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!😂😂😂

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!

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!

Merry

ETA: I have had a few questions about my banners, so if you have sent me an email or left a comment, I have decided to do a Q & A soon. Stay posted!

As promised, here is the banner I have been working on for my daughter's bedroom. After I got done with my Get Well card on Saturday, I knew that I wanted to use that paper combo on another project and what better way than with a holiday project. I had so much fun making this and it looks so cute in my daughter's bedroom. Actually, this is my favorite banner I have ever made. I added a lot of details which added to the fun. I am tempted to pull off the letters when Christmas is over and add a new word and leave it up all year long. Hmmmm.....

All of the papers are from K & Company (The Bailey Collection) with the exception of the text paper at the top of each panel and the circles under the r and the y which is from Tweety Jill Publications. I didn't want to add my "standard" buttons where each panel joins, so I added a festive touch by adding some silver jingle bells tied with a bow. I simply used a glue gun to stick them on, rather than threadintg them through each panel.

Originally, I only had the banner saying the word Merry, but once I measured it with the shelf that it would be hanging from, I realized that it really should have two more panels. I solved this dilema by cutting two more panels and used Vintage images from Crafty Secrets for embellishment. The snowman got a little something extra by adding the pearl buttons to the tummy.




The angel is from Crafty Secrets as well and I added a few rhinestone gems to the corners and a retired "Snow Flurry" from Stampin' Up! Of course all of the edges recieved a generous sprinkling of Rose Quartz glitter from Martha Stewart. I had quite a time cleaning up after this project...everything had pink glitter stuck to it, including my DH last night! I don't know how that happened. Maybe while we smooched under the mistletoe? LOL!


The finishing touch was some crepe paper ruffles added to the top of each panel. I simply baste stitched strips and gathered each piece to 3 1/2 inches and then adhered it with sticky strip. I almost didn't add it, but I am glad I took the extra time to put it on. My daughter was really concerned when she came home from school and said that I had covered up two letters with the pictures. I had to explain to her that there weren't any letters on those panels. She seems pleased with it as well as her small pink tinsel tree with pink lights. Her Barbies have been ringing in the Holiday's around the pink glow! LOL! Thanks for fluttering by!

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!

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!

Isn't it time we got together?

I thought the title of today's post was fitting since I have been away so long! We spent the week in Disneyland and I am one tired girl! We got in so late last night, that I had to make my SFYTT card today. I had grand plans of arriving at a decent time so that I could have it done early, but it didn't happen! I thought an Alice in Wonderland card would be fitting since I have just been spinning in the tea-cups and slithering around in giant caterpillars! LOL! I was *very* inspired on my trip and I can't wait to share some creations using all of that inspiration!

I was glad that I had already taken a peek at Jen's sketch for this week, so that I could kindof plan my design out in my head. I knew that this image of Alice with the Mad Hatter by TJDesigns would be perfect for this sketch. My daughter just popped downstairs to see what I was working on and added that the bunny looks weird and Alice looks mad! LOL! It is true, though!

I stamped the image using Palette Noir ink and colored it with copic and prismacolor markers. All of the edges are sponged with Vintage Photo distress ink by Ranger. I added some vintage glass glitter and chunky essentials glitter for some detail and sparkle. I have been missing my glitter. I punched the star using my SU! punch and added the glitter. The button is one of the yummy Sweet Blush buttons from Papertrey ink. I added an Ocean Tides (also Papertrey ink) satin bow to the center of the ribbon! This card is now officially *unmailable*! LOL!

You won't want to miss out on the other girls creations.

Jen Del Muro and Kimberly

Amy Rohl

Carole Burrage

Susan Liles and Amy Sheffer

Thanks for fluttering by!

Mojo Songbirds

Well it is Monday again and you know what that means; Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge! I took the weekend off from stamping so it felt good to sit down and make a card. My desk and surrounding floor is an absolute mess, but sometimes I find creativity in the mess! I love having things neat and orderly, but the messier things get in the creative process, the more the ideas flow! At least that is how it is for me! If I already have an idea, then I need things to be tidy.

I headed over to the MojoMondayblog to see this week's sketch! It is a fun one! I knew I wanted to use this new paper I got over the weekend called "Flower Patch" from Making Memories. My Mom and I stopped at my favorite Scrapbook Store after the bridal shower and I went crazy on ribbon! I did pick up some envelopes, paper and Kaiser flowers, too, but the majority was luscious ribbon! After I got the base of the card ready, I needed some stamps. I couldn't decide right away, but settled on using theSongbirds stamp set from TJ Designs, a division of TweetyJillPublications. I have been so fortunate over the years to have many of my projects featured in her Idea Books. Over Christmas I was feverishly working on quite a few new designs that will be featured in her upcoming releases! I will be so excited to see them in print~! I put my heart and soul into them!

This card will be going in my stash that I have set aside to surprise someone with! Thanks for fluttering by!



P.S. Did you see my Audrey Award on my sidebar! How fun is that? Also, if you would like to subscribe to my blog, you can click on the feedblitz counter on the side. I had some technical difficulties over the weekend and had to delete my other widget.

Stamps: Sonbirds by TJ Designs

Ink: Soft Sky, Vintage Photo Distress InkPaper: Flower Patch by Making Memories, PTI White

Accessories: 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 inch circle punches, scallop circle punch, ribbon by May Arts, Flower by Kaiser, Button from The Paper Studio, Linen Thread, Glue Dots, Foam squares, Scallop edge punch, sponge, sewing machine and thread, butterfly punch and diamond gem sticker from Martha Stewart Crafts

Vintage Songbirds

I was able to get my friend's cards delivered to her last night. She was so excited. I love creating my projects with specific people in mind and usually the end result has much more thought and detail. I had so much fun over the last few weeks adding new designs to her pile. As I made today's card, I realized that it wouldn't be going into her special pile, but ending up in one of my storage containers. I have decided to start a stash each month and then surprise someone with a bundle of cards who might not be expecting a gift or a *thinking of you*. The thing I love about cards is that everyone needs them, everyone uses them and they are sure to brighten someone's day.

