Thanks

I love these large cling background stamps! I've got several from Hero Arts and October Afternoon. I've pulled them all out and decided to create some cards with them. I have so many stamps that I've collected and have never used. I've challenged myself to get them out and start playing with them!

For this card it looks like I've used white embossing powder, but I didn't. I took a pieced of Tim Holtz watercolor paper and stamped the Hero Arts Leaf and Floral background stamp with versamark ink. I then heat embossed the image with clear embossing powder. For the colors I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink in peeled paint, dusty concord and rusty hinge. The sentiment is a die from Simon Says Stamp. I love these word dies and am planning on buying more of them. The bow is tied using three different colors of American Crafts twine.

Such an easy and fun way to create a card! Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Unscripted Sketches #241

Here's my take on the Unscripted Sketch for the Design Team this week. I went out of my comfort zone and used purple. I'm not sure why, but I just don't use that color very much. I often say that purple isn't one of my favorite colors. I'm actually kind of neutral about it. I wanted something colorful for this card and I think I achieved that using the green and orange. 

To add dimension I just secured the center of the butterflies to the card and added a button with some twine. 

Please join us this week with your take on the sketch above. All the details are on the blog post over at Unscripted Sketches! You don't have to have a blog in order to play. If you load your creations to a gallery, just add the direct link to your project and be sure to give credit for the sketch to Unscripted Sketches.

Products Used:
Base Cardstock - PTI in White
Patterned Paper - Core'dinations - Brights - Textured - Carnival
Stamps - Hero Arts - Everyday Sayings - CL342
Ink - Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Black Soot & Memento - Jet Black
Gems - Crystal Stickers - Pearls
Butterflies - Martha Stewart Punch
Twine - American Crafts

Mini Book Swap

I joined my first ever mini book swap! It was fun making a book for someone else, but it makes me a wreck not knowing if they'll like it. We were able to say which paper lines we liked and other miscellaneous info. We could also choose to create the book in the style that we normally use or in the way they like. I think my book reflects what I usually gravitate to. I've also noticed that having a deadline makes me so nervous! My crafting style is to just fly by the seat of my pants. I'm very happy to report that I finished way ahead of schedule. I also joined a tag and card swap. I'll post more about them later. I mailed my tags ahead of time and am working on the cards now. 

Serena, the recipient of my book said she likes Graphic 45. I was so happy because this manufacturer is one of my favorites! I chose to use their "Olde Curiosity Shoppe" collection. The covers of the book are 6 -inches by 6 -inches. Before I go any further, I'm going to warn you that this post is very photo heavy.

On the cover I wanted to add some dimension. I made the two flowers using a Tim Holtz die. For the butterflies I used a Martha Stewart punch. I added Glossy Accents to give them a little more stability.

I used grungepaper behind one of the sentiments that I cut from one of the pieces of cardstock. That made it easier to bend so that I could have it stand out more. On the spine I added some ribbon from American Crafts.

The back of the cover has an image cut from one of the cardstock sheets.

Including the inside front and back cover there are 22 pages. There are also some pages that have pockets and some flaps that fold up or out. The pocket pages hold seven mats that pull out to use for more photos or journaling.

Inside front cover and first page. The chipboard element on the left will hold a photo that is approximately 2 -1/8 inches by 3 -1/4 inches. I used a Tim Holtz two-ring binder for the binding of this book.

Second and third pages.



Fourth and fifth pages. I'm counting the tag as a page.



Sixth and seventh page. On the manila tags I used Tim Holtz distress inks.



This page holds a flip out and also has a pocket.



Eighth and ninth pages.



Pages 10 and 11.



One page opens up and has a velcro closure. The other one has ribbon across it and holds four tags that can be used for journaling or photos.

Pages 12 and 13.



Page 13 has a foldout that will hold photos on both sides.



Pages 14 and 15.



Pages 16 and 17.



Pages 18 and 19.



Page 20 and the inside back cover.

I did make a second copy of this book. The only things that are different are some of the chipboard pieces. You can see a video of this book here.

I can't wait to share the book that I receive from my partner Kim!

Thanks for stopping by!

21 Days Of Christmas Cards - Day 21 - Merry Christmas

This is the final day of my "21 Days of Christmas Cards". I absolutely adore this collection of patterned paper from BoBunny! The colors are so rich.

I hope you've enjoyed seeing all the cards I sent out this year. I also hope that some of my cards inspired you in your card creations.

Supplies used for this card: PTI in Vintage Cream and Kraft, Patterned Paper from BoBunny: Noel Cheer and Noel Ornaments, American Crafts Ribbon, Hero Arts Pearl Gemstones, Jute, Button, Memento Ink in Bamboo Leaves, Stamps from TPC Studios: Christmas Greetings, EK Success Open Scallop Edge Punch.

21 Cards Of Christmas Cards - Day 3 - Noel

I love how simple this card is but yet how festive it looks. This is another Penny Black Stickeroo. I think I'm really loving how versatile, quick and easy these stickers are to work with! I wouldn't use them for all cards I create, but it's just nice to have the option to do so.

Although it's hard to see, I did add stickles to the berries and leaves. I used a Quickie Glue pen to add glitter to the letters in the word Noel. I'm sorry but I don't know the manufacturer of the Noel stamp. It's a wood stamp that I bought a few years ago.

Thanks for stopping!

This post is linked to these parties: Show and Tell Saturday, Check Me Out Saturday.

