Sunday, May 31, 2009

Up, Up, and Away

Yesterday, my latest Verve order arrived in the mail and I immediately sat down to ink it up. This set is everything I hoped it would be! Those hot air balloons are simply adorable and so easy to color. I wanted to make a card that was a little masculine because I know I haven't made any cards fit for boys in a long time and I also figured something inspirational...maybe for a new graduate...would be in order. When I saw the balloons during the Verve release party, I thought the set might be good for that. I was right! Check out today's card...


I wanted to play with this week's OCC Challenge so I decided to keep my sentiment inside the card so that my arrangement stayed true to the sketch. The second photo is of the inside of the card. I chose a paper from my stash. It is an old Scenic Route print and I have always loved it, just never pulled it out. The girls at OCC gave us a great sketch, huh? I like the clean lines and symmetry. I realized while I was working that I don't very often make "even" cards. While I always strive for balance, I very rarely have a card that is symmetrical. I like this one though! The quote I chose is one of my favorites. I think it works beautifully here.

Well, I'm off! I still have lots of vacation stuff to do. Have a wonderful weekend...what is left anyway!


Papers- Scenic Route Forest of Plaid; CS by the paper Studio. Stamps- Verve Up, Up, and Awy. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black. Embellishments- Mark Richards gold metalliques #1983. Pens- Copic E35, G99, B39, B000; Zig Root Beer Float. Font- Gigi 24pt.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Bugs and Kisses!

Hello Hello! I have a really cute card to show you today before I am off to finish vacation shopping. I am going to be READY for a rest after all the prep that has gone into our trip. Why is that the mom always has to get everyone else ready? When is it that kids start thinking for themselves? Enough about vacation though...I have a card!

Today's card uses 2 stamp sets by Clear Dollar Stamps which I have used for cards here before. I may never get tired of them! I used
Sometimes You're the Bug and Bugs and Kisses. I simply love all the choices these sets provide. The little license plate sayings are my favorites. I wanted to make a basic "Love Ya, Thinkin About Ya" card so it needed to be fun and sweet. I had chosen my DP a while back because it had that groovy kinda 60's feel that reminds me of VW bugs. It was a little busy so I went very simple for my card design overall. There are lots of layers but very little embellishment. So, take a look!

Sorry about the angle of my photo. If I take pictures too late in the day, the sun makes weird shadows on my deck but it is still the brightest place to shoot. I promise the card is straight and even though! I think I might have drained my BG13 Copic marker for this one. Looks like a refill order to Merri Artist after vacation is needed! The sentiment is part of the stamp set so it really was an easy card to put together...no printing the sentiment separately, no choosing something witty to go with my image, etc. I think my kids will be the first recipients of this card. I made extras to list in my Etsy shop so I hope a few hippie chicks come looking. :-D

I will leave you with my supply list and hit the road for some vacation stuff. Have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!


Papers- KaiserCraft Allsorts; teal Cs by DCWV; pink and yellow CS by Paper Co. Inks- Brilliance Graphite Black; SU pixie pink. Tools- CB tags die. Embellishments- 3/8in black grosgrain ribbon by Offray. Pens- Copic 110, C5, C7, BG13, B000.

Friday, May 29, 2009

As requested...

I worked so hard on the custom album page order that I just finished, I think I talked about it with my friends just a "leetle" bit. Several of my firends have asked to see the creation so I will oblige today. It all started when I was asked by a friend of a previous customer to design an album for her lovely daughter that would be graduating soon. (She graduates today, so Congrats Lauren!) We had a very short time line so I knew I had to plan and work as quickly as possible. After a few emails back and forth, to pin down our ideas, the album came together and I was ready to rush those pages. Mom chose black, green, and white as a color scheme. She had seen a card in my Etsy shop in those colors and she liked the style as well so I went from there. I'll show the inspiration piece first...

I chose a few of the Doodlebug wedding papers since that was the DP used in my card. Then I found a few gorgeous green background papers. For embellishments, I knew that my own stash would give me a little of everything...I was right! Lauren's mom gave me a brief description of the pages she wanted to include but the rest was up to me. AHHHHH! I always worry, when I work for someone else, that my choices will be what they were picturing. Well, she has since received the pages in the mail and she loves them so I guess I was on track. I took photos that grouped pages together because Etsy only allows 5 listing photos so pardon the distance at which they are taken. If you click on each photo, you will be able to see a larger image. Have a look-see!

This one includes the title page and the first 2 layouts, intended for Lauren's birth family and adoptive family.

