WMS Sketch Challenge #40

It's time to upload another WMS sketch challenge...I'll (try to) keep my post short so that I can go make hot chocolate for my little sweetie pie who has been waiting so patiently for me to finish on the computer...

Here's the sketch: (very open this week)



Et voila my card:



I wanted to use some wonderful spring-y/summer-y papers from 3 Bugs in a Rug that I stocked up on recently...their designs are so cute & whimsical...even though I'm big into the vintage look right now, I also love these cute little happy papers. The patterned papers I used are from their Lazy Summer and Chloe collections. From Lazy Summer, I used the back side of the Picnic paper as a mat for my bouquet of flowers. From the Chloe line I used the Mini-floral paper, both front & back. (I LOVE double-sided papers! They give you such easy, coordinating options)

Since we don't have much but grey & rain right now in Washington, these sunny bright papers make me smile. Hopefully they will brighten your day too! :) The picture below shows the detail of the interior paper showing through the punched border. That paper is also from the Chloe line, simply called Strip. The cute little coordinating banners & borders are from the coordinating die cut sheet from Lazy Summer.



Have a bright & sunny day, even if it's only in your mind! That's what I'm going to try to do... ;)

Supplies used:

Cardstock: Textured blue (DCWV), Hollyhock (CTMH); Certainly Celery (SU)
Patterned Paper: Chloe & Lazy Summer collections (3 Bugs in a Rug)
Stamp Set(s): Spring Baskets (Waltzingmouse)
Ink/Colorants: Tuxedo Black (Memento); Hollyhock (CTMH); Copic markers: E13, E15, E29, YG06, YG63, YG97, Y11, Y15, Y17
Embellishments: Die cut banners & borders (3 Bugs in a Rug); Paper flowers, glitter brads (OT); Pink buttons (PTI); Waxy flax, Yellow organdy ribbon (CTMH); Pink & white organdy ribbon (stash)
Tools: Arches border punch (EK Success)

H2H Sketch Challenge #49 & PDCC74

Hello, blog land...(or to the 2 or 3 people who happen to stumble across my blog.. ;)
I had a great weekend and now it's back to challenges!

Today's is the H2H Challenge as well as the Play Date Cafe color challenge. My cards today began with the PDC colors...they reminded me of a peacock...so bright & cheerful & spring-y... :)

Here's the inspiration photo:



And here's one of my cards of the day with these beautiful colors:



(The gradation of the sentiment is a little hard to capture in a photo...it's more visible than it appears)

When I saw the colors I immediately thought of some Bo Bunny paper that I recently got called Peacock Lane. It showcases these colors perfectly. I used Flowers, Tweet & Plumes.

H2H was a sketch challenge this week:



This is my take!



In case it's not terribly clear from the photo, the front has an open window. You can see a little better how it works out from the inside:



It's a little bit "free floating"...! A little different than I've done before. The stamps are all from CTMH stamp sets...For the little vase of flowers, I stamped then colored is with Copics. It created kind of an "impressionistic" effect which I kind of like.

Well I guess that's about it! I'm glad spring is here...I'm inspired to create fresh & pretty projects!

Supplies used:

Cardstock: Pacific Point (SU)
Patterned Paper: Bo Bunny Peacock Lane
Stamp Set(s): Thank You, Buttoned Together, Just Because (CTMH)
Ink/Colorants: White Daisy, Grey Wool (CTMH); Copic Markers: V12, V17, B24, C1, YG63
Embellishments: Paper flowers (stash); Brads (CTMH)
Tools: Scallop Circle/Circle dies (Spellbinders); Plus Label die (Cuttlebug)

Papertrey March Blog Hop -->> Using embroidery floss

Well, I'm heading out to the Creating Keepsakes convention for a little sister girl time for the next couple days...it's late and I've got to get to bed so I can get up in the AM and pack!

But I've got to get this post online or it won't go up and then I won't be able to participate in Papertrey's blog hop on Friday. So I'll try to keep it short...

