Another Sympathy Card

Well, this is not the card I was working on, but we received some information that our friend's mother passed away. So I decided to use Dawn's Color Challenge and the Card Positioning System's Sketch for this card.

I love the colors of this card. With the cooler weather we've had lately I am all geared up for fall.

I hope this is the last Sympathy card I will need to make for awhile. I used leftover Kraft DP from my card HERE. That card is very similar to the colors needed for this challenge too. I just got some new lace from Joann's. They were having a big clearance. (SMILING) I also saw Lori Craig do that "thing" with her ribbon and a button and I LOVED it. One other thing to note is that my butterfly was stamped twice and then layered to give a more 3D effect. I had to add some glitter too!

Here is a better shot of that.....


Now don't forget that today is the grand opening for the Paper Maniac LLC. You can save an additional 15% if you use the code GRAND15.

I'm heading there now:)


What's In It?
Stamps: Bevy of Butterflies, Of the Earth(SU)
Ink: Choc Chip, More Mustard, Summer Sun, Close to Cocoa
Paper: Kraft DP, Choc Chip, More Mustard, Vanilla, Kraft
Other: Scalloped Edge Punch, Nesties, ! 3/8" circle punch, lace, walmart satin ribbon, scalloped oval punch, MS glue pen, dazzling diamonds, sponge, button, SU fibers, dimensionals


Have a good one!

Sunflower Thanks

I have another late post for you today. I really have wanted to participate in the Traveler's Inspiration Challenge. Tonight is the deadline. So, here is a quick, simple card. I adore the pictures on her blog. To see the world through a lens. Fascinating!

Also, I used Taylor's Sketch...the TRUE sketch this time.LOL I did 2 challenges in one. Yippee!

The photos on Traveler's Inspiration inspired me with the lines and colors. I had a different thing in mind when I started. I guess that is what happens on the creative process. You start in one direction and just let it take you where it wants to go. At least that has been happening to me a lot lately. I have LOTS of people to thank so I will be posting a lot of thank you cards in the next few weeks. Remember, I have something BIG in the works. I can't tell you yet.

Come back tomorrow for a few fun announcements and hopefully a card. See you then!

What's In It:
Stamps: Stitched, A Flower for all Seasons (SU), Bundle of Bouquets (MFT),
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Choc Chip
Paper: Kraft DP, Kraft, White, DCWV Yellow, Choc Chip
Other: CM circle cutter, 1 3/8" circle punch, Copics, scalloped edge punch, white grosgrain (American Crafts), janome sew mini

Pretty Flower Thank You

I love these flowers from Verve. They remind me of Black-Eyed Susans. I still haven't actually created anything using them that way. They went perfectly with this paper I got from the Digichick called "Sweetie Pie." I spent a lot of time on Thursday printing off various digital papers. I was so excited to find out at Office Max that I could buy Presentation Paper and get another pack for 2 cents. I figured Presentation Paper must be pretty close to Brochure Paper, which is what I wanted to buy. UH, NO! It is much thinner than I thought. So while it prints veryy nicely, it doesn't have the "substance" I was looking for. Another instance of "When A Deals Not A Deal."

This card also started out using Taylor's Sketch and then took a different turn. I hope to try and make another card actually USING the sketch this weekend. LOL. Go check out her blog for some inspiration.

I really miss the days of actually sitting here and "blogging." Telling you stories and sharing pictures of our life. It's just too busy right now. I'm off to a get ready for a football game. The first REAL game of the season.

I'll be back tomorrow with a Stamptacular Sunday Challenge card. I'm pretty proud of the idea so check back for that. Hopefully next week I can share some fun pictures and the projects I've started and have yet to finish. Stay tuned!

What's In It?
Stamps: Wishful Elegance, Wonderful Words (SU)
Ink: Brilliance Black
Paper: Sweetie Pie digital, DCWV yellow textured, white
Other: Pure Color Pencils, Copics, baby oil, corner rounder, Ric Rac, Soft Subltes Brads, Stickles, dimensionals

HAPPY friDAY!

