My Little Paper Addiction

Blog Candy!

2012-02-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Today I have some blog candy up for grabs! It is a brand new set of beautiful thank you stamps from Papertrey Ink.

This little set is not available for purchase as it was a nice thank you gift they included in some recent orders. I was lucky enough to get one in my December order, and one again in my January order. Seeing how it's almost Valentine's day, I thought I'd share the love---and the stamps!

Here is a card made with the larger image from the set. It fits perfectly on a die-cut of Mat Stack 5. I simply adhered it with dimensional adhesive on top of a background I stamped using "Rosie Posie".

Cardstock: PTI Kraft, Stampers Select White

Stamps: PTI Rosie Posie, A Big Thank You

Ink: SU! Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Perfect Plum, Pink Pirouette

Here is the set up for grabs:

It's a little difficult to see the actual images since the stamps are clear, but the larger image is the one featured on my card above, and also seen on the back of the package. The smaller image can be seen as the sentiment in black on my card HERE.

All you have to do to win is leave a comment on this post. I'll use the random number generator to pick a winner next Monday, February 20th. I'd also love for you to follow me, though it's not a requirement to win. I'm always looking for new blogs to follow as well!

Couch to 5k

2012-02-07T22:04:00.000-08:00

So, I'm a little late to the bandwagon because apparently this has been around a while. But it's new to me and new to a few people who I've talked to this week who haven't heard of it. What is it? It's Couch to 5k!

For a while now I've known that I need to get myself in gear, get moving, and get healthy. Now that I'm done having babies and my littlest isn't so much of a baby anymore I had to tell myself now is the time to do something.

A friend of mine who recently completed her first 5k recommended this to me and I am so grateful. Just by looking at the outline of the program I could tell this is something I can do. 30 minutes, three times per week. Perfect for a busy momma!

Today was day one. Overall I was pretty impressed that I kept moving and didn't stop. I didn't plan it, but the end of my workout put me right back on my doorstep as the music was ending. I will have to remember next time though to plan a route off the main road by our neighborhood. I saw about 67 people I know drive by me as I was panting and wheezing. Back roads would probably be much better for the ego!

I felt like Phobe from Friends everytime someone I knew drove by:

A good pair of shoes was in order since I haven't bought any since the academy. Those have way too many miles on them. I was pretty excited to find these with the added bonus of my favorite color: teal.

I also snapped a photo of the breaking-in of my new shoes for my Project Life:

I bought these at Kohl's

Nike Reax Rocket. Doesn't the word 'rocket' thrown in there just sound fast? :)

Some good beats and a catchy tune definitely get me pumped up and redy to go. If you Google "Couch to 5k podcast" there are several sites which offer free downloads which go along with the Couch to 5k program. After looking around at a few I found a great set of podcasts you can download free here. These are some great upbeat songs to keep you moving. The voice-over telling you when you are halfway done, and how many run sessions you have left is quite helpful. It was for me, at least! The biggest help is that the voice-over also tells you when to run and when to walk, so you won't need a timer or stopwatch. Just put your earphones in, turn on your mp3 player, and get going!

Something I forgot but totally needed was one of those arm bands to strap your ipod down to your arm so you don't have to hold it while you're trying to run. I'll have to pick one up this week. An ace bandage works in a pinch, but looks kind of funny. Don't ask me how I know!

Is anyone else doing this program, or have you done it? I'd love to hear your input and any tips you have to offer so be sure to leave a coment to help this girl out. Thanks!

OLW76

2012-01-30T22:05:00.000-08:00

Teal is my favorite color. Gray and teal work so beautifully together so it was no question as to what color I wanted to use for Susan's One Layer Wednesday challenge this week.

First up though is some color inspiration I have in my file using these colors together. This watercolor painting is simply gorgeous!

PHOTO SOURCE

Here is my project for the challenge:
(I'm horrible at photographing my cards at night under artificial light. Sorry!)

Just a tiny touch of teal:

I stamped the medallion and the sentiment in ColorBox pigment ink in 'Wild Hare' and heat-embossed both with clear embossing powder. It gave a nice polished look and gave a bit of dimension to an otherwise flat one layer card.

I had to resist the urge to stamp the sentiment in black, but after seeing Susan's cards with grey sentiments I was totally inspired to try it. Not bad, eh?

Stamps: PTI Mehndi Medallion, Botanical Silhouettes

Ink: ColorBox 'Wild Hare'

Cardstock: PTI white

Super Simple Sunday

2012-01-29T10:09:00.000-08:00

I have just a quick, super simple project to share today. It is a one-layer card with a little added dimension by use of rhinestones in the middle of each medallion shape.

Something I've really been loving about clear stamps is how easy it is to line them up an see exactly where you want them to go. Add in a grid-lined acrylic block, and it's so easy even I can do it!

Stamps: PTI Mehndi Medallions, bonus free Thank You set
Ink: SU! Perfect Plum, Tempting Turquoise, Momento black
Other: SU! clear rhinestones

FMS19 and CTD176

2012-01-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

Freshly Made Sketches has a great new sketch to try this week. The scalloped border immediately made me want to use my newest border die, so I was all ready to get started.

Then I saw the Color Throwdown Challenge for this week and just love these colors together! The bed in the inspiration photo is really beautiful, too!

And here is my project combining the two challenges. It isn't exactly what I planned in my head, but it's not too horrible :)

Stamps: PTI Botanical Sihouettes, Mehndi Medallion

Ink: SU! Rose Red, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip

Cardstock: SU! Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Rose Red DP, PTI white

Dies: PTI Mat Stack 5, Mat Stack 1, hearts border, filigree border

Color Inspiration 3

2012-01-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

I just love the soft colors in this fine art print I found on Etsy. The combination is perfect for a Valentine's Day project!

Photo Source

CTD175

2012-01-22T12:37:00.000-08:00

The Color Throwdown Blog has one of my favorite color combinations up as the challenge this week in Challenge CTD175. I've always loved these colors together and even used to have an ivory couch with kraft colored specks in the fabric and big red poppies with olive leaves. Oh, how I loved that couch! The hubby didn't love it so much, and an ivory couch wasn't so ideal when the kiddos came along.

Anyhow, on to the projects!

Here is the Color Throwdown inspiration photo and color palette:

And here is my take on it:

Stamps: Stampin' Up! Watercolor Trio

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Crumb Cake, Red Riding Hood, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Kiwi Kiss

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Dies: Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 5, Sizzix leaf die

Punch: Stampin' Up! Scalloped Circle

I made the flower by punching six scalloped circles from Riding Hood Red cardstock, scrunching them up by hand over and over until they softened up and were pliable, then attaching them all together with a brad in the center. Once attached, fluff them up by hand. It's such an easy and economical way to add a dimensional emellishment to your project!

And an extra super-simple one just for fun (though this one doesn't have kraft, but a darker brown):

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Botanical Silhouettes

Ink: Stampin' Up! Kiwi Kiss, Red Riding Hood, Chocolate Chip

Cardstock: Papertrey Ink Stampers Select White

Other: Clear embossing powder

Thanks for stopping by today. I'm off to go get ready for company coming over to watch the game with us, and watch the Forty Niner's win. GO NINERS!!!

**Post edited**

In a rush to get to watching the game, I forgot to add my supply list for my projects. I've added them below each project photo.

Is anyone else crying with me after the Niners lost? So. Not. Cool. They played a good game though, and another season will come around.

After reminiscing about my old couch mentioned before as part of this color challenge, I looked back and found an old photo of my beloved couch. Excuse the paint line near the floor, it was before the floorboards were put up.

More Color Inspiration

2012-01-17T13:08:00.000-08:00

I came across this photo of these pillow cases while searching for....um, well...I don't remember what now! Funny how the internet sucks you in like that, eh?

I absolutely love the combination of colors and especially like the pattern in the two middle ones on the left. Unfortunately, the photo didn't have any info attached on where to find them so I had to play web detective and try to track it down. The best guess I could find is this Etsy shop: 'Kalla'. She has a great selection of fabrics to sew your own pillow cases with!

This one is my favorite color and pattern combo:

Photo source

Here are some beautiful colors together:

I really meant to post this yesterday (Monday) and to actually create a project from these colors last night, but the house was quiet and after a long weekend away I opted for a hot bath and early bedtime instead!

Color Inspiration

2012-01-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

A lot of times when browsing the internet, I come across photos that catch my eye *mostly* for the colors that jump out at me and say, "that would make a great color combo for a project!"