The challenge for this month's blog hop was to use embroidery floss. I'm pretty new to doing a lot of hand stitching on my cards, though I've been stocking up on tools & products to do it for years, just never got the time. Therefore, this challenge was a perfect excuse to get out some of my stockpiled tools and try them out for the first time. I made the sunbursts on this card using the new We R Memory Makers Sew Easy piercer. I'm still perfecting its use, but I think that this one turned out pretty okay!

The size of this card is pretty non-standard...it's kind of huge, actually! 4" x 9-1/4"...I've made one other card this size recently (I chose this size because I have some pretty envelopes in this size!) though it was in landscape format...I must say that this size in a portrait format is a bit unwieldy and difficult to photograph...but all in all, I like how it turned out. I'm loving the warm & Mediterranean summer colors. Spring has just barely sprung and I'm prepping for summer already! ;)



Detail of stitching, Copic coloring, which, incidentally, is more of the same cool technique from this week's Make It Monday...coloring on colored cardstock! I just LOVE the results...such rich color.




Supplies used:

Cardstock: Ruby Red (SU); Sunny Yellow (CTMH)
Patterned Paper: from Sweet Slumber DSP (SU); my own homemade "serendipity" paper (multi-colored orange squares)
Stamp Set(s): Mat Stack 3 Collection, Autumn Abundance
Ink/Colorants: Black Memento; Autumn Terracotta (CTMH); Copic markers - BG10, YG63, YG97, Y13, Y19, YR12, YR31, E33, E18; Cherry Cobbler marker (SU)
Embellishments: Yellow polka dot organdy ribbon (stash); Red pearls (OT); Variegated floss (DMC)
Tools: Take 3 die (PTI); 1-3/4" Circle punch (EK Success); Sew Easy paper piercer (We R Memory Keepers)

Make It Monday #7: Copic coloring on colored cardstock

This week's technique is coloring with Copics on colored cardstock (instead of neutrals)...since I'm pretty new to Copic coloring, and want to jump right in, I was all over this week's challenge...and I must say, I'm completely HOOKED!!! Whether it be on colored cardstock or white or whatever, coloring with Copics is the BOMB! ;)

This card is pretty basic, but I love the simple elegance of it. I love this new flower stamp from a Stampin' Up Hostess set, Because I Care. It was the perfect image to use for the Copic coloring on colored cardstock. It made this flower look so fabulous, so easily!



Supplies used:

Cardstock: Kraft (PTI); Real Red (SU); Colonial White, Spring Iris (CTMH)
Patterned Paper:
Stamp Set(s): Because I Care (SU)
Ink/Colorants: Memento Black; Copic Markers: B04, B93, B95, YG63, YG97, C1; Chocolate Chip marker (SU) for splatter background on Colonial White cardstock
Embellishments: Glitter Brads (OT); Twilight Organdy ribbon (CTMH)
Tools: Small Polka dots Texturz plate (Sizzix)

WMS Sketch Challenge #36 & PDCC73

I had a lot of fun combining the Waltzingmouse Sketch from this week with the colors from the Play Date Cafe Challenge (both seen below):

I finally have some Waltzingmouse stamps to use on the WMS sketch...I just got some new ones in the mail last week and I love using them! I used Pic-Nic Patterns for the background, and Spring Baskets for the basket, eggs & sentiment. Love this set!

For the PDCC colors I chose Creme Brulee, Hollyhock & Petal cardstock. Then I distressed everything up quite a bit because I was going for a more muted, vintage look. Gotta love those Distress Inks to achieve this goal. The final touch was a couple spritzes of some shimmer spray in "Treasured Hymn" (that's the color name...cool, huh?) It's a light creamy beige with lots of shine. I added a detail shot so the shimmer can be seen a little better.



In this shot the double layer of the basket & eggs can be seen a little better.



Supplies used:

Cardstock: Creme Brulee, Petal, Hollyhock (CTMH)
Patterned Paper: none
Stamp Set(s): Spring Baskets, Pic-Nic Patterns (WMS); Banner Builder (PTI)
Ink/Colorants: Hollyhock, Creme Brulee, Petal, Blush (CTMH); Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo (Distress Inks); Watercolor Pencils (SU); Treasured Hymn Shimmerz Spritz
Embellishments:
Tools: Decorative Label punch (SU); Banner Builder dies (PTI)

My Mind's Eye Challenge #21 & Get Your Diva On!

