Here Comes Peter Cottontail...

and he brought a card! Nah, I would in no way attribute this card to the Easter Bunny himself. Surely, he could do a better job of it! ;)

Today's card is a quick card and my post will be quick too. We are off for a day with the kids so I need to run but I wanted to show you this card first. It is a simple one that I made for my kids to give to their little friends with some goodies. Here it is...

I used my new Fiskars apron lace edge punch. I love it! The brads, which my hubby called "rabbit rivets" as in "I like the rabbit rivets!", are by Making Memories. For the rest of the supplies, I will update this post later with a list. Thanks for stopping by! I hope the rest of your weekend is fabu!

Update: Here is my complete materials list. Sorry for the delay!

Papers- American Crafts Basket and Pat-A-Cake; blue DCWV CS. Stamps- Hampton Arts Easter Tree. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black. Tools- Fiskars Apron Lace edge punch; SU ticket corner punch. Embellishments- MM bunny brads. Pens- Copic Y21, B23, RV13, G24, V15, N3.

Bad Days and Good Days

The "Bad Days" part of my title refers to my card for the day and I can't wait to show it to you. The "Good Days" part of my title refers to today, right here on my bog, because today will be my 50th post. I want to take just a minuteto thank you really quick before I get started telling you about my card. I am having a ball writing this blog and showing you my work every week. It thrills me when I log on and see that a new friend or even an old one has left a sweet comment under my card for the day. I love to check my stat counter and see that visitors from all over the world have looked at my work and even better that many return day after day to check in! I hope to keep doing this for as long as I can and also as long as someone pops in to read my chit-chat. Thank you for making this so much fun!

And now, today's card. I used a stamp set that I have coveted for at least a year. I saw it on Clear Dollar's website before I even started selling cards and knew that it would be mine one day. I ordered it and I love it. Which set you ask? It is Sometimes You're the Bug and it is too cute. I will order the companion set, Bugs and Kisses soon but I had to pace myself or my PayPal debit card would have burst into flames. This set is really versatile, not to mention funny and cute too. That VW bug is great to color and I love all the little add-ons like a crack for the windshield and all the license plate options. You will be seeing me use it often. You wanna see it now? I thought so...

I had a lot of fun with this card but it took me many tries to get the embellishments chosen and arranged not to mention how I struggled with my paper choices. Recently, I saw one of my favorite bloggers post a card using papers that not only didn't "match" but they also had nothing to do with the "subject" of the card and I LOVED the final result. This is soooo not my typical way of making cards. I rarely leave my comfort zone of coordinate papers and somewhat themed patterns for my cards. For example, I have a hard time using a botanical print on a birthday card. I am in awe of the creativity I see on the web when it comes to picking paper for a project since I am such a stick-in-the-mud. Well, I tried to climb out of the box and choose a similar palette for my VW bug card. I knew I wanted the car itself to be the funky lime green that VW launched when the Beetle was re-released on the market and went from there. Well, I may just try this approach more often. I felt so liberated! LOL!

As far as embellishments on this card, I think they are all pretty easy to figure out except for maybe the keys. Those were some brads from Making Memories that I hoarded from years past. I removed the prongs and attached a jump ring around 2 of them before crumbling a glue dot to stick up under the bottom key. So, whatdaya think? I am happy with my results. I can't wait to stamp this car again and use another color scheme and message. I bet you'll see it again soon. Until then, have a wonderful weekend. Yep, it's Friday already! Tune in next week because I have a few new projects on my desk and a new stamp set to play with so there will be plenty of fun stuff to see. BYE!


Papers- Doodlebug black bouquet; Paper Pizazz green gingham; Reminisce basic graph. Stamps- Clear Dollar Sometimes You're the Bug. Ink- Memento Tuxedo Black. Embellishments- favorite findings black buttons; MM key brads; MM brass jump rings; 1/4in black grosgrain ribbon by Scrap Essentials. Pens- Copic (YG13, YG17, C1, C3, C5, B000, RV19, R37).

Markers + Scraps = One Quick Card

Haven't we all found ourselves in need of a quick card? I know I have and I usually scurry around trying to make something quickly that is both attractive and appropriate. It seems I always have plenty of child's birthday cards on hand but beyond that, I'm in trouble.

Well, several days ago, when I received my watermill stamp from Clear Dollar Stamps, I just had to ink it up and color it right then. I am so glad I did! It was a perfect image for a quick sympathy card. I checked my scrap drawer for a few coordinating scraps and my card was born. Let me show you...

This may just be the fastest card I have ever assembled. Obviously, the coloring was time consuming but I did that when I wasn't "under the gun." I often grab a few pens and a pile of previously stamped images and sit in front of the TV with my hubby. I love to color and it is even more fun when I don't have to rush or have a card in mind to match any papers to my image. Little did we know this relaxing passtime could get us out of time crunch too!

