Life is Good

A Birthday Ensemble

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

I have been pretty bad at posting some of the things I've been creating, so I challenged myself to share more this year. Here is a little birthday ensemble I made for my niece's birthday last week. She just turned 13, so obviously $ is the most desirable gift, but I just can't put $ in a card and call it good, so I made her a hair clip so she'd have something to open.

The card was created with CTMH's Gray Flannel and Petal. What a beautiful combo. I seldom use purples b/c they're just not my favorite, but it is my niece's. I stamped a piece of background using the medallion from the Wonderful You business builder set with grey flannel ink on grey flannel cs. I then stamped the label image from the December 25th stamp set and adhered a piece of petal to cover up the "Happy Holidays". Stamped "Happy Birthday" instead. I thought it turned out beautifully!

This little box was cut from the Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge. I love that thing! I used a PTI die and stamp to make the label and added the "celebrate with style" sentiment strip.

Here's what the hair clip looks like in the box.

The flower was made with some ivory wool felt. The shape of each layer is actually 3 hearts in a circular pattern in 2 different sizes. There are 4 layers all together - 2 of each size. I stitched each heart to give it some depth. I stitched and glued each layer together and added a jewel to the center. Then I glued a clip to the back. Clear as mud? Anyways, thanks so much for stopping by today!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-08T15:02:00.001-08:00

Happy (belated) New Year! Just thought I'd stop in for a quick post of this year's family Christmas Card. I have been sending a handmade photo Christmas card now for 13 years. I make about 150 of them, so I have learned to keep it down to no more than 5 steps. This year I went with Close To My Heart's Juniper and PTI's Kraft and Rustic Cream. One way that made this cardmaking procedure easier was CTMH's new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (with the addition of the Gypsy to expand my options). I created the photo band with the cartridge on the Gypsy & then just waited for them to cut (LOVE THAT!) I stamped them up and assembled. I know I make it sound so easy, but the truth is, it is a bit time consuming. Good thing I enjoy doing it.

Next up is a card I made for my sister's birthday. Today she is celebrating her 45th birthday - did I mention she was my older sister? Heehee! I used CTMH's Typeset papers and the Blue Ribbon Stamp Set. I love how easy it is to coordinate everything with Close To My Heart products!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

My Crazy Project

2011-11-19T05:53:00.000-08:00

Yep, that's a chicken coop. I began this crazy idea of having backyard chickens after our summer car trip to Iowa. I was impressed with the work ethic of my nieces and nephews during our visit, and I attributed a lot of that to the animals they were responsible for. This sparked the idea of having chickens. My husband was game since he loved his growing up years on the farm. I searched the internet for plans of chicken coops, but couldn't find any free plans I liked, so I sketched out a design and went from there. I didn't have any measurements, so I bought 3 2x4's in 8' lengths. I cut one in half, so my coop became 8'x4'. Since the coop has an attached run, I wanted it to be tall enough to stand up in, so the height of the coop at the peak is about 7 1/2 feet.
After I cut the frame, I had the kids help me primer.

Then it was time to put the frame together. My husband made it clear that this was my project, but he couldn't help but monitor my work and progress.

Lots of painting! I wanted the coop to match the colors of our house, so I painted the frame a dark brown.

Then we started with the roof. I had a tough time with the angles/pitch of the roof (did I mention I am not a skilled carpenter?), but I put my math skills to work and finally got it.

Then the brooding box was enclosed with some siding. This is a shot of what it looks like on the inside. There are 3 sections in the back for the nests with a hatch door so we can retrieve the eggs easily.

This is a picture of the outside of the brooding box. There is also a side door to help with clean out.

The roof and shingles went on after that. I shingled most of it in the dark one night to beat the rain, but I am a bit height challenged, so my husband had to help with the top pieces. The chicken wire was attached, as well. That was tough work and I needed a lot of help with that, but the husband is now getting excited about it all, so was willing to pitch in.

And here are 3 of our 4 peeps. The darker red in the front is a Rhode Island Red and her name is "Millie" (short for Amelia). The lighter red is a New Hampshire Red named Mrs. Beasley (we've nicknamed her "Bossy Bea" for now because she thinks she owns the place). The bigger one to the back is an Aracauna named Daisy. She has such big eyes with long lashes! We've nicknamed her "Daisy Duke" She is supposed to lay a blue/green egg, so that should be kind of fun. The other chicken not pictured is the youngest of the bunch, so she stayed under the heat lamps during the photo. She's a Barred Rock named Harriet, Sweet Harriet (that would be from the movie So I Married An Axe Murderer)

We are having such fun with our girls, and they seem to be very happy in their new home!

October Workshop

2011-10-20T19:31:00.001-07:00

This Friday is my monthly Scrap Night and this is the layout we will be making using a kit/papers of their choice. I made these pages with Close To My Heart's Dreamin' kit. It has such beautiful fall colors, but because of the blue in the kit, it makes it that much more versatile. I titled this page "Counting Our Blessings" because of the photos of our 4 kids. Having 4 kids in 3 years has definately brought its challenges, but my husband and I wouldn't do anything different. Our kids bring us so much joy, contentment, completion, laughter, pride.... I could go on and on. God has truly given us an incredible gift!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

September Layout

2011-09-23T15:59:00.001-07:00

It's that time again for my monthly scrapbook workshop. Here is the layout we will be putting together tonight. I used Close To My Heart's new paper pack called "Roxie". Don't you just love that zebra print?!? It can really go with just about any color. I've also paired it with teal and apple green - adorable!

I used the cricut Calligraphy cartridge to cut out the title for this layout, as well as, CTMH"s Art Philosophy cartridge to make the scallop border. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

August Workshop

2011-08-26T12:24:00.001-07:00

My August workshop is this evening, and this is the layout we'll be making tonight. I used Close To My Heart's Elemental Workshop on the Go. I absolutely LOVE this kit for its versatility. These are patterns and colors that I could use over and over, and would be a great compliment to other kits. As always, my attendees will be using a kit of their choosing, but most of them chose Elemental, as well.

This layout came together so easy, mostly due to the new Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge, which I used for the title and embellishments. I'll post an update later with photos. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

All Supplies from CTMH.

A New Hobby

2011-08-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

I made this, upoholstered stools and all!! So, yes, I found another hobby (much to my husband's dismay - he actually thinks I might be slightly crazy). For my daughters' 9th birthday I decided I wanted to give them a desk/vanity for their bedroom since we have a very small bathroom that all 4 of my kids share. I needed to come up with a plan to make this shared room work, so having a vanity for the girls seemed like a good option. I ran across a great blog where this mom from Alaska posts furniture she makes and plans, too. So, I thought, "If she can do it, I can do it." You should check out her blog, but be careful, you might find a new hobby! It's http://ana-white.com/. Thank you Ana for the inspiration! Now I must confess that I didn't find an exact plan to fit my needs, so I took a couple of her plans and reconfigured/sized them to work and I couldn't be more pleased.

I began this project back in April, knowing that with working, raising a family, being a wife and all of my volunteer work, it would cause this project to take awhile. It did take some time to complete, but I made it in time for their birthday in June. I surprised them with a full room makeover. My husband had to help me with the furniture painting process (that's the part I hate - the building of it was fun, though.) While my daughters were at school, my parents came over on the day of their birthdays to help me paint their entire room (it went from yellow to a beautiful periwinkle), and then bring in the desk and upholstered stools. I hung a "happy birthday" banner on it. It was so fun to surprise them. They had no idea what I was making or why (I had to do lots of fibbing which I apologized for later), but when they walked into their room that night to "open" their gift they were thrilled. It was the cutest thing ever watching them use it to get dressed the next morning!

I ended up having to paint another dresser in their room to match, which my husband and I finally finished. Their room looks so grown up now. I love it!

I loved the process of building so much that I started another project which I will post about later (this one just might be crazier!).

Thanks so much for stopping by!

So Happy For You

2011-06-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I shared a card, so thought I would quick post one today. I received some new dies from Papertray Ink that I couldn't wait to play with so I made this card for my sons' teacher for her retirement. I used CTMH's Creme Brulee, Tulip, Sunset and Blush. Such fun colors! This cards was pretty simple to put together. I simply die cut 6 zig-zag squares, stamped different backgrounds in different colors, and then die cut a small flower from the center of each square. I then adhered the squares into a grid pattern on my card base and mixed up the flowers, adhering them with foam tape. Added some rhinestones, and "voila!", DONE!

The inside reads "So HAPPY for you" from a Verve stamp. A perfect sentiment for any occasion! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

June Workshop

2011-06-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

It's that time again for my monthly workshop. This Friday we will be making this layout with papers of attendees' choosing. This first photo is a single page layout I plan to use as the front cover of my family photo album. I used CTMH's Bliss paper pack, which I absolutely LOVE. At first I didn't think I would have a need for it because I thought it was a "wedding" kit, but boy was I wrong! The papers are subtle, yet beautiful, and can be used for any number of occasions.

This next layout is the two-page spread that "my girls" will be making. For this layout I used CTMH's Lucky kit. These are pictures of my oldest son. He turned twelve a month or so ago and I always make a layout that celebrates their year past.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.

May Workshop & Special

2011-05-23T16:19:00.001-07:00

This month Close To My Heart has a fantastic special for National Scrapbooking Month called "You and Me". You get darling papers, a fantastic stamp set that can be used over and over again, embellishments, and directions for 2 two-page layouts. These are some samples I made with the kit. I, of course, changed them up a bit by switching the colors of the two layouts and changing the picture sizes to make them more accomodating to standard size photos (5x7 and 4x6).

The papers are just beautiful! You should see them in person!!!

I changed the purpose of this layout because I wanted to use it for some miniature golf pictures, so the title reads "CELEBRATE Good Times". My workshop was this past Friday and we had a great time! Thanks so much for stopping by.

April Workshop

2011-04-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

This Friday is my April Workshop and this is the layout we will be making. Once again we're doing the "pick-a-kit" workshop where each attendee makes the same layout using papers of their choice. For this layout I used CTMH's Mayberry papers. I'll post pictures next week with the layout with photos. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

March Workshop

2011-03-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Edited to add pages with photos:

My March Workshop is coming up this Friday, and this is the layout we will be making. (I'll post pictures sometime Saturday of the layout with pictures). Each workshop attendee will be completing this layout in papers of their choice, so it should be fun to see the different combinations they come up with! For this layout I used CTMH"s Sweetheart papers and the Bohemian alphabet. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Celebrating 40

2011-03-01T13:25:00.001-08:00

Just a quick post today to share a card I made for one of my dear friends, who turned 40 last week. I bought this stamp set & dies specifically for this card, but I know that I will use them again and again! Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI Distressed Stripes, Bitty Background Blocks, Big Birthday Wishes
Cardstock: PTI Rustic White, Aqua Mist
Inks: CTMH Heavenly Blue, Sunset, Chocolate
Accessories: PTI Numbers Die, Large Scallop Die, Brown Grosgrain Ribbon

February Workshop

2011-02-21T17:18:00.001-08:00

Edited to add pages with photos: Just thought I'd add some photos of the completed pages. These pictures are of my daughters at a photo shoot for a local clothing designer. They started modeling for Isabel Garreton when they were about 18 months old. They stopped when they became too big for the clothes. It was a fun time in their lives & we created memories we will cherish forever. Isabel was a joy to work with, and I'm so glad to have known her!

I am starting a new series of workshops for my CTMH customers called "Pick-a-Pack" Workshop. Each lady orders one of the new CTMH paper packs, and any accessories/embellishments they want to add, and we all create the same 2-page spread using the papers each have chosen. Our first workshop is this Friday, and I am so excited to see all the different variations each girl will make! For this layout, I used the CTMH Wings Kit. The top page is a 12x12 layout that I left empty. This second layout is a 9x9 that I added pictures to.

