Discover the Beach

I feel Autumn cards on the horizon, so I will be using every chance I get to keep making summer designs! I was reminded of this fabulous retro beach stamp set by Tweety Jill after the newest Papertrey Ink release. I'm trying to be good and not buy anything so I was happy to pull this out and create a fun beach-y card. Also, the other day I received an unexpected envelope in the mail from Papertrey Ink. I quickly opened it up to discover a sheet of random dies that I hadn't ordered. On closer inspection, I realized that they were from the Post and Parcel Make it Market kit. I ordered it during the sale so I knew it wouldn't be complete, but it was such a fun surprise to get a few more of the dies for me to work with. It came with the fabulous postage looking piece I used for the focal image, which is similar to one of the newly released dies from PTI as well. 

To begin, I blended a bright rainbow pattern onto the die cut piece. I then used the stamping/stenciling with water technique that I used on THIS card. I chose to use just the side of the stencil rather than place the center of the stencil onto the center of the cardstock. I knew that it would be too busy for the look I was hoping to achieve. It turned out beautifully, with just the right amount of oxidation. After that was dry, I stamped the station wagon and postage image using Palette black ink.

After that comes the fun part; the collage type stamping! I used to design for TweetyJill's Idea Books and I got to do a lot of this type of thing...only more collage-y! LOL! It is one of my favorite styles and I haven't done it in quite a while. I noticed that Simon Says Stamp has a challenge doing just this sort of thing; I think I might just participate one of these days. Anyway...that was an unexpected tangent! So...I stamped the postage stamp image in coral ink onto the white panel as well as the lifeguard image using black ink. I chose to use the "seaside" definition image at the top for some balance.

I heat embossed the fabulously retro "discover the beach" sentiment using gold powder onto black cardstock. I just love how it turned out. I adhered it to the white panel with foam squares and cut it at an angle for a retro look. 

I quickly found my ancient stash of seashells that I knew I'd been saving for a day such as today! I adhered them to the card with Tombow Mono Multi adhesive. I added the entire white piece onto an A2 black card base for some added contrast and definition. Now...I think you may die of shock, but I left it at this...no sparkling clear sequins! LOL!!!! I had A LOT of fun on this design! Thanks for fluttering by! P.S. I'm headed to the water park again today so who knows what inspiration I'll come home with!😂😂😂

Isn't it time we got together? *SFYTT*

I thought this was a fitting title, seeing that I haven't been here for a while. Shame on me! I forgot to mention in my last post that my kids have been out of school since before Christmas and finally went back today! It made me sad to send them back, but it was time. Time for them to get back to structure, learning, recess, etc. Meanwhile, I haven't done a single crafty, creative thing! So here I am! I am sorry I was gone so long and because of my absence, I am really behind in getting thank-you cards made, etc. I had a friend call me yesterday saying that she needed a card and another friend needs me to make a couple of cards that I will be teaching at her SIL's church function. My vacation is officially over! LOL!

Today's card uses January's SFYTT sketch. We watched "Alice in Wonderland" while my kids were out of school and it really made me want to get my Alice stamps out. This will be going to a special friend who I haven't seen for quite a while.

The image was colored with Prismacolor and Copic markers. I decided to make the focal image a tag so that I would have a nice place to add some ribbon. The clock embellishment was the perfect touch. It is my last one, so I think a shopping trip over at StarLit Studio is in order.

I was proud of myself that I actually put "the last one" onto a project without replenishing first. I am making so much progress these days! The paper is from my box of K & Co. that I love. I tried to use some patterns that I haven't used before. The color combo seemed fitting for Mr. Rabbit in his little coat and vest. I added some glass glitter to the accordion medallion for some sparkle. The stitching was the finishing touch. I have to head to the post office today to get some bills out, so I will send this off.

It felt good, but weird to sit down and stamp. I really didn't know where to begin and just sat there for a minute or two. I shouldn't take such long breaks. They aren't good for the mojo.

Rowan will be one year old on Thursday. I just sat and held him this morning while he had his bottle and cried. I can't believe he is already one. It seemed like yesterday I was anticipating his arrival. It has been fun seeing him grow and develop and his sweet personality is priceless. I love him so much!

P.S. Remember, this month's sketch is sponsored by The Cat's Pajamas. Also, if you have forgotten the details of the new "revamped" SFYTT program, you can find out all about it on Jen's Blog. Thanks for fluttering by!

