April Showers...

I have relatives and friends back in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin who have been experiencing horrendous weather.  My hometown, Granite City, Illinois, was hit by more tornados last week and many homes were lost or badly damaged.  Fortunately, my own aunts and cousin's homes were not affected.  But it must seem to them that the storms will never end. 

I have one Aunt who has been sleeping in her basement due to the fact that the storms usually occur after dark.  Poor thing....  I would be scared all alone when the winds are reaching 80 mph and higher, too! 

                 So, enough background info!
I made some quick cards to send out with the promise that the storms will end and Spring will bring the flowers!

I just received this Verve set of stamps the other day and was dying to ink them up! They work so well with heat embossing, and the dies are so easy to use! 

There is also a great tutorial about Line Framing on Papertrey's blog.  Not as easy to get it perfectly straight as one would think!  Thanks, Nichole!

And the leaf ribbon takes the ink so well, you can darken it to match your layout! (See version 2)

Version 2 , with inked leaf ribbon  added....

I love the way the leaf ribbon works with the stamped leaves, but not with this sketch.  I'm liking the simpler version more. 

This card will be entered in several challenges:

Verve Stamps - April Showers Bring May Flowers

Papertrey Ink, {capture the moment} - Line Frame Card

I would love to win some of those delicious PTI stamps !!!

Thanks, Sassafras!

When I opened the Sassafras challenge blog this month and saw the sketch layout for April, I knew it was the encouragement I needed to finish my co-ordinating second page of the pages I had started in March!  Sometimes I prefer that to an actual two-page layout, where the page flows across the two pages with connecting elements.

My layout for April

My two layouts.

Special Friendships!

I like to keep a stash of "friendship cards" just to send out in those moments when I want to remind someone just how much I appreciate my connection with them. 
First, I found this wonderfully, simple sketch at Get Sketchy, and HAD to join the fun!

Flipped it sideways.....

And even though the camera doesn't do the colors justice, anyone familiar with the the Cosmo Cricket,  "Dutch Girl" paper I used for the background knows it is very greenish.  Wierd, eh? Also, the dark cocoa brown cardstock looks rather greenish... I guess if I weren't so lazy, I'd change out of  my jammies and go outside for a picture!  LOL!

Also, anyone know how to use Adobe Photoshop CS to add the vignette blurried effect to the edges of the cards?  I knew when I had an older version of AP, but can't find it now!

Quickly, used were TLC Studio, "Sewing" rubber stamps, Cocoa Brown Bazzill cardstock, and Bazzill buttons.


Challenges this card is entered in:
Get Sketchy (Sketch used)
InStyle Stamps (Color Challenge)
Saturday Challenge (Stitching)
Crafty Creations (paper piecing)

Cardabilities Sketch #29 Reveal!

I am so proud to be able to post this, my very first, card for Cardabilities! Since being chosen to be on the Design Team, I have been floating on air! It is a very huge deal for me to be able to share my ideas and be a part of such a great team.  Thanks, Karan, again for this opportunity! 

And, not to delay any longer, here is the wonderful sketch for this challenge!

I love the linear look of it!

And here is my card!  I seldom get out my Copics anymore, so thought I'd polish up on my coloring skills by blending some cut-out stamped butterflies onto the card.  And, for whatever reason, I can't get enough newsprint paper! I am drawn to the vintage feel of it.

Popped up the sentiment and the butterflies, and added just a bit of  Gun Metal Stickles to the wings for sparkle!

Inside of card:

Thank you for looking, and please, add your own project to the challenge over at Cardabilities!
Also, Cardabilities now has their very own Gallery! Please check out all the wonderful creations!

Second Post for today:

              Grand Canyon in the Winter



I just wanted to post a short bit about my recent trip to the Grand Canyon.

I had never ventured north to the Canyon before June, so it seemed like a wonderful idea!

My longtime friend from high school had never been, so we planned a much needed "Girl's Vacation"!

First let me start by saying NEVER go to the Grand Canyon before Mid-May.  Apparently, that is when all of the repairs are made to the damaged roads from the winter snow and ice.

Also, I would suggest NOT staying in the "Village".  Little has been done to accomodate the number of people who now visit the park.  There is limited parking for the few restaurants available, and the shuttle system basically stinks!  We heard so many complaints from others who found it to be totally confusing and unorganized. By the middle of our second day, we finally had the whole thing somewhat figured out!

God help the non-English speaking foreign travelers!

Beautiful Eye Candy!

But while my friend was here, she gave me the most amazing bracelet!