I am again combining two challenges...the first, from the My Mind's Eye blog which is to use this sketch:



I have recently fallen head over heels in love with My Mind's Eye papers, almost all their lines, but especially the Lost & Found line. When I went to their blog and saw that they do a monthly challenge, I just had to be involved! The "Get Your Diva On" challenge from Verve was to use all neutrals with just a splash of color...when I saw this paper from Lost & Found - Union Square - Beautiful Day...it seemed perfect. I'm so into the distressed, old, vintage look lately.

(I was supposed to use the theme "Celebrate Today" also, but didn't notice that until after I made the card..whoops...hopefully it won't be too big of a deal!) In any case, I just jumped at the chance to dive into my new MME papers. And of course, I LOVE my Verve stamps...I also tried something new here: Distressing Embossing Powder. I used it on the swirly frame. I do like the results:



Supplies used:

Cardstock: Kraft (SU)
Patterned Paper: Lost & Found line -->> Union Square -> Beautiful Day Paris, Home Sweet Home Collage (MME)
Stamp Set(s): Thankful Accents, Thankful Hearts (Verve Stamps)
Ink/Colorants: Distress Embossing Powder, Walnut Stain & Tea Dye Distress Ink (Ranger)
Embellishments: Dark Chocolate buttons (Papertrey); Crochet Lace trim (SU)
Tools: Abstract Flower Border Punch (EK Success); Labels Sixteen dies (Spellbinders)

With Sympathy

Just wanted to share a sympathy card I made today. A dear colleague of my husband's passed away a couple days ago and I was thinking of his wife.

I really wanted something special, something touching, a moment of beauty & possibly a little comfort during such a difficult time. I prayed for inspiration. When I went to my craft room, I pulled out some of the many new papers I have from My Mind's Eye, this one called Ooh La La for Him. I usually lean toward more girly papers...I have two girls and I love girly color schemes, but I was drawn to this paper because I always have trouble when it comes to needing a masculine card. As it turns out, this paper ended up being absolutely perfect for my sympathy card.

I started flipping through the sheets, and this beautiful 12x12 sunrise jumped out at me. (if you click through the link above, you'll see the paper collections with all the papers lined up. Click on the one of the sun to get the full view). The sun just spoke to me of hope & joy, without being too cheery at an otherwise dark time. I have some really pretty silver "invitation" envelopes that are quite large: 4" x 9-1/4"...so I wanted to make a large card to go with it...as it turns out, this large card format is perfect for using this sun paper. An answer to prayer all the way around! I love the way this card turned out...simple, yet beautiful, I think. I hope it has the intended effect, what I prayed for.



I'm LOVING this paper line...I was able to use more of the same paper on the inside, just turned it over for the top of the inside (love double sided paper), and more of the sun's rays below. The die cut on the front is also from that paper kit! Perfect! I bought a set from Waltzingmouse Stamps a few months ago called Words of Wisdom. I remembered this sentiment and wanted to use it...turns out it fit PERFECTLY on the die cut. God does care about the little moments of our lives, and He uses us in small ways to bless others! This is always my prayer for my card making.

Here's the inside:



Supplies used:

Cardstock: So Saffron (SU)
Patterned Paper: from Ooh La La for Him paper collection (My Mind's Eye)
Stamp Set(s): Words of Wisdom (WMS); Simple Sentiments (PTI); Isaiah 61:3 Plain Jane stamp, Notes of Prayer (Verve Stamps)
Ink/Colorants: Juniper, Ponderosa Pine, Creme Brulee (CTMH);
Embellishments: all die cuts are from the Ooh La La for Him paper kit
Tools:

Make It Monday #6 -->>Impression Plate Tricks #1

A quick post for today...I'm trying to participate in Waltzingmouse Stamps' Christmas Card Challenge...by posting a Christmas card in their gallery for each month of 2011, wherein each month there is a different creative challenge. There is no deadline (except for the end of the year!), so though I'm very behind, I'm still able to post my cards for January & February...this is why I'm working on Christmas cards, in case anyone is wondering! ;)

I decided to try to combine the card I was working on for February's challenge with the Make It Monday challenge from this week...interesting impression plate use. One of the things I don't like as much about impression plates (compared to embossing folders) is that the design is more subtle, sometimes even hard to see. So with this card I tried some chalking to make the design stand out a little more.



