Playing with Paper

Paper Dolls Challenge #40

2011-06-22T22:00:00.002-10:00

Paper Dolls Challenge #40

Hi, all! It's Deena and it's my turn to host this challenge. I've come up with a simple one. Drumroll please...Use a background stamp! That's it. Easy peasy. I'm hoping that this will encourage those of you who have held back on using your background stamps. Yes, it takes a little practice to get them lined up properly, but once you do, they're a blast to use and they're a great way to make patterned paper that matches your focal point perfectly.

I had fun making this card, and with it being summer, I think it's perfect to give to one of my kids. I love the sun and the sentiment makes me feel so happy.

Card deets: (All supplies Papertrey unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: BB: Retro, FF #4, FF #3 (sentiment), Up, Up and Away
Ink: Pure Poppy, Pumpkin Pie (SU)
Paper: Kraft, Pure Poppy
Other: FF #4 die

Distressed

2011-05-17T19:28:00.000-10:00

I vowed recently to be better about actually sending cards. This is for someone special to me, someone with whom I share my love of coffee and crafting. She understands so many things about me, and we have many, many jokes. Her birthday recently passed, so I need to get this card in the mail soon.

I tried my hand at distressing after watching the MIM video on it. I ended up being quite pleased with the results.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Warm Happiness, Polka Dot Basics II
Ink:fresh snow, chocolate chip (SU)
Paper:raspberry fizz, Hawaiian shores, kraft
Other:mat stack 4 die, warm happiness die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Teacher Appreciation Gifties

2011-05-15T18:09:00.001-10:00

I know this is a week late, but better late than never. Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. I truly appreciate my children's teachers. They are great with my kids, and the things they do, I believe, often go beyond their professional duty.

I decided to make them a little treat, but I had no idea what I was going to do. I ended up using the small pocket from Keeping Tabs. Because I don't have a printer that takes PTI cardstock, I had to tape the template and make the cuts. Booooo! I only had to make ten, however. It ended up taking about two hours to cut everything: cardstock and patterned paper.

I used PTI felt and Tiny Tags to create accents and stuffed the pockets with Crackerfuls (our family's favorite) and hot chocolate.

Project Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Tiny Tags
Ink: Pure Poppy
Paper: Golden Harvest, Material Girl (Cosmo Cricket)
Other: Scarlet Jewel Felt, Orange Zest Felt,

Last Soccer Game and Potluck

2011-03-20T06:43:00.000-10:00

Saturday morning was Kawai's last game for the AYSO season. We had to get things for the goodie bags, and instead of buying treats, I decided to make the girls hair clips and bookmarks. We stamped the back of the bookmarks with the girls' names. I was not in the mood to do all that coloring, so luckily, I had a number of images already colored. I only ended up coloring 3 or so. The hula Anya in the bottom picture is one Leish colored for me a while back to show me how to color hair, which I still SUCK at. Lol.

Bookmark Details:
Stamps: various Anya and Wild Sprouts
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: PTI Cardstock
Other:Bookmark sleeves from Clear Bags

Hair Clip Details:
PTI felt and BB II dies, alligator clips from Doodlebug Accessories (Etsy)

Papertrey Paper Dolls Challenge #33

2011-03-19T11:20:00.000-10:00

Gee, I wonder who has baby on the brain! Lol. Well, Leish's challenge was to do a girl baby card and a boy baby card. Since we had a crafting day this past Monday at Leish's, I decided to work on her challenge. Here's what I came up with. It's very simple, but I left it. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to give them. You won't hurt my feelings. Here are the two cards.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Night Night Moon, Baby Button Bits
Ink: Black (Versacolor), Berry Sorbet, Aqua Mist
Paper: Aqua Mist, Berry Sorbet
Other: Aqua Mist Vintage Button, Berry Sorbet Vintage Button
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Papertrey Paper Dolls Blog Hop

2011-03-09T00:00:00.001-10:00

Hi, I'm Deena, and I'm a Papertrey Paper Doll. I've been a doll since the very beginning. I stumbled across Lauren Meader's blog in September 2009, and it led me to PTI, which has been both a blessing and a curse. :) It has truly been a blessing to meet such wonderful people and join such a supportive group. However, every month, I end up feeling like I have no willpower. The Design Team gets me every time! My favorite PTI products are the dies. My favorite set is Take Note or Little Bitty Bird. My favorite PTI color (?) is Kraft, and my favorite PTI combo is Aqua Mist, Kraft, and Dark Chocolate OR Pure Poppy and Hawaiian Shores OR Pure Poppy and Berry Sorbet.

I am an intermediate school English teacher in Hawai'i. I have two awesome kids and a hubby who tolerates my crafting obsession. I started out as a scrapbooker, and now I'm primarily a card maker. In my spare time, I read and play basketball. I am also a soccer mom who never thought that's what she'd be.

I hope you have fun viewing our creations and participating in our first ever blog hop. We have two great prizes up for grabs. By commenting on one of our blogs, you'll have a chance to win the Made of Snow set. By participating in our challenge and linking it to our blog, you'll have a chance to win a PTI G.C. worth $25!

Here's my card.

P = Pinefeather (leaves)
T = Teracotta Tile & Think Big #1 & Tea for Two
I = In Bloom

Card front

Inside of card

Please visit the next Doll in our group, the fabulously talented Leish!!!

The Papertrey Paper Dolls
Jen (JenCarter)
Lee Anne (Lee Anne)
Laurie W. (Laurie Beth)
Deena (honugurl16)
Leish (leish)
Amy (kolling143)
Suzanne (*suzanne*)
Katie (choc0holic)
Laurie (In My Craft Room)
Cecilia "C" (camvds)
Michelle (abzzymom)
Sara (hiinaz)
Tanna (tfiskers)
Renee (Renee L.)
Kristin (jcmom04)
Christy (christea)

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: In Bloom, Think Big #1, Tea for Two
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU)
Paper: Teracotta Tile, Fine Linen, Pinefeather
Other: In Bloom die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Make It Monday

2011-02-22T11:47:00.001-10:00

This card is for Make It Monday. It uses the glitter strip, which definitely jazzes things up.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: TT: Birthday
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU), TUxedo Black (Memento)
Paper:Pure Poppy, Berry Sorbet
Other:Mat Stack 5 Die, EK Success 1 3/4 Circle Punch, Pure Poppy Vintage Buttons, Copics, Scor Tape, Glitter (MM), Button Twine, Red Spica pen
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Valentine's Teacher Gifts

2011-02-16T20:47:00.000-10:00

I couldn't decide what to make for the kids' teachers for Valentine's Day. I've made them post-its, mini notebooks, card sets, and a bunch of other stuff. I always have to come up with new things because I give their counselor and some of their previous teachers gifties every year. I try to stay away from candy because being a teacher myself, I know that I get a LOT of candy every holiday, more than I can possibly eat. However, being the procrastinator that I am, I knew by Sunday night it had to be something quick and dirty. AND, I knew I had to use TT: Valentine because I bought it last year with the intention of using it every Valentine's Day. So...that's two years of usage. I think I got my money's worth. I CASED Val Stangle's project. It was so incredibly easy, and I just had to buy the candy. Woot!

I don't have a picture, but for the students, we did the same thing as last year. We gave the students mechanical pencils. I'll post a picture soon. Tiny Treats is AWESOME!

Project Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Tiny Treats: Valentine
Ink:Tuxedo Black (Memento), Pure Poppy
Paper: Pure Poppy, SS White
Other: Ribbon, Copics, Scallop Punch (EK), Circle Punch (EK), Address labels (Avery), transparencies

Make It Monday #3

2011-02-12T11:11:00.000-10:00

Here's my Make It Monday Card #3. For this card, I used birthday sentiments. I used my favorite PTI color, Aqua Mist.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Daily Designs Sentiments, Tiny Treats: Birthday, Mega Mixed Messages, Fillable Frames #4, Fillable Frames #4 Sentiments, Damask Designs, Up, Up & Away, Butterfly Dreams
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU) Versamark
Paper: Aqua Mist, Ripe Avocado, Kraft
Other: Dark Chocolate Felt, bling (Kaisercraft)
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Make It Monday #2

2011-02-10T21:40:00.000-10:00

Here's my second Go-To Sentiments card, and I like this one much better than the first. I used a Dawn inspired color combo (Pure Poppy and Berry Sorbet). I made this one a Thank you card, since you can never have too many of those.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Mega Mixed Messages, Butterfly Dreams, Daily Designs Sentiments, Delightful Dahlias, Damask Designs, Tea for Two Additions, Up, Up &Away, Round and Round
Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine), Pure Poppy
Paper:SS White, Berry Sorbet, Pure Poppy
Other: Pure Poppy felt. Berry Sorbet Vintage button
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Color Challenge AND Make It Monday

2011-02-09T21:55:00.003-10:00

This card is for the color challenge and for Make It Monday. I used Lisa Johnson's color palette because it matched with the "love" theme I had going on for Make It Mondays.

I decided to do a "love" themed card so I could give it to my husband...because he rarely gets cards from me. Lol. It really doesn't matter what color I make it because he's color blind. It was difficult to figure out where I'd incorporate Spring Rain, but I decided to make the heart that color because it contrasted all the Pure Poppy already on the card. And...it's different.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Just the Ticket, Tiny Treats: Valentine, Mega Mixed Messages, Daily Designs Sentiments, Contempo Alphabet (SU), Tall Tales Numbers (SU), Love Bandit (SU)
Ink: Pure Poppy, Onyx Black (Versafine)
Paper: Kraft, Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream, Spring Rain
Other: Heart Prints die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

My Favorite PTI Project from Last Year

2011-02-05T16:17:00.000-10:00

PTI challenged us to post our favorite project from last year. Mine is definitely the felt cozies, which I had a blast making. I still use mine regularly. (This post was originally shared May 26, 2010.

