Absolutely Fabulous!

 Absolutely Fabulous....or should I say "Shabb-ulous"?  I love how these shabby chic cards came out. I fell in love with the paper, but thought I would be making baby cards with it instead. I love it when something unexpected comes together.  As you can see, I made the two cards with two different sentiments. While I love the Absolutely Fabulous sentiment, I thought I needed a plain old thank you card, too.

 I received my Rosie Posie and Rosie Posie II stamp sets and coordinating dies from PTI a few days ago and couldn't wait to put them to use. I have always liked the Rosie Posie set, but with the companion set they just came out with, it became a "must-have".

 I got to work getting all of the flowers and leaves die-cut and stamped.  I had so much fun doing that, I felt like I should be done, but that was just the beginning.  I was really struggling with the layout; the flowers looked so pretty, but they weren't looking that way on the card. Who knew that a little piece of Kraft cardstock would come to the rescue? It set them off perfectly against the green background.

 I was determined to add some buttons, but fiddled and fiddled and nothing was working.  I finally decided just to add them to the bottom.  I think they work there nicely. Also, I decided to add some Diamond stickles to the flowers and leaves as well. In the end, I thought they ended up looking like a pre-made dimensional sticker from K & Company.

You can see the different sentiment here. I hope she likes the cards and finds them useful in her set.  I am currently done with the wedding card, the boy baby card, so all I have left is the baby girl design.  I can't believe I did it...and I made more cards than I was originally planning on.  I must admit, however, that I am a little bit "carded" out. At least with making cards that fit within a certain theme. I have been itching to make some Easter cards, some spring cards, etc. but with Easter being tomorrow, that will have to wait until next year.  Thanks for fluttering by!

Sending Birthday Wishes

 I had a lot of fun creating these birthday cards. I had mentioned in my last post that I had better get a juvenile girl birthday card made, so I got right to it.  I asked my 9 year old daughter if she would be happy giving this card to one of her friends; she nodded excitedly so I guess it is a hit!   I hope that a tween or teenage girl would be happy with it also.

 It is a fun mix of PTI stamps that ended up by working well together. I used Butterfly Dreams, Postmark, Everyday button bits,& Just the Ticket.  I loved all of the colors in the paper! So bright and cheery and birthday-ish!  The papers are all from Hobby Lobby.

 I die-cut the tickets using the same yellow paper that I used in my last post.  I was happy it worked well since I didn't buy any paper to "go" with the polka dots. I bought the pink, but it was for a different project, yet it worked well, too. The butterflies were also die-cut and the flower is a Martha Stewart punch.  I used buttons to bring in some more color and detail.  The finishing touch is some machine stitching. I am glad that I left my machine out, because it is getting put to good use.  I didn't end up by putting any ribbon on it either. What is the world coming to. This is the 2nd design from the set that didn't use ribbon. I must not be right in the head. LOL!  Anyway...I have two more designs all made up and ready to show you. I still need to work on the last card which will be a baby design and then I am DONE!!!!!  Thanks for fluttering by!!!

Get Well Soon

 No card set would be complete without a Get Well card. I fell in love with these papers when I went to the craft store to pick up some more foam squares. I had to have it since I knew it would go perfectly with "Tea For Two" which is one of my all time favorite stamp sets.  Again, I used a Mojo Monday sketch. I strayed a bit by adding the circle image on the side, but I just had to include it!

 The yellowish/ greenish paper was not part of the collection,but I needed another pattern and it worked so nicely. The tea papers are from Creative Imagination and the Yellow stuff is from Bo Bunny. I really like the color combo; it's a little unexpected!

 I used the tea pot die-cut which made things so much easier. Before they had it, I used to cut the tea pot out and it took forever, especially inside the handle. Yay for die-cuts! In fact, all of my cards that I have made for this set have used the coordinating die-cuts. It makes things so nice!

I only have three designs left, so I am thinking I need a baby design, of course, a wedding card and sympathy. I don't know which order they will come in, so stay tuned!  I am also thinking I may need to dd a juvenile girl birthday design, since I made one for a boy. We shall see! Thanks for fluttering by!

Thinking of You

 As promised, here is design #5 and that means I am more than half-way done. I had hoped to make 9 designs X 2 for a total of 18 cards. I think I can do it!  I decided to switch gears and go for a vintage design. I fell in love with these Graphic 45 papers I saw when I went to pick up some more foam squares. Is it any surprise that I came home with new paper?  It reminded me of a card I made a year or more ago, so I used the same elements. You can see the card here. It is one of my favorite cards that I have ever made. Of course this particular sketch required fewer bells and whistles and I wanted to keep the integrity of the design, so I kept it simple.

 Again, I used a Mojo Monday sketch. This one is a little bit older. I printed it out in the hopes of using it when it was new, but it sat and sat and sat. I was glad to put it to good use. This card is "different" if you know what I mean. I don't know if it would appeal to everyone, but I think it has its place in her set.  I really have a "thing" for the black butterflies. I guess I am weird.

