An Apple For Teacher

Even though my children are long since back in school, I know that most of the country is still out school shopping and making plans for Labor Day. I decided that maybe a few of the extra teacher cards would be a nice addition to my Etsy shop as well as an applicable post for here. Today's card is another one of my entries for the Anni-Verve-Sary Sketch Challenge on the Verve forum a few weeks ago. I think it is the only one I haven't already posted here too. I used these for my kids' teachers after the first week of school. Take a look...

That cute little back to school puppy image is a relatively new digi-image from All That Scraps and the sketch is #AVS202. I printed the sentiment on my computer so it would fit just right in a small circle at the top of the oval. When I was designing this card, I tried a plain red cardstock panel behind the image but it needed a little something so I made my own designer paper by stamping abc's in versamark ink all over the red cardstock. I like the effect. I almost never use that very common technique and I can't imagine why because I love it here. Another point to mention is the blue background. Notice the polka dot texture? Like it? It is one of the new QuicKutz embossing folders. I am very happy with the few I have so far because they are full A2 size instead of the slightly smaller original Cuttlebug folders.

Well, I think I'll go for now. Groceries need to be purchased and beds need changing so it is time to get the new week started. Have a great Monday for yourself!

Papers- Autumn Leaves Paper Charming; Gina K pure luxury 80# CS; SU Kraft CS. Stamps- ATS digi image "school puppy"; ScrapTrends alphabet soup lowercase. Inks- versamark. Tools- QuicKutz Polka Dots emb folder; coluzzle ovals; corner rounder; EK circ punches. Embellishments- favorite findings mini natural buttons; DMC #823 embr cotton. Pens- Copic (Y28, R59, R37, W1, B97, G94, RV11, E57, 0. Zig (root beer float). Font- 16pt Parade. Sketch- Verve AVS202.

Bloom Where You're Planted

Happy Friday everyone! Long week, huh? It was for me. Busy, busy I tell ya. I am ready for a little bit of a weekend. I have a card for you today. I know I still have not caught up the supply list from 2 days ago but I promise I will get to it if you are waiting for it. So, on to today's card...

This one uses one of the Verve sketches from Anni-Verve-Sary week. It is AVS205. I love the sketch but I can't say I love my own choice of materials. As a matter of fact, I am not sure why I am even blogging about it. LOL! I have gone back and forth between hating this card and just sorta liking it. I think it is a little busy and does little to accent the lovely Verve image. What I do love are the paper coordinates and those darling buttons. The papers are Basic Grey June Bug and the buttons were a great find in the fabric store.

I tried something a little different when I colored the stamp image. I stamped it in a colored ink (versus black) and then filled it in with Tim Holtz distress inks and an aqua pen. I can't wait to try this again! I love that lovely ink and it was perfect for use with an aqua pen. Also different for me, I stitched on the buttons with some fibers instead of my typical hemp or embroidery floss. I chose a nubby, homespun type of fiber and I like the fuzzy look. It is a little more prominent IRL. The gemstones in the flowers are hand colored with Copics. I didn't have just the right shade and I wanted a dark rich center so I used the 2 colors of Copic pen listed below to shade them myself. It is amazing how well non-porous substances take that ink and hold on to it. You would expect smudging but I have had no trouble.

Well, I think I'm off for now. I hope everyone has a great weekend. My supply list is below and I will soon list this card in my Etsy shop. If you need it sooner, please contact me. I am still really busy with my little lunch notes but I would be glad to list this or other cards just for you.

Papers- Basic Grey June Bug Daydream, Admiral; Bo Bunny Coral Dot. Stamps- Verve Floral Symphony. Inks- Tim Holtz distress inks (fired brick, peeled paint); Memento London Fog, SU vintage violet. Tools- Paper Studio 2 5/16in circ punch; marvy 2.5in circ punch; MM sanding block; Heidi Swapp edge distresser;CB swirls emb folder. Pens- copic B99 & 110 on rhinestone gems.

Older Sketches are OK, Right?

As I have mentioned before, I worked on several cards while I was away from blogging. Since I am in a hurry today, I decided to show you one of those "away" cards. It uses the sketch from the OCCC Sketch Challenge on 7-25-09. Take a look!

Even though we don't want to think about needing sympathy cards, I always like to keep a few on hand. The last thing you feel like doing when you are sad is to make a new card.

I like this sketch. It works well with a taller focal point image. It also works well with coordinate papers. I'll have to drop in later and tell you more about my materials. I have to run for now. Have a great day!

Happy Harvest

Even though we still have months of hot weather ahead of us, I am ready for fall colors in my paper crafting. Who am I kidding? I am ready for fall everything! I love cooler weather and the fun that the later months of the year bring. It is my favorite time of year. I guess that explains why I pulled out some fall stuff for my card today.