I can then pull the colors from the photo to use later for inspiration, and now with Pinterest I can save the photo there as well.

Just for fun I thought I'd start sharing some of my favorite color combo inspirations here on my blog and maybe you'll be inspired, too! I pulled the main colors from the photo and made a little pallette at the bottom just to break it down. I hope to share these on Mondays from now on, so check back. :)

Here is one which recently caught my eye. I don't even remember what I was searching for when I came across this (I promise it wasn't a hat for my kitty. I swear!) but the colors, not to mention the subject itself, really caught my eye. I love the fabric in the background.

I can't help but notice this guy doesn't look too happy about his new fashion accessory!

If you are so inclined to buy a little hat for your kitty, you can find it here:
photo credit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/shan329

I'd love to see any projects you've made with these colors, so feel free to link to your blog in the comments!

Project Life 2012 Title Page

2012-01-06T13:15:00.000-08:00

So.....once again, I'm attempting to do Project Life this year.

I figured the best way to start is with page one. A title page. It gave me a space to write down a few ideas of my hopes for the book and give me a reason to stick to it.

*layout based on PageMaps December 2011 sketch.
Supplies: PTI kraft cardstock, Crate Paper 'Restoration', Martha Stewart punches, AC Thickers, Recollections glitter alphas.
Photography and adorable kiddos by Me!(and Mr. Paperaddict) :)Some little hand-made butterfly embellishments:

I was so happy there was a four of hearts in this paper! There are four of us in our little family, so it was perfect.

One thing I learned from my ~~dismal failure~~ unfinished project from last year is to not place so much stress on making it perfect. If I don't take a photo every single day, so what? I fell behind on my photo taking, because let's face it: being and grown-up and/or momma is just downright tiring some days. With the million things to do each day it may not always be the first thing on my mind to pick up the camera. So this year I give myself permission to not stress about tyring to be perfect. At anything.

I especially mention this because I've chatted with a few friends recently about their attempts at this project last year and how they gave up after falling behind. I've also seen several people mention it on-line as well that they just completely threw the towel in after falling behind. I say just pick up where you left off and keep going. You can do it! Again, so what? So what if it's not a photo every day? You are still recording your memories, big and small, and creating a priceless record of your life. Imagine how much fun it will be to look at in 10, 20, 30 + years and remember all the everyday little things that make you and your family who you are!

I'd like to share a quote I've recently come across that translates well, not just for this project, but for pretty much anything:

"I haven't failed, I've found 10,000 ways that don't work."
~ Thomas Edison.

Moving into 2012, I definitely plan to keep this idea in mind. I suppose you only fail when you stop trying.

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T23:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone! I've always loved the idea of New Years. A fresh start, in a way. A brand new calendar to fill up. New goals to work toward. A good time to start new projects. We'll see how far I get with Project Life this year ;)

I've been busy doing more cooking and baking than anything crafty lately, so I'd like to share a recipe I recently discovered. This breakfast is definitely the perfect meal after a night of celebrating :) It's good any time, even for dinner! French toast. Mmmmmm..... One of my favorite breakfast foods ever.
My hubby made a delicious french toast casserole last year for Christmas breakfast, so I wanted to try making one this year. I came across this recipe on Pioneer Woman last week for cinnamon baked french toast.
It's so easy to make and I really like that you can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning.
Here is what my finished casserole looked like before it was devoured!

Best wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy, and wonderful 2012!

December Daily

2011-11-27T00:42:00.000-08:00

...or December Occasionally? :)

I tried December Daily a couple of years ago, but just like my last attempt at Project Life, the need to follow through every single day is a little overwhelming for me. Life is busy as it is. Add in the extra time crunch of the holidays, not to mention the fact that I always seem to take on too many projects no matter the time of year, it just didn't work out for me. I would always go to bed telling myself I would catch up the next day, but one day became two, three, four, etc.

This year I decided to go with a basic binder so I could add pages as I go. I also didn't number

the pages so there wouldn't be a need to add every single day. For now I think my plan is just to cover the main highlights of the holidays like getting our tree, a trip to the snow, decorations, food, etc.

Here is a look at the cover:

and a peek at the inside:

This is a Maya Road 5x7 chipboard binder that I painted with Making Memories paint (color: "Meadow"). The papers and elements are from Crate Paper's "Snow Day" collection.

Washi Tape

2011-11-14T00:26:00.000-08:00

Washi tape. Paper tape. Decorative tape. Photo tape. Whatever you call it, the stuff is pretty fun to use! So far I only have one roll of the real thing and even though it was only $1.99 for the roll, I've been hoarding it for use on only the super-extra-special stuff that needs taping. It goes perfect with my Smash Book though and is a fun way to tape in the loose bits and pieces.
You may have noticed I finally have a snazzy new little blog header up there. It's something I've been meaning to change for quite a while and finally got the chance to get it done today. The tape I used was an awesome free download from Libby Bonjour:

Visit Libby's blog and download the Lake Collection washi tape here.

So, seeing how easy it was just to play with this digital tape with no worries of using it all up, of course I was on a quest to find some more. Here are some other pretty ones to check out:

Digital washi tape by Rhonna Designs

Pixel Paperie on Etsy

Ursula's amazing collection (be sure to visit her blog for more photos)

Funny Halloween Craft Time!

2011-10-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

This video clip from the Ellen Degeneres show has been going around lately and it's pretty funny! If you haven't seen her show before, every now and then she does this bit called "Ellen in my ear" where the person playing along has an earpiece in and Ellen tells that person what they have to say.
This one is of a lady *trying* to instruct a craft class at Michael's, but it's a bit difficult with Ellen telling her what to say to her class!
VIDEO HERE.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

2011-10-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

...and I've been absent from blogging for a while. Fall. Autumn. End of Summer. Whatever you call it, it's my favorite time of year. Beautiful color changes in the trees, fall decorations, pumpkins, back to school, football games, tractor rides, and pumpkins. These are a few of my favorite things! :)
I've simply been enjoying all of these things, and more, and haven't been focusing too much on my crafting recently. Now that I'm getting settled back into the season, I'm planning on getting started again soon.

I really wanted to share something I read this evening, and I encourage everyone to read the letter I'm going to link to and encourage others to read it as well. As fellow crafters we all know that as a group, we are some of the most generous, kind-hearted people out there. Always willing to help a friend in need, send a special note to a sick child, share projects for fundraisers, and spread joy to soldiers overseas. These are just a few examples. I love that. But unfortunately there are some out there who don't always do the right thing. I don't love that. The theft of images created by some fabulous artists has put said artists in a very difficult place.

Mo Manning, the wonderful artist and creator of the fabulous images found at Mo's Digital Pencil, shared a letter she authored in response to someone she discovered was basically stealing her images. You can see the letter HERE. Mo definitely shed light to the very personal impact stealing has had on her and I am so disappointed that a fellow crafter would cause this sort of pain to one of the very people we look to for inspiration.

If nothing else, check out Mo's images and support her either by dropping a note or purchasing one of her imges. Take a look at the detail she puts into her images. They are practically a steal at the mere price of $3.00- $5.00 per image, so why the need to actually STEAL her images?

Whimsy and Mojo meet again...

2011-08-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

The gals over at Mojo Monday had another great sketch this week and, of course, I had to play along! If you haven't checked out their site yet, I encourage you to go take a visit. They keep all the sketches and corresponding projects on-line so you're sure to find plenty of inspiration over there.

Here's the sketch:

And here's my interpretation:

I kept the main elements of the sketch the same, but I did make a small change of taking the bottom rectangle layer on the right of the sketch and rotating it and moving it to the bottom. Instead of a photo corner I thought it would be fun to make a triangle out of adhesive pearls.

This "Coffee Girl" image is available in the Whimsy and Stars Studio's Etsy site for only $3.00! Really, you can't beat that for a super cute image that you can resize to fit many different projects and use over and over again!

The paper here is Echo Park's "Life is Good" line. Such pretty and happy colors in this collection! I also used my favorite background stamp from Papertrey Ink named "Text Style".

Thanks for stopping by today!

Happy 50th!!!

2011-08-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite people is celebrating a birthday this week. Yep. The big 5-0.

I wanted to make a little something different than just a card to attach to her birthday gift, so I had the idea to make this little banner.

