{It's All Good}

Card Patterns #150 Sketch Challenge

2012-01-30T00:15:00.000-05:00

Here's my card for this week's sketch challenge at Card Patterns.

Here is the inside.

And matching envelope.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: Sentiment is computer generated and cut out with Spellbinders Fancy Tags.

Paper: DCWV Street Lace Paper Stack, Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, Black Cardstock

Ink/Coloring: none

Accessories: Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Pendant Die Cut Set, Spellbinder Fancy Tags Die Cut, Lattice Border Punch, Grosgrain and Satan Ribbon , Rose Swarovski Crystals

Colour Create #88- Pink & Green

2012-01-29T01:00:00.000-05:00

This card was made for the Pink & Green Color Challenge at Colour Create this week.

In my collection of miscellaneous items I've received from swaps over the years, I found this 6x6 piece of green baby designer paper and the round green baby rub on and they went so well together that I made a card for this challenge.

Here's the envelope. It's a nice touch to emboss the back flap of a plain envelope to match the card. So easy to give it a nice matching detail.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: Sentiment is a rub on from my stash.

Paper: Blush Cardstock, Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, DP from my stash.

Ink/Coloring: none

Accessories: Nesties Round Die Cut Set, Accent Essentials Cartridge/Cricut for Scalloped Square, Corner Chomper, Grosgrain Ribbon, Cuttlebug/Embossing Folder, Plastic Baby Pin (from the party favor section of the store), Assorted Paper Flowers, Brad, Flat Back Green Crystals.

You Inspire Me

2012-01-29T00:43:00.000-05:00

This card was inspired by sketch challenge #127 at Pals Paper Arts and Hanna & Friends Challenge #129 Pink and Grey Challenge.

Here is the card with the matching envelope:

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: Sentiment is computer generated

Paper: Georgia Pacific White Cardstock and DCWV Luxury Stack.

Ink/Coloring: None

Accessories: Spellbinders Fancy Tags Die Cut, Corner Chomper, Ribbon, Assorted Paper Flowers & Brads.

"Quilted" Baby Card

2012-01-28T19:28:00.001-05:00

Here's the second baby card to congratulate one of my nieces.

This one is a "quilt" card. The main panel of the card is embossed which gives a nice look.

The "quilt" is made by punching squares out of embossed white cardstock that is rubbed with pastels to give it some color. The squares are then glued to the card to resemble a quilt.

Easy peasy with nice results.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: Sentiment is computer generated

Paper: Georgia Pacific White Cardstock and Baby Blue Cardstock.

Ink/Coloring: Pastels- rubbed over embossed white cardstock for soft color.

Accessories: Spellbinders Ribbon Tag Trio 2 Die Cut, Square Punch, Corner Chomper, Grosgrain Ribbon, Cuttlebug/Embossing Folders, Plastic Baby Pin (from the party favor section of the store).

Baby Card

2012-01-28T17:47:00.001-05:00

I have a couple of nieces who are pregnant and that is so exciting. This is a simple baby card to congratulate one of them. I love the white on white layers when you emboss one of them with the Cuttlebug. It's such a nice, clean look.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: Sentiment is computer generated, Baby Rattle Stamp by SU.

Paper: Georgia Pacific White Cardstock and Pink Cardstock.

Ink/Coloring: Brown Ink/Sponge for Distressing. Pink, Blue & Yellow Embossing ink embossed with clear embossing powder.

Accessories: Nesties Square Die Cut, Corner Chomper, Grosgrain Ribbon, Cuttlebug/Embossing Folders, Plastic Baby Pin (from the party favor section of the store).

Mojo Monday #225- Congratulations

2012-01-26T23:18:00.000-05:00

I made this card with this week's sketch over at Mojo Monday.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: Sentiment is computer generated.

Paper: Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, Saffron Cardstock, Brown Cardstock, K & Company SW Botanicals Paper Pack

Ink/Coloring: Brown Ink/Sponge for Distressing

Accessories: Spellbinders Fancy Tags Die Cuts, Corner Chomper, Grosgrain Ribbon, Flat Backed Pearls, Leaves and Brown Paper Roses.

Homemade Envelopes with Labels

2012-01-26T23:05:00.001-05:00

This is just a quick post to show you how I use labels to address the envelopes that I make out of designer paper. I love making homemade envelopes with my Martha Stewart Scoring Board but the patterned paper makes it so you have to use a label to make the address legible.

