Cards, scrapbooks, crafts & other good junk...

Digi-Scrappin

2010-02-09T14:10:00.004-06:00

Forgive me if these photos are kind of huge. I am not sure if I shrunk them down quite enough...

But - I really really wanted to show off some more of my fun digi-scrapping attempts. These are more pages for our Florida 2009 album. I got this free kit from... Shabby Princess! It is the Moody Blues collection. You can follow THIS LINK to get to Shabby Princess's download page. There are tons of awesome kits there. I have been scouring the net looking for lots of fun (FREE) digital scrapbooking kits, and this is one of the best and easiest sites to find them on. I might eventually spend some money for digital scrapbooking, but for right now, I'm finding enough free stuff to more than keep up with my slowly developing skills ... and to keep up with the small amounts of digital scrapbooking I do. I still enjoy paper scrapping enough to refuse to give it up.

Anyhow. I used the free program Scrapbook Flair to create this layout. (Google it, try it, it's pretty good for a free program!!)

I did find a couple things in the SF program that were a little frustrating for me, but I was able to work around the issues. First, I chose one of their offered templates for the first page. I had quite a few pictures I wanted to use, so I chose a layout that would accomodate that. The frustrating part - I wanted the 2nd page of the layout to mirror the first page -- unfortunately, you can't wiggle stuff *at all* when you use one of their templates. You can delete stuff from the template, but you can't move it any. I also couldn't find anything to flip the page to a mirror view. I ended up adding additional images over the top of the original to make sure they were the right size and shape, then moved them where I needed them. (The second problem - I think I already talked about it on another post, but it's the fact that it doesn't allow for rotating or flipping embellishments. Only resizing. I had to open the embie in a photo editing program and get it how I wanted it, resave it, then load it to the SF program and layout.)

I didn't use too many embellishments or other random goodies. I did add the ribbon embie for fun. Oh, another neato thing in the SF program - it allows you to add borders on images. You can choose from 1 to 100 pixels in width. You can also customize the color of the border to match your papers. I used a second paper from the collection as a mat on some of the photos, but not all of them.

Okay, I feel like I'm just rambling and blah blah blah - ing. I'm trying to get caught up with my scrapbooking (paper & digi) so that is probably all I'll be sharing with you for the next little while. (Unless I happen to find a really neat card challenge with a super prize that I just can't resist!)

enjoy

Important things GALORE

2010-01-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Stay with me today kiddos... there is a whole lot going on. (TGF Relay, Lindsay's stuff, a featured challenge blog, lotsa stuff, but) First, please forgive me for the state of my photos. Hubby Reynold has finally succumbed to the sickness. I could not get to my light box - it lives in my bathroom. So, I had to snap these pictures on my funky desk. (Side note, love the amazing desk hubby made me -- at least in part because I can stamp, ink, paint, cut, wipe glue and all sorts of random stuff right on the surface. However, this makes for a REAL interesting background for photos.) Forgive!

This first card is my Thursday Lindsay's Stamp Stuff card.
Shop HERE .................... and find this stamp set HERE
Lindsay's blog HERE
Design Team links HERE
Sketch and our featured challenge blog HERE
Ingredients - Basic Grey Nook & Pantry, a sweet little metal cupcake, copics, spicas, stickles...

Card numero DOS!
TGF RELAY - check their blog HERE for details ... today should be day 4 of the competition, but I'm afraid it crashed and burned... so I am hoping that we will get credit for trying. Of course, if you've been paying attention, I made this card almost exactly like my TGF card yesterday. Again with the sickness in our house - along with being overwhelmed getting back to work after sickness... I guess I thought I'd stay simple and make it like a series?
Details - nook and pantry (BG), copics, primas, dewdrops...

Okay, you stuck it out. Your reward? If you check the TGF blog, you get the prince Ian stamp FREE, plus, Lindsay has her buy 5 get 1 free sale still running... plus, dude, you got to see all my stuff and read the whole post. Duh. I'm part of your prize (see my cheezy grin?)

enjoy everything!

TGF Relay Day 3

2010-01-27T08:31:00.002-06:00

Please forgive the simple card and the quick photo on my desk.

I used a piece of paper from the basic grey nook and pantry stack. Some cute printed primas, dewdrops... I colored the cute lil bear with copics. I put some of the liquid pearlz on his claws and teeth, but with my quick photo - it just doesn't show.

I'm sorry for the simplicity in the card and the photo! I just want to keep up with this contest, and with how sick the kids and I have been, then today I had to get up early and hurry to work and {insert lots of pitiful whining here} I just couldn't get super creative this time. I'll try with the next one!

Enjoy ... it's hump day!

TGF Relay Day 2

2010-01-26T10:20:00.002-06:00

How cute is this girl? Her name is Charlotte and she's part of the TGF CHA relay competition.

This is a really fun contest. Check out the details on the BLOG. (Check the last few posts for details.)

I didn't get too creative today - I was throwing up most of last evening and night and I'm trying to be mellow today. Actually, as soon as I finish this post I'm going to try for a nap. (Luckily, both my kids are over this now so they're at school & daycare so I CAN rest.)

Indian summer (basic grey) papers, ribbon was a dollaaaaaaaaaaaa bin from Michael's. I colored with copics and spicas. I hope you can see the sparkle from the pink spica on there...

That's all I've got. Enjoy!

MerMan Ian

2010-01-25T11:14:00.002-06:00

TWO superfun challenges with this little cutie...

First and foremost - the TGF (cha) relay. Go to the BLOG and check the last few days worth of posts to get all the details for the challenge(s). But hurry, deadline is 6pm (cst) tonight to get in on the fun!

Second - I used today's MOJO sketch. I just love their sketches. I wish there was a place where all their sketches were loaded into an easy to view/copy/print format so that I could use them to inspire me whenever I'm feeling creatively dumb...

Third - deets! I used papers from the Basic Grey Obscure 6x6 stack. (LOVE THOSE, each and every one.) I used a fun new ribbon/fiber I found at Michaels. It is fun and furry, but has a thin wire down the middle to make placing it where you want it a little easier. I inked everything up, cut ian with a nestie, colored with copics... oh, I found these neato shell things in the clearance section a while ago at Hobby Lobby. I knew they'd come in handy someday... when better for shells than when you're adorning a merman? Also added some primas.

That is all.

ENJOY! (your day should be better than mine... even though I'm home instead of at work, I'm also cleaning puke...)

Hung up on Lindsay

2010-01-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

Har har! I couldn't seem to wrap my head around a card this week, so I decided to go a different way this week.

I made a little ... wall hanging. (Though Chloe thinks I should hang it on her doorknob.) I used an 8x8 piece of glittery paper from My Mind's Eye. Then I used a piece of thin cardstock from the scrap basket it is actually pink on one side and red on the other. I tore the cardstock, then gave the very edges a light run with a water brush. After that, I rolled the edges up a little to get that fun dark red pulled in for some more contrast. I colored this gorgeous owl (go HERE to buy it) with copics. Now, I have to apologize for my crap photography. The dots and swirls are all kind of poofy and glittery and you can't see it. I also used white rub-ons to write " whooo loves you? i do! " on there, but of course - not a single bit of that shows up. (oh, and I also added some cute flower & heart rub-on's peaking out from behind the image) Sigh. It was hard enough getting the cute little heart ribbon to stand up (I ended up snipping a tiny hole in the top of my light box fabric and used a piece of white thread to tie the ribbon to the top of the light box.

Anyhow, go HERE to check out Lindsay's shop.

Go HERE to see Lindsay's FANSTAMPTASTIC blog.

Go HERE to see the links of all the other Design Team folks. (They are also linked in Lindsay's blog post today.)

Don't forget that Lindsay has her buy 5 get one free deal. Oh, and she's on MyGrafico - but I don't remember the link... it's on her blog though - and since you're going to stop by there, I don't need to give it to you again!

enjoy every moment (and then scrapbook the really funny ones... that's what I've been messing with instead of blogging... )

Lindsay & a challenge

2010-01-14T08:00:00.001-06:00

Look at me! I did another challenge!! AND I used one of Lindsay's adorable stamps. You can find this set (appropriate with the new Disney flick too, yah?) HERE.

I used the Basic Grey "OBSCURE" paper pack. I loved the oranges and greens and browns with even some reds in this stack. I love this new ribbon I picked up on sale somewhere that's brown threaded through with shiny wonderful silver threads. I did a gold spica pen on the crown... inked everything. Oh, and the sketch came from THIS challenge.

Now, Lindsay's store is HERE.
Go find Lindsay's blog HERE.

Buy 5 and get one free at Lindsay's store!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, please take a couple minutes and hop through my fellow design team's blogs! (I wish I had each page linked here, but I'm having a day... so go to THIS PAGE where all the team is listed.

One last thing -- on Thursday and Friday everything at Lindsay's MyGrafico is 25% off, please go visit HERE. The sale ends at midnight Friday (GMT).

enjoy everything!!

Super simple

2010-01-12T21:44:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure about this one...

I mean, pink and brown, paisley, what couldn't be right? However, I tried a new ribbon/bow/button thing and I'm not sure about it. Maybe I shouldn't have done the pink side of the ribbon in contrast with the flowered side of the ribbon. Sigh. Oh well. At least I made a card AND worked out tonight. And did dishes. And did laundry. And cooked dinner. And now I'm blogging and doing some visiting thru blog land. WHAT A GREAT DAY!

Enjoy something brand spanking new today!

My Mojo...

2010-01-11T18:08:00.002-06:00

might be coming back!

I spent some time today blog hunting/hopping around and it felt so good! I just have to make myself spend time doing the blog thing instead of just doing the facebook thing, and trying to figure out how to do weirdly technical (and possibly slightly illegal) things. I just need to do some creating each day, paper or digi... and some bloggy world traipsing... and some of my other stuff too. MODERATION DIANA!!

Anyhow! This is for this week's MOJO MONDAY sketch. Go check them out. The image is a digi that I got at All That Scraps. Her name is rosalie (and she is a Swiss Pixie). The papers used are from Basic Grey... either indian summer or sultry (I'm at least 99% sure it is one of those). The ribbon was in my stash and I wish I could remember where I got it because I want some more!!

Enjoy. Enjoy. ENJOY!

3 Lindsay Cards!!

2010-01-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Check me out gals - THREE cards. I was just so inspired by Lindsay's new set. (LOVE GROWS HERE)

Okay, deets on the cards - I used papers from the summer something or other (that is not the actual name, I just can't think of it and the pad of paper is two entire rooms away from me and my couch and blankie and laptop, so if you feel a burning need for the name of this Basic Grey paper pack, holla!) I used copics to color, some spicas (on hearts and beaks and such), a few dewdrops, some awesome primas that I've been dying to use (they have birdies on them) some ribbon... I think that's about it. Oh, I did some inking with my trusty chesnut roan liquid chalk ink pad.

I linked this particular set above, but go check out LINDSAY'S STORE. If you buy 5 stamps/sets then you get one FREEEEEEEEEEEEEee!! And remember, digi stamps are so versatile!! Easy to store (no binders or drawers needed) they can be printed in ANY size you want, you can even use them in digi or hybrid scrapbooking. (I'm going to try using some in my digi scrapbooking over the next few weeks, so stay tuned for more on that).

Lindsay also has a contest going - check her BLOG for details. It is all about recycled stuff. If you use something recycled on your creation you're entered in the contest. Of course, link your post in my comments or in Lindsay's comments.

Lindsay is also being featured/sold on the My Grafico website, so check that out too. Oh, and she has some of her super cool SVG (cricut/surecutsalot) files for sale on there too.

I would also recommend checking my fellow designer's blogs: Janet, Shannon, Margie, Lisa, Erin, Tracey, Melissa, Leanne, Tamara, Cindi, & Micki.

Another Digi-Layout

2010-01-04T18:26:00.003-06:00

Look at me! Two posts in one week!! (I think it might have officially been last week when I posted last - BUT - it has been less than a week since my last post, so I'm counting that 2 posts in a week!)

This is the first actual layout for the Florida album. I got this digi-kit from Free Digital Scrapbooking (dot) com. I used a layout that was provided by the scrapbook flair software. I tried to switch the photos on each side of the layout and make the boys' and girls' photos opposite of each other. Easter seems to be one of those holidays with funny pictures. I thought I took more pictures of the kids as they were hunting eggs, but apparently not.

Since we were going down to Florida shortly after Easter, we decided to have an extra celebration with my sister and her family. The kids had a blast looking for eggs and opening them up to see all the goodies inside!

Anyhow, I got a couple new digi images today. Some are from the new set that Lindsay put out - I'll feature those on my blog on Thursday, the others I got from All That Scraps, some CC Designs, Sugarplums, Swiss girl... I can't wait to get the copics out and start coloring all those lovely new stamps. WAHOO!!! Oh, and I worked out last night and I am going to work out again tonight (last night was cardio, tonight is yoga and strength training). I also got all my photos loaded to winkflash to get printed. They have a deal going 4x6's for 5 cents each. However, the shipping is 7.99!! So, I am not sure if that is the best deal or not. Sigh. Anyhow, I'm at least proud of myself that I am keeping up with all my resolutions so far... (Whoopee, it's January 4, huge accomplishment! LOL!)

Enjoy EVERYTHING, it's better than nothing!

Happy 2010

2010-01-02T14:28:00.002-06:00

One of my New Year's resolutions is to get (and stay) caught up with my scrapbooking. Part of that is going to be using DIGITAL scrapbooking. I think I am going to do all my little "special" albums and gift albums (etc.) digitally. Then I can just print the pages on nice paper and use my handy dandy BindItAll to make them books. It will be quicker (and likely cheaper) than trying to do 3 or 4 different albums of the same event/pictures. (Also, I should really include the fact that it means more time on my new laptop.)

In that vein - here is the first page I created digitally. This was made using the free digi-scrap program called Scrapbook Flair. You can get it HERE. It is pretty easy to use, there are a few things I would change about it - like it won't let you spin/flip embellishments, etc. But, since I don't have photoshop or any other fancy type photo editing program - it works pretty well. The kit I used for this page is from SHABBY PRINCESS. There are tons of gorgeous freebies there for you to download!

This is the front page of the album. My kids and I went to Florida with my folks. We spent some time with my sister who lives down there. We got to stay in the house my parents bought to retire to ... my sister and her family are going to live there for a while, but we got the run of the place before they moved in. This trip actually happened in APRIL 2009!! I'm glad I've decided to go digital, this way I can print a copy for me, one for Angie (my sis) and one for my mom easily - without having to do 3 entire scrapbooks!

Another of my resolutions is to be better about blogging. I'd gotten in a bad way for a while where I was barely posting once a week and that is just not good enough! I figure that between digital scrapbooking, catching up my 'paper' scrapbooking, and still keeping an eye on cards and challenges, I should be able to come up with something to post nearly every day.