I was also happy to see that with very little embellishment, this card was quite pretty. The focus stays on the colored mill and simple message instead of on the umpteen layers of designer papers and glitz that I love to pile on my cards. I guess my point is that a card doesn't always have to be a huge design job or even a place to stick a lot of expensive embellishments. I would say that for many of us, our cards are being given to people that don't scrap, stamp, or make their own cards. We forget that the vast majority of people in our world don't have a clue about the latest line of papers or stamps or even shimmery glitter glue so they certainly don't expect these things on a card in their mailbox. I daresay, maybe they just look at the sentiment from us. Hmmm...am I right? Now, I am not saying that I am done puttin on the glitz or worrying about minute details in the cards I make! I just think I need to remember that sometimes it is ok for a card to be simple and more about what it says than how it says.

Papers- DCWV blue and red textured CS; Hobby Lobby kraft CS. Stamps- Clear Dollar watermill; Hero Arts small greetings. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black; Ancient Page chocolate. Tools- piercer. Embellishments- wooden buttons off of old clothing. Pens- Copic (G24, G82, G21, B23, B000, B12, B01, E35, E37, R27, N3, N5, 0) Zig (a. burgundy, gray suede, evergreen, root beer float, pure black)

Eggstra! Eggstra! Read All About It!

If I don't get the Corniest Blogger Award, who does? I mean, really? My hubby may take away my blog license if I'm not careful. Corny or not though, I have a card to show you and it's an Easter one. I had to hurry and snap a few pictures in between rain drops. We are getting another few days of rain! I can't complain though because GA is in a terrible drought and we have strict water restrictions. Maybe this rainy winter and spring will help us a little this summer when the mercury hits 100 degrees.

Enough about the weather...you came to see a card. You're in luck because I actually have one to show you! Like I said, it's an Easter card. I CASEd myself because I was in a hurry last night and I was fresh out of ideas. I made the original so long ago though, it may even be a copy of a design I saw somewhere on the web. I keep an idea journal and before I blogged, I didn't always put a name with the sketch. My own ideas and ideas I saw elsewhere got written down all together so I hope I am not claiming this one unfairly. Speak up if this sketch is your idea. I will gladly give you credit. Anywho, about the card...

The papers are Doodlebug from a few seasons ago. DB used to be one of my favorites and then they went a little off the beaten path with their products (IMO). No one needs coarse, sandy glitter on every sheet in a collection. "Sugar coating" is an understatement. I find their glitter to be way too rough and it comes off the paper just about EVERYWHERE. That being said, I still think their graphics are adorable and their older stuff is among my stash as the "hoarded favorite stuff."

My egg image is a Stampabilities (Hobby Lobby) wood stamp that I have had since Methusela got her hair done for prom. I love to color those stripes though! It is stamped on Gina K Pure Luxury. My sentiment was printed on my computer since I don't own any corny stamps such as this. ;) For the rest of my goodies, I made my list below. Thank you ever so much for coming out in the rain to read my blog! Oh...wait a minute...you...didn't...um...:D

Papers- Doodlebug Baby Girl Ribbon Stripe & Baby's Breath DSP; SU pink pirouette; Hobby Lobby textured lime green and lavender CS; Gina K Pure Luxury white CS. Stamps- Stampabilities striped Easter egg. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black. tools- SU eyelet edge punch. Embellishments- clear dew drops by Robin's Nest. Pens- Copic (RV11, Y13, RV02, YG13, YG06, BV00, V12). Font- Whackadoo 16pt.

Mojo Sketch #79

Hi there! I'm back 2 days in a row because I just had to play along with the sketch for this week's Mojo Monday #79. I love this sketch! Sometimes it is difficult to use tall, upright stamp images and this sketch was perfect.

I pulled out MY SU Tea Party paper pack and my new, matching Playful Petals set too. I love this combo so I hope y'all don't get sick of seeing it before I do. LOL! I shook things up just a little bit today though. Rather than pair it with the suggested stock colors, I used Regal Rose and Wild Wasabi ink in addition to the tried and true So Saffron. I wanted the colors to be a little bolder in my card and I think the darker colors work well. I just love Wasabi anyway. That was my favorite in-color last year and in my opinion, they should make it a permanent color one of these days. I put some of the Wasabi CS up against the DSP and it looked really good even though I didn't need another base color for my card today. I will surely be putting it with these papers very soon though.

Drop me a note if you have any questions about this card. I will be glad to give the details. My supply list is below. Thanks for stopping by!