I use large sheets of labels and print the return address and the address as shown above. You can also print this on regular paper and use xyron or other adhesive to attach it to your envelope.

Adhere the label so it wraps around the envelope with the address on the front and the return address on the back as shown in the pictures.

I think this is a nice and different way to use a label on these pretty envelopes. Let me know if you have other good ideas. I'm always looking for something different.

Paint Chip Valentine

2012-01-25T13:39:00.000-05:00

This Valentine card was inspired by the following challenges:

Card Positioning Systems #252 Sketch Challenge

Our Craft Lounge #101 Zig Zag Challenge

The Corrosive Challenge Blog #141 Heart Challenge

Stampin For the Weekend #24 Out with the Old Challenge

I love the sketch at CPS and it combined well with the heart and the zig zag challenges. The zig zag challenge lead me to the "out with the old" challenge because it immediately made me think of the rick rack that I've had hanging around and never use. I think it is perfect for this card.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: Sentiment is computer generated.

Paper: Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, Paint Sample Chips from Walmart

Ink/Coloring: none

Accessories: Spellbinders Fancy Tags Die Cuts, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders/Cuttlebug, Heart is cut with George and Basic Shapes on the Cricut, Corner Chomper, Grosgrain Ribbon, Flat Backed Pearls, Rick Rack.

Love Bug

2012-01-23T02:00:00.000-05:00

I made this card using the sketch at I heart 2 Stamp January Sketch Challenge.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: Studio G Ladybug, Sentiment is computer generated.

Paper: Rose Cardstock, K & Company Yuletide Paper Stack DP, Paint Sample Chips from Walmart

Ink/Coloring: Black Pigment Ink with Clear Embossing Powder

Accessories: Spellbinders Fancy Tags Die Cuts, Spellbinders Nesties Scalloped Oval, Cuttlebug Embossing Folders/Cuttlebug, Corner Chomper (Love that thing!), Grosgrain Ribbon, Flat Backed Pearls, Pearl Brad.

Pastel Be My Valentine

2012-01-23T01:36:00.000-05:00

This card was inspired by two challenges...

2 Sisters Challenge #75- Embossing

Clearly Inspired Challenge #44- Pastels

I thought the combo of embossing along with pastels would make the perfect Valentine. It's easy to jazz up white embossed cardstock by just rubbing pastel color onto it. It's easy and the result is very soft.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: Sentiment is computer generated.

Paper: Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, Lilac Cardstock

Ink/Coloring: Pastels

Accessories: Spellbinders Ribbon Tag Trio 2 Die Cut, Conversation Hearts Embossing Folder/Cuttlebug, Grosgrain Ribbon, Flat Backed Lavender Pearls.

A Quick Health Update

2012-01-23T01:15:00.000-05:00

I just took a peek at the side bar of this blog and it stood out to me in the blog archive section that there was not a single post for the year 2010. Every once in a while something like that jumps out at me and gives me a big realization of what my illness has taken from me. I also took a look at my stats for this blog and was shocked to see that even though I didn't have a single new post here, I had THOUSANDS of visitors over the course of that year. That's amazing. And for that I want to say thank you.

I figured since you are still visiting, I'd give you a quick update on my ongoing battle with Late Stage Lyme Disease. If you didn't already know, it completely leveled me and I've been fighting my way back for about two years now. I spent the better part of 2010 mostly bedridden but thankfully, I've come a long way since then. I am still fighting and have a long way to go but I'm getting there. Slowly.

The week before Thanksgiving I started my newest course of treatment which includes daily intravenous administration of antibiotics, along with the many oral antibiotics I've been taking for the past 18 months. My doctors estimate that I need about 6 months of daily iv therapy and we are hoping that will get me into remission. Unfortunately, I only got through 40 days of the iv's and my body started rejecting the iv needles and that forced us to stop treatment for now. We are hoping that the month off will give my veins time to heal and I'm trying integrated energy therapy which includes hypnosis to see if that will help make the iv's easier when start up again- hopefully in a week or two.

The good news is that the iv meds were working great. Once I got over the first 3 weeks of feeling like crap from them, I started making huge improvements and I'm happy to say that although I am still struggling, I'm doing really well. I'm back to work part time, I'm feeling creative again and I have hope that I will get into remission... soon.

