Another new Banner...

I knew as I was making my Autumn banner that it wouldn't stay up for long, since I would be making a Halloween banner. I was very inspired by a darling banner I saw at a local nursery. I was tempted to buy it, but it was around $30 and I knew that I could make one just as nice. Mine turned out way better, if I say so myself. It is funny that I wouldn't pay the price they wanted, but after putting this one together, I would want to charge even more! LOL! I put a lot of little details into this one that sometimes don't seem like a lot of work, but by the time you get it done for each of the 6 panels, it is very time consuming. As with the Autumn banner, I had a lot of fun with this. The shape of each panel is the same as the one in the shop and similar to the darling ones they had hanging in shop windows at Disneyland in April. I blogged about being inspired at Disneyland, but haven't really done much with the "inspiration".

Each panel is 4 by 6 pieces of patterned paper by My Mind's Eye (The Spider's Web Collection) I saved myself a little time by purchasing the glittered chipboard letters by Making Memories. I really like the style of the alphabet and they were the perfect size. I went to my local scrapbook store last week and asked the worker if they had any packages of chipboard letters, to which she replied, NO. I wonder if she was surprised as she rung me up as to where I conjured up the package of CHIPBOARD LETTERS! Ughhh...talk about frustrating! I also picked up two "vellumish" clock faces that I knew would be perfect to go on top of the accordion medallions. I also embellished the "O" with a pumpkin button and a computer generated sentiment. The scripted words across the top of each panel are computer generated as well and then printed onto vanilla cardstock.

I have been hoarding packages of Crepe paper for about 10 years because you just can't find it like you used to. I pulled out some of my black that is almost gone, and baste stitched it and then gathered it for the top of each panel. I adhered it to the back using sticky strip. The edges of each medallion are glittered using SU! chunky essentials glitter (black) and then the top of each panel is glittered using the same glitter but in silver. A girl can never have too much glitter! LOL! I had a lot of fun and I will probably use up my scraps for some other fun projects! Thanks for fluttering by!

Bonjour!

I needed to make a Birthday card for my Mom {Hi Mom!} so I decided on some things that I already had out. I used the same paper combo that I used for my SFYTT card two weeks ago. I also used last week's SFYTT layout. As you can see, I didn't go for a "traditional" birthday card, but rather something that I thought she would enjoy. I hope she does.


I promise I will be putting away all of my "currently used" supplies this week. You shouldn't be seeing any repeats for a while. I guess I shouldn't be promising that, since the Halloween paper I used on Saturday is for a fun new project, so you will be seeing that again! LOL! But as for the rest, I will get them all put away so they aren't tempting me! Thanks for all of your sweet congrats on our baby boy and thanks for fluttering by!

Trick or Treat *SFYTT*

I can't believe it has been an entire week since I have posted! This was the first week of my kids being off track and I feel like I have spent the week sitting and waiting for them during all of their lessons. I have been back and forth twice each day to the Aquatics Center for them to have their swimming lessons, back up to the park each day for Football Practice, plus dance and tumbling. I thought I was busy while school was in! LOL! Plus...I had two Doctor's appointments this week; one for my 3-D ultrasound and again for my regular monthly appointment. It was fun seeing my baby twice this week! I know that I promised blog candy in connection with finding out the baby's gender, but I just can't wait....we are having a baby BOY!!!!!!!! I am really excited! We have been mulling over names since Tuesday and having a rough time. I think we may have it narrowed down. I think I may do a "baby name" blog candy to make up for spilling the beans without a contest!

So...now that I have finally sat down to stamp, you probably would like to hear about that rather than my crazy week! LOL! I really liked this week's sketch, partly because it had some of last week's elements in it that I really liked. I stopped by the Scrapbook Store on Friday and picked up some fun new Halloween goodies that are for another project, but I couldn't resist cutting into the paper for today's card. All of the papers are by My Mind's Eye (The Spider's Web collection) and they are yummy. I also pulled out this darling image from American Art Stamps that I got while I was in the Dirty Dozen an it hasn't seen ink since. I decided to keep the focal image neutral and not add any other colors than what was in the paper. Then sentiment was created on my computer and printed out onto white cardstock. I did a little bit of sewing and added some chunky essentials glitter from SU!. The black button is tied onto the ribbon with crochet thread and then I added another pumpkin button with glue dots. I simply cut off the part that you thread from the back using my craft and rubber scissors. They are perfect for cutting metal, plastic and other materials.