 All of the circles were either punched or die-cut which made it easy.  I used to constantly have to use my Coluzzle; does any one remember that thing?  I am so glad to have die-cuts. My cuttlebug has been getting a serious workout these last few days!  The flower was also punched. It is a Martha Stewart punch and is one of my favorites. The sentiment is from the "Autumn Abundance" set from PTI, but I use it all the time.

As I mentioned before, I really wanted to keep the minimal integrity of the sketch, so I refrained from using ribbon. It was hard, but I did it. I wanted to add some fiber of some sort, so I did some machine stitching up the side and along the top on the other card. You can see that in the top photo. I finished my next design so I am  confident that I will make my deadline! Thanks for fluttering by!

Up, up and away...it's your Birthday!

 Here is design #4! I am really on a roll! I decided I better get a few masculine cards in the set before I got too far and didn't end up with any! LOL!  I am really feeling good about my progress. I have already completed my next set as well.  We will be having some tiling done next week, so I want to be finished before that begins. I decided to maximize my time by printing off some sketches. What I did was,I went to the Mojo Monday blog and found sketches that inspired me and then I printed them off. I decided which stamps and theme I would use for each card to help even more. I was finding that each set was taking me way longer than it needed to, simply because I was fiddling with layout, etc. too much. These cards came together a lot quicker because of my strategy.  I don't remember which sketch number this is but I am wanting to say 278?  I know that it was relatively recent.

 I also decided to use two different sentiments to really maximize my time. I knew that this design could work well for both an older male as well as a little boy.  You can see the two sentiments in the top photo.  The "up, up and away" sentiment is from the "Little Hot Rod" set from PTI and the "Happy Birthday" sentiment is from "Father Knows Best" also from PTI.

 This airplane is one of my favorites to use. I bought the coordinating die a while ago, but this is the first time I have used it. Can I just say LOVE?!!!!  One of my favorite things to do with this little airplane is to paper piece the body of the plane. I like to use pattern paper and then apply some glossy accents to give it a shiny look.  I used a cuttlebug embossing folder for the main background which really gave it some texture and dimension. I used to use them all the time, but haven't for a while so it was nice to get them out again.  I did stray a bit from the sketch and added the sentiments and banner flags to the side. I chose a copper brad to attach the sentiment to bring some more orange to the design. I really like orange, but it can take over if you aren't careful.  I didn't use any ribbon on this design, but the fiber from the wool felt die-cut rick rack fulfills that need, I guess.

I had a lot of fun working on this design. It is relatively simple, but I think it works nicely for a manly/boyish card.  I will be sharing my next design soon so stay tuned! Thanks for fluttering by!

Hello You!

 Here is the third design that I have been working on! I am in the middle of design #4 and feeling like I am on track to get them all done!  I found this paper at Hobby Lobby the other day and knew it would make a great card. I didn't have a firm idea about how I would use it, but I knew it could be cute. I've had this card that I was supposed to send out a long time ago just lying around, so I decided to use the same layout and everything. I changed the sentiment, though.  I did post it on my blog, but it was so long ago and the papers really change the feel that I decided I would still post this one.

 I thought the "Trendy Trees" stamp set and coordinating die worked nicely with the papers. Out of the bunch,  I decided to show you this particular card, because I like the button that I found to use. I only had one, so the rest just have round buttons, but this one is super cute.  This card is mostly about the paper since there is so little stamping.

 As you can see from this detail shot that I really struggle lining up this particular image with it's coordinating die. I almost didn't use it for that reason alone.  I did however end up by liking some of the white showing through to give it some extra detail. They all aren't this bad, but I had to show you this one because of the button! LOL! I chose the sentiment because I thought it would be versatile, just like the one on my last post. I want the recipient to get the most out of her card set and feel like it meets her needs.

Again, I am really struggling with my photos looking nice on blogger. They look so much nicer before I get them uploaded. I really don't know how to fix it. Any ideas?  They just look super washed out.  Anyway, thanks for fluttering by! The next card will be something masculine, so stay tuned!

You make life so sweet!

 As promised, here is the second design in the set I am making for my friend.  To be honest, they are taking much longer than expected. The deadline to have them done is fast approaching. At this point, I need to make one design a day X 4 to get them done in time. I finished these up today, but made another set as well. What a relief!  For this card, I used the strawberry set and coordinating sentiment set, but for the life of me I can't remember the name. I told you I am awful!  I used the largest image and coordinating flower die to make a big impact without needing a lot of layers, etc.  The coloring took a while, but once that was done, everything came together quickly.

 I decided on the sentiment because it seemed really generic; it could be used for a birthday, thinking of you, or thank you. Hopefully she will find it just as versatile.