I'm also setting a goal of working out 3 or 4 times a week. I've passed 30 now and I need to be more careful with my body. I like working out, it is just a bit of a hassle to get to it. So, I'm going to make an effort to get my house on a good evening schedule that has a specific work out time!

I think that's about it for me... Enjoy your weekend!!

Can you believe

2009-12-10T08:00:00.001-06:00

That I have a post today? I'm so happy! I've so missed you all out there in blogland. The holidays just seem to get busier each year. As evidenced by the fact that I am (finally) STARTING my homemade Christmas presents for the year. ACK! I decided to forgo the mini scrapbooks that I usually make for Grandparents, instead making a calendar. That way I don't have nearly as many pages to do - PLUS - the calendars will hang proudly in their homes and get looked at more than scrapbooks! I should also note how lucky I am to be a part of Lindsay's design team... more details on that below!

This is my front cover (obviously) and is so aptly "named" TIME FLIES! I had this cool paper in my stash from I don't know where or when. The letter stickers ... same sort of thing. They were SUPER plain stickers, just the thin black outline, so I took a super sparkly silver pen and (artfully) scribbled... ahem ... filled in the white bits.

The first is January. For whatever reason, I didn't manage to take any pictures (or any that I could lay hands on easily) of my kids playing in the snow last year. BUT I had this picture of the two of them from a sweet sleepover they had right after we re-did their rooms. We had the new beds and new paint and they were SO excited to have a sleepover in a bed (instead of piled blankets on the floor). The tag I actually got in a tag swap YEARS ago ... love that stash for fun finds! Paper, also stash... cardstock, ink. Badabing!

And finally, you get to see Lindsay's digi-stamp I used this week. She made the awesome calendar toppers! I found a calendar template online that I liked, tweaked it until I was happy, then deleted the boring "January 2010" and popped in the awesome topper that Lindsay designed. I love being able to tweak digis! I was able to stretch and play with it until it filled the whole space!! Then I colored with copics, added some stickly bling for the snowflakes, and poof! January finito.

So........ go buy the calendar toppers HERE ... and if you're interested in my calendar that I tweaked, drop me a line and I'll email the word file to you.

Next .... go straight back to Lindsay's entire STORE and BUY HER OUT! She has a deal going right now -- buy 2 stamp sets, get one free! She'll email you for your free choice after she gets your order for 2. (More details on that stuff on Lindsay's blog.)

Um... third... go on over to Lindsay's BLOG and check out her genius, and there's probably a sweeeeeeeeeet freebie there too!

FINALLY!!!!!! Go check out all my fellow design team folks and see all the crafty goodness. Micki Harper December Guest DT
Janet Rossi
Shannon Neparko
Margie Visnick
Lisa Jurecek
Erin Bailey
Tracey Allen
Melissa Craig
Tamara Bennett
Cindi Hooks
Cheryl Gorka

Now, it is totally possible I missed a DT gal ... I've been out of the loop and we're all crazy with holiday schedules. If I miss someone I'll edit and add, but if you're hopping, check their DT list too and make sure you don't miss any of the fun.

Oh, and you probably figured this out already, but it's likely that this calendar is not finished ... I haven't even gotten the BINDITALL out yet!! So you will totally be seeing calendar pages on any and all posts for the next couple weeks!!

ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!!!

It is THAT time of year...

2009-11-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

It is THURSDAY again! WAHOO!! I'm actually posting. I'm afraid that if it wasn't for Lindsay's amazing creations I wouldn't be posting at all. I feel like such a slacker.

However, I've had a little birdie whispering that I'm going to get a laptop for Christmas (thanks Mom and Angie) and I think that will help me to post more often. I won't be stuck at the desk to do posts. I can sit on the couch having "quality" tv time with my hubby and still be working on crafty bloggy goodness. WAHOOO!!!

Now, on to more important things! The above cards... I really tried to get a photograph to show how lovely and sparkly the first one is. I used glimmer mist on the three trimmed circles and they are totallllllly glimmery. Plus, after I copic(ed) the ornaments, I put some lovely stickles on top and the sparkle is not showing there either. I have GOT GOT GOT to figure out how to photograph sparkly things better. I need to rearrange (or get brighter bulbs for) the lights on my homemade light box. If you have any photography tips, please please email me at diana.stout@gmail.com immediately for my undying gratitude! The second card also has sparkles, but I think they showed up a little better.

Details on each card individually!

Number 1 - I saw a card with these cute windows with ornaments showing through. I cheated and made little faux windows. I shrunk and printed the awesome circular christmas sentiment that Lindsay created at my request (that I mentioned last week). I am not sure if it is in her shop yet, but go check the store HERE. After I cut them out, I coated them with three different shades of glimmer mist to match the ornaments. Then I resized and printed a bunch of the SNAZZY NEW ornaments you can find right HERE and punched them out with 1 1/4 inch punch. I colored them with copics, then coated them with stickles. I cut a little tree and trunk and poof! Lovely Christmas card!

Number 2 - I saw this card a long time ago on someone's blog and I LOVED LOVED it. I was dying to copy and tweak it for my own Christmas cards this year. First, the tree. I took strips of green paper, tore them, then glued them together. I left the rough edges unglued, then I roughed it all up a little more with an emery board. I ran a white (fluid chalk) ink pad over the top to get the "snowy" effect going. Then I tore a little piece of brown for the trunk. For the snow, I tore two pieces of white cardstock, crumpled them up, then inked them with cream brown (fluid chalk) ink, then put some random smears of stickles over the top of that. I wanted the awesome circly sentiment to go around the tree - sort of like a little halo - and I wanted it to shine. I coated it with a red shade of glimmer mist. In person, it sparkles. (Sigh, poor photography skills.) Then I used my stickles to make a shining Christmas star up in the corner. I'm not 100% pleased with this star. Maybe next time I will try using actual glue and a fine glitter. Or if I can find/borrow a good star stamp, I might try a little embossing.

Anyhow, that's the info on the cards. I hope you like them. But if you don't, please tell me what to do to improve on them, as I send about 50 cards a year so I'm going to make a lot of these. Any advice would TOTALLY be appreciated.

Now, onto the important Lindsay info!

SHOP IS HERE

LINDSAY'S SUPER DUPER KILLER AWESOME BLOG IS HERE

Design team links:

Janet Rossi
Shannon Neparko
Margie Visnick
Lisa Jurecek
Erin Bailey
Tracey Allen

Melissa Craig
Leanne Garner
Tamara Bennett
Cindi Hooks
Here is the new Junior Design Team, look for their projects on Mondays!
Kristen Hamlin
Joy Stagg
Karin Martin
Jennifer Bliss
Cheryl Gorka
Anette “Nettie” Robins
Cassandra Cushman

finally, have a GREAT holiday if I don't post again before we all stuff ourselves with Turkey!

A Simple Roasty Card

2009-11-11T21:06:00.003-06:00

First - go buy this (Coffee Talk set) HERE for the low price of $5. Then click on THIS to find *the* cutest set of recipe/foodie goodies. You also need to check out her AWESOME NEW SET - it's embossed backgrounds -- DIGI-NESTIES for only $3!!!!!! She also has her first CHRISTMAS SET in the store for $1.50!! You could also just go buy out her whole STORE and be about as happy as can be... (oh, I forgot to mention Lindsay is now featured on a new website - MY GRAFICO - check it out!) And last shopping note - stay tuned on my Thursday Lindsay posts... I'm getting started on my Christmas cards (finally) with a special request design by none other than the talented and amazing Lindsay. You might be able to find this

as a *FREEBIE* if you find the right link in this post to click...

Details on this card... as I have been sorting out my cards into all my totes to get ready for the craft show - I realized I have so few get well and sympathy cards that I wanted to use this set that I've been holding onto forever (sometimes it is hard to remember that they just need printed - and in any size I want!) I blended copics for the coffee cup to try to get as close as I could for the orange and blue on the mug image. Then I used this gorgeous ribbon that I've been itching to get on paper. I wrapped around and tucked it in, then tied the knots and attached them on top on the edges of the sentiment (also handily included in the set). I think sometimes it makes the card less bulky and the ribbon flatter and uh.. stuck better .. if you don't actually tie the knot around the ribbon (that totally makes sense to me, if you need me to clarify - email me). Pretty simple card... oh, I almost forgot. I trimmed the rectangle around the mug and saucer and wanted to silhouette the steam. I colored in the steam with a grey and a little brown blended in. I also lightly went over the steam with a spica pen... I wish I could figure out the right lighting or camera setting or angle or something so that the glitter would show up in my photos. (If you have some insight on that, please share!!)

Thanks for looking, now head on over to the other designers' blogs for lots more eye candy, and Lindsay's blog, because she is totally creative in the NEATEST ways!!
Tamara
Leanne
Shannon
Cindi
Lisa
Melissa
Janet
Margie
Tracey
Erin

Finally, enjoy every minute.

Dream Journal

2009-11-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

I hope you're not sick of seeing all the journals. I am having so much fun with them! I love making up a bunch of them and then leaving them blank to decorate for challenges. Then I don't have to think or hunt for sketches to use to decorate them. I am hoping to have 15 or so ready for the craft show on December 5. I'm only halfway there so far!

This one is decorated with a Bella stamp - one from the newish Ketto line. I colored her with copics and spicas. I added the primas and the dewdrops. I only played with the MOJO sketch a little... I made the piece of cardstock along the bottom bigger and stamped the letters for DREAM across there. The papers I used were from the paper studio's pink armadillo pack.

The sketch is for the current MOJO challenge, and I'm also entering this for the PALSPAPERARTS challenge - use pink!

Enjoy the weekend ~ make sure you find time to craft!!!

Bookmarks!

2009-11-05T08:00:00.001-06:00

First - go buy this stamp (stack of books) HERE. You also need to check out her AWESOME NEW SET - it's embossed backgrounds -- DIGI-NESTIES for only $3!!!!!! She also has her first new CHRISTMAS SET in the store for $1.50!! You could also just go buy out her whole STORE and be about as happy as can be... (oh, I forgot to mention Lindsay is now featured on a new website - MY GRAFICO - check it out!)

Details on how I made these! First, I hope you can tell, each of the stamps (and therefore the bookmarks) are different sizes. I printed the stack of books in different sizes and then had fun coloring with different colors within a color family (it helps me to figure out which markers will blend to see them all in a row like this). It is fun to do the monochrome thing. I then used my janome sew mini to sew the stamp onto a sheet of bazzzzzillll. Then I used some supertacky red tape stuff to attach another piece of bazzil (in a coordinating shade of brown) to make the bookmark sturdy and protect my stitching. I set the giant eyelets with my cropadilebigbite. Then tied in a bit of fiber... oh, I also used my spica pens for the apples, and used a teeny bit of glossy accents (diamond glaze stuff) on the glasses. These bookmarks make great stocking stuffers, presents to hand out at work or church, and sell for $1 at craft shows like HOT CAKES!

Thanks for looking, now head on over to the other designers' blogs for lots more eye candy, and Lindsay's blog, because she is totally creative in the NEATEST ways!!

You guessed it...

2009-11-02T19:23:00.002-06:00

Another journal!

I think this one turned out pretty neat! I wasn't sure when or how I would end up using this "ribbon" .... but with the way I store ribbon (in a pullEZ) with all the ribbon wound in a little circle, it made the cutest little swirl down the side and the curl on the end of the bookmark part of the ribbon! I used papers from the Paper Studio's pink armadillo set. The stamp is from Whiff of Joy. The sketch is from THIS challenge. (I noticed that Stamps and Smiles now has some DIGI stamps - yay for the checkbook!! Hopefully I will be able to pick up some of their stamps now!) I just love their sketches!!! I did the scallops down the side a little differently from the sketch, but I think they turned out ok. Also colored with copics... hmm... not too many fun details.

Life just is ... enjoy the roll

Another Journal

2009-10-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

I know, you're shocked and amazed by another journal showing up on here...

This project was inspired by 3 different challenges. They are Flutter By, Truly Scrumptious, and CopicsColourChallenge.

Flutterby -- the butterfly on the "background" paper is from Me & My Big Ideas. Also the little butterfly in the stamp (fingers crossed - sugar nellie)

Truly Scrumptious -- I might get dinged on this one ... They had the sketch. Instead of a circle sentiment on the top right corner, I chose to do the trio of flowers in the bottom right corner. Also, I could not stand covering up the awesome foiled butterfly on the front so it is taking the place of the giant circle from the sketch. For the recipe part - I included the three flowers, three brads (two that are brown with "icing" and a gray velvet one) and for my three pearls, I used the liquid pearlz on the girl's head scarf. (The rest of the dots I filled in with my clear sparkly spica pen from copic.)

Copics Colour -- I used the YG06-Yellowish Green on her shirt, I used the R20-Blush on her scarf and apron, and the E33-Sand on her shoes -- and the dirt around her feet. (I also used E00 and R21 on the skin, B39 and blender on the jeans, and E53 with a little E31 on the hair. And the pink and purple spica pens on the little bitty butterfly.)

Also, I'm not sure if any of the challenges allow two entries - but I hope so. I just couldn't help myself this week. I really liked all three challenges, and I enjoyed combining them and making them into two beautiful, yet completely different journals!! (Plus, let's face it. In close to a year of blogging, I have only won one challenge... I want some free goodies!!!!!)

enjoy your day!

Thursday is LSS!

2009-10-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

First - go buy this stamp (doodle daisy) HERE. You can also get the awesome new set Lindsay put together - with tons of (digi) flower and sentiment stamps for her low set price of $5 HERE. You could also just go buy out her whole STORE and be about as happy as can be... (oh, I forgot to mention Lindsay is now featured on a new website - MY GRAFICO - check it out!)

This project was inspired by 3 different challenges. They are Flutter By, Truly Scrumptious, and CopicsColourChallenge.

I used the sketch from Truly Scrumptious. I added in the Flutter By challenge (include a butterfly) by putting the butterfly up in the corner of my image - in place of the suggested sentiment. I tried to get one of the sentiments from Lindsay's new doodle flower set on there, but I wanted one of the sentiments that are in waves to go around the circle and I'm so far from tech savvy today that I couldn't figure it out. I probably (duh) should have just asked Lindsay, but I was happy with how the journal turned out anyway. Oh, the sketch also had a recipe with it -- three flowers, three brads, and three pearls. (In this case, the brads ARE the flowers and I used my liquid pearlz to dot in three of the little center thingies on the flower stamp.) The final challenge was copic, to use R20-Blush (ring around the flower center) E33-Sand (inner ring of the flower) and YG06-Yellowish Green (the stem/leaf). I also used stickles (cotton candy) to color in and dimensionalize (if that's not a word, it should be) the flower.

The "background" paper for the journal covers is from the paper studio's Pink Armadillo set - oh, same for the blue/pink circles. The giant brads came from oriental trading co. (I hope that's all the details... and all the parentheses too!)