You're Queen for the Day *SFYTT*

There is a story behind today's card, which I will get into later. Also, I really didn't mean to be {this} late with my SFYTT card. I know I forcasted Sunday, but reality struck and I couldn't get to it until today. I had in my mind what I would be doing and I was excited to see it turn out similar to my mind's eye. I was able to incorporate some of my favorite things.

Okay...on to the story. Rockwell came home from school on Monday saying that he hadn't had a good day and that he wasn't enjoying school anymore. This really sent up the red flags with me because he has really been enjoying his new school year and his teacher. At the beginning, she told the kids that they would get "paid" for doing the things that they needed to do, but would also have to pay her if they did things they shouldn't be doing. I have been hearing things throughout the weeks that certain kids had to pay her for this or that or even that the whole class had to pay because of all the talking. Well...this week he told me that she was "taxing" them and that they had to give her money to go out to recess, etc. This seemed a little extreme to me...until I got an email from her addressed to all of the parents. She explained that she would be doing some heavy taxing. They are currently learning about the colonies, etc. She is calling it her "Mock Revolution". One of the other 5th grade teachers has been secretly sneaking in to the class to give them money; representing France. Anyway, we aren't supposed to let on to our kids about what is going on. She signed her email, "The wicked queen of England". I will be seeing her tomorrow at the PTA meeting, so this will go to her along with some chocolate, because I am sure she will be needing it with all of the super grumpy kids.

The focal image is the Queen of Hearts from this set from TJ Designs. The sentiment is also from that set. I paired it with some of the great images from this set. I haven't made a vintage card in a while and these images are perfect. I added some liquid pearls here and there. I used Amy Sheffer's advice and tapped the bottom of my card to get the pearls to be rounded rather than pointy...thanks Amy! I smudged up quite a few in my excited haste to get it finished, but hopefully she won't even notice. I hade fun making this and I really like this sketch. Thanks for fluttering by!

Here is the sketch. I shared it on Saturday, but if you haven't had a chance to play along, I highly recommend it. This is such a fun sketch.

Postcards from Wonderland *SFYTT*

Before I dive into the details of my card, I have some fun *SFYTT* news from Jen. She has asked a few new "sisters" to join the SFYTT family and I couldn't be more excited. I will have the links to their blogs at the bottom like I always do, but I wanted to "welcome" them and let them know how excited I am to have them with us. It is always fun to see how others interpret the sketches!
Now...on to the card. With the release of the new "Alice in Wonderland" movie this weekend, I thought it fitting to make a "Wonderland" card. I used two of my favorite stamp sets from TJ Designs; Alice In Wonderland and Design Elements. TJ Designs also has quite a few NEW Alice in Wonderland stamp sets, which I am super excited about.

There is something about this little royal rabbit that I just can't seem to get enough of. For those of you who visit often, you will notice that I use him quite a bit. As much as I wanted to color Alice, this little guy made the cut instead. I think a little Alice is in order, though, so stay tuned for another "Wonderland" themed card or project.

I used the crown, flourishes, postcard sentiment and label for the "queen" sentiment from the Design Elements stamp set. I liked the whimsy that they added to the design.

I stamped the rolled paper that the rabbit is holding and cut it out and popped it up to give the focal image a little bit of depth. I really like how doing something simple like that can add a lot.

I created a smaller accordion medallion, using about a 1/8 inch fold. I stamped the "Postcard" sentiment before I glued it together. I punched the crown image using a circle punch and added some gem stickers. I also added the gem stickers to the scallops on the focal image and on the sentiment.

Everything else is pretty straightforward. I hope you all get a chance to play along. Jen's sketches always get my creativity going. I like not having to come up with a layout, so that I can spend my time perfecting the details and embellishments. I am pressed for "creative" time these days, with little Rowan on the scene, but I wouldn't change a thing. He is just the sweetest thing ever and brings so much joy to our home. You won't want to miss the other designers!

Jen Del Muro and New March Designer
Amy Rohl
Susan Liles

Amy Sheffer ,
Leigh O' Brien,

Jenn Diercks,

Amber Hight

Megan Lock

We have all been sick since last week and I just took Rowan to the doctor knowing he had Conjunctivitis (sp?) but also came home with an antibiotic. I guess it is impossible to keep him well with Mom and Dad constantly coughing and such. The other two kids have runny noses as well, but not near as bad as us parents. I thought I would share two of the *many* photos that I took of Rowan on Wednesday; his 6 week Birthday. His poor eye was goopy, but I guess it will always be a memory to remember now that it has been photographed! LOL!

