Scrap'n Surprise!

DYSU Challenge #59- LAYERS!

2012-02-15T22:01:00.000-08:00

For this week we have three great sponsors:

Winner's Choice of 2 Digital Stamps

$10 Gift Certificate

$20 Gift Certificate

Now we're talkin'!
I love working with layers!

I've have just recently gotten comfortable with piling it on, and I love the styles of the famous cardmakers who just load it up!

And you might note that many of the design team members have two projects to showcase this week! Whee! One of those is ME!

One of the images I received to work with was from
Little Miss Muffet
"Saffron"
Isn't she cute?

I paper pieced her coat, scarf, and hat. I then added some Stampendous Shabby White embossing powder, and used a tiny, tiny ruffle peeking out from under her coat!
As troublesome as making a step card can be, I think they really make a card stand out!

For anyone who's curious, I simply finished the inside with a sentiment and strip of matching papers.

My second card was with a Tickle Pink image, "Stefan", or as he has been nicknamed here at my house, "the little surfer dude".

Yes, you're seeing more of the Stampendous chunky embossing powders and crushed glass. I am soooo addicted to that stuff! Doesn't it make some amazing sand, though?

And a close up of the image... Note that the sunglasses have Glossy Accents on the lenses. Also, I have to chuckle every time I see that tiny little band-aid on his leg!
Yep, part of the image! Cute, huh?

The brown satin ribbon was a great addition to the popped-up 3-D flip-flops, and his paper pieced surf board would be the envy of any surfer! Hang 10, Dude!

Thanks for looking, and please, leave a comment and become a follower!
I'd love to know you were here!

Now, GO and check out the rest of the team's projects!
CUTE!!!

This card is also entered at:
Stampendous Impressions (Texture)

Stampendous Glitter and Shine!

2012-02-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

I have a friend with a birthday coming up and she is, let's just say, a bit sensitive about her age. I found this quote and thought of her immediately. And what better way to frame such a perfect quote? An embossed Stampendous frame with bits of glitter and shine, of course!

This month's challenge at Stampendous is to add TEXTURE. Well, this card has a touch of every type of texture I could think of!

The paper is from My Mind's Eye, Lush collection, the gorgeous flocked black stripe.

It gives the card such a rich, elegant feel. The sentiment is Fiskars.

I stamped the Jumbo Cameo Frame onto gold Bazzill cardstock and embossed it with the Dark Bark embossing powder.

The touches of blue, pink, and green were done with the embossing glitters.

IRL you can still see the centers of the small flowers that encircle the frame.

The really fun part was sandwiching the stamped sentiment between the card base and the striped paper.

I used fine cream linen to stamp the sentiment, trimmed,

and then stapled it directly onto a tablet back.

This provided the stablility I needed to then attach

it to the card base with pop dots.

The front of the card (with the circle cut out) was then glued to the front of the sentiment.

The black brads were the perfect answer to making sure it was good and secure!

And I think they also add a touch more vintage to the project!

This is possibly the HEAVIEST card I have ever made.

Thank goodness it will be hand delivered!

Skipping Stones Design Sketch Challenge!

2012-02-14T14:31:00.000-08:00

Skipping Stones Design has a great sketch this week!

Here's my take on it:

All the stamping was done with elements from

Skipping Stones' "Everyday Blessings" stamp set.

The die cut circle behind the bird (not the white paper doily) was done by repeatedly stamping and heat embossing the wreath pattern in the stamp set,

and then cutting it out with the

Spellbinders "Blossom" Nestie.

Then I cut another just one size smaller inside the first.

That provided me with the scallop circle that I threaded the ribbon through. Does that make sense? LOL!

If that wasn't confusing enough, I also cut a section of the heat embossed wreath to make a little popped out "nest" for the bird.

This is also the first time I have stamped a

sentiment on ribbon!

Wow, that Staz-On truly works wonderfully for that!

The background paper is Prima.

They make some of the most gorgeous, romantic stacks!

The embossing powder is Stampendous Extra Fine Bark and is my new favorite embossing powder!

Thanks, Jennifer, for enabling my addiction once again! LOL!

Hope you enjoyed this lengthy, however somewhat entertaining, post!

Please leave a comment so I know I'm not out here alone!

Papertrey - Butterflies and Leaves!

2012-02-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

Papertrey Ink is celebrating their 5th Anniversary and, besides gaving some great releases, they have their usual terrific challenges! Well, this one co-ordinates with the release of a new set of butterflies and leaf stamps! I really could use some fantastic new stamps! And BUTTERFLIES take top priority on many of my cards!

I love the way the butterflies look as though they are floating across the card!

And I would love to have some new leaf stamps and dies!

The adorable little cloud cut-outs are the cloud dies from Papertrey, as is the sentiment.

Thanks for looking !

Flourish Timeless Tuesday challenge!

2012-02-13T13:55:00.000-08:00

This week the challenge at Flourishes was to use an image with, or having to do with,

BIRDS!

Just the reason I needed to pull out my

Flourishes "Snow Wonderful" stamp set and matching

Classic Keyhole Spellbinder Die!

This image is so pretty with the glitter and embossing powders to highlight the adorable little birds and pine needles!

Aren't they just too sweet!

Supplies:
Paper; Prima, Madeline Mat Stack
Stamp; Flourishes, "Snow Wonderful"
Die; Spellbinders, Classic Keyhole and Picot Edge Circles
Embossing glitters; Stampendous
Ribbon
Flower; Prima
Scallop Scissors; Fiskars

Entered into the monthly challenge at Stampendous (Texture! I used 3 different Frantage embossing glitters and powders!)

Cat's Pajama's Valentine Blog Hop!

2012-02-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Join the fun as you go from blog to blog at "Dancing in Pajamas" to see all the cute, funny, and romantic Valentine's cards! There will be adorable images and great ideas and techniques contributed!

So, here's my little card! I love the little Cat's PJ's penquins and thought this image would be so cute altered to be for my little Valentine, rather than a birthday!

I used the old classic technique of accordian folding and cutting my little row of hearts! I used to love making dolls, hearts, and about any other shape imaginable back in grade school! (many, many, many years ago!)

I think it's hilarious that you can find these little guys getting into just about every situation and every holiday party you can think of! This stamp is probably used more for birthdays, but I chose to add the heart candle and make it for a Valentine's Day party! Nothing says "I love you" better than a trio of happy, silly penquins!

Also, I used the Shabby Pink Chunky Embossing Powder from Stampendous! I love this stuff for all sorts of applications! You'll be seeing a lot of it on my projects from here on out! It comes in many colors! No, I don't work for Stampendous, just love their glitters, powders, and crushed glasses!

Now, get outta here and enjoy the rest of the Hop!

Entered in challenge at Divas by Design (LOVE)

Flashback Friday 20.0! Black and White Cards!

2012-02-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

They are celebrating big time over at

Flashback Friday Challenge!

The prizes are big and the fun is huge! This week, the challenge is to find and enter your first black and white card! WOW, I realized halfway through my old posts that I didn't get up the nerve to make and post a card that was primarily all black and white until late 2010!

This one I made for a male freind who's birthday is September 18th!

You can bet I will never miss that birthday again!

I still have to say that I like the simple monochrome colors. (or lack thereof)

Do yourself a favor and checkout the challenge!

I have yet to win anything, but it's just too much fun!

It is so eye-opening to go through your old projects and see again what you were doing then verses what you are doing now!

Some cards, I just shake my head; others like this one, I still like.

DYSU Challenge # 58 - Love is in the air!

2012-02-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

It's February!

For this week we have two great sponsors:

1 year PDF subscription

Winner's Choice of 3 Digital Stamps

This week I had the opportunity to work with
this adorable little
"BIRDIE BROWN" image!

"Girl with a Rose"

I used the sketch over at Craft's Meow Stamps.
They have such wonderful card sketches there!

This little gal was so much fun to paper piece, which has become my second favorite image treatment
(second to coloring with my Copics,of course!)
The chipboard heart was inked red and heat embossed with clear powder three times to get that thick, rich color.

I was intimidated by the flower, so I simply glued on a Prima bloom that I had in my stash, and glittered it.
It really added some great texture to the card and made it extra-cute!

This one is going to the Cancer Treatment Center, for sure!

Check out the rest of the Design Teams projects
at Do You Stack Up!
They are terrific!

And because of the special holiday nature of my card,
it was entered into the challenges at:
The Craft's Meow (Sketch)
Simon Says Stamp (Love and Prima product)
C.R.A.F.T Challenge (Valentine)
Delightful Challenges (Love)
Sarah Hurley Challenge (Love is all Around)
Divas by Design (Love)
Sentimental Sundays (Love)
Cupcake Craft Challenge (Red)

Wanna win some goodies?

2012-02-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

My fellow "Do You Stack Up" Design Team member, Naomi, is celebrating her One Year Blogoversary and is giving away a fantasic slew of goodies! Did I say SLEW? Yep, a whole slew of wonderful scrap goods!

Check out her blog at Paper Bag Princess and sign up to be in the running!

And look at her wonderful past projects while you're there!

Good luck everyone!

DYSU Challenge 57 - You name it!

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

For this week we have three
great sponsors:

Crafty Individuals

Stamp Fairy

Stamp &Create

Stamp and Create is an
online store based in the USA with worldwide shipping. We carry many stamp
designs including Magnolia, Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps, The Greeting Farm, Wags 'n
Whiskers Rubber Stamps, Whiff of Joy, CC Designs, Whimsy Stamps, and more. We
have a Product Spotlight sale each week with one select stamp company or
category are on sale up to 25% off. We also have a Monthly Challenge and Weekly
Candy on our blog.

Yep, this week the challenge at

DO YOU STACK UP

is ANYTHING GOES!

Father's Day will sneak up on me before I know it,

so I decided to get my Dad's card done now!

The photo was cut from DCWV paper and looks soooo much like me when I was young!

Dad loves the vintage cars and all things old-timey!

This Crafty Individuals stamp was perfect!

I paired it up with the papers from DCWV, "Vintage Stack" and "Tattered Time Matstack" and some die-cut gears and sprockets from Tim Holtz!

It's hard to tell, but the black trim piece is actually a metal corner reinforcer from an old office supply box! I got my hands on several and tore them down and flattened them to make these accents.

The book plate is JoAnn's Essentials.

With the challenge being "Anything Goes" , there will be no shortage of entries! The DT will be busy this week!
Go get your card finished and enter now at DYSU!

This card was IDEAL for the challenge at:
Cupcake Craft Challenges (Recycled item, the metal trim, of course!)
Colour Create Challenge (Browns and Creams)

Happy Birthday, Cowboy!

2012-02-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

Used the sketch at Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge to make this birthday card for a cowboy friend.

This Vintage Label 18 stamp looks so great when heat embossed that I grab it every time I need a masculine western card!