I have a super quick card for you today. I just haven't gotten the mojo going yet. These color are Splitcoast's color combo this week. It's actually one of my favorite color combos. My "flower" was something I had leftover from another project and it looks a little too pink on this card. But, alas, it's all I've got. My first card of the morning just DID NOT want to cooperate.



I hope you have a happy Friday! With any luck I'll have something else for you later tonight or tomorrow. It's something I've started, but just didn't get to finish this week.

What's In It?
Stamps: August KOTM (Unity)
Ink: Real Red, Choc Chip, White Craft
Paper: Kraft, Choc Chip, White, Citrus Pack DCWV
Other: Sizzix Die (SU), Scalloped Edge punch, 1 3/8"circle punch, cuttlebug and EF, Inkssentials white pen, corduroy brad (TPS), dimensionals, sponge, ribbon from Hobby Lobby

Rubber Baby Buggy Bumper

Here's a quick card I made for the CPS Sketch this week. Their sponsor is Jillibean Soup and I am in love with this line of products. Fun names, fun colors, fun patterns. I would LOVE to win the random pick.

I needed a card for a friend who was gracious enough to loan me all her baby things. That is going to save me a bunch of money. Now the little one I babysit will be comfortable and able to safely travel as I take my kids to school tomorrow.

I am still working on using those darn Copics. I hope to be able to watch a few more videos and just practice when the kids are in school on Wed. Imagine, them at school and me home practicing my coloring:)

My image is a digital from Digi Stamp Boutique. You can find a link for them on my left side bar. They are, by far, my favorite digital image company. You should really go check them out. Cute stuff!

I hope to show some pictures this week of our end of the year adventures. Off to get ready for the little ones this morning!

Thanks for stopping by today!

What's In It?
Stamps: digistamp boutique image, Happy Thoughts (SU)
Ink: Rose Red
Paper: SU paper pack, white, text rose red
Other: scalloped punch, circle punches, button (TPS), corner rounder, lace doily punch (MS), ribbon (walmart), dimensionals, Copics

Sharing In Your Sorrow

I made this card for one of my husband's cousins from Canada. She recently lost her dad. We were very blessed to have this cousin and her family come stay with us last year for a brief visit.

I decided to combine the colors for a Simon Say Stamp contest on Paper Craft Planet. We were to use Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery and either Blush or Cameo Coral.


I just got some new K&Company DP. I just love their line. This is called Classic. My rose is from an SU set called Roses In Winter (retired) and I stamped it several times before cutting it out and layering it. The edges were sponged with Close to Cocoa. I decided to add a bit of Micro Pearl to give just a touch of shimmer to it. Not sure I am very happy with it. I also layered lace on top of some Offray ribbon. The sentiment is a Sizzlet tag from SU called Lots of Tags. LOVE these. I cut out 2 so that I could raise the center panel.

That's it for today. It has taken me about 5 hours to finish writing this post since I got up late (6am:) I'm babysitting today and between feeding kids and checking on them outside every 5 minutes while taking care of an infant it's taken me awhile. So let me just give you the details.

What's In It?
Stamps: Roses In Winter, Thoughts and Prayers (SU)
Ink: Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery
Paper: K&Co classic, Heidi Grace DP, Vanilla,
Other: Swirl..Lots of Tags...Leaf Sizzlets (all SU), Micro Pearl, sponge, dimensionals, lace (TPS), Lace Doily punch (MS)

Beary Special!

This is a long post. Grab a cuppa "whatever" and hang in there with me, ok?

Happy Sunday! This week Stamptacular Sunday Challenge would like you to use a BEAR somewhere on your project.

I did NOT have one single stamp of a bear or with a bear in it. I knew what I wanted to do for my card so the search began for the "perfect" bear to fill the bill or rather fill the pocket in this case. I'm so glad my friend Kathie introduced me to a local scrapbook/stamp store. It became a bit of an adventure for the kids and I to search the entire store for something with a bear. It's probably the first (and last) time they've ever enjoyed going into a craft store with me.