Today's card was made for the sketch challenge over at SCS. I quickly looked at it last night before I went to bed, but I knew that I would be too tired to finish. I am glad I left it for this morning. Fresh Day...Fresh Ideas. If you know me than you know that I have weakness for all things *bird* related;nests, eggs, etc. My house is filled with these little gifts from nature. Now...they are not *real*. I have quite an assortment of *real* nests in many nooks and crannies of my numerous trees. Once the leaves fell, it was so fun seeing where they all were. I knew we had quite a few because of all of the commotion in them. LOL! Anyway...yesterday I added a nest to my tree card, today I am using bird images and sentiments. The images are from two of the sets from TJ Designs; Design Elements (a must have set) and Songbirds. You can find these stamps at http://www.tweetyjill.com/ . I started out by using some of my scrumptious My Mind's Eye paper from my huge slab. I then sewed, distressed, sponged and glittered my way to completion. I had a lot of fun making this and maybe a little too much...there is alot going on! LOL! Rather than making a single image focal point, I decided to make it a collage image instead.

I added a few buttons (not naked, Jodi) LOL! I also added a bow of satin ribbon. The finishing touch is a punched butterfly from Martha Stewat. I added a pearl gem to the center for continuity. I am off to upload this to SCS! Thanks for fluttering by!



Stamps: Design Elements and Songbirds by TJ Designs (http://www.tweetyjill.com/)
Ink: Vintage Photo Distress Ink by Ranger, Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, Walnut Stain Distress Ink by Ranger
Paper: My Mind's Eye, PTI Vintage Cream
Accessories: Satin Ribbon by Offray, Buttons from my stash, linen thread, Martha Stewart Glitter, punch, liquid glue and pearl gems, sewing machine and thread, sponge, glue dots

Queen for the Day

My original idea for this creation was to follow today's LSC...however, it did not end up that way! I was having way too much fun and didn't want to stop. Today's LSC was to make a Valentine that could easily be reproduced for 30; Enough to send to your child's class. I wanted to just make a few so that I could use them as tags to attach to goodies for my friends, but then it took a whole new turn and I decided to make a decoration for my daughter's room. My daughter *loves* Alice in Wonderland and loved the Tea Cups and the Alice in Wonderland ride at Disneyland. I thought this would look nice in her room...and it does! She loves the little things I make for her. Funny story about her. She recieved some *Sassy Stamps* from Santa Claus and has been busy stamping. She had stamped a whole page of images, colored them and applied her glitter glue with precision. I said that she did such a good job. I said that she did such a nice job it looked like something I would do...she then said, No Mom, Better than You! Not in a bratty way, but a cute Emma way. She does take after me in so many ways. Anyway...on to the creation!

I used my "Alice in Wonderland" Rubber Stamp set from TJ Designs that can be found here: http://www.tweetyjill.com/ I also used The European Collection Scrapbook and Collage papers from Tweetyjill Publications that can be found from the same link. I colored The White Rabbit with prismacolor markers and copics. I distressed all of the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink by Ranger. I added a border of paper lace using my Martha Stewart Doily Lace Edge Punch.ETA: I punched the lace border using Ultrasmooth white cardstock from SU! I have a hard time punching through thick cardstock! Can you tell I love that thing? I added some buttons, ribbons and glitter for the finishing touches. I simply punched holes at the top using my cropadile and then tied some silk ribbon for the "hanger". I had way too much fun with this!

After I got home from picking my daughter up from Kindergarten, there were two boxes on my doorstep. One from SU! and one from Papertrey. I can't wait to tear into them and get creating! I feel like a kid in a candy store! So many stamps...so little time! LOL! Thanks for fluttering by!

Stamp Set: Alice In Wonderland by TJ Designs

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

Paper: Kraft, PTI White, Ultrasmooth Cardstock (white)The European Collection Collage and Scrapbook Papers by TweetyJill Publications

Embellishments: Buttons by The Paper Studio and my stash, pink satin Ribbon by Offray, Pink Glitter, foam squares, sponge, Martha Stewart Lace Edge Punch, White silk ribbon by Creative Impressions

Down the Rabbit Hole

I decided to check the inspiration challenge over at SCS today. Boy am I glad I did! The inspiration pieces for this week's challenge were cakes. Fabulous cakes I must say! There was one entitled "Down the Rabbit Hole". Of course I had to pull out my "Alice In Wonderland" stamp set for this one. This stamp set can be purchased here: http://www.tweetyjill.com/ It is such a fun set to work with. The colors for the card were directly taken from the cake. I had some My Mind's Eye pattern paper that worked perfectly. I distressed all of the edges with Antique Linen distress ink. The main image is stamped with Palette Noir ink and colored with copic and prismacolor markers. I stamped the image onto white paper, since he is a white rabbit after all. I thought that it would make it easier to keep him white looking. I did add a little brick white marker to give him some dimension.

I created the floral piece by cutting different papers and Tulle with my cuttlebug and flower dies. I layered them all with glue dots and added a few buttons for dimension. The word paper is actually reproduction paper from the "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" card kit that can also be found at http://www.tweetyjill.com/ . So cute!!!!!

I had a lot of fun with this one! Thanks for fluttering by!