I stamped extra ink onto every star to make them look aged and dry embossed the bottom to give it some texture similiar to jeans.

(I don't have a folder that actually looks like denim!)

This "belt buckle" has been a hit every time I've used it!

I will also enter this in the challenges at:

One Stop Craft Challenge (Stitching, Real or Faux, I used both)

Sentimental Sundaes (Dry Embossing)

Party Time Tuesday (Anything Goes)

Cupcake Craft Challenges (Recycled, the buttons were on an actual old shirt!)

Congratulations, Hayden! Way to go!

2012-01-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

To see my

Do You Stack Up

post,

please

scroll

down....

This is my second post for today:

My grandson who is only 6 and in the first grade, received extremely high scores on his mid-year reading evaluation! I'm not surprised that he is reading above grade level, but the scores were WAAAY up there! He has been reading since he was 4, and there aren't too many books in my house that he can't pick up and read every word! I am so very pround of him. So, because he will be spending the next few days with us, we plan to reward him for his work. Taking him to his choice restaurant for dinner, rodeo on Saturday, and then his pick of movies from Blockbuster... whee!

A peek into my private life...

Hayden playing soccer this past Fall.

I love October Afternoon's school themed papers! They aren't too babyish for the kids as they get older. And I am always up for some vintage!

The sentiment is from Stampendous, and the "brads" are simply gold office thumbtacks that I made rustic with StazOn and cut off the points then adhered them with Pop Dots!

I think the ribbon will get the message across that I think he is

Number One in my book!

When it came time to make this card, I needed some inspiration. I found the best sketch at Skipping Stones Design, but had no stamps from them that would even come near what I wanted to express for a child. So, today I am fondly using their sketch and entering this in their challenge! This experience tells me that I need to expand my SSD stamps past "girly" images! (which I love, by the way!)

And of course, I had to flip it!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

Jan

DYSU Challenge #56- RIBBONS!

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

First off, I'd like to wish all my Aussie blogging friends a

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!

Welcome to a new challenge at Do You Stack Up?! This week is all about
RIBBONS!!
We all have yards and yards of those yummy things in our stash. So let’s take them out and give them some good use.

For this week we have four great sponsors:

Crafty Sentiments
Winner's choice of 4 images

The StampingBoutique
Winner's choice of 5 images

Dearie Dolls
Winner's choice of 4 images

The Ribbon Reel

Since I love using ribbons and bows on my cards, this was no challenge at all!

And that adorable little image is from Stamping Boutique.

Isn't she so, so sweet!

My Copics class last week was on hair, skin, and eyes, so hopefully my skills will be noticably improving!

Go check out the rest of the DT's projects!

Wherever you go...

2012-01-25T09:24:00.000-08:00

One of the challenges this card is for is the Unity Stamp challenge,

which requires you to use ONLY Unity/Ippity stamps. I don't have very many, so finding some that would be appropriate for the "New Beginnings" theme was interesting. However, I have a friend who will be moving out of the 48 states from a warm, sunny climate to one very different! I thought this would be a nice message to send.

I used two of the Ippity's stamps sets, Quotes a 'la Happy (IPK-135),

and Authentic Man (IPK-132). Yep, those little "blades os grass" are actually the design from Authentic man turned sideways and heat embossed in a mix of gold, orange, and yellow sparkle (Just like my sun) I stamped and embosssed the sun a second time onto print paper and cut out the center so it would really pop out from behind the cloud. (Actually the Nesties Labels 14). The bluebird of happiness is cut from DCWV pattern paper, Songbird, so as not to use any other company's stamps!

I really like the CAS look of this card.

I think my friend will be warmed by the sentiment of this one!

This card will also be entered at:
Pollycraft Monday Challenge (Warm it up!)
Scrap It with A Song (It's the End of the World As We Know It) :) Kinda says it, don'cha think?
Simon Says Stamp Challenge (Anything Goes)

Waltzing Mouse - Be My Valentine Sweetheart!

2012-01-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

This week the challenge at Waltzing Mouse was so much fun!

For my DH this year!

He has been so nice and understanding with all my medical issues and

doctor's visits of late! Changing medications and lack of

sleep has made me, at times, a bit

difficult to live with, to say the least!

And in addition,
the sketch at City Crafters was almost identical, save for an added element, which I easily utilized in my card!
Also, this card is proudly submitted to the challenge at:
Sentimental Sundays (Die Cuts) SWEET sentiment and heart (Nesties)
The Crazy Challenge (Vintage)
Creative Card Crew (Seeing RED)

I want Paris in the Spring!

2012-01-20T11:08:00.000-08:00

I have always had a dream of visiting Paris and Rome, and Sydney, and well, you get the idea. I would love to travel constantly!

The "Greetings from Paris" stamps from Just Rite transport you there without ever leaving your scrapbook room!

I love this set! And the color challenge at

Just Rite Inspiration

allowed me to expres myself and maybe win some more great stamps! Yum!

Colors are: Light Blue, Dark Blue, Brown, and Pale Pink.

The image of the Eiffel Tower was a Clipart one I found online, ran it through Photoshop and changed it to blue with reduced opacity. Makes for a nice postcard background. Inked everything up for that sweet vintage look.

Supplies:
Paper: DCWV, Tattered Time; Bazzill
Stamps: Just Rite, "Greetings from Paris"
Embossing die: Cuttlebug, "Fleur de Lis"
Die cut: Spellbinders, Nestie Labels Four
Ribbons: Michael's
Resin flower: online purchase
Ink: T Holtz, Tea Dye Distress Ink; Colorbox, Cyan

This card also qualifies for the challenge at:
PaperPlay Challenges

Have a great weekend! Stay warm!

What does this mean?

2012-01-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

I saw the sketch challenge at Skipping Stones Design this week and immediately knew what I wanted to do.

I have friends who have NOT had a mammogram in, well,

let's just say a very long time.

Hopefully this card will reach one of them,

and the others (and you know who you are),

will see this post and consider what's at risk here.

I absolutely love this stamp set, Bras Volume 1.

It was my very first Skipping Stone,

and still remains my favorite!

Because I wanted to get to the heart of the problem,

I used a sentiment from another stamp set.

It just brought the message home so well.

I love the way the little stamped hangers popped off the embossed cardstock after I heat embossed them in black. And those bras are so much fun to stamp and color! I can pretend I'm shopping at Victoria's Secret! I can also pretend I would buy a $60 bra! LOL!

So, no matter who you are reading this,

you are someone's daughter,

maybe someone's mother,

or sister...

Get a mammogram!

You DO matter!

And, go check out the challenge at Skipping Stones Design!

They have the coolest sketches and products!

Supplies:

Stamps: Skipping Stones Designs, "Bras Volume 1"; Verve, "Words of Wisdom"

Papers: Bazzill, Pattern Paper (unknown)

Embossing; Cuttlebug, "Swiss Dots"

Twine: The Twinery

DYSU Challenge #55!

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

This week the challenge is to use your

Pattern Papers!!!

Copic Marker Scrapbooking

6 Copic Ciao Markers (North/South America)

Martha Stewart punch (rest of the world)

My Little Shoebox

Surprise Goodie Bag

My card was paper pieced with pattern paper which is,

by the way, one of my favorite techniques!

Here's a close up of the pretty little image I used from Sparkle Creations, one of our previous sponsors. She's called "Charlotte with a Rose".

I tied an embroidery bow around her waist and the flower stem. I also cut a second tag and glued it over the first so that it would be more dimensional.

Enabling supplies:

Cardstock: Bazzill

Sentiment: My Favorite Things, "Clearly Sentimental about Friendship".

Pattern papers: DCWV, "Citrus"

Flowers: Prima Marketing

Copic Markers

Thanks for joining me again for another peek at the challenge this week at DYSU!

Check out the rest of the DT's projects!

Also, this card has been entered in the challenge at:

Pixie Dust Studio Pixie Challenge (Dots!)

Can you cay GRUNGE?

2012-01-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

Well, over at A Jillian Vance Design, the challenge this week is to make a "grungy" Valentine's card! Now, I can do Classic, and Vintage, and Modern; but Grungy took a bit more thought.

I kept going to the "pretty and the old-fashioned sweet".... veered from the DARK side.
But eventually, I came up with this. The problem also arose that I have only one Vallentine's stamp set. (An older one from Recollections)

I wanted it to be a bit edgy with the black lace and embossed medallion, but couldn't resist throwing the resin swan piece on there! All the reds match, I can assure you. Don't you hate it when one surface reflects the light diffently than another? ugh...
The black and gold Prima flower added a little grunge, too. Don't you think?

Dirtied up the Snug Hug bow some, and this is what I finished with. I decided that GRUNGE is not my style. I have a hard time taking something relatively pretty, and making it look messy...just me and my age, I guess.

Check out the stamps at Jillian Vance's store! She carries terrific products, and I especially love the sentiments stamp sets and we can all use more stamps!

This card also qualifies for the challenges at:
Paper Sundaes (Favorite Challenge #92, Black, Flowers, and Distressing)
Stamptacular (Texture)
The Crazy Challenge (Tic Tac Toe / Lace, Image, Pearls)

Having "Commenting" issues?

2012-01-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

I noticed that as of Friday, I was unable to open my comments and was getting a white screen on other blogs when I attempted to leave comments! Well, a great friend and fellow DT member sent me this link!
And it worked!
http://xxxtglxxx.blogspot.com/2012/01/blogger-issues-white-screen-no-comments.html

I figured I wasn't the only one having these problems as it appears things have been changed in the "netherworld" out there....

Good luck!

B-I-N-G-O!

2012-01-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

I have a dear, dear 70 year old Great-Aunt living in the Midwest who absolutely loves playing Bingo! I rarely get to see her, so I send her cards as often as I can. She is a real sweetheart. So, for the New Year and to add a bit of Valentine's feeling to it, I made this card for her.

I found the little joke online, and knew she would get a kick out of it.

Entered in the "Spots and Ribbon" at One Stop Craft Challenge!

I used the bingo game piece from Maya Road, and the card is from October Afternoon.

The inside of the card:

I used the challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show this week that asks that we show "A Red Letter Day"....
mine is to celebrate the beginning of a
Red Letter Year!

Thanks for endulging me and looking today!

Hope your weekend is fantastic!

SOG Bling time!

2012-01-13T12:56:00.000-08:00

Some Odd Girl is having a challenge to add BLING to your SOG projects!

Perfect!

I made this growth chart for a friend who just had her second child a few months ago. I am constantly in awe of how her first has grown SO much in the last 2 years! It's been 35 years since I had the joy of measuring my own little ones and seeing how tall they've gotten!

The little Some Odd Girl characters are so adorable, and were perfect for this project!
Sorry about the shine on his eyes. I had used Glossy Accents to make them look more real and the camera caught it. I even "planted" a little garden with silk vines and moss.