I'll have to update you all of how the workshop turns out. I'm going to try to take pictures of the different layouts, but the workshop is in the evening so lighting may be an issue. We'll see how it goes. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Fallen Off The Face of the Earth

2011-02-21T17:00:00.001-08:00

So, no, I have not fallen off the face of the earth, but it sure might have felt like it. I'm not even going to try to give you a ton of excuses. Let's just say, "Something had to give!". Anyhow, I'm glad to be back, and am looking forward to posting more. Mostly, though, I am looking forward to visiting some of my favorite blogs!

Here's a card I made awhile back for my niece using some of CTMH's new products from the Spring/Summer catalog. I always love getting new stuff to spark new creativity & inspiration!

I also thought I'd let you know that I haven't taken a break from crafting, just blogging. I've been busy making lots of fun scrapbook pages, cards and some home decor items. Below is a photo of one of the home decorating projects I've been up to.

I had these boring beige armless chairs for some time now, and I felt like it was about time to give them a facelift. I decided to sew some slip covers for them, which, by the way, was my first time sewing slipcovers. I couldn't believe how nicely they fit my chairs, and I am so pleased with the new life they were given. I also sewed some pillows to coordinate. I cut out some flowers from some fabric & appliqued them onto some white linen. I loved how they turned out. These chairs (2 of them) sit on either side of our tv cabinet and are pulled into the seating area if & when they are needed. Most of the time, though, they just sit there looking pretty.

Anyhow, glad to be back, and thanks so much for stopping by today!

Birthday Sketch Challenge

2010-11-05T16:40:00.001-07:00

Here's another card I made using the 2 Sketches 4 You challenge (I told you I would use this one again and again). I kept it easy by using a white card base, and added a punch of color. This card was for my niece's birthday and these happen to be her favorite colors right now (CTMH's Outdoor Denim, Lagoon and Pear). I stamped up a striped background strip to pull in all of these fabulous colors.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Just Be You, Connections; PTI Background Basics: Distressed Stripes, Just the Ticket, Everyday Treats

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Outdoor Denim

Inks: CTMH Outdoor Denim, Pear, Lagoon

Accessories: PTI Dies

Vintage Thanks

2010-11-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

I had the day off and it felt great to be able to do nothing but the things I love (shopping, reading a good book, and playing with my stamps!). This afternoon I decided to meet a last minute color challenge at the Embellish Magazine Blog. Such beautiful colors, especially for fall (only today in Southern California it was 93 degrees - not exactly fall-like). I used CTMH's Creme Brulee, Olive and Brown Bag. The added challenge was to make it vintage. I did that by adding some ink to give it that aged look.

I also took advantage of the sketch challenge at 2 Sketches 4 You. This is a sketch I would come to again and again. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: PTI Everyday Treat, Tiny Treats Christmas, Background Basics: Diamonds

Cardstock: CTMH Brown Bag, Creme Brulee, Olive; PTI Rustic White

Inks: CTMH Creme Brulee, Brown Bag and Desert Sand (for distressing)

Accessories: Ivory Grosgrain Ribbon; PTI Dies; Cuttlebug Dies; Marvy Punches; CTMH Creme Brulee Brad

Happy Belated Halloween!

2010-11-01T16:18:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm back (finally) with a card to share with you. I was able to play a little on Saturday with some ladies who were over, and how great it was to get my fingers inked up! It was long overdue. I wanted to make a hostess card for a friend who had us over for a little Halloween celebration on Saturday night. I started with some damask stamped in Sunset, and I was thrilled with the results! Added some black and cream polka dot edging, and then sewed on some ruffled up black satin ribbon. I was also wanting to use my new dies from PTI, so I added the pumpkin image to the circle for just the right seasonal touch. This card is also a perfec t fit for the Diggin' on Damask Challenge over on the Moxie Fab World blog. Cath's blog is always one of my first stops for inspiration and challenges - check it out and play along! Hope you enjoyed your Halloween weekend!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Damask Tiles and Hit the Spot; PTI Vintage Picnic and Everyday Treats

Cardstock: CTMH Black; PTI Rustic White

Inks: CTMH Sunset, Black, Olive, Desert Sand (for distressing)

Accessories: Black Satin Ribbon; PTI Dies

Feeling Grateful

2010-10-09T14:58:00.001-07:00

So, I can't even begin to tell you how much I've missed the blogging world lately. I'm getting ready to finish up the last two weeks of my long-term teaching position, and I am counting down the days!!! It has been so crazy busy around here with working full time, keeping up with my kids' activities and my PTA responsibilities, let alone, trying to be a wife, daughter, sister and friend. I have failed so miserably at saying proper thanks to some very special people, so I set out today to make a card/box wrap for my neighbors. They took care of our pets, plants, and mail while we were away in August. (I know, long overdue!) I had this idea in my head to make some chrysanthemums inspired by the cover of the Paper Source catalog. I decided to keep the colors realistic and fallish.

I made a larger flower out of CTMH Goldrush and a smaller one out of CTMH Tulip and added some Olive Green leaves. And, it wouldn't be a "Karla" project if I didn't include a stamped background, so I stamped up a plaid pattern using CTMH Chocolate, and mounted the whole thing on PTI Kraft. I bought my neighbors a box of See's Candies (Yum!!) and simply wrapped the box with two pieces of ribbon, and then attached the card to the ribbon. So there you have it, a wrap and a card in one! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: PTI Distressed Stripes and Fillable Frames #4; Verve So Thankful

Cardstock: CTMH Goldrush, Tulip, Chocolate, Olive; PTI Rustic Cream and Kraft

Inks: CTMH Chocolate, Goldrush, Tulip

Accessories: CTMH Chocolate brads, Cuttlebug leaves die, PTI Fillable Frames Die, Marvy Uchida flower punches (3 sizes)

You're an Allstar

2010-09-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hey bloggers! Just a quick post tonight to show you the token gifts I gave to the teaching staff at the school I'm working for. It just so happens that the school's nickname is the Allstars, and their colors are red & blue. I intentionally bought this stamp set from PTI because of the phrase "You're An Allstar". So perfect!

I purchased some plain white popcorn boxes from Michael's and filled them with a bag of Caramel Apple Popcorn, which I purchased from Cost Plus World Market. Made a wrap for the box and a tag.

I made about a dozen of them. They looked so festive when they were all together. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: PTI Just the Ticket, Distressed Stripes; CTMH Just Be You (stars)

Cardstock: CTMH Moonstruck and White Daisy

Patterned Paper: Carolee's Creations Hot Stars

Inks: CTMH Moonstruck, Holiday Red

Accessories: PTI Ticket Die; Cuttlebug Tags Die; Red Grosgrain Ribbon

I Know, I Know....

2010-09-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hello bloggers! I know, I know, I'm about the flakiest blogger out there! I promised a post earlier this past week, but time got away from me. I went back to the classroom to set up and prepare for my students, who start this coming Wednesday, and then my own children started school this past Wednesday. Just a busy time a year. Naturally, I went to the sketch from Clean and Simple to make a quick card to post for you. I happened to have a stamped up card base from when I was working with the new colors from Close To My Heart, but I hadn't used it, yet. I added the cocoa sentiment strip and the text style butterflies, and the card was done! As you can tell, I kept the same color scheme from this card, which is why I had a stamped up card base to begin with, but ended up taking a different route. Anyhow, enough rambling. I have been working on some back-to-school "trinkets" for my fellow teachers, which I hope to share soon. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Damask Tiles; PTI Polka Dot Basics II, Background Basics: Text Style

Cardstock: PTI Rustic White; CTMH Cocoa

Inks: CTMH Smoothie, Cocoa; Versamark

Accessories: CTMH Clear Sparkles; Ivory Pearl embossing powder

Reason for my Absence

2010-08-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hey fellow bloggers! Sorry for my absence this week, but there was good reason. The Kroese Family went on vacation! I suppose I could have set up some posts while I was away, but I had a houseguest until the day before we left - a little busy around here! Anyhow, I thought I'd share a few pics of our trip (sorry, no artwork today, but hopefully tomorrow??) As you can tell we started our vacation on a drive to the San Francisco Bay area and took all that SF has to offer, like the Golden Gate Bridge.

And, of course, it was a must for my kids that we stop in at Ghiradelli's Chocolates - yum!!

And, naturally, we took a ride on the trolley cars. My husband and I have been to SF several times, but this was my kids' first visit. The street cars were a highlight for them!

It wouldn't be SF without a visit to the famous Lombard Street. We drove down it twice, and then walked it to take in the beauty of the landscaping.

Here's a close-up of one of the many beautiful hydrangea's on Lombard Street. Though they were on the tail end of their bloom, they were still magnificant!

We left the Bay Area on Thursday to head up/over to South Lake Tahoe, but on our way we just had to stop in Fairfield for a quick tour of the Jelly Belly Factory. This was fun for all of us! We dared the boys to try one of their "Bean Boozled" flavors, which they agreed to do if I paid them $1. Chad tried "barf", and Seth tried "canned dog food". It was hysterical watching their eyes water as they courageously ate their so-called candy! Chad recovered okay, but Seth's breath literally smelled like dog food the rest of the day! We all covered our nose every time he tried to talk to us. Boy did we laugh!!!

From Fairfield, we travelled through Sacramento and stopped in Old Town for a bite to eat. We decided on Fanny Ann's Saloon for burgers. We also took a few minutes to take in the Capital Building.

Our next destination was South Lake Tahoe for a couple of nights of camping. Talk about beautiful! Our campground was across the street from the beach, where we went each night to watch the sunset and see the stars. The weather was amazing, not too hot, not too cold, and the views were unbelievable! On Friday we drove over to Fallen Leaf Lake to take an easy hike up to a waterfall, which the kids thought was fun. There wasn't that much water, so they could climb all over the rocks - they had a ball!

So that's what I've been up to. Now I get to do laundry to try to get the campfire smells out of our clothes (that might take awhile). It was a nice get-a-way before school starts on Wednesday (uugghh!) We had such a nice summer, I'm sad it's behind us, but it's always good to get back into routine & schedules, too. Chat at you soon!

Magnifique Layout

2010-08-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hey fellow bloggers!! Thought I'd post a layout once (I know, it's been awhile!). I used a NEW Paper Kit from Close To My Heart's Autumn/Winter Catalog, which comes out Sept. 1. This kit is called "Magnifique", and it is truly stunning!! The pictures are of my twin girls when they were 4 years old. They're 8 now, so now you know how far behind I am on my scrapbooking. It's okay, though, because for me it's about the process, not the product (at least that's what I try to convince myself. HaHa!) Aren't they adorable? I wish I could bottle some of that cuteness. Don't get me wrong, they are still adorable, but that cuteness somehow morphed into prettiness, and I just miss those cheeks! (: Thanks so much for stopping by today!

All Supplies from CTMH

Patterned Paper: Magnifique My Reflections Paper

Cardstock: Colonial White, Chocolate, Lagoon

Accessories: Mini Medley Accents Shades of Chocolate, Twill Ribbon, Color Ready Oxford & Bold Alphabets

A Special Friend

2010-08-21T16:13:00.001-07:00

Hi bloggers! Just posting a card I made for my CTMH New Catalog Open House. This is one of 2 make & takes that my guests will create while picking up their free catalog. I used one of the new My Reflections Kit from the Autumn/Winter Idea Book called "Magnifique". This paper is so pretty & versatile! As I was trying to come up with some simple, but beautiful cards for my guests to make, I immediately thought of this weeks sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You. I love how this sketch helps you create a simple, yet polished card in minutes. This is one of those sketches that I will find myself going to time & time again. Thanks, Kazan & Laura, for such inspiration each week! Thanks for stopping by today!