Here's the cozy I made for me. Sewing these cozies is so fun. The only issue I'm having is that it seems like the cup has a little curve so I can't quite get the cozy to fit as nicely as I'd like. Plus, my sewing skill is not the greatest, so I guess I'll just have to live with the fit.

For this cozy I used the larger scallop die. I like it. I also used Nesties Dahlia for the flowers. Now I need more felt. Buwahahahaha.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Supplies: HS Felt, Raspberry Fizz Felt, True Black Felt, White Vintage Button, White Thread, Nesties Dahlia

Way to Go, Kiddo

2011-01-26T05:48:00.001-10:00

It's sad to say that although I make a ton of cards, I rarely give them to my husband or kids. As I started trying to create a card with Way to Go, Kiddo, I realized that the timing was perfect for my son to get a card. He loves getting them and saves every single one. I cased this card by Nichole. I didn't add the caterpillar and moved the lines, but I like the way it came out. In hindsight, I should not have taken a picture with a yellow background. It makes the card look yellow.

A little background: My son has had issues in school since he was very young (3). Last year, he was diagnosed with ADHD. We put him on medication and saw his grades go up and his behavior improve. It's been a long road. He's almost 9 now, and it's going on one year of medication soon.

Last week, he had his first high stakes state assessment and passed the math portion...on the first try, and it's only the middle of the year. He also tested for a private school, which he was very excited about. In addition to all of those successes, he's been dealing better with problems that come up. Where he used to get very upset, he's learning to let things go. I want him to know that I see a lot of growth and couldn't be prouder of him.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps:Way to Go, Kiddo
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU), Aqua Mist
Paper: SS White, Kraft, Aqua Mist, New Leaf
Other:Mat Stack 3 Die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

January PTI Blog Hop

2011-01-25T06:35:00.001-10:00

The theme for the blog hop was to use a set that had yet to see ink or that was collecting dust. A few orders ago, I got All-Star Team and All-Star Team Additions. I broke out both sets to do a little decorating on some snack bags. Since it was my turn to bring snacks for my daughter's team, and it was their first game, I thought I'd create a special brown paper sack. Even though it's very simple, I like the way it turned out. Maybe when they get their uniforms, I can add some color.

Bag Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: All-Star Team, All-Star Team Additions, Have a Ball
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Fresh Snow
Paper: brown paper sack (brand unknown)

MOJO #174 and Papertrey Paper Dolls Challenge #28

2011-01-20T10:01:00.000-10:00

Since I've been housebound for the week, I created a bit. It's been a while since I've created, but it felt good. I had lots of new toys to play with. I decided to jump in by visiting the Mojo Monday site to get some inspiration. Luckily, what I chose to incorporate in the sketch also fulfills the Papertrey Paper Dolls Challenge. Woot! A twofer.

Laurie's challenge at Papertrey Paper Dolls was to use dies and felt. This was the very first time I'd ever stamped on felt, so I was a little scared. I like the way it came out though. I do so love my bird dies. I also see using the heart dies for pins for the princess in the very near future. Doesn't every little girl need some Valentine's clippies?

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Little Bitty Bird
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU)
Paper: Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream, Kraft
Other: Dark Chocolate Baker's Twine, Simply Chartreuse Felt, Pure Poppy Felt
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Little Bitty Bird

2011-01-13T22:37:00.000-10:00

Single Layer Card. First time stamping since Christmas.

I've been loving all the cards I've seen using this set. I wanted to try a one layer card, just to see how the images stamp. I ended up loving this card because of its sheer simplicity. I should add some spica to the leaves, and I'll be a happy camper.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Little Bitty Bird
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Kraft
Other: Copics
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Christmas Gifties

2010-11-07T17:18:00.000-10:00

I absolutely love the ideas that PTI's design team came up with. Love. Love. Love. I ordered some Land O'Lakes hot cocoa from CoffeeWiz specifically for this purpose. I cased Debbie Olson's idea, and voila. So easy. I even played with shadowing the cup. Fun! These are getting put together for the hubs' dept. Something small. Something fun. Something cute. Easy peasy.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Tiny Treats: Christmas
Ink: Pure Poppy, Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Kraft, SS White
Other: Mat Stack #1 Die, Copics, Ribbon (Offray), glassine bag

B&B Hand Sanitizer Gifties

2010-11-02T21:44:00.000-10:00

I found the directions for this here, after someone on PTI's MB steered me to it. I was thrilled because I needed to find a holder. However, I had also purchased the holder, which I could not...for the life of me...figure out how to attach. Enter the crafty 8-year old son..."Mom, use your cropadile and punch a hole in the top. String the holder through the hole. Duh, I've been telling you that forever. Why don't you listen to me." So I listened, and it worked. And I love him.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: TT: Halloween
Ink: Versamark Black
Paper: True Black, Orange Zest, Halloween Prints
Other: Mat Stack 4 Die

HBM #1 for PTI Peeps

2010-11-02T21:28:00.001-10:00

Baby Album

2010-10-10T20:15:00.001-10:00

Before I even started cardmaking, I scrapbooked. When my son was born, a friend came over and showed me what scrapbooking was all about. I'd never kept up with a hobby before. Ever. Until scrapbooking. And the cardmaking started as a way to use scraps.

And then I found PTI...which fed my cardmaking addiction.

Papercrafting though...has been the only hobby I've ever stuck with.

Recently, I've been missing scrapbooking. I knew I had a ton of work waiting for me.

Here's a baby album I worked on recently. I've had to make a ton of baby albums recently. This one is for someone who doesn't especially like to craft. ***Gasp*** So I made it extremely simple. All she has to do is plop 4X6 pictures into the album. I left some spots for journaling, but she doesn't have to if she doesn't want to.

And can I just mention how much I love paper lines. It makes it so much easier to put projects together.

Matching card...

The cover of the album

The first page where she can add the birth info...

An inside page...

Another inside page

Mojo Monday #159

2010-10-05T09:34:00.001-10:00

My mojo must be back because I found myself making cards and visiting blogs at 2 a.m. I was inspired by the Mojo Monday blog and decided to participate this week. Here's the sketch.

Here's what I came up with. I didn't want to use flowers or a circle punch, so I decided to use some leaves I had lying around from another project. I felt like using warm colors. Man, I'm loving that Teracotta Tile.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Leaf Prints, YOF: Daffodils
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU)
Paper: Dark Chocolate, Teracotta Tile, Fine Linen, Orange Zest
Other: Ribbon (AC), Large Scallop Die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Love Dawn's Work

2010-10-03T23:16:00.001-10:00

Dawn McVey is one of my cardmaking idols. Seriously. When I saw her card, I knew I wanted to make one like it. Unfortunately, distressing stuff still freaks me out a little, so I didn't get the edges on my card to be like hers. I did the best I could though, and I like the way it turned out.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: BB: Woodgrain, Polka Dot Basics II, Enjoy the Ride
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Raspberry Fizz, Vintage Cream, Kraft
Other: Raspberry Fizz Felt, BB dies, Vintage Cream buttons, button twine, Raspberry Fizz buttons, Mat Stack 2 Die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Jr. Legal Notebooks

2010-09-30T00:32:00.000-10:00

Although I didn't post pictures until now, I made these before the school year to give to my team and some of my other teacher friends at school.

Notebook Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Take Note
Ink: Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, Chocolate Chip (SU), Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Paper: Kraft, Smokey Shadow, Aqua Mist, Library Ledger, Beautiful Blooms
Other: misc. ribbon, packing tags
Size: jr. legal (5X7)

More Simple Ones

2010-09-27T21:48:00.000-10:00

Here's another card I made on Sunday. I played with Polka Dot Parade. CAS cards...pretty much the only kind I make. Lol. I made two more with different sentiments but otherwise the same. I like Ripe Avocado with Aqua Mist. Fun!

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Tea for Two, Enjoy the Ride
Ink: Versa
Paper: Ripe Avocado, Aqua Mist, SS White, Polka Dot Parade
Other: Rhinestones (Kaisercraft), Nesties Labels 1
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Finally Having Fun Again...

2010-09-26T13:28:00.001-10:00

I spend a big part of the day after soccer yesterday creating. Mish's post on having a date with one's stamps really inspired me.

Here's what I created. I kept it simple and used only a few colors and doo dads. What fun!

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Card #1

Stamps:YOF: Daffs,
Ink: Onyx (Versacolor)
Paper: HS, PP, SS White, Beautiful Blooms
Other: HS felt, PP Vintage Buttons
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Card #2

Stamps: Up, Up, and Away Sentiments
Ink: Onyx (Versacolor)
Paper: PP, SS White, Simply Chartreuse, Beautiful Blooms
Other: HS felt, PP Vintage Buttons, Small Scallop Die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Card #3
Stamps:YOF: Daffs,
Ink: Onyx (Versacolor)
Paper: HS, SS White, Beautiful Blooms
Other: HS felt, PP Vintage Buttons
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Finally Feeling it Again...

2010-09-25T18:00:00.000-10:00

I am finally feeling creative again. After seeing Mish's post, I felt inspired to create doo dads and work on some cards. I borrowed BBII dies from Leish, and I was off...or so I thought. I only had a few scraps of HS felt, so I couldn't do anywhere near as many as I would have liked. I did make as many as I could with what I had.