The top of the crackle painted board needed something to finish it off.

The puffy cloud makes the perfect topper.

It will look so cute on the hallway wall at their house!

Thanks for reading my blog today!

DYSU CHallenge #54

2012-01-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Those who know me, will probably say that PINK is the last color they expected to see on any project I make. Actually, just like the bling, I'm warming up to it!

A year or so ago, I did not see the reason to put rhinestones, or even pearls, on my cards or layouts. Now, I LOVE THEM! Still used in moderation, of course...

Our challenge this week is to use

Our sponsor this week is The Stamps of Life!

I have no granddaughters, and my own daughter is grown and married.

My friends are, like me, getting older and past the "pink" phases of a

young woman's life.

But, occassionally, a bit of pink splashes it's way into my life.

I can't explain it, but I actually find it, well, FUN!!! LOL!

Here is my FUN card for the challenge this week.

I used the "hip2be..." stamp set from

The (Stamps) of Life

by Stephanie Barnard

As always, please join as a follower, if you haven't already. And I always read and appreciate the comments left by those sweet enough to leave one!

And JOIN IN THE FUN at DYSU!!!

The January Stampendous Challenge is here!

2012-01-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

I love Stampendous and all of their luscious glitter, mica flakes, embossing powders, and stamps! I can let my vintage style run wild with a bit of bling added in!

Speaking of which, this month's challenge is to add

Bling!

I started out by using a black card base. I love throwing in a colored base on occasion to give my cards that glamorous look.

I chose my background paper and cut 1/2" smaller than the front of my card.

Then I decided what type of paper I wanted to stamp my image onto. In this case, I chose a textured Bazzill cardstock in an ecru. I cut that just 1/2" smaller than my previous background paper.

The stamping was the best part! I stamped "Songbird" onto the cardstock in "Bamboo Leaves" by Momento, applying clear embossing afterward. It looked very pretty at that point. But I needed more pop and bling.

So, I touched the areas of the bird that I wanted glitter to adhere to with just a tiny bit of glue. Sprinkled it with blue glitter, and then a bit of Stampendous' magical Frantage "Shabby White Embossing Powder". This is, by far, my favorite of all the powders! It was set by heating from the underside of my cardstock. This is Fran's Encrusted Jewel Technique. Watch the video here! I also added it to the bottom 1 inch of my black card base.

I added the "hello" from the Stampendous "Happy Messages" set.

Now my card is ready to asssemble. No, not quite yet! I needed a border at the bottom. I cut a 1 1/2" strip of musical note paper that would extend to the edge of my card base and scallop punched it.

I then used my Zutter Dis-Strezz It All to rough up all the sides of my background paper and stamped image.

NOW it was ready to assemble! I glued down the background paper, then the musical note strip. Then added the finished image. I carefully placed little rhinestones along the border strip and added the little black double-bow ribbon and rhinestone.

P.S. The card details are all straight. When photographed, the bottom appeared crooked, but it was due to the slight warping of the cardstock when I applied the heat. It will flatten as it sits.

I hope you have enjoyed walking through the steps of how I made my card. I know it got a bit lengthy, but the actual production is much simpler than it sounds!

This card will be posted on the Stampendous Photo Gallery, too!

Go there to see more fantastic ideas!

Quick Quotes Trio!

2012-01-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

They're having a Design Team call at

Quick Quotes,

and wouldn't that be a great team to be on!!!

I am definately crossing my fingers for that one! Those delicious papers and wonderful Powder Puff inks...yummy!

It would make my project creativity go up by leaps and bounds!

I have a layout that I created yesterday for the call...

Even though Quick Quote products were not required, I wanted to demonstrate how I would use their great paper colors and kit embellishments.

This layout was made from a kit I purchased some time back at an Expo.

I love that little garnet plastic grommet and those brads. I didn't use them the way the kit showed. Instead, I went with my own idea of gluing the brads to the grommet and hanging that gorgeous ribbon tie off of it.

And those layered vellum letters were perfect! It's difficult to see in the picture, but the little ribbon piece under the photo matches the pattern in my grandson's shirt perfectly!

My second project was an accordian album that I have been wanting to make for a very long time. I was very close to my maternal grandmother. So much so that I find myself patterning my entire life after her. She was a loving, but opionated, outspoken individual with a passion for enjoying life. Unfortunately, she passed away from cancer about 20 years ago...I miss her very much.

I left the cover fairly simple because the inside was going to contain so many details.

Her name was added to the front after this was photographed.

Much of the journaling was personal, and was also added after these photos were taken.

I love the way all of these "French Quarter" papers from Quick Quotes worked so beautifully together. I inked all of the edges throughout the album with the

"Powder Puff, Midnight Confession" inks.

My mother has more pictures of my grandmother that I can add to these little pockets later.

My grandmother was a hard worker. This is her school ID photo from when she was an employee for the local school district.

When she was dressed up to go out, she reminded me a bit of Liz Taylor...

but then, I'm a bit biased. (lol!)

Don't these papers look gorgeous?

Loving to travel, my grandmother visited almost every state in the U.S. And in her later years, enjoyed the occasional trip to Vegas! Go, Grandma!!!

The little "Tattered Angel" tranparencies really look great on these papers, too!

This album will hold treasured memories for me for years to come.

My third project is a card that includes the adorable vellum dragonfly from

Quick Quotes.

Here's to a New Year, and the beginning of new memories!

Thanks for reading!

DCWV Layout Challenge

2012-01-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

I am starting out the New Year by making more layouts. This past year, I've been concentrating more on cards, and less on scrapbooking my grandson. Not a bad thing, but I have a huge number of photos on my computer that need to be purged or scrapped!

So, for inspiration, I have decided to make a page using some of my many older DCWV papers. And, let's face it, who doesn't like winning NEW products?!

The Stack-aholic Template sketch challenge at DCWV Diary :

It encouraged me to get out more of my elements and embellishments for a BOY page!

Papers used: DCWV, "Fall" Stack and "Linen Closet" cardstock.

Taking photos of a six year old can ALWAYS be challenging, but try taking them during a holiday? (Family gathering, lots of sugar, an uncle who adds to the chaos...) Oh my.... Hayden's a character and cracks us up most of the time. On this particular day, he had decided that he would push "Grandma's" buttons to the max! I finally got a really nice picture, but only after about a dozen like these!

I really wanted to add a masculine feel to the layout, so I pulled out these metal sprockets and the mesh ribbon. I love using jute on my pages, so they became my banner.

The large blue "washer" is from Bazzill. I rarely remember that I have a ton of these, so using one is a great accomplishment. (One down, about 100 more to go! LOL!) The title is a chipboard piece from Maya Road. The belt is an actual one that I found in the Dollar Spot at Target about three years ago! Who knew that someday it would match the colors in my layout perfectly!

Here's a peek at the new DCWV paper packs at JoAnn's!

Anyone who knows me and my style, know they have my name written all over them!

And there are even more new stacks at Michael's!

Thanks for letting me share one of my first pages for the year with you!

Wish me luck!

DYSU Challenge #53

2012-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Welcome to a new challenge at Do You Stack Up?! This week we want to LET IT SNOW!! So grab a cup of your favorite hot drink and join us in the fun of creating some snowy fun project.

Meljen's Designs
Winner Choice of 4 Images

Robyn's Fetish
Winner's Choice of either 5 digital stamps or
4 digital stamps and 1 paper pack

The Crafter's Companion
The Boxer and Envelobox Creator Bundle with Advanced Techniques DVD

I used the Robyn's Fetish image "In the Cold", and since one of my New Year's resolutions is to start trying to incorporate my DT and challenge cards with donating more cards to charity, this image brought to mind a very thoughtful sentiment, no matter what your daily challenges may be.

I wanted to make it just as appealing to a young person

as to an adult.

I pulled out my Cuttlebug embossing folders, my die cuts, my Stickles, and my Copics and decided that my scrap room could be cleaned and re-organized another day...lol!

The inside sentiment completes the quote.

I love to take a digital image and crop around a focal point for the inside of my card.

Sometimes, it brings out the little details of that image that you wouldn't normally notice.

Challenge entered: Creative Card Crew

Thanks for looking at my project today, and please, go by the "Do You Stack Up" blog and see what the other members have created. They're alway so much fun!

And make your own card to enter and win some fantastic prizes from our sponsors.

The best giveaway EVER!

2011-12-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

Check out Melissa's blog at:

http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/

to see how you can win some AMAZING prizes!

Who wouldn't want these???

Nope, not gonna tell you what it is, you'll have to look for yourself!!

And if you don't want to win these great goodies,

then just cross your fingers for ME!!

LOL!

New Year's Resolution

2011-12-30T12:18:00.000-08:00

MY SCRAP SPACE

I feel that having posted this on my blog, I will feel much more inclined and responsible to carry out my 2012 plans for my scrap space.

This is an especially long post for me, and I thank anyone who makes it through the entire thing!

I am very fortunate to have a large area (well, actually 3 areas) in which to extend my passion and express myself.

My main space is my Scrap Room (AKA, the upstairs den)

It gets a lot of natural light during the day, and we installed an overhead ceiling fan/light fixture with great bulbs for evening work. As you can see, I decided to hang most of my cards that have NOT been mailed out, on twine that hangs from one corner to the other. I found that if I SEE the cards on regular basis, I am more inclined to send them to people as hear someone is sick, or has a birthday, or just because.... I'm going to need more twine! (lol) The storage cubes from Michael's holds all of my papers and a lot of my company stamps. Love those little drawers! Oh yes, and I have a little TV in the corner for those evenings I can't miss CSI, or the Mentalist!

This space also has my computer (desk is IKEA), printer, and scanner tucked in the corner. I've found that the pegboard is pretty useless for what I need. It's slated to be removed. The wipe-off board is priceless! If I didn't write all my bill-pay and DT deadlines on that, I would be lost!

The last wall in my room holds my IKEA Expedit unit. The boxes and spaces have been labeled and re-arranged so many times, but it holds all of my little embellishments, Copics, paints, and Xyron adhesive machines. (Which I will admit, I do not use as often as I should)

Note the corner paper storage rack...

I bought that at the Bazzill sale several years ago for $40!!!

I think "someone" needs to go back for another!

My table is a 6 foot antique library table that came out of St. Genevieve, Missouri, a long time ago. It has seen many dining rooms along the way, but has finally found it's way into my scrap space. The top is always cluttered and messy, but I truly know what's on there! And since I've kept my sewing machine out, I use it!