Thanks for looking, now head on over to the other designers' blogs for lots more eye candy, and Lindsay's blog, because she is totally amazing, wonderful, talented, and just plain cool!
Ceil (Oct Guest DT)
Tamara
Leanne
Shannon
Cindi
Lisa
Katt
Kim
Melissa
Janet
Margie
Tracey

enjoy your thursday (and it's good TV night!)

New Card Tote

2009-10-28T10:13:00.002-05:00

Between these and journals - please do not get bored with me!

I am so happy with these! I really really hope they sell at the craft show. I did this one pretty simple. The band, the bits are inked, the big fabric flower, the button... but I think it is gorgeous just the same! I thought I did ok with matching the button, ribbon, and flower too :D

Oh, please run and go check out my friend Mary's blog post for today - HERE - it is her anniversary!

Enjoy your hump day... (but you don't have to hump anything if you don't want to.)

My Fam!

2009-10-26T15:06:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, Reynold was watching a movie with the kids while I was working on other things...

It was awful cute when they all passed out! I have actually gotten a lot of things done in the last week or two, I just haven't gotten everything photographed - and then cropped and resized and posted. I swear I will get around to that. Maybe tonight...

Lindsay's Stamp stuff TOTE!

2009-10-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

I am having a blast making stuff lately! Everything just seems to flow for me...

I wanted to do something different, and I wasn't feeling the Halloween set this week. I'm just feeling off, as usual. Seriously though, go check out the FALL set and the HALLOWEEN -- oh, and don't forget the CROW set at Lindsay's store! She also has some new stuff -- Christmas stuff and some cool sentiments that are new and you should definitely go to her store and shop! (She's always running sales and deals and her stuff is just GGGGREEEEEEEEATTTTTT!)

Details - I used a nice brown bazzzzzilllll (I never know the correct number of z's or l's so I put in extras) for the base for my card tote. Then I cut a block of darker brown to make a border along the top. I found this neato fall leaves patterned paper in my stash from days gone by and cut a strip of it. (If you want directions/measurements for the tote, email me at diana.stout@gmail.com and I'll give you that info.) This tote will comfortably hold 5 or so A2 cards (though I've managed to stuff it full of 10 cards that weren't too fancy). I glued the ribbon in between the tote box and the border thingie. I used one of the leaves from the FALL set (linked above) and did a quick cut around it, then I actually colored it using blots with my ink pads -- creamy brown in the middle and chesnut toward the outside. I matted it with a third brown bazzzzzzillllllllllll cardstock nestie cut and voila! An awesome card tote decorated all autumnally. (If that's not a word I don't want to hear about it - I like it.)

Thanks for looking, now head on over to the other designers' blogs for lots more eye candy, and Lindsay's blog, because she is a total ROCK STAR!

ENJOY!!!!!

Holiday Love

2009-10-21T08:04:00.000-05:00

Yay for journals and challenges!!

I made this journal for the Sugar Bowl's Challenge #21. I must say again how cute the stamps are from this company. If I could afford all the stamps I wanted - that would be HEAVEN! Anyhow! This challenge was a sketch and to do a winter/Christmas theme. I used the holiday papers and the snuggly teddy bears for some holiday love... in the form of a holiday journal!!

The paper is flocked/velvety - from Me & My Big Ideas, the holiday papers are from DCWV - a Christmas stack I have. Of course, the image is from Sugar Nellie (one by leanne ellis). I will admit I squirrelled around with the sketch, but I think it is still recognizable! I put my image horizontal instead of vertical, used one little piece of ribbon on the "tag" instead of two - though I did add in the two velvet brads for a fun touch. I also flocked the little bit of stuffing on the girly bear's head. (At least I think that's supposed to be stuffing. My husband disagrees and says it is the knot from her head scarf. What do you think?) Oh, the christmassy papers also have glitter in them even though my photography leaves a lot to be desired. I added the love heart that I trimmed as a sentiment. I used a fun green ribbon/fiber (it kind of seems like both to me) with a cute heart charm on it for the built in book mark.

I hope that includes all the details, AND I also hope that I win this challenge. I've never won a Sugar Nellie challenge before, and they are giving away an awesome and amazing amount of stamps this time and I realllllly reallly could use a pick me up.

Enjoy!

Welcome BABY!!

2009-10-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

This lovely card is wearing lotsa hats :D I do so love when that happens!!!

First, Miss (Supertalented, gorgeous, all-around-wonderful) Lindsay is today! I'm completely off ... (if you know me, you already knew that) but I think we're supposed to be working with her awesome fall set this week. I was feeling that one last week, and this week I've been thinking about making a baby card all week (partially because of something I'll mention in a minute). So, I finally got to play with Lindsay's spectacularly cute baby set. Go HERE to find this "babies and bows" stamp set. Or you can go HERE to shop through *all* her lovely stamps.

Do NOT forget about her current deal -- spend $5 and get another digi-stamp FOR FREE (free free free... did ya hear the echo?).

Also, you can go HERE to check out Lindsay's awesome blog. She is amazingly creative - and as the title of her blog says, she's a frugal crafter - so keep an eye out for her great tips.

Finally on the Lindsay info - go HERE to check out my fellow Design Team folks, and please pretty please hop through their blogs and leave some love.

OOOOOOOOOOOkay. That out of the way... details on my card! The sketch came from a brand spanking new challenge blog that you *MUST* try - go HERE to check out the Pixie Cottage challenges. This week was a sketch... which I only played with a weeee tad. In the original, the three squares were along the left side of a vertical card. I turned my card on the horizontal and left the three squares along the top. Then my focal image isn't quite as big as the sketch's... and the sketch also had a big circle behind the focal image, which I used the banner to replace. The sketch had some flowers, but since this is for a boy baby... I just left the shoe strings dangling instead...

Remember a long time ago ~ three or four paragraphs AT LEAST ~ I mentioned that I'd been thinking about doing a baby card? Well, Katharina asked folks to make (and send) a baby card to the illustrator for the Whiff of Joy stamp collection in celebration of the new baby boy. So I was determined to make one this week. Since Lindsay had such a PERFECT set, and the sketch fit so wonderful... I combined all three to make this gorgeous card (if I do say so myself). Check the details about this HERE.

I really hope I didn't forget anything. I probably did because I got sidetracked 5 times in writing this late at night by my daughter (who is doing everything she can to NOT sleep) and I can't quite think straight.

Enjoy.

A new Journal!

2009-10-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

I sure hope everyone loves journals as much as I do! They are fun to make, they give me an even bigger thrill than a finished card (because they seem like so much more of an accomplishment somehow) and finally, because they sell so nicely at my craft shows!

This card was inspired by two super duper awesome challenges!!

First - Farm Fresh Friday - an awesome blog, challenge, company. I really love the stamps at The Greeting Farm, and I love being inspired by the super gallery there!
Second - Cute Card Thursday - a super challenge blog. (With a spectacular prize this week that I really really really really really would love to win!)

My journal is chipboard, DCWV paper. Then I used blue and green cardstock from the stash. I used two different fun fibers on this one. One for the ribbon and my charms (the one charm is a really pretty heart, the other charm says trust your dreams) and the other fiber was part of the sketch (two lines with little bows). I used a cool fiskars border punch, some distressing... copics... the GORGEOUS TGF stamp from the orignal Hope and Grace set.

Hmmm.... I believe that is all. Hopefully, (please cross your fingers and send me a good thought) I will be a LOT more productive in the coming weeks.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

Lindsay's STELLAR Stamp Stuff

2009-10-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Do people actually say STELLAR anymore? If they don't, they *TOTALLY* should!

And at least partially because of all these amazing stamps Lindsay creates for us to buy and use.

I should also tell you - the background paper is also of Lindsay's creation. For the life of me, I can't remember where you should go to find it, but these are the two places you should go right now to try to find it -- the SHOP and the genius's BLOG. The paper can actually be printed in each color -- or I think Lindsay is going to teach you how to change the color... I was having one of those *ahem* seniory/blondey/dingbat - type moments *ahem* and I just printed it out without fixing it up at all. After I printed it out like this, I thought it looked kind of neat. Sooooooo - I trimmed it evenly to leave the white rim on the edges when I attached it to the card base. Then I outlined the edges with some black ink, then I attached the thin white ribbon to separate the 4 colors. I picked out THIS adorable image (Funky Tree #3) and colored it funky with my copics! I used one of my cool new primas (with a center and leaves all attached already) to pretty up the corner.

Please go HERE to check out Lindsay's super awesome blog. Next, you can go HERE to shop at her store. Take special note that she is running a SPECIAL on stamps -- for every $5 you spend, you get a digi-stamp for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Finally go hopping to all the DT members blogs and at one you will find a FREE digi-stamp. (I hope I got them all!) Melissa Janet Kim Lisa Margie Katt Tracey Tamara Rowena Olena Melissa Leanne

Mojo Baby!

2009-10-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

After the craft show, I am feeling some mojo... Check out the sketch HERE !

Of course, my mojo is mostly focusing on how to make more money at craft shows!!! The craft show went pretty well. I made the most I've ever made at a show, but I am really hoping to double or triple that amount. I sold out of my handmade journals ... so I am making a BUNCH of those. This will be the front of one... of course, my printer is out of ink - so I can't get the inside pages printed. In a few days I'll get to the store and get more ink - then I can get this (and some other journals) finished!

I think I'm also going to make an effort to bundle cards too. I think people like to look through cards, but especially at these big craft shows, people just don't want to take/waste a bunch of time flipping through and looking at every card we put put. I'm going to make some little totes and fill them with cards... I'm also going to make an effort to put some Christmas cards together - in bundles. Then I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for a great day on December 5 at our next show.

Hmmm... I can't remember what else is going on.

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Many thanks!

2009-10-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

First let me apologize for being a bad blogger this week! Work has been crazy and trying to get ready for the craft show has not left me much time for blogging... which I'm making up for today with a super long post. Please stay with me - lots of great and important stuff here!

Go HERE to find this very stamptacular digital stamp! It is an awesome set (check it out below) available for the low low price of $5!!
Other card details - basic grey papers (inked with charcoal fluid chalk ink pad), image and sentiment both from below set, primas (inked with chesnut roan fluid chalk ink pad), dew drops, black ribbon, colored with copics. Oh duh, I almost forgot! The awesome sketch is from THIS awesome blog! I altered it a tiny bit... I used the bow instead of a second smaller rectangle, and I offset the two flowers instead of centering them.

This is the awesome new autumn-y stamp set Lindsay's rockin out...

Check out this awesome HALLOWEEN-Y sheet to get you in the mood for some spooky holiday crafting! Go HERE to buy it (for only $5).

Now, let me tell you some VERY important details about Lindsay's Stamp Stuff!

1. you can go HERE to shop at her store.

2. please go HERE to check out her super awesome blog. (She has FREEBIES today!!)

3. take special note that she is running a SPECIAL on stamps -- for every $5 you spend, you get a digi-stamp for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

4. go hopping to all the DT members blogs. (I hope I got them all!) Melissa Janet Kim Lisa Margie Katt Tracey Tamara Rowena Olena Melissa Leanne
5. I heard a lovely rumor that some of Lindsay's awesome designs are being put out in real live rubber... stay tuned to her BLOG for details!!

6. The BABY collection is on sale 50% off because of a new baby in the family too!
I believe that is all... I sure hope I got everything.

Enjoy everything. Be happy, you're the only one who can make you happy!!!!!!

Busy busy busy

2009-09-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about the craft show next weekend!

I love making these card organizers! I think they're so useful and fun! I buy the tins online usually (whenever I can find a sale). I forgot to write down the brand of paper I used for this... I think it might be from a huge My Mind's Eye stack, but don't quote me on that one. The ribbons were from my stash, most likely from the dollar bin at Michael's...

These are fun and easy to make, but they do take me a while. I made two of them this weekend for the craft show. I also put in dividers on the inside, but I forgot to photograph those.

Have a great monday!

Coolest Bookmark Ever

2009-09-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to try making these cool new bookmarks. I found the directions online (check below for the link). You take a 6x6 piece of patterned paper and fold it up and poof, coolest bookmark ever! Now, make sure you use a decent piece of paper. It must be patterned on both sides (well, I guess it doesn't "have" to - but you'll see white if you don't). Oh, and please leave a comment or drop me an email if you are interested in knowing the measurements to score at ... I have a scor-pal and I wrote down all the correct spots to score to make life a little easier.

My first photo will hopefully show you all the fold lines ...

My second folder is the first one I made.

This is the bookmark stuck in one of my handmade journals.

This is the second one I made...

And in a book...

And with the book mostly closed ...

(Details on the projects -- both of these are actually made with Creative Memories papers, the stamp is from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff ~linked below~ I colored with copics, spicas, and I put a little tiny bit of diamond glaze on the glasses where the glass would be.)

Go HERE to find this very stamptacular digital stamp! It is called Stacked Books.

Now, let me tell you some VERY important details about Lindsay's Stamp Stuff!

1. you can go HERE to shop at her store.

2. please go HERE to check out her super awesome blog.

3. take special note that she is running a SPECIAL on stamps -- for every $5 you spend, you get a digi-stamp for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

4. go hopping to all the DT members blogs and check out all their lovely goodies. Melissa Janet Kim Lisa Margie Katt Tracey Tamara Rowena Olena Melissa Leanne

5. I heard a lovely rumor that some of Lindsay's awesome designs are being put out in real live rubber... stay tuned to her BLOG for details!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am sure that I am forgetting something. I am so excited to be a part of Lindsay's team - her stuff is super duper!!!!!!!!!! She even takes requests! This stamp is one she specifically designed for me. I saw this project HERE and wanted to make something with a book stamp on it ... I asked Lindsay and poof - she made a custom stamp. I've also printed out the stamp much bigger -- perfect to make a "normal" bookmark from - stay tuned, it'll show up soon enough!

Fun card for today!

2009-09-22T08:19:00.002-05:00

I made this card in honor of the kids' new kittens!

I used some papers from my new 6x6 stack from Inque Boutique (called always in bloom). I used liquid pearlz as the center for the pink flower, but I can't decide if I like it that way or not. I'm not sure the pink matches, it is kind of an orange-y pink. Sigh. Shutting up about it.

Anyhow, I used this stamp in honor of our new kittens -- check out my facebook page for pictures of the kittens !!!

enjoy your tuesday :D

Creative Cuts & MORE!!!

2009-09-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!!

Okay - first things -- go right HERE to buy this album
***special note*** you can put in a special order here and get whichever pages and however many of which that you would like...

Next bit -- I didn't get my rings here (I had some in the stash at home) but - there are some supercool rings for the album in the store HERE

These are the chipboard album pages (one of each shape - though you get two)

I know I took a picture of the pages that she cut and sent along. They match exactly, but with my inking tendencies -- I inked the edges of all the cardboard, and the edges of the papers.

