Scrappy Girls Challenge #1

 

A group I belong to on Facebook is having their first challenge. The group is called Scrappy Girls Make It Better. This is an open group and you can see the different takes on the sketch below here. We had our choice of a layout or card sketch, or we could do both. I chose the card sketch and this is my take on it.

I pulled out some of my Graphic 45 scraps and used them for this card. I don't remember what collection this is from or if the patterns are even from the same collection. I used PTI  in vintage cream for my card base. The black ribbon is from May Arts. Gems are by Hero Arts and the stamp is from River City Rubberworks. 

 

This sketch is from Cherie Averill. I couldn't find a current blog for her. The blog Sassy Lil' Sketches looks like it hasn't been current since October 2011. I think that's where her sketches were used for challenges. Here's her Pinterest page if you'd like to check it out. I like to credit to people when I use their sketches.

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Graphic 45 Nutcracker Sweet Mini Album

I just finished two more mini albums using Graphic 45's Nutcracker Sweet collection. I bought everything that they had this collection except for the stamps. So far I've been able to create three 6 x 6 - inch books. Now I'm going to work on some smaller albums. You can see my first album here. 

I decided to use rings for my binding this time. On the cover I used one of the chipboard pieces and some display trim corners from 7Gypsies. I tied some ribbon and seam binding onto the rings. I also made a charm using my Epiphany Shape Studio. I chose one the of the gingerbread images from one of the papers. 

This book has 12 pages which include the inside front and back cover. I've added trim with ribbon from Webster's Pages and Making Memories throughout the book. May Arts Ribbon was also used.

Bling from Webster's Pages, Hero Arts, Recollections and Queen & Co were used on photo mats here and there.

I added two Kraft envelopes with an A2 card inside (4-1/4 x 5-1/2 - inches) for additional room for photos, journaling or memorabilia. The next three photos show the pattern paper on the card.

I added a pocket with an images I cut from one of the card stock sheets. Inside of the pocket I added two tags. One made from a Tim Holtz die and the other one from a Sizzix die. 

I left some pages blank for larger photos to be added.

Another kraft envelope and card on the left page. On the right I've added three photo mats measuring 4-1/2 x 5-1/2 - inches for added photo space. A larger photo can be adhered behind the mats. The next four photos show the second card and the photo mats.

This is the back cover. I just embellished it with a sticker from the collection. This is a very fun collection with very unconventional Christmas colors!

I love making books! I do make so many that I can't keep them all. I have a wall of shelves in my craft room with all the books I can't part with. This book will be for sale here.

I'm planning to post my third 6 x 6 -inch book using this collection tomorrow, so check back if you're interested in seeing it. That one will also be for sale. If everything goes well today I plan to make a video of both books. You can keep checking my YouTube channel here to see when they are posted. 

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Wedding & Bridal Shower Cards

These are the final wedding and bridal shower cards I created for a custom order. For this one I used a Tim Holtz die for the flowers. The center is a dimensional sticker from K&Company. Ribbon from May Arts.

For this card I used an embossing folder from Sizzix for the sentiment. The patterned paper used on all of these cards is the Luxury Stack from DCWV and the base cardstock is from PTI. Gemstones are from Hero Arts.

I love the patterned paper used on this card. This sentiment is also a dimensional sticker from K&Company called Wedding Tags Grand Adhesions.

This is my favorite of the wedding cards I created. I love the all white with the silver flowers. An embossing folder from Sizzix was used for the sentiment. The flower centers are ribbon from Maya Road.

This post is linked to these parties: Delightfully Inspiring Thursday Party, Chic and Crafty Party, Saturday Showcase

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One Stamp, Three Cards

I took a technique card class last week and I really enjoyed it! I generally don't gravitate toward alot of new techniques when it comes to stamping. I know this sounds terrible, but I like the way I create my cards. I would prefer just to admire other cardmaker's work. I do emboss but it makes me uncomfortable. It doesn't always turn out how I would like it to. Taking this class took me out of my comfort zone just a little.

I used scraps from my stash for all three cards. What a fantastic way to recycle them. Of course if you could see my stash, I'd be here for years creating hundreds of cards!