21 Cards Of Christmas Cards - Day 2 - Merriest Wishes

This is card #2 in my "21 Cards Of Christmas" series. This card was created specifically for my sister-in-law who loves penguins! When I saw this Penny Black Stickeroo and it had a penguin on it, I knew I had to buy it!

I did use stickles on the hat, scarf and holly, but I'm not sure if you can see it very well in the photo.

Other supplies used for this card: Penny Black Stickeroos - Together In Christmas - #10-186, PTI in New Leaf and White, Bazzill in Black, American Crafts Ribbon, EK Success Open Scallop Punch, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Black Soot, Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black, Hero Arts Stamps - Merriest Wishes - CL113, Hero Arts Hero Hues Metallic Decor.

Thanks for stopping by!

This post is linked to these parties: Free For All Friday!, Delicately Constructed Friday!!, Feature Yourself Friday.

Card Patterns Sketch 108 Challenge

It seems like forever since I've participated in a challenge. I guess I've just been busy!

I used my Nestabilities to create my flower using patterned paper from TPC Studio called Grandma's Attic Embroidery.

I love this ribbon! I purchased it on my recent visit to Archiver's at the Mall of America. Now I wish I had bought more. Thankfully I'm heading back real soon so I can stock up on it.

Here's the sketch I worked from:

 

Head over to Card Patterns and check out all the gorgeous cards from the design team.

Products Used: Bazzill, Nestabilities Classic Scalloped Circles Small & Labels One, Clear Embossing Powder, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo, EK Success Open Scallop Edge Punch, American Crafts Ribbon, May Arts Jute, Patterned Paper from TPC Studio called Grandma's Attic Embroidery, Hero Arts Clings - CG125 - Friend Definition, Hero Arts Clear Stamps - CL498 - Live Life, Card Patterns Sketch 108.

Thanks for stopping by!

*as of 3/31/11 this card is featured here.

Sunshine Inspired

Today my eye caught this bicycle stamp sitting on my shelf. It kind of reminds me of my moms bike that my daughter has. Even though it was a little brisk out, it was nice to have the sunshine streaming through the windows. We have alot of snow on the ground from our storm earlier this week, but I couldn't help but think of how nice it will be to take a bike ride. Spring is coming isn't it?

The base cardstock is actually a light yellow. The photo makes it look beige.

Products used for this card:

PTI in Lemon Tart, Patterned Paper from BoBunny - Avocado Dot, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo, Clear Embossing Powder, Printworks - Bike With Basket - JB3925, EK Success Binding Edge Punch, Ribbon from American Crafts, Stampendous! Dot Sparklers, Hero Arts Clings - CG276 - Things.

Thanks for stopping by!

Clean and Simple

I have a tendency to over embellish my cards. This time, I decided to go with a clean and simple design. I also created a tote bag to hold the set cards.

The designs are perfect for mass production.

They all fit nicely into the tote.

I love the bold pattern of this paper from American Crafts called Union Square.

Other products used for these cards: Cardstock, Gemstones and Pearls, We R Memory Keepers Large Round Snaps, Ribbon, Hero Arts Stamps: Thinking of You CL140, Everyday Sayings CL342, All Occasion CL272.

Thanks for stopping by!

Winter's Butterfly

As you can tell, I like the "White Christmas" Collection from We R Memory Keepers. I've used it in the design of quite a few of my cards this year. It's just a fun collection of patterned paper.

I found the snowflakes I've used on the card at Walmart. They're called "Scatterables" from Holiday Time. I think they were designed for use as home decorations but they worked beautifully on cards. I also found holly and the words "Ho Ho Ho." The snowflakes and the holly came in packages of 40 and the words had 120 pieces. For $1.50 a pack, the value can't be beat. Scrapbook and card embellishments are way more pricey. I've found that you have to look beyond Scrapbook stores to find items that are more reasonably priced that can be used in crafting. I encourage you to use your imagination if you don't want to pay the outrageous prices that these stores charge!

Products Used For This Card:
Bazzill
We R Memory Keepers White Christmas Collection - Winter Wonderland & Winter Mittens
Gold Glitter Cardstock From American Crafts
Holiday Time Scatterables
Metallic Ribbon from JoAnn Crafts
Stampendous! Dot Sparklers
Red Embossing Tinsel
Versamark
Hero Arts Clear Stamps - Winter's Butterfly - CL234

Under The Gun & A Winner Too!!

Since I'm a bit of a procrastinator, I was under pressure today to get four cards made. My hubby said they need to get in the mail on Monday. Actually I work much better under tight deadlines. I don't think I've ever made four cards at once. They're done and I'm sighing with relief!

I'm a winner!! I just found out that I won some Fimo buttons from Jane! Check out her blog. I just love these buttons and have been attempting to make some. I'll be sure to post pictures when I receive them.

Supplies for card above: Simply Chic Random Stripes from American Crafts, Hero Arts Stamps "Birthday Messages", Ribbon & Flower by Prima.

Supplies for card above: Travel Postcard from American Crafts, Hero Arts Stamps " Birthday Messages", Making Memories Shimmer Flourish Chipboard Pieces, Ribbon.

Supplies for card above: Classy Correspondence from Graphic 45 Communique Collection, Stamp from Stampin' Up!, Jute, Buttons.

Card below: Sixth Avenue Gramercy Park by American Crafts, Bazzill Flower & Brad, Hero Arts Stamps "All Occasion".