Here is the front/ first page of the album. I cut out the letters with my cricut (the Pooh Font cartridge). The photo is my mom with Cameron and Chloe.

This is the first inner page. I inked up the papers and added flowers and buttons and stuff.

Next page set... I adorned with some neat ribbony fiber stuff.

Next page -- I added a little bit of background/accent paper, plus a charm and a ribbon.

The last page... I didn't want to embellish too much since it is the back -- stuff could possibly get smashed or torn or something...

Creative Cuts & More Store HERE

Die Cut Diva Blog HERE

DESIGN TEAM LINKS!! Angie Pearl Carla Mayfield Ellen Sosnoski Jennifer Johnson Kayla Dupont Kim Ross Lindsay Weirich Pam Smerker Steph Zerbe

I believe that is all...

Enjoy your week!!!!!

Out of Town

2009-09-18T08:25:00.002-05:00

The kiddos and I are headed to Grandma Vickie's this weekend. I am sorry I don't have anything new and pretty to show you. HOWEVER(!) Please come back on Monday - I will be showing you a SUPER awesome mini-album I made for my mom.

Enjoy your weekend!

Lyndsay's Stamp Stuff

2009-09-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

This card is dedicated to my dear hubby! Hunting (bow-deer) season opened on September 15th, so good good super good luck to him o seeing a de bigger than this one! (LOL)

Important Info from the (lovely and talented) boss Lady !!

1. ANOTHER brand spanking new set of stamps~! It is the Creepy Crow set for only $5.00 - perfect timing for all your Halloween decorations, cards, scrapbook pages, yada yadda... Go HERE to buy it.

2. Design team links --- go HERE.

3. Lindsay's whole shop --- go HERE.

4. Oh, check out THESE cool new inventions! (the link isto Lindsay's blog post about them, she's got links to the buying spot there!)

Card details--

Papers - Basic Grey (Granola)

Stamp - Lyndsay's stamp stuff - HERE (Dear Deer)

Colored - copics and a white gel pen for accents

Ribbon/Fiber (clearance bin somewhere?)

Enjoy your lovely THURSDAY, hey, it's nearly weekend!

Love you FAIRY much!

2009-09-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

I do love WOJ stamps. I also love BG paper. I am also finding my love for challenges all over again, finally!

Details! I colored with copics (and some blingz for the wings and jewery and the headband). I put 3 primas together with a button for the center. I added the sentiment with two rhinestone brads. I wanted to get a bow in there, and like making bows into GIANT "photo corner" type elements. The BG paper is from the sultry set. I just used 2 of the papers, the distressed pink and the awesome flower/paisley one.

I was inspired by THIS and by THIS -- go check them both out ASAP!

Oh, and as always, enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

WOJ Tryout #3

2009-09-14T22:39:00.002-05:00

Okay, you know how much I lovelovelove the WOJ stamps. I won't go over it all again, but who could resist this sweet girl? Really?

I used Basic Grey papers, forgive me but I cannot think what pack they came out of. I followed the MOJO monday sketch (to a point). The ribbon was on sale at Hobby Lobby, I used some of the mottled white paper in the BG stack and cut out the vine to match the swirly stuff in the ribbon. Colored with copics, cut with nesties, dewdrops... Pretty simple, but I thought the blue/green/orange thing turned out pretty well.

I want you to go check out theWhiff of Joy BLOG (where the call for this guest DT is posted)

Now, go shopping at WOJ!! HERE

Finally, check out the challenge blog HERE!

Enjoy the first day of bow season (deer hunting, archery,missouri, usa)

Creative Cuts & More Blog HOP!

2009-09-13T20:00:00.002-05:00

First, please stay with me. I've got lots to say related to the blog hop and the superduper ladies involved, the awesome Creative Cuts & More store, plus, I made these two awesome mini-albums for the blog hop and just had to include a LOT of pictures. I couldn't help myself.

Okay! BLOG HOPPY STUFF!!

You should have arrived here after visiting KAYLA's blog, but if came here first (thanks you loyal and lovely people) go start at the beginning of the blog hop on the DIE CUT DIVA blog!! Please hop along and check out all the amazing and inspirational projects the whole design team has in store for you!!!!! The next stop after my blog is CHRIS - so after you finish my gargantuan post, go to hers next!

There will be a HUGE 15% coupon code for anyone who visits - so check it all out!

AND, there's even a chance to win a super spectacular prize from the store - so have fun and win!

Pictures! Details! Information on my projects!

1. I got two of these AWESOME things in the mail. (I love getting mail.) This is exactly what the album looks like in the package. It is an accordian album in the shape of the castle. When I heard about this, I immediately thought of Cameron and Chloe's halloween costumes last year. A vampire and a fairy princess. (Here is the link to the castles!)

2. These are all the WONDERFUL die cuts that I got to go with the album. They are the same as the pages of the albums - no extra work for me (hallelujah!) I got pink and purple for the fairy princess and gray tones for the vampire. (all papers were bazzill, I'm not sure of the specific names of each color)

3. For the vampire album, I was going to edge/ink with black. I didn't want any of the white to show through, or the brown cardboardy color on the edges. I used ink pads to get all the white covered, then used a marker to get the edges and spaces I couldn't get to with a full ink pad.

4. This is what Cameron's Castle looks like from the front - all closed up. I used rub-ons for the title.

5. This is Cameron's album opened up, from the front.

6. This is the album opened up. The "first" page behind the title page with the big window, I used a dimensional owl sticker with the branch an the moon. I took some wood patterned paper and trimmed it to resemble a coffin. The next page I "hung" a spiderweb and a dimensional spider sticker from the little tower. The last page I stamped a spider (which I drew in some fangs) and drew the web in behind. I also added the moon/bat sicker to the top of the big tower.

7. This is the "back" side of the album. You're kind of seeing it backwards... when it is closed the journaling is on the very back of the album. I added a trick or treat stamp on the one tower, another spiderweb and dimensional spider, and a little extr journalling too.

8. This is the back view of the album. You can see the corner of a yellow moon on the mediumish tower. That is actually the back of the owl/moon sticker. I used some yellow fun flock to make a nice yellow moon - and to keep the sticker from sticking to the wrong stuff!

9. This is Chloe's Castle album. I wanted to show you that you don't have to leave the album in accordian. (You can buy them either way from the store, but you can also "un" accordian your album if you want to.) I trimmed the folds, then inked this whole album with brown ink pads and a brown marker on the hard to reach places. Also, the little flag flying from the tall tower -- I attached it before I attached each of the papers to the album. I cut two pieces of ribbon the same size. Then I ran them both through the little Xyron X thingie. I kept about half an inch from sticking together by keeping the non stick paper in between the two snips of ribbon. Then I cut the little wave in the ribbon. Then I attached each piece of ribbon to one side of the tall tower, then I glued the papers down to hide the edges!

10. I was going to use my Bind-It-All to attach these, but I had already completed each page - and between the lovely thick chipboard album pages, plus the papers and stuff - it was just too fat. So, out came the crop-a-dile. I punched three holes in each page and then used coordinating pink and purple ribbons to tie the pages together. (Oh, a little tip -- if you use ribbon and you don't want the album to close funny or smash embellishments, etc. -- tie a knot between each of the pages so they won't get smushed together too tightly!)

11. The first pag of the album... I used a little crown sticker I found - it already had jewels and everything! I also stamped butterfly wings on some pink paper and then colored it with a spica pen and some stickles. (I spaced the wings so Chloe would fit between them.) Then I did a silhouette cut on miss chloe, hid her hand behind one of the wings (the best pictureof her, her wand got cut out of the photo) and tucked a little wand behind the wing so it looked like it was actually in her hand. Then I used some neat little stamps I found in my stash that looked sort of like fancy sconces to adorn the little bitty towers.

12. Pages 2 and 3... adorned with lots of stamps, crowns, sconces, hearts. I added pictures of Chloe in the process of getting hair and makeup and added some journaling.

13. Pages 4 and 5 ... I did crowns for each kid (I guess he was kind of the prince of darkness?) I also punched out two flowers and glued them together with the pretty paper on the outside and curled the edges out. (I didn't want the white backing showing.) I added a pretty flower rhinestone for the flower center.

14. For my big journalling block - I used a white cardstock that I inked with the same brown I used to edge the album pages. I added another flower like I used on the other side and I was done!

Now, thank you so much for hanging with me through this whole post. I hope you love these albums as much as I do... go buy some goodies at the shop HERE!

And again - all the blog hop info:

You should have arrived here after visiting KAYLA's blog

The beginning of the blog hop - DIE CUT DIVA blog!!

The next stop after my blog is CHRIS!

enjoy the hop, enjoy the day, enjoy the upcoming season!

Whiff of Joy - Tryout #2

2009-09-10T22:12:00.001-05:00

Okay, you know how much I adore the WOJ stamps. I won't go over it all again, but who could resist this gorgeous fairy? Really?

I used Basic Grey papers, forgive me but I cannot think what pack they came out of. The flower is new. I got a couple new buckets of primas last night and was excited to try them. These are awesome, they have the leaves and the center already on there. It looks so fancy! I used one of my WOJ fairy sentiments, and then colored Charlotte Fairy with copics (and spicas - I hope you can see how much she sparkles). I also added some liquid pearls in the corner of the image and on the sentiment.

I want you to go check out theWhiff of Joy BLOG (where the call for this guest DT is posted)

Now, go shopping at WOJ!! HERE

Finally, check out the challenge blog HERE!

oh, and enjoy (my card, your day, the upcoming weekend, a piece of chocolate, a kiss from your kid... whatev. enjoy something!)

Thanks a Latte!

2009-09-09T22:31:00.003-05:00

I am SOOOOOOOOO thankful and excited to be part of Lindsay's team!

Okay, Lindsay has filled me with so much information lately!!!

First - credit for the sketch goes to -- sketch #33 from Inspirational Card Sketches (by the way - whoever wins the challenge over there gets 10 free images from Lindsay's shop!)

Second - go to Lindsay's BLOG for some freebies!

Third - go to Lindsay's SHOP for to buy some goodies!!

Fourth - go check my girl out HERE for our group on SNR - I think there might be freebies there too, join the group!!!

I hope that's all the important bits... look all around. There are lots of freebies and stuff floating around. Go check all the other DT gals, check the guest DT for the month, Ellen - go shopping, go blogging, have a lovely day!

Card Details:

Stamp - Lindsay's new "coffee talk" set -- find it here

Papers - Basic Grey - "porcelain" & matted on bazzzzzzzzzill

Ribbon - dollllllllla bin!

Colored with - Copics, Stickles, puffy (dimensional) paint, silver gel pen

WOJ - Guest DT Tryout #1

2009-09-08T21:54:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to try out for the Whiff of Joy team. Here is my first attempt.

First of all, let me remind you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE these stamps. I think it is always easiest to work with stuff you really love. I saw this swing and pretty girl and I really wanted to do a scene with it. I found the different "photo" type papers - the wood grain, the grass, and the sky. I used the sky for the background, then did some hand cutting on the tree and the grass. I also drew in the hole in tree (it just makes it seem more... real to me somehow...) I did a silhouette cut on the girie and the swing. I colored with copics.

I hope you enjoy, and keep your fingers crossed about the guest DT. You will probably see a few more entries for this over the next week or two.

Now - go HERE to shop at Whiff of Joy

And, go HERE to check out the blog.

Oh, don't forget the challenge blog HERE.

(And come back tomorrow to see my first creation as a FULL DT member with Lindsay's Stamp Stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Creative Cuts & More Online Store!

2009-09-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is my first post as a Guest Designer for CC&M! I think I was supposed to post it on Monday, but I was completely convinced that it was Sunday yesterday. Also, since today is my first workday this week, I'm pretending it is Monday.

The first picture here is the lovely item I received in the mail.

The second and third photos are after I played with it!

I used a paper from BG for my background and I inked it up with my fluid chalk. I added the primas, the dewdrops, rhinestones for fun. The little flower stamp on the handle is from a clear set that I can't remember the company (I got it way back before I knew that kind of detail was important!).

If it helps, I filled this little cutie with dove chocolate....

Now, go check out the store HERE!

Now go check out the blog HERE!

Check out the rest of the design team -- HERE!

And finally, enjoy your MONDAY! (I swear, it really is. So what if tomorrow is Wednesday?)

News and News

2009-09-03T10:05:00.002-05:00

Hello out there in BLOGLAND!!! First, check me little card...

And asyou might guess, this was my creation to try out for the team with Club Anya. Sadly, it was a no go. Hey, I've only tried to get on the TGF team three times. I thought 3 tries was the charm, but it was not - at least for me. Maybe someday. I love their stamps, so I probably won't give up trying...

But, for the GOOD GOOD GOOOD GOOOOOOOOOOOD super good news department -- Lindsay Weirich of the Frugal Crafter web blog and the Lindsay's Stamps --- she's asked me to join her Design Team full time now!! I'm doing cartwheels!! I love her designs and her team is great! I'm so honored to be a part of her team.

And now for detail regarding this card! Papers from BG, prima flowers, buttons from the stash... I was kind of inspired by a MOJO sketch from a week or two ago, but Imessed with it enough that it doesn't really look like the sketch any more. Colored with copics, stamp is from TGF Miss Anya (original) set. Oh,and the background paper is KRAFT. I love using Kraft paper on cards.

Enjoy your Thursday as it is realllllly close to weekend.

2009-09-01T17:16:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the 1st Funky Fairy's Blog Hop to celebrate the merging of the Shop & Challenge Design Teams.

We thought that we had to mark this occasion & celebrate with a "Funky Fairy" party . . . or a blog hop in this instance! Now the theme this week over on the Challenge Blog is "Case It". This simply means that we have been looking at each others fab projects and choosing one to "CASE" (case is an acronym for Copy And Share Everything) so you create a project using someone else's work as your inspiration but do not need to copy it exactly.

Well as you can imagine all the DT members got involved & have pulled "a blinder" this week and if you follow the blog hop you will see all their brilliant projects. Please do leave a comment on every blog you visit to be eligible for the fab prize being offered by Funky Fairy's Papercrafts (via the Inspiration Blog) . . . we will check you know! Here is my project . . .

Now you have just left Ria's blog & already got her letter but please don't forget to collect my letter which is " G ". At this point you should have FIVE letters. The next blog you need to pop over & visit is Anne. If you have not collected all the previous letters, please pop back to the beginning of our blog hop over on the Inspiration Blog.

I cased the card by Lulu for THIS challenge. I loved the colors and the ribbons with the centerpiece. I tried to use the brown and pinks she used. I chose to use papers from the Cupcake Crazy kit, and an image I colored from the same kit. (I colored with copics and "iced" with some stickles.) I didn't have the awesome curlicue thing that Lou used, so I did my sentiment differently and added two hearts (though hers were hanging). I'm afraid my card is a poor CASE, but it turned out ok.