Last week, when I played along with the Christmas in August Challenge at Our Creative Corner, I noticed a card posted by an OCC design team member, Jenny Gropp. I loved her arrangement so I decided to CASE her sketch for today's card. You'll see why in a minute. It just works!


I had a lot of fun making this card. For one, I have always loved the apple bucket image from SU's Give Thanks. Second, the patterned paper is one that I have saved for years because I love it so much. It is an old Cosmo Cricket called Lil Susie in the Jitterbug collection. I am really trying lately to use up some of my "oldie but goodie" papers. Let's just say storage has become a problem. ;) And last, I just received a new order of Copic markers from Merri Artist and I couldn't wait to color with a few new colors. And while we are on the subject of new Copics, I need to mention that the new colors are fantastic. One that I got is W00. I used it along with W5 and W7 and it was perfect for blending. A blender would have done basically the same thing but I found that having just a little of the color versus plain blending solution gave a really nice finish to the area.

Well, I'm off. I have a busy day planned and I need to get on my horse if I want to finish my to-do list I guess. Have a great Monday!


Papers- Cosmo Cricket Jitterbug Lil Susie; misc CS from stash. Stamps- Give Thanks, Loads of Love Accessories, Thoroughly Thankful- SU. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black; SU Chocolate Chip. Tools- EK circ punch; marvy yellow scalloped circ punch; EK dotted scallop edger. Embellishments- American Crafts ribbon; MM dk red hand dyed buttons; DMC #823 embroidery cotton. Pens- Copic (W5, W7, W00, R57, R39, R37, G28, BG78, O) Zig chocolate. Sketch- Jenny Gropp/ onekraftykat.blogspot.com. (8-15-09).

As Promised...New Lunch Notes!

Hello! Happy Sunday! I hope everyone's weekend is just wonderful. All of a sudden, we are getting a break on weather here in Atlanta. It is a little cooler and our humidity has dropped a lot. It will be so much easier when the hubby and I cut the grass this afternoon. I still wish I could sit in my scrap room and play though.

So, I promised to show you my latest series of lunch box love notes so that is what we'll do today. You may remember an earlier post where I talked about the first 3 sets I have made. I decided a 4th series was in order. I have already listed this newest set in my Etsy shop, just in time for the new school year and they have been VERY successful so far. I am just thrilled. I never would have dreamed that these little notes would be so popular but they are so I just keep making more. Take a look...
Here are a few close-up shots of the individual cards...



Every time I think I can't come up with any more unique messages, I get a few new stamps and round up another set of 12. The best part of these has been the sweet emails I get from customers that tell me how much their children enjoy getting these in their lunchbox every day. Yay! That was the point! My kids are getting older and since they have made a big deal out of how "grown up" they are this year, I assumed that they weren't interested in any notes this year. I was wrong! They both said they would still love a note in the old lunchbox and even mentioned which of the new ones they like the best. I am so glad they are still my babies after all. ;)

I have continued to print the sentiments for the images that don't come with their own appropriate message. Some come with the perfect little positive note. It gets a little tedious half way through a batch of 48 dozen but it is so worth it when they are finished! As you might imagine, there are just too many sources to list for each set of notes so if you are interested in the origin of an image, drop me a note and I will be glad to tell you where it came from. If you aren't a stamper, and you want to purchase a set of lunch notes for yourself, please visit my Etsy shop for more details. Have a great rest of the weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Well, the Weather Outside is Frightful...

but not in the way you might think! It is hotter than blue blazes where I live but it sure felt good to make a card about Christmas and winter. This week, Our Creative Corner hosted a Christmas in August Challenge. I decided to go a little non-traditional with something other than red & green for my card. Have a look-see!

and here is the inside of the card...

This paper choice could not be any more different for me if I tried. When I think holiday card, teal and bright green don't typically come to mind, huh? I loved the paper as soon as it came out though. Then, my polar bear stamp arrived in the mail and it was a no brainer to put these 2 together. I always like to keep a few winter/snow themed cards around at the holidays because there are always a few people on your card list that either don't celebrate Christmas or you just don't know much about their traditions during the holiday season. Snow and winter images are perfect for these types of cards. I know I will be able to use every one that I made of this card. Not to mention that I think the polar bear is way too cute not to give it to someone this holiday season!

My card arrangement came from Mercy Kerin's Tuesday Sketch Challenge (MTSC35). I love her sketches! Even when I don't have time to play along, I file away the sketch for later use.