It's evening here, so I can't take pictures until tomorrow, but I will definitely post some pics then. I really had a blast creating today. It's been too long. And now, to clean up...

Swaps...

2010-09-22T17:45:00.000-10:00

We (Leish and I) started a swap at our school last school year. We just finished the fourth swap. The theme this month was Fall/Halloween. Participants could include a card or treat holder. Wow, was I amazed with what everyone made. Here is my project. I used the stamp box to make my purse. A mini popcorn fits perfectly inside the box. It's the thinner one.

This is a picture of all the booty I got in the swap.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Tiny Treats: Halloween,
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Fresh Snow
Paper:True Black, Kraft, Orange Zest, Plum Pudding, Black and White Basics
Other: Small Scallop Die, Mat Stack 4 Die, EK 1.75" circle punch, EK 2" scallop punch, MM silver glitter, Copic Markers
Size: Other

MIA for a Good Reason

2010-07-31T11:48:00.000-10:00

We took the family to Orlando to see...The Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Being an English teacher and a huge HP nerd, this was an amazing experience. I have some pictures of craft stuff to post, for today, here are some Orlando pics.

In front of the Hogwarts Express with the conductor...

Hogwarts castle in the background...

With my pumpkin juice...

After riding Flight of the Hippogriff... I have a dorky smile because I'm so darned excited...

The little princess at Honeyduke's...

Inside Ollivander's, after waiting 2 hours to get in...

With our new wands...

PTI Swap

2010-07-06T04:24:00.000-10:00

I made this card for the most recent Splitcoast PTI Swap. It took quite a while, and I was inspired by a card by Heather Nichols. I didn't distress it like hers, because I'm STILL afraid of distressing stuff. I know. I know. I need to get over it.

It was Leish's idea to put the daffs in the jar. It wasn't a completely easy feat. I used the stemless flower and drew my own stems. I had to mask one flower and use the handy, dandy Fiskars fingertip knife to cut between the stems. (Did I mention how much I hate using an exacto? But there's something special about that fingertip knife. It's easy to control.) I used Copics to color the daffs and fussy cut everything, since I couldn't figure out how to use the jar and lid die to make my life easier.

All in all, I know this card is a little simple, but I did spend a ton of time coloring and cutting. I hope the swappers aren't disappointed.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: YOF: Daffodils, Friendship Jar
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: SS White, Kraft, Pretty Pastels
Other: New Leaf buttons, Button Twine, Copic Markers, Label Die, Small Scallops Die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Boy Birthday Card

2010-07-05T16:13:00.000-10:00

Seems like I never have enough boy birthday cards. They're so dang hard to make. I mean, I'm not a girly girl, but it's so much easier to papercraft with flowers, ribbon, buttons, and lace.

I was excited to see the marble images in the Friendship Jar and Fillers sets. It's a simple card, but I think it's a good start to increasing the stash of boy cards.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Friendship Jar, Friendship Jar Fillers, Enjoy the Ride (sentiment)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Spring Rain, Pure Poppy, SS White
Other: Jar and Lid Die, Label Die, Copic Markers
Size: 4.25" x 5"

2010-06-30T05:57:00.000-10:00

Could this card be any busier. NOPE! I was playing and wanted to see how many stamps in Up, Up & Away set I could use...on ONE card. Lol. I had fun with it anyhow.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Up, Up & Away
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento, Pure Poppy, Pumpkin Orange (SU), Fresh Snow
Paper: Vintage Cream, Kraft
Other: Copic Markers, Black pen
Size: 4.25" x 5"

2010-06-29T05:28:00.000-10:00

This card is simple. It's using my new Friendship Jar and Friendship Jar Fillers stamps. I'm hoping to get my dies tomorrow. I can't wait. I used the label die to pop up the label.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Friendship Jar, Friendship Jar Fillers
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: SS White, Kraft
Other: Jar Label die, Copic Markers
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Sympathy Card: Swap for School

2010-06-27T06:50:00.000-10:00

Because Leish posted her swap card, I figured I'd post mine. This was actually her challenge. She was strict about the black, white and ONE color. I chose Aqua Mist because, well, it's my favorite PTI color right now. I decided to make it a sympathy card because of the colors. I die cut the butterfly and added three rhinestones to add a little sparkle.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Fillable Frames #4
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: SS White, Aqua Mist, Black (Bazzill)
Other: Butterfly Die, Fillable Frames #4 die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Paper Dolls - Challenge #10

2010-06-26T18:14:00.000-10:00

This card is for the Papertrey Paper Dolls Challenge #10! I struggled with colors. I just could not decide what to use. I took out my four favorite colors and went to town. I decided to use Tea for Two since it's new (to me). The raspberry fizz paper looked a little plain so I stamped some polka dots on it. I added some doodly looking things to the scallops to spice it up a little. I even did the inside of the card because Michelle (abzzymom) inspired me to do so!

This sketch gave me the inspiration I needed to make a card, which I haven't done in a few days. Now I'm waiting for my second PTI order. I was able to get the jar and lid die to work, and since I had some extra coins from taking on an OP teacher, I added some simply chartreuse paper and a few other small things. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that it'll come on Monday because playing with Friendship Jar and Friendship Jar Fillers is just NOT fun without the matching dies...all of them.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Tea for Two, Polka Dot Basics II, Mini Scrapbook Series: Tabs
Ink: Fresh Snow, Tuxedo Black (Memento), Smokey Shadow
Paper: Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, Smokey Shadow, Hawaiian Shores
Other: Large Scallop Die, Tea for Two Collection
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Fillable Frames #4

2010-06-25T14:08:00.000-10:00

I loved the way Niki Estes used Fillable Frames #4. I did my version of her card. I love, love, love Up, Up & Away. I coordinated the balloon colors with the sentiment and sun centers (dots). I love using FF #4 like this.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Up, Up & Away, FF #4
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores
Paper: SS White
Other: Copic Markers, Balloon Dies
Size: 4.25" x 5"

2010-06-22T05:43:00.000-10:00

The flower is huge. Leish got this set for me for my birthday, and I was thrilled. When I first saw it, I though it looked sooooo fun to color, and it was! After coloring and cutting it out, I was pooped, so I decided on a CAS card.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Year of Flowers: Daffodils
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Pretty Pastels, Vintage Cream
Other: Copics
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Up, Up & Away

2010-06-21T05:34:00.000-10:00

Since I got this set yesterday, I HAD to ink it up. I've wanted it for so long. All right, just a month, but still...

I cased Maile Belles because I loved the way she used the cloud die. Here's my version of her card. Yes, I realize I stamped the sentiment on the bottom crooked. Argh. I have to get better at that. So lazy!

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Up, Up & Away, Up, Up & Away Sentiments
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Hawaiian Shores, Raspberry Fizz
Paper: SS White, Kraft
Other: Cloud die, Hawaiian Shores Vintage Buttons,
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Round and Round

2010-06-20T11:33:00.000-10:00

This card is cased from Niki Estes. I especially love the colors. Aqua Mist is definitely one of my favorites right now.

If you look closely, you'll notice my scallop strip is crooked...so don't look closely. I tried to use the "live laugh love" stamp to distract from its not being straight. I added the single dot between to separate the sentiments. I added some bling to the leaves...because that's what everyone's doing and it looks prettier. Lol.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: BB: Retro, Round and Round
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU)
Paper: Dark Chocolate, Aqua Mist, Kraft
Other: Bling (Kaisercraft), EK Scallop Punch, small scallop die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Amazing Birthday and Amazing Friends...

2010-06-19T21:50:00.001-10:00

Today Leish's PTI order came in, and I got some new goodies. Boy, friends who craft are the best! Last month, the hubs put some restrictions on my spending because I've been kind of a bad girl. Anyway, I really wanted a bunch of stuff last month, but I restrained myself. So...Amy and Leish got me Background Basics: Retro, Year of Flowers: Daffodils, Up, Up & Away, Up, Up & Away Sentiments, and the cloud and up, up dies!!! What awesome friends! Tonight, I plan to get inky.

I was incredibly stoked. I have been drooling over the daffodils since I saw the design team's creations. And Up, Up & Away...wow! So excited!

My own order, surprisingly enough, did not come in today, which is surprising considering Leish lives a few minutes away from me. At first I thought it was my paper holding up the order, but Leish's order had some paper in it, too. Oh, well, at least I have a bunch of new goodies to play with.

Thanks again, guys!!!

My Hubby Says...

2010-06-15T01:07:00.000-10:00

When your birthday is close, you shouldn't buy yourself anything. After getting scolded by the hubs and Leish, I feel a little sheepish. Can I just say that I've wanted this stamp for OVER A YEAR!!! I had no idea that someone would actually get it for me. After all, as many of you know, if you don't have many crafty friends, you don't get many crafty gifts. Lol.

Yet, I'm extremely grateful to have a friend who knows exactly what I like and a husband who gave me the go ahead to purchase my own birthday gift. You all know where that money went. Buwahahahaha.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Coffee Cup (Hero Arts)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: SS White, Pure Poppy, Kraft, Beautiful Blooms
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Card Purse Project

2010-06-14T05:46:00.000-10:00

This is part of a birthday gift for a good friend. I made her a coffee cozy and I was going to fill a clear box with handmade cards, but since I had time, I decided to make some "custom cards" for her. She likes natural colors...greens and browns, so I thought Turning a New Leaf would be perfect for the set. I hope she likes it.

