the last minute to get decorated. I sat and worked on this last night after I got the kids to bed. Thanks for fluttering by!

Super Quick Anyone Gift

Like the title? Today's WT challenge over at SCS was to make a super quick gift that you could make in a jiffy! I would say that this qualifies! LOL! I purchased the buckets at Super Target in the Dollar Spot *love that place*! I quickly made a tag using the "Holiday Traditions" DSP and the "Old Saint Nick" rubons. I followed the same basic design elements that I had been using in my cards, so it was easy to pull together.

I simply measured my acetate, applied my rub-on, frosted the edges with Cotton White StazOn and adhered it to the tag base with brads! Add a touch of ribbon and the bucket is done! All you need now is a bit of candy, lotion, etc. and you have a super quick and easy gift!!!! Love it! I have another style of bucket that I will be decorating later today, but I am off to my daughter's Christmas Party in Kindergarten, so stay tuned! Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:

Old Saint Nick Rub-Ons

Pink Pirouette Card stock, Holiday Traditions DSP

Cotton White StazOnVintage Brads, Martha Stewart snowflake punch and gem sticker, foam squares, Riding Hood Red Striped Ribbon

On another note...I got my Christmas cards written and sent! I included a few photos of my kids inside the cards. I thought I would share one with you also. Can you tell I love my kids? LOL!

A Cardinal Christmas

This was one of the *must have* sets for me from the Holiday Mini Catalog, yet I put off getting it for so long. I have played around with it, but this is it's first appearance on an actual card. I have a few more sets that still haven't made it onto a card, either. LOL! I decided to play along in today's sketch Challenge over at SCS...not only does it make for a fast card, but I was able to add one more to my stash. I am going to be mailing tomorrow, so I think this may be the last Holiday card of the season. Don't fret, though, I still have teacher's gifts, neighbor gifts, etc. to get together, so I will be posting those as soon as I get them done. The kid's get out of school on Friday and don't go back until the New Year, so I have quite a bit to get done between today and Friday. Wish Me Luck!!!!

I watercolored the cardinal with an aquapainter and ink refills. I usually mat my cardstock before I begin the watercoloring process so that the paper doesn't curl. I try not to use too much water flowing from the aquapainter as well. This helps me getter better results. I *of course* added some stickles to bits of the entire image. To me, sparkly cards say Christmas. It seems like when I was young, everything had sparkles. Yummy! I also used some DSP paper from Stampin' Up! in real red. It is the prints pattern for this year. I think I liked last year's better, but I do like some of these as well, so it is worth having. I sponged all of the edges for a vintage feel, added some gold brads and punched out the sentiment. I then tied it up with a bit of mellow moss taffeta ribbon and called it *done*! yipee!

Stay Tuned for more projects and thanks for fluttering by!

Peace on Earth

As I was sorting my stash of Christmas cards, I realized that I have quite a few. In fact, with a few more designs over the next day or two and I will be done. Last night before I went to bed, I sat thinking of some sets that I love and haven't used yet this year. "Believe" from PTI came to mind. I can't tell you how many of those darn Santa images I colored last year. That set was well-worn by me and this year it hasn't even been touched. Since Santa was probably still taking a break from last year, I decided to ink up this tree image. I love how it has berries on it to give it some contrast. I also embossed the burgundy piece with my "Birds and Swirls" embossing folder. I kept thinking of *A Partridge in a Pear tree* while I was coloring the tree, so that is why I chose to use that embossing folder. Silly, I know! As I was pulling out my cuttlebug, to do the embossing, I spied some little die-cut ribbon slides I bought when I first got my cuttlebug and they never get used. I have no idea why, either, they are so stinkin' cute. You will be seeing more of them in my designs since I have rediscovered them. LOL!

My images were colored with an assortment of copic and prismacolor markers. I added some stickles to all of the berries. I pulled it all together with some of the scrumptious satin ribbon I picked up at Target the other day. I sponged all of the edges using Vintage Photo distress ink for an aged look.

Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Believe-Papertrey, Ink.