All Supplies from CTMH, except ribbon (unknown)

More New Colors

2010-08-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some more fabulous NEW summer colors from CTMH. Today I am featuring Cotton Candy, Pear and Sunset. Just delicious!! On this first card I am also featuring a NEW stamp set called "Party Pennants". I've been using it in the last couple of blog posts, but wanted to wait to talk about it until you saw these adorable pennant images. This card was so easy to stamp up because each of the different pennant images is separate, so you can build your own banner. The polka dot images at the bottom are stamped with the medium dots from "Hit the Spot", and then masked and sponged with a light layer of ink.

This last card was made by masking off a bottom portion of the card base and stamping a diagonal stripe pattern. The rest is pretty self-explanatory. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Happy Birthday

Stamps: CTMH Hit the Spot, Party Pennants

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Sunset

Inks: CTMH Pear, Cotton Candy, Sunset, Black

Accesories: Ribbon (Fabric Barn)

Make A Wish

Stamps: CTMH Candlelight, Party Pennants; PTI Distressed Stripes

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Key Lime, Sunset

Inks: CTMH White Daisy, Cotton Candy, Pear, Sunset, Black

Accessories: Black Satin Ribbon (unknown)

My Favorite New Color

2010-08-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

Back today with another card using MY FAVORITE NEW summer color from CTMH. This color is called "Smoothie". Isn't it just yummy? I kept this color combo simple by pairing it with Colonial White and Cocoa. I've been working on some other color combos that I'll share later. This color combo screamed "elegant" to me, so I reached for my favorite stamp set, "Damask Tiles". I stamped up a piece of patterned paper and layered from there. I used the sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You (a bit loosely, I might add).

I also used the frame from "Party Pennants", which, again, I'll share more about that later. I heat embossed it with ivory embossing powder onto Cocoa CS. I an so glad I took the extra time to do this because I love how it looks.

Also wanted to wish my son, Chad, a Happy 10th Birthda,y and my Dad a Happy Birthday, too! Chad's was Tuesday and my Dad's is today, so we've been doing lots of celebrating. WooHoo!Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies
Stamps: CTMH Damask Tiles, Party Pennants, Thank You, Hit the Spot
Cardstock: PTI Rustic White; CTMH Cocoa
Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Smoothie; Versamark
Accessories: Smoothie Ribbon (from the Fabric Barn), Ivory Embossing Powder

Delicious New Colors

2010-08-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Bloggers! Did you know that Close To My Heart has come out with 8 new delicious colors for their summer palette? Just look at the richness of them in this card. I love how nicely they coordinate with the colors from the other palettes. I made this card using the NEW Lagoon & Pacifica. I paired them with the current Sweet Leaf & New England Ivy. I wanted to focus on the colors, so I stamped up a striped pattern to showcase them.

Did you notice the sentiment? That's from a NEW stamp set called Party Pennants. I'll have more on that later.

Here's another card I stamped up rather quickly, only I left out the New England Ivy. I love how easy this card was to pull together just by stamping the "thanks" image mulitple times in varying colors. The inside reads: "Many thanks". So what do you think of the new colors so far? I'll be back later this week with some more sneaks of the NEW colors. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Celebrate You!

Stamps: CTMH Hit the Spot, Just Be You, Party Pennants; PTI Distressed Stripes

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Pacifica

Inks: CTMH Lagoon, Pacifica, Sweet Leaf, New England Ivy

Many Thanks

Stamps: CTMH Hit the Spot, Thank You

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Sweet Leaf, Pacifica

Inks: CTMH Lagoon, Pacifica, Sweet Leaf

Accessories: Azure Blue Satin Ribbon (stash)

For My Teacher

2010-08-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

So I spent some time "putzing" (is that a word??) in my studio this morning with no specific goal. Didn't feel like meeting any challenges today, just wanted to create. So, here it is, a card for one of my kids' teachers. I stamped the kraft cardstock with the text image from CTMH's Noted Backgrounds using Versamark ink. The little piece of note paper was made with Noted Background, as well, but stamped in Crystal blue, and then punched at the top with my Ek Success punch. I sanded a piece of Crystal Blue cardstock to back the note paper just to make it stand out. Pretty straight forward card, really. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Noted Backgrounds, You're Sweet; PTI Limitless Labels, Distressed Stripes

Cardstock: PTI Kraft, Rustic White; CTMH Crystal Blue

Inks: CTMH Crystal Blue, Desert Sand, Holiday Red, Topiary; Versamark

Accessories: Red Grosgrain Ribbon (stash); CTMH Craft Buttons

Our Prayers Are With You

2010-08-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

Back again with another card I made on Friday, for a friend who's mother passed away. The funeral is this morning. I made this quick card for her with the Embellish Magazine challenge in mind. I used CTMH's Sweet Leaf, Baby Pink and Cocoa. Not only was this a color challenge, but we were also asked to incorporate birds. The bird stamp I used is actually a solid stamp image from CTMH's Treasure Life. I first stamped it with 2nd generation cocoa, and then used the "rock & roll" technique in 1st generation cocoa. I was so thrilled with the results. Doesn't it look cool? I think if I did this 20 times I would come up with 20 different birds. I think I happened to luck out with this one.

It's hard to tell in the picture, but I also used my new PTI die to give the Sweet Leaf card base a little "linen" texture. So loving that die! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Treasure Life; Verve Notes of Prayer

Cardstock: CTMH Sweet Life, White Daisy

Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Sweet Leaf, Baby Pink & Creme Brulee (flower centers)
Accessories: PTI Linen Die; Ribbon (stash)

I'm So Proud of You!

2010-08-06T21:50:00.001-07:00

All this week I have been volunteering at my church for Vacation Bible School (VBS). Besides my four kids, I also brought two other girls from my kids' school. Since my 11 year old is a boy, and the 11 year old I brought was a girl, I asked my niece if she would befriend her and "show her the ropes". I was so incredibly proud of how my niece stepped up to the challenge and showed this girl love and kindness even when it became difficult for her. I was grateful for her efforts, so I made her a card to tell her so.

I decided if I was making a card anyways, I may as well incorporate a couple of challenges. The first is this weeks color challenge from Color Combos Galore. I used CTMH's Creme Brulee, Goldrush and Baby Pink. (I also used this combo in the Hip Hip Hooray card that won the "Let's Do fun & Cute" Challenge at the Moxie Fab World. Woot! Woot!).

I also used last week's sketch from Sweet Sunday Sketch. I realize it's a week late, but she didn't post a new sketch last Sunday.

The inside of this card reads: Thank You, I'm so incredibly proud of you! A perfect sentiment for how I feel towards my niece right now. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Bowl of Cherries, Thank You; PTI Vintage Picnic, Background Basics: Tin Types, Big & Bold Wishes

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Baby Pink, Creme Brulee

Inks: CTMH Goldrush, White Daisy, Black, Baby Pink, Creme Brulee

Accessories: CTMH Creme Brulee Ribbon, Buttons (unknown), PTI Button Twine

I Appreciate You

2010-07-30T15:41:00.001-07:00

Hey bloggers! Made a card today with a color scheme I have been wanting to try for awhile. I used CTMH's Moonstruck, Lilac Mist and Petal. I am NOT a fan of purple, so I seldom use it. I really wanted to challenge myself to find a color scheme with purple that I could live with. The jury's still out on this one.

For the card, I used Laura's sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You. I kept it clean and simple - no special techniques on this one. Anyhow, thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Thank You, Damask tiles, Hit the Spot, Spot On Backgrounds; PTI Big & Bold Wishes
Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Moonstruck, Petal, Lilac Mist

Inks: CTMH White Daisy, Moonstruck, Lilac Mist

Accessories: Ric Rac (unknown), CTMH Clear Sparkles

Tools: Spellbinders Butterfly Die, Marvy Circle Punch (yellow)

Special Friend

2010-07-28T21:54:00.001-07:00

Well, today I decided to try my hand at a new challenge blog I found called Color Combos Galore. What fun colors to work with and an ultra feminine inspiration photo. For my card I used CTMH's Sweet Leaf, Olive and Baby Pink. I was inspired by the mix of patterns in the photo, so I used lots of different stamp sets to create all the different patterns you see on the card. I started by stamping up a piece of the berries/plaid pattern with included all of the colors from the inspiration board. I added a bit of a damask print on the pink scallop piece and some polka dots along the bottom. I thought the card looked a bit shabby chic and a lot feminine, which would be a perfect card for a special friend. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: PTI Polka Dot Basics II, Vintage Picnic, Background Basics: Retro; CTMH Intrinsic Backgrounds, Damask Tiles, True Friends

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Olive, Baby Pink

Inks: CTMH White Daisy, Olive, Sweet Leaf, Baby Pink and Black

Signs of Peace

2010-07-24T19:10:00.001-07:00

There is a challenge over at the Moxie Fab World blog called "Signs of Peace". When I saw this post I immediately thought of this darling tank top from Crazy 8 (which my daughter happens to own). This card was completely inspired by my daughter's outfit. It's hard to tell on the tank top and my card, but the floral image on the peace sign has tiny sparkles in the centers of the flowers. It took some time to add all 25+ rhinestones, but it was so worth it! I used CTMH's Outdoor Denim Textured Cardstock for the background, which I lightly sanded to bring out the texture even more. I hand cut the peace sign with my coluzzle circles and a ruler, and then stamped it with the floral image from CTMH's Intrinsic Backgrounds in Outdoor Denim ink. It was a pretty simple and easy card to put together.

The hardest part of this card was trying to find the right sentiment. This phrase from PTI's Through The Trees was a perfect fit. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Intrinsic Backgrounds; PTI Through the Trees

Cardstock: CTMH Textured Outdoor Denim; PTI Rustic White

Inks: CTMH Outdoor Denim; Versamark

Accesssories: CTMH Clear Sparkles; American Crafts Ribbon; Ivory Pearl Embossing Powder

Technical Difficulties

2010-07-23T07:13:00.002-07:00

Hello fellow bloggers! Just a quick post to let you know my computer is having technical difficulties. I am borrowing my husband's laptop to let you know I am not falling off the face of the earth, again. I will hopefully be posting again in the next day or two, but do not know how long it will take to resolve our problem. Thanks for you patience!

Make A Wish

2010-07-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow bloggers! Tonight I set out to meet the Embellish Color Challenge w/ ric rac. I knew I wanted to use a ric rac stamp to make a background, and I love how it turned out! I used CTMH's Cocoa, Bamboo, Twilight and Goldrush. However, I had a tough time with the focal image. The background was so busy that all the things I tried (4 total) just made the card feel too fussy. I ended up with this simple cupcake image w/ just a touch of color in the button accents. I'm pleased.

I thought this color scheme was fun to work with, and the final product is perfect for male or female of all ages. How much fun would this ric rac background paper look in lots of different colors schemes? HMMM! Might have to ink up some more of this!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Cupcake Sprinkles, Ritzy Ribbon (retired?) and Pieces of Cake (sentiment)

Cardstock: CTMH Cocoa; PTI Rustic White

Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Bamboo, Goldrush and Twilight

Accessories: CTMH Craft Buttons, Cocoa Grosgrain Ribbon; PTI button twine

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2010-07-19T14:30:00.001-07:00

Today is my mom's 65th birthday. My sisters and I (our families, too), went out to dinner to celebrate last night. We had a great time. It's always fun to get together with family, especially when all 11 of the grandchildren are there. The 11 were born within 7 years, so they're all close in age. (I shared each of my pregnancies with one or both of my sisters). The roll count is as follows: one 14 year old, one 13 year old, three 11 year olds, three 9 year olds, two 8 year olds and one 7 year old. Christmas is a blast!