Project Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Daily Designs Sentiments, Round and Round
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU), Mellow Moss (SU)
Paper: Vintage Cream, Ripe Avocado, Turning a New Leaf,
Other: Plastic Stamp Box, Dk Chocolate Felt, Ribbon (AC), Small Scallop Die, Butterfly Die, Avery Address Labels

Paper Dolls - Challenge #8

2010-06-13T12:24:00.001-10:00

When I started this card, I was very excited. However, I got frustrated when I couldn't figure out how to use the colors together. The cardstock sat on my desk, and every time I walked by, I was hoping to have an idea smack me upside the head.

Finally, after deciding on a ripe avocado base, I realized THAT was my problem. I switched it up a little and decided to play with a friend's stamps (SU's Fifth Avenue Floral). I stamped the flowers with Chocolate Chip (SU) on Hawaiian Shores. I cut them out and arranged them along the front of the card. Although I didn't do it intentionally, I like that it covers the seam between the ripe avocado and Hawaiian Shores. I added a bit of bling to just spice it up a little. Overall, I think it turned out pretty well.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral (SU), Round and Round (Inside)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU)
Paper: Ripe Avocado, Hawaiian Shores, Dark Chocolate
Other: Bling (KaiserCraft)
Size: 4.25" x 5"

My Son, AKA Craft Police

2010-06-12T09:26:00.000-10:00

I can't get anything past my son. Nothing. He's in my craft room (aka "the office") quite often. Although he and my daughter have their own box of supplies, he knows what I have. We're talking tools, stamps, ink colors, everything...

I sold some post-it holders to my aunty a few weeks ago, so I had a bit of extra craft money. I bought a coffee cup stamp I've been wanting...for over a year! I got it home, inked it up, and went to town.

Kahia walks into the office, looks at the card I made, and says, "When did you get that stamp, mom? It's new." "I just got it." "Oh, did someone buy it for you? Did you buy it? Where'd you get it from?"

It's kinda funny...but sheesh...I can just imagine when he realizes I have new images from The Greeting Farm.

Take Time For...

2010-06-07T17:51:00.000-10:00

This card was done using a Hero Arts set I've been wanting for a while. I don't often stamp on patterned paper, but I decided to see how it'd turn out. I like it.

Card Details:
Stamps: What's Perking (Hero Arts)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Beautiful Blooms (PTI), Pure Poppy (PTI), Hawaiian Shores (PTI)
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Paper Dolls - Challenge #7

2010-06-06T22:21:00.000-10:00

So, yeah...loving the Large Flower stamp from Hero. I tried using the Plum Pudding trio. I used SU's Fifth Avenue floral matching flower for the background. I like the way the card came out, but in the future, I'll use fewer flowers on the background. It's a little cluttered.

Card Details:
Stamps: Hero Arts Large Flower, SU Fifth Avenue Floral
Ink: SU Eggplant Envy, SU Perfect Plum
Paper: PTI's SS White
Other: Copic Markers
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Large Flower

2010-06-05T17:28:00.000-10:00

I used my last BF 40% off coupon for this huge Hero Arts stamp. After I bought it, I realized I don't have an acrylic block large enough to use with it. LOL. Anyway, I saw some great coloring on the Hero Blog and decided to go with red and orange. I added some spica to the red stripes. Up close, it's sparkly. I like the way the colors pop on the white.

Card Details:
Stamps: Large Flower (Hero Arts)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Stamper's Select White
Other: Copic Markers, Spica
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Paper Dolls - Challenge #6

2010-05-30T09:52:00.000-10:00

I was in charge of this week's challenge over at the Papertrey Paper Dolls blog. I absolutely love being a part of this group. There's no pressure, and it's a wonderful group of supportive women.

I based my challenge on Go To Sketches magazine by PaperCrafts, page 90. I thought it would be fun to create a pocket card for a gift card, since we so often buy them for gifts.

I used the new Beautiful Blooms paper and paired it with Pure Poppy and Smokey Shadow, which I think look great together. I also used a Hawaiian Shores felt flower. I so love the colors on this new paper. Now I need to get me some Simply Chartreuse.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Mega Mixed Messages
Ink: Versamark Black
Paper: Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy, Beautiful Blooms
Other: HS Felt, Pure Poppy Vintage Button, Nesties Labels, Nesties Dahlia, bling (brand unknown), button twine
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Papertrey May Blog Hop Challenge

2010-05-25T11:15:00.003-10:00

My Custom Cozy

2010-05-23T15:16:00.000-10:00

Coffee's probably one of my favorite things in the entire world. And one of my favorite people has a birthday tomorrow. And one of her favorite things is coffee. Another of her favorite things is the environment. She's a vegetarian tree hugger. Lol. She gave me this cup for Christmas, and I love it! When I saw Dawn's tutorial, I knew I had to make her a cozy.

I had to dust off my sewing machine for this, but it was so fun. I can't believe I remembered how to put in the bobbin and thread the machine. Whew. I was a little worried for a bit, but it worked out and I got it done. It took about 45 minutes from start to finish. It should have been faster, but I was tentative. The next one should be a lot quicker.

I'm going to put the cozy around a SB cup and give her a pack of handmade cards, which I know she'll appreciate.

Next up...a cozy for myself. I had to avoid raspberry fizz on my friend's cozy because we are NOT fans of pink, but I gotta admit, now that I'm hooked on PTI, I'm kinda liking the raspberry fizz, even if it is pink.

Project Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Supplies: HS Felt, True Black Felt, True Black Vintage Button, Small Scallop Die

PPD Challenge #4

2010-05-15T10:08:00.002-10:00

First of all, I love being a part of this wonderful Papertrey PaperDolls group. It's inspiring, yet I don't feel pressure. It's a supportive group, this one, and I am proud to call myself a Papertrey Paper Doll. Enough gushiness...

The challenge this week was...dare I say it...the MOST challenging challenge so far. Argh, my brain hurt. I really, really tried to come up with something very similar in style, but it ended up not working as well as I would have liked. In the end, I realized that I should not have scalloped the edge of the masculine card. I was hoping the patterned paper differences would be strong enough, but in the end, I thought my cards were not masculine and feminine enough. I tried though. :)

Card #1 Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Daily Designs, Daily Designs Sentiments
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU), Fresh Snow
Paper: Vintage Cream, Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate, Turning a New Leaf
Other: 1 3/4" circle punch (EK Success)
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Card #2 Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Daily Designs, Delightful Dahlias
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU), Fresh Snow
Paper: Vintage Cream, Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate, Turning a New Leaf
Other: 1 3/4" circle punch (EK Success)
Size: 4.25" x 5"

A Thank You...

2010-05-15T09:57:00.000-10:00

I had a lot of fun making totes the other day using Nichole Heady's tutorial. There's quite a bit of layering in this project, but I think the end result is worth it. I used one of the standard size boxes for this one. In the tote I fit a glassine bag with a 3x3 post it pad with pen. It took about a half hour to put together everything. It'd probably go quicker the next time because I don't think I'd have to spend as much time going back to the tutorial.

As much as I'm NOT a pink person, I really like raspberry fizz...especially with Hawaiian Shores. :)

Project Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Take Note, Polka Dot Basics II

Ink: Hawaiian Shores, Fresh Snow

Paper: Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores, Black and White Basics
Other: PTI stamp box (recycled), Polka Dot Ribbon (AC, I think), 1 3/4" circle punch (EK Success), 2" scallop punch (EK Success)

Yakudoshi Card

2010-05-11T18:46:00.000-10:00

According to Japanese belief, the age of 42 for men and 33 for women are the years of calamity. In order to offset this rough upcoming year, we throw a party for the birthday boy or girl.

A friend of mine is having a surprise yakudoshi on Thursday. And for those of you from our school who read this blog, I said SURPRISE, so please don't ask him about it. :) Leish reminded me last night by saying, "Hey, what stamp are you using for Pat's card?" Ummmmmm, yeah, totally forgot I had to make a card. You know...I just make cards for nothing...to keep in my basket. Forget actually making cards for occasions that are you know, in like...a couple of days. Gulp.

Anyway, Mrs. E said she'd be using Fly Away, the set she mistakenly ordered last month. You know how there's drunk calling...well, what do you call it when there's too much excitement on release night and you accidentally click? Anyway, her card, which you'll see posted on her blog soon, I think, came out beautifully. She's so witty, that woman!

I decided to use Enjoy the Ride and ended up thinking that it looked a bit too plain. I ended up putting BB: Woodgrain on the Enchanted Evening, and I love how it turned out. If you look closely, you'll see my mess up on the right...Yeah, I didn't make sure the stamp went all the way to the edge. Too late. Hopefully he won't notice. On the other hand, he's kinda metro, so he totally will.

Anyway, I added the Woodgrain, colored the car with my handy, dandy Copics, popped the Nestie with the car up, and added the sentiment on the bottom. I normally despise using red, white, and blue together, but with the addition of Kraft, I thought it didn't look too patriotic, which is the look I was avoiding. It did however, look a little nautical (color-wise) which is fine though because he likes Tommy Hilfiger.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: BB: Woodgrain, Enjoy the Ride
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Fresh Snow, Versamark
Paper: Kraft, Enchanted Evening, SS White
Other: White Vintage Button, Copic Markers, Nesties, Labels 1
Size: 4.25" x 5"

I NEED TO CREATE

2010-05-11T13:10:00.000-10:00

This weekend's been so busy, and I haven't been able to carve out time to create. That's all changing tonight though, as I'll have a few hours of uninterrupted crafting time. Woot! Hopefully, I can do my Mojo Monday and the "Because I Said So..." contest on the Club Anya blog. I'll be thrilled if I can get both of those accomplished. I had the kids pick out stamps, papers, and embellies last night so I would have it all out for tonight's creative session. I can't wait. It's been a horrendous couple of days at school...