FYI: I feel like a huge slacker with all of the questions and things that have been asked of me over the last weeks, etc. I don't want you to think that I don't care or that I have forgotten about you. It is just taking me a *little* longer to get to things these days. Also, I haven't forgotten about my "banner" tutorial or the name the baby "blog candy" that I promised. I know that at least one person suggested Rowan if not more, so I will get that squared away soon, too! Thanks for being patient with me and thanks for fluttering by!

B is for...

B is for...Baked Banana Bread, Birds, Bonjour, Butterfly Brooches, Bling, Beautiful Baby Boy....

The last time I was at Michael's, I picked up a notepad of K& Co. letters. Each page has four letters, with every letter of the alphabet. As you know, I love to make banners and thought that these would come in handy for that. I just couldn't resist using one on a card and sat down and chose "B" as the focal point and thought I would just have fun and play and see where the design took me.

As I added things here and there, I was realizing how many of the "additions" started with B. After it was all done, I wondered who I woud give it to and realized that one of my friends, who's name begins with B, would be having a birthday in March. So...of course it will be going to her.

The stamps are from Cavallini Papers and Co. and also from TJ Designs. I had fun mixing papers, images and embellishments. I also used some ephemra pieces that are also from K& Co. that I have had for a few years that worked perfectly with the papers.

Of course, I had to add a picture of my *4 week old today* beautiful baby boy! I can't believe how time is flying by and it really makes me quite sad to be perfectly honest!!! I did his hair a little different today and so the photo makes him look bald on top, which is the opposite of what he really is! LOL!

I also decided to whip up a batch of baked banana bread. I had some less than perfect looking bananas sitting on the counter, begging to be made up into something a little more delightful. I packaged up one of the loaves and made a quick, simple tag using Holiday Treats to coordinate with the card I made for my friend on Saturday (see my last post). Hopefully I can get a chance to get it dropped off! I told my husband that I was going to spend the day getting the laundry done, but so far I only have two loads washed and only one load folded and half put away. I guess I better go and make good on my word! Thanks for fluttering by!

Vintage Valentine-Be Mine!

I have been itching to use my TJ Designs stamps that are some of my favorites, but haven't been used in a while. I was visiting a couple of blogs the other day and saw that Melissa Phillips is starting a new photo inspiration challenge. I fell in love with the inspiration photo and it was the perfect springboard to start my design. I used Vintage Collage, Journey to France and a few of the fun designs from the European Collection Collage and Scrapbook Papers as well as a few different papers from K & Company.

The inspiration photo had a lot of fun elements that I like to work into my designs anyway, so it was really easy to put this together. I stamped the focal image directly onto a piece of ephemra that can be found in the TJ Designs Collage and Scrapbook papers at the back of the pack. I am in love with all of the postage stamps, labels, postcards, etc. that are so easy to use in my designs.

I stamped her crown using Pure Poppy ink and then added some bling, of course. I created the crepe paper ruffles by baste stitching a length of cream crepe paper and then gathering it, securing it with hot glue. I added some zig-zag stitching, buttons and glitter.

The final touch was a Martha Stewart label added to the top stamped with the "Be Mine" sentiment from Heart Prints. The red flower was also stamped with the "Moments to Remember" sentiment from the Vintage Collage stamp set. It is hard to see in the photograph, but it really adds a little bit more depth and detail.

Sweet little Rowan is crying for some food, so I better dash, but thanks for fluttering by!

Also, Jen is back with her SFYTT coming this weekend with some fun new changes, so look for that this Saturday!

Sowing Seeds of Thanks

My kids had their last swimming lessons today and I wanted to make a little something for their cute teachers. They are older ladies who are really cute with the kids. I couldn't decide if I should go with a Halloween theme, Autumn theme or what, so I settled on a vintage theme; surprise, surprise! I thought they could enjoy them all year long if they so desired. Emma's teacher said she would cherish it forever. Isn't that cute?