I know I promised to show my new lunch note set. I need to get a good photo so all the details will be easy to see. Unfortunately, it has been a little cloudy every time I try to get a good shot. I should be able to get a good one so that I can show you tomorrow. They are really cute (if I do say so myself) so I can't wait to post them. Don't miss it! Have a great weekend. I hope you have nice weather in your neck of the woods. Ciao!

Papers- Cosmo Cricket Breezy Freezy; ATS ivory copic quality CS. Stamps- Imaginisce Polar Bear Snag Em; SU Just Celebrate; Snadylion Clear Stamp Borders. Inks- Tim Holtz Distress (broken china, old paper, antique linen); Memento Tuxedo Black; SU Very Vanilla. Tools- MS loop edge punch; MS snowflake punch; Nestie scalooped squares; coluzzle ovals; EK circle punches. Embellishments- Cancun Green 3/8in satin by ribbonfx; Favorite Findings buttons; Mark Richards #1941 green stones; 5mm rd lt turq stones by The Beadery; MM pewter snowflake eyelets. Pens- copic (RV11, 0, YG17, BG18, W1). Sketch- MTSC35.

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Today will be another quick post. I pulled out a card that I made during my *hiatus*...doesn't that sound important? :-D I was really happy with it so I wanted to show it off. It is one of those "no stamped image" kinda cards so no coloring which doesn't happen often at my desk. The sentiment is the only stamping. I thought it would make a nice little hello card. I always seem to need a generic notecard or 2 hanging around. Those little notes to a teacher or neighbor that doesn't prefer email. So, take a look and I'll fill in the details.

It is blank inside except for a little decoration with my scraps. Why waste em? I loved working with this DP. It is a double sided October Afternoon from the Hometown collection (called Woolworth's). I love that whole series! I may need to order a few more sheets before it disappears forever. I was short a few Primas in this particular color of blue so on a few of the 8 duplicate cards I made, I hand dyed the flowers using Copics. OMG! What are those markers not good for??? I have found that when dying Primas with Copic ink, if I sponge a little MM pearl specialty glaze over the whole flower surface, it leaves a gorgeous finishing sheen which is nice because saturating with ink makes them a little "processed" looking if you know what I mean.

I'm outta here quickly today. My complete supply list is below. I have a new set of Lunch Box Love Notes to show you sometime this weekend so poke back in if you can. Have a great weekend!

Papers- Oct Afternoon Woolworth's; Paper Co Navy Blue Brushed Cotton CS; DCWV aqua CS; bone ivory CS by Paper Studio. Stamps- Stampabilities Live, Laugh, Love. Inks- tim Holtz distress peeled paint; SU blue bayou. Tools- MS cornice edge punch; MS frond punch; Nestie oval & scal classic oval; EK sm flwr punch. Embell- Bo Bunny trims (blue); Amer Crafts ivory ribbon; Fav findings buttons; Primas; MM pearl specialty glaze.

Cards and Mayhem at Casa de Krazy

Hello, hello! I hope every one's week is shaping up to be a great one. Ours is a little nutty but I would be shocked if things were normal around here. What is normal again? I doubt it is trips to the ER! Yesterday, my son's school called to let me know that he had a huge egg on his head after tipping over in his chair. The nurse said that protocol states that they call the parent before they transport by ambulance. Ummm....AMBULANCE???? I flew up there, right on the verge of tears, and he was not even crying. The egg is really bad and it turns out he does have a mild concussion but ambulance transport might have been a little much. This is after he had been sitting in the clinic with a wet paper towel over the wound for almost 30 MINUTES while they treat the kids complaining that they have a tummy ache to get out of a spelling test. Have they ever heard of triage? Worst goes first? So, that is why I wasn't here yesterday. I am sure you understand. :D

Enough of my woes. You came about a card, right? I wanted to show you another one of my entries for last week's Anni-Verve-Sary sketches. Today's card is done with AVS204. I was in the mood for a little Halloween since I found some cute new fall print paper at my Hobby Lobby. I pulled out a tried & true stamp set, SU's Carved and Candlelit because as pumpkins go, those are just too cute. Take a look and I will tell you the rest.

This is a really cute sketch to work with and it is perfect if you want to incorporate several printed papers. I printed the sentiment so it would fit exactly inside the SU word window punch. I didn't have a good purple ribbon so I used a few paper strips instead. The tiny zig zag border underneath the black print is actually Martha Stewart's arch lattice punch that I placed to cover all but the outer edge. A lot of the new edge punches can be used this way so that they look a little different each time you use them on a card.

I think I will leave you with my supply list and a goodbye for now. Humpty Dumpty, the artist formerly known as my son is home today and we might just have a nap since we were up every 2 hours to check for concussion difficulties. Yawn! Have a great day!