My son has an exciting football game today; we are playing another undefeated team! Go Thunder!!!!!!!!!

You won't want to miss the other SFYTT designers.
Jen Del Muro and Gretchen
Amy Rohl
Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

Thanks for fluttering by!!!

Get Well Soon *SFYTT*

I will admit that I wanted to run the other way when I saw this week's sketch. For some reason it really seemed daunting, but in the end I had a lot of fun working on this card. I actually put the entire base together without knowing what stamped images I would be using. You should see my desk now, with all of the *possibilities* all over the place. In the end, I settled on using Tea for Two. I thought it worked nicely with the paper, layout and embellishments. I also included Fancy Flourishes to represent the steam coming from the tea pot as well as Damask Designs to add a little bit of detail to the tea pot.

I also used one of my prismacolor markers to add a little bit of shadowing on the pot since it was paper pieced. It doesn't show up well on the photos.

I rounded the "Get Well Soon" sentiment onto my acrylic block to have it go with the circle layer. I also stamped the "Herbal Tea Co." image onto two pieces of the pattern paper that I used in this design to create the layered embellishment. The word "friend" was simply inked using a black marker, cut and layered onto the tea pot. The pot looked a little bare with all of the other embellishements on the left hand side; it added a bit more balance. The flowers are from "The Paper Studio" and I simply added buttons to the center for texture and detail. Of course, I had to add some stitching and glitter to complete the card.

All of the stamping was done using Smokey Shadow ink and the cardstock for the base is Smokey Shadow as well. Like I mentioned earlier, this sketch seemed scary at first, but in the end I had a lot of fun with it. I hope you will all get a chance to play. I would love to see what you come up with. Leave a comment here and I will pop over to your blog or gallery(leave a link) to check it out.

You won't want to miss the other SFYTT designers.
Jen Del Muro and Gretchen
Amy Rohl
Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

Thanks for fluttering by!!!

Autumn Banner

ETA: The triangles are 4 by 6 pieces of pattern paper and then cut into triangles. I didn't use a die. The accordion medallions are created using 1 1/2 by 12 inch strips of paper. The chipboard letters are about 2 inches high. The triangles aren't backed with cardboard or anything. They are just the pattern paper. Here is a link to the directions on how to make and accordion flower.I decided to freshen my blog up a bit by creating a new autumn banner. I had so much fun making this. I decided to gussy it up just a bit more than I usually do. I picked out the paper about a month ago with the new banner in mind. I picked out 6 sheets of coordinating paper since I would be using 6 letters to spell Autumn. I decided on the order I wanted each piece and then got started. I used the same chipboard letters from SU! that I always use. I painted them with making memories paint and let them dry. I then sponged the edges of each letter using Walnut Stain by Ranger to let them pop out a bit more. I put a bit of crystal glitter on a fe of the edges of each letter for some extra dimension. I also splattered some Chocolate chip ink onto each letter using the Color Spritzer from SU!

For the accordion medallions, I did them like always, but added some gold micro beads to the edges. I really like the effect that it gave the banner.

The sentiments are from the Autumn Abundance stamp set from Papertrey Ink. This was so fun to make and I love how it looks hanging in my entry way. Now I just need to get the bench underneath decorated for fall. I spent the day gutting my closet. I have four huge garbage sacks overflowing with clothes that I am getting rid of. Do you know how good that feels? I will be back tomorrow with one of Jen's new Sketches. Thanks for fluttering by!

Autumn Blessings *SFYTT*

I couldn't resist using this new "Autumn Abundance" stamp set from Papertrey Ink again. I haven't really made an official *fall* card, yet, so I thought I would today. The leaves on one of my trees are starting to turn and a few are falling. My daughter grabbed one today and asked if she could put it on the porch to start decorating for Halloween. I should have been a good sport and said yes, but instead I informed her that Halloween wasn't until next month. Shame on me!

I used one of my nestabilities dies for the focal image. I really liked how well the shape worked for the large sunflowers. Everything else is pretty much straightforward as far as "me" cards go. I used a lot of my old stand-bys on this one, but I had fun using some new K& Co. paper I picked up a couple of weeks ago.

We are off to spend the day as a family and of course go to my son's football game!!!