Anyhow, back to the art. This was the card I made for my mom, which I thought I would enter in the Moxie Fab World's "Let's do Classy & Elegant".

For her gift, I made a money pocket/wallet to put some cash in. My mom desperately wants a new kitchen, so my sisters and I thought we may as well inch her to it. That is why the front sentiment reads: "Fresh Baked Kitchen".

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Tasty Treats, Cherished Flourishes; PTI Background Basics Text Style' Round & Round

Cardstock: CTMH Textured Cocoa; PTI Rustic White

Patterned Paper: MME Quite Contrary and Luxurious & Hip

Inks: CTMH Cocoa and Desert Sand

Accessories: CTMH Craft buttons; Brown grosgrain ribbon

Hip Hip Hooray!

2010-07-16T19:29:00.000-07:00

I made a card today for my cousin's daughter. We will be attending her 1st Birthday party in a couple of weeks, and are thrilled to be able to celebrate with her. I knew I wanted it to be fun & cute & since it is an "animal" themed party, I went with the hippo. Thought I'd also enter this in the Moxie Fab World's "Let's Do Fun & Cute" challenge.

I started with the hippo stamped on some hand-created plaid (it wouldn't be a "Karla" card w/o stamped backgrounds). I stamped the polka dots with Goldrush ink onto Creme Brulee cardstock. I love goldrush & baby pink together. Added a hint of Hollyhock (darker pink) with the scalloped circle and rick rack. The inside reads, "It's Your First Birthday!". So fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies
Stamps: CTMH Life's A Jungle and Tiny Typewriter Alphabet; PTI Polka Dot Basics II and Distressed Stripes
Cardstock: CTMH Creme Brulee and Hollyhock; PTI Rustic White and Sweet Blush
Inks: CTMH Baby Pink and Goldrush
Accessories: Hollyhock rick rack

Celebrate Today

2010-07-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today with a card I made for my nephew a while back. Though I was on hiatus from blogging, I was still creating in the studio! This is a one layer card with an added ribbon knot. Because I had to mail this card, I needed to keep it light and less bulky. I started by masking off the top portion of the card with post-it notes. I stamped up the diagonal stripes using PTI's distressed stripes with Aqua Mist (PTI) and Goldrush (CTMH). I added a Chocolate stripe with my marker. Then I stamped the candles from CTMH's Candlelight in Aqua Mist and the flames in Goldrush. I sponged a little more goldrush ink over the flames to give it a "glow". Inked up the edges of the card with Goldrush, stamped the sentiment in Chocolate (CTMH), tied a ribbon knot, and DONE! A 15 minute card that I will certainly repeat in lots of color combos. Have a great day!

Back From Hiatus

2010-07-10T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Bloggers! I'm back from my hiatus. My family and I just needed some time in this crazy thing called "life" to put things back in perspective and proper priority. I have missed the crafting world and am happy to be back at it again. I haven't participated in a challenge in nearly 3 months, so I stole some time in the studio Friday to meet the sketch challenge at CPS. What fun I had inking up my stamps and enjoying some "me" time. Thank you so much for patience!

I started out this card with a stamped plaid background, and then added the ever-so-popular library card. I had a friend in mind for this card - she happens to love to read. Wouldn't a gift card to Borders or Barnes & Noble be a perfect fit? I distressed all the edges with a little Desert Sand ink, and used CTMH's Edge Distresser on the plaid piece.

I'm hoping to blog more regularly for the rest of the summer, and we'll see what the fall brings. I appreciate, though, the emails I received from a few readers. It helped to give me the motivation I needed to start up again. Thank you so much for stopping by today!!

Supplies:

Stamps: PTI Distressed Stripes & Circle Around; CTMH Library Cards

Cardstock: CTMH Sorbet; PTI Rustic White

Patterned Paper: CTMH Perfect Day; Bo Bunny Green Polka Dot

Inks: CTMH Creme Brulee, Sorbet and Desert Sand

Accessories: CTMH Pizzazz Irresistables; Ivory Grosgrain Ribbon

Tools: PTI Blossom Die; Cuttlebug Leaf Die

CTMH Summer Catalog

2010-04-30T20:11:00.001-07:00

Tonight I hosted an Open House for Close To My Heart's new Summer Catalog. I thought I'd share the cards my guests made for their make & take. This first card was made with the "Cherry O" Workshop-on-the-Go stamp set called "Bowl of Cherries". It is so adorable!!

This next card is made with the "Splendor" papers and stamp set. It is always my goal with these make & takes to be simple and easy to put together, so I always have everything cut and prepped for my guests. Assembly literally takes 5-10 minutes per card. Not bad, huh?

Below are some more peeks of the new papers in the summer catalog. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

P.S. Also watching the Jazz/Nuggets game tonight. Go Jazz!! Truth be told, we're really more Laker's fans, but because we know Kyle Korver we cheer for him whenever we can. Go Kyle!!

Passages Sneak Peek

2010-04-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

The release of Close To My Heart's Summer Catalog is only 3 days away! I'm having an Open House on Friday night for my customers to pick up their FREE catalog, and for them to get a chance to "play" with some of the new product. I hope to post my make & take card samples sometime soon, but for now another sneak peek. This card is made with the oh-so-elegant "Passages". I love the color combo of Cocoa, Garden Green, Brown Bag and Barn Red, and because all of these beautiful papers are double sided, the options are endless! It would be perfect for travel, family, heirloom and so much more!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

All supplies from Close To My Heart

Another Sneak Peak

2010-04-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

Here's another sneak peek of Close To My Heart's Summer Catalog. Did I mention how thrilled I am with some of the new product? This card is made using the NEW "Splendor" paper pack, and the oh-so-fantastic Irresistables chipboard called "Pizzaz". These darling chipboard embellishments come with a resist pattern already on them, which makes inking them up so easy! There is so much more to come! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Sneak Peek

2010-04-22T15:47:00.001-07:00

Just a little sneak peek of what's to come. Close To My Heart's Summer Catalog is coming May 1, and I couldn't be more thrilled with some of the new product they are showcasing! I've been busy creating some fun cards and scrapbook pages with the new paper packs and I can't wait to show you, but you'll have to wait. I'll be giving some sneak peeks here on the blog - a little at a time. Today's card is made with the Oh-so-adorable, "Cherry O", and the coordinating stamp sets. Enjoy! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Having a joyful day!

2010-04-15T08:07:00.001-07:00

Hi bloggers! Just thought I'd share a quick card I made last night using the Mojo Monday #134 sketch. When I saw this sketch, I made it a goal to participate this week. Such a fun one. Spring has definately arrived here in Southern Ca. As I was driving home from work, I noticed all the businesses with colorful flowers, and the new leaves growing on the trees (my favorite shade of green!). I was feeling joyful driving home, and wanted to reflect that in my card.

This card started with the white daisies on kraft cardstock. I had been wanting to use my white gel pen to color in these fun cluster of daisies from PTI, but I didn't realize how hard it would be. What I discovered is that my eyes are aging! You can see how difficult it was for me on the close-up below. Wow! This might be one technique I'll need to put on hold until I get bi-focals!

Anyhow, I love the color combo of spring green and sunflower yellow. It screams "joy". Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Priceless Love Word Puzzle, Noted Backgrounds; PTI Vintage Picnic, Everyday Button Bits

Cardstock: PTI Kraft; CTMH Topiary and White Daisy

Patterned Paper: green dots from Bo Bunny

Inks: CTMH Black, Sunflower, Topiary, Sweet Leaf; Sakura White gel pen

Accessories: PTI Saddle stitch ribbon; CTMH Craft Button

Happy Birthday, Samantha!

2010-04-12T18:57:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm happy to report that the family is finally on the mend. Girls are on antibiotics, and my oldest is still recovering, but hopefully he'll go back to school on Wednesday? I'm seeing the light! To those of you that commented on my last post with your words of encouragement, I was overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness! Thank you so much for your empathy!

Now on to today's post. Today is my niece's 13th birthday. I decided to take this occasion to participate in the 2 Sketches 4 You sketch challenge. It has been a couple of weeks since I have participated in any challenges, and I miss them!

So here's the card I made. The color combo came from the small bottles of nail polish I bought for her as a token gift (the real gift is the cash, of course!). The nail polishes were black, fuschia and teal, so I went with CTMH's Black, Watermelon and Juniper. I once again stamped up some plaid background and went with that preteen "rocker" look. Kazan's sketch was so fun to work with - I just might need to try it again!

I made a quick little box to hold the nail polishes. No template, just measured the bottles and went from there. I die-cut a window on the box top with my Spellbinder's Labels 8 die, and added a piece of transparency film. The stitching was hand drawn with my white gel pen. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Just Be You, Priceless Love Word Puzzle and Boutique Borders; PTI Background Basics: Retro and Mega Mixed Messages; Verve Stamps You Rock

Cardstock: CTMH Black, Watermelon and White Daisy

Inks: CTMH Black, Watermelon, Juniper

Accessories: Offray Black Satin Ribbon

Tools: Sakura White gel pen; Spellbinder's Nestabilities Labels 8; Cuttlebug Tags Die

Many Thanks

2010-04-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems my family just cannot catch a break health-wise this year. My oldest is recovering nicely from his tonsilectomy on Tuesday - he started perking up a bit tonight! He has suffered from strep throat 3 times a year for the last 5 years, with one bout of Scarlet Fever and an abcess. So glad those tonsils are gone!!! My second son, after 20 days of antibiotics, still had some inconclusive test results today, so we'll need to continue monitoring every 30 days. And now, it appears as if both of my girls have come down with strep throat, which means another Dr. visit tomorrow morning. Can I just say "I've had enough!" But, believe it or not, as I stole some time in the studio today to make some much needed thank you cards, I realized how truly blessed I am to have 4 beautiful (and moderately healthy) children, and one very supportive and helpful husband! I wouldn't trade my life for anybody's, even though I'm feeling a bit weary right now.

I made several designs of both masuline and feminine for my kids to send out for the many gifts they've received over the last little while. These four are the lucky ones that made the cut to the blog. I kept them simple and small (3.5x5). Thanks so much for stopping by today!

CARD #1:

Stamps: PTI Background Basics: Tin Types and Through the Trees

Cardstock: PTI Aqua Mist; CTMH White Daisy

Inks: CTMH Holiday Red

Accessories: Red Grosgrain Ribbon, white Ribbon Slide from stash

CARD #2:

Stamps: PTI Background Basics: Diamonds; CTMH Thank You; Making Memories (frame)

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy and Bubblegum

Inks: CTMH Clover Meadow, Versamark

Accessories: White embossing powder

CARD #3

Stamps: PTI Background Basics: Retro; CTMH Thank You

Cardstock: CTMH Grey Flannel, Outdoor Denim

Inks: CTMH Outdoor Denim; Versamark, White Gel Pen

Accessories: White embossing powder

CARD #4

Stamps: PTI Background Basics: Retro; CTMH Thank You, Frame of Mind

Cardstock: PTI Rustic White; CTMH Brown Bag

Patterned Paper: CTMH Grace

Inks: CTMH Colonial White, Cocoa

Accessories: CTMH Pewter Brads

March CARDS

2010-04-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share a couple of cards from the March 2010 CARDS magazine. This is my first publication for CARDS and I couldn't be more thrilled!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

To A Special Friend

2010-04-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

I know, I've been a lousy poster lately. I hate to keep giving you excuses, but it has been especially busy. I am so looking forward to a week off of school/work. My oldest is having surgery on Tuesday, and my second has a Dr. appt. Thursday for some testing, so I'll be home a lot this week. Hopefully after nursing kids, and resting and relaxing, I'll find some time to hit the studio. Anyways, here's a card I made today for no reason except to create. I used a boat-load of stamps to create this one, but I had a great time inking them up! The color combo I used was CTMH's Sorbet, Heavenly Blue and Clover Meadow. I stamped up the plaid on a 4x5.25 card base, and then created a wrap with the heavenly blue cs. Thanks so much for stopping by today! Hope you have a wonderful Easter celebrating the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH A Posy, True Friend, Boutique Borders, Circle Around, Serendipity; PTI Background Basics: Retro

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Heavenly Blue

Inks: CTMH Sorbet, Heavenly Blue, Clover Meadow

Accessories: CTMH Craft Buttons; PTI Saddle Stitch Ribbon in New Leaf

Celebrate Ten!