Papers- SU Tea Party DSP; SU Regal Rose and So Saffron CS; Gina K Pure Luxury. Stamps- Stampabilities "I miss you"; SU Playful Petals. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black; SU Wild Wasabi. Tools- SU ticket corner punch and scalloped edge punch; EK (1 & 1 1/14in) circ punches. Embellishments- ribbon (?); MM flower brads. Pens- Copic (Y21, G24, G21, RV11) SU (almost amethyst, regal rose, certainly celery)

OCC Sketch Challenge...and a few CUPCAKES!

I was thrilled to see that Clear Dollar Stamps was hosting this week's challenge at Our Creative Corner. I have several sets from CDS and I love every one but when I searched through my collection, I did not see any images that went well with this week's sketch. I guess I need to do some shopping! So, I ended up using an SU set, Crazy for Cupcakes and some paper from my DCWV Sweet Glitter 8x8 pad.

I really love this sketch and I know I will be using it again. I think it would work equally as well with an A2 card too. Mine is a 5.25in square card.



The inside of the card is blank for now but I will probably add a birthday sentiment or poem before I list it for sale or send it to someone. The pink portions look a little brighter in my photo than they really are. As I have mentioned before, I struggle to get good lighting at this time of year. Short of laying in the grass out in my backyard at precisely 10am or 5:30pm, I don't know what to do but take pictures the best I can and explain my shortcomings.

My supplies are below. As always, thanks so much for stopping by my little place on the web. I love to see that you have visited!

Papers- DCWV Sweet Glitter 8x8 pad; lime & pink CS. Stamps- SU Crazy for Cupcakes; AMuse celebrate. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black; SU classic regal rose. Tools- Coluzzle long oval and long oval companion templates; CB mini tag die. Embellishmnets- MM lime green 1/8in eyelets; SU Certainly Celery poly twill ribbon from SAB bundle. Pens- Copic- YR65, YG13, RV10, RV13, RV14. Spica pink glitter pen.

Doggone It, I'm Thrilled!

I finally ordered a stamp set from Our Craft Lounge and I could kick myself for not doing it sooner. My new set, Pat the Bad Dog, is ADORABLE and so much fun to color. I love crisp, clean lines with plenty of defined areas to color and all of the sets from OCL fit the bill. I can't wait to order lots more. I chose one of the clear, polymer sets but they sell rubber stamps as well. I couldn't be happier with the quality of their products. Well done!

So for my card, I used my Bad Dog set and stamped it on another fav of mine, Gina K Pure Luxury cardstock. I colored with my Copics, of course. Aren't I predictable? Since the image panel was on the large side, I kept the front of the card simple. The inside of the card contains the remainder of my sentiment and a little further embellishment. This card was intended to be my entry for the OCC Limited Supplies Challenge this week but I ended up with too many layers. Oh well. There is always next week, right? So, take a look! The second photo is of the inside of the card.


I am sorry that my photos are a little dark. It was overcast outside when I took these and now I see my images are a little dim. This time of year makes it very difficult for me to get good card pictures. My house lacks a good spot for lighting my projects and I count on going outside for my photo shoots. If the weather or lighting isn't up to par outside, I am in trouble! I will try to reshoot these when my light is better. This card is a bright, cheery little greeting and the shadows make it look a little dreary.

I mentioned a few of my supplies above but the rest are below. I will be listing this card in my Etsy shop very soon if you are interested in buying it. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Papers- ki memories Dot Candy; SU Pink Passion CS; DCWV royal blue CS. Stamps- Our Craft Lounge pat the Bad Dog. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black. Tools- EK (1 1/8, 1 3/8in) circle punches. Embellishments- 1/8in hot pink brads by Paper Studio. Pens- Copic (E33, E25, E29, E31, YG03, YG17, B26, RV14, C7, W3); Zig pure pink.

Update: I took a new photo of the front of the card now that I have better light. Now, it isn't so dark and blah. I hope! -KRS

A Little Mojo Thanks

Here I am again, posting my Mojo Monday card on Friday. I may never get my life caught up again. Where does time go? And now my son is starting baseball which means a bagillion practices and games to run off to during the week. Ahhhh!!!! Without scrapping and stamping, I would go crazy.

Well, Week #78's sketch was a humdinger. I struggled to find papers that complemented the sketch and finding an image wasn't so easy for me either. I envy those folks who walk into their scrap room, find a fun sketch, pick some paper, and get to work. I am not one of them. I used to be like that when I just made pages for my scrapbooks but cards often stump me. I guess because the pages I did were for me and my family only. Cards are for others and I want them to be visually pleasing.

For today's card, I turned to my Martha Stewart papers once again. I am having a lot of fun with the 2 pads she released for Walmart. Love, love, love the colors together. I picked the one image out of SU's Sassy Stems set that I had never used and decided to ink it up. It was feeling left out and the others are quite ink stained. I think it works well with the long, rounded shape. This card became the test tube card in my mind. LOL!

