The Glory of Christmas Challenge #49

Today my card is for the challenge The Glory of Christmas Challenge #49. Anything goes as long as it's Christmas. Christmas cards are my favorite cards to create. Thank you and sympathy cards come in second and third. 

I've been checking around to find challenges that do Christmas all year round. I think I've found a few so don't be surprised if you see more Christmas cards on my blog in 2015.

The patterned paper I used is Silent Night by October Afternoon. This paper is just so cute, I love it! I bought a couple of these pads when I went to the their warehouse sale. For my ornament I die cut the image using a set of dies called Ornament Dies by Sweet 'n Sassy. They have two different stamp sets that also coordinate with this die set. I then ran the die cut through my Big Shot using an embossing folder from Darice. I don't have the name of it. I had some snowflake buttons in my stash so I cut the shank off the back and adhered it to the die cut with a glue dot. My little bow is made out of jute. The sentiment is by Inkadinkado. I've used this sentiment a lot through the years. 

Believe it or not, I've made all these Christmas cards and haven't even sent out one yet and it's December 23rd! Anyone on my card list will be getting their cards late this year!

Be sure to stop by The Glory of Christmas and check out all the cards!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Scrappy Girls Make It Better Challenge #3

 

Whew! I just finished my card for the Scrappy Girls Make It Better challenge by the skin of my teeth! The sketch is below and it's one from Tsunami Rose Designs. I've had all week to work on this as the challenge runs from Monday to Sunday. I really struggled with this one and almost threw in the towel. I tried many combinations and just couldn't find something that I liked. We were to use the sketch and incorporate our favorite colors. I love black, red, kraft and white together. I have so many favorite colors and combinations and this is just one of many. Finally something clicked and I was able to create this card.

For this card I used kraft cardstock from PTI and Bazzill cardstock in black and white. The Martha Stewart edge punch I used is called eyelet lace. The buttons are from my stash. The patterned paper is from Creative Imaginations. The sentiment is from Hero Arts called Birthday Messages - CL139.

The Scrappy Girls Make It Better is a group that is open to the public. You can visit it by clicking here.

 

Tsunami Rose Designs

Thanks for stopping by! This card will be linked here:

Scrappy Girls Make It Better

Cards From Mistakes

The other day I scored cardstock incorrectly not once, but THREE times! I didn't want to toss it so I set it aside. I think I was just so engaged in watching the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial that I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing.

Here are the two of the cards I've come up with. I'm still working on a third one. On both of them I used a strip of cardstock that I adhered to the edge of the card where it didn't meet the other side. I then used an EK Success Punch on the edge called Open Scallop.

In my email yesterday, I received the video of the week email from Hero Arts (you can check it out here). I was inspired by how the buttons were embossed, so this is my take on it:

I looked through my stamps, found one I liked, stamped on the button and embossed it. On the next card instead of embossing, I used Smooch and made dots.

I then covered the button with an iridescent sparkle glaze.

For the leaves I used a die from Sizzix called Branch with Leaves.

I used a stylus to give the leaves some dimension.

Other products used for these cards: PTI Cardstock in Rustic White, Buttons, Smooch, EK Success Edge Punch, Patterned Paper from Creative Imaginations, McGill Stylus, Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Ink, Clear Embossing Powder, Baker's Twine, Hero Arts Stamps - Find Joy - CL497.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

Snow Much Fun



I think this might be my favorite layout I've created lately. I'm really happy with the way it turned out! I did this page for display at The Baker's Wife, where you can find all the products listed below. These photos are the grandson of owner Phyllis Van Beynen. The way I've cropped the photo looks like there isn't any space on the right where the photo is or on the left where the snowflake is. Trust me there is!

Products used for this layout:

Nestabilities Standard Circles Small

TPC Studio Christmas Village Printed Brads and Holly Jolly Pearlized & Glittered Brads

Buttons

We R Memory Keepers Crimson Sewn Cardstock

Dreamstreet Papers Alphabet

Another fun Blog Candy contest is going on! You could win the stamp set below called Morphic Birds from Inkadinkado by clicking here. All you have to do is become a follower and leave a comment. If you're already a follower, just leave a comment stating what you will do with the set if you were to win. Good luck!