Ink: Palette Noir, Vintage Photo Distress Ink by Ranger, Copic and Prismacolor markers

Paper: Naturals Ivory, Mellow Moss, Bravo Burgundy, PTI Vanilla

Accessories: Satin Ribbon by Club Wed *Target*, Cuttlebug die for ribbon slider, 3/4 inch circle punch, 1/16 inch hole punch, Birds and Swirls embossing folder, silver brads

P.S. I am going to try and post as much as possible this week, but I do have quite a few design deadlines, Christmas to still get ready for, and life in general, so please bear with me if I am MIA a bit. Like I said, I am going to *try*!

Things that make you go hmmmm...

So...when I first had a good look at the Ski Slope DSP it really reminded me of the curtains I had sewn for my stamp area. Stampin' Up! had come to my house in October of 2007 to photograph my stamp space and my curtains were photographed as well. I mentioned it in my blog that the paper had an uncanny resemblance to the curtains, but I didn't think much more about it. Then my December issue of Stampin' Success arrived and I stared at the cover thinking something seemed super familiar. Finally it dawned on me that the fabric that the projects are photographed on is the *EXACT* fabric that I made my curtains out of. You can see the curtains in the background of the magazine. The sun was shining through so they look more yellow.

What do you think? Am I crazy or is it a coincidence? Anyway...I noticed that the fabric on the table that the chipboard is photographed on in the current Idea Book and Catalog is one of the "Autumn Vine" DSP patterns. Like I said...things that make you go hmmmmm......

Anyway...I decided to play along in Jen's SFYTT and use the Ski Slope paper. I also used the Old Saint Nick Rub-Ons and Alpine Ribbon. Once I had applied the rubon to the acetate, I frosted the edges with my Cotton White StazOn. There isn't any stamping on this one. I also acutally used SU! buttons on my card. Isn't that funny that they make buttons to match and I rarely use those buttons. I figured I should use my stash. Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:

Old Saint Nick Rub-Ons

Ink: Cotton White StazOn

Paper: Ski Slope DSP, Confetti White

Accessories: Neutrals Buttons, Linen Thread, foam squares, Alpine ribbon, acetate, silver brads

Christmas Blessings

When I found out that "Baby Jesus is Born" was being retired, I quickly pulled it out and started creating. I love this stamp set...I mostly purchased it to use for the kids I teach at church, but it soon became a fast favorite. I am usually not a "cutesy" type girl, but this Nativity is so much fun to color. I usually watercolor the image, but I decided to make it quick with my copics and prismacolor markers. I added a little liquid applique to the sheep for a fun detail. I added a few brads, ribbon and a button to spruce it up. Quick and Easy, yet super fun!!!

I don't know about you, but I am no where near being done with Christmas cards and I like to get them sent out around the 15th. I will post all of my Christmas card designs as I get them done. Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:

Baby Jesus is Born Stamp Set

Ink: Palette Noir, Copic and Prismacolor Markers, Night of Navy, Antique Linen Distress Ink

Paper: PTI White, Night of Navy, Ski Slope DSP, Bravo Burgundy

Accessories: Navy 1/4 inch grograin ribbon, button from The Paper Salon, Linen Thread, sponge, paper piercer and mat pack, rich regals brads, foam squares by Mrs. Elizabeth (dollar store find)

Season's Greetings!

I ordered some things from Ellen Hutson's online store http://www.ellenhutson.com/servlet/StoreFront about a month ago and inside my package was the most delightful *thank you*. She had packaged up some yummy satin ribbon in a small bag with a beautiful christmas tree image that she had colored inside. It was so cute and thoughtful. As I was cleaning my *hazard zone* stamp area yesterday, I found the ribbon and set it aside so that I could use it. The image reminded me of one of the new images from The Saltbox Studio and I decided to use it for the focal point of my card today. I used my neglected nestablities dies to create the scalloped rectangle and then stamped my image with Palette Noir ink. I colored the image with an assortment of copic and prismacolor markers. After I had finished coloring the tree, I added a few diamond stickles to the bulbs and star. I decided I had better use the nestabilities that I own since I put in an order to spellbinders for more.
LOL! You all are such enbablers, let me tell you!!!!! I sponged the edges with Antique Linen distress ink by Ranger. The background was run through my cuttlebug with the swiss dot embossing folder. Of course the satin ribbon was the finishing touch with a few buttons for a homespun feel! Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:

All stamps from The Saltbox Studio- http://www.amuseartstamps.com/

Ink: Palette Noir, Antique Linen distress ink by Ranger, Copic and Prismacolor markers

Paper: Garden Green, Kraft, PTI White

Accessories: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dot Embossing Folder, Satin Ribbon from Ellen Hutson, Diamond Stickles, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack, Hobby Blade, Nestabilities Dies

Friends Forever

Can you tell I love using Parisian Summer DSP and One of a Kind together. They both worked so well for today's sketch challenge over at SCS. I knew I didn't want to stamp a circle image and then punch it out, so I decided on punching out the flowers from one of a kind and have them trail down the card. I am seriously in love with the sentiments from "Best Yet" as well, so I thought I could punch one out with a circle punch. It was a tight fit, but I made it work. I was so wishing I had the right color thread in my sewing machine, because I thought this design was needing some, but I didnt' want to change the bobbin and thread color. You should see my crazy stamp area...it looks like a bomb went off leaving bits of projects here and there. LOL!

Yesterday I went to Target to do a little Christmas shopping and found some delicious satin ribbon in the wedding section. I really liked the width and the price...15 yards for 2.99. I thought it seemed reasonable, so threw 3 different spools into my cart. I am sure I will be incorporating the other 2 colors in my next designs. I think my Saltbox Stamps are getting lonely...I will be pulling some out today and working on a few designs.

Has everyone seen the Stampin' Up! retirement list? I am losing some serious rubber. I told my husband that I wanted a new shelving system for my stamps, but maybe I won't need one, since I move my retired sets to a different system. I am really sad that so many are going...but I know that I will have to have a ton of new ones, too! Enough of my rambling! Thanks for fluttering by!

200th Post

I promised something fun...but I ran out of time. I am supposed to be getting my safety and emissions done on my car and a whole bunch of other things! LOL! Tis the season to be busy! Hopefully I can take some time to put together a fun project. I have something in mind, but it is going to take some time. I did sneak some stamping time today to do the SCS color challenge. I noticed that most people were making snowmen cards and winter themes, so I decided to go for a birthday card to change it up a bit. However, after I was done, I really was wishing I had made a winter card! Go figure! Anyway...I got the idea to give the bugs a hat from the talented Valerie Stangle. She did this a year or more ago and I thought it was darling. I have hung on to my small sayings stamp set and I will never part with it. I love the sayings and the cute small images that come with it. I also paired it with some of the Muirfield DSP. I thought these patterns worked well for a birthday card. I added some piercing, brads and ribbon and called it good! Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:]

Stamp sets: small sayings, bugs and kisses

ink: taken with teal, baja breeze, riding hood red, going gray

paper: taken with teal, baja breeze, riding hood red, muirfield dsp

accessories: paper piercer and mat pack, clip assortment, silver brads, foam squares

Simple Kind Thanks

I get the amazing and priceless opportunity to teach the 3 and 4 year olds at church. Yesterday we were supposed to say "Thank You" to someone who helps us at church. I hurried and whipped this ensemble up for my class to give to that special recipient. I am always running behind on Sunday and always find it a struggle to get everyone dressed and out the door, so adding this on top of everything else was stressful. I tried to make it simple, yet elegant, so that the person who recieved it would feel special.

I used the new Raspberry Tart DSP and the new "Dream a Little" stamp set that will be coming out in the upcoming SU! Idea Book and Catalog. On the box/bag I used "Only Ovals". I Love that set, and I decided to color each different element on the image using my SU! markers. I thought that it added a little more dimension and interest. I am glad I took the extra time to do that. I colored the image on the card using a blender pen and ink refills.

I got the template for these darling Box/Bags from Cambria at http://www.stampalittlelovebaby.com/ . There have been quite a few out there, but this is the one that I used. I think she showed it in the summer sometime. I can't remember. They are super easy to make.

It is snowing here and everything is dark. I think I will put on some Christmas music, turn on the lights and enjoy my snowy morning. We had such a fun week and weekend...I will tell you all about it later. If I post something tomorrow....it will be my 200th post. I will try and do something fun for that day! Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. I finally delivered the quilt along with the other gift to my friend. Her baby had the quilt laying over him at church yesterday and he looked adorable. It was perfect.