The base started out with some die cut tags. I really like this particular die because it has two parts. The main base of the tag and a little circle to fold over the top across the hole. After I glued the tags onto the twine, I covered up the holes with some buttons so you couldn't see the hole.

A die cut leaf and butterflies added onto each end:

Papertrey Ink's 'By the Numbers' dies are so perfect for birthday decorations as you can customize your

project for any age. I adhered the numbers with dimensional foam on top of these fun fan-folded dimensional flowers.

I thought it was kind of fun that you can take it off the gift and hang it up as a little party decoration!

Thanks for stopping by today and if you have a birthday this week, then happy birthday to you, too!

Paper: My Mind's Eye: "Stella and Rose", PTI kraft
Leaf Die: Sizzix
Small butterfly: MS Crafts punch
All other dies and buttons: PTI

Floaty Boy and Summertime!

2011-08-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

So we're gearing up to go on our first camping trip of the Summer and I have got nothing but the river and sunshine on my mind. Ok, maybe a little S'mores, too!

This little "Floaty Boy" image was just perfect to work with while keeping me in my happy Summer state of mind.

We are so lucky to be spending the camping trip with some of our most amazing friends, so I think this card will be appropriate to send after the trip to thank them for all the great memories we are sure to make.

These little fan flowers are really easy to make and could really be used in a lot of ways depending on the colors you use. I put this one together hoping it would look somewhat like a sun. After adhering the ends of my fan-folded strip together, I topped it with a bright orange button from PTI. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out!

So who else out there loves camping? What is your favorite part of the whole experience? I hope you get to enjoy lots of peaceful days out in the sunshine while Summer is still here. Enjoy!

Stamps: Digi "Floaty Boy" by Whimsy and Stars Studio, sentiment by PTI
Cardstock: My Mind's Eye "Fine and Dandy"
Other: Copics, PTI button

Stamp-a-Faire Challenge 8

2011-07-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

The challenge for this round was to create a card with the cover cut back a bit to reveal a portion of the bottom of the base. I really liked trying this one out because I learned how easy it is to give a lot more depth and interest to a card just by using this technique.

Another fun little thing I've discovered about using clear stamps is the ability to emboss pretty much any color using only clear embossing powder. I stamped the poppy images here in red ink, cleaned my stamp, then stamped right over the original image using versamark ink and embossed with clear powder. With the clear stamp I was able to stamp right on top of the original image without using any special tools. This also totally eliminates the need to have powders in every color.

Stamp-a-Faire Challenge 4

2011-07-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

The challenge for this round was to create a project using these colors:

I wish I had taken the time to take and edit a better photo because I really did use two different greens between the leaves of the flowers and the green strip on the left. I promise! I would have loved to participate in all the challenges today but I was super short on time as I had to use the kids' nap-time to do a little stamping then jump in the shower before we headed to town for the rest of the day.

This challenge stuck out to me as one I really wanted to try because of the use of two very similar colors.

Here's what I came up with:

Mojo Monday meets Whimsy Wednesday!

2011-07-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone out there in blog-land! Summer has definitely been a super busy time, as usual, and I have been itching for just a little break to get a little bit crafty!

When I saw this week's Mojo Monday 199 sketch I knew it was the perfect jumping off point to get back into the swing of things. But never one to follow rules, I had to change it up just a bit.

Here is the sketch:

And here is my take on it:

I just moved the embellishment over to the opposite side on the left, and used rectangles instead of circles. In place of the large circle I used the cute "Watermelon Boy" image from Mabelle of Whimsy and Stars Studio, and in place of the smaller circle I added the "happy" tag on the upper right.

The papers I used for this project are Echo Park Paper's "For the Record" collection. Can I just say I LOVE this paper line?!? I'm finding it works with more styles than I originally thought it would just by first glance. It seemed maybe it would only work for vintage-type projects (which is a style I love but am slowly learning how to execute!) but the fun patterns work well for classic and fun styles as well.

So that's it for my first go-round with a Mojo Monday sketch and I'm looking forward to trying more. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all are having a fabulous Summer!

Sweet Little Pod Baby

2011-06-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today marks the Summer release of 10 brand-spankin' new images from Whimsy and Stars Studio. Mabelle has been working hard at designing both digital images and a new collection of rubber stamps which is to be released soon by The Angel Company, so be sure to check in there and keep your eye out for Mabelle's adorable designs coming soon! If you're impatient like me, then you can get a special sneak peek set Mabelle has created named: "He Created Spring". You can see this and the other sneak peek sets by all of the fabulous designers here.

Be sure to stop by the Etsy store to get your image fix now and check out all the new image for the Summer release, as as well as prior releases.

I was so thrilled when I saw this sweet little pod baby and knew it was the first image I wanted to work with. I find helpful since it is a digital image that I can resize it to fit into my favorite Nestabilities!

Images: Whimsy and Stars Studio, Sentiment font: 'Angelina'

Papers: Basic Grey 'Olivia'

Other: Spellbinders dies, PTI button, Studio 112 pearl, MS edge punch, Copics, chalks.

Sneak Peek!

2011-06-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

Mabelle has created yet another batch of adorable images for the Summer release from Whimsy and Stars Studio and here is just a little peek of what will be available this Saturday!
Projects coming soon!

PTI Make it Monday

2011-05-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

This weeks Make it Monday theme is sympathy cards. I don't think these are ever easy to make and luckily there was nobody in particular in mind while I was making this one. I suppose it is better to just have this in my stash should it be needed, rather than trying to make one during a difficult time.

I have never really made a sympathy card before and I'm wondering if this is even close to how one should look. I meant for the two clouds to represent me and the person it would be for, almost as if saying, "I'm here for you." I'm not sure if that was clearly conveyed, though.

The good thing about this card is it only took about 10 minutes to make, which would be a bonus if you were making it during time when your mind might not be necessarily on creating. I stamped the bottom with the polka dots in versamark then heat-embossed with clear embossing powder. Next, I just stamped the sentiment above the row of dots then wrapped some baker's twine around the card a few times, tying it off with a button. The clouds were die-cut from one of the paper bands which come wrapped around the outside of a PTI stamp set then placed onto the card using dimensional foam dots. Quick and done.

Stamps: PTI 'Round and Round'
Cardstock: PTI kraft, cardstock band from stamp set packaging (clouds)
Ink: SU Chocolate Chip, Versamark
Other: PTI baker's twine, button, cloud die, clear embossing powder

PTI May Blog Hop!

2011-05-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. The 25th of each month means Papertrey Ink's monthly blog hop! If you haven't participated before, or even checked it out for that matter, I highly encourage you to take a look at the beautiful projects put out each month by all of those who love them some PTI :)
The theme for this month's hop is.......flowers! Easy enough, right?
For my project this month I was hoping to make my whole overall card shape look like a flower. I cut the card base using a nestabilities scalloped circle die and added another cut circle to the center. Kinda' resembles a flower...maybe? :) I still think it turned out pretty cute!

Stamps: PTI Mat Stack One, Button Boutique
Dies: PTI Beautiful Blooms 3, Mat Stack One
Other: PTI baker's twine

As always, there is so much great talent on this blog hop each month so if you somehow made it to my little ole' blog....Thank you so much for stopping by!

Happy Birthday, Chickie!

2011-05-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

Oh my word, don't you just love this adorable little birthday chickie? He's another one of the great images Mabelle of Whimsy and Stars Studio created for the Spring release.

I don't know what possessed me to trim out such a detailed image, but it ended up not being so bad. I'm really glad I did though, because I just love how I was able to make his balloons 'float' by attaching them with a foam dot and using embroidery floss as the strings. I added Glossy Accents to the balloons to give them a shiny plastic-like look.

I'm happy to say I will be staying on as a member of the Guest Design Team for another term! There are more fabulous images coming from Whimsy and Stars for the Summer season so be sure to check in at the blog to see what's new.

*Guest Design Team Call*

If you love these adorable images as much as I do, then you may be interested in joining the team. There is an open call right now for five new members! Be sure to check this post to see how to apply.

Stamps: Birthday Chickie by Whimsy and Stars Studio (digital), sentiment by PTI

Cardstock: American Crafts (patterned paper and brown), SU Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze

Other: Copics, circle Nestabilities, DMC embroidery floss, Stickles, Glossy Accents

Have a HOOT!

2011-05-11T02:01:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I loved this adorable little owl punch when it first came out but I haven't shown it any love lately! This little guy is making a comeback and here he is on a birthday card.