Cardabilities Sketch #13 Challenge

What a fun sketch! I can think of so many other possibilities for this one. I know I will use it over and over. This challenge is from Cardabilities. Check out all the fabulous cards the design team created here.

My submission:

The sketch:

Products used for this card:

Solid Cardstock for Base
Patterned Paper from Moxxie - Joys of the Season - Peace & Joy, Boughs of Holly & Trimmings
Nestabilities Labels One
Memento Ink in Rhubarb Stalk
May Arts Ribbon
Buttons
Hero Arts Clear Stamps "Joy to All" CL460
Cardabilities Sketch #13

I'll be dropping this card off at The Baker's Wife for display.

Thanks for stopping by!

I Love A Challenge!

A few days ago I dropped off a layout at The Baker's Wife. While I was there, Phyllis asked me if I could make a card out of a few items. I said "sure!"

She gave me patterned paper from BoBunny's Back to Backs called Flower Child Aquarius, two buttons and some Christmas stamps. This is what I came up with:

The products I used to create this card include: BoBunny's Patterned Paper, May Arts Snowflake Ribbon & Burlap Twine, Memento Ink in Lady Bug, Stampendous! Dot Sparklers in Red, Buttons, Stickles in Diamond, Xmas Red, & Lime Green, Bazzill Cardstock, Making Memories Edge Distressor,  Hero Arts Clear Stamps "Holiday Sayings" CL343 & "Tree-Mendous" CL465

This card is on display at The Baker's Wife.

Christmas Baking Layout

Here's a two page layout I just finished for Phyllis from the local scrapbook store, The Baker's Wife. Why is it so much easier to scrap someone else's photos? Is it because mine aren't organized and ready to go?

Very cute pictures of her and the grandkids decorating Christmas cookies. I did leave a little space on the first page down in the right hand corner so that Phyllis has a small journaling area to record the fun memories.

I'll be dropping this off at the store this week for display.

Products used for this layout:
Best Creations Winter Wonderful Patterned Paper
TPC Studio Christmas Village Trim the Tree Patterned Paper
Reminisce Glitter Factory in Precious Jade
Layered Chipboard  White Christmas from We R Memory Keepers
Dreamstreet Papers Alphabet
Burlap Twine from May Arts
Buttons
Nestabilities Classic Scalloped Circles Small & Standard Circles Small



Friday Sketchers Challenge #123

Here's a card I created for the Friday Sketchers Challenge. I hope you'll pop over there and check out all the cards made by their Design Team. There are some cute ones!

Here's the sketch:

Again, I use patterned paper from Jillibean Soup's Christmas Chestnut Collection. I just love this kraft cardstock.

I'll be dropping this card off at The Baker's Wife for display, so if your local and want to take a peak, stop in.

Supplies used for this card:
Jillibean Soup Christmas Chestnut Soup Collection: Sprig of Parsley, Whole Cloves, Turkish Bay Leaf, Heavy Cream, White Sugar, Sweet Chestnuts
Reminisce Glitter Factory: Precious Jade, Shimmering Rubies
Nestabilities - Classic Scalloped Circles Small & Standard Circles Small
We R Memory Keepers "Happy Holidays" Clear Stamps
Memento Ink in Rhubard Stalk
Ribbon
Twine
Button
Friday Sketchers Challenge #123

Cards To Share

I have four cards to share with you. These cards will be on display at The Baker's Wife, so if you're local and you want to take a closer look at them, stop in.

The first one is a pocket card. Love this idea! I saw this style in the Spring 2009 issue of Just Cards! I can think of many other themes to use for this one.

I love the way this next card turned out! I really like the Staples line from Graphic 45 and the corrugated shapes from Jillibean Soup. This one is probably one of my favorites.

On this next card I used the metal page edger from 7 Gypsies. I was going to use them on a mini book, but decided they would work just fine on a card. Fun product to work with!

My final card uses one of my favorite patterned papers from GCD Studios. This is a very simple card, but sometimes less is best.