She is making these by linking jump rings in a Byzantine Chain Maille  fashion. I love the fact that mine is both gold and silver. I wear both, so it works great. I asked if she would mind my passing on such a great product.  Here you go!

 $22 which includes postage.

It is hand-made with almost 200 individual jump rings, all of which are silver plated.  These can be ordered in all silver, all gold, or a mix.
Most importantly, these are made to fit!  Anyone interested can email Claudia here and get the details!

Not only am I impressed by the time she takes to do this, but I get dizzy

after 5 minutes of trying to make something so detailed!

Thanks, Claudia!  You're the best!

Hang In There!

Here's my card made for Skipping Stones sketch challenge #70!

I have loved these papers from Cosmo Cricket for a long time, but never quite knew what I would use them for. Most of my layouts are for boys. I'm really branching out with my card making!

I layered several of the patterns from the Cosmo Cricket, "Hey Sugar" collection, added the punched edge, and am absolutely in love with the little wire hangers!   The sentiment from Skipping Stones, Bras, Volume #1, was stamped repeatedly on the squares, and simple cream twine added. 

I made this card to enter in the sketch challenge at Skipping Stones. 
Yes, my wish list for their marvelous stamps continues! 
Check them out!

TWO!

The little guy I babysat for from the time he was 3 months old is turning 2 in a few weeks and I get to see him this Friday!  "Mom" is going for her follow-up ultrasound and we'll see if he's going to have a brother or a sister! How fun!  The best part is that I'll get to spend a morning with him! He is so adorable!
And since he's learning to recognize and count his numbers, I wanted to include elements that he can read on the card!  I am constantly bragging to anyone who will listen how he can identify all the letters of the alphabet!

I know it's not the BEST card I've ever made, but I believe that we often loose track of who the recipient is.  I wanted to make a card that Noah would like.  
The papers are Martha Stewart; Dr. Seuss alpha's and images, Fiskars scallop; EK Success punch;  sentiment by TPC Studio; and buttons from Bazzill.

                                   My little guy - Noah.

I will be entering this card in the sketch challenge at Walting Mouse.

Cardabilities Sketch Challenge #27

This week at Cardabilities, we have yet another great sketch from
Karan Gerber!

Maybe it's just me, I immediately thought "Turn it on it's side, and it's a domino!"  I have been drawn to my red and black papers (ever since I bought the DCWV, "Immortal Love" paper pack.  So I started looking there and ended up with this!

The paper I ended up using was Pink Paislee, Twilight collection; Bazzill white cardstock; twine from Kraft Outlet; Dritz thread; and Helmar 450 adhesive. 

It's difficult to see in the picture, but the white cardstock was embossed with my Cuttlebug folder, Swiss Dots.  It made a very subtle, but nice addition.

I like the symplicity of this card. It doesn't have glitter, lace, ribbon, or even a fancy border...but it has a romantic look none-the-less. I don't think it would scare most men away!  (wink, wink)

Check out the challegne this week and join in!  See you there!

This card also meets the challenge requirements for:

Cuttlebug Spot Challenge (Twine)

Bo Bunny Blings It On!

The challenge at Bo Bunny this week is to use Bo Bunny papers and to add bling to your project! I have also been dying to use this image from Kraftin' Kimmie. With all the home projects we have scheduled over the next month, and friends who are renovating their own homes, I thought what a good idea for a Spring "housewarming" gift card!

Let's clean, paint, and decorate our way into Spring!

Bo Bunny papers used: Popsicle collection; Stickles; and acrylic paints. The corner paint "spills" really sparkle!  Sorry they are not so sparkly in the picture. I also used my Creative Memories circle cutter for the first time in a while!

The sketch I used was from Stamptacular Sunday.  I took some liberty with the corner pieces, but I think the paint really works!  Their sketches are so unique!

This card will also be entered in the challenge at
Kraftin'Kimmie (Anything Goes)

你 好 (HELLO)

To see how to enter to win a
Spellbinders Grand Calibur, scroll down to bottom of this post....

My card today is for the challenge at Imaginisce. 
The sketch is:
                      

and the requirements were :
3 Papers
3 Colors
3 Embellies

I loved this Imaginisce paper as soon as I saw it, but had no idea what I would use it for! This will make a perfect little "Chinese greeting" to someone, perhaps next Chinese New Year?

I think the little panda is adorable, and found the Chinese translation for "hello" online (what can't you find on the internet?)


I used papers from the Wild Things Collection, and the Cricut cut Flower, Life is a Beach; leaf ribbon; and an Imaginisce crystal. 
HELLO - Simply said.