Sorry for the short post, but I've been sick this week. Between the pulling of the wisdom teeth and this yuckiness I have right now, I am SO ready for Summer!

Cardstock: PTI Kraft, SU Soft Sky, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Crate Paper 'Lemongrass' (owl's body)
Dies: Sizzix branch with leaves, PTI Mat Stack 4
Other: SU owl punch
Sentiment: computer generated and printed

More barrettes!

2011-05-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

Oh no. Just what I needed. Another addiction! :) The newest for me is PTI's soft and beautiful felt. As it's 100% wool, it cuts absolutely beautifully and clean.

Here are some more flower barrettes I whipped up using this lovely felt:

Using the various dies, it was easy to mix and match different sizes, colors, and shapes of die-cut felt and stitch together to create some super simple barrettes. Place them onto some tags made with the Button Boutiqe set and I think it makes a pretty cute gift for any adorable girl you know :)

Cup of Kindness

2011-05-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

Whimsy and Stars Studio just released a ton of adorable new images this past week and I have to say, I just LOVE this cute little stack of teacups. The little burst of flowers popping out the top are so cheery! This image is called "Cup of Kindness" and it's now available in the Etsy shop.

I was so happy we had some sunshine here this weekend for the first time in what feels like forever! Maybe we will actually get a spring here after all. I hope you all were able to get out and spend some time in the sun this weekend, too!

Other supplies:
Cardstock: PTI white, SU Perfect Plum, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze.
SU So Saffron Ribbon, PTI Royal Velvet buttons, I-rock rhinestones, MS border punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 4.

Papertrey Ink April Blog Hop!

2011-04-25T11:03:00.000-07:00

This month's blog hop challenge was to create a project with a masculine theme, which is definitely not my usual style. I'm glad to have played along though as it got me to step out of my creative box a bit. I don't think it turned out too bad!

Debby of Lime Doodle creates some absolutely fabulous cards and when I saw this one, I just had to CASE it! I loved the look of the rounded corners on the squares and it reminded me a lot of Maile Belles recent PTI set: Modern Basics.
I just broke the design down to minimal layers, putting the rounded sqares flat on the base then adding the sentiment and gift embellishment on top with dimensional adhesive dots. The skinny little sentiments in PTI's Mat Stack sets are perfect for creating banners. This sentiment is from the Mat Stack 1 set.

I know there are TONS of beautiful projects to see on the hop, so if you've found your way here, thanks so much for stopping by!

New Whimsy and Stars, coming soon!

2011-04-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

This Thursday is the new Spring release for some fabulous new images from Mabelle R.O. of Whimsy and Stars Studio. I have to say, these are some of the most adorable images yet!
Mabelle has been super busy lately as she is currently designing new rubber stamps for the Summer release at The Angel Company, and she is also designing her digital images as well.

I wish I could say I have been as productive, but I have fallen behind in my projects. I had the joy of having all four of my wisdom teeth removed recently and just was not in the mood to do much of anything, much less create. That's when you know it's bad---when you can't even bring yourself to get inky! But I'm feeling much better now and am trying to catch up, so hopefully Mabelle will forgive me for my falling behind :)
I have a *super* cute sneak peek for you of one of the images which will be released on Thursday. This little guy is called "Super Boy" and I think you'll see why:

Isn't he just the cutest little thing?!? I just had to let this little guy take center stage on this card and not add too many frills. A little star embellishment popped up in the corner seemed to be all this superhero needed.
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to stop by the Whimsy and Stars Studio Blog on Thursday to see all the newest images and to find out how to get free images!

Images: "Super Boy" by Whimsy and Stars Studio
Cardstock: SU Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky, Riding Hood Red, Pacific Point
Other: Prisma pencils, sentiment printed on computer

Color Q Challenge 81 + Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger

2011-04-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

When perusing the challenges this week, I knew right away that these two would be a perfect match!
The Color Q Challenge #81 draws inspiration from these adorable little knit bunnies. They look so cuddly and come in a great variety of spring colors.

The Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger reminded me of the colors of bunnies. I was thinking Old Olive leaves, soft pink blooms, and a bit of sunshine added in with So Saffron. I could also envision a Soft Sky background behind this beautiful boquet.

Just this week I picked up this fun leaves on a branch die from Sizzix. I wasn't even looking for dies, but at 40% off at J's I figured I might as well go down that aisle. This little die jumped out at me as perfect for Spring projects and at sale price it was just over $4. What a steal!

I wanted to base my card around the leaves and a bouquet of sorts seemed to be the right idea. It was really easy to arrange them around one of the fun doily die cuts from PTI. Hand-rolling my own flowers has been a challenge, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. What do you think? :)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps: PTI Tiny Tags

Cardstock: SU Soft Sky, So Saffron, Old Olive, Pink Pirouette, PTI white

Ink: SU Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Pink Pirouette

Dies: PTI Mat Stack 4 and Tiny Tags, Doily Details Sizzix leaf

Other: PTI bakers twine, i-rock rhinestones, Making Memories paper flowers (white)

Happily Ever After Challenged #16 - Sweet Sixteen!

2011-04-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

Ted over at Happily Ever Crafter has a fun challenge going on in honor of his 44th birthday. The challenge was to incorporate purple and green into a project and to use four of something.

This challenge was right up my alley because I also love purple and green together! Add four bright and shiny rhinestones and I've got it covered!

Here is the LINK if you'd like to participate, too!

Happy Birthday, Ted!!! May all your wishes come true!

Stamps: PTI Mat Stack One, Mat Stack Four
Cardstock: PTI white, Royal Velvet
Ink: SU Wild Wasabi, Momento black
Other: PTI doily die, Mat Stack Four die, SU rhinestones

A try at vintage...

2011-04-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

I've never really tried the vintage look before but I've fallen in love with all the PTI sets which have recently come out that are geared around the vintage look. I had fun mixing and matching these sets to come up with this card. The tea dye duo inks made it really easy to add some aging and depth to the edges of the elements.

I think I'm going to like this whole vintage thing!

Stamps: PTI: Postmarks, Mat Stack 4, Tiny Tags, Background Basics Text Style.
Cardstock: PTI: Kraft, White. SU: Baja Breeze, Groovy Guava.
Ink: SU: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip. PTI: Chai (tea dye duo)
Other: PTI dies: Doily Details, Postage, Tiny Tags, Mat Stack 4. Cricut: hearts. Martha Stewart butterfly punch. PTI: bakers twine. Flower: hand-rolled.

Faith Flowers

2011-04-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

I'm back with a project using another one of Mabelle's beautiful images from Whimsy and Stars Studio. This sweet little girl with her pot of flowers is called "Faith Flowers" . It looked like Spring had finally sprung around here today so I was inspired to make a cheery, bright, and flowery card.

A lot of times when using images of people, I can't figure out where to put the sentiment. The fabulous new set Tiny Tags from Papertrey ink makes it so easy to add a sentiment as a little tag. It's super easy too because there is a matching die to cut out all the little shapes of tags.

For this little tag I just threaded the tag with some baker's twine and hung it from behind the felt flowers. You can't tell from the still photo, but it's kind-of fun how the little tag just dangles and swings free.

I hope all of you were able to enjoy a bit of sunshine today and here's fingers crossed for more to come! Yay for Spring!

Stamps: "Faith Flowers" by Whimsy and Stars Studio, Tiny Tags by Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Stampin Up Baja Breeze, Perfect Plum, Melon Mambo
Ink: Perfect Plum (SU), Memento black, Copics
Other: Doily Details die (PTI), Tiny Tags die (PTI), i-rock tool and rhinestones, baker's twine (PTI), felt flowers (Making Memories), Cuttlebug dots embossing folder

Alex Birthday

2011-03-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome for another project made with one of Mabelle R.O.'s creations from Whimsy and Stars Studio. This one was created using the image 'Alex Birthday'.

I had a lot of fun trying out a fun card technique called Tent Card, as featured by the fabulous Beate Johns.

If you haven't tried out this tecnique yet, I highly recommend you give it a go. It was nowhere near as difficult as I thought it was going to be and now I see I can actually do it, I think there are a lot more of these fun little tent cards in my future!