Anyhow, do the hoppy thing, do the shoppy thing, and have a lovely day.

(ps - I'm going to attempt to turn on comment moderation... for hop purposes)

2009-08-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Go HERE to find this very stamptacular digital stamp! It is called DoodleDaisy.

I used some new papers from BG (Sultry)! SOOOOOOOOOOOOO pretty. I matted with the lovely green, and actually sewed the DP onto the mat DP. Then I sewed the image onto the coordinating mat. I thought the sewing would go nicely with this lovely image. I colored it with copics. I also added primas/dewdrops, then cut the sentiment and mat with nesties. I inked everything with my colorbox fluid chalk (chesnut roan). Oh, and the sentiment is actually from TCP.

Now, let me tell you some VERY important details about Lindsay's Stamp Stuff!

1. you can go HERE to shop at her store.

2. please go HERE to check out her super awesome blog.

3. take special note that she is running a SPECIAL on stamps -- for every $5 you spend, you get a digi-stamp for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

4. go hopping to all the DT members blogs and at one you will find a FREE digi-stamp. (I hope I got them all!) Melissa Janet Kim Lisa Margie Katt Tracey Tamara Rowena Olena Melissa Leanne
5. I heard a lovely rumor that some of Lindsay's awesome designs are being put out in real live rubber... stay tuned to her BLOG for details!!
I believe that is all... I sure hope I got everything. I am so excited to be a part of Lindsay's team, even if it is only as a guest - her stuff is super duper!!!!!!!!!!

ENJOY!!!

Monday...

2009-08-24T09:11:00.002-05:00

A fun cute card!

This card was super easy! I used papers from one of my new BG stacks, but ack! I can't remember the name. I'm also not sure who this stamp is or where it is from. I won it in a cool blog candy a long time ago. I kept meaning to try to find who this cute froggy belongs to before I used it on a card, but I gave up. I love this cute camo ribbon and the shabby BG papers. I also love that it is fun for me again to make stuff. I am going to try to pick a couple challenges to compete in this week, but luckily, I'm not too worried about it :D

Have a great Monday... I'm preoccupied with worrying about my son Cameron. Today is his first day as a Kindergartener and I'm a little nervous!

Fun new stufffffffs

2009-08-21T07:20:00.003-05:00

Well, it's new paper anyhow! Another of my new BG stacks.

I'm 99% sure this stack was called "lemonade" but I'm not positive. The stamp is my new WOJ girlie. And please forgive me, I cannot think of the name of this stamp either. I'm having myself a rough little morning. The coloring is copics, the velvet ricrac (isn't it gorgeous), primas, rhinestones...

Cute simple card.

I've decided that I'm going to make an effort to do some challenges this weekend. I think it will be fun again!

enjoy your weekend!

Week THREE with Lindsay!

2009-08-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it is already week three with Lindsay !!!!!

Go HERE to find this very stamptacular digital stamp! It is called 80s Retro Bass Guitar.

Details for this scrappy page!

Background Paper - DCWV ROCK stack

I did sort of a silhouette cut around most of the stamp, and then popped some of it up on top of the picture.

I took silver stickles and outlined the word "Music" to pop that out as my title.

I "colored" the stamp with - raspberry shimmerz, iridescent stickles, and copic spica pens.

I cut out the pink and black guitar on my cricut with Indie Art cartridge. Then glued it to a piece of cardstock for some hidden journalling to hide behind the photo.

(And this picture is of Chloe ROCKIN out with her ipod - a constant occurance... )

Now, let me tell you some VERY important details about Lindsay's Stamp Stuff!

1. you can go HERE to shop at her store.

2. please go HERE to check out her super awesome blog.

3. take special note that she is running a SPECIAL on stamps -- for every $5 you spend, you get a digi-stamp for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

I believe that is all... I sure hope I got everything. I am so excited to be a part of Lindsay's team, even if it is only as a guest - her stuff is super duper!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Chickie!

2009-08-19T07:06:00.002-05:00

This is just a hi to all my bloggy friends out there!

I have been super busy with life and work over the last couple months and I have been a total slacker about keeping up with my friends and their blogs. This card was my little way of saying hi to all those lovely ladies and friends.

Basic Grey - Obscure papers
Image I got in a RAK from Hannah stamps (sentiment is Pink Cat or was it TCP? I get those mixed up)
I inked, flowered, copic'd, rhinestoned... oh, and flocked on the bunny slippers.

Have a super day!

Party Girl!

2009-08-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Catching up on scrapbooking is OH so much fun!

This picture was taken at the kids' birthday party. It was a little thing this year, with just the four of us plus Grandma Vickie. Since it was actually after the kids' birthdays and they'd already done the present thing, we decided to just get a few little presents to have with their party/cake. One of the little presents for Chloe was the rockstar glasses. She had to wear them while she ate her cake... and the messy face with the rockstar glasses was SO cute, but then, being the camera ham that she is - Chloe started posing for me.

I used a piece of Kraft paper for the background (this is 12x12 - the main thing I scrapbook in, unless it is a special event that I do a special mini-album for). I used accent papers from an adorable My Mind's Eye stack. I love the texture and glitter on those! I added a button that I got in my birthday goodies from LOU! The title is pink rub-ons. Oh, and my journaling is actually in a matching hot pink ink pen I have... in person it looks really neat, but of course, my photography leaves a lot to be desired because you can't hardly see it at all :(

Enjoy my princess, and if you don't have one of your own to go kissy face with, then kissy face yourself ;)

Funky Thanks

2009-08-15T08:06:00.002-05:00

Thank you cards and birthday cards... I tell ya, those are the important ones!

I wanted to make another fun card with the Little bit of Happy kit from the FUNKY FAIRY. This kit is awesome. I've said it before and I will say it again - super! It has images, papers, all sorts of awesome stuff. I printed this image out uncolored. I printed the paper just the right size for my A2 card so I wouldn't waste any ink.

I colored the little house with my prisma colored pencils and used some (whatever you call them) mineral spirits/gamsol/etc. I stamped the "thanks" in the cloud and then colored over it with some pixie dust BLINGZ. I also put some of the blingz on the window, and then used a little white puffy paint on the door, the flower-box and the windowframe to add a little more dimension (and make the parts I left white stand out a little bit).

Have a superduper day! ENJOY!

Make a WISH!

2009-08-14T08:36:00.001-05:00

Ah, simplicity!

I love when I can sit down and make a card in minutes! I used papers from Basic Grey's recess line. I trimmed the image, trimmed a mat. Outlined everything with black ink, put a strip of stripeys down the side, added some super cool glitter stickers, colored up the little whippersnapper and badabing!

enjoy your Friday!!!!!!!!!

Lyndsay's Stamp Stuff Week TWO

2009-08-13T07:47:00.002-05:00

This was a really fun and easy scrapbook page!! Which was made much easier by the fact that I'm a guest designer for Lindsay's Stamp Stuff and I got to use this awesome stamp!!!

Go HERE to find this very stamptacular digital stamp! It is called Funky Tree #3.

The patterned papers are from Me & My Big Ideas. Now, I printed this image out pretty big because I wanted to write on the tree a little bit. As soon as I saw this image I thought of the funny story from my son Cameron. (If you can't read my handwriting in the journaling, I talk about how excited we were for Cam to go to summer school this year, and about the funniest story he came home with - the day he got TWO girlfriends ... and kissed them both!)

I colored the tree with my copics. I used E57 on the tree, then used E33 on the scratched out heart part, then used it to highlight. I used a number of colors on the leaf canopy. First I did a quick layer with YG23, then I did the little scribbly bunches of leaves with G94, G85, YG67, and G28. Then I did another fast layer with the YG23. Finally, I went over the entire thing with my blender pen to give it all a more ... used and realistic feel.

I used the camouflage print to accent the notebook paper style paper. I cut out the title (summer journey is what our school system calls summer school) with the Pooh Font on my Cricut. Then I used the Indie Art cartridge to cut out the skull/bones and the lippy kisses.

I edged everything on the page with a dark brown fluid chalk (from colorbox). And I used an acid free archival safe brown pen for my journaling.

I believe those are all the details. I go back and forth between elaborate scrapbooking and simple... but I thought this page just didn't need a zillion embellishments! Now, let me tell you some VERY important details about Lindsay's Stamp Stuff!

1. you can go HERE to shop at her store.

2. please go HERE to check out her super awesome blog.

3. take special note that she is running a SPECIAL on stamps -- for every $5 you spend, you get a digi-stamp for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

4. go hopping to all the DT members blogs and at one you will find a FREE digi-stamp. (I hope I got them all!) Melissa Janet Kim Lisa Margie Katt Tracey Tamara Rowena Olena Melissa Leanne

5. I heard a lovely rumor that some of Lindsay's awesome designs are being put out in real live rubber... stay tuned to her BLOG for details!!

I believe that is all... I sure hope I got everything. I am so excited to be a part of Lindsay's team, even if it is only as a guest - her stuff is super duper!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy your Thursday!!!

I'm such a bum

2009-08-12T08:04:00.000-05:00

I have been a total chump lately with the posting! I did so good last week, then went away for a 3 day weekend ... and fell right off my wagon! We got home Monday afternoon and here I'm just getting something posted WEDNESDAY morning.

I was getting some things organized and planning out my next few projects. At least that is my crafty excuse... I also had some shopping to do with the kids, some Wii playing, some laundry, and a little bit of farm town. There must have been other things because that doesn't seem like much. Hmmm.

Anyhow... deets on this card.
Papers -
Stamp - Bella, from the ketto line, and I'm not awake enough to remember or have the energy to look up her name (oh and the thanks is from a stampendous Changito monkey set)
Ribbon - I'm pretty sure that's a dollar bin find.
Flowers - prima
Dewdrops from robin's nest

I used the dotted paper for the background, pasted a partial piece with the flourishy thingies on the bottom. I liked having the bit of orange separate the papers, but I decided that wasn't enough, so I added the ribbon and bow. I thought the ribbon color complimented both the background papers and the green/blue dotty paper used in the mat. I colored with copics, then added bling on the wings and the hair flowers. I used one nestie set for the image and mat and a different set for the sentiment stamp. I also added some blingzz dots on the sentiment.

I think them's the 'portant facts. You know, I notice after spending a few days with my kids I start talking like they do. Supposed (like, 'I was supposed to clean my room...') becomes "aposd" and pretend becomes attend. This is why adults must constantly correct kids' grammar and pronounciation. It seems like not a big deal, and it's so DURN cute - but it is one of those things that just snowballs. Some days kids can be so frustrating, but we're the grownups. We have to help them grow up right. Talking back, talking weird, bullying, throwing fits... you have to nip it all in the bud at the start. You have to be vigilant, even if it seems like you are being mean and carping at the kids. It is hard work, but it is our responsibility as parents, as care-takers, as grown-ups, as responsible humans, to make an effort to help the next generation. Whew. You get my point. Let me just step down off my soap box and say --

enjoy (the kids in your life!)

Out of Town!

2009-08-08T09:26:00.002-05:00

Well, I have been busy googling and printing maps and other things to do!! My mom is coming and going with the kids and I to St. Louis for a long weekend. I think we're going to do Turtle Park, the Zoo, and the Science Center.

I don't have a laptop, so we'll be without internet... I'll be back sometime on Monday, so expect a new pretty post Monday or Tuesday!!

enjoy your weekend!

Finally Friday!

2009-08-07T09:51:00.002-05:00

Wahooooooooo!

This card is another non-challenge-y card. Tomorrow I think I'm going to post Chloe's version of this card.

Deets!

I used a pti brown for the background/base. Then I used a piece of bazzill in a tan/beige-y color. I put it through the cuttlebug with the swirls, then I used my brown ink for that. I took a shade of brown that was in between the light and dark browns and cut out a scalloped rectangle. I was going to use it to mat the image, but then I decided to use the negative and do a double mat in pink. The pink flowers are actually from the dollar bin at Michaels - they're like ribbon flowers. It is very cool. I trimmed them down to exactly the length I wanted then put them through the little Xyron. I wanted something between the image and the flowery border, but i didn't want a sideways sentiment. I decided to just trim off three individual flowers and then did a dewdrop. I colored lil miss anya with copics then added some stickles (cotton candy and iridescent) for the headband, hairtyes, purse, boots, etc.

enjoy!!!!!!!!

Lindsay's Stamp Stuff!!

2009-08-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

As you know, I'm a guest on the design team for Lindsay's Stamp Stuff! This is my first creation using one of her spectacular digital designs as a GDT!

Go HERE to find this very stamptacular digital stamp! It is called Primative Bird and Flower.

The patterned papers are from We R Memory Keepers, and the red is from papertrey. Flowers are primas, buttons from the stash, ribbon from the dollaaaaaaa bin at Michael's. Colored with copics... sentiment stamp is a See-D's. I did a fun effect on one of the patterned papers that you might want some details on. The paper was just polka dots, but I love paisleys (which is why I love this stamp - it brings paisley in subtly with that leaf) so I ran the polka dot paper through the cuttlebug with my paisley embossing folder. I did it backwards so that the paisleys were the "debossed" part. Then I took a black ink pad and patted it all over so that the paisley shapes would show through un-inked. I hope that makes sense... I just think it is cool sometimes to use the embossing folders backwards and ink the result. It sounds kind of funny, but it looks fun and you should go try it. However, don't try it yet - you have a few things more to check out today...

Now, let me tell you some VERY important details about Lindsay's Stamp Stuff!

1. you can go HERE to shop at her store.

2. please go HERE to check out her super awesome blog.

3. take special note that she is running a SPECIAL on stamps -- for every $5 you spend, you get a digi-stamp for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

4. go hopping to all the DT members blogs and at one you will find a FREE digi-stamp. (I hope I got them all!) Melissa Janet Kim Lisa Margie Katt Tracey Tamara Rowena Olena Melissa Leanne

5. I heard a lovely rumor that some of Lindsay's awesome designs are being put out in real live rubber... stay tuned to her BLOG for details!!

I believe that is all... I sure hope I got everything. I am so excited to be a part of Lindsay's team, even if it is only as a guest - her stuff is super duper!!!!!!!!!!

enjoy... too bad Thursday night tv is all re-runs still :(

Again with thanks

2009-08-05T07:58:00.000-05:00

Seriously... I haven't even posted all the thank-you cards I've made, and I am *STILL* not done! Here's a lovely pink one that I totally dig : D

Image is from The Greeting Farm
Papers from The Angel Company
Ribbon - yes, of course it was from the dollar bin at Michael's.
Coloring - Copics
And the adorable little purse tag with the silvery sentiment - a WONDERFUL AWESOME birthday present from my girl LOU! I have no idea where it came from other than I assume she bought it in England someplace since that is where she's from. I just wish you could see it in person or I was a better photographer. It's this shimmery pearly white not quite chipboard with this awesome silver foil type writing. LOVE IT!

enjoy another day in this lovely life

TCP... Tuesday ...