2010-03-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

My oldest will be turning 11 on Friday, so in order to celebrate I created his annual scrapbook page of the past year (hence the title, "Celebrate 10"). I used the You Rock kit from Close To My Heart, which was so perfect for his stage of life. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

All Supplies from CTMH, unless noted

Stamps: CTMH Noteworthy, Just Be You, Comments; Verve Stamps You Rock

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Goldrush, Indian Corn Blue

Patterned Paper: CTMH You Rock

Wonderfully Made

2010-03-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine asked me to make a scrapbook page on canvas for her friend's baby shower. This girl doesn't know what she's having, and the shower colors are blue, pink and brown. I decided to just go with that color scheme since it would be used as a shower decor, as well. I had never made a scrapbook canvas before, so I was up for the challenge. I purchased a 12x12 canvas from Michael's and painted it brown. The kraft page base is 10.5x10.5. I cut the title from a cricut at my local scrapbook store since I don't own a cricut myself. I liked the way it turned out.

I printed the verse out, and then stamped the frame around it using the CTMH January Stamp of the month. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Noted Backgrounds, True Friends

Cardstock: Bazzill Kraft; CTMH Baby Pink and Textured Colonial White

Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye Hip & Luxurious Basics and Quite Contrary "Delight"

Inks: CTMH Desert Sand, Colonial White, Cocoa

Accessories: May Arts Pink Ribbon, PTI Vintage Button

Tools: PTI Medium Scallop Border Die, Cricut, Sewing Machine

I'm Back!

2010-03-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

I'm back! Sorry it's been so long since my last post. I ended up getting that nasty bug my boys had a month ago, and then my girls came down with it. After a week in bed, I needed another week just to catch up with life, only to find out that my computer got a bug, too - CRASH! I haven't even done much blog hopping in two weeks - I'm starting to go through withdrawls! Can't wait to catch up in the blog world and see all the great stuff that is being created daily. I made this card today using the sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You. I had no plan going into this card, but I had a red card base that has been floating around my work area for far too long. Today was the day I was going to use it. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Embrace Life; PTI Through the Trees, Background Basics: Tin Type

Cardstock: PTI Pure Poppy, Rustic Cream, Kraft

Inks: CTMH Colonial White, Desert Sand; PTI Pure Poppy

Accessories: CTMH Hemp; PTI Vintage Buttons

Hi There!

2010-03-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post today, before I run out of time for the Moxie Fab World's Olympics of Stamping. I also used the sketch from JUGS, and was inspired by this weeks Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger. Not sure yet how I feel about the card - a little busy for me and a whole lot of color going on. It is cheery and the inside reads "You've been on my mind" - a great sentiment to pick up anybody's day! I stamped the diagonal stripes, again, with the color scheme in mind. I hope you aren't tiring of it! Anyhow, thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: PTI Background Basics: Tin Types & Mega Mixed Messages: CTMH Boutique Borders & Circle Around

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Buttercup, Juniper, Baby Pink, Sorbet, Sweet Leaf

Inks: CTMH Watermelon, Juniper, Sweet Leaf, Baby Pink, Sorbet, Buttercup; Versamark

Accessories: PTI Ribbon; White Embossing Powder, CTMH Clear Button; Karen Foster Scrapper's Floss

Another Thank You

2010-03-04T16:20:00.001-08:00

I made another thank you card today for the sketch challenge #156 at CPS. I loved the clean & simple layout, so it became a "must do" on my to do list this week. I knew I wanted to translate the swirl pattern on the sketch into a tree branch, so, of course, I needed a bird to go with it (which happens to be seasonally timely anyways). The color combo was inspired by a shopping trip to Home Goods today. I saw a glass jar full of speckled eggs that were blue, green and yellow - so beautiful! I used CTMH's Twilight, Creme Brulee and Olive with hints of Sweet Leaf and Autumn Terracotta. I might need to use this combo again! For the bird, I used the "comb sweep" technique. I just simply ran a comb over the inked up image before stamping. Since this card is all stamped, I'll also submit it into Moxie Fab World's Olympics of Stamping Contest. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH A Tweet & Hello There; PTI Background Basics: Retro & Through the Trees

Cardstock: PTI Rustic Cream; CTMH Olive

Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Olive, Sweet Leaf, Creme Brulee, Autumn Terracotta & Twilight

Accessories: CTMH Creme Brulee Stitched Ribbon, Black rhinestone for the eye (unknown)

Thank You so much!

2010-03-02T21:26:00.001-08:00

I had so much fun making that plaid yesterday, that I just wanted to give it a try again. All the colors are the same except I used a fuschia instead of a baby pink. Such fun making my own printed paper!! For this card I used Kazan's sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You, and went with a big butterfly as my focal image. I stamped the butterfly with one of the patterns from PTI's Background Basics: Tin Type. The sentiment is from CTMH's Thank You - such a great set!

My second son, Chad, had his first little league game of the season today. It was good to see him active after his 2 week bout with pnemonia. His team lost, but my son pitched for the first time for 1 inning (his mom was a nervous wreck!). He walked 1 batter, struck out 2, and 2 batters got a hit, but he was able to throw one of them out at first - he made all 3 outs and no runs were scored that inning. Not bad! I was very proud of him! I was hoping to post a picture of the monumental event in my son's life, but my husband missed that opportunity (I was working the snack bar, so couldn't). Doesn't he know how important that picture is to a scrapbooker? Oh well, I'll have to snap a few next time - it's a long season.

Anyhow, thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Thank You; PTI Background Basics: Tin Type & Retro

Cardstock: PTI Rustic Cream & Raspberry Fizz; CTMH Sorbet

Inks: CTMH Watermelon, Sorbet, Sweet Leaf and Buttercup

Accessories: CTMH Creme Brulee Ribbon, Pearls

Tools: Cuttlebug; PTI Medium Scallop Border die

Thinking of You

2010-03-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth, but it sure feels like it! I mentioned in my last post, which was over a week ago, that I was nursing sick kids. Well, my kids went from bad to worse last week, but it's looking like were on the mend. Finally! I had two VERY sick boys, and am so thankful they are starting to feel better! I took today off of work just to catch up, so I stole a few minutes in the studio during lunch. I made a card for the Embellish Magazine Color Challenge and used the sketch from Clean and Simple's Fall-to-Layout #80. Pastels have never been my love, so this was a true challenge! I stamped the plaid background with the stripe stamp from PTI's Background Basics: Retro, and I used CTMH's baby pink, sorbet, buttercup and sweet leaf. I actually ended up really liking the plaid, but still not sure about the card. It may take me a couple of days to get back into the swing of things. I felt like the whole world went on without me!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Springtime; PTI Background Basics: Retro, Through the Trees, Polka Dot Basics II

Cardstock: CTMH Buttercup, Sweet Leaf; PTI Rustic Cream

Inks: CTMH Sorbet, Sweet Leaf, Baby Pink, Buttercup

Accessories: Ribbon from stash

Fill this day with joy!

2010-02-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

Hey there! Hope your weekend is going well. Most of our weekend was spent nursing sick kids, but I did get a chance to go out for dinner last night with some dear friends! Yummy food and great company - bliss! Anyhow, I snuck away to the studio this morning to make yet another card for the color/birthday challenge at Embellish Magazine. I wasn't completely happy with the last card I made, so wanted to try again. This color combo has been difficult for me. Still not over the moon for this card, but not ashamed of it either. I used this week's fall-to-layout #79 from Clean & Simple as my starting point. The focal image is the balloons from PTI's Everyday Button Bits. I used some more of my handstamped striped paper (I told you I wouldn't be stopping anytime soon!) Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: PTI Everyday Button Bits, Polka Dot Basics II; CTMH Boutique Borders, Circle Around

Cardstock: CTMH Hollyhock, Chocolate; PTI Rustic Cream

Inks: CTMH Chocolate, Hollyhock, Topiary, Outdoor Denim

Accessories: CTMH Craft Buttons

Make A Wish

2010-02-18T15:30:00.000-08:00

Another card here for a couple of challenges. I used the color challenge at Embellish Magazine, which also included a "Celebrate Birthdays" theme. I've been having so much fun stamping up my own patterned paper that I decided to stamp up some more stripes with the color challenge. I used CTMH's Outdoor Denim, Topiary and Hollyhock. Hope you're not getting tired of my stamped stripes because I'm not sure I'm done making them! (Ha Ha Ha). I also incorporated Kazan's sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Candlelight, Connections, Circle Around and Boutique Borders

Cardstock: CTMH Outdoor Denim, Sweet Leaf, Baby Pink and Heavenly Blue; PTI Rustic White

Inks: CTMH Outdoor Denim, Hollyhock, Topiary and Chocolate

You're So Sweet

2010-02-17T14:22:00.001-08:00

Hey There! I'm back today with a card I made for the Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger. This trigger picture inspired me mostly with color. I LOVE red and yellow together - it is such a happy combination! So, I went with that in my card. And, when I think "happy", one of the things that come to mind is cherries! I was given some October Afternoon rub-ons that I, of course, have been hording, so I pulled those out for this challenge.

I used the sketch from Clean & Simple Fall-to-Layout #78, which I fell in love with! I love these sketches so much because they go so well with my style. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Noted Backgrounds; PTI Polka Dot Basics II and Everyday Button Bits

Cardstock: PTI Rustic White, Pure Poppy; CTMH Creme Brulee

Inks: CTMH Creme Brulee, Vanilla Cream and Desert Sand; PTI Pure Poppy

Accessories: CTMH Creme Brulee stitched ribbon; October Afternoon Rub-ons

Tools: Cuttlebug die

Mr. & Mrs.

2010-02-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post today with a card for the Cardvaarks "Get Published" challenge. The challenge was to create a wedding card. I went with the predictable black, white and aqua, and kept it pretty straight forward. The deadline was today by midnight - nothing like waiting until the last minute! Hope you're having a great day! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI Big & Bold Wishes, Polka Dot Basics; CTMH Damask Tiles
Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Black
Inks: PTI Aqua Mist, CTMH Black
Accessories: Offray Black Grosgrain, Recollections Black rhinestone strips

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey There! Just a few cards I thought I'd share in honor of Valentine's Day. I made these cards months ago, but never shared them here. Hope you enjoy your day with the one's you love! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies

Special Part of my life

Stamps: CTMH Hearfelt, PTI Heartfelt Basics and Background Basics: Text Style

Cardstock: PTI Kraft, CTMH Chocolate, Tulip and Colonial White

Inks: CTMH Tulip, Blush, Chocolate, Colonial White

Accessories: Offray Ivory Satin Ribbon

My Life Is So Blessed

Stamps: CTMH Hearfelt and Damask Tiles, PTI Heartfelt Basics, Polka Dot Basics

Cardstock: CTMH Colonial White, Textured Cocoa

Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Tulip, Blush

Accesories: CTMH Craft Buttons, Pearls

With Love

Stamps: CTMH Heartfelt, PTI Heartfelt Basics

Cardstock: CTMH Colonial White, Bazzill Kraft

Patterned Paper: CTMH Notebook

Inks: CTMH Blush, Tulip, Deset Sand

Accessories: Offray Ivory Satin Ribbon

Wishing You...