Now I know you're saying, "Where's her Cricut and Cuttlebug kept? " Well, what does a person really use a "master retreat" for anyway? In our house, it houses the TV at one end for watching our shows at night (yes, we are one of those couples who watches tv in the bedroom! Shame, oh shame...) and the treadmill. On the opposite wall, I have the walnut storage that is from a large local grocery store chain that sells about everything (Fry's Marketplace) The white bookcases hold all of my back issues of scrapbook/card making magazines from the last 4-5 years. I keep them arranged by month so that I can pull 10-12 issues from a particular month at a time. Where the photographs are on the wall will be some shelves I just purchased and need to paint. They will hold the many jars of Prima flowers that a friend (Thanks, Jenn) just recycled to me! If I see them out, I will use them more!

Last, but probably most important, is my little nitche in my master bath that I refer to as my "Photo Studio"...lol! It is tucked under the window at the far end of the bathroom where I get tons of natural light, and what would I use that counter top for anyway? I hear many bloggers asking about taking their pictures and needing a space. This works perfectly for me. As long as the sun is shining (and in Arizona, that's most of the time) I can usually get a fairly good photo of a card. For me, layouts work better outside, laying flat on a posterboard, in the light. You can see I have black cardstock ready for a dark background, if needed. And props come from all over our home. I have "borrowed" western/cowboy items from my husband's den, and Southwest decor from the loft. I've even nabbed Tuscan decor from downstairs!

If you haved made it this far, you have a very good idea of where I spend much of my day. (well, when I'm not doing housework or cooking, Larry!) I'm very lucky to have the time and space these days to play.

My New Year's resolution is to get better organized and to learn to sit back and appreciate what I DO have. Many changes have happened over the last 2 years, but we are in a better place than some and looking forward to retirement. It may not look as great as it did 5 years ago, but we'll figure it out. And for now, these rooms are my refuge and I am glad to have friends both in my daily life and online, my health, and my very understanding and enabling husband.

Happy 2012 to everyone!

DYSU Challenge #52 - Rainbow Colors!

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

This week we have a huge celebration in store! Do You Stack Up?! has made it a whole year and we are ready to party! For this challenge, we want to see a
Rainbow of Colors!
On your project, use at least 3 colors from the Inspiration Photo below.

This week's Sponsors:

Do You Stack Up?! Surprise Package	Stitchy Bear Designs $10 Gift Voucher
Bugaboo Stamps Winner’s Choice of 7 Digis	Dearie Dolls Winner’s Choice of 4 Digis
The Paper Shelter $20 Gift Certificate	Pink Cat Studios Winner’s Choice of 5 Digis
Amber Ink $10 gift certificate	Little Claire Designs Two Clear Stamp Sets

Hope Jacare
Winner’s Choice of 3 Images

I just had to get silly, with the holiday stress and all!

With this post post falling after Christmas, but before New Year's,

I thought it needed to fit both.

Bugaboo's "Ruby" has had quite a week of parties!

From her sequined hot pink shoes to her gold globe earrings, she's quite the catch!

(Come on, we all know someone like this!)

Inside of the card:

Stamp - "Ruby Xmas Drink" (Bugaboo)

Paper - "Hog Heaven" (Sassafras Lass)

Copics Markers

Stickles

I hope everyone has enjoyed seeing all of the creations and joining in the challenges at "Do You Stack Up" over the past year! I know I have enjoyed every assignment with the gals on the Design Team and look forward to the next term!

Whee! More fun to come!

Happy, Happy New Year to you all!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

((hugs))

Jan

Off to a New Year with Imaginisce!

2011-12-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

I decided that one of my New Year's resolutions was to start doing more layouts, and not concentrating completely on cards! I have really slacked off journaling my life around me, and have perhaps escaped into cardmaking for everyone else.
So, when I saw the monthly color challenge at Imaginisce, I "challenged" myself. I have little of their DP left at this point, so it was really interesting seeing what I could come up with using only Imaginisce products!

"Hayden in Scottsdale"

I combined several collections-Polar Expressions, "Frosted Forest", and "Fun Drops", with Apple Cider (where I inked the brown woodgrain leaves).
I used my I-Top and covered four Braddies, two with denim, and two with holiday fabric.
I also used the "Tickets" stamp from the Snag "Em line and heat embossed them in red.
Blue cardstock is Bazzill Basics, and the rub-ons are some very old Making Memories.

And, yep, that's our winter! The temps will dip down in the low 40's some nights, but basically, the days will recover and reach the high to mid 60's.
It sounds great now, but ask me how I feel about it in the summer when we're seeing 110 degrees for the 30th day in a row! LOL!

I am submitting this layout at Imaginisce Monthly Challenge for December! as I can really use some newer Imaginisce papers!

DYSU Challenge #51 - Stripes!

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Welcome to a new challenge at Do You Stack Up?! This week we want to see your Stripes!

This week's Sponsors:

The Craft’s Meow
Winner’s Choice of 1 Stamp Set

Prairie Fairy Designs
$15 Gift Certificate

My card for the week:

The image is from Prairie Fairy and is different from what I'm used to working with. That's what I love about Design Teams, you get the chance to create outside of your comfort zone!

I had fun adding the whipped topping to the cocoa, and the bling to her wings!

Enjoy the holidays!

Some Odd Girl Challenge...

2011-12-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

I perused through my SOG digi stamps, and remembered I had this adorable image, "Cowboy Tobie"! I still have several Christmas cards to send out, one of which is to some friends from the cowboy gatherings my husband and I used to attend . This window card should be perfect for the "Mens" Christmas category!

We know what this little cowboy is thinking about!

His little head was colored twice and popped up

and I've added Glossy Accents to his eyes.

What a great way to greet the Christmas Holiday!

Have a good week,

Jan

Blame it on Claire!

2011-12-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

It's all WaltzingMouse's fault that I was up at 7 am this morning baking my cookies! No, not really, but that's my story as to why I had Chocolate chip cookies for breakfast!
Actually, I wanted to get my holiday cookie gifts out today and there is the terrific tag challenge over at Waltzingmouse!

Yesterday I worked with the silver glitter for my candy tags, so today I chose to go GOLD! These "Rescue Remedy" stamps are pretty regardless of what you pair them up with!

If you have multiples to make, this is so easy with the Spellbinders!
And I used vacuum jars purchased at the Dollar Store! They hold about 8-9 cookies each, perfect for that individual on your list.

So, as I sit here with a "sugar high headache",

I'll just keep telling myself, "It's all Claire's fault"! Haha!

The little tassle is one I just recieved from Pink Paisley, and the swirled paper is

last year's SEI, "Glitzmas".

SOG Blog Hop!

2011-12-19T21:50:00.000-08:00

I made this card the other day thinking perhaps for the DT call at Some Odd Girls... I think I can still submit with my DT call info later...

I love their stamps, both acrylic and digital, but have been so spread financially thin that I haven't been able to get more. Maybe I can win one, or make the team...wouldn't that be great and keep me out of trouble! LOL!

She's an older stamp, but a cutie, nonetheless!

It doesn't qualify for any particular category, just a sweet little Christmas card...

Waltzing Mouse Tag Challenge

2011-12-19T21:10:00.000-08:00

I love that the Waltzing Mouse "Rescue Remedies" coordinates with the

Spellbinders Labels Four!

It makes tags so easy and pretty!

I simply stamped the "SWEET" labels, and heat embossed,

die cut with the Nesties out of AC Glitter Cardstock,

and added some little bows....

I plan to put these on my candy gift bags!

I wish the photo could do the glittery background justice!

They are so gorgeous!

What's really weird is that the glitter cardstock is silver, not gold!

I will retake the pictures tomorrow in the daylight, rather than artificial...

Now to get to work on my tags for my chocolate chip cookie jars!

Moxie Fab Inspiration!

2011-12-18T16:41:00.000-08:00

The Pot Pourri Challenge at Moxie Fab World is based on the current

Paper Crafts Magazine, Get Inspired issue!

My card reflects the image of seating and the black and white/cream color scheme.

My favorite colors are red and black, so I chose to add a splash of RED with the cute little embossed image and the ribbon and bow.

I think it makes quite a statement!

Supplies:

Stamp: Michael's Dollar Stamp, "Vintage Finds"

DP: DCWV, "Le Creme"

Die: Spellbinders, Labels Four

Please leave a comment and let me know if you agree!

Only 6 days until Christmas!

More Stampendous Colors!

2011-12-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

I have another card for the Color Challlenge at Stampendous Impressions this week. Who can get enough of these gorgeous vintage stamps and that Fran'tage glittery goodness?

Aren't those little pink poinsettias really cute? I always thought of them as being red, and have really enjoyed seeing them in various hues of pinks and reds this holiday season.

I wanted to give the image a somewhat postage stamp look without actually punching all four sides. Just enough to mimic the feeling of travel.

I added gold micro beads on the poinsettias, and sprinkled Shabby White Embossing powder on the corners and across the Eiffel Tower. I used Fran's terrific "Fran'taging" technique and heated the powder from the underside. I love the effect!
Next, I distressed, gold and vintage inked the edges of the layers, and added the soft, little pink ribbon and bow. Hope you like!

I entered this as my second card for the Stampendous Color Challenge
and in the Scrap it With a Song -Holiday Christmas Carol ( "Noel' A Paris", and oh how I long to be somewhere else this holiday!)!

Skipping Stones Sketch Challenge #106

2011-12-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

This is the card I made for the sketch challenge this week at Skipping Stones

and the card challenge at CASE STUDY CHALLENGE.

This SSD butterfly stamp from "Healing Wings"

is so swirly and pretty.

It takes heat embossing so very well, too! I simply sprinkled several shades of blue sparkle embossing powder on the stamped image before hitting it with the heat gun.

The gold embossed doily is a stamp by My Mind's Eye, Stella and Rose.

Black pearls are Prima Marketing.

I intentionally left off any sentiment so that I may use it for any occasion.

My Favorite Little Gal!

2011-12-15T18:26:00.000-08:00

Back again with a card featuring that adorable little Pure Innocence girl from

My Favorite Things!

She's spunky, she's cute, and she can get you out of just about any sticky situation,

even a forgotten birthday!

This was submitted for the sketch challenge at MFT.

Since I flipped the sketch sideways, I figured I would download onto my blog that way! LOL!

Stamp: MFT, Pure Innocence, "Happy Mail"
Sentiment is also MFT, "First Class Friend"

Pattern papers are Basic Grey, "Nook and Pantry"

Die; Spellbinders, "Labels Eleven"

I realized after I took the pictures when the sun was still out, that I had forgotten to add the tiny flower I had dug out from hundreds of tiny Prima flowers to match her dress.

Ok, it's glued on now... close your eyes and try to picture it!

If I think of it in the morning, I'll retake the picture.

She's a cutie, though, right?

Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge #77

2011-12-15T14:06:00.000-08:00

The sketch this week at Waltzing Mouse is an easy layout, and made for so many possibilites! But I wanted to step out of the box a bit. I only have a few WM stamps (not that I wouldn't want to have them ALL! LOL!), so I had to get creative!