Papers- Paper Studio Halloween Words, Skull & Crossbones, Trick or Treat Polka Dots. Stamps- SU Carved and Candlelit. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black; SU wild wasabi; SU only orange. Tools- paper studio 2 5/15in circle punch; marvy 2 1/2in circ punch; SU word window punch; MS arch lattice edge punch; coluzzle.Embellishments- favorite findings buttons. Font- CAC One Seventy 18pt. Sketch- Verve AVS204.

If You Like Pina Coladas...

or margaritas, today's card is for you! I have always loved that pina colada song and it goes without saying that margaritas are a lot of fun. The minute I saw the patterned paper in today's card, I knew exactly what I was going to make with it. Then, when the new Chillax set debuted at Taylored Expressions, I decided to CASE a catchy little sentiment from it for my card idea. So without further ado...

and the inside of the card...

This card was one of my entries for the Anni-Verve-Sary Sketch Challenge (AVS203). It was a great sketch for a card of this type which had a rather small focal point image and a short sentiment for the front of the card. I loved how my materials came together too. When I went to the scrapbook store, I knew I had the DP at home waiting but didn't know what I would put it together with for a card. Turns out, the citron cardstock was in the Archiver's bargain bin as was the beige linen print that I used behind the lime DP. The ribbon was from the dollar bin at Target. Talk about a jackpot! I never get that lucky with clearance and bargain bin scramp supplies. By the time I pick through the sale bins, it is usually down to mint green cardstock and flocked puce ribbon. Go figure.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this card. The colors make it one of my recent favorites. I can't wait to send it to someone special. I have several extra which I plan to list in my Etsy shop too so if you would like to own it for yourself, drop by Etsy for a visit. If you aren't familiar with Etsy, drop me a line here and I would be glad to assist you. Have a great rest of the day!


Papers- Bo Bunny Homespun Maple Sugar; DCWV CS (coral red); Paper Co citron CS; Bazzill Vanilla CS; Citronella Strawberry Limeade by K&Co. Stamps- ANM/Stampcraft Beverages. Inks- Graphite Brilliance; Tools- Fiskars Apron Lace edge punch; EK 1 3/4 in circ punch; Mary 2in scalloped circle punch. Pens- Copic Y13, YG17, B000, YG03. Font- CAC One Seventy 18pt.

Whooo Loves You?

Updated to add my supply list below...

Good Mornin, Folks! I am in a little hurry again this morning. I start back at my part time job for the fall season as of this weekend so I am off to be career woman with just a few minutes to pop in to say hello. It will be another quick post and I will fill you in with supply lists once the weekend is over. Today's card is one of my entries for the Anni-Verve-Sary Sketch Challenge held in honor of Verve's 2 year anniversary and August Stamp Release. I am sorry to say that I did not win any prizes but I really enjoyed completing the cards with a purpose in mind. So here ya go...

The outer sentiment finishes up on the inside of the card with...

I love this fun little sketch! I can't wait to use it again. For the papers, I chose a few from the Fern Collection by Carolee's Creations and my image came from SU's Just Celebrate. I colored that sweet little owl with my copics and SU markers. The colors of the paper were very easy to match. I printed the sentiment on my computer in 20pt Whackadoo.

Well, I'm off in a flash. I promise to update these last 2 posts with details as soon as I can manage to get caught up from this whirlwind weekend. You just can't even imagine how much of a mess my desk is right now. Ahhh!!!! :D

Have a great weekend!

Papers- Adorn It Carolee's Creations Fern Collection Hoot Stripe & Owls All Around. Stamps- SU Just Celebrate. Inks- Graphite Brilliance. Tools- Nestabilities petite scalloped circles; marvy 3in circle punch. Embellishments- misc buttons; brown MM stitches. Pens- Copic (BG05, E57, YR09) SU (old olive, creamy caramel). Font- Whackadoo 20pt, 36pt.

Soaring By...

Updated to add my supply list below...

Hi folks! I am in a hurry today but I wanted to share a card really quick on my way out. I am working very quickly to finish my card entries for the Verve sketch challenges in time for the release party tonight. Rush rush! So, I will post today's card and pop back in later with my supplies. I will go ahead and mention that my sketch came from Jen Del Muro's SFYTT on 7-24-09. I love her ideas! If you have any specific questions, post a comment for me. Make sure to stop back by over the next few days because I have 5 new challenge cards that i will be posting as well as several new cards that I finished during my blogging break. Have a great day!

Here is the inside of the card...