It is really breezy here at my house today so I had a hard time getting a flattering photo of this card. The shadows and wind blowing up under the layers create a look of unbalance that isn't there in real life. I apologize and I hope you can at least get a general idea of the card. I think it turned out pretty nice, if I do say so myself.

Here ya go...
I used a circular piece of plastic canvas to pierce the bottom border of my "test tube" and a circle punch to round the edge. The ribbon was an old roll I found on clearance at Hobby Lobby. There were rolls in all the spring colors and I nabbed them so it is just too bad if you love them. I bought 'em all! ;)

The supplies are listed below. I just know all of you non-stampers will need multiple copies of this card so I will list it in my Etsy shop for you very soon. Hahaha! Wishful thinking, I know. ;D Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for stopping by today!

Papers- Martha Stewart Playful Pink 12x12 Pad; DCWV pink CS. Stamps- A Muse Artstamps thank you SD; SU Sassy Stems. inks- Memento Tuxedo Black. Tools- SU Eyelet edge punch; coluzzle oval & companion oval templates; Marvy blue (2in) circle punch. Embellishments- lavender floral ribbon byribbonfx. Pens- Copic V15, BV02, YG25, YG13; SU Pretty in Pink; Zig pure pink.

I Feel Challenged, Oh So Challenged

Hidee ho, neighbors. Today will be a really quick post. I have an absolutely AWFUL migraine so I'm going to post my card and head off to my bed for a nap until the kids get home. I played along with Taylor's Cupcake Challenge last night and below is what I came up with for my contribution. I used my new Annie LaPointe bath tub stamp that I ordered from MFT's Bargain Bubble Bin last week. They have got some great stamps that are available at crazy low prices.

As far as my card goes, I followed the challenge sketch pretty closely. The only deviation is my little brads at the bottom. I used some Bo Bunny papers from the Anna Sophia collection and I love how they paired with the stamp. I wanted to color it differently than I usually see those images colored...with bright, bold colors. The edge of my stamped panel is inked with Tim Holtz Distress inks in Scattered Straw and Antique Linen. So, here ya go!
I will check back later and finish my supply list and if you have any questions, let me know. Bye for now!

A Great Big Thanks

Hello, hello! Long time, no see! I have been terribly busy and time just got away from me. Here it is Tuesday morning and I have not blogged since Friday! I had several large orders, right in a row, for my little Lunch Box Love Notes and I had to scurry to make more sets to even fill the existing orders, nevermind have enough stashed for future orders. So, I have been frantically stamping and coloring with no time for making new cards. I finally got enough lunch notes made so that I could play a little and today's card is the result. I was looking for a little inspiration in my sketch/idea journal and came across a photo of a card made by Amy Sheffer of Pickled Paper Designs. As I have mentioned before, her cards are simply AMAZING. I still need to search her blog and find the exact card that I CASEd but until then, just know that my idea came from her brilliant gallery of work. I will update this post with a link asap.

I changed her arrangement slightly to accomodate my image but I loved how she tilted the paper panels in relation to the side border so my card includes those elements. I just ordered Happy Heart Day from SU so I knew I would ink it up this time. When I thought about what color my elephant should be, I decided on SU Sahara Sand so of course, my new SU Delicate Dots DSP from SAB'09 came to mind too. I really love this paper and will be sorry to see it gone. I suppose I need to come up with another $50 order to earn another pack.

I stamped my image on Gina K's Pure Luxury 80# cardstock. This stuff is a dream for stamping! I have decided that I love it most when used with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and my Copics. I used my SU markers for this card though, simply because of the easy color matching to my papers. Without running my mouth anymore, let me show you the card!

I used a little clear Glossy Accents on the flowers. For the outer sentiment, I typed it in MS Word and then printed it on white cardstock. The picture below is a shot of the inside of the card. The little "love you" butterfly included in the stamp set is way too cute not to include somewhere on my card.

I'll list my supplies below but if you have any further questions, drop me a line and I will be glad to tell you more. I'll be listing this card along with many others in my Etsy shop very soon if you are interested in purchasing it for your very own. For the stampers and card makers among us, make yer own! :D Thanks for stopping by and waiting patiently while I was away. I missed being here!

Papers- SU Delicate Dots DSP; SU Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, & So Saffron CS; misc pale taupe CS; Gina K Pure Luxury Cardstock (80#). Stamps- SU Happy Heart Day. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black. Tools- Martha Stewart embossed zig zag edge punch; EK (1 11/16, 1 1/2in) circ punches; Coluzzle oval and companion oval templates. Embellishments- Ranger Glossy Accents; Doodlebug limeade sugar coating. Pens- SU bashful Blue, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Sahara Sand markers. Font- tweed 20pt Bold.