Here is the sketch:

I looked at my stamps and decided to make a hot air balloon!

I'm getting rather tired of Christmas cards. I love the holidays, but I needed a break!

Here is my card and an explanation of how this worked!

The basket and sentiment are from the

Waltzing Mouse, "Bountiful Basket Additions" stamp set;

The scrolled portion of the balloon is a label from "Holiday Labels No. 14";

and the back portion of the balloon is cut with the Spellbinders, "Labels Nine" die.

The pattern paper is Prima, so you know it has to be gorgeous!

Lots of lots of distress ink was added, of course!

I popped up the balloon and the basket and added the twine as ropes.

It was so terrific the way these dies and stamps all worked together!

I think it's adorable! Perfect for sending a Spring birthday message!

This card is proudly entered into the challenge and posted on their Gallery. http://waltzingmousehouse.com/wmsgallery/main.php

If you haven't been there, go check it out!

oh, yea, and wish me luck!

I could really use some new Waltzing Mouse stamps!

Say it with a Flourish!

2011-12-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

This challenge at Flourishes was particularly fun for me, because I LOVE working with the ribbons and lace, and buttons, and pearls, and well, everything vintage and romantic!

Here's my card.

When I have a morning like today, I have to just shut myself off in my scrap room and play... I am sooo frustrated with my medical doctors right now,I could scream!!!! Leave it to say, from what I'm experiencing, this country's health system is going down the toilet! But, for now, I'm happy playing with my goodies!

And suffice it to say, when I fell in love with the resin pieces, I decided I had to have tons! Little ones, big ones, and all colors and shapes... isn't this one gorgeous! Definately a "no mailing" card!

The stamp is Flourishes "Medallion", and I absolutely love it! I have used it more than most! It heat embosses so beautifully and detailed.

I've also used this sketch from CardPatterns, as my jumping-off sketch guide.

They have some wonderful metal sheets to giveaway over there! Check it out!

Pattern Paper: My Mind's Eye, "Lost and Found"

DYSU Challenge #50 WINTER!

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome back for a new challenge here at Do You Stack Up?!

As the chilly weather moves in, we want you to show us your

Winter projects!

This week's Sponsors:

Crafty Emma
£10 Gift Voucher (exc p&p)

Digi Darla
Digital Stamp Club
One Month’s Membership

Inky Impressions
$10 Gift Certificate

I chose to go with a decorated jar to hold candy canes...seems everyone enjoys an occasional sweet treat around the holidays!

With the adorable image, "Reindeer Rides" from Inky Impressions, it was so easy!
Here's "Rudolf, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" for the
challenge at "Scrap It With A song" (a Christmas carol).

I didn't want to loose the image by wrapping it tight around the jar, and didn't have a larger jar, so I made little "wings" with tri-folded cardstock, and attached them to the backside of the cut out image. I may transfer this whole image to a different jar or box later. But for now, the candy canes show through the window and look so yummy!

I added homemade "flower fluff" to his antlers and to the ones on the building. And of course, he had to have a shiny, red, blingy nose!

And wanting to make it more vintage, I inked the edge of the image with Distress Ink. It still needed an old-timey look, so I glued some DCWV holiday paper added to the lid, along with the traditional red bow!

The tickets are Tim Holtz with an Inkadinkado Christmas sentiment stamp.

Check out the rest of the team's goodies, and join in the fun this week at

DYSU!

Also, this project was entered in the challenge at

Simon Says Stamp and Show (Through the looking glass)

Stampendous Color Challenge

2011-12-14T18:46:00.000-08:00

This month, the color challenge at Stampendous Impressions is

Pink, Cream, Gold, and Brown.

That said VINTAGE to me immediately!

Isn't this Stampendous image just gorgeous? It's called "Rose Corset". And the KaiserCraft pattern paper I used for the background is flocked so it looks like wallpaper.

After coloring my image with Copics, I used my little Spritzer and "spit" some soft pink/lavender ink (Copics V04) around the finished image, casually masking it off using my hand. The little buttons are made with my Pearl Pen. I stamped the sentiment from Stampendous "Happy Messages" set onto my matted stamped image, and finished it off by attaching a gold ribbon and bow.
Copics used for this image:
E00
E51
E33
R81
RV21
RV04
Since I use primarily Ciao markers, I'm unable to simply take a photo of the Copics I use, showing the numbers. Someday...

P.S. Note to anyone out there considering starting Copics, go with the Sketches! They cost just a bit more, but there are several advantages. You don't need to refill as often, they have the identifying letter/number on the caps, and there are many more colors available in the Sketches. I am mixing the two types of markers, but storage of both together tends to be a problem.

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

2011-12-14T14:24:00.000-08:00

I saw this challenge on Scrap It With A Song and absolutely had to laugh out loud! Being in the desert of Arizona, I doubt very much if any amount of dreaming will result in a white Christmas! But it doesn't stop us all from making our winter cards and layouts!
I made several versions of this card for my friends and relatives, most of whom live in areas where they really will have snow!

I've been getting my Copics out more now since I started classes.

Hopefully, my coloring skills will only improve.

I used beads, glitter, and embossed the snowflakes to make this one

different and a little special.

Also, entered in the challenges at:

Party Time Tuesdays (Red and Green)

Scrap-Creations (Snow!)

Papertrey Part Deux

2011-12-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

I had such a good time with the first card, so I decided to make a second one for this fun challenge at Capture the Moment for Make it Monday!

I heat embossed the stamped design on the dress form and then followed up by coloring it with Copics. Loving those Pearl Pens, too! Makes adding the little details so quick and easy! The sentiment is Papertrey Ink, of course!

new papertrey challenge!

2011-12-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

The Make It Monday challenge at Capture the Moment this week is to color with your Copics on an embossed image or sentiment...
Needless to say, this made me a bit nervous. There are so many rules about what you CAN and CAN NOT touch the Copics ink tips to that I kinda freaked.

But here is my card. I heat embossed the Papertrey sentiment and the butterfly stamped image from my stash. Then I highlighted the butterflies in flight with my markers. I noticed a bit of a white residue left on my marker tips so I cleaned them thoroughly to avoid any gumminess or problems next time I use them. I would suggest always cleaning them if you are in doubt about where those tips have been!

I like the soft color it added to my butterflies.

And it gave me an excuse to use some of the Prima flowers a friend gave me recently!

(Thanks, Jennifer!)

DYSU Challenge #49

2011-12-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

So glad you could join us once again for a new challenge at Do You Stack Up?!
This week we want to see Something Old!
It could truly be something old, or just a vintage style or image.

This week's Sponsors:

Saturated Canary Digis
Winner’s Choice of 2 Digis

Gecko Galz
Prize Package: Pack of paper of the winners choice, 4 collage sets of the winners choice, a stamp set of the winners choice, and vintage pearl button pack, vintage lace, and Gecko Galz fibers

I really fell in love with this image from Saturated Canary!
I actually split the digital in two on Photoshop and used it as seperate images.
I love the way it turned out!
It reminded me of when I was a young girl (yes, THAT long ago) and we used to play with cups as phones! This new generation doesn't have a clue how to use their imagination!
I still love using all the banners!

Aren't they adorable?
I carefully planned the placement so that the little gal inside the card wasn't showing from the cover.

I'm still good friends and stay in touch with my grade school buddy, and she so enjoys getting my cards.

Now, Go check out the rest of the Design Team's creations this week!
FUN!

This card is also entered into the CONTEST:
"Celebrating Relationships Challenge in the Moxie Fab World"

Flashback Friday 18.0! OWLS!!!

2011-12-07T20:49:00.000-08:00

Wow, I am not a huge fan of the owls...although I used one just a short while back. But this was my first "owl" card that I made not so long ago...May, 2010 to be exact. It was for "Send Love Today" for kids with brain tumors.

I remember the stamp I had with me at this particular retreat had only the words "Whoooo... " and then "thinking of you" so I had to adlib and add the "is" and the "?"
Looking back, I would definaltely do it differently today.
Like I said, this blog challenge really takes you back.

Flashback Fridays

DYSU Challenge #48

2011-12-07T19:08:00.000-08:00

Tied it up!

Sorry to be late posting...apparently the time I spend with my elderly parent's totally messes with my calendar! This was to have posted earlier, like on December 1st! Hope you enjoy it anyway!
Ribbon (or anything that ties)!

Yep, this week the challenge at Do You Stack Up was to use anything you can tie-

string, ribbon, twine, jute, shoelaces...well, you get the picture!

This week's Sponsors:

Stamp Fairy
Winner’s Choice of 3 Digis

Copic Marker Scrapbooking
6 Copic Ciao Markers (North/South America), Martha Stewart punch (rest of the world)

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps
Charlotte with a Rose and Scooter Chloe Rubber Stamps

The frame is one I found in Michael's Dollar Bin, already white and ready to go!

This was also my first card using my Viva-Decor Pearl Pen!

I love the way it makes perfect, tiny little pearls every time!

Inside of card:

I attempted to highlight the image of the pocketwatch with glitter glass, and what it ended up looking like was a crystalline coffee ring...LOL! Oh well, it's pretty, too.

The sillouette is from Stampendous,

and I never miss a chance to use their Fran*tage Essentials Glitter Glass!

The paper is from GCD's , "Antiquities" paper pack! Gorgeous stuff!

NOW, Stop over at the DYSU blog

and check out all the other Design Team's cards!

Again, sorry I totally blanked on the date! Had it pre-posted a week ago and everything!!! Kicking myself!Eeeek!

Craft's Meow wishes...

2011-12-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite fairy stamp ever! Wait, I've never really been much of a fairy person, so where is this coming from? Only the fact that this little stamp won my heart about a year ago and I just can't get enough of her!

This week's sketch challenge at Craft's Meow is ideal for a simple, yet elegant card.

I heat embossed the sillouette in black to make it POP off the pattern paper.

I love the delicate little wings...

Paper used was Basic Grey, "Origins" and Nestie used was Labels Eleven.

My Grafico is having a Giveaway!

2011-12-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

http://www.partyblog.mygrafico.com/silhouette_giveaway/mg_silhouettegiveaway/

Enter to win an amazing gift this holiday!http://www.partyblog.mygrafico.com/silhouette_giveaway/mg_silhouettegiveaway/

Merry Mistletoe!

2011-11-30T07:22:00.000-08:00

The current Holiday Diva Dare challenge at Verve is to make

"A Handmade Christmas" project,

using your Verve stamps,

of course!

I love the way the "Leafy Sprigs" die works with the "Bloom and Grow" stamps to make a perfect mistletoe branch! I simply cut and stamped 7 of the larger sprigs, and layered them with pop dots between to give it dimension. I wanted berries with some "umph" too, so I used round pearl buttons I had saved from an old sweater that had long ago been discarded. I think it came out really nice. I won't mind at all hanging this up over the entry during the holidays! Off to my closet to find more buttons! LOL!