February's challenge is a "quick pick"...using up some pieces left over from last card making season. This is good for me because I always buy product that I don't end up using! I still had a number of really pretty shiny rub-ons that I bought in Christmas 2009! I decided to use one of them for the focus of this card. Part of the WMS challenge is that I have to use WM stamps at least somewhere on the card, so I still have to add that to this card...but I'll have to do that later! For now, this is my Make It Monday card.

Here is my January card also:



January's challenge was to "recycle" something from Christmas this past year...a card, a tag, or whatever. I had this totally cute handmade Christmas card from my friend Jessa (a great card maker) so I just took the whole face off and added it as a focal point to a bigger card! I also added a cute tag I had from Christmas and embossed the card base in addition to adding a border stamp. (I hope you don't mind that I used your card for this, Jessa! ;) if you're reading this...It's a compliment!)

And because I had to use WM stamps on the card, I stamped a sentiment block for the inside.



That's it for me today and my weird Christmas card in March post!

Supplies used:
Impression plate card:
Cardstock: Green Galore, Yoyo Yellow (SU)
Patterned Paper: none
Stamp Set(s): none
Ink/Colorants: Shimmer Chalk (Pebbles)
Embellishments: Glitter bell rub-ons (Michaels); border stickers (from stash)
Tools: Flourish texture plate from Backgrounds #1 set (SU), Labels Nine dies (Spellbinders)

Recycle card:
Cardstock: Old Olive (SU); Topiary (CTMH)
Patterned Paper: from Jolly Christmas collection (American Crafts)
Stamp Set(s): Very Vintage Labels No. 2 (Waltzingmouse); Holiday Button Bits, Big & Bold Holiday Wishes (PTI)
Ink/Colorants: Cranberry, Topiary, Chocolate (CTMH)
Embellishments: recycled card front & tag
Tools: Candy Cane embossing folder (Cuttlebug)

WMS Sketch Challenge #38

It's that time again...for another Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge! I should have some fresh & lovely new WMS stamps in my mail box soon, but until then, other stamps will have to do. I'm still hoping to win a WMS stamp set...I've got a long wish list! ;)

Here is this week's sketch...


And here's my take:


I am still using "Valentine" papers from Making Memories' Je T'Adore line...I can never seem to get enough pink & red (my FAVORITE colors), so I don't let the fact that Valentine's Day was a month ago stop me from using these colors. I put the word Valentine in quotes because I think this paper - along with almost all paper that is designed and released for V-day - can be used for so much more.

The stamp set is an oldie from CTMH...which was part of a special promotional card kit. It's called "Just Because"...and is still part of my ongoing effort to use old stamp sets and then decide to either keep or sell. The jury is still out on this one...any thoughts? Keep or sell? I like how this card turned out, and I love the French feel of the designs of the ladies. I felt that it fit perfectly with the Je T'Adore paper.

By the way, here is the inside of the card. I want to send it to someone who is very sweet who has blessed my life & needs encouragement!



I also used a new set I just got from Technique Tuesday: Borderline - Vintage Lace. I absolutely LOVE these little lacy borders! Used them on the front and inside. So beautiful.