2009-08-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

I always love the TCP tuesday challenges, but the fact that they float from place to place just seems to frazzle me. I never remember to find the challenge, and when I usually do hunt it down, I forget to participate. So... my littlel shout out to the folks at TCP. I love the stamps, love the challenges, hate the floaty part :D

The papers are from My Mind's Eye. Prima flowers, copics, rhinestones, ribbon... I inked the edges with my fave colorbox fluid chalk - Chesnut Roan.

Really, not too many details on this one...

Oh, you can go shopping over at TCP!!

ENJOY!!!!!!!!!! Oh, you should also fix tacos for dinner. Because Taco Tuesday sounds yummy.

(ps - stop by on THURSDAY)

Infinite thanks...

2009-08-03T08:07:00.002-05:00

I feel like thank you cards are just pouring out of my fingers lately...

But that is probably a very good thing! I think I counted that I needed TWENTY thank-you cards for all the birthday things... althought that might be even more. I've been doing terrible keeping up with challenges lately, so I decided to just use my own sketchies this week for the most part. (also, make sure that you come visit on THURSDAY - I will have a special special post that day)

This card was made with a stamp from The Greeting Farm (one of the original Miss Anyas). The pretty papers are from My Mind's Eye, and the background blueish paper is from Papertrey. Those pretty blingy flowers on the bottom are actually from another sheet of paper out of the same pack ... I just did a silhouette cut on the flowers and put them in the corner. I colored the little Miss with copics.

I believe that is all.... enjoy your week!!

Another THANK YOU!

2009-07-30T12:18:00.002-05:00

To everyone who came to my birthday party, for everyone who sent me birthday love, etc.

Of course, I don't know why my photographs seem so dark all of a sudden. I need to sit down and spend some time with my camera, but lately, I'm lucky if I can spend 30 minutes putting together a card - there is just no way to dig time out to play with my camera.

I made this card using the MOJO sketch this week.

Papers are from TAC.

Stamp is a Sally-Ann Hancock design (I'd link her shop, but for the life of me - I just can't think of the name today... it is a digi shop though... google her name and digi stamps).

Colored with copics, with (of course) some BLINGZ on the WINGZ! I also used some copic spicas on the crown and the fairy wand.

Today is the day... I'm the big 30!!!!!!!!

Whoopsie!

2009-07-28T08:01:00.000-05:00

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO POST AT 8 AM. DURN THAT STINKING BLOGGER SOMETIMES!

Sometimes I am such a dingbat!! I even contacted the people at this challenge blog to make sure I got the card in on time and I STILL missed it.

You can go find this cooooooooool challenge blog HERE. I loved the cute simple sketch and wanted to participate (I also was digging on the prize) but I made the card and then forgot to photograph or post it until nearly 3 days after it was due.

They had a sketch and a color request. Hey, guess what color they wanted... teehee.

I went super simple, but I really liked the way this card turned out. Chloe (my 3 year old daughter) helped to pick the ribbon out. According to her, it is my 'very prettiest' purple ribbon. She got very worried when I took the purple ink to the oval cut image, but she liked it almost as much as I did when I finished. We added the purple dew drops, I colored with copics... the end! Oh, that pretty purple background paper is from DCWV latte mat stack.

ENJOY!!!

NEW STAMP!

2009-07-27T07:50:00.000-05:00

Hmm... there really isn't a whole lot better than new stamps... maybe a new laptop - but that will not be happening until MAYBE Christmas. Maybe. So, until then, stamps it is!

Lisa let me order with her and I got this GORGEOUS new Whiff of Joy stamp. (Go shop here.) I had to participate in the WOJ challenge this week. Check the challenge blog HERE.

It was another awesome sketch from Donalda this week. Also, there is a possibility for winning a spot as a GUEST DESIGNER on this team. Would that be THE COOLEST or what? !

I used papers from DCWV sweets stack. I cut out my sweet new image with a nestie, then since I used the largest nestie, I used a mocha SHIMMERZ to paint some sparkly love around the edge of the image for a fake mat. I inked the edge of the crazy patterned paper to set it apart. I used a fat green ribbon that I scavenged off of a cloth bag that came as "gift wrapping" on a Christmas gift last year. It is so fun to scavenge wonderful beautiful and oh so useful stuff! Flowers are primas, buttons are from American Craft, I used a little floss/embroidery thread to tie off the buttons. And the sweet sweet girl is colored with copics.

I believe those are all the pertinent details. As for me, I'm making a new resolution to get back into my crafting. I've had a slump for the past few weeks where I didn't make something every day and I just didn't feel right. I made a few things this weekend and I also did some reorganization of the goodies... I feel so much better when I make stuff every day -- so I guess it is my birthday resolution not to get discouraged and slack off.

ENJOY!

Funky Square Frame

2009-07-23T07:57:00.000-05:00

Another Funky Fairy Frame!

I made this one using paper from the "In with the Old" kit. You can find it on the Funky Fairy site. Go shop after you finish reading my post and leaving me a compliment ... ahem ... I mean comment.

I started with a naked wood frame and sprayed it all over with walnut ink. I don't worry about getting it perfect, the stain spreads and mellows as it dries. I rubbed it down with a paper towel to get any big drips and allowed it to dry.

I ran my piece of paper through my Xyron to get it all sticky, then used a craft knife to trim the edges out. Then I used an emory board to smooth out the edges (inside and out) to soften the look a little. Then I used coordinating prima flowers and some little buttons I had in my stash. I thought the ribbon with the swirls and the blue flowers accented well. I ran the ribbons through the little X xyron (it's such an easy way to stick ribbon down!) and tied the knots on.

The longest part of this is waiting for the walnut ink to dry, a wonderful quick project that will make a great gift, or hopefully sell for a few $$ at a craft show.

ENJOY!!

Another Thanks!

2009-07-22T13:22:00.002-05:00

I wanted to make another thank-you to help with my huge stck of thankyou's that I've got to get together and get mailed out.

So, I happily flipped through all the lovely images in the new Funky Fairy kit "Little bit of Happy" ... you can go shopping at the Funky Fairy right HERE, right NOW!! This kit is awesome... rainbows and birdies and a cute little cottage-y house - oh and some cute funky flowers too! The papers are all different, different patterns, different colors. The kit also comes with digi-images, and some cool digi-shapes like this green one too.

I did a silhouette cut on the shape and added a sentiment. Then I used some of the Shimmerz- glittery paint stuff to put little dots around the edge for a little shiny decoration. I also added some primas and some rhinestones.

The card it totally on the simple side - but I think that's the good thing about the FF kits. You can keep it simple, print the stuff, trim some stuff, and glue it down. It is fast and fun and has awesome results!!

Enjoy your hump day... :D

THANKS!

2009-07-21T12:49:00.002-05:00

Well, I had a GREAT weekend... and now I need to make about a million thank you cards.

Last weekend I thought we were going to my mom's for a nice low key birthday for me. Even though my birthday isn't actually until the 30th, it was the only weekend mom had free. We were supposed to do some shopping and some eating and chill. Well, I show up and my sister and her family had flown in. I got up Saturday morning and my dad took me in for a full body hour massage. I took a shower and did my hair and came out to the whole house decorated and set to have a huge party! Lots of people showed up and those who couldn't come sent cards and some even sent presents! Mom and Dad got me a Wii, Angie & Tim got me a Wii Fit, and I got gift cards and money, a beautiful jewelry box, a cool photo album, and flowers and it was just overwhelmingly awesome. So... the next week or two will be filled with Thank you cards!

This one was made using a sketch from a new challenge blog. Check it out HERE. Way fun sketch this week. I used papers from My Minds Eye, the stamp is Chloe Fairy from the Greeting Farm, colored with copics and some BLINGZ for the wings. I used a prima and a rhinestone for the flower embie.

Hope you have a very enjoyable day!

Stampavie DT

2009-07-17T08:18:00.002-05:00

I looooooooooooooooooove. Stampavie stamps, but sadly, I only have a few. This is probably my favorite, and only partially because my little girl's name is Chloe and this stamp is called "Chloe's first kiss."

I saw the mojo sketch this week and I really can't remember all of it, but I liked the three skinny panels in the back - so I stole them for this card. I cut the image with a nestie and since I had to use the largest one and couldn't mat it easily, I used some shimmery BLINGZ to coat the little debossed edge to give it a faux mat. I matted the Creative Memories papers with the black from paper trey. I used primas, dewdrops, and a button that I tied off with shiny silver string. I colored with copics. And because I didn't want the sentiment to stand out too much, it just went right on the background instead of being offset on white or anything else.

This is my attempt to be a DT for stampavie. I probably don't have a snowbally chance, but I HAD HAD to try. Go check out the details on the call HERE.

Wish me luck and enjoy your weekend. I will be at my folks' to celebrate my birthday this weekend, so I probably won't post again until Monday. (We've had company this week so I didn't have time to work ahead and schedule posts.)

Funky Cube!

2009-07-16T07:45:00.000-05:00

I made a FUNKY CUBE!!

For photo purposes, I used a picture I took of myself with the kids (timers on cameras, seriously, awesome invention). I was taking pictures of the kids to give as mother's day presents for the grandma's, and thought I'd snap one of me with my munchkins while we were at it.

Anyhow - details on the cube. First of all, this was made exclusively with papers from FUNKY FAIRY (go shop). I used papers from the "In with the Old" kit. I went with four of the plainer designs from the kit. A dark leathery brown, a light tweedy brown, a bright light pink, and a nice medium sky blue. I used my XYRON to adhesive the 5 squares, attached them to the cube (used a craft knife to trim the edges) then I inked the edges of the cube too.

I wanted to put some cute sayings around the cube and figured my Cricut would be a good choice. I used Sweet and Love from the All Mixed up cartridge, and the Trouble was from the Indie Art cartridge. I used the cricut markers to ink the edges, then went back and cut everything out. On the last side, I used some punches to accent - heart, star, and a flower in the same papers. Inked the edges and put some on pop dots for a little fun dimension.

You can see this and some of my other creations in the inspirations section on the Funky Fairy site. Refer to the link above, go shop, and while you're there - look around. There are tons of awesome creations by the Design Team to check out, plus all the fun kits, and a link to the "inspiration blog" where you can find some freebie downloads, a link to the Design Team's blogs, and much more.

enjoy!

When Pigs Fly

2009-07-15T07:49:00.002-05:00

What a happy phrase.

The inside says, "And you're mine."

Challenges:

Truly Scrumptious - sketch

Wacky Wednesday - use purple, pink, green!

I used plain old papertrey papers. I used a Rubbernecker stamp. I colored with copics, and used some BLINGZ on the wings and wispy clouds. I actually printed the sentiment on my label maker. Primas and some rhinestones, ribbon from the stash.

Enjoy your WEDNESDAY!

Thank YOU

2009-07-14T07:52:00.002-05:00

Thank you to Katharina for looking for a GUEST DESIGNER!

Read about it on the WOJ blog - HERE - you had to follow a sketch. Of course, I'm not apparently AWAKE and this was ACTUALLY due by July 8. So now it is just pretty.

The color combo was inspired by the copics colour challenge. They gave us YG03, B45, Y28 -- I used the green for her shirt, the blue for the jeans, and the "lionet gold" for her HAIR! I also used RV21 for the cheeks and the hearts on her shirt, and E00 for the skin. I added some BLINGZ for the wings and jewelry - plus I added some blings to the sentiment tag.

The primas and dewdrops were just circles on the sketch, but I thought the flowers would be good.

enjoy

Funky Fairy Hope Collection Journals

2009-07-13T07:55:00.001-05:00

I said it before and I'll say it again... I love making journals!

They don't take me too awful long, and it is often really fun for me to think that I'm making something that someone will truly use. I often cringe to think that I've spent HOW LONG? making a card for someone and they're just going to stick it in a box or chuck it in the trash. However, with a journal - someone is going to have their hands on it regularly. If not every day, then close. Maybe even more than once a day. They'll look at it and it will hold all sorts of deep and lovely thoughts. Or maybe they'll fill it with jokes. Ooooh, or maybe songs or poems.

Plus, you can decorate journals all the way - or keep them simple. It is just so fun! Also I love playing with fun fibers and I always put a fun fiber (or maybe a ribbon) in as a bookmark with a fun charm on there.

Enjoy enjoy!

Flowery Frame

2009-07-12T11:51:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone! Happy rainy Sunday. (FYI - this post was scheduled to appear at 8am sunday morning... but blogger hates me lately and I just realized it didn't roll at 10pm. lovely.)

I started this frame some time ago, but couldn't decide quite how to finish it. Finally, I thought of this adorable ribbonyfibery stuff that the lovely LOU sent me. So I added a strip of it, then a big pretty prima with a button. In the button I tied a bit of gold thread, then separated out the pieces to make it a floofy bow. It holds a 4x6 photo and the entire frame is made of MDF, it is about 8x10. Easy peasy. I've also made a couple other things, but I can't post them here yet, they're for the FUNKY FAIRY (hey, go shopping) and I can't post them here until she signs off and posts them there.

enjoy!

GUEST DESIGNER!

2009-07-11T13:03:00.002-05:00

YAYAYAYAYAYAY!!

I just got the email! I was chosen to be a guest DT for an AMAZING company. They are so versatile and amazing! The store has gobs and gobs of awesome scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies. They also have an awe-inspiring blog filled with amazing and beautiful things. And just think, soon, my stuff might be on there too. I'm so excited my hands are shaking a little bit. I need to go calm down and then I'll make some pretty stuff to post on here. Wahooooo! Oh, it's for the Die Cut Diva -- Check out THIS blog. And do NOT forget, please pretty please, go check out THIS online store! And, check back tomorrow for pretty stuff. I've got some Funky Fairy stuff to make today, and I won't be able to post it here immediately, but I'm also working on some other things that will make it here ASAP!

I don't know all the details of the GDT stuff yet, but dude, I am ready to go do cartwheels. I think maybe this will be one of my best birthday presents!!

enjoy your weekend!!!!

Hello!

2009-07-10T08:49:00.003-05:00

I think Hello Kitty stuff is pretty cute -- when I saw this challenge I had to play!

You can find the PaperMakeupStamps blog HERE. I'm not sure whether they require the PMS stamp... but this is the only PMS stamp I have - so I used it!! She's so cute I was happy to get to use it again. I used papertrey papers, then used some green ricrac and primas and dewdrops. They gave us the following image to use for inspiration. Of course, I colored her with copics and used some blingz for the wings, and some flock for the dandelion.

enjoy the start of your weekend!!!

For YOU!

2009-07-09T08:14:00.002-05:00

I'm still reserving judgement on my own card. The bright lemon yellow ... I just can't decide.