We Have a Winner!

I finally got back from my family party and chose a winner. I usually have my daughter pick, but since she is tucked in bed, I had to do the honors. I kept shaking and turning the bucket with the numbers and gave them a final stir and pulled out....drum roll..... Post # 4

Elaine said...
I'm not sure if I enjoy watching the kids open their gifts more or watching their faces as we open our gifts FROM them!
December 5, 2008 1:33 PM

Congratulations, Elaine! Email me at kellyrory1@msn.com and I will send your blog candy out ASAP! Let me just say...I had so much fun reading all of your comments. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. I wish all of you Happy Holiday's and a very Happy New Year. Thanks for fluttering by!

BLOG CANDY!!!!

IT IS FINALLY TIME FOR SOME HOLIDAY BLOG CANDY! I have been promising it for a while now and I finally got it done! Leave me a comment with your favorite Holiday Tradition and you will be entered to win the BLOG CANDY! Or leave me a comment with something you would like to see on my blog. Included is a K&Company mat stack, K&Company ribbon, K&Company gem stickers, Snail Adhesive Refill, American Crafts Ribbon spool, Imaginisce Tree stamp and an assortment of Buttons! I will be drawing a number on Sunday, so you will have all weekend to leave a comment. I will be drawing at 7 p.m. Mountain Time. ***I forgot I am going to a family party tonight, so I will be drawing when I get home******P.S. I am loving reading your great comments**********

Thanks for fluttering by and Good Luck!

Happy Snowflakes

Today's LSC was to use only snowflakes in our design, sparkles and a one word sentiment. I thought it sounded pretty fun and I am always up for a challenge. I had quite a few supplies that would work for this challenge already out, so I quickly went to work. I decided to thread my button with some silver cord for some added sparkle. I think I will be using that quite a bit from now on.

My house is a serious disaster zone and I want to get it cleaned up before I pick my daughter up from Kindergarten. After that I am headed off to pick up some BLOG CANDY...so check back later today!

Supplies:

Merry and Bright Stamp Set, It's All Good Stamp Set

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Vintage Photo from Ranger

Paper: PTI white, Riding Hood Red, Kraft

Accessories: Little Felt Flurries, Button, Silver elastic cord, Riding Hood Red ribbon, paper piercer and mat pack, liquid glue, crystal coarse glitter from martha stewart, glue dots, circle punches

Dream A Little

When I got home from Volunteering in my daughter's class, Mr. Brown (actually it is a Mrs. Brown who has been coming lately) had paid me a visit. I had some new goodies waiting for me from Stampin' Up! For those of you who are not demos, this will be a sneak peek for you. I used one of the new hostess sets called "Dream a Little". I absolutely love this paper, too. This will be one of the new DSP papers in the Spring/Summer catalog called "Raspberry Tart". Isn't it yummy? I was so excited to use my new stuff, I just whipped this out, so hopefully I can take a little more time tomorrow or later tonight and play some more.

Before beginning, I did hop over to SCS to check out the WT challenge for today. It was to incorporate envelopes into our project. I pulled out my {beloved} envelope templates I got from Martha By Mail (back in 2001 when it was still around) and made a coordinating envelope with the Raspberry Tart DSP. These are the times when I am especially glad that the paper is double sided. It comes with any easy template to make liners, but with double sided paper, no liner is necessary. Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies:

Stamps: dream a little

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Whisper White, Basic Gray

Paper: PTI White, Rose Red, Raspberry Tart DSP

Accessories: Pretties Kit, Diamond Stickles, Kiwi Kiss double sided satin ribbon, vintage brads, foam squares, scallop punch

Wanted!

It is now 2:00 and I finally got a chance to stamp! I have a few ladies coming over for stamp club tonight, so I really should be prepping for that. I decided to use the colors from today's Color Challenge over at SCS. I thought they would work well with Bronc Buster and Wanted from SU! (Sorry about the double pictures...I uploaded it wrong and I am too lazy to fix it!) I used my cuttlebug and the Paisley embossing folder for the background. I also used the star and Paisley image from Wanted as well. I sponged, distressed and pierced. Poor card! Thanks for fluttering by!