Products used for the above cards:
Graphic 45 Staples - Flowers, Chipboard Buttons
DoubleMates Cardstock
GCD Studios Patterned Paper
Memento Ink
7 Gypsies Patterned Paper & Metal Page Edger
Ribbon
Buttons
Jillibean Soup Corrugated Shapes
Red Jewels
Hero Arts Black Crystals
Hero Arts Clear Stamps "Everyday Sayings" CL342 & "Tree Birds & Messages" CL182

Thanks for stopping by!

Catching Up In Eau Claire

Another great sketch from Sketches! {by tamara}. This one is #101 from January 5, 2010. You really should hop over to her blog and check out her sketches if you need some inspiration for your layouts. There's such a nice selection to choose from.

My step-son Kyle's girlfriend, Cassie, was nice enough to take this shot of us after we had lunch. Thanks, Cassie!

Well, back to work. I'm in the middle of some projects that will be on display at The Baker's Wife, a local scrapbook store. I'll post some photo's when I'm finished.

Products used for this layout:
Bazzill Cardstock
Patterned Paper by Dream Street Papers-Nostalgic-Maudlin
Buttons
Alphabet by EK Success
Sketch from Sketches! {by tamara}

Card Patterns Sketch 69

I've been concentrating more on scrapbooking lately and I've missed participating in card challenges. When I saw this sketch from Card Patterns, I knew I wanted to create a card. This is the first time I've used my new stamps from the Tim Holtz Collection called Good Thoughts. I think they may become a favorite!

I'm pretty happy with how this card turned out. I like how colorful it is.

Products Used:
Bazzill Cardstock
Cosmo Cricket Patterned Paper
Nestabilities Labels Two
Stamp from Tim Holtz Collection - Good Thoughts CMS5085
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - D'vine Swirls
Misc Buttons
Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers!

This blog post is for you, Tami! I saved this sketch from 52 Sketches...52 Weeks - a blog that no longer exits. Now you can find the sketches on Julie Bonner's blog Starting Now... Regardless, I like the sketches and have saved several of them. I'll apologize in advance because I'm not sure what date this sketch is from.

When I first saw it, I made a mental note because I knew it would be perfect with the right photo. I think the one I used worked beautifully!

After I completed this layout and looked back at the one I posted yesterday, I think I'm beginning to see a pattern - me in a picture with drink in hand! Just so you know, my life isn't unbearable. These are just good times and good memories, so "Cheers" to yours too!

Products used for this layout: Bazzill Cardstock & French Vanilla Paper Flowers, Making Memories Chipboard Jigsaw Shapes, Queen & Co Felt Fushion, Sizzix "Loopy" Die & "Girls Are Weird" Alphabet Dies, Shabby Green Door: Farmers' Market Twine in Cherry Twist, Button, Misc shape from cardstock.

Note Pad Holders

Wow, time has just flown by this week. I never did get to participate in any of the challenges I had planned on. When I finally had some time to sit down today, I wasn't feeling very creative to make cards. I thought I'd try making some post-it note holders.

For the one above I used a small composition notebook. I also inked and sanded the edges. I inked some lace for the edging and used my Sizzix Wingo Zingo alphabet for the letters. While I was in the process of using my Big Shot with the die my cutting pad broke into a few pieces. I've never had that happen before.

I love this one! To make my base sturdy enough, I used three pieces of chipboard. I also used Coredination's Cardstock in Burnt Sugar and inked and sanded the edges. Instead of using ribbon, I used some Boucle Yarn.

This one was super easy. I just scored my Bazzill Cardstock leaving a little extra space on the left side, embellished it and used removable glue dots for the pad inside so that the cover can be reused.

Happy Birthday Card

Here's a simple Birthday card I made yesterday. I used the same technique on the ruffle that I used to make the flower. Love how it turned out!

Products Used:

• Bazzill Cardstock
• Patterned Paper by Cosmo Cricket
• Buttons
• Memento Ink
• Hero Arts "Birthday Messages" CL139

Thanks for stopping by!

A Flowery Thank You

I made today my "lazy day" and worked in my craft room this afternoon. I felt in the mood to make some cards. First I experimented with flower making and came up with this one. I didn't use any card sketches, just flew solo. I like how it turned out. Love that black sparkle embossing powder!