For this card, I stamped the image on a piece of cardstock that had small squares. I don't have the name of the manufacturer for this paper. I used my new found love.....Inkssentials Enamel Accents from Ranger. I adore this stuff! I bought the two pack of black and white. It's so much more economical to use this rather than gemstones. Especially for mailing. I'll never quit using gems, but I like having the option of another product.

Secretly this one is my favorite, but I really like all of them. This technique was doubly hard for me because it was embossing and coloring! I'm not good at the coloring part which is why I never use markers. I was so apprehensive learning this one. Since Tim Holtz Distress Inks are used in combination with a waterbrush it was fun and easy. I'm not one to have alot of ink colors so creating this one at home was a bit of a stretch. I'm going to keep practicing with different stamps until I get better at it. For the flowers, I used Tim Holtz Trimmings and cut three of them apart. I inked them with Tim Holtz Distress Inks and add a Hero Arts Pearl Gemstone in the middle.

This one really has a piece of my heart, because I used black embossing powder. Black is one of my favorite colors and paired with this paper from Making Memories called Love Struck, it really stands out. I used black Fiskars Raindots around the bottom.

I'll be adding these cards to my Etsy shop in the next few days. If you're interested in them, check back to see when they're listed.

This post is linked to these parties:
All Things Fee
Creating Success Around the World
Inspire Me Monday
Inspiring Creativity
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday Party - 26
Turning The Table Thursday

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New Mini Book

I just finished a new mini book that I adore! I was thinking to myself that it might just be my favorite one to date. Then it hit me that I have another one that I made that I haven't even shared yet, that I also love. With so many choices, it's hard to choose! I'll be posting that one soon, once I get all my photos in it.

For this one I do know what photos I want to add to it, but I'm going to have to do some digging to get them altogether. That's going to be a project for another day!

This mini has twelve pages, nine pockets and twenty-two journaling or photo mats! It may be small, but it's going to hold alot photos. I used an older paper line from 7Gypsies called Zanzibar. I think it has a vintage feel to it which I like. I do like to ink the edges of everything I create, which may or may not appeal to everyone. I just instinctively do it without even thinking.

Here's a list of the products I used to make this book:
Jillibean Soup Corrigated Flowers
Tim Holtz Products:
Vintage Photo Ink, Tiny Attacher, Clips, Tattered Florals Die
7Gypsies Products:
Zanzibar Patterned Paper, Zanzibar Brads, Binding Rings
EK Success Edge Punches
Fiskars Circle Punch
We R Memory Keepers Products:
Crop-A-Dile, Glitter Brads
Canvas Corp Jute Rope
May Arts Ribbon
Clear Embossing Powder
Kraft Envelopes
Grungepaper
Corner Rounder
Buttons
Hero Arts Clings Stamps - Things - CG276

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It's The Little Things.....

Don't you just love it when you can use up scraps? I made this card quite awhile ago and I'm just now getting around to posting it. I still have a few more left in my stash that I'll be sharing at a later date.

I used leftover flowers from Graphic 45 and Jillibean Soup that I previously used for another project. I created the centers using my Nestabilities. For the 'grass', I used some small pieces of kraft that I ran through my Big Shot using my D'vine Swirls embossing folder. Don't you just love the Farmer's Twine! I just bought some more of it in all different colors. I just adore that stuff!

Products used for this card:
PTI base in Rustic White
Graphic 45 Flowers
Jillibean Soup Corrugated Shapes
Kraft cardstock
Tim Holtz Alterations On The Edge Scallops Die
Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirls Embossing Folder
Nestabilities Classic Scalloped Circles Small
Hero Arts Clear Stamps - CL487 - Thank You For Being My Friend
Farmers Twine from Shabby Green Door in Cherry Twist
May Arts Jute
Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Memento Ink in Lady Bug

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Thinking Of You

I don't use vellum very often, so I was very pleased at how this card turned out. I embossed my design without ruining the paper.

The norm would be for me to either wrinkle the paper so that it couldn't be used or to use the heat tool too long and turn the paper brown. Since my luck seems to have turned, I may just try this again.

Products used for this card:
PTI Black card base, Clear Embossing Powder, Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Crushed Olive & Black Soot, Patterned Paper from BoBunny - Avocado Dot, Velum, Brads, Stampendous! Dot Sparklers, May Arts Ribbon, Hero Arts Clear Stamps - Special Note Of Thanks - CL499.