You won't want to miss the other SFYTT designers.
Jen Del Muro and Gretchen
Amy Rohl
Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

It's on the House *Sneak Peek*

As promised, here is the 2nd "My Timeless Template" that will be released this month. Isn't Lauren amazing? I am in love with this template. It will be available from Papertrey Ink on the 15th of this month. I had a lot of fun putting this one together and again, this one comes with two sizes. This is the larger of the two sizes; the small one is perfect for place settings or tiny gifts.

I couldn't wait to ink up the new Autumn Abundance stamp set that I got the other day. It is beautiful and I am super excited to make some other fun autumnal creations with it. Again, I went for an autumn color combo; this one is a little unconventional, but I love it. I also used a couple of Nestabilities Dies to complete my project. They have been feeling a little neglected lately. I also added a row of assorted buttons which I opted to leave naked. I wasn't feeling that patient, but in all reality it probably would have looked a little more polished. Who knows, maybe I will pull them all off and get them some thread! LOL!

On a different note, I finally took the plunge and put on some maternity clothes this week. The panel in my pants is a bit baggy, but the waist band on most of my pants were starting to get tight. I finally *feel* pregnant with the maternity clothes on. I decided to go and get a few new clothes since the ones I have from my daughter are all summer and the ones from my son are totally out of fashion. Now I am scratching my head as to why I held on to them for so long. Anyway, while I was shopping, the sales girl asked what I was having and I told her that we were still unsure. She told me to do the wedding ring threaded with a strand of your hair trick. I did it when I got home and it gave a result opposite of what the doctor and I were thinking. It is the same result as the chinese zodiac, too. I don't know how much stock you can put into either one, but it is kindof fun and it will be fun to see what he or she ends up to be! Baby is certainly active and it has been lots of fun to feel him or her kicking me. It is such a reassuring feeling, although I freak out if I don't feel any movement for a while. Is it January yet? LOL! Thanks for fluttering by!!!

Keeping Tabs *Sneak Peek*

It is time again for another "My Timeless Template" releases by Papertrey Ink and created by Lauren Meader. Again, my first sneak peek is one that I can't "completely" show you since it will be included in the idea book that is included with your purchase of this template. I always hate it when this one comes first, since I feel like a big tease! I promise the next one will be the full project! This template is amazing. I was thrilled when I saw it for the first time and new that I would be using it alot. It is really fun to put together and I like that it comes in two sizes.

I decided to use the fun Bird Watching set. I always think of spring with birds, but I decided to mix it up a bit and use some fun, fall colors for this project. Speaking of birds...I feel so bad. I think I need to stop cleaning my sliding glass doors, because birds keep flying into them. We have found two dead birds in the last two weeks. Today I heard a horrendous thud only to find a completely dazed and trembling bird on my deck. It sat there for over an hour trying to recooperate, I guess, and then the next time I checked it was gone. I hope my kids don't find a surprise when they go out back to play. There were even feathers stuck to my window; poor little thing. I asked my husband if I should call animal control to see if they could help it but he didn't think they did things for birds. Anyway, I guess I should get back to the project.....

I really love this bird set and I mixed it up using the ever versatile Background Basics:Text Style. I am in love with this set! Anyway...you will want to head to Lauren's blog(link up above) to see the concept behind this great template since I am such a sneaky girl! LOL! Thanks for fluttering by and stop back tomorrow night for the next project!!!!

All-Star SFYTT

It is Saturday and you know what that means; A new Sketch For You To Try and Football! That's right, my son has another game today and in honor of him and his effort, I made him a card. I have made him one last year and it eventually got stuck into his dresser (by me), but recently he pulled out all of his trophies and awards from last year and has them proudly displayed, so I thought he could use another card as well!

I apologize for being so late this morning. I have mentioned in a previous post that Saturday is my only day to sleep in, so today I took full advantage. Actually, a little too much advantage! LOL! My husband came in and told me that it was Ten O'Clock. Eeek! I haven't slept in that long for quite a while. I have been waking up every night for the dreaded pregnancy potty breaks (is that too much information?) LOL! and last night I couldn't get back to sleep so I layed awake for hours until I finally drifted off again. So...here I am a few hours behind!

I always use my old standbys when making my "sports" themed cards; Sporting Goods and Sporting. I did add in a few PTI sets to freshen it up; fresh alphabet and Star Prints. I hope he enjoys his new card this year!