Supplies: Wanted, Bronc Buster stamp sets

Ink: Sahara Sand, Black

Paper: Vanilla, Black, Sahara Sand

Accessories: star punch, sponge, gingham ribbon, star brads, paper piercer and mat pack, paisley embossing folder, cuttlebug, foam squares, silver brads

Lost in the Mail?

I have been anticipating the release of Card Creations 6, but when I never recieved my comp issue, I began scratching my head. It came out some time ago, yet I never could find it on the newstand. I had two cards accepted, but you never know if they will actually *use* them. So...I finally emailed the editor and found out that not only did I not get my comp issue, but my two cards that did indeed make it into the magazine, were lost as well.

I was pretty disappointed, but finally got my issue yesterday. I thought I would share one of the designs that I had in there. There isn't any stamping on it...the sentiment is from some Crate Paper rubons. I had fun arranging all of the pretty buttons, though. Enjoy and I will try and fit some stamping time in today once my daughter gets home from Kindergarten. I wanted to stamp first thing this morning, but my son had his Ancestral Report on Scotland today, so I had to show up with his Kilt, and some Scottish shortbread to share with the class. Thanks for fluttering by!

Two Cards-One Sketch

I hopped over to Card Positioning Systems today to check out this week's sketch. It was fabulous as always, so I decided to make two cards. One using some of the new Christmas images from The Saltbox Studio and another using the Old Saint Nick rub-ons from Stampin' Up! Both cards were super fun to make. You can check out this week's sketch here: http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/

The first card doesn't have any stamped images on it, but I did use the fantastic rub-ons called
"Old Saint Nick" I used the white images and transfered the image onto a piece of acetate. I distressed the edges for a frosty look using my Cotton White StazOn inkpad. This is one of my favorite inkpads, but it has been neglected lately. I guess Christmas time is a great time to use it. I also used "Christmas Traditions" DSP for each layer and Pink Pirouette cardstock for the base and the mat. I used a gem and some glitter from Martha Stewart Crafts. I rounded the corners on the base using my small corner rounder. I really like this one, because it is sharper than others I have had and it will punch through both layers of my cards.

The next card uses some great new images from The Saltbox Studio that can be found Here: http://www.amuseartstamps.com/ I love these little mouse images. I can just imagine the little church mice putting on a Christmas pageant. Yes...I am a nerd!!! I had fun coloring the images using copics and prismacolor markers. I also used a pigment gold inkpad for the sentiment and the star. I paired the images with the yummy FaLaLa paper from Making Memories. I was at Target the other day picking up some other items and I spied this and had to have it. I usually don't purchase my craft items at Target but this paper was calling my name. I punched one of the snowflakes out from the pattern paper and used that for the snowflake element that the sketch called for. Easy Peasy.

Don't forget to check back for the BLOG CANDY I will be posting this week!

Card 1 Supplies:

Old Saint Nick Rub-Ons

Paper: Pink Pirouette Card stock, Christmas Traditions DSP

Ink: Antique Linen by Ranger

Accessories: Riding Hood Red Striped ribbon fromSU! , Little Felt Flurries, Crystal Coarse Glitter and pink gem sticker from Martha Stewart Crafts, foam squares, vintage brads, acetate, sponge, liquid glue

Card 2 Supplies:

Images from The Saltbox Studio (http://www.amuseartstamps.com/)

Paper: Kraft, PTI white, FaLaLa from Making Memories

Ink: Palette Noir, copic and prismacolor markers, gold pigment pad, Vintage Photo by Ranger

Accessories: Gold Brads, Circle punches from SU!

Ahoy, Matey!

Yesterday we went and saw Madagascar 2 and then my Mom, Step-Dad and Sister came over to my house and we played one of my son's games called "Pirate's Cove". We didnt' get a chance to play it on Thanksgiving like we had planned, so we promised him we would play it soon. Let me just say...It is a really fun game and it is really well planned and put together. I love all of the details throughout the game. Anyway...it inspired me to make a Pirate card so I knew that whatever Jen's sketch challenge would be, I would make it into a Pirate card. Who would have known it would work so well? You can check out her sketch and card over at http://www.iheart2stamp.com/ . I used the "Ahoy Matey" stamp set and coordinating wheel from SU! I also paired it with the much beloved "Muirfield" DSP. I colored the wheeled image first using copics and prismacolor markers and from there, the color palette was created. I was thrilled that the "Muirfield" DSP worked perfectly. I sponged, distressed, and tore the edges for a time-worn look. I had a lot of fun with this! Thanks for fluttering by!