For those hoping to win one the new Grand Calibur Die Cut machines from Spellbinders, go to FaveCraft, see the details, and enter daily!

Happy Happy Koi Card!

A very special friend is having a birthday tomorrow, and I knew I had to make a very special card.  She has a beautiful koi pond in her yard and this is one of her passions. It is such a relaxing, calm part of their yard where you can watch the fish for hours and hear little but the trickling water fall.
Knowing how much she enjoys her koi, I put together this card with a fish brooch attached so that it could be removed and used again and again.

I had spotted on the SEI Scrapbookaholic by Abby's Blog that March 3rd was "I Want You To Be Happy" Day and I can't imagine anyone I would want to be happier on her birthday and every day than this dear friend.

SEI, "Moonrise" paper; gold ribbon; Spellbinders Nestibilities, Labels 4; fish brooch.  These papers reminded me of asian water lilies.

I assembled the card, with the last step being applying a large foam dot covered with a circle cut from the gold pattern paper. I then pushed the brooch through to attach it temporarily to the front of the card. 
This makes for a very sweet and easy reusable gift with your card!

This card will also be entered in the challenges at:
KaboodleDoodle (Birthday)
Paper Sundaes (Keep it Simple)
ScrapFit (Glitter and Glam)
Simon Says (Anything Goes)
Woodware Clear Stamps (Spring is coming!)
Secret CrafterSaturday (Flowers for Mum)
One Stop Craft Challenge (Clean and Simple)
CraftyCatzWeeklyChallenge (Yellow and Green)

Sassafras March Layout Challenge

BLOCKING!
This month at Sassafras, the challenge is to use the "Blocking" method on your layout. I love all of their papers, but have not been able to add to my lines in a while. Sooo, I pulled out my older Sassafras paper packs, and put together my 5 year old grandson's soccer page.  I will add a second page to it eventually, but really adored this picture of him so intently waiting in the goal for the ball!  His the team's official goalie!  How cool is that!

I popped up the journal card and added felt "grass". I know there's no green grass on the field, but in Arizona, this is what you get....brown dirt. 
The paper lines I used primarily were Sassafras Lass, Bungle Jungle and Hog Heaven. The ribbon is Queen & Co.
With all of the little co-ordinating die cuts and ready-made stickers that Sassafras includes, I really didn't feel as though I needed to add much more!  Gotta love that!
The prize this month is $50 worth of goodies! Wish me luck! I need some new papers!

My Mind's Eye Anyone?

I love that My Mind's Eye has started having both layout and card challenges! The only problem is that it brings it to my attention that I have only older lines of the paper. I have been fairly good about NOT buying any more paper until I use some of what I have in my stash!
Guess I desperately need to WIN some! LOL!

The sketch is a fairly simple one and the request was to include a sentiment relating to the theme, "Celebrate Today".  I chose to celebrate a longtime friendship.

I used papers from My Mind's Eye, "Simply Delightful" stack; chipboard bird is MME, Bohemia, "Bliss Shapes"; stamp is Fiskars, Flower Sentiments; Recollections, pearls; and lace from JoAnn's.

I inked all my edges and made the scalloped edge by cutting a 1 inch strip of paper with my ProveCraft scallop scissors and pleat folding it. The pleats are more multi-dimensional because of pop dots applied to the back of the raised pleats.

Second post for today:

Ummm...okay.....

I had a very pleasant surprise today when UPS delivered a box to my door. I have been expecting a prize package from Zva, so you KNOW I was watching and waiting for that truck! 

After the guy pulled away, (I never go to the door while they are there because I'm usually in my sweats and t-shirt) I ran out to grab the box! It wasn't from Zva at all!  What??? I asked.  I didn't order anything recently(really, Larry) so what could it be?  

I opened it up and discovered I had WON a two piece saute set from WearEver.  I don't recall entering a contest, and had received no prior notice that I had won anything.  Wierd, eh?  Oh well, I never look a gift horse, or free cookware, in the mouth!  Most of you already know how I love to cook, so they will be well-used!

Here's wishing everyone a happy and lucky rest of the week!

Cardabilities Sketch Challenge

I have a grandson's birthday coming up and realized that I have not made a child's card in a bit. I had a stockpile of simple cards I had made duplicates of to send out to Send Love Today, but nothing specifically for a birthday. What better place to find a great sketch?  Cardabilities! And since I will be joining the design team in April, I had better start using each and every sketch! This one left lots of options for embellies.