 The flowers were die cut and then popped up with foam squares for some extra dimension.  I added some glossy accents to each flower and then again in the lightest part of each strawberry. I think it adds just the right touch.  The ribbon label was die cut using a nestabilities die that I love! I have used it a lot in the past, but it hasn't been used much recently. It was good to get it back in the rotation. I found this fun pink lace at the sewing store the other day, so I thought I would use it.   That's about it! Thanks for fluttering by! P.S. I posted a fun little springy sewing project here if you are interested!

Since it's your Birthday!

 One of my friends asked me to make a set of cards for her to give as a going away present to one of her co-workers.  She told me that her co-worker loves cards and thought it would make a nice going away present. I was honored that she asked me. This is the first card in the set. I will be sharing them with you as I get them done.  I am making a total of four cards of each design. I will give her two and keep two for myself.  My stash of cards is non-existent, really. It will be nice to have something to grab when I am in a hurry!

 I found the papers at Hobby Lobby. They were actually some in the 8 1/2 by 11 section, which I rarely even look at, but these caught my eye.  The red polka dot paper is from a Stampin' Up! 6 by 6 pad I have had for years, but I really like the pop of red.  I chose to use on of my new PTI sets that I think is called "Stylish Sentiments".  It just came out last month.  The sentiment is the only stamping on the card, but anything else would have made it too busy. I was already questioning the butterflies, but in the end, I like them.

 As you can see, I chose two different ribbons. I haven't decided if I will give her one of each or keep the red together and the blue together. I will probably give her one of each, because the ribbon, even thought it is subtle, changes the feel of the card.

The music paper was die-cut using nestabilities. The butterflies are a Martha Stewart punch with adhesive pearls in the middle.  I used PTI buttons to frame the sentiment and the ribbon is SU!  The lace is from May Arts.  I hope you enjoy my first card in the series! Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. Thanks for your sweet comments about my announcement. And yes...it is baby #5!

P.S.S. I also posted another baby ensemble here if you are interested!

Sweet Little Baby and an announcement!!!

I just finished up the baby boy ensemble today that I was telling you about in my last post. I really like the way everything turned out and I hope the new mommy likes it, too.  Rowan gave me his stamp of approval while I was making everything saying how much he wanted one! I thought that was cute! I guess it helps that it had cars on it!  When I have been out shopping for all of the girl things I have been making, I noticed that the fabric store had a lot of cute new boy fabrics as well. I always struggle to find really cute boy fabric, so I was thrilled to see this.  The card and tag were all inspired by the cute fabrics. If you want to see the things I made for the gift you can see them here .

   I know that I am crazy, but I purchased the "Little Hot Rod" stamp set from PTI just because of this gift set. I knew that with three boys, I would use it alot anyway. I have a ton of nephews, too and my little ones will get invited to tons of birthday parties in the upcoming years so I thought it was a good investment. I was bummed to see that the coordinating dies were out of stock, but I will buy those as soon as they become available.

I chose the color scheme based on the fabric, of course.  I used pure poppy, spring moss and ocean tides. I really should have used simply chartreuse, but after I had it stamped with spring moss, I wasn't going to start over. This was the third time I had stamped it anyway because of smudging issues.  I combined "Star Prints, Just the Ticket and Postmark" as well.  I forgot how much I enjoy using my classy brass stencil for the  piercing around the star. You will probably be seeing more of that in the future.  I added some diamond stickles to the headlights of each car for some extra detail.

Once I was done, I wasn't ready to be done, so I whipped up a quick little tag for the basket. Super quick, but it helps tie it all together!  


As far as my announcement goes....I guess it is fitting that I have been posting all of this baby stuff because we are expecting a baby in September!!!!! We are so excited!!! I will keep you tuned in as to whether we are having a boy or a girl! Thanks for fluttering by!

 

Cutie Patootie!

As you may have noticed from my some of my earlier posts, I have been working on a lot of baby gifts.  I usually am making them totally last minute and usually the day of the baby shower.  This one was no exception and unfortunately that means the card is the last thing to get thrown together. As you can see, the card is very simple, but there are a few details that I liked, so I thought I would share.  If you want to view the entire gift ensemble, you can see it   here   I am very limited in my baby sets, which I just remedied by buying a couple more from PTI.

I usually end up by using "baby button bits".  I wanted to keep the card within the color scheme of the gift ensemble, but I didn't have the "right" paper. I quickly took some of the fabric that I was working with and copied it on my printer. It was easy, fast and perfect to bring the whole thing together. I also made a little fabric flower that I used in my sewing to add to the card as well to make it all coordinate.

Even though I had to throw the card together last minute, I think it looks cute with all of the things that I made.  So...if you are ever in a bind for cute paper, but you have great fabric, just copy it!!!  I have been doing this for years, especially back when Rockwell was a baby. I wanted the paper to coordinate in his scrapbooks with his clothes, so I just copied his actual clothes.  Crazy, but fun!  Thanks for fluttering by!