******NOTE****** Here is the link for the instructions to the quilt: www.thimblesandthread.blogspot.com/

Supplies:

Ahoy Matey, Matey's Map

Paper: Kraft, PTI White, Muirfield DSP

Ink: Black Jumbo Cartridge, Pallette Noir, Walnut Ink and Vintage Photo distress ink by Ranger, Copic and Prismacolor markers

Accessories: Vintage Brads, Distressing Tool, Marvy circle and scallop punches, foam squares

To You and Yours

Did everyone have a great Thanksgiving? I hope so. I know that I did. It was nice to be with family, have yummy food and think of all we are thankful for. I hope that you aren't sick of this stamp set, yet...because I know I'm not! LOL! As if you couldn't tell! I wandered over to the Card Positioning Systems website the other day and fell in love with this week's sketch. It worked perfectly with the oval overlay I had done on Monday's card. I decided to use the same paper and stamps to work it into the sketch. You can check it out here: http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/ For my Christmas cards, I usually mass produce one design, but I have so many that I have made so far, I think everyone will be getting a unique card. Who knows, though, I may come up with a design in the next week or so that will *have to be the one*. I usually send my cards out around the 15th of December. I don't know why, I just do.

Thanks again for all of your sweet comments. It really means alot to me!

Supplies:

Stamps: To you and yours

Paper: Wassail from Basic Grey, PTI white, kraft

Ink: Vintage Photo by Ranger, Riding Hood Red

Accessories: Wassail Buttons, Linen Thread, Sewing Machine and Thread, Oval Punch, liquid glue, martha stewart crystal coarse glitter, sponge, riding hood red taffeta ribbon, glue dots

Just Because I Care

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone has a beautiful day filled with family, friends, love and laughter. Today's card features a retired SU! set called "Gentler Times". I have used it quite a bit since I started my blog, so I hope I am not boring you by using it again. I also have a tendency to pair it with purple, too. I bought quite a bit of ribbon the other day at the craft store because it was all half off and this purple satin was among them. Now...I have quite a few spools of purple satin ribbon, but this one was just the perfect shade. It matches perfectly with Lavendar Lace which is an often neglected color at my house. I was thrilled to be able to use it. I used my textile cuttlebug embossing folder for the main panel which has been neglected, too. I colored the images with blender pens and ink refills. I added diamond stickles to the main panel and finished the corners off with the ticket punch and SU!'s Ice brads in the corners. I love the hostess set "Best yet" from SU! and it worked perfectly for my card and fit nicely into the oval punch. Of course all of the edges are sponged. I had fun making this and I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for fluttering by!
P.S. The week really got away from me, so I will be posting Blog Candy next week~
Supplies:
Gentler Times stamp set, Best Yet stamp set
Paper: PTI Vanilla, Lavender Lace, Almost Amethyst, Mellow Moss, antique linen by Ranger
Ink: Paletter Noir, Lavender Lace, Almost Amethyst, Mellow Moss, So Saffon
Accessories: Cuttlebug, Textile embossing folder, Diamond Stickles, corner rounder, ticket punch, oval punch, sponge, Ice Brads, Satin Ribbon

Victorian Christmas

I guess this is where Parisian Summer meets Winter Post. When I first got the Parisian Summer DSP, I thought it would also work well for a Christmas card. Today's Sketch Challenge over at SCS gave me the perfect opportunity. The layout worked well for the images included in the "Winter Post" Stamp Set from SU! I sponged all of the edges with Vintage Photo Distress ink from Ranger (love that stuff) and added a large glitter snowflake that I picked up from Michael's last year. I also added a strip of Pink Pirouette that has been scalloped and embossed with my crop-a-dile.