Oh, also...my sweet little first grade daughter wanted to get in on the card making challenge too...when I told her it was a "contest", she immediately thinks "what do I win?" She loves making cards too and is so artistic...I'm happy to encourage her in the paper crafting direction! ;)

Here's the little card she made based on the sketch:



Supplies used:

Cardstock: Vintage Cream (PTI); Cocoa (CTMH)
Patterned Paper: from Je T'Adore line (Making Memories)
Stamp Set(s): Just Because (CTMH); Borderline: Vintage Lace (Technique Tuesday); Nehemiah 8:10 Plain Jane stamp (Verve Stamps)
Ink: Cocoa, Vineyard Berry (CTMH)
Embellishments: Pearls (CTMH, Michaels)
Tools: Scallop Circle and Plain Circle dies (Spellbinders); Modern Label punch (SU)

The Play Date Cafe Challenge (PDCC72)

My first play date cafe challenge card...I happened upon this blog through Anya Schrier's blog (she is a WMS designer and I love her work). I'm always up for another challenge and I like that PDC does mostly color challenges. I could use work in this area (putting together unique color combos), so off I go!

Here's the color inspiration for this week:



And here's my card:



Now that I'm looking at the challenge picture, the color looks more orange than yellow, but I was doing it from memory, so that's what I got! I will still playing with my newest rental stamp set from Raisin Boat, Joyous Garden. I colored the image this time with chalk, which is something I haven't done in a long time. I don't like the result as much as the watercolor pencils I used on the other image from this stamp set, but still I'm loving these line drawn images! Now I want to stock up on them! My newest acquisition is some Copic markers (finally!) so my next colored in image will be with them! yay! :)

Supplies used:

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Summer Sunrise (PTI); Pink
Patterned Paper: from Good Day Sunshine (SU)
Stamp Set(s): Joyous Garden (Raisin Boat); Mat Stack 2 Collection (PTI)
Ink/Colorants: Moonstruck, Black (CTMH); Chalk (Pebbles)
Embellishments: Outdoor Denim brads (CTMH)
Tools: Ticket corner punch, Square Lattice embossing folder (SU)

Serendipity paper and my frugal heart is happy!

So I've had this idea in my head for a long long time now...I'm a frugal crafter and I never throw away any bits of my luscious paper until it has been reduced down to almost nothing. This means that I have an ever-expanding file folder with all my paper scraps, organized by color - one for patterned paper, one for solid cardstock, (both in all the colors of the rainbow) and one for neutrals. So what fun thing can I do with all these little bits & pieces? Serendipity paper! I can't say the idea is purely mine...I'm sure I've come across it in a magazine somewhere before, and more recently in CardMaker magazine, which is where I got the name. But I just love the idea of getting full use out of all my paper, including the little leftovers.

I started with all my pinks. I got out my 1-1'4" circle punch and punched out tons of little circles from all my pink patterned paper scraps. Then I simply glued them all together on a scrap 12x12 sheet. Simple! A bit of time consumption, but worth it. My frugal sensibilities are now completely satisfied!

Here's a large part of the paper after it has already been cut down to make the projects I made today:


And here is the card I made with this paper..


It's a kind of tri-fold card, with the serendipity paper on the front & inside. I used another of my "purple" CTMH stamp sets (since you've probably not seen my other posts where I explain what my purple sets are...these are ones I've designated as ones I need to use to determine whether I want to keep them or sell them. I mark them in purple on my stamp inventory list) - it's called Bowl of Cherries. Very cute. I think I like it. Just wish it had a few more card-worthy sentiments.

A couple card detail shots:



I also made some really fun little Lunchbox Notes with a Papertrey die that I've had for a little while now and not had the chance to use. I LOVE it! It was designed to make little square cards with a flap. Perfect for lunchbox notes (of course) as well as gift tags and other mini insert cards. I just used up some more of the serendipity paper to cover & embellish these little cards for my daughter's lunch box. Nothing fancy. A little stamping using the set Way to Go, Kiddo, which was basically designed to go with the lunchbox note die.


Gotta run for now! Dinner preparation's calling...

Supplies used:

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip (SU); Vellum (PTI)
Patterned Paper: Serendipity (my own creation!)
Stamp Set(s): Way to Go, Kiddo (PTI); Bowl of Cherries (CTMH)
Ink: Chocolate, Tulip, Watermelon, Olive, Vanilla Cream pigment (CTMH)
Embellishments: Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware (SU); Chocolate embossing powder
Tools: Designer Label punch, 2" Scallop punch (SU); Corner rounders (EK Success)

Joyous Garden card -->> for Happy St. Patty's? Sure, why not?