How Do You Feel When...

2010-05-08T10:23:00.000-10:00

I was talking with a crafting friend at school this past week about giving our cards away as gifts, and how people always say, "It's so nice. I don't want to use them."

And this morning, as I was working on a Mother's Day gift for my kids' stepmom, I texted my ex-husband to ask if she uses the desk set I made for her for Christmas, and he mentioned that it's actually sitting inside the desk. Sniff... At least she's using the bookmarks I made. And before anyone says, "Oh, maybe it's because you're the ex-wife..." you should know that we're quite friendly. This is just one example of giving handmade cards/notebooks/stationery that people don't use.

On the other hand, I gave a set of customizable cards to a good guy friend, who is always giving cards to people, and he immediately started using them. He told me he's out of the "thank you" sentiments already. Well, he didn't use the word "sentiments," but he did say he was out of "thank yous." Lol.

I started wondering...

Do they really mean that? Or do they think it's ugly and they don't want people to think that THEY made it?
Don't they realize that the whole reason I gave it to them was for them to get some use out of it?

I understand crafty people not using it... That's kind of why I "generally" don't give my stuff away to people who do make cards or scrapbook... I know that they can make their own, and that's the fun. I also understand NOT using the cards/notebooks you get from swaps. Those are for casing.

As I was grumbling to the hubs about this, and asking him what he REALLY thinks the truth might be, he says, "Why don't you just give people sets instead of one-of-a-kind cards. That way, they can keep one if they really like it and use the rest." Um, yeah, duh! I've seen so many of you all do that. That's way smarter than what I'm doing now.

I think I'm going to try that and see what happens.

Mother's Day Gifties for the Special Women in My Life

2010-05-08T06:24:00.003-10:00

Made some gifties for the special women in my life. I wanted to give them something small but not too involved. My mom had 3 sisters, and her brother's ex-wife is still very much a part of our lives, thankfully, so I made enough for them and my Grams. I made a special one for my baby sister, who's not a baby...she's 31 already! Basketball is such a huge part of her life. She plays in several leagues: women's, men's, co-ed, and she coaches. I'm sure she'd prefer basketball stamps over butterflies. Lol.

Post-It Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Butterfly Dreams, Fillable Frames #3, Signature Greetings, Have a Ball
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Fresh Snow, Pumpkin Pie (SU)
Paper: Kraft, Hibiscus Burst, Aqua Mist, Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise, Hawaiian Shores
Other: Fillable Frame #3 die cut, pens Walmart
Modified measurements from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts Tutorial

PPD Challenge #3

2010-05-07T11:58:00.001-10:00

This is for the Papertrey Paper Dolls Challenge #3

This card was inspired by two other Papertrey Paper Dolls. Thanks, Jen Carter, for the color inspiration. Thanks, Laurie, for the background paper idea. I loved the color combo Jen used. As I've mentioned numerous times, I'm slowly trying to use more color in my creations. When I saw Jen's card, I knew I had to try pairing Aqua Mist and Hibiscus Burst. I had to include Kraft because, c'mon, it's me. I include Kraft in almost all of my creations. When I saw Laurie's card, I loved the way she used In Bloom to create a background. I pulled out that set and at the last minute decided to try using Delightful Dahlias, since the sentiment came from that set.

This card will be given to my MIL on Sunday when we take her to brunch. I have to admit, I hate Mother's Day. My own mom passed away from lung cancer in October of 2005, less than two months after being diagnosed. The pain is still very, very fresh. I try to put on a bright face for my own two babies, but suffice it to say I still feel empty on Mother's Day. I haven't found anyone who can hold a candle to my mom or even help fill the void in her absence. I miss her every day.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Delightful Dahlias
Ink: Fresh Snow, Chocolate Chip (SU)
Paper: Aqua Mist, Hibiscus Burst, Kraft
Other: flowers (MM)
Size: 5" x 5"

Mojo Monday #137

2010-05-04T16:48:00.000-10:00

It feels like I haven't participated in Mojo Monday for a while. It's been at least two weeks, maybe three. But now the school card swap is over, planning is coming to an end, and I feel like I can breathe a little. I had a fun time with this sketch. I always have some difficulty with proportion of the elements/pieces, so what I plan never ends up working. This time though, it feels like the card came together better than I expected.

I love the way the fresh snow stamps on Summer Sunrise. I like it on Lemon Tart as well, but I thought it was a little too difficult to see in pictures.

In the end, it's a simple, neutral colored card. I really like Copic colored butterflies, so I think I just might color more of them. :)

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Butterfly Dreams
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Fresh Snow
Paper: Kraft, Dark Chocolate, Summer Sunrise, Vintage Cream
Other: Copic markers, butterfly die cut, circle punch
Size: 4.25" x 5"

School Swap #2

2010-05-03T17:00:00.001-10:00

I had no mojo when I started this card, but I ended up liking the final result. The funny thing is...it's a card I can see Leish making. The colors are her. The image is her. And yes, Signature Greetings belongs to her. She even gave me the idea for a woodgrain "stage."

This is our school's second card swap and the theme was birthday. I also asked that everyone include buttons or ribbon. I'm glad I put on the button because I didn't remember the requirement until AFTER I was done with my card.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Rockstar Anya (TGF), BB: Woodgrain, Fillable Frames #1, Signature Greetings, Polka Dot Basics II
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento ), Fresh Snow
Paper: True Black, Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores, Dark Chocolate,
Other: HS Felt, Hawaiian Shores Vintage Button, Fillable Frame #1 die cut, Rick Rack die, Small Scallop die, Copic Markers, Nesties Labels One
Size: 4.25" x 5"

PPD Challenge #2

2010-04-30T10:35:00.000-10:00

What a great sketch. I tried to make my own patterned paper, and I really like the way it turned out. I am normally afraid of color, as Leish can attest to, but I tried to jump outside my comfort zone and use bright colors. Tee hee, okay, so I used kraft...and dark chocolate, but the other colors are bright, right?

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Butterfly Dreams, BB: Petal Power, BB: Woodgrain, Polka Dot Basics II, Fillable Frames #3
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Fresh Snow
Paper: Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, Summer Sunrise, Hawaiian Shores, Dark Chocolate
Other: HS Felt, Dark Chocolate Vintage Button, Fillable Frame #3 die cut, bling (brand unknown), clear embossing powder, butterfly die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Cheeky Rockabilly Part Deux

2010-04-29T05:04:00.000-10:00

For the life of me, I cannot understand how to color hair. However, I am getting better. I keep one of Leish's samples in front of me, and I try my best to duplicate it. I borrowed her Signature Greetings and am totally and utterly in love. It's on my wish list. :) This is a simple card, but I really had fun with it.

Card Details:
Stamps: Cheeky Rockabilly (The Greeting Farm), Signature Greetings (PTI)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: True Black (PTI), SS White (PTI), Pure Poppy (PTI)
Other: Nesties Labels One, bling (brand unknown), Prima flower, Copic Markers, Atyou Spica, MM black eyelets.

Size: 4.25" x 5"

Hip, Hip Hooray!

2010-04-28T17:03:00.001-10:00

I'm super bummed that my photography skills suck. You can't see that I stamped BB: Woodgrain in the background of the fillable frame. It looks so neat IRL. Oh, well... I stamped Dot Spot in Fresh Snow and used clear embossing powder. I cut a butterfly out of HS felt and added a button to keep it from being too plain. It's a simple card, but I'm digging the colors. :)

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Dot Spot, BB: Woodgrain, Fillable Frames #3
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Fresh Snow, Raspberry Fizz
Paper: True Black, Raspberry Fizz
Other: HS Felt, True Black Vintage Button, Fillable Frame #3 die cut, bling (brand unknown), clear embossing powder, butterfly die
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Fly Away Congrats

2010-04-26T04:56:00.001-10:00

My 8 year old son has been struggling the last three years in school. In our hearts, we knew that if we were to get him tested, he'd be diagnosed with ADHD. Being a teacher myself, I didn't want my son labeled. I also was reluctant to try medication. He is very bright but has always had difficulty with his attention span. As a result, he can be quite disruptive. He also does not turn in the work he is capable of. It is very difficult for his teachers to see how bright he is. The teachers who do take the time to form a relationship with him are able to see how bright and loving he really is. Long story short...we bit the bullet, got him diagnosed, and set up a medication plan. After being dropped from the highest math class in the middle of the year, I received an email from his teachers saying that he is doing much better. Apparently in his an open ended math assessment, he scored well. They also say his behavior has made a drastic turn. He was asked to move back to the highest math class.

We've talked to him about showing his teachers what he can do. I think that the medication is helping him focus. He knows that he also has to do his part. But we are so very proud of him that he is finally able to start showing his teachers just how capable he is. I made this card for him. I want him to see that although people think of him a certain way, by working hard, he can make people change their opinions of him.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Fly Away, Enjoy the Ride (sentiment)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Fresh Snow Paper: Kraft, Enchanted Evening, SS White
Other: Copic Markers
Size: 4.25" x 5"

Wedding Card

2010-04-25T15:54:00.000-10:00

The design of this card was cased from Erin Lincoln. When I saw this card, I knew I had to get "Enjoy the Ride." I already had Tiny Treats: Valentine, so I knew I could replicate it. The friends that just got married have a dog, and I know they'll appreciate the dog peeking from the window.

I colored the car with my HS Copics BG15 and BG49. I'm loving those two colors. I also used T1 for the window and bumper.