I hope you like it. See ya back here later for my materials list. Enjoy your Friday! :)
Papers- Little Yellow Bicycle Round About; SU Rose Red Pattern Pack; DCWV CS. Stamps- Verve Up, Up, and Away. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black. Tools- Sizzix small cloud die; Coluzzle oval dies. Pens- Zig (denim, pure black, white chalk writer) Copic (R37, W5, W1, E25) Marvy blender pen. Font- Andy 20pt (inside 28pt). Sketch- SFYTT on 7-24-09.

Little Mice and Big Hearts

Hello, hello! I'm back again with something new. I went bright and bold for today. I don't often use black on cards unless it is for something like Halloween but this time, I used black, white, and pink. I really like how it turned out. So take a look and then I will tell you more...


I thought this one would make a great little thank you note, a Valentine card, or even just a sweet hello to someone special. My sketch came from one of Jen Del Muro's SFYTT. When I saw it on her blog, I thought it would be great done with several coordinates. I filed the idea away for a rainy day. Then, I got a "wild" idea (for me anyway) to pair up a few papers that don't technically coordinate just as sort of a challenge to myself. Sometimes, I guess I just get a little bored with all the coordinate collections even though I choose them often and love how matching papers look together.

So, I have established that it is a little out of my comfort zone because of colors and mix& match papers. That being said, I am thrilled with how this card turned out! I tried a little paper piecing on the mouse's heart which was fun. I also like how the edge border looks as part of the card. I may not ever get tired of this Apron Lace Edge Punch by Fiskars. I turn to it often despite the bin full of edge punches in my scramp room. It just adds so much to any sketch. It really is a fun punch!

I better get going for today. This week is just flying by for me. My kids are on their 4th day of school already! Stay tuned because I am diligently working on a few of the 5 sketch challenges that are posted on SCS in honor of the big Verve Stamps release this week. I would LOVE to win a few goodies from the new release items. I simply adore the Verve stamps I own already. They are fantastic! I love the clean lines, crisp images, and great spaces to color. Wish me luck! I am going to need it because I bet the compettition is pretty steep.

Papers- Paper Studio Pink w/ White Swirls; MM Black Small Dot; Black CS by DCWV; MM Black Gingham. Stamps- SU Happy Heart Day. Inks- Memento Tuxedo Black. Tools- Marvy blue 2in circle punch; SU 1 3/4in circle punch; Fiskars Apron Lace edge punch; EK sm 6 petal flower punch. Embellishments- Craft Essentials ribbon; Favorite Findings mini buttons. Pens- Copic N3, B91, RV10, 100. Sketch- Jen del Muro SFYTT 7-18-09.

Long Time, No See!

I'm back! I hope I haven't lost all of my 2.76 loyal readers! I took a much needed break and I am all the better for it. As I mentioned, my kids were getting ready for another school year, which is code for mom had to shop til she dropped and Visa laughed at her. The kids are shopped and dressed and orientated and now back in school on their 3rd day today. God bless those poor teachers! I would think the noise alone after a nice, quiet summer would be enough to drive them to drink. So, now that the rug rats are gone all day again, I have more Mommy time, which for me, means playing with paper every second of the day that I can get away with it. How about a new card?

I made lots of new things while I worked during the day for my kids but stayed up all night for me time. Today's card is one of my favs out of my latest work. It went in a slightly different direction for me than my typical material choices. The 2nd photo down is of the inside sentiment on this card. Check it out...


I have had this quote written in my idea book for years and I finally got the chance to incorporate it into a card. The sketch I used is courtesy of Cindy Lawrence/ DTGD. I loved the arrangement of her card for Dare to Get Dirty on SCS so I knew as soon as I saw it that I was copying it soon. I hope I did her idea justice!

My paper choice is another "blast from the past" since it has been in my stash for a LONG time. I know it is a Creative Imaginations Samantha Walker collection but beyond that, I have no specific name for you. I tried stitching over embossing across the top of the navy panel and I love how it turned out. I will certainly be trying that again. As always, if you have any questions about my technique or materials list, please ask. I love to chat!

I am going to cut it short on this first day back. I am off to a friends for a day of stamping and lunch. I will be back tomorrow with another new creation so I hope you'll drop back by here soon and often. It's good to be back. Have a wonderful day!

Papers- creative imag Samantha Walker; SU Night of Navy CS; misc red CS from stash. Tools- Marvy circ punches; MS frond punch; EK 5 petal flower; SU eyelet edge punch; coluzzle circles; CB swiss dots emb folder. Embellishments- Favorite Findings mini natural buttons; ribbon roses (no pkg); MM cream, navy stitches. Font- Papyrus 14 & 22 pt. Sketch courtesy of Cindy Lawrence DTGD.