So I've already mentioned about the stamp rental thing I'm doing through Raisin Boat...I so loved the two stamp sets that I got from them last month that I bought them! Now I'm on my next two sets, and the first one I tried, Joyous Garden, made me completely gaga. I'll be buying this set too, for certain! (Wait, wasn't I supposed to be saving money through this deal? Yikes, don't tell my husband! ;)

Anyway, I wanted a super simple card, just the stamped image and sentiment with a tiny bit of embellishment. I stamped the image and then colored it with watercolor pencils and then simply dabbed at the colored pencil with a water brush. The results? I'm smitten! I'm completely in love with this kind of hand drawn set. And my watercolor pencils that have been gathering dust? In love with those again too!

As of recently, I have been following the Create blog (Northridge Publishing's CARDS & Scrapbook Trends) and wanting to participate in one of their challenges. This week's was "St. Patrick's Day cards". Since I don't normally celebrate St. Patty's day much, (and I don't own a single stamp that says Happy St. Patrick's day, plus who would I give that card to?)...I just made today's little card all in green and thought that the sentiment sounded kind of like an "Irish Blessing". Will it pass for an SPD card? Sure, why not? ;)



Supplies used:

Cardstock: greens from Stampin' Up (not sure which ones)
Patterned Paper: none
Stamp Set(s): Joyous Garden (Raisin Boat)
Ink: Black (CTMH)
Embellishments: grograin & organza ribbon (CTMH)
Tools: Score tool (Martha Stewart)

Make It Monday #5: Distressing Edges

I was inspired by Lisa Johnson's simple, yet lovely card that she made for the Make It Monday video. I'm always challenged when it comes to making simple cards that I end up liking. I decided to try and keep this card simple.

However, I had to use Guidelines, because it's a set I've had for awhile now and have never used. I tried it out, and boy do I love this little background making set! Such a fun (and relatively easy to create) result! I borrowed a bright color combo that Dawn listed as her favorite for the color combo challenge during PTI's anniversary week. I love these bright colors! Unfortunately, they're terribly tough to photograph for a non-professional like me, so I'm afraid the picture doesn't do the fun colors their proper justice.

I also had to try to photograph the punched border on the bottom with the bright turquoise peeking through..another bit of a challenge. In addition, the distressed edges of my frames are a bit hard to make out due to the limitations of my camera. SOMEDAY...I will have a better photo-taking studio situation! ;) For now, this will have to do! :)



Supplies used:

Cardstock: Raspberry Fizz (PTI); Tempting Turquoise? (SU); red (scrap)
Patterned Paper: none
Stamp Set(s): Guidelines, Birthday Bash Sentiments, Vintage Labels (PTI)
Ink: Chocolate, Black (CTMH); Dark Chocolate (PTI); Dark Brown chalk ink (Colorbox)
Embellishments:
Tools: Labels One dies (Spellbinders); Open scallop border punch (SU); Chizzel-it tool (for distressing) (Provo Craft)

Mojo Monday 181

For Mojo Monday this week, I thought I'd pull out some of my sadly neglected Verve stamps! I thought it appropriate, since it is Verve that sponsors the Mojo Monday sketches... :) I just have too many wonderful stamps and never enough time to use them all! (same thing with papers)...

Speaking of papers, I finally was able to use some papers that I bought ages ago and have been holding onto for probably close to a decade...and they're still totally cute! They have survived numerous purgings of paper crafting supplies, because every time I looked at them, I thought, "I still think these are simply fabulous." And today I finally used them. They are from Creative Imaginations, and I just love the coffee theme. (as I love coffee!)

I loved the sketch this week:


Sometimes sketches come together easily and others I struggle with. But for some reason, this one just worked for me.

Et voilà my card! (I wish I were a better photographer, as I did the best I could, but the picture is still just not quite right...the colors look so much better in real life!) I think I'll send it to a fellow coffee-loving friend whom I haven't seen in awhile. We need to be reminded of the important things in life!