I was inspired by THREE challenges:

1 - HERE - colors, Grassy green, Apple Green, Sunflower Yellow, Lemon, and White

I wasn't sure about the bright lemony yellow paper. I tried to hide it behind the other stuff... but I just am not liking it. I also used the paler yellow (which I embossed in the cuttlebug). I went over the embossed bits with a copic marker to show them off a little. I put the paler green as a mat on my image.

2 - HERE - brunette hair - copics!

copics used: E00, E31, E57, E71, Y11, Y21, RV21, G21, G94

3 - HERE - MOJO Sketch

I followed pretty closely, though I did give it a turn sideways. I added a bow instead of the little round label...

Stamp is Tilda with a cowberry muffin (from Magnolia)

Papers are from PaperTrey

Copics

I think I might go home after work today and dismantle this one and replace the bright yellow paper with something else... I did really like the grassy look that came out with the embossing and inking with the copics - kind of grassy and fun looking.

enjoy your Thursday... I like Thursdays better when there is good TV to look forward to. How much longer until our shows come back?

Funky Recipes!

2009-07-08T08:12:00.002-05:00

I love to make altered things with the "retro" type tin lunchboxes!

When I got this new set from THE FUNKY FAIRY --- I just *HAD* to make a recipe box with it. I chose a lovely yellow with the cute little sprinkled cupcakes on it. I used a craft knife and cut a

wavy line along the top. I put the paper through my XYRON and popped it all the way around the tin. This *AWESOME* set comes with so much different stuff, I just couldn't use it all. I did print out two of the same digi-images that come with the kit. I printed them in different sizes (and I actually printed them without the sprinkles) then I used the YUM stamp on them. I put some stickles on the icing to make it look sparkly and yummy - then I colored the cherry and the paper with my copics. Next I printed out letters from the alphabet set that ALSO comes with this set. I don't have a punch the size I needed, so I hand cut each letter (like I hand cut the cupcakes) and then attached them along the top. I sorted through the ribbon stash and found some cute ribbons to tie on the handle.

Oh, I almost forgot. Since this is digital paper - I can only print it at 8.5X11, which is not enough to go all the way around the tin. I had to cut two strips that were tall enough out of one 8.5x11 sheet, then line them up and cut the wavy line. To cover up the seams, I printed out some of the pre-colored images that were included with this set and then silhouette cut them. I did an overlap stack to hide the seams.

Inside -- I shrunk down more of the little cupcakes and since they're so awesomely digital - I added little titles inside the cupcakes (appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, desserts, other) and then put the cupcakes on cards to make dividers.

Hmmm... I think that's all the important parts. Go shopping at the Funky Fairy - I put the link above. She's got tons of awesome new stuff up, and she's going to be featured in some magazines any day now!

~enjoy ... well I'm too tired to think what you should enjoy, but daggumit, enjoy something!

Sketchabella!

2009-07-07T07:52:00.002-05:00

I love bella stamps, and the new Ketto line is too adorable for words.

I loved the bella sketch this week and was so glad I remembered to look it up so I could participate. I used papers from My Minds Eye, and of course, Agnes Ketto from stamping bella. I used pti papers for the mats, and the sentiment. I used blingz (fairy dust) on the wings, and raspberry shimmerz on the little hair flowers. I added the little blingy flowers on the sentiment for a little more pizazz.

Check out the bella blog HERE!

~enjoy~

Funky Cupcakes!

2009-07-06T07:09:00.004-05:00

I had to make something to show off the AWESOME new set of goodies from the Funky Fairy~!

I made this card pretty quick. I love brown... it matches everything. I used the brown background paper that has all sorts of fun cupcake sayings - all in different fonts. It is in TONS of different colors and it just prints out SO NICELY. This huge kit, also has coordinating colored papers with cupcakes on them. I used a brown with cupcakes on it to mat the sentiment - which ALSO comes with this kit. I also cut out one of the little digi-images that comes with this set (then I colored it with copics and added some puffy paint for icing). I matted it with this cute blue paper that has these cool swirlies all over it. I should have used maybe a fatter mat so you could see the designs on it better. I did some distressing and some inking... All in all though, with the way these kits coordinate - the cards just flow together so easy.

Seriously, this kit is killer --- there are lots and lots of different images, sentiments, an alphabet, like a kajillion different papers... go buy it at the Funky Fairy Shop!!!! (GO NOW~! RUN!!!)

I'm going to make an effort to check out some of my favorite blogs today and look for some challenges to inspire me and bring me some mojo!!

~enjoy~ (pretty please)

Twirls of Thanks

2009-07-04T10:46:00.002-05:00

And really, today is a day to twirl with thanks!

First, I have to give thanks for the day we celebrate today. Thanks to all the people who have worked to make the United States of America be just exactly that. The military, the great thinkers, the little people... not that we haven't (and aren't) experiencing some difficult times, but we just keep going.

Second, I want to give thanks to the gals at Clear Dollar Stamps! They were running a contest a while back and somehow my entry ended up in their spam folder... so they sent me an ADORABLE new stamp set to make me feel better. This was really awesome of them. They could have just not told me and I've have never known. I'm also really excited because the stamp set is so darn cute.

Anyhow... papers from me & my big ideas (and some bazzill I had in the ole stash). Ribbon from the dolla bin (holla!). I used my new nestie set, and copics. Also used my copic spica pens to add some sparklies. The bigger flower is a Flora Doodle that my mom bought me. (I also give thanks for people who help support my crafting habit.) The two smaller creamy flowers are from the prima stash, and the little red centers were sent to me by my lovely UK friend Lou!

Enjoy your holiday!

Summer Lovin'

2009-07-02T07:53:00.002-05:00

Happened so fa-ahst. (I know you're addicted to my random singing.)

Anyhow... this card was inspired by 2 things. One, a MOJO sketch because girls - I need me some mojo. I've been having some hard days at work, and home has been just kind of bleh. I'm out of sorts and I haven't been as busy making stuff as usual... I am in a funk! So, I was glad to see another challenge that caught my eye -- a theme one -- SUMMER! I thought the colors were great for summer, plus, when I think of summer, I think of flowers (and veggies) blooming and growing and smelling all great. (Too bad I am afraid of the smelly cards............)

Ahem. Back to the point. Colored with copics, image from Whiff of Joy, papers from the lovely Making Memories, adorned with primas, ribbon (you know where I got it - the dollar bin at Michaels... 'duh' as Chloe would say), some dewdrops, and some nice fuzzy flowersoft.

Challenges - MOJO MONDAY (WEEK 93) and CUPCAKE CRAFT CHALLENGES (#46)

Enjoy your day. I'm just so glad that today is my last work day this week. I need the weekend.

Hump Day

2009-07-01T08:31:00.003-05:00

Last night I didn't get around to putting together anything new. I was busy putting together a set of gifts for a friend to give a friend.

I started with this card organizer!

The present is for a young girl who is a crafty girl. I thought she would appreciate this!! I went through and put a couple cards in each section for her. Then I went through and cut some strips off of a bunch of different ribbons. I pulled out some different flowers. I added 10 blank cards and 10 blank envelopes. Then I sorted through a bunch of scraps and cut them into different sizes. Finally, I sorted through my stamped images and pulled out a bunch of different ones.

I also put in one of my handmade journals and a cute little picture frame to round the present out.

Hopefully I will find time tonight to get something new made :D

~enjoy~

Funky Frame!

2009-06-30T07:56:00.003-05:00

Please take an extra second to click on this picture and see it a little closer up!

I had such a good time with this project!! I used two of the "volume" kits from the Funky Fairy - go go go shopping right HERE. I used papers from the Gorjuss Grids and the Dainty Dots collections. These two collections are HUGE! They are in EVERY color of the rainbow!! Also, on the dots collection - the dots are in black AND white on every color.

I printed out the papers in small bits and then trimmed out 2 inch squares. I used a small amount of adhesive and attached them to a piece of white cardstock so they wouldn't wiggle a whole lot. Then I put the whole thing through the sewing machine to put a fun spin on it and bring it all together, etc. I used some graduating flower punches and a dewdrop to adorn each corner. I used a fun wooly fiber to outline (inline?) the inside of the heart. This was partially to hold all the uneven bits and edges where I trimmed the heart out, and partially just to separate your photo from the frame. I tried to choose some neutral fun colors (red, orange, yellow, green) that would work with boys or girls ... big kids or little kids ...

ENJOY!!

Thanks Berry Much

2009-06-29T07:48:00.001-05:00

Yay! I remembered to participate in the House Mouse challenge this week!

You can find their challenge blog HERE. This week they gave us a sketch to work with. I followed it pretty closely. I used this cute strawberry paper from my stash, and the cardstocks are from pti. I colored with copics, the sentiment stamp is also from House Mouse. I added the dewdrops and poof. Done. Oh, I also used my white gel pen to put some definition in the leaves.

I think that's all...

Enjoy your day, even if it is Monday.

Good luck!

2009-06-28T09:39:00.003-05:00

I love the Stampavie images, but I often forget I have them - so I made a point to check out the Stampavie challenge this week.

Challenge 1 - blog is HERE - Flowers! (stampavie)

Challenge 2 - blog is HERE - Hidden bug!

Challenge 3 - blog is HERE - copic challenge

I didn't choose a sketch to work from, so I did this on my own. (which is probably why it is a little boring) I wanted to use cardstock - from pti - that matched the colors from the copic colour challenge. They wanted us to use BV00, G00, RV02. I used those colors on the little girl's clothes. I also used RV21 and E00 for her skin, E31 and E33 for hair, and G21 G28 and G05 for the clovers and grass.

I used a Martha Stewart punch on the purple, and nesties on the image and the pink cardstock. I added the prima flowers and some American Crafts buttons for the flowers part. The hidden bugs, I chose to stamp a couple little butterflies on the blue cardstock, then I used "pixie dust" Blingz to sparkle them up a little, then I "hid" them behind the image.

enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Miss you

2009-06-25T07:00:00.003-05:00

Bunches and lots.

Inspiration...

HERE - sketch

HERE - use an animal

I stayed pretty close to the sketch (just switched the bow and the little sentiment thing... )

I used MM papers.

I colored with copics.

The stamp is from Penny Black.

I'm not really chatty today...

Cuppy Birthday!

2009-06-24T07:54:00.001-05:00

Or at least Cuppy is telling someone to have a happy birthday!

On a personal note, I've been thinking about my birthday a lot this year. It isn't until July 30, but man... turning 30 ... I'm trying to decide if I feel old. But I don't want to think about it tonight, I want to think about this lil card!

INSPIRATION!!
Challenge 1 - find the blog HERE - sketch (I love these sketches! I love how simple they are. You can doll them up as much as you want, but they're so simple and lovely that you can follow exactly and still have a super cute card. If you don't participate - you should. I also won one of their challenges once, which is how I got this stamped image - in my lovely goody bag!)

Challenge 2 - find the blog HERE - inspiration. How fun! I love the big cupcake platters. I'm not a huge eater of cupcakes (personal preference sweetwise... straight sugar - like taffy or licorice ... or straight chocolate - like dove) but I LOVE cupcakey cards and crafts and other fun stuff. Anyhow, I used the cupcakes as inspiration in my image and in my lovely DCWV papers, also used the colors for inspiration... the red, the blues, the white. I couldn't decide at first whether to use some puffy paint (I know that is not what it is being called nowadays, but that's what it is in my head) for white fluffy icing ~or~ if I should go sparkley with the stickles... I decided since the background was white that I didn't need any more so I went sparkly.

ENJOY (something sweet today, calorie free Wednesday - cuz I said so)

Diecuts and Digi Stamps and Shimmerz, OH MY!

2009-06-23T07:55:00.002-05:00

If you haven't seen The Wizard of Oz (a hundred or more times) that wouldn't make much sense to you ... you'd also think I was nuts if you heard me singing it as I type this...

Ahem. Let's get to the important stuff...

Challenge 1 is HERE on this blog - a sketch. Followed it almost to the 't' ... My sentiment si a little bigger as I wanted to use a die cut to help me try out for a design team (but more details on that later!).

Challenge 2 is HERE on this blog - use diamonds and gems and bling, oh my! Sorry. Nope, you didn't hear me singing THAT either... Also, you had to use a pollycraft image. I didn't use any actual rhinestones or anything, but I brought out the shimmerz and dressed this girl UP! I'm afraid my photo doesn't give it justice. One way and the shine was so bright that it almost made a glare and you couldn't see the color... too far turned and it was dull looking. Let me just tell you - in person this is wonderfully sparkly! Her clothes and ballon and hairtyes, oh my! (darn it, what is my problem?) are all shimmerzd out. I did her face and hair and the grass oh my! (arghhhhh) with my copics. The papers are from a gorgeous DejaVus stack that my friend LISA gave me. I also used some heart brads from my lovely friend LOU.

For my own spin, I inked everything messily. I love inking and it suited me today. I thought it also worked to give it that separation and distinction without bothering to have to double mat everything.

I think that's all the important parts (and hey, you should go rent the Wizard of Oz.)

~enjoy~

Just for FUN!

2009-06-22T07:40:00.000-05:00

It doesn't happen too often that I get so excited I feel required, compelled, obligated, desperate to make something with a new acquisition...

It happened yesterday! I got home from the weekend at my parents' and checked the mail. I had a wonderful wonderful package of goodies from my friend in England, LOU! It was really neat to see the different kinds of embellishments she'd sent. Some I've never seen before - so much fun. Also, even though I'm a team member for Funky Fairy - I didn't know there were any actual "rubber" (polymer in this case) stamps! Well, now I know and I could NOT have been more excited.

So, after I got unpacked and the kids settled and the laundry moved around and dinner finished and the kids bathed and in bed... I decided to make a 1 layer card with one of the amazing stamp sets I got. Go shop at the FUNKY FAIRY now and see what kind of awesome goodies I get to work with on their DT.

Anyhow... I masked the inside square and inked around the edges. Then I stamped the car, then I drew in the road with a black pen. I colored the car and grass and road with copics. Then I used some BLINGZ to the flower centers, and a silver gel pen to get that chrome-y look. I used some colorbox fluid chalk pads to sponge the sky and the sun. Then stamped on my sentiment over the top.

Badabing! A cute cute 1 layer card with a fun new goodie!

Enjoy, in SPITE of the fact that it's another Monday (after all, we have them regularly - we should get used to it!)

A funny name

2009-06-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

PMS... it stands for lots of things - the important one in THIS instance is Paper Makeup Stamps.

And that was one of the challenges I was working toward with this card. You can find their challenge blog HERE (there's a link to their shop on there). This week it was a color challenge - yellow, aqua, chocolate and white/cream. I used a sort of pale aqua from my new My Minds Eye paper stack, along with a creamy and brown flowered background paper. I used the yellow for the shirt and .. are those legwarmers? on Kirsten (spelling?) the PMS fairy. I also used som blingz to paint and sparkle up the wings, and some flocking on the dandelion.