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Sending Caring Thoughts

The card I'm sharing today incorporates three of my favorite things: black, kraft and red. The polka dots aren't bad either!

I also used one of my new favorite edge punches. I always have a "new" favorite of one thing or another. I haven't tired of this one yet.

Products used for this card:
Kraft PTI card base
Patterned paper from October Afternoon - Modern Homemaker - Cherry Pie
EK Success Binding Edge Punch
May Arts Jute
Stampendous Dot Sparklers
Hero Arts Clear Stamps - Special Note of Thanks - CL499

This is my original design. All cards were recreated for The Sayner Stampede using different patterned papers, embellishments and ribbons so they may or may not be an exact replica.

Friends Are Treasures....

The card I'm sharing today is another one that was created for the Sayner Stampede. I like the clean and simple design.

I like the color combination of teal and red.

Products used for this card:
PTI in Vintage Cream for the base
Patterned Paper from Graphic 45 - On The Boardwalk - She Sells Seashells
May Arts Ribbon
Hero Arts Clear Stamps - Live Life - CL498 & Hero Hues Decor in Red

This is my original design. All cards were recreated for The Sayner Stampede using different patterned papers, embellishments and ribbons so they may or may not be an exact replica.

Life Is Better....

I love this patterned paper from Fancy Pants Designs! It's called Pecking Order from the 'It's The Little Things' collection. I think I picked it up was when I was at Archiver's at the Mall of America and I wish I would have bought more. It's such a happy looking design to me and I thought the stamp I used paired well with it.

Other products used for this card: Kraft PTI for base, Fancy Pants Designs patterned paper, black cardstock, Nestabilities Classic Scalloped Circles Small, Black Embossing Powder, May Arts PomPom Ribbon, Graphic 45 Staples Trim, Hero Arts Clear Stamps - CL498 - Live Life.

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*This is my original design. This card was recreated for The Sayner Stampede using different patterned papers, embellishments and ribbons so they may or may not be an exact replica.

Everything is better....

....when shared with a friend. Sabine, who works with my husband, let me use this photo. I guess when she takes her dogs on a walk they will get a big stick and both of them will carry it together in their mouth. This photo doesn't capture that, but I'm sure it would be fun to see. Talk about teamwork!

I think the sentiment matches just perfectly.

Products used for this card: Kraft PTI, Miscellaneous card scraps, Photo courtesy of Sabine Henckel, Tim Holtz Distress Ink, EK Success Binding Edge Punch, May Arts Jute, Hero Arts Stamps - CL487 - Thank You For Being My Friend.

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A Few Cards To Share

I was organizing the cards I've made lately and came across two that I haven't shared. I have a pile of pet photos that are just waiting to be made into cards, so keep watching my blog for them.

This first card is Homer. His owner, Jo Ann Shroyer, so kindly let me use his image. Thank you Jo Ann! I love the look on his face! I've got a few more sentiments I want to use with this photo, so watch for more Homer cards.

This one is our beloved Calvin. He was such a wonderful cat. He loved lounging in the sun!

Here's a notepad I created using playing cards. I had opened two decks of cards to create some recipe cards for a now defunct swap I was in. Now I've got some cards to use in projects.

I used my Zutter Bind-It-All to put it all together.

Products Used for the cards: PTI Cardstock in Rustic White & Kraft, Sizzix Photo Corners #2 Die, Stampendous! Dot Sparklers, EK Success Binding Edge Punch, May Arts Jute, Hero Arts Stamps - CL417 - Huge Hugs, CL129 - Anytime Messages. Photo of Homer Courtesy of Jo Ann Shroyer.

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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.

More Pet Cards

I'm really having a fun time with these pet photos. I've got them all in piles with sentiments to match. Now I'm just working my way through them all. This morning I came across some good cat ones that I'll use with my next set of cards.

This is Maisy, my friend Misty's dachshund. Doesn't she look comfortable lounging in the grass on a warm, sunny day!

This is Calvin. He was our first cat and I must say the best one! Unfortunately Calvin left us way before his time. He was the most photogenic of all of our pets. I have more cards coming of him. He always had the best expressions and would let you do anything to him. He loved posing for the camera!