2010-02-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

Hi Y'all!! I have been a bit sparse in my blog posts lately because I've been a bit busy helping my kids prepare their valentine's for tomorrow's school parties. Once I got that done, I hurried out to the studio to make a card for Jeanette Lynton's Color Me Monday. I adored the combo this week, and I knew I wanted to play along. I've been having so much fun creating my own printed paper with the straight line from Boutique Borders, that I decided to create my card base using this color combo. (The dotted line is from Priceless Love). I went with a birthday theme for this card because I don't need any more valentine's! I also incorporated the sketch challenge from CPS #153 for this card. Since I mail most of my birthday cards, I decided to make it a standard A2 instead of square so I don't have to pay extra postage. (I know, kind of cheap, but hey, every penny counts towards new product, right?). Anyways, that's all I have for today. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Boutique Borders, Priceless Love, Cupcake Sprinkles and Classmate Alphabet

Cardstock: PTI Rustic Cream, CTMH Cocoa

Inks: CTMH Tulip, Baby Pink, Olive, Cocoa

Accessories: Martha Stewart Ribbon, CTMH Sparkle Brad

Fill this day with JOY!

2010-02-08T11:28:00.001-08:00

Super quick post today. Nichole Heady of Papertrey Ink is hosting a challenge on her blog Capture the Moment. My card is pretty straight forward. I don't have a ton of PTI product to work with (Yet!), so I stuck with Everyday Button Bits to create this one.

The challenge was to used one of 5 color combos based on the first letter of your username (that would be "K" for me) and the sketch to create a card for a chance to win $100 gift certificate to PTI. Who wouldn't want to give it a shot, right? You have until 7:00 am, Tuesday morning to enter, so you'll have to hurry. Thanks for stopping by today!

Page Maps Challenge

2010-02-07T15:11:00.001-08:00

I have not scrapbooked in a LOOOONG time! I was missing it! I am actually first, and foremost, a scrapbooker. I know it's hard to believe since I primarily post cards, but I have been scrapbooking for about 25 years. I actually started scrapbooking when supplies were hard to come by. I made patterned paper with construction paper and markers, and then got introduced to stamping by my high school art teacher - the rest is history. I happened to be browsing through some sketch blogs and came across this sketch/challenge on the Page Maps blog. They are celebrating the 4th anniversary of Scrapdango and are hosting a contest. Couldn't resist this sketch - I loved it!!

I seldom do a one page layout, so I added a second page that mimics the sketch. The size of these pages are 9x9, which is the size album I make for all of my kids. I used the Veranda Kit from Close To My Heart.

These pictures are the yearly pictures I take of my kids near their birthday. No special occasion, just pictures to note their ages. She is seven here. Thanks for stopping by today!

All Supplies are from CTMH (except the sentiment "So" from Verve stamps)

We're Praying

2010-02-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

Here's the card I started yesterday, and finally finished up this afternoon. This card was made for a couple from my church who had a baby girl a couple months ago. This little girl, though, has had a rough start to life and is awaiting a heart transplant. My husband and I wanted to send a little card to let them know we are holding them up in prayer, but I felt like the card needed to have a sweet "baby" look to it. This color challenge with ribbon from Embellish Magazine was the perfect starting point. I loved the cross and sentiment from Verve's "Notes of Prayer", and wanted to incorporate that into this loose interpretation to the sketch at Unscripted Sketches (only I missed the deadline, again!). Anyways, thanks for taking the time to stop by today, and if you have a minute could you say a little prayer for baby Jocelyn and her family? I know they would appreciate it!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH (Boutique Borders, Circle Around, and Argyle Backgrounds), Verve (Notes of Prayer)

Cardstock: PTI (Rustic Cream, Sweet Blush, Dark Chocolate)

Inks: CTMH (Baby Pink, Chocolate), PTI (Aqua Mist), Versamark

Accessories: PTI (Aqua Mist grosgrain ribbon), CTMH (Clear Sparkles), Ivory Pearl Embossing Powder

Tools: Spellbinders Scalloped Rectangle Nestabilities

LOVE Banner

2010-02-03T22:07:00.001-08:00

Just Us Girls is having a fun challenge this week to make a pennant banner with the optional challenge of a "love" theme. I knew this was one challenge I wanted to take on this week because I wanted to make a valentine decor item for my family. Every year on Valentine's Day I write my husband a poem that sends him on a hunt through the house for 25 reason why I love him on hearts. (This will be my 12th year doing this). He ends his hunt in our bedroom where I have our bed decorated with balloons, a gift for each member of my family (wrapped to match the decor, of course), and a homebaked goodie for each one of my valentine's. I wanted to make a banner to hang on my headboard this year, so I was thrilled it was a challenge this week. There was also a color challenge at Embellish Magazine that I thought would be a great starting point. The hardest part of this whole project was getting a good photograph. I liked how it turned out, but I'm thinking it is a bit "girly" for my 3 boys. My 2 girls, though, will think it's fabulous! Oh, well! Valentine's Day tends to be a bit feminine anyways, right?

Below is picture of each individual letter. I had some leftover paper from this project and started a card, but still need to finish it. Hopefully I can post that tomorrow.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Masculine Wish

2010-02-01T15:35:00.001-08:00

It's my nephew's birthday tomorrow, and another nephew's on Sunday, so needed a couple of "masculine" cards. I seem to put off making masculine cards because I don't think they're that fun, but I ended up really liking them, thanks to some great sketch challenges out this week!

I used the sketch from Sweet Sunday Sketches for this first one. I started by stamping up some diagonally striped paper onto kraft cardstock using the straight line from CTMH's Boutique Borders and the dotted line from Circle Around. Then I stamped the candle image from CTMH's Cupcake Sprinkles with Olive, Crystal Blue and Chocolate, and added the flame with Honey.

For this card I used the sketch #49 from Card Patterns. I realized while I was making it that I haven't particpated in a Card Patterns challenge in a while - gotta change that! they always have such fun and challenging sketches! It's kind of hard to see, but I also stamped some PTI Text Style onto the Dark Chocolate card base with Chocolate ink. It just gives it that subtle "extra".

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH (Cupcake Sprinkles, Card Commentary, Boutique Borders, Circle Around), PTI Background Basics: Text Style

Cardstock: CTMH Olive; PTI Dark Chocolate, Kraft and Rustic White

Inks: CTMH Olive, Crystal Blue, and Chocolate; Versamark Watermark Ink Pad

Accessories: Making Memories Embroidery Floss, CTMH Cocoa Embossing Powder

You are Special

2010-01-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

What a CRAZY week it's been here! I have been up to my eyeballs in school projects (also known as "mom" projects). You moms out there know what I am talking about! Between working and school, I have had very little studio time. My kids have off today, so I stole a few minutes this morning to get creative. I set out to meet the Red Hearts challenge at Cardvaarks. I also needed a valentine's card for daughter #2, so I chose the sentiment "You are special". Nothing fancy here - a simple layout, girly valentine colors and a bow - it doesn't get any better than that!

I also wanted to take a minute to say thank you to all you ladies out there who have made such kind comments over the last 7 months of this blog venture. Your comments are what keep me motivated to post and participate in challenges. I think you are all so special! Thank you!!

Replenishing My Stash

2010-01-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

It was time to replenish my stash of birthday cards for the month of February. UPS happened to deliver my new stamp set from CTMH called Candlelight last night, so I knew this is what I was going to use on my cards.

I searched through the sketch challenges this week, and chose 2 that had a large focal image. This first card is based on the sketch from Unscripted Sketches.

I used the sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You on this next card (rotated). I still need to make a few more cards for all the February birthdays in my life - maybe I'll get a couple more done this week to post. Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Candlelight, PTI Mega Mixed Messages and Everyday Buttons

Cardstock: PTI Kraft, Rustic White, Aqua Mist, Pure Poppy

Inks: CTMH Desert Sand, Clover Meadow, Honey, Orange, PTI Pure Poppy

Accessories: PTI Ribbon, Button from stash

Sweet Wishes

2010-01-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well, here's some more new stamp sets from Close To My Heart that I have been wanting to play with. The first is the February Stamp of the Month called "Piece of Cake" - so darling!, and the other is Noted Backgrounds (I have used this on other cards, but still haven't used it to it's full potential - so versatile). Once again, I searched through the sketch challenges out there, and ran across this one from Everything But The Kitchen Sink. It's a great sketch that was inspired by a tv cabinet, of all things! Anyhow, I have read about their various challenges in the past, and have often thought about joining in, so I made it a point to participate this time. I also read on this blog about a valentine card drive that Winter Sims is hosting for the Texas Children's Hospital. Now I have a great home for this card (along with a few others I've made in the last couple of weeks). If you're interested in finding out more about this card drive, you can go here to read about it. So glad I partcipated!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Noted Backgrounds and Piece of Cake, PTI Everday Button (sentiment)

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Tulip, Blush

Patterned Paper: CTMH Jingle and That's Amore

Inks: CTMH Black, Blush, Tulip, Cocoa, White Daisy; Sakura White Gel Pen

Accessories: Offray Ribbon

Tools: Marvy Circle and Scalloped Circle punch

Hi There!

2010-01-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

So, I was dying to play with this new stamp set from Close To My Heart. Isn't that umbrella just darling?? I was cancelled at my job today, so I took some time to play. I searched through the various sketch challenges out there this week, and ran across this one from Unscripted Sketches. I knew it would be a perfect starting point. I flipped it upside down and went from there. Nothing overly fancy, but I thought it turned out okay. I stamped the raindrops in Colonial White and added some prisma glitter. It's hard to see, but it does sparkle so nice. Thanks so much for stopping by today! (P.S. i've got another card to post, hopefully later tonight - the family needs some attention first)

Supplies

Stamps: CTMH Springtime, PTI Mega Mixed Messages

Cardstock: PTI Dark Chocolate, Aqua Mist, CTMH Colonial White

Patterned Paper: October Afternoon

Inks: CTMH Colonial White, Sweet Leaf, Versamark

Accessories: PTI Button Twine, Ivory embossing powder

Tools: Quickutz

Start to Finish

2010-01-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

ETA: This card was featured on the CARDS blog AND was one of the challenge winners at the Moxie Fab World Blog. Thank you, Paige and Cath!!!

Hey Y'all! Took a few minutes today to make a card for the Moxie Fab World Start to Finish Challenge. The challenge was to make a card that carries the design to the inside of the card. I have to be honest with you, I rarely carry the design to the inside. At most, I stamp a sentiment, so this was truly a challenge. And, I gotta tell you that it was FUN! Definately gonna have to do it again!
Paige, over at Cards Blog, challenged us to make a card with trees/branches, so I used CTMH's Grown with Love stamp set for this one. I stamped half of the tree trunk on the edge of the front and continued with the other half on the inside edge. I added some stamped "hills", and sponged some Heavenly Blue ink to the top portion of the card. Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Grown With Love and Vintage Valentine (inside sentiment), PTI Everyday Buttons (front sentiment)

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Clover Meadow, Blush

Patterned Paper: Red/Pink Polka Dot from Colorbok

Inks: CTMH Tulip, Clover Meadow, Heavenly Blue

Accessories: CTMH Tulip Grosgrain Ribbon

Stamp It Magazine

2010-01-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited! I just received my complimentary copy of the NEW Stamp It Magazine. I have a card in the "Baby" section of this publication, and I thought I would share. This is my first card publication (I had scrapbook pages published ages ago when Creating Keepsakes was a start-up magazine). I stopped submitting years ago, because the time and cost wasn't worth it - boy has that changed!