Card Details: (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Enjoy the Ride, Tiny Treats: Valentine
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, SS White, True Black
Other: White Signo Pen, Hawaiian Shores Vintage Buttons, Car Die, Copic Markers
Size: 4.25" x 5"

PPD Challenge #1

2010-04-24T12:40:00.002-10:00

I have recently become a doll, a Papertrey Paper Doll, that is. It is a wonderful blogging group that I am proud to be a part of. There is some amazing talent in this group! Laurie Beth posted our very first challenge. Unfortunately, I got some sort of virus, so I wasn't able to participate until now. When I woke up this morning though, my fever was gone, so I headed right into the craft room.

My husband found me there and said, "Guess you're feeling better."

I had such a great time with this sketch. I am really loving Smokey Shadow recently.

Card Details (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted):
Stamps: Damask Designs (sentiment), Butterfly Dreams
Ink: Smokey Shadow, Hawaiian Shores

Paper: Smokey Shadow, Raspberry Fizz, Stamper's Select White, Hawaiian Shores
Other: Raspberry Fizz Vintage Buttons, Nesties Label One
Size: 4.25"x 5"

Cheeky Shooter

2010-04-23T05:28:00.001-10:00

I so love Hawaiian Shores. I added some bling to her belt and her ears. I experimented with red hair. I framed her with my new Nesties Labels One, which I am so glad I bought.

Card Details (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted):
Stamps: Cheeky Shooter (The Greeting Farm), Dot Spot
Ink: Hawaiian Shores, Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, Kraft, Stamper's Select White,
Other: bling (brand unknown), Nesties Labels Two, Copic Markers
Size: 4.25"x 5"

Grace

2010-04-22T06:23:00.000-10:00

Just a really simple card. I really enjoy coloring the hair on Grace because it's so wispy. This is the first time I've ever used Dark Chocolate and Enchanted Evening together and I love them!

Card Details:
Stamps: Grace (The Greeting Farm)
Ink: Fresh Snow (PTI), Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Enchanted Evening (PTI), Dark Chocolate (PTI) , Stamper's Select White (PTI),
Other: AC Ribbon, Copic Markers
Size: 4.25"x 5"

Cheeky Rockabilly is Cheeky...

2010-04-20T05:52:00.000-10:00

I am sooooo working on getting my hair coloring right. I'm using Mrs. E's sample, but I still can't get it like hers. Argh. Oh, well, practice... While I was coloring the hair, I realized that smokey shadow might be a good base. I also wanted to use Hawaiian Shores colored clothes. Oh, how I adore Pure Poppy with Hawaiian Shores... I stuck with a pretty small color palette. I couldn't decide on the sentiment, but with the wink she's giving, I thought I had to go with "be mine." And for the first time, I experimented with some eye shadow. On her, not me. Lol.

Card Details (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted):
Stamps: The Greeting Farm Cheeky Rockabilly, Daily Designs Sentiments, Dot Spot
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores
Other: Prima red flower, bling (brand unknown), Hawaiian Shores Vintage Button, twine, Copic Markers, Nesties Label One
Size: 4.25"x 5"

Hope-Snuggle

2010-04-19T05:42:00.001-10:00

Mrs. E (aka Leish) stamped me this cute image, and I had a blast coloring with my Copics. I also had a major success here when I stamped the entire background using PBII. Not a difficult feat for all you pros out there, but for me...awe inspiring. Lol.

I am soooooo not a girly girl (although I DO love being a Doll), so it was a stretch for me to use such soft colors.

That rick rack die is soooo versatile. After I cut my rick rack piece, I noticed how nice the remaining piece was and decided to use it to frame my buttons. Woo hoo for not wasting paper. Now only if I had some flower soft stuff to make the bunny fluffy...

Card Details:
Stamps: Polka Dot Basics II, Hope and Grace Snuggle
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI), Plum Pudding (PTI), Pretty Pastels (PTI)
Other: Rick Rack Die (PTI), Vintage Buttons in Sweet Blush and White (PTI), Copic Markers, Nesties Label One
Size: 4.25"x 5"

Mojo Monday #134

2010-04-18T08:26:00.000-10:00

Here's the sketch. I got really excited when I saw the sketch because I love anything with flowers. I went with red, white, black, and smokey shadow. I didn't have small scallops, so I used the rick rack die.

Here's my take.

Card Details (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted):
Stamps: Butterfly Dreams
Ink: Pure Poppy, Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Smokey Shadow, True Black, Stamper's Select White, Black and White Basics, Pure Poppy, Bazzill White
Other: MM white flowers, black ribbon (brand unknown), Pure Poppy Vintage Button, Nesties Label One
Size: 4.25"x 5"

Compose a Card Challenge #9

2010-04-17T07:49:00.002-10:00

Here's my take on Becky's challenge. I'm not a colorful kinda girl, and I have difficulty with matching patterned papers, so I chose paper from Black and White Basics. To give it a pop of color, I chose Pure Poppy, which is one of my absolute favorite PTI colors. I also thought it would be a good time to use the tab from Mini Scrapbook Series. I tried to balance the elements. Then, it still looked incomplete so I added the twine along the left edge. It's my first ever 5x5 card, and I really like this size. Now...to find envelopes...

Card Details (All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted):
Stamps: Mini Scrapbook Series: Tabs, Fillable Frames #1, Butterfly Dreams
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Kraft, Black and White Basics, Pure Poppy
Other: Vintage White Button, Twine, MM felt flower
Size: 5"x 5"

Hello, Ian

2010-04-14T05:07:00.000-10:00

Isn't he adorable? I love the woodgrain paper! It's from Cosmo Cricket's Nutmeg line. I've been having tons of fun coloring. Such therapy!

Card Deets:

Stamps: Hello Ian (The Greeting Farm)

Ink: Memento Black, Chocolate Chip (SU)

Paper: Kraft (PTI), Cosmo Cricket's Nutmeg line

Other: Copic markers, Marvy Scallop Punch

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Sympathy Cards for Dayna's Boxed Set

2010-04-13T05:48:00.001-10:00

My sister's birthday is in November. Last year, I made a custom card set for her. Needless to say, I didn't quite finish. Like many other things, I got bored after a bit. I owe her cards.

So this morning, as I was in the office creating, I decided that it would be way cooler to give her the one of a kind cards instead of the custom set, which is a little boring, especially because looking back at it, I don't like the paper I used.

I called her and asked her what kind of cards she thought she could use. Unfortunately, she said sympathy cards should be included. Sympathy cards are HARD to do. And I didn't have any already made, so I grabbed some supplies I thought I could use and got to work.

Card #1:

Stamps: Damask Designs (PTI), Mega Mixed Messages (PTI)

Ink: Memento Black

Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI), Kraft (PTI), True Black (PTI)

Other: Saddlestitch Ribbon

Size: 4.25"x5.5"

Card #2:

Stamps: Damask Designs (PTI), Mega Mixed Messages (PTI)

Ink: Memento Black

Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI), Kraft (PTI), Black and White Basics

Other: Vintage Buttons (PTI)

Size: 4.25"x5.5"

Om, Take Two

2010-04-12T05:40:00.003-10:00

Another Yoga Anya. I played with light colors and added a yoga-like sentiment. I used paper from Cosmo Cricket's Nutmeg line. Fun!

Card Deets:

Stamps: Mega Mixed Messages (PTI), Yoga Anya (The Greeting Farm)

Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU), Memento Black

Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI), Lemon Tart (PTI),

Other: Copic markers, Butterfly Die (PTI), Orange Zest Vintage Buttons (PTI), rhinestones (unknown), Nestabilities Labels 2

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Om

2010-04-11T13:39:00.003-10:00

I've been loving playing with Yoga Anya recently. Remember when I went through card after card using Delightful Dahlias? Yeah, same thing! Anyway, as Mrs. E says, "Yoga Anya has a lot of face." She does. But she's sooooo darn cute.

I recently ordered three of Basic Grey's 6x6 pads for some baby albums I'm making. I know you can't see the pink paper, but it's sponged looking, which I thought matched Yoga Anya well. I didn't stamp a sentiment because, well, I don't know what I'm going to use it for yet. I figure that when I decide, I can add the sentiment.

Card Deets:

Stamps: Yoga Anya (The Greeting Farm)

Ink: Memento Black

Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI), Basic Grey's Porcelain line

Other: Copic markers, AC flower, rhinestone, Nestabilities Labels 2

Size: 4.25x5.5

In Love with The Greeting Farm

2010-04-10T15:56:00.004-10:00

I love The Greeting Farm. Their stamps are sooooo fun to color. I made the first card a while ago, but couldn't share it until I actually gave it. I used the Love Anya image from Mrs. E and the Wisteria papers from Basic Grey. I also used PTI's Smokey Shadow cardstock as a base. Loving that color recently.

The second card features another image Mrs. E stamped for me to color. I love the hair on her. I kept it simple only stamping a background and using a Nestie to mat.

Card Deets:

Card #1:

Stamps: Love Anya, Mega Mixed Messages (sentiment) (PTI)

Ink: Fresh Snow (PTI), Memento Black

Paper: BG's Wisteria, Stamper's Select White (PTI), Smokey Shadow (PTI)

Other: Jewels (unknown), Copic Markers

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Card #2:

Stamps: Polka Dot Basics II (PTI), Hope and Grace (The Greeting Farm)

Ink: Fresh Snow (PTI), Memento Black

Paper: Kraft (PTI), Lavender Moon (PTI),

Other: Copic markers, Nestabilities Labels 2

Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

It's Been Quiet Here Lately...