Supplies used:

Cardstock: red (not sure which red) (SU)
Patterned Paper: Pink Java, Java Beans, Mocha Stripes & Latte Dots (Creative Imaginations); copper shimmer (?)
Stamp Set(s): Delightful & Delicious (Verve)
Ink: Chocolate (CTMH); Dark Chocolate (PTI); Tea Dye Distress ink (Ranger)
Embellishments: Mocha Pearls (CTMH)
Tools: Abstract Flower & Postage Stamp border punches (EK Success); Labels 9 dies (Spellbinders); Leafy punch (Martha Stewart)

H2H Challenge Times 3

So H2H gives the challenge to stamp three of something to make a "scene". I've realized lately that I am not particularly good at this...but there is another purple stamp set I wanted to use called Kindred Spirits. This one goes way back; not sure if anyone will even remember this one, but it falls exactly into the same category as the set I mentioned in my last post, the "oooh, super cute, MUST HAVE" then buy and never use category.

But, I'm always up for a challenge, and every day is a chance to learn something new, stretch my creativity, and even failures in the craft room help me to learn, so I pulled out this set and attempted THE SCENE. In case you CTMHers out there have forgotten what this set looks like (it's long retired, as it was some sort of special hostess promotion LONG ago), here it is:



I had quite the challenge with this one! However, I wanted a card that I could give to my daughter as a lunchbox note, and I liked the kind of "elementary" feel that this has to it in its finished form. My daughter loves to draw & color, and this finished card really makes me think of her, so I'm happy with it ultimately.

Again, WAY too time consuming. Oh, I also pulled out and dusted off my CTMH colored pencils for this one...that was kind of fun! I had forgotten how coloring with pencils allows you to go over outlines nicely without the danger of covering up the design too much.

Anyway, I know this scene is not to scale or anything, but I hope my daughter will like it. I know it will brighten her lunchbox & her day.



Supplies used:

Cardstock: Spring Rain (PTI), White Daisy (CTMH); So Saffron (?) (SU)
Patterned Paper: none
Stamp Set(s): Kindred Spirits (CTMH)
Ink: Clover Meadow, Topiary, Smoothie, Spring Iris, Hydrangea, Chocolate, Sunflower, Bamboo (CTMH); blue & green chalk ink (Colorbox); Colored Pencils (all CTMH)
Embellishments:none
Tools: scissors (CTMH)

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #37

This week's WMS sketch challenge was very basic, so the challenge is, what will I do with it to "dress it up"?...well, I'm still on the kick to use stamp sets in my stash that I've never used before, for the purpose of determining whether I want to keep them or put them in the "purge" pile. Next up in my list of these kind of stamp sets - I call them the "purple" sets because I keep a stamp set inventory (I know, I'm a nerd) and the ones that are up for potential sale get marked in purple - is a CTMH set I've had for ages called Around the Block. It is one of those sets that you first see and go "Ooooh, super cute!" But then you buy it and are never quite sure what to do with it. Here's a picture of it:



So I decided to base my card on the use of this set. I must say that although I had fun putting this together and I like the way it turned out, this stamp set falls into my "cute, but WAY too time consuming to use" category...this card took me a couple of hours to put together because of all the piecing, coloring, cutting of teeny details and assembling in many layers. I suppose a more creative person would find a way to use it more simply, but I just look at all those little parts of the house and my brain goes crazy with the possibility that lies in the details! The verdict: sell. I will keep saying to myself, "I will not be a hoarder, I will not be a hoarder..." ;-)

Well, here's the WMS sketch from this week:



And here's my little house card. Fun stuff. A time luxury.