This card is not my original idea. A friend of mine had something similar to this from her upline...years ago. I have held onto the stamp set POCKET FUN just so I could make a card like this. I took her idea and embellished on it. Since my SIL keeps having babies every year, I figure I better stock up on baby cards. I made a girl one that I will show at the end of the post.

UPDATE TO SHARE: My sister in law called me THIS morning. She had her baby 3 weeks early. We now welcome Gabriel Richard into our family! Better get another boy card ready ...just in case.... for her next one:)

First, I thought I'd share how I made this one. I have some tips along the way. "Bear" with me on the photos. (Cheesy pun totally intended) My tutorial shots are always done under fluorescent lighting.

The Template

This is just your standard 4 1/4"X 11" piece of card stock folded in half from top to bottom.
Measure in from each end 1 1/16" and then cut down 1 5/16". Do this on both sides and then cut across to remove that section. The bottom can be left straight or you can create the "illusion" of little legs by finding the middle of the card, marking a spot about a 1/2" up or so and then cutting on an angle up to that mark.

HERE'S THE TIP

I used the retired background stamp called Just Jeans. When using a background stamp it's always a good idea to use a brayer to get an even coverage of ink. Now if you've read my blog long enough you know that I am a "lazy" stamper. This takes extra time, effort and clean up. I am telling you... IT IS WORTH IT. Don't believe me?


SEE THE DIFFERENCE

The one on the left looks so much better and definitely more like actual denim.



Want to know how I made the straps? OK! Here's what you do. Stamp another piece of coordinating cardstock with the Jeans background stamp and cut a strip that is 1 1/16". You will use the rest of this stamped cardstock to make the pocket so just hang on to it.


Next take the large Oval punch and punch out a section. You should be able to make two of these from the one strip. You will also have to trim off on the one end to fit at the top of your card properly.

I decided after adding the brass buttons on the front that I wanted my straps to stand out a little. So, I did what I refer to as the "partial pop."

This just means that I put adhesive at the top and added a dimensional along the bottom. That way the whole thing isn't sticking up off the paper.

Now about those buttons. I think they are by Making Memories. I can't find them anymore. They aren't really a brad. I'm not sure what they are called. Five little prongs stick out the back and you have to pierce them through your paper and hammer down the backs. THAT could be why they don't make them anymore. They aren't the easiest to use. BUT they are so CUTE!

A little more about the card. I stamped the pocket using Night of Navy ink and then cut it out and popped it up with dimensionals. The entire card is faux stitched with a Night of Navy marker only(no piercing) and sponged. The bear and bottle are colored with Copics. I added Crystal Effects to the bottle to make it look more like glass. You can click on the picture to get a larger view if you like.

Here's the "GIRL" version

I decided to make the pocket from a heart template. See, you don't have to use a pocket stamp. Be creative. I also added scalloped "trim" to the bottom legs. Recognize the paper? It's that lovely Tiny Princess Pattern from The Digichick:)

On this one I didn't "partially pop" the straps either. I am less than thrilled with my coloring on that bunny. Still figuring out how to use these Copics with my minimal supply.

WOW! That was looonnngg. Thanks for hanging in there with me. Now here are the deets!

What's In It?
Stamps: Just Jeans (SU), Baby ( Hampton Art)

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Night of Navy, Versamark
Paper: White, Brocade Blue
Other: sponge, white EP, Copics, MM buttons, dimensionals, large Oval punch, brayer, SU Vintage brads

Stamps: Baby (Hampton Art)
Ink: Choc Chip
Paper: Tiny Princess Patterns digital
Other: The Paper Studio buttons, Pretty in Pink marker, heart template, Copics, Scalloped Edge punch, dimensionals

Hey, don't forget to check out some of the CUTE samples the design team has made. Go to their blogs located on the left side bar. Leave them some comments. Me too please. I love to read comments. Then dig out your bear stamps or get some digital bear stamps and get creating. My favorite digitals are The Digistamp Boutique. HERE is the link that will take you right to the bears. Can't wait to see what you make! Don't forget to link your creation to the Stamptacular Sunday Blog for a chance to win some goodies from our own design team member, Janneke.