I finally took the plunge and opened up an Etsy shop. There's an icon to the right if you want to check it out or click here. I will be adding this card to the shop.

Products used for this card:

• Bazzill Cardstock
• Fiskars Border Punch
• Button
• Tulle
• Memento Ink
• Embossing Powder
• Hero Arts "Thank You Flourish" Clear Stamps, CL286
• Hero Arts Gemstones

Thanks for stopping by!

Embellish Magazine Challenge

Here's a card I made for the Embellish Magazine Color Challenge. I love the combination of all four colors they chose for this challenge.

Here's the challenge:

Here's my interpretation:

I made the flower out of a paper doily. Since I didn't have pink ribbon narrow enough to go through the button holes, I just inked my white ribbon. You'll also notice that there are a few black speckles of embossing powder left on the card. I purposely left it there because it adds a little sparkle. Normally, I wouldn't do that and I sometimes struggle to get it all off before I heat emboss.

Products I used for this card:

Bazzill Cardstock - Blackbird + White
Paper Doily - 3.5" size
Buttons
Making Memories Shimmer Flourish Chipboard Piece
Nestabilities - Lables One
Sizzix - Swiss Dots Embossing Folder + Big Shot Die Cut Machine
Stampin' Up! Inks - Pixie Pink + Tempting Turquoise + Yo Yo Yellow
Dew Drop Memento Ink - Tuxedo Black
White Ribbon - 1/8" wide
VersaMark Watermark Stamp Pad
Ranger Black Sparkle Embossing Powder
Marvy Embossing Heat Tool
Fiskars Trimmer, Scoring Blade + Scallop Blade
Zots Glue Dots
Therm-O-Web Adhesive

Thanks for looking!

Color Challenge

There's a color challenge going on over at The Play Date Cafe. Sometimes I almost like color challenges better than sketch ones, but I don't plan on giving either up anytime soon.

Here's my interpretation:

Here's the challenge:

Hop on over there and check out all the beautiful creations from the design team.

Products Used For This Card:

• The Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC23
• Hero Arts Clings "Messages" CG132
• Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sticky-Back Canvas
• Felt
• Buttons
• Memento Danube Blue Ink
• Sizzzix Dots Embossing Folder
• Bazzill Cardstock & Brads
• Paper By The Piece Cardstock
• Ribbon

Card Using Sticky Back Canvas

I've been experimenting with Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sticky Back Canvas and I like this stuff! I transferred my patterned paper to the canvas, then I cut it into four pieces and used my paper edger. You only see three pieces on the card, because my experiment didn't work. I was going to sew on each square, but my needle kept getting stuck. So I had to toss one of the squares.

I stamped on the ribbon and I think the texture makes it look a little blurred, but I like the effect.

These adorable flowers are so cute! I've cut a ton of felt strips and only have four flowers made. Here's a tutorial on how to make them.

Products Used For This Card:

• Claudine Hellmuth Studio Sticky-Back Canvas
• Bazzill Cardstock
• Ribbon
• Felt
• Buttons
• Hero Arts Stamps "Friends" CL351

Flower Fun

Flowers and buttons are probably my favorite embellishments to add to cards and scrapbook layouts. I'm on a never ending search for different ways to make them. Below are some I've made recently. I still have other types of flowers I want to experiment with. I'll be sure to share them when I'm finished.

The paper ones are so easy. Getting the right amount of adhesive and spritzing them in order to squish them together gives them a ruffle look.

The fabric ones are so fun and super easy to make!

On the one above I used two fabrics. I haven't decided if I want to add anything to the center yet.

The button flowers have been a little tricky trying to find the right adhesive to hold them together. The felt flowers require a little hand sewing. I think I might try layering a couple just to add a little dimension.

Tainter-Tude Challenge

The Tainter-Tude Challenge going on over at Moxie Fab World has got to be my favorite challenge ever, hands down! I couldn't control myself and I made three cards. I have alot more to make and will post them as I get them done. Just because the challenge will end on the 15th, doesn't mean I have to!

Products Used For These Cards: Paper By The Piece & Bazzill Cardstock, Hero Arts Gemstones, Image From Crafty Secrets, Vintage Images, Typewriter Font, Ribbon, Button, Making Memories Chipboard