I haven't taken too much time to soak in all of the fabulous card ideas, but what I've seen so far is fantastic!! This is a definite "must have" if you're a stamper!

I thought I'd also share what has been keeping me busy this past weekend (besides taking some much needed time to do some purging in the studio - it felt so good!). My husband has just started a 3 year term as a Care Deacon at our church, and we have been getting a flood of emails of people in our church who are hurting either emotionally or physically. He needed to have some cards on hand to send out to those people so I used my leftover Christmas card paper to whip up about 2 dozen cards for him. I kept them simple so he wouldn't be embarrassed to sign his name to them. Men! I don't know what their problem is with bows! Anyhow, thanks for stopping by today!

Happy Birthday to you....

2010-01-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

This is my second post for today. Scroll down to see my other post.

Cardvaarks has a fabulous sketch challenge, and I finally found time today to participate. I was also able to incorporate the Just Us Girls stitching challenge, again, and I couldn't be happier with the results! While curled up on my couch, I handstitched the "stripes" and stitched on the buttons. So relaxing! I thought the colors were so cheery, it brightened my day! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Happy Birthday

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, PTI Pure Poppy

Patterned Paper: Colorbok

Inks: PTI Pure Poppy

Accessories: CTMH Craft Buttons, Moxxie Buttons, DMC Embroidery Floss

Special Friend

2010-01-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

When I saw the Laura's sketch for the week at 2 Sketches 4 You, for some reason this color scheme came to my head. I have always loved those preppy colors of navy, green and yellow for spring. I remembered that Just Us Girls was having a technique challenge this week to incorporate stitching on a project, so this is how this card came to be. I started by stamping some Noted Background onto white cs and punched a flower with my Marvy punch. I inked up the edges with some Sunny Yellow ink, and then added some stitching around the edge. Finished up with a large button. Too cute! Now I needed to figure out the stem and leaves. I'm not much of an embroiderer, but I cuddled up in the corner of the couch, turned on "I Love Lucy" and sewed away. I have forgotten how much fun embroidery is! I realize it can be a bit time consuming, but it made for a very relaxing lunch for me! After the stem and leaves I stamped the sentiment, and then sponged some brown ink onto the white because I managed to leave a bit of a fingerprint in the sewing process. (There's a fix for everything, right?). I stamped some polka dots onto the outdoor denim cs with White Daisy ink, and the rest is self-explanatory.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Noted Backgrounds, PTI Polka Dot Basics II, Heartfelt Basics, and Limitless Labels

Cardstock: CTMH Outdoor Denim, Sunny Yellow, and White Daisy

Inks: CTMH Topiary, Sunny Yellow, White Daisy

Accessories: CTMH Summer Craft Buttons, DMC embroidery floss

Tools: Marvy flower punch, Spellbinders Scalloped Rectangle

i love you

2010-01-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

Here's my take on the Mojo Monday #121 sketch. I used lots of heat embossing and my white gel pen on this card. I started with a brown card base and clear embossed some polka dots. Then I heat embossed the "i love you" in white, and added some lines and dots with my white gel pen. Next I heat embossed a grid pattern (CTMH Noted Backgrounds) in white on fuschia cs, and cut out a heart. Punched another small heart out of fuschia cs and added some stitching lines with my gel pen. I love this color scheme, and thought this layout was adorable. I'm thinking I'll save this card for my daughter.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Noted Background and Adorable; PTI Polka Dot Basics II

Cardstock: PTI Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz, CTMH White Daisy

Inks: Versamark Watermark Pad, Sakura Gelly Roll Pen

Accessories: American Crafts Aqua Ribbon, PTI Aqua Mist Vintage Button

Tools: Fiskars Heart Punch and Scalloped Edge Punch

Sweet Baby Boy

2010-01-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

Here's a sweet card for the Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #55, yet another sketch challenge blog I found while blog hopping this week. So fun! Anyhow, I have a couple of girls in my life expecting babies, and one is going to have a boy! I love this sweet stamp set from Close To My Heart - this silhouette of the boy on a rocking horse is just darling, isn't it? It is just perfect for this sweet baby boy card.

This sketch is so fun! I flipped it to make it my own, added some stitching and a button cluster to give it that homemade feel. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Childhood Portraits and Solo B, PTI Mega Mixed Messages and Polka Dot Basics

Cardstock: CTMH Colonial White, Textured Cocoa

Patterned Paper: DCWV Nana's Nursery Baby boy

Inks: CTMH Cocoa

Accessories: CTMH Craft Buttons, Ribbon from stash

Be Still...

2010-01-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

So, I set out last night to meet the Just Us Girls Sketch Challenge this week. I received some of my new product from the Close To My Heart Spring Catalog yesterday, and pulled out this pretty bird and branch stamp set called "A Tweet" to work with.

I also received the new Ballard Design catalog last week, and was inspired to create a card using purple, brown and cream. I know this photo of the catalog is hard to see, but the chair covers are a cool, brown overlapping square pattern. I immediately thought of my Anna Griffin Darcy Collection Stamp set. This card ended up being not really my style (too busy and detailed), but for that reason I was kind of happy with the outcome - it meant I stretched myself.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH (A Tweet & Argyle Backgrounds), Anna Griffin (Darcy), Verve (Be Still)

Cardstock: CTMH (Colonial White, Cocoa, Tulip)

Inks: CTMH (Cocoa, Tulip)

Accessories: Offray (Ivory Satin Ribbon)

Happy Birthday, Makenna!

2010-01-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

Today is my niece's 11th birthday - Happy Birthday, Makenna! This card is not the card I am giving to her (you can view hers here), but I am posting a birthday card in her honor. This is the card I made for the CPS sketch challenge #148 this week. I loved working with this sketch, and will come back to this one again! It's clean and simple - just what I need when I'm strapped for a last minute card.

I used some scraps of paper from Bo bunny and a die cut sticker from Doodlebug Designs. I stamped the plaid background with my Martha Stewart stamp. It could not get any easier!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: Martha Stewart, PTI (Mega Mixed Messages)

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy

Patterned Paper: Bo Bunny (Blush Dot)

Inks: CTMH (Juniper, Bubblegum), Versamark

Accessories: Ribbon (stash), Doodlebug Designs (sticker), CTMH (white embossing powder)

Thanks a Latte

2010-01-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

( Scroll down if you want to see the artwork.)

The story behind the card:
A dear friend of mine, who happens to be the secretary at our church, went above and beyond for me this Christmas. My oldest son is a HUGE Utah Jazz fan (well, really a Kyle Korver fan). The one thing he asked for for Christmas was a signed basketball card of Kyle on the Jazz. Wanting to be a good mom, I browsed the web in search of a signed card, but none was to be found. So I did what any mom would do for her son, I called the lady who could "hook me up". You see, my friend's son and husband are avid card collectors/traders, so she sent them out in search of a card. They came back with several Kyle Korver cards, but none were signed. She went the next step and contacted our (semi-retired) pastor, who happens to be the grandfather of Kyle, and got the cards to him to get signed. The Jazz were in town Dec. 9, playing the Lakers and our pastor took Kyle out for dinner and asked him to sign a couple of cards. My son was elated with the gift, as you can see. (Now we need to get Kyle healed so he can play a little more. My son has been missing watching him play.)

My friend would not accept any money for the cards or her time and energy, so I got her a gift card to Starbucks (her favorite treat). I needed a thank you card to go with it, and that is how this card came to be. I knew I wanted to use my Verve stamp set "Delightful & Delicious", but I needed a starting point. I saw this sketch at 2 Sketches 4 You, and knew this was my starting point!

Thank you, dear friend!! And, thank you, blog friends, for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Verve Delightful & Delicious

Cardstock: CTMH Colonial White and Cocoa

Patterned Paper: Basic Grey & CTMH

Accessories: CTMH Twill Ribbon

Scraps to Treasures

2010-01-03T16:39:00.001-08:00

What a beautiful day here in Southern California! It was about 78 degrees with sunny clear skies! I could see the snow-capped mountains of Big Bear, as well as the picturesque, Catalina Island! We spent most of the day outside - dining and shopping in downtown Brea. It was too nice of a day to spend inside the studio, so only took about a half hour after church this morning. I set out to meet the color challenge at Embellish Magazine, and then decided to also incorporate the Scrap-tastic challenge at Nichole's blog, Capture the Moment. Below is the scraps I started with.

All of these little cards were made using scraps, except for the card base of this first one, but since I didn't cut a new sheet of cardstock, I guess it would be considered a scrap, too?? All of the cards were made with PTI's Pure Poppy and Sweet Blush. The Black and Colonial White are from CTMH. The first card is a standard A2, and the other two are 4x2.5 (because that's what size my scraps were).

This last one also incorporated the sketch challenge at 2 Sketches 4 You, only I missed the deadline. Bummer! I was busy yesterday helping my husband clean out and organize the garage, so no blogging time.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Happiest of Days

2009-12-31T10:59:00.001-08:00

Well, I think I'm back to some kind of "normal"?? Anyhow, I saw this photo at the Moxie Fab World for Cath's Tuesday Trigger. It brings a sense of serenity, doesn't it? Just what I needed after the Holiday Hoopla!

Made this card using the same color scheme, but decided to go with the "homey" feel rather than the "beachy". I started with a damask "pillow" (the square) that mimics the pillows in the photo. Added a darling little butterfly, bow, and a fitting sentiment: "Wishing You the Happiest of Days". Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Gift Ideas

2009-12-25T21:54:00.000-08:00

Here it is Christmas night, the gifts are open, the festivities are done. We had a wonderful Chrismtas celebrating the birth of our Savior, and enjoying the gift of family! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, as well!

I just thought I'd pop on tonight and share some of the gifts I made for my mom and sisters. I purchased a roll of wrapping paper, matching ribbon, and then made gift tags to match. I often put these ensembles together for "token" birthday gifts for friends. I made these for my sisters 2 years ago and they loved them, so thought I'd do it again this year for Christmas. (I've even put together a year round set for a Bridal Shower gift.)

These first two were for my sisters. One sister has 3 boys, so I wanted to make her a more grown-up girly set for her to use for her girlfriends. The second set is for my sister who has 4 girls. She's constantly buying gifts for the various birthday parties her girls are invited to. Thought this would be appropriate.

These last two were for my mom. One set of "boy" and one set of "girl". She has 6 granddaughters and 5 grandsons, so I'm sure these will get used up pretty quickly! If you're ever stumped for a gift idea for a girlfriend, think about trying this - they'll love it!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

My Life Is So Blessed

2009-12-21T22:34:00.001-08:00

I have been dying to get into my studio and fulfill my challenge fix, but once again my day filled up with the hustle and bustle of Christmas. I was determined to accomplish something, so I took 20 minutes to create something for the Just Us Girls Color Challenge. They are such fun colors together, and some of my favorites for Christmas, but I need everyday cards, so went with that.

This card didn't end up being my most favorite card, but it's ok. Hoping to get some time tomorrow to create some more. Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: PTI (Background Basics:Diamonds and Text Style, Heartfelt Basics), Martha Stewart Clear Pattern Stamps

Cardstock: PTI Raspberry Fizz and Kraft, CTMH Topiary and White Daisy

Inks: CTMH Topiary, Watermelon and White Daisy, PTI Pure Poppy

Accessories: PTI Vintage Buttons, Ribbon Twine,

A Quick Thank You

2009-12-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

My blogging friend, 3 Dudes and a Diva at Our Little Six Pack blog, honored me with this award last week, and I just wanted to say THANK YOU! I appreciate the shout out she gave me, and if you have a chance, check out her blog for some fun updates on her family, as well as some fabulous paper craft inspirations!