Have a good one!

Happy Monday! Enjoy The View!

Isn't this picture GORGEOUS! It's part of the Traveler's Inspiration Challenge. Such a beautiful picture of nature and architecture. My card was going to include the Monday Mojo Sketch as well, but it just didn't work out that way.

I will be back later today with more details. I have an appointment this morning and time is short. I may be back with another post today as well. See you later!

UPDATE: OK, so no other post today, but here are the details on this card.

I used my #2 scalloped die cut for the vellum circle that is behind the main image. This vellum was misted with water and then crumpled up and then flattened out again. I then let it dry. This technique looks really cool if you sponge color on it too. Just an idea for you to try.

Another thing to note is that I added a bit of texture to the grayish piece of cardstock by scoring every 1/2 inch on an angle. The edges are scalloped using a corner rounder. I added a bit of sparkle to the circle of the main image using my 2 way glue pen and dazzling diamonds.

What's In It?
Stamps: Of the Earth (SU), Floral Symphony (verve)
Ink: Chalk Ink (pink), Certainly Celery, Soft Suede
Paper: White, Papirloftet card stock, Vellum, DSWV gray
Other: Scallops #2 die cut, grosgrain ribbon, dazzling diamonds, 2 way glue pen, Kaiser pearls, TPS pear brads, flower TPS, corner rounder

Quickest Post EVER!

I really have NO time to explain this cute little box I made. I got the original idea from Clean and Simple Stamps. I had to alter it a bit though. Stay tuned for details on this.

Don't forget to stop by here on Sunday for a cute project and some bonus fun at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge.

I will be leaving on Vacation today! I will have a Sunday post and then won't have another for a week. Going to just enjoy my family for a week. See you when I get back!

P.S. I blurred the names on this project...that's not REALLY bad stamping:)

Fairy Wish

Sorry for the late post. I really thought I was ahead of the game for my camping trip. WRONG! Let's just say it's going to be a long night. I still have several things to get done. But, I really wanted to post this card since it's for 2 challenges and one ends tomorrow:) I got a few digital stamps from DigiStamp Boutique. This was a sponsor for our last Stamptacular Sunday Challenge and I REALLY fell in love with the images. Go check them out. So Sweet!


My card combines Jen's SFYTT and Color Throwdown 51. I've been practicing with my Copics. I would really like to get more colors. I think I'll have to wait awhile though. Just got the bill for them and my husband asked if they colored by themselves. Yeah! They are pretty expensive. But, I got one heck of a deal on them at www.oozak.com. Really, it's the cheapest place for them. Anyways, I had fun coloring the little fairy girl in. Her wings have Shimmerz on them. It's hard to see in the photo though. Ok, enough chit chat. I have to finish my packing and baking and shopping and....I'm tired already.

DON'T FORGET TO STOP BY ON SUNDAY! SO EXCITED FOR THAT CHALLENGE!

What's In It?
Stamps: digital digistamp boutique, Small Sayings, Short and Sweet, Wishing You the Best (SU), Bevy of Butterflies (Unity)
Ink: Almost Amethyst, Versamark, Gem Metallic Purple
Paper: Garden Green, DCWV purples, So Saffron, White
Other: Star punch, UK Wavy punch, Circle Punch, corner rounder, stickles, dimensionals, So Saffron grosgrain ribbon, Walmart Green ribbon, Rhinestone Brads, label punch, tiny twinkles, Copics E00, E37, BV04, BV02, G07, YG03

Make Life BIG

I love the sentiment on this card. To me, there are so many little things in my life that make me so happy. Being happy is the BIGGEST thing in life, if you ask me. Little things happen everyday that make my heart feel big and full.