I chose to use some ephemra images from the "Vintage Garden Labels Collage Pack" from TJ Designs . The boxes I created are similar to the ones that I made for my kid's school teachers last year for Easter. The papers are all from K & Company, except for the Smokey Shadow cardstock for the base and handle. I placed the boxes inside large gusseted cellophane bags for delivery since I new my kids would be wet as well as the teacher. I simply folded over the top and added a vintage floral sticker from my stash and called it good. They were a hit! Thanks for fluttering by!

School Days #2 SFYTT

For those of you who visited yesterday, you may be doing a double take on today's card. It is indeed a different card, but using all of the same elements. Since I have two teachers to think about, I thought it would be beneficial to make a second card using this week's SFYTT, since all of the supplies were already out. Everything worked out really nicely to fit the same elements on to the card, but mixing it up a bit. Emma saw me working on today's card and said how cute it was and that she would like to give it to her teacher. Yay for me!
I am a little late getting this done. Saturday is my only day to sleep in so I took advantage today. The sad thing is that I go to bed early every night and still want more sleep. This baby must need it. My husband was cute, too. He told the kids to let me sleep and not disturb me. He is usually the one begging me to get up to get the kids their breakfast so they will stop whining.

Today is my son's first football game of the season. I am such a nervous nellie on game days. I don't know why. Basketball games....no worries; Baseball games...no worries; Football games...whole different story! I hope they will do well. I will share photos and such later!


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

I hope you all get a chance to play along this week! Thanks for fluttering by!

School Days

My kids have been in school for over a month now, but it seems the rest of the world is gearing up for the anticipated "Back to School". I thought I would make a card in honor of this fun time. I actually love getting ready for school; new pencils, notepads, backpacks and especially taking a whiff of a new box of crayons. My daughter loves it when we lay on the floor and color together. I hope she hasn't caught on that I only do it when her crayons are sharp! LOL! I actually bought quite a few boxes since they are dirt cheap right now, so she should be getting lots of Mommy/Emma coloring time.

I chose my papers first; I picked up a new pack of yummy K&Co. paper. They are some of my favorites and I am anticipating lots of fun designs and projects made with them. September is on it's way which means leaves turning and cooler weather, so I chose some papers that seemed like the end of summer/ early fall. I used the Vintage School Days stamp set by TJ Designs. I mixed the design up with stamps and an image from the Vintage School Days Collage Pack. I originally spent time coloring in the "ABC" image, but in the end liked it better black and cream. I added a few other details to finish it off.

I couldn't be more happy with both of my kids teachers this year, so this will probably be sent off to school accompanied by a small treat or something.

I will be back tomorrow morning with a new SFYTT design. I know it will all shock you; two designs in two days! I really don't mean to have such long breaks between designs.

Thanks for fluttering by!

Queen for the Day* SFYTT*

I was in the mood for a vintage design today and this week's "Sketch for you to try" was the perfect fit. I had to make one minor adjustment on my card which varies from the sketch because of technical issues, but all in all, it is close! LOL! I hope you are all able to take time to try out Jen's sketches. She always does such a great job!

I absolutely love using my rubber stamps from TJ Designs for many of my vintage creations. I haven't used this white rabbit image from the Alice in Wonderland stamp set for a while and he was just the perfect size for this week's sketch. I colored him using copic and prismacolor makers. There really isn't much coloring since, after all, he is a white rabbit. I did use some different neutrals to give it some shadow and of course red for the hearts and pink for the bow.

I fear that every time I see a circle on a sketch challenge, I immediatly want to make an accordion flower. I tried to resist today, but couldn't! LOL! I also wanted to give everything a dusting of glitter, but limited myself to just the outside. I had so much fun with this sketch.

I really am getting my energy back. You should have seen me in action yesterday. I did more in one day than I think I have done in the last month! LOL! I even tried two new recipes for dinner! Yay for me!

You won't want to miss the other SFYTT designers.
Jen Del Muro and Regina
Amy Rohl
Carole Burrage
Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer (Amy won't be playing this week, but she always has amazing stuff on her blog, so it is worth the visit!)

I hope you all get a chance to play along this week! Thanks for fluttering by!!!