Image: Whimsy and Stars Studio by Mabelle R.O. 'Alex Birthday'
Cardstock: My Mind's Eye 'Fine and Dandy, True Blue'
Ink: Copics
Other: Big Shot, Nestabilities scalloped circle dies

Button Barrettes

2011-03-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's not such an original idea but I had to try my hand at the darling little barrettes Nichole Heady posted on her blog for the preview of the PTI Button Botique stamp set. They were just too cute to not make some, too! So here are my versions using felt, fabric, buttons, and rhinestones.

They are really easy to make and would make a perfect little gift.

I hand stitched the pink fabric flower, but got in a bit of a hurry and ended up using a hot glue gun to put together the purple felt flower. It ended up holding together great! I was able to attach the rhinestone in the center using my I-rock rhinestone setter which actually heat sets, or melts, the rhinestone onto the felt.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a wonderful day!

Stamps: PTI Button Botique
Ink: SU Baja Breeze, Perfect Plum
Cardstock: PTI white
Other: felt, fabric, and barrettes from Joann's

Coupons!

2011-03-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

Here is a LINK to the current Michael's coupons. 50% off ends today, 40% off through Saturday, March 12th.
I like to use these coupons to stock up on adhesive. You can get a 3 pack of Tombow refills for only $5 with the coupon. What are you going to get?
Happy shopping!

Meet Molly!

2011-03-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

Mabelle RO of Whimsy and Stars Studio has done it again and created an absolutely adorable digital stamp named "Molly's Cupcake" which was just released tonight! I really enjoyed working with this image and I hope you like the results :)

Click here to see all of the design team's fabulously sweet projects and for your chance to win the image for FREE!

If you just can't stand the wait and need to get the image now, be sure to check the shop HERE.

Image: "Molly's Cupcake" by Mabelle RO of Whimsy and Stars Studio.
Cardstock: PTI Kraft, Bella Blvd. "Sweet Celebration"
Ink: Memento black, Copics
Other: PTI Mat Stack One die, i-rock rhinestones

Birthday Turtle

2011-03-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome, and thanks for stopping by for my first project as Guest Designer for Whimsy and Stars Studio!

I fell in love with this adorable little guy the second I saw him and couldn't wait to get started on this card. If you love him too, be sure to visit the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog where you can snag the 'Birthday Turtle' digi-stamp...for FREE!

I just love being able to add the extra sense of texture into my projects. In addition to raising all the images up on dimensional adhesive, I coated the clouds and white areas of the hat in fun-flock, and used stickles all over the cupcake's frosting. Also, I fluffed up the 'grass' a bit to give it even more dimension.

Be sure to check in on Wednesday, March 9th, for the brand-new image release from Whimsy and Stars Studio. The Guest Design Team is busy putting together some fabulous images with the adorable new digi-stamp and you won't want to miss it!

Image: 'Birthday Turtle' by Mabelle R.O. of Whimsy and Stars Studio.
Cardstock: SU Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette, Wild Wasabi, PTI white, Neenah Solar White for coloring.
Other: fun-flock in white, Stickles in 'diamond', SU Chocolate Chip ribbon, Copics, dimensional dots, Big Shot and embossing folder.

Sweet Celebration!

2011-02-27T21:10:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick little card I cooked up for a darling little girl's birthday. And by quick I only mean I scrambled at the last minute, like as in an hour before the party, to put together a card after I realized all I had in stock weren't suited to a little princess :)

The sentiment was super easy to add on as it was the end strip of a piece of Bella Blvd. paper. You know that little piece you usally cut off that tells you the name of the paper line? Yep. I cut out the title of the paper line and added it onto the card. I'm a big fan of not wasting anything!

Stamps: SU 'Itty Bitty Bits'
Cardstock: SU Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake, Bella Blvd. 'Sweet Celebration'
Other: Heidi Swapp chipboard 't', SU So Saffron Ribbon, Baja Breeze courderoy brad, and glitter

Amazing!

2011-02-24T20:53:00.000-08:00

Operation Write Home posted a link on their Facebook page today to an absolutely amzing project and it's just too cool not to share! This has to be the most amazing thing I've ever seen done with paper. Ever. This city is reported to be made all from paper, complete with electric lighting and a moving train.

(photo is from Tokyobling Blog)

You can view more photos and read the whole story here on Tokyobling's Blog.

Some Happy News!!!

2011-02-23T21:11:00.000-08:00

I am so excited and honored to have been chosen to be a part of Whimsy and Stars Studio's Guest Designer Team!

Mabelle's images are just about as cute as all get out and are all so beautifully illustrated. You can purchase stamps made from her designs through The Angel Company, or you can purchase her exclusive digital designs through her Etsy site.

I am looking forward to working with all the rest of the fabulous ladies of the team!

PTI Make It Monday 2

2011-02-17T22:06:00.000-08:00

I have to say, I'm really loving these challenges. It's fun to have a little creative boost and I just love seeing all of the other beautiful projects out there in blog-land.

This week's challenge was to use a vellum sentiment strip. At first I said, "vellum?" I haven't seen that stuff in a looooong time. So I went and dug through my super-secret back-up extra stash and sure enough, I found some vellum! Here's what I came up with:

I stamped the sentiments onto the vellum first then adhered the strip to another slightly larger strip of cardstock. I didn't have any of that fancy vellum adhesive so I just scored each end of the vellum strip about 1/4 inch in then folded the ends back around the blue strip and adhered them on the back. It turned out pretty neat because it looks like the vellum is almost floating over the blue strip.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: PTI Mat Stack One
Cardstock: PTI Spring Rain, Echo Park 'Walk in the Park', vellum

Happy Valentines!

2011-02-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

Good evening everyone! How was your Valentine's Day? I hope everyone had a fabulous day with whomever they spent it with. My hubby had to leave for work about an hour after I got home from work, so it was a short and sweet take-out dinner for us and the kiddos!

I spent my "me" time tonight stocking up my shopping cart for PTI's February release. I'm going to have a really hard time waiting for all of my new goodies to get here! I'm super impatient when it comes to toys :)

Being the procrastinator I am, and add into that a super busy week, I still have to go make 20 Valentine goodie bags for the kids to take to day-care tomorrow. So, it looks like I better get going. I'll leave with a simple little ditty for tonight:

Stamps: SU Aviary
Ink: Memento black, Riding Hood Red
Cardstock: Kraft, Riding Hood Red, Vanilla
Other: MS edge punch, Crop-o-dile corner chomper

PTI Make it Monday Challenge

2011-02-10T01:01:00.000-08:00

***Update***

Oh. My. Word. This card was chosen today for Papertrey Ink's featured project. I can't believe it! You can check out the actual post here on PTI's FaceBook page HERE.

I know I haven't technically *won*, since the drawing isn't until the end of the week, but I feel like I won just by being picked. I would absolutely love to win the drawing though becuase (warning, pity party coming up!) I have not won anything since pre-school. Yep. Nothing, nada, zip, zilch. My prize way, way back in pre-school? A giant 5 pound Hershey chocolate bar. You could imagine that it was absolute heaven for a four year old!

Now don't get me wrong, I still love chocolate. But these days I would SO much prefer a PTI gift certificate. Not to mention it would be so much easier on the hips! :)

So if all of you, my fellow blog-land friends, would keep your fingers crossed for me I would much appreciate it. And say it with me, "pick me, pick me, pick me, oh please, oh please, oh please!!!"

Thank you, and good night!

I have to say, I am loving all of the festivities over at Nichole Heady's blog in celebration of Papertrey Ink's fourth anniversary! The first sneak peek and set of projects from one of the new releases was posted on-line tonight so if you haven't had a chance yet you should go check it out at http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/. You will be amazed at what's in store for this month's release. It's new, it's fresh, it's fun...with a little bit of old....just go see for yourself. You won't be sorry!

As part of this month's fun and festivies, the first Make it Monday challenge was posted inspiring us to use our favorite sentiment stamps as the main focus of a project. The one below was created using just two stamps from the Mat Stack One set.

This was a fun challenge and I hope to be able to make another card for this challenge tomorrow night as it helped me see my favorite set in a new light.

Here's a close-up of the main sentiment, which I added a couple of little rhinestones to the sides to help set it apart from the sentiment background.

Stamps: PTI Mat Stack One
Cardstock: white, kraft
Other: PTI Scarlet Jewel felt, Signature Series: Flower die, black button, rhinestones

Are you ready for some football?