Christmas Challenges

2011-11-29T16:32:00.000-08:00

Simon Says Stamp and Show has a challenge this week to "show some stars" on your card! I pulled out this little Magnolia image from several years ago and sat her on a sparkly snow drift. I love the Stampendous Fran*tage collection, but it doesn't show up very well in photos...

Also, this card is entered at Magnolia-licious!

(Because I could really use some new Magnolia holiday images!)

Fall's not over yet!

2011-11-29T12:43:00.000-08:00

Let's not jump into Christmas just yet! It's only the end of November...almost another month until Christmas. Fall always gets cheated when it comes to celebrating. We put up our Thanksgiving decorations and 2-3 weeks later, we take it all down. I like to enjoy this season as long as possible.

I love owls. I'm not obsessed like some folks (and you know whooo you are!) , but I like them. When I moved to the desert, I was only acquainted with very different type of owls that I knew back in the Midwest. In Arizona, you have the tiny little burrowing owls that live everywhere; in school yards, along freeways, in our subdivisions. Then we have these amazing, huge desert creatures that fly over and leave a shadow to be feared on the ground! I have long been aware that they could easily attack and pick up my little dog. But, they are still so cool!

So, let's not say "goodbye" to Fall just yet!

Enjoy!

Supplies:

Papers: Jillibean Soup

Stamp; Studio 112

Die; Verve

This card will be entered in the challenge at:
Wee Memories (woodland animal, esp. OWLS!)

Challenges Galore!

2011-11-29T10:14:00.000-08:00

This month HAS to be the most inspiring of the year! So many challenges to help you get your Christmas/Holiday cards finished!

"Capture the Moment", has a "ruffle" challenge! I love ruffles, whether handmade out of ribbon or paper, or store bought. I chose to make mine out of my Hug Snug ribbon to keep a soft, cream color to my card.

The sketch I used was from Card Patterns blog, flipped, of course!

Supplies:
Stamps; Papertrey Ink, "Button Boutique"
Ribbon; Hug Snug (internet purchase)
Ink; Tim Holtz, Distress Ink, "Vintage Photo", and Quick Quotes, "Banana Bliss"

Enjoy the season, and take advantage of all the great ideas and inspiration out there!

Holiday Flourishes!

2011-11-28T13:16:00.000-08:00

There's a new Christmas challenge at Flourishes!

The challenge is to make your card round like a wreath!

Cute idea, eh?

My Flourishes "Medallion" stamp

worked perfectly for this challenge!

I love the romantic, detailed look of the design.

Heat embossing it in black made it really POP off the blue!

The gold tulle bow is much softer and less bulky than it looks in the picture.

The little center glass piece is one that I found at Michael's in the Dollar Bin. It had a magnet attached to the back, but that peeled off easily!

The real bonus was the matching rub-ons!

So, I decided to finish the inside of the card by stamping the music again

and adding the vintage phonograph rub-on.

Supplies Used:

Cardstock: Bazzill Shimmer Blue

Stamps: Flourishes "Medallion"; Hampton Art, "PS0576" (Cosmo Cricket)

Die Cut: Cricut, "Art Philosophy" cartridge

Rub-Ons; Michael's, "Vintage Finds"

Adhesive: Helmar's 450

Having a great Monday, with the weather in the 70's and sun shining all day!

Gotta love these Arizona Fall days!

Welcome Santa!

2011-11-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

I always hang one of my Christmas wreaths on my front door, along with several others in the windows. This year may pose a bit of a problem since we have so MANY front windows...may just stick to the downstairs windows! LOL!

But this sketch from the Skipping Stones Challenge this week inspired me. As soon as I saw it, I immediately saw a window and house siding...hmmm...I'm more a home decorator than a card maker perhaps.

So, here's my take on that sketch. Pretty much resembles my windows...I love hanging my extra ornaments from the top and a big red ribbon holds the wreath. Multiply that by three windows plus the front door and it makes a nice holiday statement!

The adorable wreath is part of the Skipping Stones "Everyday Blessings" set, which I embossed in deep green and then colored in with Copics.

I used an older stamp from Cornish Heritage Farms, ""Weathered Wood Backgrounder" for the house siding. I love the way the rubber is cut so deeply that the heat embossing brings out all of the detail!

Even though it's a simple card,

I think it's quickly become one of my favorites this year...

Waltzing into the holidays!

2011-11-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

I am not a big Sunday night football fan, so I decided to start on my Christmas decorations... I know, some of you have already finished or gotten a really good start on yours! Well, I'm a bit of a procrastinator, so I wait until one holiday gets put away before thinking about the next! With Thanksgiving and Christmas, that can be a bit dangerous.
Waltzing Mouse has a challenge for the holidays to make place cards for our Christmas dinner table. Whether I host at my house again this year, or we have it at someone else's, I'll be one step ahead with my cards all made for Christmas Day!

I used my Spellbinders Nestibilities Labels 18, which made it so easy to cut out the white standing cards. Next, the coordinating Waltzing Mouse Stamp Set, "Vintage Labels 18", made the perfect highlight of gold embossing on red to turn a simple place card into a thing of beauty! I placed a Bazzill paper Poinsettia and a few tiny sprinkles of holly and Stickles to add some sparkle to each.

I have quite a few more to go before I finish this project!

DYSU Challenge #47

2011-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning and welcome to a new challenge at Do You Stack Up?! We're so glad you've joined us! This week we want to see Grass somewhere on your project!

This week's Sponsors:

Dearie Dolls
Winner’s Choice of 4 Digis

Love to Stamp
Winner’s Choice of 1 Little Darlings Rubber Stamp

Stitchy Bear Designs $10 Gift Voucher

Grass in December you say?

When everyone else is seeing snow outside,

those of us in Arizona are still watering our lawns and wearing short sleeves! LOL!

I decided to go with a birthday card for a friend who's favorite color is RED!

She always comments on my red purse and is never afraid to wear a splash of color!

What better image to represent her personality? Ladybugs, of course!

It's hard to see in the picture, but I even made the grass look "dewey" and the little ladybug's heads are 3D "puffy" paint.

Supplies used:

Digi image: Dearie Dolls, "Ladybugs in Grass"

Cardstock: Coordinations, "Black Magic Collection"

Paper: Cosmo Cricket, "Odds and Ends"

Embossing Folder: Paper Studio, "Music Notes"

Die Cuts: Spellbinders, Nesties, "Blossom", and Sizzix, "Flower Layers #3"

Stamp: Inkadinkado, "Paperwork Greetings"

Paint: Polymark Black paint pen

Twine and brads: my stash

I hope you enjoy the team's projects today!

Flashback Friday's - It's a Banner Day!

2011-11-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

This week, the challenge at Flashback Friday's is to post your old first "banner" project. Well, like everyone else, I jumped on the banner bandwagon about two years ago. But before I started using the typical triangle and various shaped paper flags, I found this Christmas card that I had made using the ornaments as my "banner" hanging from a gold chain. I still look back on it and think it was pretty nice...

Christmas 2009

Since it IS the holiday season once again, I figured this old project would fit in nicely with the challenge.
I know you've heard me say it before, but really...these challenges are so much fun! Every time I go back into my archives of old cards and projects, I find myself laughing and sometimes crying over the memories they bring back. Join in the fun and you will not regret it!

Vintage Handmade Christmas

2011-11-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

I love the old, vintage look of all of the latest scrapbook products out there! One of my favorites is the "Button Boutique" set from Papertrey Ink.

I use it for all occasions, and on all sorts of projects.

This week, the Make it Monday challenge at Papertrey Ink is to put

glitter, flocking, or Perfect Pearls on your project!

Here's my entry!

1. I started by covering a white card base with my pattern paper and rounding the two outside corners. Attached it to the cardbase.

2. I cut my red pattern paper and rounded those corners as well to match the corners of the button card.

3. I then die cut the button card and stamped it in red. ( Inking all the edges as I went )

4. The fun part was die cutting all of the little buttons along with the sentiment and label in chipboard and then covering them with glitter! (Notice I slipped one little Jenni Bowlin chipboard button onto the card! And even that I clear embossed for shine!)

5. To finish, I simply layered my card, and added the gold bow and the glittered blue and green buttons and label strip.

At first, I wasn't sure I liked the vintage look combined with the sparkly glitter,

but it's growing on me!

Supplies:

Papers: Paper Studio, "A Heartwarming Holiday", and Cosmo Cricket,

"Odds and Ends"

Stamps: Papertrey ink, "Button Boutique" and Inkadinakdo "Doodle Frames Holiday"

Glitter: Stampendous

Also entered at the challenge at:

Stampendous Impressions, ( Using chipboard -and used their wonderful glitter, of course)

DYSU Challenge #46

2011-11-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Welcome back to a new challenge at Do You Stack Up?! I'm so glad you could join us! This week we want to see a Splash of Blue on your project!

This week's Sponsors:

Robyn’s Fetish
Winner’s Choice of EITHER 5 Digital Stamps OR 4 Digital Stamps and 1 Paper Pack

Raindrop Echo Designs
Winner’s Choice of 4 Digi Sentiment Sets

Mami Doodles
4 Digital Images

My card for this week:

The image I chose is the adorable

"Jake" from Mami Doodles playing dress up as a Pirate.

I love this paper from Quick Quotes

and the sentiment is an old ready-made by My Mind's Eye.

I just trimmed up the bottom edge with decorative scissors and inked it up!

The really cool sparkly glitters are actually the new Fran*tage Shaved Ice and Mica products from

STAMPENDOUS!

Is that not the most amazing stuff ever?! A bit of glue/adhesive,

let it set up just enough to keep the flakes from flying away,

simply hit it with your heat gun, and it melts to your card.

The ultimate in embossing!

I was experimenting and mixed several different colors and grains,

so no one product name to give you. Besides, I love them all!

Come on over to "Do You Stack Up"
and see what all the other Design Team gals have created!

DYSU Challenge #45

2011-11-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to a new challenge at Do You Stack Up?!

This week, we want your projects to be Inspired by a Song!

Please be sure to let us know in your post what your song is. ;)

This week's Sponsors:

JLJ Designs
$10 Gift Certificate

Di’s Digi Downloads
Winner’s Choice of 5 Digis

My card this week features a stamp from our sponsor,

Di's Digi Downloads, "Penguin Love".

Isn't it just too cute?

Justin Beiber

"Mistletoe"

I don't wanna miss out on the holiday,

But I can't stop staring at your face,

I should be playing in the winter snow,

But Ima be under the mistletoe.

I know, lame... but I really like this song!

(Anything with even a remotely sounding Reggae beat)

As soon as I saw the little gal and penguin on the snow drift,

I immediately thought of these lyrics!

And, I HAD to add Mistletoe, of course!