Also, as promised; Here is the rag quilt that I have been working on. I think it turned out super cute and I can't wait to give it to my friend. There are quite a few funny stories regarding this blanket. I almost lost a finger, a sewing machine and the quilt. When I sew the strips together, I pin each intersecting square to get a them to line up perfectly. So...my daughter was fascinated with the whole process and watched every step. I stopped the sewing machine to remove the pin, and you need to go slowly because at each intersection there is alot of fabric. Before I know it, my sewing machine is going a million miles with my fingers right at the needle. I was so disoriented and confused and then I saw my little daughter standing full throttle on the foot pump. I was *really* mad. Now I can just laugh about it because the quilt is done and no one was hurt. Also, when I was clipping each seam to get the *rag* look, my daughter informed me that my friend wouldn't like it because it was all cut up! LOL!

For those who don't know, I have another blog called Thimbles and Thread and I will be uploading a few basic directions on how to make a rag quilt if you are interested. Check back after Thanksgiving and I will post a link their if I get it all uploaded. Thanks for fluttering by!

Horn of Plenty

I finally finished the baby blanket last night! My husband and kid's went to the library to check out new books and ended up bringing home a DVD as well. I sat at my sewing machine while they watched the movie and ate popcorn. That is one reason why I love my craft area where it is; I can be there, but doing something else so I don't seem so *stamp crazed*! LOL! I love having my sewing machine right there, too. The quilt is in the washing machine, so I will have to post it when it is dry.

Today's card features some of the new stamps from The Saltbox Studio which can be found here: http://www.amuseartstamps.com/ I used some of my new paper salon paper, too. I love this image and had fun coloring. I didn't even color the bird blue! ****shocker***!!!LOL! Anyway, I have every intention of playing in today's color challenge when I get a minute, but I will probably post that tomorrow!

P.S. I am a copy-cat. I love how Julia S photographs her cards laying down, so I decided to try it! Thanks for the idea, Julia! I Love your stuff!!!!

Merry and Bright Gift Card Holder

Hello! I hope you all had a great weekend! I sure did! I went and saw "Twilight" twice! I really liked it and I thought they did a good job following the book. My headache finally went away, too, which I had all last week. I was getting worried. I think I just needed rest!

I was able to play along in today's TLC over at SCS. I needed to make it quick, because I have a To-Do list a mile long today. You will probably notice alot of the same elements on this that are on my new blog banner. I used Basic Grey's "Wassail" line that I got from Ellen Hutson's online store last week. I just want to say that she is super fast! My order shipped within the hour and I had it two days later! You can check out her store here: http://www.ellenhutson.com/servlet/StoreFront I am impressed!!!!! Thanks, Ellen! Plus, she included a fun thank you as well! Great service!

I stamped the house image twice, once for the back layer and punched the second one with my large oval punch. I sponged both edges and popped the oval one with foam squares. I used liquid glue for the outside edge of the card and sprinkled Marth Stewart coarse glitter all over the edges. It is finished off with some of the great "Alpine" ribbon from SU!

Thanks for fluttering by!

So Glad We're Friends

I loved Jen's sketch this week which can be found here: http://www.iheart2stamp.com/ . I don't know how she does it each week! I really wanted to use this "Autumn Vine" DSP from SU!, but I don't have any stamps that *match* necessarlily. I decided that this bird from the "Always" set would work pretty well. I decided to add a little glitter to the bird, which I am now regretting. I guess this is an example where glitter really doesn't make it better! LOL! Shock!!!! I also wanted to thank all of you who left comments on yesterday's post. It is so nice to know that there are people *out there* if you know what I mean. I appreciate every comment that you leave. There are those that are so sweet and leave me comments every day! Thank you!

I also went fabric shopping yesterday to make my baby blanket I was telling you about. I really wanted to find fabric to match the gift ensemble that I made on yesterday's post, but I didn't find exactly what I wanted.

The fabric I chose does, however, match the outfit pretty well. I am almost halft done with the blanket and I will post it when I am done. It is turning out quite cute!

Bundle of Joy

What is it about baby cards that are so fun to make? I am so glad I got the opportunity to make a baby card for one of my friends in the neighborhood. It is just as much fun to go shopping for baby gifts, too. I bought her a darling little outfit from Gymboree with a racoon on it. Now...I was really wishing I had some type of cute racoon stamp, but I didn't. I decided to use my "Punches Three" set that hasn't seen ink, yet. I paired it with the yummy "Muirfield" DSP. I thought it worked well for a baby boy card. Now...for the layout. I guess I am a sketch challenge junkie lately so I decided to try my hand at Beate's weekend sketch challenge which can be seen here: http://beate.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/I had a lot of fun making this card.