Update: The link to the card for today is below. I decided to go to the source and ask Amy herself. It was originally posted back in October 2008 and she also told me that the original layout idea came from Jen Del Muro's Sketch For You To Try so she gets credit for this awesome idea as well. -KRS

http://pickledpaperdesigns.blogspot.com/2008/10/here-i-come-wassailing.html

http://iheart2stamp.com/2008/10/25/hooray-for-saturday-2/

Easter Chickie, You're the One...

Easter is right around the corner and a little chickie stamp was sitting on my desk calling my name. He also told me to get on the ball and make an Easter card or 2 before it is too late. So here I am today, with a new card to show you. I used some papers from last Easter season but don't tell anyone that I am...behind...on using paper as I buy it. Shhh...don't tell. My chicken promised to keep it quiet too.

I loved the chick image as a focal point for the card so I kept my design very simple. The papers were from one, 2 sided sheet so I did my cutting of all panels at once and just flipped to the chosen side when I assembled my cards. Since it was such a breeze, I went ahead and made 3 others of the same design all at once so they are ready to go when Peter Cottontail comes hoppin down the bunny trail. The lace edging between papers is self adhesive paper ribbon by K&Co. The cute little buttons were left over from a package of fabric flowers I bought at Walmart a while back. Each flower included a brad and a tiny button for embellishment but they parted ways when the flowers immediately went on a thank you card last year. I included a simple sentiment of "Happy Easter" inside the card so it is pictured here...
So, you know the drill...supply list is below and I will list this little number in my Etsy shop within a few days. Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic weekend wherever you are!

Papers- Imaginisce For Peep's Sake Pretty New Dress; misc pale teal CS. Stamps- Imaginisce For Peep's Sake Chick; Studio G Happy Easter. Inks- Tsukineko Graphite Black Brilliance; SU Blue Bayou. Tools- piercer; corner rounder; Nestie Lg Classic Scalloped Square. Embellishments- K&Co adhesive paper ribbon in Smitten White; Best Occasions buttons; Sm pink rhinestones by the Beadery. Pens- Copic W1, Y21, R32, B01, BG10, YR65, blender.

Frog's Heads Revisited

Several weeks ago, I made a card for an OCC challenge using the SU set, Unfrogettable. I made 3 other cards that went with the challenge card and I promised to show them to you soon. Well, soon got away from me but I decided to pull up those photos and show you today since none of my other projects are ready to photograph and it is rainy day light anyway. The original challenge was to pick your favorite embellishment and plan your whole card around it. I chose a gorgeous piece of ribbon from my stash and made a series of all occasion cards using the sentiments from the stamp set. Since this is one of my favorite stamp sets, this project was a delight for me to work on. I pulled the colors from the ribbon which just happened to be close to SU colors and used them in all 4 cards. The original card was this...
The other 3 that "match" are here...

I'll show you the individual close-ups too...














The supplies for these cards are below. If you are interested in owning any of these cards, I will be listing them in my Etsy shop soon. I have considered listing them as a set but if you would like to purchase them individually, please let me know and I can accommodate your wishes. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Papers- SU Brocade Blue, Cameo Coral, Always Artichoke CS; misc kraft CS. Stamps- SU Unfrogettable and Lily Pad SA wheel. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black. Tools- Paper Piercer. Embellishments- ribbon, pop dots. Pens- Copic G99, G85, E27, b91, B95, G82, R22, RV02, R27; Sakura clear jelly roll pen.

A Very Sweet Thanks

I am loving all this new stuff of mine! I cut into another new set of papers last night to create today's card. Stampin Up's paper series called Tea Party paired with their coordinate stamp set, Sweet Stems really caught my eye when I put them together so that is what I used to make a thank you note for the PTA at my kids' school. Since they worked so hard on our recent Family Bingo Night, I would like to show my appreciation with a very springy card. I also pulled out my new Martha Stewart edge punch called Embossed ZigZag for this card. I love how it looks along side the pierced corners.

So, without further ado...

I have always loved these SU colors together so I knew this paper series would be a must have. I love it! I suppose I better order another package because this one will be gone in no time. This card is a side fold, A2 card on Xerox ivory cover vellum card stock. The rest of my supplies are below. Please visit my Etsy shop if you are interested in purchasing this card for your very own. Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

Papers- SU Tea Party DSP; SU Almost Amethyst, So Saffron, and Pretty in Pink CS. Stamps- SU Sweet Stems; Studio G thank you. Inks- Tsukineko Graphite Black Brilliance. Tools- piercer; Martha Stewart embossed zig zag edge punch; corner rounder; EK (1 1/8 & 1 1/4in) circle punches. Embellishments- Mark Richards pink crystal stickers # 1688. Pens- SU Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst, and So Saffron.

Mojo Birthday

Happy Tuesday! You would think it was Fat Tuesday with the way I ate blueberry muffins this morning. Man! They were good! Too bad hubby didn't nab any before the kids and I snarfed them down. If you have not tried the Duncan Hines "Twice the Blueberries' box mix, please do so. The little can of wild Maine blueberries makes them better than home made with fresh berries. I promise! Bake those puppies in silicone cups and you will have moist, fabulous muffins to die for!