2011-02-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the day of the Superbowl and I'm sure all of our men are getting ready for the big game. At least us gals, and some of you stampin' guys, have the internet to browse and look at pretty projects while the television is being taken over for the day!
Don't get me wrong, I really do like a good football game. But really, I don't need to watch the commentators all morning do the pre-game show, and the pre-pre-game show.
But you know what I love even more than the game? Yep, you guessed it! All the goodies to munch on throughout the day. A friend from work calls Superbowl Sunday "chip day". Love it!
I'd better get going though because we are expecting a house full of people soon who will be ready for our first annual "Wing-a-palooza". Well, I don't know that my husband would approve of that title, but I decided it sounds good for our wing cook-off :) Each of our guest who want to participate will be bringng a batch of their best wings to be judged. Little do they know, buffalo wings have been a food obsession of mine for about 10 years now and I think I have a pretty good recipe. Is it not nice to whoop your party guests in a cooking contest? Ha-ha! Wish me luck!
Oh, before I go I suppose I should post a project, right? This one has a football-ish shaped focal point, so I guess it fits the theme of the day. Also, remind me not to shoot a white card on a white background again. Not good!

Stamps: PTI Mat Stack One

Ink: PTI Water Lily Green, Memento tuxedo black

Other: rhinestones

My favorite Papertrey project of 2010

2011-02-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

Nichole Heady of Papertrey Ink has done it again and offered up a fabulous prize package as part of PTI's fourth anniversary festivities. As part of the contest, she asked that we post our favorie PTI project from 2010.

This card is my favorite as it was one of the first ones I made after receiving my very first order of PTI goodies. I loved how easy it was to make such a classy looking card with just a few stamps. The background basics set is super simple to line up to make a repeating pattern since the stamp is clear and you can see exactly where you're putting it. So easy for someone like me!

I'll end this post with one more thing: pick me, pick me, pick me!!! Oh please oh please!

Stamps: PTI Mat Stack One, Backgroun Basics: Diamonds

Sorry I was crabby...

2011-02-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

...but with the week I've had I think I deserve to be a little crabby. :)

This is a little card I made as an apology to someone I was a bit crabby with the other day. She knows I wasn't being crabby towards her, but I was a bit to crabby in general. Simply said, I probably wasn't too much fun to be with at that time! We all have our moments though, right? :)

I hope you all have a fabulous and non-crabby week!

(holy cow, do you think I could say "crabby" one more time? Doh! I just did it again!)

Stamp: SU It's the Thought
Cardstock: River Rock, Tangerine Tango, White
Ink: Soft Sky, River Rock, Memento tuxedo black
Other: embossing folder, Nestabilities labels four, Prisma pencil with gamsol, ink blending tool

Love me some PTI!

2011-01-25T19:22:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I have decided to jump in and join the PTI blog hop! The challenge was to use a set that hasn't seen ink in a while, but truth be told, I only have two PTI sets so far. I am a recent convert to all things PTI and I see a lot more of these beautiful items finding their way to my home in the near future. While this project was made with a relatively new stamp set, I hope it still counts for the January challenge.

I love the Papertrey Ink mat stack one die and stamps! It is so very easy to create an elegant greeting in just minutes by coordinating an image and a sentiment from the set onto a die cut.
This one was just dressed up using a little ribbon and button embellishment and some rhinestones attached with my fun new irock tool my hubby got me for Christmas. Gotta' love a guy who can give a gift like that!
Thanks for stopping by!

Triangle Treat Box

2010-09-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a simple yet different style project to try, you have to check out Cammie's triangle treat box tutorial!
I made this one to include with a birthday gift and I could see it being a great option for Halloween or Valentines treats, as well. Here's a close up of the flower:

It's so easy to make these 3D flowers. Just punch at least 3 scalloped circles, cut towards the center between each scallop (be sure to not cut all the way in), and after you've cut each circle attach them all in the center with a brad. You'll need to fluff up your petals a bit to give it more dimension. Such an easy and economical embellishment!
Stamps: SU Itty Bitty Bits, SU Be Happy
Ink: SU:Baja Breeze, Rose Red
Cardstock: All SU, Pink Pirouette, So Saffron, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Kiwi Kiss
Other: MS border punch, MS butterfly punch, SU Baja Breeze courderoy button, cello bag, rhinestones, random piece of natural string from my stash.

2010-08-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

Not much to report this week by way of projects as I'm getting ready for my first workshop! It's just over a week away, but I'll need about that long to lay out my plan.
I've been finally getting around to using my favorite set from the Summer Mini, Bouquet Blooms.

Stamps: Bouquet Blooms
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Riding Hood Red
Ink: Staz-On black, Copics
Other: chalks

I'm Back!

2010-07-20T17:23:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my fabulous hubby, our computer is back up and running! YAY!
So at least while I couldn't use the computer, I had more time to play with my stamps. :)
This one is a CASE from the new catty:

Stamps: Always
Ink: Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla
Other: hemp twine, MS edge punch, SU scallop punch, circle punch

Has anyone had the unfortunate experience of a program called "AV Security Suite" installing itself on your PC? Any advice? Thanks!

2010-07-08T22:17:00.000-07:00

Help! My computer is down so I can only post from my phone. And for some reason it will only let me post in the subject header...

2010-07-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

Today's the Day!

2010-07-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

The new Stampin' Up catalog goes live at noon, Utah time. If you're not sure what time that translates to for you, HERE is a map which will tell you the current time in any timezone. How handy!
I still have a few catalogs left, so if you're interested in one please contact me.
I can't do another post again this week with no pictures, so here are a couple of quick 3x3's using one of my favorite sets EVAH!

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes

Ink: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla

Punches: Scallop, Circle, Rounded Corner

Crumb Cake....YUM!

2010-06-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

I love Crumb Cake! Both the sweet, crumbly, baked variety and the yummy color of cardstock. Luckily, the latter one is much easier on the hips!

Stamp: sentiment from Trendy Trees
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla
Other: MS butterfly punch, misc. rhinestones, dimensionals

More Bling!

2010-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Following in the clean and simple style with some added bling. Going simple with one layer makes it so easy to crank out a great set of notecards. I hope my friends and family like them becuase I can't stop making them which means everyone is getting a set!

Stamps: SU! Simply Said
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, So Saffron
Other: Colorbok rhinestones

Bling!

2010-06-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have recently discovered a fabulous blog, Simplicity by Late Blossom, by Susan Raihala, the queen of clean and simple cards. Her work is so beautiful, fresh, and clean looking. And my favorite part of her cards is the bling!

I was inspired to try some out for myself. This card isn't exactly the same, but total credit goes to Susan for the design as seen on her blog here. You can see I shamelessly lifted this one from her!

If you like bling as much as I do, you may find it more cost-effective to purchase your rhinestones in the jewelry-making aisle of your local craft store. I have found a significant cost difference as I can pick up a pack of 150 rhinestones for under $3. Add in a 40% off coupon and you're looking at $1.80. Not bad!

Stamps: SU! Pocket Silhouettes
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze
Other: flatback crystals from the jewelry isle at Michaels.

Tilda!

2010-06-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it took me so long to discover these adorable little Magnolia stamps! Tilda is so cute and was the perfect subject for me to practice my new Copic coloring skills.

I cut out my colored Tilda and layered her over the background using dimensional foam dots.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Stamps: Magnolia "Tilda in Spring Rain"

Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Other: Chalks, dimensionals

Good Eats

2009-11-15T00:30:00.000-08:00

Well, it's definitely that time of year for good eats! With the holidays up right around the corner I'm sure I will get more than my fair share of goodies to eat. I guess that diet and exercise plan I had in mind will just have to wait a bit more, eh?
My hubby and I love food and trying out new recipes so I thought this little book would be fun for writing down our favorites so we can remember what they were if we want to make them again. The thing with me is that I don't usually like to use recipes. Sometimes I will read one but I most often disregard the directions and make up something to add my own flair. It mostly turns out well but then I have a hard time remembering what exactly I did!
How do you like to cook? Are you a recipe person or a make it up as you go kind of gal? And speaking of holidays, what is your favorite holiday dish?

Supplies: BIA, Cosmo Cricket 'Early Bird', American Crafts Thickers

2009-10-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

It's fall and I'm falling behind in my blog posts!

Here are two of the three projects I submitted for consideration in the Bind-it-All Design Team auditions. The third project is ommitted because the person it is for may see it here.