Last but not least is our dog Toby. I think he's such a cutie, but I have a hard time getting a decent photo of him. The camera just doesn't capture how adorable he is, or he moves right when I snap the picture. This was his look of sheer panic because he knew I was leaving and he couldn't go with me.

Supplies used for these cards include: PTI White Cardstock, Bazzill, Patterned Paper Scraps, Mirrorcard, Brads, Stampendous! Dot Sparklers, Ribbon, May Arts Jute, Viva Pearl Pen in Ice White, Hero Arts Clear Stamps - Everyday Sayings - CL342, Hero Arts Clings - CG276, TPC Studios Clear Stamps - Playful Expressions - ST93454, Dachshund Courtesy of Misty Valadez

I hope you're enjoying this cards as much as I am. Thanks for stopping by!

Dog Cards

A few months ago I asked friends and family if they had any photos of their pets that they'd be willing to share with me for cardmaking. I made a card using my grandpup Louie (you can see it here) that turned out so cute and I wanted to create some more. Thanks to everyone for the use of their pets photos. I've been going through them and trying to find just the right sentiment for each one. I still need some good cat ones and would also take dog ones too. Our dog and cats are so dark, it's so hard to get good pictures of them.

These are four that I have finished, but there are more to come. The first one is Mr. Lou, my grandpup. He's such a character and so photogenic! Thanks to my daughter, Sarah Jackson, for the use of Lou's photos. I just laugh whenever I look at this one!

My friend Jeanne Hartmann gave me the next ones to use. They are her sister, Jane Trombley's dogs. I love the look on this guys face so much I had to create two cards!

This one is so adorable! I love puppies. Just looking at this one makes you want touch that soft fur!

Products used for these cards include miscellaneous scraps, base cardstock from PTI in white and new leaf, May Arts jute, Hero Arts metallic decor, ribbon, brad, paper clip, Hero Arts Stamps CL487, CL387 and CL351. Photo credits: Sarah Jackson and Jane Trombley.

Watch for more fun pet cards. Thanks for stopping by!

I'm Into Thank You Cards.....

It's the time of year when most people are creating Valentine cards. Not me....oh no! I think I was traumatized last year making them. My thought this year is, if I need one I'll buy one! I've moved on to Thank You cards. These are one of my favorite to make.

This "Grandma's Attic" paper line from TPC Studio is such a fun one. I really like the colors in the collection. For this card I used "Timeless Memories".

Products Used For This Card:
Bazzill
TPC Studio - Grandma's Attic - Timeless Memories
Tim Holtz Alterations On The Edge Die - Brackets
Creative Memories Square Punch
Shapeabilities Ribbon Tags Trio
Amuse Ribbon
Buttons
May Arts Twine
Hero Arts Stamps - Everyday Sayings - CL342

Thanks for stopping!

Winter Wishes

This is my final Christmas card to post for the season. The sentiment for this one was a freebie! I picked up a copy of a craft magazine and the stamp from Unity Stamp Company was included. I can't name the magazine, because I can't remember which one it was!

I didn't use my mittens nestabilities die for this, I did fussy cutting from patterned paper by 3BugsInARug. I think I must have been having insane moment! I just adore that Flower Soft cuff!

Products Used For This Card:
Bazzill
3BugsInARug Patterned Paper - Snow Much Fun
Nestabilities Labels One
Viva Pearl Pen
May Arts Ribbon
Memento Ink
Floss
Unity Stamp
Flower Soft

I hope you're having a great start to your week. Thanks for stopping by!

Tote With Four Cards

I'm so pleased with the way this tote bag and four cards turned out! I used a Hero Arts Stamp Set called Inspiring Messages for the sentiments. The patterned paper is all leftover scraps from Christmas cards. What a great way to use paper that might otherwise get tossed. The Kraft cardstock paired beautifully with the plaid.

I kept it simple by not adding any bling to the middle of the butterflies....but I was tempted!

Products Used This Set...
Hero Arts Rubber Stamps - Inspiring Messages - LL240
Kraft
Grand Nestabilities Scalloped Squares
Scraps of BasicGrey - Jovial - Merry Maker
Teresa Collins - Noel
Sizzix Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
May Arts Jute
Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch
Brads
Ribbon