So, did you come for the cooking show or the card? I thought so. Today's card is my offering for Mojo Monday Week #77. Those lovely ladies have given us another fabulous sketch to play with and I thoroughly enjoyed working with it. Since I can always use another birthday card around here, I made mine a bright and cheery birthday greeting. I chose papers from Martha Stewart's Playful Blue 12x12 Paper Pad. I used some of the pinks last week and loved them so I had to have the blue one too. Shhhh...no, I don't have enough patterned paper in spring colors but thank you for asking. ;)

I used some Stickles on the cherry and a spica pen on the sprinkles for a little sparkle but the spica doesn't really show in this photo. I promise it is there though! I added an extra circle to the original sketch because I just needed an extra something for my sentiment. That yellow space was too plain. This is an A2, side fold card, on a GA Pacific white base. As always, my supplies are listed below for those that are interested. If you don't make your own cards but would like to own this one, I will have it listed for purchase in my Etsy shop within a few days. If you don't see it when you look for it, please message me so I can list it for you. Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

Papers- Martha Stewart Playful Blue 12x12 Paper Pad. Stamps- SU Crazy About Cupcakes; Hero Arts Clear Designs Cupcakes; Hero Arts Sunny Birthday. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black. Tools- Marvy pink & yellow scalloped circle punches; SU scalloped edge punch. Embellishments- misc buttons; cotton candy stickles. Pens- Copic Y13, Yg17, RV13, BG13, BG10, Yg13, melon spica.

A Penny Lane Note

Well, it is a brand new week. I am ready for a fresh start. Last week was just plain crazy at our house. We had way too much going on and my kids weren't too fond of being nice to each other. My hubby took them to the park yesterday so they could burn off a little spring fever and I could spend the day, alone, in my quiet little scrap room. I got so much done! I am loving all my new stuff.

For today's card, I used some of the new Penny Lane paper from My Mind's Eye. I love this collection! They all look fantastic together but every one is pretty enough to be used alone. This may be their best line in a while. For my stamped image, I pulled out my peppermint plant by Annie LaPointe. I bought mine at My Favorite Things. I colored it to match my card but I don't think it is quite what a peppermint plant looks like in real life. LOL! We'll just call it creative license.

My supplies are listed below for all of my fellow scrampers. If making cards is not your thing, this card will be available for purchase in my Etsy shop. Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

Papers- MME Penny Lane Graceful Circles; DCWV tan CS; Remember When Mint CS. Stamps- Annie LaPointe Peppermint; Studio G A Little Note. Inks- Tim Holtz Tattered Rose Distress Ink; Tsukineko Graphite Black Brilliance. Tools- EK (1 1/8 & 1 1/4in) circle punches. Embellishments- MM 5th Ave button brads; American Crafts ribbon. Pens- Copic RV11, YG03, W1, G99, G85, Y28.

Dots and Doodles

Good Morning! I can't wait to show you my card for today. I am really happy with how it turned out. I cased my card from one of my favorite blogs, Me My Stamps and I but I changed the arrangement slightly to accommodate my image. I used some of my new DSP from Stampin Up's Sale-A-Bration promotion and one of my favorite stamps from Hero Arts to make a card for the Add a Doodle Challenge over at Our Creative Corner. I didn't have any ribbon to match this project (will wonders never cease!) so I dyed my own with Copic markers. If you try this, make sure you use a marker color that you own a refill for because it really drains your pen. The stamp I used is an oldie but goodie! I have used the Doodle Leaf Flower by Hero Arts so many times including for a contest card at Happy N' Scrappin. It is so much fun to color!

If you haven't jumped in on one of the many challenges offered on the net, what is stopping you? It is so much fun to join in and I have found that working with a guideline is making me a better card maker. It not only gives you a starting point when you are in a creative slump but it also encourages you to try new techniques and use materials that may be out of your comfort zone.

So, on with my card. It is an upright A2, top fold card, with a base of GA Pacific white. Hope ya like it! If you are interested in purchasing this card, please visit my Etsy shop. It will be listed very soon. If you are a stamper yourself, my supply list is below the card. Thanks for stopping by!


Papers- SU Delicate Dots (SAB), Bashful Blue, & Certainly Celery; pale taupe misc CS. Stamps- Hero Arts Doodle Leaf Flower; Inkadinkadoo thank you so much. Inks- SU Sahara Sand; Tsukineko Graphite Black Brilliance. Tools- Paper Piercer and SU Mat Pack. Embellishments- 1/4in white grosgrain ribbon. Pens- Copic Y21; SU Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, So Saffron.