Supplies used:

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip (SU)
Patterned Paper: all from Berry Bliss Designer Series Paper (SU)
Stamp Set(s): Around the Block (CTMH); Frames & Messages (Hero Arts)
Ink: Chocolate, Vineyard Berry, Cocoa, Black, Grey Wool; coordinating markers from CTMH & SU; Colorbox brown chalk ink
Embellishments: none!
Tools: Scissors (Tim Holtz & CTMH)

Friends are Treasures

These days, when I walk into my craft room, I feel overwhelmed. I love all of my goodies, but when one has so many, one often doesn't know where to begin. Since I'm always on the lookout for items that I can "recycle" that I'm no longer using, I've decided that one of my taking off points will be stamp sets that I haven't used in a long time (or ever used!) Not only do I want to ink up ones that have been neglected for far too long, but I also find it both inspiring and challenging to be creative with a given product, rather than using a sketch to start and finding products to work with that sketch. Plus I can then determine if a given stamp set or other product is one that can be added to the "sell" pile, to make room for new stuff.

With that in mind, the cards I made today were using stamp sets from my Close To My Heart library that I haven't used in quite awhile. I pulled them out and got to work! I found that there were a couple that I still like and will continue to use, and one I could part with.

I also have been thinking about my old friends lately, the ones in California that I don't see much anymore but whose friendship I will always greatly appreciate, and decided I needed to make some friend cards today! The following two cards are the result of all my musings & strategizing. :)

This set uses the CTMH set Treasures. I had an inspiration photo and I wanted a large stamp for the bottom corner. I went through my stamp catalog and realized that I don't have very many large medallion-sized stamps (must shop NOW! ;) But I found this set, so I pulled it out with its large dandelion and swirly sentiments.


This set uses another older CTMH set, Endless Love, that still tickles my fancy. I have always been drawn to border stamps but when it comes time to use them, I'm not sure exactly how. Since I have tons of them, I've decided to pull them out more often and challenge myself to use them in new & creative ways. I like the way this border + large corner stamp turned out. This stamp set will remain in my arsenal! :) I also pulled out another cute frame & sentiment set called True Friends. I've loved this one since day one with its distressed looking frames and friend-oriented sentiments. Can't part with this one yet either!


Supplies used:

Dandelion card:
Cardstock: White pre-made 5x7 base (Current)
Patterned Paper: Making Memories Je T'Adore
Stamp Set(s): Treasures
Ink: Hollyhock, Black (CTMH)
Embellishments: Glitter buttons (Oriental Trading); Sparkles (CTMH); embroidery floss

Endless love card:
Cardstock: White pre-made 5x7 base (Current)
Patterned Paper: Making Memories Je T'Adore
Stamp Set(s): Endless Love, True Friends
Ink: Smoothie, Blush (CTMH)
Embellishments: Paper flowers (OT); Epoxy brad from Two Scoops collection (Basic Grey)

Guilty Pleasures -->> just for fun! ;)

I didn't have any particular challenge to post to today, but I still have this wonderful stamp set that I'm in love with called "Guilty Pleasures". So I made a few more cards with it.

I decided to keep this set (rather than return it, as it was a rental from Raisin Boat), so I'm sure I'll have more cards in the future with it.

I made the square card first and had some paper left over so I decided to try my hand at making a *gasp* one layer card...something I'm not terribly good at, but would love to get better! I'm pretty happy with the way all these turned out. I'm learning that not every card has to be a masterpiece to be worth making. Even simple cards can be fun & rewarding.

I have a good friend who is a bit under the weather this week and with whom I like to share a good cup of coffee...when I made the coffee cup card I thought of her and so it will be in the mail tomorrow! (The inside reads "feel better soon.") This is what I love about card making...in a short period of time you can have a sweet little handmade piece of art to share with others & hopefully bless their day.

If you're looking at these I hope they bless your day a little bit too! :)









Supplies used:

Cardstock: Summer Sunrise, Berry Sorbet (PTI)
Patterned Paper: striped flourish & cupcake papers from the Sweet Collection paper pad by DCWV; pink glitter flourish paper by Kay & Co; brown heart paper from Basic Grey Bittersweet
Stamp Set(s): Guilty Pleasures (Raisin Boat); Warm Happiness (PTI)
Ink: Dark Chocolate (PTI); Watermelon (CTMH); assorted markers by SU & CTMH
Embellishments: Pink Rox (Queen & Co)
Tools: just a paper trimmer & Tim Holtz scissors today... pretty simple!