The next two are about her family and cousin that is like a sister.

The next two are about her grandparents.


These are about her friends and her faith.
These last 2 are for extra journaling notes and keepsakes. I love making keepsake pocket pages. I need to find a way to incorporate that technique into my card making!


As you can see, I relied heavily on tools for this job. My Cricut and border punches really saved the day. I will be back to writing about cards tomorrow. I am working frantically to get a few things made ahead so I can show those while I am on vacation next week. So, have a great day and I will too...I will be at my scrap desk! Thanks for coming by!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Beautiful Kindness

Every now and then a line of papers comes along that is just so pretty, it doesn't even need stamps to showcase it. Well, K&Co has done just that. The Addison collection is simply luscious! I found a few of the coordinates recently and they have been at the top of my "pile" ever since. When the challenge at OCC came out Saturday, asking us for cards that use a sentiment as the focal point, I knew which papers to pull out. My card also works for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge (FTTC17) that asks for sponging on cards this week. Let me show you my card so I can tell you more about it...


The 2nd photo is of the inside of the card. I had very little of my paper left so I was limited with what I could use to embellish the inside of the card. I may go back and add to it if I can get more of the papers. I chose a quote that I really love and printed it on my computer since setting up that many letters individually would be impossible. That is 3 days in a row that I have had no stamping on my cards! I did sponge the edges of my focal point panel though.

I used my trusty Coluzzle to cut the ovals after I printed the quote which allows perfect centering every time. The flourishes are cut using the Quick Cutz Revolution die. I only had one of those gorgeous buttons so for my extra cards, I used similar brass buttons but I really love this one in the picture. For the rest of the details, please check my supply list below. Since I have been asked to show photos of the custom album job I just finished, check back tomorrow to see that and hear about my challenges. Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Totally Tubular Dude

When I saw the new summer digi images at All That Scraps I knew I would have to own them immediately. I bought several and I am having a great time coloring all of them. I have even printed extra and experimented with shading just for fun. You don't even have to worry about stamping them for yourself. Just print a page!

So, in case you didn't guess, today's card uses a digi-image. How about I show you the card before I tell you all the details. Here ya go!


I was excited to try out a few new tools too. I used my new EK dotted wave edge punch and the (relatively) new Labels Three template by Spellbinders. I am having so much fun playing with edge punches. I want to use one on every card! I copied the sentiment from ATS even though it is typed and printed on this card. I needed it to be just the right size for this card.

In addition to listing this card as a summer offering in my Etsy shop, I will probably give one to my kids or send to a friend. I think it makes a nice "hello" card and the added chuckle its silliness brings will be an added bonus.

If I have forgotten anything, please email me. I am leaving the supply list below so check it out. Thanks for stopping by!


Papers- Rich Pretty Pink CS by DoubleMates; DP from ki memories summer splash. Digi-image from All That Scraps Summertime Fun set. Tools- 2in Marvy circle punch; 2 5/16in paper studio circle punches; Spellbinders labels three templates; EK (1 & 1 1/8in) circle punches; EK dotted wave punch. Embellishments- Favorite Findings buttons; DMC #6028 cotton floss; offray ribbon. Pens- Copic (RV14, E57, B))), RV11); BIC Margharita, Oceanview, Tiki Hut.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I'm back!

Hello, hello, hello! I can't believe I have not been here in 10 days! Life got in the way. I am still very busy but I actually got time to sit down, late last night, and make a card! I have been working on a custom album job that took a lot of work and my kids had their last week of school so that left very little time for blogging. I hope to catch up this week and get a few fun things made to show you while I am on vacation with my family next week.

So on to today's card! I was very happy to see such a fun sketch posted for Mojo Monday #88 this week so that was what I worked on for my first day back at my desk. I love the clean lines of this sketch and the circular focal point is perfect. Without further chit chat, I'll show you what I have!


There is no stamping or coloring on this card. I don't do that very often! I decided to print the sentiment around the edge of my circle so it wouldn't "clutter" the sketch. I like how it turned out. The papers I used are from the Bo Bunny Alissa collection. I warned you before that I wasn't finished with that ensemble! I love the color and pattern on every piece. This is one of their best intros in a while. The flower is crocheted and I love the texture it gives the focal point. I think I will be using this sketch again and again.

I am in a hurry today, once again, so I will leave you with my supply list before I run but I will be back soon with a few more tidbits of news. I have another blog award from my buddy Emily of Emily's Expressions to tell you about and a few more cards that I made last night as well. have a wonderful (and short!) week!