I really thought I put in some good projects and loved all the participation with the other Zisters on the forum, but I was not chosen. I'm a little sad but it's okay becuase the ladies chosen have some really fabulous work and are so sweet.

There's always next year!

2009-09-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Fall is a good time for trees! I'd like to make some cards with my orange glitter because it looks so beautifully autumn, but my two year old had different plans for my glitter.
I woke up to completely emptied containers of orange, brown, and red glitter. It was everywhere! He had also unrolled my glue dots so now I have some nice sparkly glue dots!

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Soft Sky
Stamps: Trendy Trees
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss

2009-09-22T00:38:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the weather here has been so beautiful lately we have been spending a lot of time outside and away from the house going to the park, zoo, beach...
Fall is my favorite season but it is still a bit sad to say good-bye to summer. And with good-bye summer comes hello work! My maternity leave is quickly coming to an end and I will be headed back to work here in just a couple short weeks.
It all went by so fast but I am so grateful for the time I've had to spend with the kiddos. To stay up later than we should, sleep in later than usual, eat ice cream for lunch, put off chores until tomorrow, and just spend more time together as a family.
I only managed to make one quick project this weekend. It's a little notebook with a beaver on it. I've grown quite fond of little woodland creatures lately!

Paper: DCWV "Green Stack"

Other: Bind-it-All and Zutter o-wires

Enjoy the last of summer everyone!

2009-09-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

I came across this great tutorial on the Zest Blog for tissue paper flowers.
I had tons of tissue paper lying around from my stash, but what to do with it? Make flowers of course!
My friend's daughter recently had her third birthday and these little flowers made the perfect accent to adorn her gift. I just added some ribbon across the top, lined up a row of Stickle dots on each side, and even tucked in a little butterfly.

And a matching card:

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Kraft

Stickers: Making Memories

Flowers: American Crafts

Other: Stickles, Colorbok rhinestones

I hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoy the holiday tomorrow if you have it off. Hopefully none of you will be reading this until Tuesday when you get back from a fabulous weekend away!

BIA Design Team Auditions

2009-08-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited I made it back from my short leave from crafting just in time to find out about the Bind-it-All Design Team auditions! Yay!!!
I have to say though, there are so many talented ladies out there with beautiful projects. I'm a little worried about my chances, but it will be a fun opportunity nonetheless.
I'm busy finishing up my projects to submit. I don't want to give it all away, so here are some peeks at my three projects:

Wish me luck!

Forever Journal

2009-08-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

I don't even know what I'm going to do with all the journals and little books I've made, but I can't stop binding things! I'm addicted to my Bind-it-All!

Supplies: Zutter Bind-it-All and accessories, Paper: Colorbok "Friendly Forest", Die-Cuts: Cricut "George"

Speaking of BIA, there is a new forum for BIA addicts! Just look to your right for the Zutter Zisters badge here on my blog and click to join. There are some great ladies over there and a ton of inspirational projects. Hope to see you there!

I'm back!

2009-08-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

I'm back! After a few months of absolutely no sleep and very little energy, our beautiful new bundle of joy is sleeping through the night. It was a hard adjustment, especially with my husband's work schedule. I'm alone with the kids a lot of the time. For a while, I wasn't getting the little one down until 5:00 a.m., then my older munchkin was up by 7:00 a.m. So that didn't leave much time or brain power for me to do anything for me!
But now life is back to normal and we're finding our groove. I've enjoyed my quiet time at night to do some projects and finally get back around to scrapping.

Cosmo Cricket "Early Bird" paper and chipboard beaters, bingo card and label designed in PSE, Making Memories mini-alphas, Heidi Swapp chipboard letters.

Memories Book

2009-05-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

I made this book for a friend to take with her on a trip to visit her daughters. I thought it might be fun for her to have a place to make some notes and add photos from her trip.
Sorry for the blurry photos, but I forgot to photograph the book beforehand and snapped some pics quickly right before I gave her the book.

Papers: Basic Grey "Urban Prairie", SU! '09 In Colors

Other: Chatterbox rub-ons, Making Memories brads and paper flowers and letter stickers, Jo-Ann's ribbon, Jenny Bowlin label stickers, Heidi Swap rhinestones, Zutter chipboard and o-wire, bound with Zutter's Bind-It-All

2009-05-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

I love, love, LOVE this tutorial on SCS for a Ghiradelli chocolate box. And of course, after I made the box I figured it needed a matching card!

Stamps: Cheep Talk

Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Pacific Point

Other: Cosmo glitter, scallop punch

Simple Thanks

2009-05-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

This one was so easy to do and the glitter adds impact to a super simple card. I just stamped the leaves with the glue pad, sprinkled with cosmo glitter, and after it dried I stamped in the tree trunk.
Here's a close up of the glitter:

Stamps: Trendy Trees
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Other: Cosmo glitter, Martha Stewart glue pad

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

2009-05-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

Stamps: Happy Heart Day
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, Red Riding Hood
Other: Colorbok rhinestones, scallop punch, Prismacolor pencils

2009-05-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

My poor blog has been so neglected! Getting ready for a new baby while chasing around an almost two year old has been filling most of my time. I'm finally off work now so I have a bit more time to do what I want to do. Ah.....a few weeks of peace---then the no sleeping and craziness begins again!

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point
Ink: Pacific Point

Catty CASE X2

2009-01-25T18:12:00.000-08:00

Paper: Very Vanilla, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Red Riding Hood
Stamps: Lots of Thoughts, Simply Said(large heart), Studio G(small hearts)
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Red Riding Hood, Staz On black
Other: Martha Stewart onyx glitter, Therm O Web mounting adhesive, Cricut Printing Press(brackets)

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Red Riding Hood, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze

Stamp: Happy Heart Day

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Other: Cricut George(flower and heart cut-outs), brad, jute, diamond embossing powder

Love U

2009-01-24T17:52:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited, I figured out how to make my own Sticky Cuts! I ran a sheet of Therm O Web mounting adhesive through my Cricut to cut the letter U. Then I peeled off the backing, placed the letter on my card and pressed it down firmly. Then I just peeled off the top layer of paper leaving a clear adhesive letter. Then I covered it in glitter which stuck great!
This card is a CASE of one of my favorite makers, Krystie Lee. Here is her card: Tweet Heart in White

Stamps: SU Simply Said (heart), Studio G (love you)
Ink: SU Pink Pirouette, SU Riding Hood Red, SU Baja Breeze (flower), Staz On black
Other: Making Memories brad and flowers, Martha Stewart onyx glitter, Therm O Web mounting adhesive, Cricut Printing Press cartridge (letter 'U')

Simply Said

2009-01-24T17:51:00.000-08:00

Paper: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss
Stamps: Simply Said
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Red Riding Hood, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Chocolate Chip
Other: American Crafts ribbon

I love my Bind-it-All!

2009-01-03T23:03:00.000-08:00

But first off, I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and hopefully the new year is starting out great.
My darling husband listens. He really listens! I was so excited to get my Bind-it-All this year and I couldn't stop binding things. I ran out of chipboard covers very quickly and I think I even eyed up the cereal boxes in the cupboard!
So after all that binding, I figured I should probably make a project out of one of those books. Here is what I started so far (along with the mess I made). "A few things about me". I'm hoping to journal in there as well as add some photos of some of the things that make me, well, me!

2008-12-05T23:37:00.000-08:00

Stamps: Wanted
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou
Other: Blue Bayou ribbon

My December (maybe daily?) Album

2008-11-24T20:50:00.000-08:00

Please excuse the horrendous pics! This album is really hard to photograph because I can't get it to stand up and I kept getting a glare off the acrylic!

Anywho, here is a few spreads of my December album. I left off the numbers on the pages for now because:

A.) I don't know if I'll be able to keep up every day

B.) this way I can rearrange pages as I go

C.) if I mess a page up, I can just chuck it and start again!

Supplies: Clear Scraps acrylic album, papers by Cosmo Cricket "Be Good", and Teresa Collins "Journal It", Studio G stamps, Heidi Swapp rhinestones.

Brush Download

2008-11-08T14:25:00.001-08:00

For those of you doing the December Daily project, here is a free download to a brush I made. It doesn't have the numbers in it, so you can change the numbers and use different fonts if you like. The font shown here is "Arno Pro".

Download Here

Amazing Inspiration!