Edited to Add: Before straightening up my scrap desk, I decided to see if I could whip up another card with my scraps. I came up with this little get well note without cutting into any new cardstock or DSP! It uses only scraps. Yay! I love it when I can use my materials efficiently. The 2nd photo is of the inner message.

Branching Out with My New Toys

In addition to using lots of new materials on today's card, I am going to try a new format for my posts. I think I will try posting my photos after I have told you a little bit about my project for the day. I think it will be easier to follow and just look better in general. Always tweaking and tugging!

I finally got a chance to use some of my new stamps, inks, and papers. I sat down and tried to stick to a sketch that I loved from last week but decided that if it didn't lend itself to my play, I wouldn't worry too much. Low and behold, I found my oomph again! I think my rut is over!

I used Taylor Vanbruggen's Cupcake Challenge Sketch #57 as a jumping off point for my card. You may find the original sketch and Taylor's card using it right here. I loved the way the 2 panels showcased a tall, rectangular stamp image so I pulled out my new SU Branch Out set. I love it! The leaf stamp is so delicate and ethereal. Along with the bare tree stamp, they really recreate a spring tree just coming into leaf. For paper I chose a cute plaid from the DCWV Sweet 8x8 pad. I generally love these pad collections and I especially love the smaller pads because the pattern scale is so much better for cards and small albums. For example, cupcakes and woodland critters are cute but make them tiny and they are even more adorable.

Since I had several new ink pads just waiting to be opened, I used several here. I think some of my favorite ink right now is the Memento colored ink collection. It goes down on paper like a dream. The tire swing is stamped in London Fog and the leaves use New Sprout. The pink background is embossed with one of the new larger Sizzix embossing folders. They fit an entire A2 card unlike the older size. This one is called Spring Flowers and it comes in a 2 pack that also includes a new paisley folder. Too cute!

So, are you ready to see the card? I left the outside sans sentiment but the inside says, "Let life's simple pleasures fill your heart with joy." We would all be better off if we remembered this little ditty. I printed the sentiment in MS Word and mounted it inside the card.


My supply list is below if you would like to know the items I used that weren't mentioned above. If you would like to purchase this card or others, I will be listing it in my Etsy shop very soon. Thanks for stopping by and have an utterly fabulous weekend. OK? I mean it! :)

Papers- Plaid from DCWV Sweet 8x8 pad; Bazzill Carob Cream CS; SU Pretty in Pink. Stamps- SU Branch Out. Inks- SU craft Creamy Caramel & classic Pretty in Pink; Memento dye London Fog and New Sprout. Tools- SU wide oval punch; Coluzzle oval template; CB Lg Spring Flowers emb template. Embellishments- MM 5th Ave button brads. Pens- Tombow #391 (boots). Font- Andrew Script 14pt; RGB code= 90-57-44.

A Little Bit of Baby Mojo

So here I am again, posting a Mojo Monday card on Friday. I am so behind these days! Stamping and scrapping is not the only thing lagging either. I ran through my house like a whirlwind today because I have let so much go lately. I feel like I got plenty done and I can catch up in my scramp room now though. You never know, I could get so "on the ball" that I post a Mojo card the day it is posted! Maybe not. Baby steps.

Well then! My offering for Mojo Monday #76 is above. I never cease to be amazed at what those talented girls post for us to try. If you are interested in playing along with the Mojo Challenges, just click on the badge to the left of my blog for more info. It is so much fun!

I am into the softer, spring colors right now. I keep turning to the same color combos for all types of cards. And sadly, I have a pile of new stamps and goodies on my desk and what did I pull out for this card? A retired SU set! It is called Baby's Firsts and it is still one of my favs. The paper isn't so very "fresh" either but I still love it. I adjusted the sketch a little to accommodate my sentiment which is from Short & Sweet by SU as well. That one is at least new from my recent order. I decided I finally needed to own it my self. My very best buddy, the SU demo I have mentioned, has the set and I am sure I have borrowed hers at some point but for the really cute stamp sets, you just need to have them in your possession.

While looking over my posts, I realize I have been posting really simple cards. I don't see any new and interesting techniques and I haven't even been using many new/exciting materials. That was never my intent when I decided to blog. I had hoped to post the cards that I felt "raised the bar" so to speak.

Sometimes, when I have my creative juices flowing, I finish a card and wish I could just talk about it. My poor hubby listens and he tries to keep his eyes from glazing over but stamping cards and scrap book pages is just not his thing. So, I thought, why don't I start blogging? I get to share my work with others and run my mouth (or my type-y little fingers) about my passion . Win-win. Well, as I have said before, when you start trying to produce on a schedule and feel pressured to post, you start to hurry through projects just to get them out there. Time to redirect.