I also decorated a large gable box to put the present in. I don't have great light yet to take a picture of the box, so I just photographed the tag. I am seriously in the mood to sew, so I think I will be heading to the quilt shop today to get some supplies for a baby blanket! Stay tuned and I will post it if I get it done! LOL! Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. I think it is time for some BLOG CANDY! Stay tuned next week for a fun giveaway!!!!

Live Simply Inspiration

The other day I was visiting Amy Rohl's blog-Inkaboutme, and loved her post which can be read here: http://inkaboutme.blogspot.com/2008/11/happy-holiday-inspiration.html I love what she wrote. I love finding inspiration in the world around me. The other day I was telling my Mom that I don't do that as much as I used to. It seems that either I am too much of a home-body these days or that I am in too big of a hurry when I am running here or there. Amy's post reminded me of all the inpspiration that I *used* to find! LOL! I guess her post really stuck in my head because the other day when I was cleaning up after dinner, I looked down at my dish towel and thought, "Hey...I have all of those images in stamps from The Saltbox Studio and I could create a cute card along these same lines." My dish towel was given to me by my Mom and it is a darling Deb Strain towel with cute primitive images. Of course my Saltbox Stamps would be perfect. I had *so*much fun creating this scene and I couldn't resist the sentiment; it works perfectly. I used quite an assortment of Saltbox images all of which can be found here: http://www.amuseartstamps.com/ I colored the images with Copic and Prismacolor markers. Thanks for fluttering by!

One of a kind Friend

Todays' Ways to Use it Challenge was to incorporate pearls into our designs. I have had these darling self-adhesive pearls in my stash for some time and have only used them once, so I thought today would be the perfect day. I still had all of my supplies out from yesterday's card, so I decided to use them again. This "Parisian Summer" DSP from SU! lends itself for a design using pearls. Can I just tell you how much I love this paper? It is beautiful! Anyway, I used my "One of a Kind' stamp set from SU! that I love as well. I have used it quite a bit since it came out. The thing I love about it, is that it has a matching punch so it is easy to make a lot of flowers in a short amount of time and with minimal effort. I sponged all of the edges for a vintage look. Thanks for fluttering by!

STamps: One of a Kind, Fundamental Phrases

Paper: PTI white, SU! ultrasmooth white, bravo burgundy, Parisian Summer

Ink: Pink Pirouette, Bravo Burgundy, So Saffron, Antique Linen by Ranger

Accessories: Boho Blossom punch, foam squares and dimensionals, self-adhesive pearls by Kaiser, Pink Pirouette grosgrain ribbon, crop-a-dile, ticket and tag punch

Parisian Dreams and Ho Ho Ho!

Yesterday, Mr. Brown brought me some great new SU! DSP including Parisian Summer. This has been one that I have wanted since the catalog came out, but kept putting it off. It is finally here and it is positively scrumptious. I haven't seen much done with it, but who knows, maybe I am just out of it? LOL! Anyway, I thought it would work well with today's sketch challenge over at SCS. I also paired it with "Dreams du Jour" Stamp Set. The flowers in this paper reminded me of the flower from this set. I did minimal sewing because I am lazy today! LOL! Anyway, I thought the sewing that I did worked well with this design to mimic a quilt square. I colored the images with a blender pen and ink refills. I also added some pink taffeta ribbon. Yummy! Of course it couldn't be complete without a little glitter, so I added some diamond stickles.

My second card started out as an attempt at yesterday's color challenge, but I decided I wanted it to not be so bright red; more vintage. So...I pulled out some of the Paper Salon paper I picked up the other day at Hobby Lobby and started creating. I realized after I was done that this card looked familiar. This is almost the exact same layout I already used for this exact santa for my Design Team assignment. I CASED myself! LOL! This santa and sentiment are from The Saltbox Studio which can be found here: http://www.amuseartstamps.com/ Thanks for fluttering by!