You won't want to miss the other SFYTT designers.
Jen Del Muro and New September Designer
Amy Rohl
Carole Burrage won't be playing this week, but she always has great stuff anyway!!!!
Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

Thanks for fluttering by!

Background Sale!!!

I must be beginning to "nest", because as I am looking around at things, I just want everything clean and organized and less cluttered, hence the background sale. I was doing some rearranging yesterday and was overwhelmed by the amount of stamps that I own. I will accept payment through paypal. Each stamp will be sent in a flat rate envelope that is about $5.oo unless you buy more than two. If you buy more than two, I will have to send it in the $10.oo flat rate box. Please email me at kellyrory1@msn.com to request sets.

Sales will be on a first come, first serve basis unless payment does not come through. When you email me, please include your shipping address and the email that you would like me to send the paypal request to. Thanks! I won't mail them out until the payment receipt comes through.

All backgrounds are $9.00 each

1. Baroque

2. Dotted-slightly stained

3. Canvas-heavily stained on wood Sale Pending

4. Print Pattern-stained

5. Linograph

6. By Definition

7. Fontastic-slightly stained

8. French Flair-stained Sale Pending

Thanks for fluttering by!

I promise this is the last one!

I am sure by now you are all sick of me using this stamp set and paper, but I promise this is the last one. Number one, because I used up almost every last little scrap creating this little project and Number two, I just wouldn't do that to you guys! LOL! Yesterday I had mentioned that I would probably just throw the scraps away, but as I got thinking about the doorprize I would be making, it made sense to just use them up on this 3 by 3 notecard set and box.

The box is 3 1/4 by 3 1/4 and then 1 1/2 inches on each side. The flap is secured with a velcro dot and the entire focal image lifts up with the flap. I had so much fun making yesterday's card, so I decided to use the same concepts and design features for this project.

I actually made 5 little 3 by 3 notecards to tuck inside with accompanying envelopes, but I guess I didn't photograph all 5. I hope that the PTA ladies will like it. Actually, we now have one man who comes to the meetings, so maybe his wife might like it? LOL! Before school started, I went to Bath and Body Works to get some other things for door prizes and I told the worker that it was all ladies, so I didn't need to worry about anything manly and then what do you know? A man shows up! LOL!

I had fun with this little project and I can feel my creative juices finally coming back. The more I stamp just for fun, the more the creativity starts flowing. Thanks for fluttering by!

Stamps: Friends {24-7}, Pocket Silhouettes, Art by Design, Thank you kindly

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze. Kiwi Kiss, So Saffron, Always Artichoke

Paper: Parisian Breeze DSP, Chocolate Chip, Naturals White

Accessories: Assorted Buttons, glue dots, silver gems, ribbon by Offray, SU! and Target, crop-a-dile, ticket corner punch, corner rounder, sponge, bone folder, paper piercer, crystal effects

Damask Thanks

Today I am officially half-way through my pregnancy. It was fun to see the little baby icon on my sidebar that the number of days I have left are exactly the number of days so far; and from now on, the number of days left will always be less than the number of days so far! Yay! I think we have finally come up with a name; that is if it really is what the doctor and I think it is! LOL! If not, we are back to the drawing board.
I decided to whip up a few more thank you cards to finally get them done and to use up even more of my dwindling scraps of DSP. I think the scraps that are left will be going into the trash. I had an old Sketch Challenge layout hanging in front of me, so I decided to use it for my card today. I made two of the exact same card, and another different one that I didn't show.

I still had everything out from Saturday's card, so I used the Damask image from Friends {24-7}. I really love that image and I had fun embellishing it with tiny silver gems. Again, I used the sentiment from "Pocket Silhouettes" for this design. Everything else is pretty straightforward.

My son's football team won again this week! Yay! They always do such a great job. They ended up winning 45-0, but they stopped putting it up on the scoreboard after they reached 33 points. I guess if the other team doesn't score any points, they don't keep putting them up. We will be going off track in the next few weeks, so my kids will be having fun with swimming lessons and such. I always look forward to them going off track so that we can have some fun together; especially this time, since they only got an 18 day summer vacation. Hopefully we can go and do some fun things and it won't be so hot. Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. Last week I bought some fun paper to make a new Autumn banner, so stay tuned for that. Also, I am in charge of the door prize that we do at our PTA meetings, so I may make a handmade something or other for tomorrow's meeting so stay tuned for that as well.