I promise right here and now to share projects that I feel are something that others would want to see. Not just the same ole, same ole that all of us turn out when we hurry. That being said, please feel free to leave a comment about what you like to see when you surf the blogs. What are you looking for? Why do you read? Do you like to get ideas? Do you like to see new materials used? Are you new to the whole paper craft scene and just want to get a feel for the hobby before you jump in with both feet? Tell me! I would love to know what you are looking for in a blog. Until then, I will work on breathing some life into my card examples. Hell, if I'm bored, you must be even more so! I'll be back soon with some new stuff that I hope you love. Thanks for stopping by!

Papers- Scrapbook Wizard plaid; DCWV CS (pink,lav, green). Stamps- SU Short & Sweet; SU Baby's Firsts. Inks- Versafine Onyx; Tsukineko Graphite Black Brilliance. Tools- piercer; SU oval punches. Embellishments- 5/8in white organdy ribbon. Pens- Copic BV00, Y11, YR61, RV13, YG13, E00, E25.

Hey Cupcake!

Good Morning! I'll be quick today. I have such a busy day planned and lots of projects that I want to finish so I can show you here. My new SU order finally came...late because of our weather...and I have lots of new toys that are calling my name. Today's card has a cupcake but it isn't another one of my cupcake b-day cards. I promised I would take a little break! I think this one could be used as just a friendly greeting or on a birthday too, if you wish. It's just a sweet and friendly card. I picked a cheery pink plaid since cupcakes are often pink in my mind. Why? I dunno. I used a little glossy accents to enhance the flower on top of the cupcake and then a little bling to balance the bottom half. The inside is blank so I can write whatever in it when it comes time to mail it. I love the "hey cupcake" sentiment! This is one of my new stamps from my visit to the stamp store a few weekends ago. I have plenty of ways to say this but I just loved the font and the size so I figured what the heck? I'll save myself the trouble of setting it up in Word to print everytime I want to use this greeting.

This card is more simple and "tidy" than many of my designs but that has been my mood lately. I piled on the embellishments and layering on so many of my holiday cards, I guess I just need a break. I have been in sort of a rut lately too. I get out new stuff to play with and end up just staring at it with no plan. That isn't like me. Usually new materials excite me and have me on a scrampage (LOL) but lately I can't even get going when I look in my sketch book which almost always spurs me to create. Does this happen to you? Even when you have new beautiful toys? I have GOT to find my groove!

I'll be back very soon with my Mojo Monday #76 offering. I almost finished it today when I scrapped with my buddy but it still needs tweaking. I'll have some new stuff done with my new stamp sets and embellishments too. I ordered several new SU sets as well as paper packs and I also have some new Gina K Pure Luxury that calls my name when I forget about it on my desk. Right after CHA is such a fun time to scrap and stamp! Today's card will be available for purchase in my Etsy shop this week and my supply list is below. Have a great day!


Papers-Scrapbook Wizard plaid; DCWV hot pink CS. Stamps- Hero Arts Clear Design Cupcakes; Hey Cupcake by Impression Obsession. Inks- Memento Tux Black. Tools- piercer; corner rounder; plastic canvas (template); EK 1 3/4in circle punch; Marvy blue scalloped circle punch. Embellishments- Kaiser Self Adhesive Rhinestones #SB702; Ranger Glossy Accents; Diamond Stickles (flower center). Pens- Copic YG25, YG13, RV19, Rv14, RV23, Y17.

Birdie Birdie

Hello again! I hope your weekend was wonderful. Ours was fantastic. I got lots of stamping done and then on Sunday, it snowed here. My kids had a ball and so did their mom and dad. We just don't get much of the white stuff around here. So now, I am ready for a little spring time stuff again. Today's card uses a cute little bird image and some papers that I have been hoarding for way too long. I kept it simple because I wanted to feature the cute stamp. I found this sketch in my idea book but I didn't write down a name with it and now I find that there is no watermark identifying it either. I vaguely remember seeing several cards using this lovely sketch so maybe it was a challenge????? If you know its origin, please give me a shout so I can give credit where it is due. OK?

There are no big technique surprises here. I paper pierced the border of the circle and the bird's "voice" is enhanced with a clear Sakura Jelly Roll pen. It is kinda hard to tell from my photo though. I have the supply list below. If you would rather just buy this little card and save yourself the trouble of making it, it will be available for purchase in my Etsy shop very soon. Thanks for stopping by!

Papers- Daisy Bucket Under the Boardwalk Driftwood; DCWV navy CS; kraft CS. Stamps- Hero Arts Sweet Bird; SU Very Punny. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black. Tools- paper piercer; Paper Studio 2 5/16in circle punch; Marvy 2in circle punch. Embellishments- Michael's Textured Trios 3/8in ribbon; Paper Studio aged copper brads. Pens- Zig pure orange; Copic (E57, B34) ; Sakura Clear Jelly Roll pen.