Papers- Bo Bunny Alissa Spunky & Look at Me; black CS. Tools- 2 5/16in circle punch by paper Studio; 2.5in circle punch by Marvy. Embellishments- lt pink 3/8in grosgrain by Offray; MM 5th Ave button brads; pink crochet flowers. Font- Juice ITC.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Teachers and Rainbows

Happy Saturday! The weekend is here! I have a new card to show you and then I am off for a busy day with the family. Today's card is one that I made for my children's teachers and for a friend's child to give to his teachers as well. When I saw the stamp set, Spring Sprouts from My Favorite Things, I knew I would be using it to make teacher appreciation cards this year. I almost missed my chance but now they are made, just in the nick of time. They get out of school this Wednesday! So, I'll show the card and then tell you about it. The second photo is of the inside of the card.


My sketch came from MFTSC and is #75. The rainbow image is stamped but for the sentiment, I had to retype it on my computer and then trim around it with my coluzzle ovals. The stamped version of this quote just wouldn't fit into the space I needed it to go into so I just changed it a little. I used the same font to type the inside message too. The sun is cut on my cricut using the Doodlecharms cartridge. My ribbon is an American Crafts ribbon but I have had the hardest time getting it to stick to my card. I always use gluedots for bows like this and never have any trouble but these keep falling off. I hope my friend isn't having the same trouble on her copies!

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend. I'll be back with some new cards and maybe a peek at my other project...a custom graduation album! I also want to tell you about a sweet award I recieved from my pal Nancy Morgan of PaperSmiles. See ya soon!


Papers- DCWV green CS; Bazzill red CS; Paper Company blue and yellow CS. Stamps- MFT Spring Sprouts. Inks- Graphite Brilliance. Tools- CB Spots & Dots embossing folder; Coluzzle oval templates; Cricut DoodleCharms cartridge. Embellishments- American Crafts ribbon; PaperStudio 3mm clear round stones. Pens- Copic B000; Tombow 173, 025, 476, 856. Font- tweed 16pt & 20pt.




Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Have you seen my Mojo?

Hello, hello! I'm here and I have a challenge card to share with you. I was very happy to be able to play along with the Mojo Monday #86 challenge this week. I even pulled out some of my lovely Verve stamps in honor of the occasion. Today's card is one of those all purpose, no sentiment kind of cards that we make to have on hand for those last minute notecard situations. I left it without a sentiment and it may even get sent to someone that way but there is still a little room for a short sentiment to be added. We'll see I guess! I made a few extras to sell in my Etsy shop and I guess I will leave those blank unless otherwise requested. So here it is...

I loved the sketch when I saw it on Monday so I knew I had to make a card using it. Sometimes, I just seem to crave even little blocks and symmetry. I found the papers at my local Michael's a few weeks ago so they were right on top of the desk piles. The prints worked perfectly with 2 SU colors too. I inked the flowers to match and I love how they came out. I was worried that the ink would look mottled on these paper flowers because the original dye job was pretty uneven but it came out really nice, in my opinion. Verve stamps just beg me to color them in but I decided to leave these as outline images which works here since the rest of the card is somewhat bold. I felt like the uncolored look made the image a better focal point.

I will do my best to keep current here but just as school is ending for my kids and my schedule should calm down a little, I received 2 rather large custom orders to work on. I can't complain about money being earned but I am a little panicky that the end I thought was near just got pushed back even more. Thank you ever so much to my loyal readers who poke in whenever I get the time to update. I am always tickled pink to see a new comment or to get an email that mentions something I wrote here. You all make my day!

I am off now to get ready for our anniversary dinner out (14 years of wedded bliss!) so I will leave you with my supply list and a cheery good night. Thanks for stopping by!


Papers- Heidi Grace Celebration of Love and Cherish & Love; SU Pale Plum and Perfect Plum CS; Bazzill bling CS. Stamps- verve Miracles Blossom. Inks- Graphite Brilliance; SU Perfect Plum & Pale Plum. Tools- SU scallop edge punch; SU spring bouquet flower punch; piercer. Embellishments- Kaiser paper flowers; misc buttons; DMC metallic silver floss.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Happy Summer!

Spring is here in my neck of the woods and my new digi images from All That Scraps make me want to have even warmer weather. I am ready for pool time and fireworks and snow cones. My kids are too!