I had also decided to use up the products that I already have. My scrap room is going to need re-organizing very soon. 
The paper die cuts and strips are Cosmo Cricket, Cogsmo; the pre-painted wood robot was purchased at Michaels' on a clearance table for 20 cents; the screw brads I picked up at last year's CKC; and the vellum sentiment is from Colorbok. My 6 year old grandson will love it, if only for the robot!
(I miss my pretty papers, doilies, lace, and ribbons...)

Be sure to check out the other cards at Cardabilities this week! And enter one of your own! They always have some super sponsors!

WOOHOO!

I came home from three days caring for my mother who just had hip replacement surgery on Tuesday to find out that I had made the Cardabilities Design Team! 
I'm still reeling from the news!

 Talk about something coming at just the right time!  Any of you who know me are aware that I have been wanting to get on that team for a very long time. My time spent as a design team member on "Thoughts 2 Paper" left me wanting more!
So, as of April 15th, you will be seeing bi-monthly cards and projects here on my blog made for the sketch challenges at Cardabilities. I hope to see many of you join us! They have some great sponsors and so many wonderful ideas!
 They also have a terrific forum that anyone can join! Check it out here!

My fellow Design Team Members names' can be found on my side bar!
I will still be posting projects and entering many of the other challenges I have been taking part in. With summer coming, and the HOT, HOT Arizona weather, I may be indoors even more now! LOL!

Birthday Gift Card - Card!

I am always at a loss when it comes to a man's birthday card! Especially when you want to include a gift card!  I thought about the little "critter" from Paper Smooches, and decided he would deliver the perfect message!

                                 
Inside of card....

 This would work for any holiday or occasion.

I used Kraft cardstock for the base; Bazzill cardstock for sentiment and inside of card; Fancy Pants pattern paper, Kraft Kuts; Image, Paper Smooches, Birthday Buddies; twine, Kraft Outlet, and Momento Rich Cocoa ink. 

I pulled out my Zutter Distrezz-It-All and roughed up the edges a bit. To make the little tassle, I merely looped some embroidery thread and attached it to the hat!  The inside pocket is stitched with my sewing machine.



Entered in challenges at:

Sassy Little Card Sketches

Kraft (Cute as a button)
Paper Smooches (Guest Design challenge)
Woodware USA (Anything Goes)

Girly Time!

Time to express the real me!  Do I like shopping? Trying on new clothes? Getting all made up for a night out?  You betcha!
So, Skipping Stones' sketch this week worked perfectly for this simple card to send to a friend who's relationship just, well, let's just say, dissolved. 
I think we need to go shopping!

I paper pieced the stamps from the Skipping Stones "Birthday Purses" stamp set. The pattern paper is Prima Marketing, Breathe; twine from Kraft; jewel brads, JoAnn's.
They're celebrating "For the Girls" over at Stamps R Us! Come take a look!

MFT Sketch #8

I desperately needed a push in the way of a sketch to make yet another sympathy card. Seems like most of my cards fall into the "sympathy" category these days.

I used K & Co for all the pattern papers and butterfly accent; Spellbinders Nestibilites Label Six; Fiskars scallop scissors; Tim Holtz Vintage Photo ink; ribbon, and string pearls.

It would be very cool to win at My Favorite Things, but it also gave me practice posting to Splitcoast Stampers.  Those of you who know me are aware that I am somewhat new to blogging, and VERY new to posting cards at various galleries. I'll get it. 
And some day, maybe I won't have to hand cut my scallops!

Bo Bunny Greeting!

This card reads "What's Cookin'" to serve as a reminder that I haven't heard from someone in a while...   With friends scattered all over the states, even email and texting doesn't always serve to keep us in touch.

Supplies used:

Bo Bunny, 

Kitchen Recipe Card Cut-Out and U Bug Me Plaid;

Ribbon;

Brad

I pulled out some of my favorite Bo Bunny papers and used the sketch at Card Challenge Tuesday over at the Bo Bunny blog.   It was such a fun layout!

I have some BFF's who love to cook and anything that has to do with cooking!  Maybe this will be the gentle "nudge" to get an update on their lives!

Well, Well, Well....

I made this card for a male acquaitance in the hospital. I wanted something heartfelt, but humorous at the same time.

I love Bugaboo images!

With the Stella images, you don't need to add much more! She pretty much says it all! I used some simple graph paper I had in my stash, and colored her with my Copics... the paper clip reminds me of the real hospital charts.

Catch a Bug has a great "Get Well" challenge this week. Check it out!

You're the Star!

Boy's Birthday Tag

Sassafras papers; Bazzill chipboard star; twine; and ribbon.

Entered in sketch challenge at WaltzingMouse!