Gift Tags Galore

2009-12-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

I have been making tags galore lately, and quickly snapped a picture of them before I put them on all of the packages. Lots of different products used and several different styles to go with the age groups of the recipients.

These two are the same, only reverse colors. I embossed them with my Quickutz snowflake folder. These are more for accents on the gifts than anything. How's your preparations coming along? I'm just about finished and am looking forward to some studio time this week!

Here's some pictures of them on some of the packages:

Thank for stopping by today!

Custom Box

2009-12-19T12:07:00.001-08:00

I needed a little something extra for my niece's Christmas gift (because like all good aunt's they spend the same amount on each one to keep it fair. Ha Ha). She's a 7 year old who is totally into the girly thing so I bought some mini bottles of nail polish in all the trendy colors and some nail decals. I wanted to put it all together in a fun package so I custom made my own box. It was inspired by a crayon box of all things. It has two compartments inside made to be "stadium style" The lid is hinged on the back just like a crayon box. It took me a bit to figure it out, but I was happy with the results.

I made it out of black cardstock and kept the decorations to a minimum. I added a strip of hot pink polka dotted cs, ribbon and a "B" charm so she can claim it as her own.

Thanks for stopping by today!

All supplies are from CTMH, except charm is from Charm Gallery (found at Michael's)

Christmas 2009

2009-12-15T11:37:00.001-08:00

Sorry I've been so delinquent in posting lately! I've been busy making my 150+ Christmas cards. I finally finished yesterday, so thought I'd snap some pics before I started stuffing them into envelopes. I had no desire to move them all into better lighting, so I apologize for the poor picture quality!

I have 4 different prints, but all the same layout. I picked up a Anna Griffin Black & Ivory Fushion Designer Paper Pad, and chose 4 different prints for my cards. And, below is what 150 homemade Christmas cards look like (actually 130, since I already handed out 22 of them).

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Peace On Earth

2009-12-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all! How's the Holiday preparations coming? I was able to take a couple of days to shop, wrap, plan and prep, so I'm feeling pretty good. Needed some time in the studio, though, this morning. I have been wanting to use my glitter rub-ons from CTMH for some time now, so I picked out a sketch from Just Us Girls that would work great. I decided to keep the card stark white so that these crystal blue glitter snowflakes could shine. I heat embossed the "Peace On Earth" with some silver embossing powder, and matted the piece with some silver paper from American Crafts.

I also just couldn't resist adding some bling to those glittery snowflakes with some clear sparkles. So simple, so easy, but so elegant! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

All Supplies from CTMH, except silver paper from American Crafts.

Sweet Wishes

2009-12-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

Taking a break from Christmas because I need to get a jump on my January birthday cards. With 2 nieces, a nephew, a sister and a couple of friends with birthdays in January, I need to get an early start. Here is one I made using Clean and Simple's Fall-to-Layout #70. I love this easy to create sketch, and will definately be using it again! For this card I clear embossed the polka dots onto a cocoa card base (fun technique with a cool look - you should try it!) I also stamped the diamond image with cocoa ink onto a hot pink piece of scrap. I thought it needed just a bit of another color, so I added the aqua ribbon and flower brad just to amp it up a bit.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH Cupcake Sprinkles, PTI Background Basics: Diamonds, Polka Dot Basics II, Everday Button Bits

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Cocoa

Patterned Paper: Scraps from stash

Inks: CTMH Cocoa, Versamark

Accessories: Making Memories ribbon and flower brad, CTMH sparkle brad and clear embossing powder

A Cheery Christmas

2009-12-03T23:01:00.000-08:00

I took my daughters out Christmas shopping tonight for their brothers. We ended our night at Target, where I was once again inspired by a color combo of pink, red, light blue and green. I thought it was so cheery, and I knew it would make a fun card! I used the sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You (I turned it on it's side).

Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: CTMH (Tiny Typewriter, Priceless Love), PTI (Borders & Corners: Rectangles, Polka Dot Basics)

Cardstock: CTMH (White Daisy, Heavenly Blue, Tulip), PTI (Sweet Blush)

Patterned Paper: Imaginesce

Inks: CTMH (Tulip, Topiary, Twilight, Blush)

Accessories: Ribbon from stash, CTMH Sparkle Brads

What Is It With Me...?

2009-12-02T21:07:00.000-08:00

What is it with me and hot cocoa lately?? Seems that hot cocoa is my theme this year for Christmas. Just hearing those words makes me feel warm and cozy! Anyhow, I received my "prize" from Creative Cuts and 2 Sketches 4 You yesterday, and this darling mug stamp was in the package. It was the first thing I pulled out to play with. I used the sketch from Mojo Monday, and kept the card clean and simple. Nothing fancy on this one - no explanation necessary.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: Imaginesce

Cardstock: CTMH & Bazzill

Patterned Paper: Imaginesce

Accessories: Imaginesce (Rub-ons)

Christmas Joy

2009-12-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

I'm back! My houseguest left this morning, and as great as it was having her, it's also great to be back on a normal schedule! (which includes studio time!!). I just couldn't resist starting out with this week's Tuesday Trigger from the Moxie Fab World blog. I LOVE red and cream for Christmas - so classic! For the stocking, I did a bunch of masking, and stamped the different patterns to mimic that wonderful stocking from the trigger image. Isn't it gorgeous??

I decided to keep the card simple so the focus would be on that fabulous stocking! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: PTI, Flourishes, CTMH

Carstock: CTMH, PTI

Inks: CTMH, Versamark

Accessories: PTI buttons

Merry Christmas

2009-11-28T15:31:00.001-08:00

I'm back today with a card for the Get Sketchy sketch challenge. I received the stamps sets I won from Flourishes awhile back, and just had to use them. For this card I inked up the reindeer image from the Christmas Tea set. It's an outline image so I just colored it in with a black marker. Hope you're not tired of that plaid stamp from Martha Stewart, yet - I just love it - skies the limit with this one. I also stamped some polka dots on the black cs with black ink. I'ts hard to see on this picture, but it looks great in person!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: Flourishes (Christmas Tea), Verve (Ornamental Christmas), PTI (Polka Dot Basics)

Cardstock: CTMH (Black, Cranberry, Colonial White)

Inks: CTMH (Black, Garnet)

Accessories: CTMH (Cranberry grosgrain ribbon), black button

Christmas Wishes

2009-11-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

Hi There! Sorry I'm a little inconsistent with the blog posts lately. I mentioned on an earlier post that I have a house guest for two weeks, so I've been busy playing hostess and entertainer. I've been missing my studio time, so I was determined to make it happen today. While I was shopping at Target today, I saw their new Christmas table decor, and was inspired to make a card. The red, gray and cream with snowflakes just reminded me of an old pair of warm woolen mittens/sweater. I knew I wanted to take this look and translate it to a card for the Moxie Fab World Old Country Christmas Challenge. I scoured through the various sketch challenges this week in the blog world, and ran across this fantastic Sweet Sunday sketch from The Sweetest Thing Blog. I knew this was perfect. As you can see, I reduced the sketch to make it an accent on my card base. I love doing this - it gives it a whole new look.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: Verve(sentiment), all others from CTMH

Cardstock: CTMH (Grey Flannel, Colonial White, Tulip)

Inks: CTMH (Grey Wool, Tulip), Versamark

Accessories: PTI Vintage Button, Button Twine

Other: Marvy Snowflake Punch, Ivory Embossing Powder

So Thankful for You

2009-11-22T21:48:00.001-08:00

What a challenge over at Just Us Girls this week! We are supposed to make a thank you card using pumpkin, rust and light blue. I love these colors together, but I had a hard time putting them together in a pleasing way. Here's my attempt:

I used CTMH's Goldrush, Autumn Terracotta and Crystal Blue. The blue is photographing a little aqua here, but IRL it's definately more blue. I also decided to use the sketch from Unscripted Sketches for the card. I LOVE this sketch, and will definately be using it again!!

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Supplies:

Stamps: PTI (Background Basics: Diamonds and Vintage Picnic), CTMH (Damask Tiles), Verve (So Happy)

Cardstock: CTMH (White Daisy, Goldrush and Crystal Blue)

Inks: CTMH (Crystal Blue, Autumn Terracotta, Goldrush, Sweet Leaf and Black)

Accessories: PTI (Vintage Buttons, Button Twine)

Thanks, Just Us Girls

2009-11-20T12:17:00.001-08:00

Found out today that I was chosen as "Chic of the Week" for this card at Just Us Girls. So fun! Thanks, JUGS!

Celebrate Card Patterns

2009-11-19T21:39:00.000-08:00

The sketch from Card Patterns this week is a great sketch with so much potential! For some reason, though, it scared me!! I was having a hard time wrapping my head around an idea. I was determined to not let it get the better of me - to conquer it! I'm glad I did. Though I'm not 100% happy with the outcome, I am 100% happy with my efforts! Ha Ha Ha!

I made a two-layer butterfly (idea from "Tips & Tricks" in the May 2009 issue of Creating Keepsakes) for the main focal point and added some pearls for softness. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

All supplies are from CTMH

Embossed Warmest Wishes

2009-11-18T18:49:00.001-08:00

Hey There! It's been a couple days since I've posted! I've been busy preparing the house for a house guest who arrived today. She'll be staying for 2 weeks, so there was lots to prepare!! Anyhow, I've been dying to get back into the studio because there are some really great challenges out there this week! I made this card for the sketch challenge at 2 Sketches 4 You. It's a great sketch, but once again I struggled with the circle piece. After several different tries, I ended up with this card/pouch which I am pleased with. It's actually a pocket to hold hot chocolate, gift certificate or any other small gift.

I was also able to incorporate the dry embossing challenge at Just Us Girls, (We were supposed to make a birthday card, so I used the sentiment "warmest wishes" so that it could be used for either birthday or Christmas). I used the Quickutz embossing folder and then lightly sanded it so the white core could show through. Fun, huh? Hope you're not growing tired of this color combo, but I LOVE it! Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: Verve (Delightful & Delicious), Martha Stewart Clear Patterns, PTI (Holiday Treats), CTMH (Connections)

Cardstock: CTMH (Cocoa, Heavenly Blue and White Daisy)

Inks: CTMH (Cocoa and Tulip)

Accessories: Martha Stewart (Ribbon and Baker's Twine), CTMH (Craft Buttons)
Tools: EK Success Edge Punch, Marvy Circle Punch, Quickutz Embossing Folder

Be Still...

2009-11-15T19:49:00.000-08:00

Needed a little creative time today, so decided to make a card for Unscripted Sketches #31. I struggled with this one a bit because of the 3 circles on the side. Not sure why it wasn't coming together, but after some playing around, and tweaking here and there, I came up with a composition that was pleasing to me. The sentiment stamp was a purchase from Verve Stamps last month, and I knew I wanted to ink it up for the first time on this card. The inside reads "Praying for you" (also from Verve). A perfect card for someone who's going through a hard time, or a great one for me to keep on my desk as a daily reminder of Who's in control!

I've said this before, but I love how sketches just get your creative juices flowing. I'll admit they can be frustrating at times, but then I know that I am stretching myself. You should give it a try!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:

Stamps: Verve Stamps (Psalm 46:10), Martha Stewart Clear Patterns

Cardstock: PTI Kraft, CTMH Colonial White

Patterned Paper: CTMH Perfect Day

Inks: CTMH Desert Sand, Colonial White, Blush

Accessories: CTMH Organic Dimensionals (Buttons), Grosgrain Ribbon

I Won!

2009-11-14T20:32:00.000-08:00

Just hopped on the computer for the day and found out I won the Favorite Things challenge at the Flourish Blog for this project. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Flourishes!!