2010-04-06T22:35:00.000-10:00

And I apologize. BUT...I've been working on a few things. So although I haven't posted, I HAVE been creating. I will be able to post the card soon. I've also been working on a baby album, which I can post soon. When you're giving them to people who read the blog, you can't very well post them before they get them, can you?

I also have to admit something... Last week, when I was posting almost daily, I had a huge card creating fest the week before. I took all the pictures and wrote the posts and scheduled them...and just sat back. And now, I'm just about out of mojo.

We'll see what happens this weekend.

Bookmark Directions

2010-04-06T12:37:00.001-10:00

Thanks to Mrs. E for the simple giftie idea. I got the directions from her. The one above is the one she made for all of us.

Materials for 1 bookmark:
1 2" X 8.5" piece cardstock (PTI, of course)
1 jumbo paperclip (the regular large one...nothing special)
Embellishments

Directions:

Score cardstock at 2", 4.25", and 6.5".
Fold in half on 4.25" score.
Fold both 2" and 6.5" scores inward, so that you have two shorter pieces touching each other on the inside.
Then, put a paperclip on one side. The orientation of the big or small side doesn't really matter.
Place a piece of scotch tape over the inside part of the paperclip.
Then, tuck the furthest edge under the exposed side of the clip. The paperclip will not be touching any part of the book, but will be hidden.
Then, embellish the outside as you wish.

Believe me. Once you do one, you'll realize how easy it is. It's so difficult to put the directions in words.

If you have any questions, let me know, and I'll do my best to answer.

Last Minute Teachers' Easter gifties

2010-04-02T14:55:00.000-10:00

At the very last minute, I decided to make little Easter gifties for the kids' teachers. Hmmmm, what to make...what to make.

I ended up casing Mrs. E's bookmark. She gave it to us at our last card swap. I love it! She sent me the directions, and it took less than two hours from start to finish to make 10 bookmarks. That's from taking out the supplies to putting 'em away. Yes, it includes wrapping 'em up. I ended up putting them in the smallest glassine bags and adhering a Fillable Frames #1 tag with "Easter Wishes" from Mega Mixed Messages. Quick, easy, cute. Isn't that the best!

That day, I received and email from one of the kids' teachers saying she and her daughter were "fighting" over who gets to use it. Guess I have to make another for her. Lol.

The Last of the Dahlias...

2010-04-01T06:18:00.000-10:00

I had fun with this one. I used Heather Nichol's page die and tutorial to make this one. And yes, I used Delightful Dahlias yet AGAIN. But I'm stopping now. I needed a quick focal point, and I had stamped the dahlias on Hawaiian Shores already, so... After stamping the sentiment, I realized it faded into the polka dots, so I used some clear embossing powder and got my trusty gun out. It still doesn't pop the way I'd like, but it'll do. I'm really trying to work on my background stamping. It's hit or miss. I can see the breaks in the background on this card, but I really didn't want to waste the card...

The Deets (All supplies Papertrey unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Delightful Dahlias, Polka Dot Basics II, Mega Mixed Messages
Ink: Fresh Snow, Memento Black Tuxedo
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, Kraft
Other: Clear Embossing Powder, Black Ribbon (source unknown)

Hawaiian Shores and Pure Poppy, Take Two

2010-03-31T06:11:00.001-10:00

I started by playing with the BB: Petal Power in Fresh Snow. It stood out so much, I decided to try to make it pop even more with some clear embossing power. Gosh, that gun was dusty. I don't think I've used it in YEARS! Anyway, since I was in the mood to experiment, I used my Nesties (Labels 2) for the first time. Fun! I'm definitely getting a few more of these...especially now that I have my Big Shot.

The Deets (All supplies Papertrey unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Delightful Dahlias, BB: Petal Power
Ink: Fresh Snow, Smokey Shadow, Memento Black Tuxedo
Paper: Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Stamper's Select White
Other: Clear Embossing Powder, Copic Markers, Nesties Labels Two

Hawaiian Shores and Pure Poppy

2010-03-30T06:04:00.000-10:00

This card is inspired by Mrs. E, who made the mistake of dropping a piece of Pure Poppy on top of Hawaiian Shores. The mistake turned out to be a match made in heaven. I was skeptical at first, but after playing with it a little, I realized she was right. They are beautiful together.

I'm not sold on this card, but I love the colors together. And yes, I do enjoy placing three buttons together. Lol. I realize that many of my cards have the three-button grouping.

The Deets (All supplies Papertrey unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Studio Style, Fillable Frames #2, Fillable Frames #1 (sentiment)
Ink: Smokey Shadow, Hawaiian Shores, Memento Black Tuxedo
Paper: Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores, Stamper's Select White
Other: Vintage Pure Poppy Buttons, Copic markers

More Dahlias...

2010-03-29T05:56:00.000-10:00

I know. Everyone's probably sick of this set, and I promise...there are only a few more dahlia cards, and then I will put away the set for a while... I stamped the dahlias on patterned paper and used Polka Dot Basics II. I also used the large scallop die at the top. This one's for my grams, who'll celebrate her 89th birthday in a couple of weeks.

The Deets (All supplies Papertrey unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Delightful Dahlias, Polka Dot Basics II
Ink: Smokey Shadow
Paper: Kraft, Pretty Pastels (Patterned Paper)
Other: Vintage Plum Pudding Buttons

Dahlias, Dahlias, Dahlias

2010-03-28T07:49:00.000-10:00

I did a ton of dahlia cards. I experimented with different colors and patterned paper and coloring. Whew! I realized that I don't send birthday cards nearly as often as I should, so this one got put in the mail this morning. Yes, I realize the stamping isn't perfect. That's because ding dong that I am, I stamped the sentiment after I'd already popped up the focal point. Duh! This is one of the only times I've ever used Ocean Tides. It's kinda growing on me.

The Deets (All supplies Papertrey unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Delightful Dahlias
Ink: Smokey Shadow
Paper: Kraft, Ocean Tides, Stamper's Select White, Pretty Pastels (Patterned Paper)
Other: Vintage Cream/White Buttons

Clean and Simple

2010-03-27T06:48:00.001-10:00

Love, love, love Polka Dot Basics II. I die cut a brown felt butterfly and adhered a sweet blush button. I used the sentiment from Delightful Dahlias which has done nothing but delight me since I got it. Fresh snow ink on kraft is sooooo pretty.

Crazy for Dahlias, Dahling

2010-03-26T08:00:00.015-10:00

PTI's Delightful Dahlias. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to have it. That set had me at hello. It did. Not only did I fall in love with the images, I fell in love with the price. And the fact that there were matching dies. Be still my heart. Seriously.

I loved all the ways the design team used the set. They used them in ways I'd never have thought of. Not in a million years.

I stamped and colored some dahlias using my Copics. And then I realized after reading the boards that summer sunrise went with one of the patterns in Pretty Pastels. And off I went...

PTI Blog Hop

2010-03-25T11:03:00.002-10:00

This is my second blog hop, and I have to admit, it's a lot of fun! This month's theme was buttons, which I love!

Luckily, my PTI goodies came with enough time for me to play. Hawaiian Shores felt is scrumptious, and I loved using it with the scallop die. Fun! I also tried a window with Fillable Frames 2. I used Hawaiian Shores and the ever popular Raspberry Fizz...and I couldn't make a card without Butterfly Dreams, which has been my go-to set since it was released.

Here's my second card, which uses Delightful Dahlias which I colored with my RV17 and RV19 Copics. I also used my rick rack die to hide the border of Polka Dot Basics II. I love these colors together!

Here's the inside of the card, where I got to use my Hawaiian Shores ink.

Butterfly Card

STAMPS: Fillable Frames #2

INK: Fresh Snow

PAPER: True Black, Hawaiian Shores, Raspberry Fizz

OTHER: Hawaiian Shores Vintage Buttons, Raspberry Fizz Vintage Buttons, True Black Vintage Buttons, Butterfly Die Cut, Hawaiian Shores Felt

FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

Delightful Dahlias Card

STAMPS: Delightful Dahlias, Polka Dot Basics II, Fillable Frames #2, Fillable Frames #1 (Sentiment)

INK: Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black, Fresh Snow, Hawaiian Shores

PAPER: True Black, Stamper's Select White

OTHER: True Black Vintage Buttons, Rick Rack Die, Hawaiian Shores Felt, Copic Markers RV 17 & RV 19

FINISHED SIZE: 4.25" x 5.5"

School Card Swap

2010-03-24T18:47:00.000-10:00

After tons of encouragement from other teachers, I put together a card swap for our school. We ended up having 9 people participate. I had the most difficult time coming up with my design. The theme was "thank you cards."

I ended up case'ing one of Debbie Olson's cards, but using different colors. The colors were inspired by Cinnamon Girl's reusable bags they give out when you purchase a dress. The bags are dark chocolate with plum pudding printing. Yes, I think in terms of PTI when I talk about colors. Lol. Anyway, this is what I ended up with.

I also made a sheet of butterfly and Turning a New Leaf embellies for everyone for participating. I forgot to take a picture of those though.

Poppy Seed Challenge #2

2010-03-22T21:45:00.001-10:00

I have to say that when I started this card, I had no idea what to do in mind. I literally grabbed two bags of buttons, Polka Dot Basics II, smokey shadow ink, Baby Button Bits, and spring moss cardstock. I felt mojo-less last night, and I just knew the card was NOT going to turn out.

I started by stamping the polka dots on the spring moss. After deciding it was going to be a girl baby card, I added sweet blush buttons to my new leaf pea pod. I matted it with sweet blush and stamped the sentiment in smokey shadow. Ugh. I didn't like it.