Come join the fun with us over at Do You Stack Up!
You could win a great prize!

And, as long as you're here, please add your name to my "follower" list.
I'm still aiming for that goal of 100 by December 31st!!!!

Have a great day!
Jan

DYSU Challenge #44

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Now that we're moving out of the Halloween mood,

this week the challenge over at "Do You Stack Up" is especially fun!

We want to see some Teal on your project.

I know I'll be looking for teal/blue to be the main color or the POP of your project,

so pile it on!

This week's Sponsors:

The Craft’s Meow

Winner’s Choice of 1 Stamp Set

Stretch ‘n Bubbles

Winner’s Choice of 4 Digis

Copic Marker Scrapbooking

6 Copic Ciao Markers (North/South America),
Martha Stewart punch (rest of the world)

I was fortunate to get the most adorable stamp from one of our sponsors this week,

"The Craft's Meow"!

I have several of their stamps and I absolutely love them all!

They lend themselves to paper piecing so well, and I can still get that little bit of Copics coloring in besides!

Sorry about the lighting. Really makes the blotchiness on her skin show up! I am working on finding a better paper... one that works with my ink jet printer.

Entered in challenge at:

4 Crafty Chicks (Die Cuts)

Hey, Neighbor!

2011-11-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

I made a quick card for a neighbor this week. Seems like our nice, quiet street is about to grow by leaps and bounds! In the last 3 months, there have been six lots on our street alone where the builder has broken ground. The most recent is the lot directly across the street from me. My neighbor next door to the new build is about to lose her perfect view of the mountains to the West, and the deer will have to go further down the street to cross from the golf course into our little community park area. (Of course, that may mean we lose fewer plants and flowers to them! I also suspect they drink from my courtyard fountain at night.) I will have to look OVER the new roof to see the foothills, but thankfully, it is only a single story. From our master bath, I still have a great view.

It seemed, just like this card, that someone literally DROPPED a house in the empty lot overnight! I think it took about 2 months from frame, to walls, to stucco, to finish!

Kinda scary...

I know my neighbor will see the humor in it; besides, all you can do is laugh. The dozen or so of us couldn't have the street all to ourselves forever.

The pattern paper from DCWV, Songbird pack made this card so easy-peasy!

I simply fussy-cut the little houses and popped some up.

Dangling the new house with twine was so much fun!

And the little birdhouses DO somewhat resemble the houses in our neighborhood! LOL!

This card will be entered into the challenge at :

Simon Says Stamp and Show (House/Home)

Halloween Mini and Coffin!

2011-10-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

Boo!

With my grandson getting older, it has become more fun to plan for Halloween! He loves the gruesome as long as it's at arms' distance!

He has been sharing Halloween jokes with me, so I thought I would share some with him. Let's face it, there will be enough candy around without adding to it!

I thought he would enjoy a keepsake that he could bring out on occasion and remeber how silly we were (are) !

I purchased a little wooden coffin at Michael's knowing that I would want to alter it or fill it with candy corn... something.

I finally decided on the Joke Mini Album tucked inside for safe keeping.

I painted and decorated the outside JUST GORY ENOUGH for a 6 year old,

then lined the box with paper and tulle to give it that EERIE feeling.

Then I added some CREEPY spiders...

For the little book, I cut pieces of black chipboard the shape of the coffin,

placed an adorable little skeleton on the front, and hinged it together with a long brad.

Inside, Hayden will find some of his favorite vampire, witch, and ghost jokes, along with a few new ones I found online.

I have to admit, I had so much fun making this project for him!

I know how excited he gets when he thinks he's telling a new joke and we all pretend to NEVER have heard it before. And the cornier, the better!

This has been a fairly long post for me, so I thank you all for reading this far.

My internet was down for several hours tonight, and it's getting late so I'm off to bed.

Stay safe "Trick-or-Treating" or whatever your plans are for tomorrow night.

I know I'll be out with the little goblins, knocking on doors and telling silly jokes....

This little project will be entered in the challenges at:
If the Shoe Fits, Scrap It... (Halloween)
Paper Play Challenges (Halloween)
Scrap It With A Song (The Grateful Dead) Get it?! LOL!
The Paper Variety (Cute or Spooky Project)

DYSU Challenge #43 - Boo!

2011-10-27T02:00:00.000-07:00

Look at what's up at Do You Stack Up?! This week we are getting in gear to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year! That's right... we want to see your Halloween creations!

This week's Sponsors:

Stitchy Bear Designs
$10 Gift Voucher

Sassy Cheryl Designs
$5 Gift Certificate

Prairie Fairy Designs
$15 Gift Certificate

The image I used on my card is from our sponsor, Prairie Fairy! Always fun, always adorable!

I had so much fun dressing up this little guy,

from his plaid jammies down to his fuzzy slippers!

I wanted to make a card that my 6 year old grandson could relate to. Every costume we looked at or discussed was "too scary". He wanted to be something less "spooky". Because of a recent vacation trip the family took to California and to Alcatraz Island, I think he decided on being a prison guard and my DD and my son-in-law being his prisoners...no, that's not creepy...lol!

But this is definately how some of the kids look that show up at my door!

Costume over their pajamas!

So, grab your stamps and inks, and join the fun at
DO YOU STACK UP!

And since this card fits in perfectly, and it's a fun holiday, I'm entering it in some challenges at:
If the Shoe Fits Scrap It... (Halloween)
Kaboodle Doodles (Halloween)
PaperPlay Challenges (Halloween/Witches)
Pollycraft Monday (Spooky Goings On)
The Paper Variety (Cute or Spooky project)
Fab n Funky Challenge (Hubble Bubble Toil And Trouble)
Penny's Paper Crafty (Halloween)
Digi Designs (Halloween)
Daisy Doodle Creations (Halloween)
Aud Sentiments (Funny card)
Scrap-Creations (Digi image)

Holiday Hugs!

2011-10-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

Waltzing Mouse Stamps has a wonderful CAS sketch this week, and I had to take a break from laundry and house cleaning to make this Christmas card for the challenge. We can never start too soon, and I love that the cards I send out each year are each totally different. Challenges are great for that!

It's not obvious in the photo, but the frame around the sentiment is heat embossed in gold to match the gold Stickle centers of the poinsettias.

Supplies:
Bazzill cardstock
Stamps; Waltzing Mouse Stamps, "Bountiful Basket Additions" and "Vintage Labels 4"
Die; Spellbinders, Nestibilities, Labels Four
Background; Red Bazzill cardstock, Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge
Wilton Doily
Copics Markers
Stickles

Happy Birthday Wishes!

2011-10-20T13:28:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Things

has a great sketch challenge this week!

I just had to grab some Pure Innocence stamps and play along!

I love these cute papers from DCWV and the coordinating epoxy stickers made it so easy! My joint pain has been worse this week, and these little images make paper piecing a no-brainer!

Then, I figured if one MFT image is good, two is even better!

So I dressed up the inside of my card with another Pure Innocence image!

Enjoy! I have to make this a short post today.

The Jimmy Buffet concert is tonight, and I have things to do before I can go play!

Supplies:

Stamps; MFT, "Hello Cupcake" , and "My Little Firecracker"

Papers and Epoxy Stickers; DCWV, "Doodlin' Around"

Copics Markers

DYSU Challenge #42 - TREES!

2011-10-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome once again to a new challenge at Do You Stack Up?! This week we want to see Trees on your projects!

This week's Sponsors:

Bugaboo Stamps
Winner’s Choice of 7 Digis

The Stamping Boutique
Winner's Choice of 5 Digis

Hope Jacare
Winner’s Choice of 3 Images

Yes, this week the challenge is to have a tree on your project, or to have your project BE a tree shape...etc. (you get the picture)!

My image is from one of our terrific sponsor's,

Bugaboo Stamps, "Poppy Christmas Tree". Isn't he adorable?

And I paired him with a "borrowed" sentiment that I had spotted on a friend's card from Unity stamps. It just seemed to fit the little image so perfectly!

With the holiday season just beginning, I knew I would be making plenty more Christmas cards, so I chose to go with unconventional colors this time around....

Not that I have anything against the typical red and green, but by January, I'm ready to pack away the red cardstock until February!

Wanting to keep "Poppy" as the highlight, I didn't add too many extras. He desperately needed his tinsel, of course. And the bling is because he's just that kind of guy....

well, maybe not. Doesn't look too thrilled to be there! LOL!

I will probably send this to a friend who, every year, says she's NOT putting up a tree because of all of the work involved, yet does it anyway!

The background is the "Mistletoe Kisses" embossing folder from Cuttlebug.

I use that so much during the holidays that it stays out on my table for months!

The pretty, sparkly, striped paper is some old leftover kit scrap from

Close To My Heart.

So, get on over to Do You Stack Up's blog, see what the other gals have made ,
(I promise you won't be disappointed) and enter your own card to win some great prizes!

Dinosaur Camp-out!

2011-10-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

I have a little buddy who is going to love this!

Dino's and metal accents! How cool is this?

The metal "dog tag" reads,

"Passport to Adventure",

and I am putting together a little camping survival kit to go with it.

A friend has asked me to make one up for her grandson,too!

A trip to the Dollar Store turned up a water bottle, a compass, a bug keeper, a butterfly net, and all sorts of rubber creatures! And the camo bag to carry them in!

DP and chipboard pieces used are Basic Grey.

Hinge is from my tool box!

This card is entered in the Simon Says Stamp and Show - Some Stripes!

Papertrey Frames Challenge!

2011-10-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

I made this card especially for the Make It Monday Challenge over at {Capture the Moment}. Dawn McVey has posted a terrific video to demonstrate how to use layers and frames on your projects! I inked up my button card from Papertrey's Button Boutique collection and put together this little "All Occasion" card to keep on hand. The sentiment is heat embossed so it pops IRL and I popped up the button card to give it some dimension. I photographed it several times and tried to get the lighting right. The colors are dark pink and blue with the light pink buttons, even though it shows up rather "orangey". It truly DOES co-ordinate well!

I added just a few die cut paper buttons to the inside to tie it all together.

Supplies:
Paper: DCWV, "All About Girls"
Stamps: Papertrey Ink, "Button Boutique"; Sentiment, Hampton Arts,
(the Michael's dollar bin)
Dies: Papertrey Ink, "Button Card" and "Buttons"; Nestibilities, Labels Eleven; Spellbinders, Frameablities, "Scalloped Edge Frame
Brad: Melody Ross
Twine, Buttons, and Ribbon are from my scrap stash.

This card also qualifies for and will be entered into the challenges at:
Polka Doodles (Ribbons and Bows)
Stamptacular Sundays (You Choose!)

Do You Stack Up? Challenge #41

2011-10-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at Do You Stack Up , and my FIRST with the Design Team, is to

"Use Your Scraps"!