2008-10-31T23:08:00.000-07:00

I found Lacey's wonderful blog through a link on the blog of my LSS. I'm so glad I clicked on her link, because there I found the most awesome inspiration in the form of her mini-album as seen here.

(a peek at Lacey's album)

2008-10-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

Stamps: Always, Friendship Blooms
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Purely Pomegranate
Ink: Blue Bayou, Purely Pomegranate, Chocolate Chip

Always...Everything

2008-07-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

I don't know why it took me so dang long to use the heart image from this set. The heart and the birdie were the main reasons I bought it. Luckily I was able to track down a little piece of Soft Sky to do this card. I'm going through withdrawals! :) Hopefully my final order of the In Colors will make it all in one piece!

Stamps: Always
Ink: Soft Sky, Groovy Guava
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky, Groovy Guava
Other: Groovy Guava ribbon, scallop punch, 1 3/8 circle punch, scallop scissors, white gel pen

Version two:

Everything the same as above except colors, Wild Wasabi, Close to Cocoa, and Chocolate Chip.

2008-07-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

It feels like it has been forever since I've stamped. Photography has been keeping me busy, but today was an extra day off work for the 4th and I just had to stamp it up!
Happy Fourth everyone!

Stamps: Friendship Blooms
Paper: Old Olive, Apricot Appeal, Ruby Red, Blue Bayou
Ink: Blue Bayou, Apricot Appeal, Ruby Red
Other: Blue Bayou ribbon, Fiskars scalloped scissors

2008-07-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sheesh, I guess I should have photographed this against a different background other than white! Sorry for the pic.
This is one of a big set of thank you cards I made cased from Monica's great card on SCS.

Stamps: Seeing Spots

Paper: Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue

Ink: Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue

Other: Making Memories silver brad

WSC49

2008-05-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

For Beate's weekend sketch challenge 49, I couldn't stop at just one! I went with one card based pretty much exactly on the sketch, and for the other one I flipped the sketch vertical.

Stamps: Happy Heart Day
Ink: Stazon black
Paper: Old Olive, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Bazzill black
Other: Soft Sky ribbon, scalloped scissors, Cricut 'George'(for circle), pop dots, Prisma pencils, mineral spirits, Sakura silver pen

Stamps: Friendship Blooms, Lots of Thoughts

Ink: Cameo Coral, black Stazon

Paper: Mellow Moss, Cameo Coral, Bazzill black

Other: Cricut 'George'(large flower and circle), white Sakura gel pen, Making Memories brad

Sweet One

2008-05-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

The focal point took a while to make, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I stamped the image first on Soft Sky and cut it out with a scallop punch. Then I used the 1 3/8 circle punch to punch out the middle. Then I layered that scalloped ring on top of another image that I stamped with Blue Bayou on white paper and cut out also with the scallop punch. I cut out a copy of the moon in Barely Bananna and layered that on top of the original moon. Then last, I cut out yet another copy of the banner that says 'sweet one' (done with Mellow Moss) and layered it over the original with pop dots.
Whew! Did that even make sense? :)

Stamps: So Many Scallops
Ink: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Mellow Moss
Paper: Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Barely Bananna
Other: Soft Sky ribbon, scallop punch, 1 3/8 circle punch

2008-05-12T20:45:00.001-07:00

In honor of Mother's Day yesterday, I'm posting a mother-related scrapbook page. I do scrapbook in addition to cardmaking but sometimes I feel most of my pages are too personal to share. But, here is one anyhow! Even though you probably can't read the journaling, I'm sure you can get the jist by the photos. Yes, I did take that many tests! :)
So, who else is like me and has photos from 1998 that still need scrapping? ;)

Paper: Bazzill
Other: Heidi Swapp chipboard heart, bookplate, letters, and rhinestone. Brackets hand-cut.

WSC47

2008-05-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

I really need to try Beate's sketch challenges more often~they're great inspiration!

Stamps: Friendship Blooms, Priceless

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava, Blue Bayou, Soft

Sky

Ink: Blue Bayou

Ribbon: Groovy Guava

Other: Fiskars scallop scissors, Cricut 'George' (for ovals)

I'm back!

2008-05-11T10:10:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it's been a whole month since I've posted already! It seems I go in phases of either being too darn busy to sit down and do any creating, or just plain losing my mojo for a while. This time I think it was a combination of both.

This is a case of skdeleeuw's card, which was in turn inspired by Lauren's sketch and cards.

Stamps: Always, Priceless, Lots of Thoughts
Paper: Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, Blue Bayou
Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, Blue Bayou
Ribbon: Purely Pomegranate, Blue Bayou
Other: scallop punch, 1 3/8 circle punch, white Sakura gelly roll pen

2008-04-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. It's been so long since I've posted, but I've had some exciting things going on that have been taking my attention elsewhere for the time being. But I am working on a new project that I will hopefully post within the next week!

Happy Birthday T!

2008-03-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

Stamps: Seeing Spots, So Many Scallops
Ink: Soft Sky, Groovy Guava
Paper: Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava
Other: Scallop Punch, 1 3/8 circle punch, Wild Wasabi ribbon

2008-03-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not so sure that I like this one, but I'll share anyways...
You know how it is when you get a really great idea in your head but it just doesn't come out the way you imagined? Yep, this card is one of those!

Stamps: 'Always'
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow, Bashful Blue
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow
Other: SU scallop circle punch, Heidi Swapp edge distressor

2008-03-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

I finally broke out my pack of rub-ons that I got with my Saleabration order. I love these things! After I adhered my rub-on's to the card, I used pop-dots to place the hand cut flowers over top of the design.

Stamps: 'Friendship Blooms'
Paper: Soft Sky
Ink: Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, Blue Bayou
Other: 'Love and Happiness' rub-ons, pop-dots

I've been tagged...

2008-03-09T00:07:00.001-08:00

...by the fantabulous Danyelle.

The rules of the game:
• Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.• Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them.• Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.• Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I'm not very good at these types of things, but I don't want to be a spoilsport, so I'll try my best to make them somewhat interesting. Here goes:
1. I'm an awsome skeet shooter.
2. I've eaten alligator and it was yummy!
3. I've done a commercial for a local TV station.
4. I cannot stand to hear the words (aaugh, I have to type them!) moist and tender. Ew,ew,ew!!!
5. When I was in junior high, I wanted to be a Fly Girl soooooooo bad! You know, from the show 'In Living Color'?
6. My claim to fame by those who know me well is my sweet Carlton dance.

7. If I told you #7, I'd have to kill ya'! ;)

Everyone who's blog I've been to has already been tagged, soooooo...I will have to keep searching for my list of seven!
So far:
Cupcake Martini
Pickled Paper Designs

Hawk

2008-03-01T21:43:00.000-08:00

Check out this awesome guy! I was stumbling through the kitchen this morning and when I looked out the window I saw a little fluffball sitting on the back fence. I was so excited when I figured out what it was, that I went running down the hallway into the office to grab my camera. I was sure that he would be gone when I returned, but sure enough, he was still there. He was a friendly little guy and played along by posing for me. Then of course my kitties got curious and scared him away!

WTF?

2008-02-25T21:07:00.001-08:00

So there I am, just browsing the goodies on Etsy, and what do I see?
*Note: do not look if you are easily offended. And if you do, and if you are, no hate mail, please? I didn't make them!*
I don't know what's more strange. That someone is making these cards, or that people are buying them? I know that art is art and all, but as with the artist's entitlement to thier opinion in making their pieces, so is my entitlement to my opinion.....
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=6398261
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=6398312

2008-02-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

Rather than ramble on, I will just sum up my week with a photo:

2008-02-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

This one looks simple enough, but took quite a bit of time just to finish the stamped image. After stamping the image with Staz-on, I colored it in using the mineral spirits technique. Then I used a paintbrush to brush clear glue on the colored parts, sprinkled diamond sparkle embossing powder onto the glue and heat embossed.

Stamp: SU! 'A Little Bit Of Happiness' (hostess set)
Paper: SU! Barely Banana, Bashful Blue
Other: Staz-on, Judi-Kins diamond sparkle embossing powder, Elmer's craft bond paper craft glue gel, EK Success colored pencils, mineral spirits

2008-02-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

Stamps: flower-SU! 'Friendship Blooms', Many Thanks-SU! 'Lots of Thoughts'
Paper: SU! Wild Wasabi, Ruby Red, Soft Sky
Other: SU! Soft Sky ribbon, Saleabration rub-ons, clear embossing powder