I rounded the edges. Ugh. Still didn't like it.

Then, I added the lace, and it seemed to soften it a bit. After hating the original, I decided I kinda liked the way it turned out. So, no, not tooting my own horn but proud that I didn't give up.

Thank You Notecards and A Boy Card

2010-03-20T15:50:00.000-10:00

This was made a couple of weeks ago for a friend who recently had a beautiful daughter. Unfortunately, since I procrastinated, I wasn't able to get the album done in time. I made something small for them. It's just a set of notecards with die cut butterflies and a little Spica glitter pen on the black lines. I packaged them in PTI's clear box. I used two sets of PTI stamps: Butterfly Dreams and Fillable Frames.

Since I bought Skater Ian and Football Ian, I've been doing a ton of coloring. I used some old Scenic Route paper that matched his clothes and used a sentiment from PTI's Fillable Frames. I popped him up of course, just to give the card a little dimension.

Overall, I had a productive past few days. My school's card swap is due on Monday, so I can post those cards then.

PTI Release

2010-03-15T09:43:00.000-10:00

Had WAY too much "fun" shopping PTI's March release. Luckily, Mrs. Enabler and I were able to purchase everything we wanted. I even got the rick rack die, even though I heard it sold out pretty fast. We even got the buttons, which thrill me, for some reason. Why I get so excited over PTI is scary. Mrs. Enabler, who's MUCH better dealing with restraint than I am has promised to reign me in for a while. Unfortunately, next month is her birthday month, so we'll HAVE to order. We can skip May, but June is my birthday month, and there's no way I can NOT order on my birthday month, right? I can't wait to get my goodies.

I have two swaps due soon, and I am worried. I am a procrastinator by nature, but I have not started either. Grrrrrr. My goal: Design at least one of the cards by tonight...

Sympathy and Kids' Cards

2010-03-12T11:37:00.000-10:00

I had to make a sympathy card for a funeral I'm attending on Sunday. I used Becky Oehler's first Compose-a-Card sketch as my foundation.

Then, after staring at one of the Love Anya images I recently colored, I realized it matched Basic Grey's Sultry line, so I paired the patterned paper and the image, and voila, this...

I also wanted to share the cards the kids have been making. The one with the two boys is Kahia's creation. He used the two new images I bought...Skater Ian and Football Ian. The jersey number is 10, which is extremely cool because that happens to be his jersey number as well.

The other card is Kawai's.

I really like that this is helping them with their coloring. For some reason, when they have to draw and color at school, they get low marks. Kahia tends to scribble one color over the whole picture, and Kawai gets told she needs more details. Maybe them coloring these images will help with that.

Mojo Monday #129 and Lunchbox Love Notes

2010-03-09T09:33:00.003-10:00

This card was fun to do. I like doing the challenges because it forces me to layer, which is sooooo against what I'd do naturally.

Stamps: Butterfly Dreams (sentiment)

Ink: SU Chocolate Chip

Paper: Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate, Basic Grey (Sultry)

Other: Pink Flower (unknown), chiffon ribbon

Finished Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

These are the love notes I made for the kids' lunch boxes. I used Tiny Treats, which I just adore.

Stamps: Tiny Treats: Valentine

Ink: Memento

Paper: Stamper's Select White

Other: Copics, scallop circle punch (EK Success)

CPS Sketch 157

2010-03-08T17:28:00.001-10:00

Easy peasy card using die cut butterflies (PTI) with Turning a New Leaf patterned paper (PTI). I did a double layer of butterflies and popped up the second layer. I added the "just a note" tag.

Stamps: Daily Designs Sentiments

Ink: SU Chocolate Chip

Paper: Stamper's Select White, Turning a New Leaf patterned paper

Other: Dark Chocolate button

Finished Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

Love Notes

2010-03-08T07:59:00.000-10:00

Last night I didn't feel like making cards, so I started a project I've been meaning to do for a while.

I made the kids lunchbox love notes with Tiny Treats: Valentine. I used my Copics and had a blast. I'll post some pictures later this afternoon.

Here's to hoping they stayed dry in the lunch boxes.

Birthday and Thank You

2010-03-07T10:32:00.000-10:00

I made these two yesterday. The first is really, really simple, but I like the colors.

Stamps: Butterfly Dreams (sentiment)

Ink: SU Chocolate Chip

Paper: Kraft, Pretty Pastels, In Bloom

Other: oval scallop punch (Marvy), oval punch (Marvy)

Finished Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

The second card is more my style. Red, black, kraft, buttons. I'm loving Polka Dot Basics II. Seriously.

Stamps: Daily Designs (sentiment), Take Note (circle), Polka Dot Basics II

Ink: Fresh Snow

Paper: Pure Poppy, Kraft, Black and White Basics

Other: circle scallop punch (EK Success), circle punch (EK Success), pure poppy buttons, MM floss

Finished Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

CASE'ING to Get the Mojo Moving

2010-03-06T15:17:00.000-10:00

I totally cased Dawn's card from Jan/Feb 2010 PaperCrafts (pg. 42). I thought the way she used Pure Poppy with Berry Sorbet was eye-popping. Plus...I'm kind of enamored with Damask Designs right now. When I created the card, I didn't have Polka Dot Basics, so I subbed Text Style. I also didn't have Fancy Flourishes, so I used a flourish from a Hero Arts set. And...because I'm STILL trying to figure out my card for the upcoming swap, I made it a "thank you."

The second card was a little more experimentation. And while I was making the first card, the post man came and dropped off Polka Dot Basics (no kidding), so I got to ink it up right away. Because I liked the chocolate chip ink on aqua mist, I thought I'd try it with lavender moon and see if it made me as happy. It didn't, but it didn't turn out hideous, so I kept it. I also didn't have the right color button, so I subbed plum pudding.

Art in Our Family

2010-03-05T10:04:00.002-10:00

I've been scrapbooking ever since the kids can remember. We always do art projects, together and separately. The office is chock full of art supplies for them. It's no wonder they love art. Kawai's thing recently has been making me stamp images for her to color. Now, if it were up to her, she'd be all up in my Copics. Not happening. She's been told to stay out of the Copics and use the Marvy LePlumes, which are...like 8 years old. Lol. Yesterday, when she walked into the office, she saw my Love card. She asked me to stamp her an Ian and Anya, and because I didn't want to have to pull everything out again, I stamped her a whole page of the images she wanted.

And she was off. She kept asking me what color I used for this and what color I used for that...so I ended up putting the card right in front of her. She's been grumbling for a while about not having "skin colors." I keep telling her to use the crayons or color pencils, and she keeps resisting. This time though, when I plopped the twistables (with peach) in front of her, she used it. She said, "Mommy, I want my Ian and Anya to look like yours." Wow, she's only 5 and she's already CASE"ing". I'm a proud mommy.

Interestingly enough, Kahia had to write an essay today about what his favorite subject is. He wrote about art, saying "It calms me down in tough situations." I love that art is an outlet for both of them.

After the little princess was done with her coloring, I got a chance to make some cards without interruptions. Here's what I made, and as Sara has noticed, I am kinda getting into the Smokey Shadow.

I cased Mish's sketch found here.

Stamps: Butterfly Dreams

Ink: Fresh Snow, Smokey Shadow, Black(Versafine)

Paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream, Pretty Pastels

Other: Lace Ribbon, Fiskars Treading Water Border Punch

Finished Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

The second card I made was after checking out PTI's gallery and deciding that I really need to practice using my background stamps. I saw Niki Este's card and knew I needed to try Damask Designs again...with SU's chocolate chip ink on Aqua mist cardstock. I wasted some cardstock, but I did get a big enough piece to use.

Stamps: Damask Designs

Ink: SU Chocolate Chip

Paper: Dark Chocolate, Aqua Mist, Kraft

Other: Chiffon ribbon

Finished Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

I was also able to take some better pictures using my cardstock back drop and new flower frogs. The light was semi-decent today, but I know that if I'm going to continue this blog, I need to figure out something a little more permanent for taking card and layout pictures.

Thanks for visiting today.

Dot Spot and Fillable Frames

2010-03-03T17:54:00.000-10:00

Notice something new in this picture?

I used Dot Spot and Fillable Frames. I did use Nichole Heady's trick with the post it notes to make sure I stamped straight on the frame. I also used contrasting colored ink...pure poppy and smokey shadow. It was Mrs. Enabler's idea to use two colors, and I love it.

Mojo Monday and PTI Spring Color Challenge Entry #2

2010-03-02T17:32:00.000-10:00

Here's my kill-two-birds-with-one-stone card. I used the Mojo Monday sketch (128) AND I used Heather Nichols' spring colors.

All supplies PTI unless otherwise specified

Stamps: Daily Designs and Daily Designs Sentiments

Ink: Smokey Shadow

Paper: Spring Moss, Lemon Tart, Pretty Pastels

Other: American Crafts Ribbon

Finished Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

PTI'S Spring Color Challenge

2010-03-01T19:03:00.000-10:00

Used Lisa Johnson's spring colors to create this card. I actually colored Ian and Anya last night and couldn't figure out what to use them for. Then, when I saw Nichole's post, I knew they'd be perfect. Spring...time for love.

Stamps: The Greeting Farm Dressy Anya, My Guy Ian, Tiny Treats: Valentine, and Background Basics: Text Style II

Ink: Sweet Blush, SU Chocolate Chip

Paper: Kraft, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream

Other: Copics

Finished Size: 4.25" x 5.5"