Anyone who has seen my craft room knows that I have plenty of those! I keep everything! If it's larger than 6 x 6, it definately goes into my scrap DP file.

My card was made up of 30 one inch squares I cut from some pieces of

October Afternoon, "Seaside" papers and then machine stitched each row. I also used a Wild Card from October Afternoon for my image. I love their papers with the vibrant colors and adorable vintage patterns!

"Thank You, Alison"!

I made this card as a "Thank you" to Alison and the rest of the Design Team at DYSU! They have all been so kind and welcoming!

I am so addicted to the resin flowers and cameos that are popular now. And I couldn't help but grab a piece of yellow and white twine to accent the sewing and sentiment.

I want to also thank everyone who has come to my blog to see my project! I know it's always said, but if you would leave a comment, it REALLY would make my day!

And, if you would, please add your name to my "follower" list...

I have a goal of 100 followers by December 31st!

This week's Sponsors:

A Day For Daisies
$16 gift certificate

Just Some Lines
$15 Gift Certificate

Pink Cat Studios
Winner’s Choice of 5 Digis

Let your dreams take flight...

2011-10-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is the first bookmark I've ever made.... for a friend who I lost touch with for many years. She is completing her degree and is engaged to be married! Yeah! Figured she needs this with all of the studying she's been doing!

Stamp used was an older rubber "Kraftin Kimmie" image, Tree Fairy.

I stitched her bodice and hung a tiny 7 Gypsies key around her neck.

The wings are Tim Holtz Grungeboard that I heat embossed in gold.

The little crown is a brad from Creative Imaginations and the swirls, Zva, of course!

Entered in the challenges at:

Simon Says Stamp and Show (Wings)

KraftinKimmie Stamps (Sparkle/Shine)

Skipping Stones Design Sketch Challenge!

2011-10-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

It appears it's the week for tags...at least posting two in one weekend is a record for me! I am much more comfortable when the tag is ATTACHED to the front of a card or 3D project. Which means this sketch at Skipping Stones was perfect!

And simple enough! As a matter of fact, I purposely chose to leave off a sentiment so that I may use it for one of the many occasions I have coming up. I have several friends with Fall birthdays, two wedding Anniversaries, and several folks I just plain miss on a regular basis!

This wreath from Skipping Stones is so versatile!

You can color it up with Fall or Christmas colors, and I noticed today, that it has tiny groups of what could be flowers for a Spring or Summer wreath!

Yes, I'll be inking this one up a lot!

I don't know if you can tell, but the leaves from the same set were embossed in gold onto the punched trim to add just a bit of sparkle.

Also, on a sad note, one of my favorite and very generous Challenge Blogs is going "off the air" and this is their last challenge!
So, this card is being submitted at Easy Craft Projects Challenges. I will miss checking out all of their cool DT projects and the other entries!

Flashback Friday 16.0!

2011-10-09T00:54:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love the fact there is a blog out there who asks us to search our old projects to show some of our very first attempts! Flashback Friday Challenge does just that! Take ownership of your card, tag, or 3D project! Sometimes it's a bit difficult to admit that I actually thought a card was finished or presentable when I look at it now. But that's what makes it terrific...to see how we've grown, improved, or just changed styles over the years.

This challenge is to show your first TAG!
I think this has to be the first tag-like project I made. Even now, I don't make many tags. It's very difficult for me to work on such a small canvas. The holiday season gave me the reason I needed to complete the task! I even made several sets so my mother (my grandson's great-grandma) could have some ornaments that year.

Nothing fancy, for sure. I still have mine and they go up on the tree every year! The grandson thinks they are quite hilarious! Wonder what he'll say when I drag them out when he's 18 and he has a girlfriend over for the holidays? LOL!

Anyway, that's where I was about 2 years ago...hadn't done a lot of scrapping.

Check out Flashback Fridays! It'll be fun, and they have some great prizes to boot!

Waltzing Mouse to the "Rescue"!

2011-10-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

When I saw the sketch at Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge, an idea came to me that I've been considering for a while. Not a big, fancy idea, but rather a little detail that I thought would make life a little prettier for those I care about.

We have occasional friends and family members come to town and stay with us. I like to make their stay here as much like home as possible. Jokes have even been made by certain family members because I'm the one who likes to have place cards and printed menus at Thanksgiving, or change the wreath on the front door with every changing season or holiday. I send out cards for little or no reason....Yep, my family just doesn't get it.
But you, my scrappy blogger friends, do!

So, when I saw this very simple sketch, I knew it would be perfect for my soap and lotion bottles that I have been hoarding and waiting to decorate for my visitors and friends! I may need to mention that I'm also a big couponer! CHEAP/FREE stuff!

With a few silk flowers and some ribbon, I simply stamped the gorgeous label from Rescue Remedies and die cut it with my Nesties Labels Four. I disassembled the flowers, removed the plastic "innerds" and re-glued them back together so they lay flatter and softer on the bottles. A tiny cream pearl accents the center.

This is so simple yet it lends a pretty, homey feel to my guest bath that I hope my company enjoys. I made 6 so far, and plan to make more. I also want to make "hand lotion" versions to give to my friends that I lunch with or run into this winter when the weather here in Phoenix is cold and dry. Who wouldn't like a little surprise treat like this?

If we all made small gestures towards those we care about more often, this lousy economy and our personal problems would all seem a little less stressful.

And because Claire over at Waltzing Mouse Stamps is releasing some terrific new stamp sets this next month, I knew I had to throw my hat in the ring.

I've let health and my other commitments keep me away from my favorite scrap blogs for way too long!

Enjoy your weekend!

Hug more and complain less!

Jan

Are you ready for Fall?

2011-10-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

And are you curious at to what the new challenge is over at Do You Stack Up?!
In many areas, the weather is starting to turn a little chilly and the leaves are changing. The scent of autumn is in the air and with this wonderful season upon us we begin to think of the colors of the season. This week, while you don't necessarily need to make an autumn themed project, they would like to see you use the color Brown.

This week's Sponsors:

Copic Marker Scrapbooking
6 Copic Ciao Markers (North/South America), Martha Stewart punch (rest of the world)

Crafty Emma
£10 Gift Voucher (exc p&p)

Delicious Doodles
Winner’s Choice of 4 Digis

Great prizes, so get out your papers, stamps, and/or markers, and start creating!
Challenge is open until Wednesday at 2:00 CMT.

Notice anything DIFFERENT on my sidebar?

2011-09-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

MY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
For those of you who know me, you know that I have long been considering joining a

Design Team. With more time at home, and my parents' health currently stable,

now is a great opportunity!

Starting in October, I have very kindly been offered a position as

a DesignTeam member for Do You Stack Up?

If you are not familiar with the site, they are a digital image and rubber stamping card creating blog that has some amazing gals on board! I am so proud to be a new part of the team! from now on, you will see their weekly challenges posted here on my blog, along with my DYSU projects. There are always some wonderful challenge prizes offered up and great tips and techniques shared by some terrific talent.

The owner, Alison, also has a wonderful online digi-stamp store called,

Stretch n' Bubbles!

She even offers freebie images!

Oh, and BTW, she is offereing up some Blog Candy to celebrate having 200 followers! Someday...that will be me...(fingers crossed)

As a matter of fact,

there is a new DYSU challenge this week;

Swirls!

Since this can be any type of swirls added to your card, layout, or project, I know some of you are thinking like me! Bling! Like in Zva, or Recollections, or Want2Scrap?

Or break out that Cuttlebug or Cricut, and die cut some swirls!

This week's Sponsors:

Dearie Dolls
Dearie Digi Paper Doll and Four Outfit Pages for Different Holidays and Everyday

Stitchy Bear Designs
Prize

Crafty Individuals

Prize Package

So head on over to DYSU and check out the details!

You could win some great goodies!

With the grandson here this week, I haven't had much time to hole up in my scrap room, but I hope to have a card ready for that challenge very soon!

The challenges run from Thursday to Wednesday every week.

Check back here for future challenges, too!

Home for the hoildays!

2011-09-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Look at this simple but lovely card, beautiful sentiment...made by Julie Lacey. She is one of the DT members at CASE Study Challenge Blog.

I made this Christmas card for this week's challenge.

They always have the most amazing Muse Designers to use for inspiration.

My only complaint was that when I added the "Icicle" Stickles to the house, it turned a really wierd tint of yellow! It remained crystal clear, but sparkly, on the pop-up sentiment...hmmm...maybe the Momento ink bleeding through? This was a new experience for me so if anyone knows why this happened...

Well, since I already had my card assembled, it's pretty much water under the bridge.

I really like the look of the uncolored inked image.

I will definately have to do this more often.

Makes your card making so much faster!

Supplies:

Paper; SEI, "Glitzmas", Bazzill Cardstock

Embossing; Cuttlebug, "Mistletoe Kisses"

Stamp; CTMH, Around the Block"

Die; Cricut, "Art Philosophy"

Stickles, "Icicle"

Flower; Making Memories

Since it qualifies, I will also enter it at:

Paper Variety (Home)
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge (Just Sayin')

Inspire...

2011-09-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

I have been dying to get this little fairy all inked up since she

arrived in my mail the other day!

I used the challenge sketch at Craft's Meow who makes this

amazing little stamp!

When I make cards, I usually even make a larger size card, but this week I decided to try something new. At least one thing...every week... so this week it is to make an ATC card! Not easy for me. Normally such a tiny canvas in with which to work! But, in this case, the folks at Simon Says Stamp & Show stated that it need not be a traditional size ATC. (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") Whew! So I added less than an inch each direction and went with a 3 1/4" by 4" card base. I know! Not a lot of difference, but baby steps, baby steps....

I had already stamped the second sentiment in the center when I realized the sketch calls for the sentiment on the bottom. (I also noticed several of the DT had used more than one sentiment...just sayin'....)

If you look closely, you'll see my tiny, wee sentiment along the bottom of the card.

I also flipped the sketch a bit, but stuck to the basics of it.

For my next trick of the week, this is the first time I have ever stamped and heat embossed on vellum! Yea, I know...under a rock...

It turned out really nice! I stamped the little fairy with my Momento black ink, sprinkled it with black powder, and carefully heated it up! Not so tough! It melted properly and never even looked like it would melt or burn! Love it!

So, in a nutshell, I have learned several new techniques this week and all because of a few wonderful blog challenges!

Supplies used:
Paper; Graphic 45, "Renaissance faire Collection"
Stamps; Craft's Meow, "Butterfly Kisses"
Dies; Cricut, Art Philosophy
Rub-on; Scenic Route paper Co.
Pearls; Recollections

This little creation will be entered into the challenges at:
Craft's Meow Shop Sketch Challenge
Simon Says Stamp and Show (ATC card)
Crafty Creations (Fabulous Fairies)
Simon Says Stamp Challenge (Dies to die for)