This week's challenge at Taylored Expressions (TECC67) worked really well with my little Surfer Emma image. I was in the mood for bright colors so I used a few on today's card. So here ya go...

I have to run up to my kids' school for a Poetry party but I will be back later to list my supplies for the card and give a few more details. I just wanted to get a new card up since it was finished. Have a great afternoon!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Shore Do Love You

Hello again! Long time no see! This has been the craziest week! I finally got a little break today and decided to play with my new Emma digi images from All That Scraps. I think I was just as excited to be able to sit down at my scrap desk for a little while as I was to open my email with the new Beach Sugarplums. It has been a while! I know summer with my kids home will bring its own challenges but nothing could be as bad as the juggling job I have right now. I crave time to play in my scramp room.

So anyway, about the images and today's card! I used the
Polka Dot Emma and a starfish from the Beach Scene, courtesy of C.C. Designs.


I had so much fun coloring her. I love the crisp lines and open areas that just beg for a juicy marker. I printed a few extra and just colored them in different ways for fun. I love using the digi images now and then because I like to be able to resize according to my project. I will still buy the actual stamps eventually but for now, I own an emailed copy.

I know my card couldn't be more simple. I was in a hurry for 2 reasons...#1 is that i couldn't wait to use little Emma on something. And #2 is that I still have a lot of things to accomplish today and with the hubby still gone for a couple more days (he left Sunday morning) and the kids having a raging case of spring fever to complicate my life, I only get a few minutes to play today. So, maybe I can whip up something a little more involved tonight while Derek and Meredith tie the knot. I am a HUGE Grey's Anatomy fan and tonight will culminate years of romantic struggle for this happy couple. I feel like 2 of my friends are getting married! Maybe a wedding card will show up here tomorrow. ;)

I am actually going to finish a post with a supply list for a change. I know I owe my readers several on a few other posts. I will get caught up just as soon as I can! Until then, today's list is below. Thank you so very much for stopping by!


Papers- Scrapbook Wizard DP. Stamps- sentiment from SU Crab & Co; Digi images by All That Scraps. Inks- Graphite Brilliance. Tools- EK (1, 1 1/4, 1 1/8in) circle punches. Embellishments- Paper Studio brads; ribbon from Michael's. Pens- Copic YR23, E31, E00, Y28, BV02; Zig pure pink, splash. Chalk- Craft- t products.

Monday, May 4, 2009

The Speediest Post Ever

I am in a hurry again. I know...you have heard that here a lot lately. I made a card last night and finished it in the wee hours. I reeeeally wanted to show it to you today but knew time would be limited this morning before I head out on a field trip with my daughter so I snapped a (mediocre) photo in my scrap room rather than waiting until morning to shoot outside as I usually do. I promise that one day very soon I will be back to give my full attention but until then, please forgive me for posting and running and also for the less than stellar photography. I will return asap with my supply list but until then, I leave you with just my card...

I will be back to tell you about the details as well as my materials so if you are wondering about something, please ask away and I promise to tell you what you want to know. About the card that is! I can't be telling all my deep dark secrets! Have a wonderful day and thank you for your patience as I hurry through my spring. A deep sigh of relief is just around the corner. Adios Muchachas!


Edited to add my supply list:
Papers- We R Memory Keepers Flower Frenzy and Pen Pals; Colorbok CS. Stamps- Hero Arts Small Greetings. Inks- Tim Holtz Frayed Burlap Distress ink. Tools- corner rounder; sizzix flower and vines #2 die; nestie labels one. Embellishments- 5mm round smoke topaz stones by The Beadery; favorite findings buttons; gold flower from Clear Dollar Stamps.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Get Well Wishes

I decided since the news is full of talk about Swine Flu, that maybe I should make a get well card. We're just going to hope that I don't need to send it to anyone with the dreaded Swine Flu but I'll have it on hand nonetheless.

I decided that I am in a card making rut lately so for my get well card, I decided that I would try something different than what I have been doing lately. Do you ever get the blahs? I got em! So, I almost always start with a patterned paper or a collection of papers. For today's card, I decided to limit myself to solid cardstock and my image. No printed paper! I saw a color combination that I liked in the Spring 2009 Close to My Heart Idea Book and adapted it to my supplies and all of a sudden, I pulled it together and I liked it! Have a look see...

I am out of time for now. I will come back later and fill in my supply list. I think this is a pretty simple one to figure out. The cardstocks are all Bazzill or DCWV and the image is from SU. I printed the extra sentiment on my computer. I'll be back for the rest. Have a wonderful day!