By the Sea

It has been a while since I have stamped just for me. I decided I would check out this week's Mojo Monday sketch challenge and get to work. I really liked the non-traditional size and fun details on this week's sketch. I was in the mood to make either a pretty card, or a vintage design. As you can see, vintage won. Since Summer is only a few days away, I pulled out my "By the Sea" set by TJ Designs. I have never actually used it on a completed project until today. I have wanted to use it several times, but everything ended up in the trash. I have envisioned what I have wanted, but have never achieved the right look until today. I think it helped that I paired the stamp set with the coordinating Collage Pack. You can find all of these items on theTweetyJill website.

I love combining stamped images with these wonderful vintage images from the collage pack. I added a little bit of zig-zag stitching to the bottom of the card as well as some vintage glass glitter and a sea-shell from my stash. I actually ended up sponging the seashell as well as the card to give it the same time-worn feel. It just looked too white next to all of the distressing.

I added a bit of gingham ribbon as the finishing touch.

I have quite a few teacher gifts, etc. to get ready before my kid's get out of school on July 2nd, so I will be sharing those designs with you as well. Thanks for fluttering by!

Carte Postale SFYTT

I had all of my supplies still around from making my banner, so I decided to use them for this week's SFYTT! I decided to go for a vintage design today so I reached for my "Journey to France" set by TJ Designs love this set!

I love this week's sketch and can see myself using it again and again! I did stray a bit by tilting the focal image. Shame on me! LOL! I stamped the image using Walnut Stain Distress Ink by Ranger and then sponged the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink by Ranger. Something interesting that I found out yesterday...I have been spelling accordion wrong this whole time. I have been spelling it like this: Accordian. I actually think I am pretty good at spelling so I was horrified to find out! EEk!

Of course I had to add an accordion flower to the sketch as it called for a circle. Yes...I am obsessed!

We went and saw "UP" this morning and let me tell you something...I am so glad I had those darn 3-D glasses on so the tears weren't as obvious. I was a mess. Warning: if you haven't seen this movie, bring kleenex!!!!!! I am a sap as it is, but it really got to me. I actually needed a good cry in the car afterward just to let out some of the tears I had to hold back. My 9 year old son was even crying next to me, even though he denied it when I asked about it at lunch. Enough about that!

You won't want to miss the other SFYTT designers.

Jen Del Muro and New Guest Designer
Amy Rohl
Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

Carole is taking this week off! We will miss her!
Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. I get a lot of people leaving comments asking for help with certain directions on some of my projects or questions in general. Often times I can't reply because it comes up as a "Non-reply comment on blogger. If you need help or a question, please email me at kellyrory1@msn.com

Little Princess

Yesterday I went to a baby shower and needed a quick card. You would think that with all of the cards I make that I would have a baby girl card on hand. I recently donated most of my cards for a church auction, so I am down to only a few. I also really like making the card to coordinate with the gift, which is one of my quirks. I gave my friend a really cute coral colored outfit with a coordinating crochet hat, so I thought that this My Mind's Eye paper would be perfect.

Since I was in a time crunch, I generated both of my sentiments on the computer and only stamped the crown. I used Berry Sorbet from Papertrey ink, which is the perfect match. I used my nestablities oval and oval scallops for the main panel. I also added a Kaiser colored pearl to the center of the crown. I decided to take a little extra time to add some zig-zag stitching. I really wanted to distress and sponge the edges, but I resisted since the outfit was so cute and crisp, I wanted to keep that same feel.

I found some matching satin ribbon from Offray in my stash that worked perfectly. I added a vintage reproduction button for the finishing touch. Even though it was quick, I think it turned out nicely. This is similar to a card I had published in Paper Crafts Card Creations 6 if you have had a chance to see that issue. I had used a computer generated sentiment for that card as well. As much as I love stamps, sometimes it is nice to be able to make something say exactly what you want and the size and font you want, too!
I feel like I have been running from one project to the next, without any breathing room. I finally got my stamp area cleaned up and everything put back where it belongs. I am ready for a fresh week. My kid's will be going back to school on Tuesday, so we will be getting back onto our *school time* routine. Tomorrow will be a full day of housework and maybe a chance to squeeze in some stamping. Thanks for fluttering by!

Stamps: Vintage Collage by TJ Designs
Ink: Berry Sorbet by Papertrey Ink
Paper: PTI White, My Mind's Eye

Accessories: Ribbon by Offray, Nestabilities Oval and Scallop Oval dies, Vintage Reproduction button by Jesse James, Sewing Machine and Thread, Dimensionals