Ticket to Celebrate

Attention Bloggers: Are you finding that your photos don't look as nice once they have been posted? My originals look SO much better. As you can see from the little "post mark" on the card, I made this back in October. Yes, Yes...I know I am a little behind. I am glad now that I had the sense to take pictures so that I can get it posted. I mentioned before that even though I wasn't blogging, I have still been crafty!!!  I ordered this little $5 set from PTI when it came out and knew I wanted to use it "bigger". I have always loved making cards with a scene within a scene, if that makes sense. This set was perfect for that. I did use other sets to use in conjunction with it and I think they compliment the design.

 I first decided on the color scheme which matched the gift, surprise, surprise!!  I tried to give each square some depth and dimension and still be cohesive with each other.  Now that I am looking at it with fresh eyes, I can see things that I would have added, but this ship has sailed.... a long time ago! LOL!

In the end, I think she really liked her card and it felt good to get crafty!  Not much more to say! Thanks for fluttering by!

Rowan's "UP" party

For Rowan's 3rd Birthday we decided to do an "Up" party.  He had been obsessed with watching the movie daily if not multiple times daily.  He loves balloons or should I say he is obsessed with balloons so it was a perfect movie for him. He loves dogs, too, so that makes it even better.  I kept asking him what kind of a party he wanted and he kept saying that he wanted a "Pooh" party which I threw for Rhys. I told him that he needed to pick a new theme. I gave him the idea for an "Up" themed party and he liked the idea. I was so excited...I had all kinds of ideas that I wanted to do: Ellie badges, chocolate bars, adventure books, etc. When I went to Pinterest I found that all of my great ideas had all ready been done, but that was okay. In the end, it worked out perfectly because I ended up getting the flu the Monday before the party. I was super weak, but threw the whole thing together in two days, minus the invites. Thankfully I got those done the Saturday before I got sick.

Originally I wanted to have the house with balloons on the front, but it wasn't working out, so I switched gears and made little adventure book replicas for the invites.    Thank goodness I had the cloud die-cut; it worked out great.

For the inside, I just taped the party info inside, just like Ellie's adventure book. I added some stamped balloons to bring out the theme even further.  I thought my design was so straightforward and every one would "get" it, but that wasn't the case. Oh well...I had fun making them.  As I mentioned before, because others have done similar parties, I was blessed to have links to printables and links to fun stuff.  Pinterest was awesome, too. Such fun stuff.

Anyway, I found a great lady on Etsy who was willing to make the Ellie badges for me.I originally contacted her just to purchase a digital copy of the grape soda image, but she said it would be more cost effective if she made them up. Again...another blessing in disguise!  I wanted to give them a card to pin to, so I created these.  I used some map paper and then just printed the rest using my printer. I liked the quote that says," You and me...we're in a club now"  I thought they turned out cute and the kids loved them.    

The Disney/Pixar website was great, too. It had the adventure book printables which I printed and then  just adhered to some spiral notebooks. I put some scrapbook paper inside the RSVP pens for an extra touch. You can see these in the open suitcase on the left.    

For those of you who have seen the movie, you will know that the way Russell gets Kevin to follow him is with a bar of chocolate. The party just wouldn't be complete without a little chocolate.  I used the canoe image from the camping set from PTI.  I bought the set just for the party, but with a family that likes to camp, it will come in useful. I can also use it for scouts and stuff.  I also used the image for the cupcake toppers.  Which...speaking of cupcakes and cakes...that was a comedy of errors.

Let's just say I was NOT happy come the day of the party.  I knew that just getting over the flu, there was no way I should be baking or that anyone would want to eat anything I baked, so I opted for bakery made.  I printed out a really cute vintage poster created especially for Up and asked the bakery to print it on edible paper and put it on the cake. I also asked them to make a dozen cupcakes and make the icing look like clouds.  When I went to pick them up, I was sooooo disappointed. The edible paper had printed out in horrific colors. Rather than 12 individual cupcakes, they made a "cloud cupcake" cake.  In the end, that turned out cuter than the ugly other cake.  The cake could have been so cute, but was a huge flop.

The little birthday boy blowing out the candle made it all better. Isn't he adorable?  Do you love the hat?  My mom whipped up his aviator hat the night before! I am so grateful for talented and amazing grandmas!!!!  You can see little Rhys, too. Isn't he cute?

All in all, it turned out great! The kids had fun and Rowan loved all of his balloons!  I just wish I hadn't gotten sick. Party planning is one of my favorite things and I hate to "cut corner" which I had to do.  Thanks for fluttering by!
P.S. I posted another baby sewing project here if you are interested. I have been doing a lot of sewing lately. I will be sharing a baby boy ensemble when I get it done.