** personal story not pertaining to challenges or card details ** I bought this stamp because I really loved to blow these puppies when I was a kid. It was always a game with me. Wishing on them and if I didn't blow off every puff in one breath my wish wouldn't come true... that was the main game I played, but there were all sorts of other fairy tales born for me with these silly and annoying plants. My dad HATED dandelions and could regularly be found scouring the yard with his pocket knife and a bucket. He'd dig up all the ones he found and bag them so they wouldn't spread. Made me sad to lose my games, but, I was glad of it after I fell in one that had gone to thorns!!

Back to the card! The sketch came from THIS new challenge blog. I'm not positive if this is the first one of their challenges I've done or not. I tried out for their DT, but I wasn't selected. I've also been crazy busy lately and not had as much challenge hunting/participating as usual. I flipped the sketch. It worked better with the gorgeous (my minds eye) paper I was using. It had that gorgeous dragonfly glittered right on. I trimmed around it with a craft knife so my image wouldn't cover it up, and the partial circle shape wouldn't trim off any of those awesome wings. I didn't want the image to be any bigger, so instead of matting it I used a creamy brown colorbox fluid chalk to ink the edges. I colored the little fairy girl with my copics (and the texture stuff I talked about earlier).

I think that's the deets on this one. It might make a good father's day card :D

enjoy your friday... I will!

Original Birthday

2009-06-18T07:51:00.000-05:00

I wanted to participate in House Mouse Challenge again, what a fun one!

You can check out the HM challenge blog HERE. This challenge was "Neopolitan" - as in ice cream - as in pink, cream/white, and brown.

I recently acquired this cute sandylion paper from LISA. (Thanks dude!) and Thought it was totally fitting. I also thought all the fun printing was great for birthday, celebration of an individual, etc. Plus this little bunny decided that the cake was all for himself/herself... too cute.

I decorated with cottoncandy stickles, and frosted lace stickles, and copics. Also some cute argyle-ish ribbon from Michael's.

enjoy (even though there's no new shows on Thursday night TV)

Spoonful of Hanna

2009-06-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

I felt like I should make another card for the Hanna Guest DT spot, and I really loved this sketch, so why not combine (as I love doing that...)

So, go HERE to check out the Hanna guest dt details!

Go HERE to check out the sketch!

I used papers from My Minds Eye. Stamp was in a RAK and is Hanna. I used primas, some brown paper from PTi, some cool clear ribbon I found in a LSS in Florida, oh, and some rhinestones.

This card came together pretty well for me, except I couldn't figure out what or where for the sentiment. The placement of the sentiment on the original sketch didn't work for me (I squirrelled it around a little bit) and I thought about stamping a small sentiment in the top right bit of the image... but I couldn't think what. So, I just left it blank. I figure if I need to send this to someone, I'll know what sentiment to stamp on the front, or I'll just write what I need on the inside.

please enjoy!

Guest DT & Challenges

2009-06-16T08:09:00.001-05:00

Well, I have been feeling weird not frantically making cards for the last week or so. Last night it felt so good to put this baby together!

I heard about the GUEST DESIGNER openings for Hanna Stamps from my friend MARY and really wanted to try out. Luckily, I received a RAK in the mail with some adorable Hannas!

Please go HERE to read about the Guest DT call.

Please go HERE to check out the sketch I used for this card.

Please go HERE to check out my theme inspiration for this card.

I would LOVE to be on the team at Hanna Stamps and I wanted to make a super duper awesome card, but I am of the firm belief that when you are trying to showcase a product - you should really showcase that product. I put this card together with that in mind. I used some awesome paper from The Angel Company (along with some green cardstock for the mats). I used copics to color my image, and also used some pixie dust Blingz to go over Hanna's swimsuit, eyelashes, and I also gave her a little belly button jewel. The blingz made it so shiny that you can't really see the lovely dark green swimsuit she's got. I wanted it sparkly, but the light in the lightbox just sparkled her to the max.

Oh, I should also add... my hubby is big and dark haired (maybe not quite so ... ripped ... ) and I'm a redhead. I thought my coloring would be appropriate.

Oh, on the inside it says, "To My Big Stud"...

enjoy your day and wish me luck :D

Oh my...

2009-06-15T10:22:00.003-05:00

Baby is all growed up!

Sorry I haven't posted much the last couple days... We've been getting ready for Cameron to start school. I wanted to take pictures of him getting on the bus for the first time, but it was pouring down rain this morning.

I went to his babysitter's house this morning to hang out so I could take pictures of Cameron getting on the bus his first day of school. We were standing at the back door - looking at the corner where the bus was supposed to pick him up. The bus comes into view... and doesn't stop. Cameron goes running and the bus doesn't even seem to be slowing down! So, I run out into the run following Cameron - splashing through the rain... finally the bus stopped. Cameron just climbed right up the steps. Didn't even hardly say good-bye or anything... just climbed right up on the bus and then the bus took off. I really wanted to say something to the bus driver, but I didn't know what to say - plus, I didn't want to embarrass Cameron in front of the other kids.

I am hoping that everything is going well today, but I'm dying to know how everything is going. I also want to ask for the teacher's email address so that I can talk to her about Cameron, BUT I don't want to seem like a crazy/creepy/annoying mama.

So... that's my story! I promise to get back to work and have some fun pretties for you tomorrow!

enjoy your monday

Layout

2009-06-14T08:14:00.002-05:00

As promised, here is the layout I finished last night at the crop.

I know my photograph isn't spectacular, but I thought the layout turned out pretty cute in person :D I used the stripes, the flowers, I actually decided to go with a different rub-on for the title when I actually started sticking stuff down. I also did the bottom a little differently than the sketch originally outlined.

Another of my pages from the crop - the original sketch had the photo situated on the right side of the page, but my background paper had some words printed on it that I wanted to be visible (and a little bit highlighted) so I flipped that sketch.

Doing the prep work before a crop is very helpful, but it isn't always perfect. You might still have to take things on the fly, but it is so easy and helpful. (Another good part of it - you can do it in bits and pieces when you want to do something creative, but don't want to actually scrapbook or make a card or something.)

Have a wonderful rest of your sunday!

Power Layout!

2009-06-13T12:31:00.002-05:00

Something a little different today my friends! I'm going to a crop tonight - and I like to be prepared. I don't want to get there and not have the right paper, or not have the right embellishment or tool or glue. So, first, I pick/print out the pictures I want to get done. This month, I'm working on my kids' monthly albums. (I have an album for each kid, one picture from each month of their life. Sometimes it is just my favorite picture, sometimes it is one that really shows personality, or an accomplishment, or a milestone. I'm going to stop this once they start school, then do an album for each school year.)

So, after I've got a picture, I look through my inspirations. I have sample layouts I've printed off the internet, stolen out of magazines, etc. I choose one I think would work with my photo and put it on an index card so I can make any notes on there.

My next step is to put the picture with the notecard and mark the notecard for that layout. This layout is of Chloe, January 2009. She was laying down to watch a movie and wrapped herself and her baby in the blanket. After a little squirming, she ended up snoozing with the baby as her pillow.

Step three is papers! I pick out the papers I want to use. Sometimes they match the photo, sometimes they match the event, and often it is simply because I love the papers and have a burning desire to use them ;) For this layout, I chose red and black (with some blue highlights) because Chloe was wearing a red dress, the blue blankie, and black as a good neutral to tone some of the patterns down.

Step four is to choose embellishments! I decided to go with rub-ons for the title. I usually use rubons, stuff cut out on my cricut, or cool vellum quotes (and every once in a while a neato sticker) for my titles. I chose some primas in red and black with some little rhinestones for a little embellishment set.

And that's my powerlayout! If I've got an intricate cut, sometimes I will do that at home so that I won't lose concentration in the middle of it in a crop where I'm chatting and snacking and so forth. If I'm afraid I'll forget what goes where, I make the notes on the index card. I have a 12x12 box where I stack them up (smaller embellishments go in a plain old envelope for safe keeping if needed).

I also have a post-it I keep on my desk. Then as I do my powerlayouts, any specific tool, glue, etc. that I will need to complete the layouts goes on it. When I pack up my crop bag, I just take what I will need. It really makes life a lot easier. I can go with just one bag and not have to pack up my whole craft area. It really only takes a few minutes of planning for each layout to make the crop a LOT LOT more productive.

I hope that maybe this has inspired you to scrapbook, and/or attend a crop. Tomorrow I'll post my finished layout for you!

~enjoy~

Yay!

2009-06-11T07:55:00.000-05:00

I have been itching to use this new TGF image...

So, I started looking at some challenges... I chose four.

1. HERE - sketch

2. HERE - flowers (I only used one prima, but there are flowers in the patterned paper)

3. HERE - colour challenge (I used their blue yellow, and pink, and added in a little brown and green) -- also they wanted the card to be "for a kid"

4. HERE - use a ribbon border on your image

The papers are from My minds eye and (the pink) from the paper studio. Images are from TGF, Suzie Surprise. The ribbon is a thin one I got from Michael's a long time ago. The ribbon border was a little hard at first... I don't think I got the little slits cut just right, but I think it turned out ok in the end. I colored with copics - and it was kind of weird for me to not use anything blingy or shiny (if you don't count the glittery/embossed papers).

enjoy your Thursday -- especially since that means it is almost FRIDAY!

Inner Muse?

2009-06-10T07:54:00.000-05:00

I really like making journals. So many different parts of it appeal to me!

First, I like journals because I've been a journal keeper off and on since I started writing. I think the written word is just so important! It helps you to get all your thoughts out of your head, and when you write them, and think about how to write them, it seems to be so much more! Second, I like to make things that feel useful! I love making cards, but there's a part of me that has that fear that someone is going to look at the card think, "Oh, how pretty," then toss it in the trash. But a journal... those get kept, passed down, inherited, shoot, some journals are awfully famous - who hasn't read Anne Frank's journal? Third, I love to play with my bind it all... and fourth, it's so great to make just anything and when you're done be able to look at it and think, "DUDE, I totally *MADE* that!"

So... on to the details...

Challenge 1 - HERE - color challenge... green, pink, brown (they had fancy names from some line or another, but I'm not sure which company because I don't own their cardstock... so I tried to match up)

*** I used a green cardstock from the stash, the brown dotty type paper is from the FUNKY FAIRY shop - the hope kit, and then added pink in the coloring, pink primas, pink dewdrops, and pink fiber. (I also used some key lime shimmerz for the bracelet, and brown O-wires for the binding.)

Challenge 2 - HERE - sketch challenge...

*** I followed pretty closely - though I used nesties instead of a plain rectangle, and also put in flowers instead of circles, and put the flowers on top instead of behind the image.... maybe I didn't follow so closely after all?

Challenge 3 - HERE - use a Whiff of Joy stamp and a charm

*** I used Musing Melinda (she's so darn cute!) and the charm I used is a pretty little heart/flower combo. I realized after I took the picture and downloaded it that the charm is almost hidden in that pink fiber... I use the charm on the end of the fiber to work as a book mark in the journal.

I hope you can see the sparkly wings and the sparkly bracelet too. I keep trying different things with my photography, but I'm just a total amateur. I think maybe I'll ask for some photography lessons for my birthday.

enjoy your thoughts... and write them down!

Black & White

2009-06-09T08:00:00.001-05:00

Do you have any idea how hard it is to make a card using ONLY black and white (and possibly gray)??

VERY! You can find the challenge on THIS blog. It was a sketch and a requirement to use ONLY ONLY black & white, or greyscale.

I don't have a whole bunch of TGF stamps (darn that budget) so that made it even harder. I couldn't use any of the people - no colors allowed, I figured that included "skin white" too... So, I decided to use one of the cupcake stamps from the Suzie Surprise set I got recently. I chose this cupcake since the stamp had a blacked out cupcake wrapper on the bottom - that way I wouldn't even be tempted to color it in with another color!! I used some white puffy paint to "color" the "icing" part of the cupcakes. I layered white and black papertrey papers, added a stripey ribbon and my matted sentiment...

This card looks super simple to me, but in reality, it was a long time coming. I spent a lot of time thinking about black and white and how on earth I could do something pretty, something that might do justice to the cute TGF stamps... the cupcakes are the only thing I could come up with. After a glance in the gallery for this challenge (check it HERE if you wanna) and I saw some impressive things by other people. I guess I think too literally or something... anyhow... I'm also convinced after looking through the gallery that this is one more goodie bag that won't show up in my mailbox. Sigh. Something to work toward I suppose.

~enjoy ... well... find something or other and then by golly, enjoy IT :P

Happy Birthday Layout!

2009-06-08T07:44:00.000-05:00

I wanted to finish scrapbooking all the pictures I had printed and all the layouts I'd powerscrapped before I started a new set, plus, I was TOTALLY inspired by some awesome scrapbook pages I saw on some of my friends' blogs that I had to work on this layout yesterday.

Cameron and Chloe are both March bdays (Cam:3/26/04 and Chloe:3/21/06) so until they start wanting parties with their friends and we can't combine them, we'll continue to combine :D

This was their actual "party" day with cakes and stuff. They'd already opened all their presents from Mamaw, us, and Grandma - so we decided to pick up a few little things (silly string, silly putty, hot wheels, and rockstar shades) for them to play with after their cake.

The layout is using papers from the DCWV "stack 6" and some cardstock from the stash. I also used a digi stamp (designed by SallyAnn Hancock - I can't for the life of me think of the name of her company) for the little birthday fairy; and a birthday stamp (I think it was seed's, but it could have been TAC, sorry I can't remember now and I'm not going back to look unless you make me).

I used some faux stitching on some of the mats, and I also added a homemade cardstock envelope to hold all the extra pictures that I just had to print for the page, but couldn't fit on there without the layout getting more crowded than it already was! I colored the little birthday fairy with copics, and also used iridescent stickles on her wings, cotton candy stickles on the cake, and gold stickles on the candle and the magic wand.

enjoy your monday (har-dee-har-har)

Congrats!

2009-06-07T11:07:00.003-05:00

I love this image, and the new papers I picked up...

The image is from House Mouse. I wanted to play in the HM challenge because I've been slacking over there for a while. You can find that blog HERE. Their challenge this week -- use a HM stamp and use the Wedding/Anniversary theme. I figured this cute image could work for both! The other challenge I used for this one is HERE. It was a sketch. I didn't follow the sketch exactly... my image was a little bigger than the sketch, so I decided to just mat it and then frame it with the knotted ribbon. I love these papers from "My Mind's Eye" they are soo cute. And though you can't see it in the picture, they've got all kinds of embossing and glitter and they're just gorgeous. I also put some stickles (cotton candy and iridescent) on all the hearts. I colored the mice with copics.

Enjoy your Sunday (so far mine has included me giving Chloe a manicure and a pedicure and we're having chips and koolaid.)

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For YOU!

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3 Lindsay Cards!!