Here's a list of little things that made my life feel pretty great this week.

1. My kids created an entire city in the basement with their toys and played for about 5 hours without fighting.
2. My daughter's cute little nose crinkles when she smiles at me. She promised she would never hate me...even when she is 13. I now have it in writing:)
3. My watermelon was the perfect ripeness. Juicy and sweet!
4. My son had a great day playing tennis on the side of our house. Just like I used to do as a kid.
5. We got pictures at the fire department with my husband in fireman gear. So cute!
6. We got two meals out of one dinner this week and they were both really good!
7. I got to stamp!
8. We have had the perfect weather.
9. My son beamed because he caught 2 balls at baseball practice.
10. I had 6 kids at my house and ALL of them got along:) Amazing!
11. I get to spend the weekend with my MIL:)
12. My husband makes me laugh almost everyday.
13. I got to watch my brother on TV!
14. I have great friends who are so willing to help when we are away!
15. My garden is doing awesome this year. Go Rain:)

Do you ever just count all the little things in your week that are good? They can really add up. Try it! You'll be amazed at how blessed you really are.

BTW, this card is my Work It Girl Wednesday card. It's been a long time since I've made something just for fun. The majority of it is comprised of leftover scraps.

Thanks for checking in today! I hope you have a really BIG day *wink*:)

Still Celebrating!

Well, not really. We really didn't do much for the 4th of July. It rained so we ended up just renting a movie...and then the cable went out....so we went to bed. I know....we are lame. I also am not that big into 4th of July cards. So, the challenge to use Red,White and Blue AGAIN was tough. Until I realized that my niece's birthday is coming up. What a great excuse to use the OCC challenge and get her card ready AHEAD of time. SO unlike me. I love this card. I hope she does too.


I got to use some old and new stamps together. I also used the circle scrap from my SSC card that I posted yesterday. That makes me happy. This card had some intricate cutting. It took awhile, but it was worth it. Plus my daughter told me a story while I cut. I used several different sets for this card. I even decorated the inside somewhat.

What's In It?
Stamps: Unity June KOTM, Let's Party, Starring You (SU) Ink: Real Red Craft, Night of Navy Paper: White, Real Red Other: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots EF, Happy Birthday EF, Scalloped Circle Nesties, MM ribbon, Janome Sew Mini, SU buttons, embroidery floss, glue dots, R29 copic, dimensionals, red glitter, dazzling diamonds, 2 way glue pen

Ok, now it's time for camping pictures!

These people were my neighbors back when I was in Middle School. They were THE best neighbors ever! They have camped at the same campground since 1965. When we were kids we used to camp with them. I always know that I'll see them there. My daughter and my neighbors little girl have become penpals or more modernly known as "E" pals.
They always camped with the their sister and BIL. When I asked about them, my neighbor said,

"Well, RIGHT NOW.......They're dead."

Yeah, just like that. What, huh? I was not expecting that. I was waiting for...

"Right now they're...."

1. ....at the store

2....in Florida

3...heading into town

Definitely didn't expect to hear they're dead. It cracked me up....like next week they may not be? I wanted to laugh, but that is SOOO not appropriate (until later:)


This picture is of our dog Molly. At this campground you are not allowed to walk your dogs. They have to be carried or in a wagon. Molly is very fat so carrying her was NOT an option. Unfortunately she barely fit in our wagon. We felt so sorry for her that we got her an ice cream cone.

While we ate S'mores, Molly did THIS..

She is thirteen years old and fat. She doesn't do much else except....

We found out that if you give her pancakes she will try to bury them. My husband was like, " I've never seen her do that in 13 years of having her." We watched her for a good 15 minutes. It was so funny to see.


My last picture.....

This is my mom and cousin (on the right) and my Aunt and her husband on the left. They came to see us while we camped too. My Aunt is the one that I am most like in the family. "Lucy-like" if you read my post HERE. Funny things happen to us. I just love my family!

Hope your Monday is great!