I've been back in my art studio and that feels great. And it feels great to see how many of you still visit me here on a regular basis. Thank you so much. I hope to be well enough to continue to create new things to share.

Clean & Simple Valentine

2012-01-22T18:38:00.000-05:00

This card was inspired by 2 challenges...

Less is More #51 "Cut it Out" Challenge- Make a card with a hole in it.

Scrap, Stamp & Doodle "Have a Heart" Challenge- Make a card with a heart on it.

The heart is a wooden heart from the craft store that I painted white and stamped with black ink. It is added to the card with dimensional tape.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: SU Natural Beauty on Heart, Sentiment is computer generated.

Paper: White Card with Cut out by Studio G (pack of 8 with envies at Walmart is only 99 cents), Black and White patterned paper from my scrap drawer.

Ink/Coloring: Permanent Black Ink on Heart

Accessories: Spellbinders Fancy Tags for Sentiment, Circle Punch, Swarovski Crystals, Wooden Heart, White Acrylic Paint.

Fleur De Lis Valentine

2012-01-22T15:05:00.001-05:00

This card was inspired by the following 3 challenges. I just love the sketch, love the challenge to dig out something old from my stash and I love that Valentine's Day is right around the corner and this love challenge was perfect.

Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge 239

Card Makin' Mamas Something Old Challenge

Drunken Stampers #81 Love Challenge

My "something old" is my Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Pendant die cut set. I bought that set at least a year ago, cut out ONE shape with it and threw it in a drawer. I found the shape I cut laying around this week and created this card with it (scroll down, it's the second card in the post) but for this card, I actually got out that die cut set and used it. I used three different shapes from it and I have to say I love it. I don't know why I don't use it.

I read a tip online somewhere and I found it very helpful. It doesn't seem to cut well with one or two passes through the cuttlebug but if you run it through twice then rotate it 90 degrees and run it through once or twice more, it cuts perfectly.

And here's the inside. I almost always make the inside match the card, not only because it looks so nice but it makes the card more sturdy. Sometimes there are so may layers on the front of the card that the back panel needs some reenforcement to compensate for it and adding layers to the inside really balances it out.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: Sentiment is computer generated and cut out with Spellbinders Fancy Tags.

Paper: DCWV Street Lace Paper Stack, Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, Black Cardstock

Ink/Coloring: none

Accessories: Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Pendant Die Cut Set, Spellbinder Fancy Tags Die Cut, Circle Punches, Rose Swarovski Crystals

Challenges Galore Valentine Card

2012-01-21T23:50:00.001-05:00

This card was inspired by the following 4 challenges:

Card Patterns Sketch 149 - I love this sketch.

All Sorts 138 Needles & Pins Challenge

Phindy's Friday 89- Shaped Card Challenge

Wags & Wiskers 71- Love/Valentine's Challenge

I used the Cricut with the Accent Essentials cartridge to cut the shape of the card. I cut two pieces and glued them together at the top with a score line to make the card easy to open.

SUPPLIES:

Stamps/Images: none

Paper: DCWV Four Seasons Paper Stack, Georgia Pacific White Cardstock, Rose Cardstock

Ink/Coloring: none

Accessories: Accent Essentials Cricut Cartridge (Card shape), George & Basic Shapes Cricut Cartridge (Circle and Hearts), Embossing Folder/Cuttlebug, Grosgrain Ribbon, Lace, Assorted Metal Findings and Buttons, Pearl Head Pins, Flat Back Pearls, Organza Ribbon Flowers.

Clean & Simple #174 and Fussy & Fancy Let It Snow

2012-01-21T01:37:00.000-05:00

I really liked the sketch on this week's Clean & Simple Challenge #174 and I decided to combine it with Fussy & Fancy's Let it Snow Challenge since we are expecting a snow storm tonight and I'm hoping to be snowed in my art studio this weekend.

I printed the lyrics to "Let it Snow" and used patterned paper by Me and My Big Ideas.

I added a little bit of snowflake embossing, a few metal snowflake charms and tons of flat back pearls.

2 Cards for 2 Challenges

2012-01-21T01:20:00.000-05:00

I loved these two challenges so much that I made two cards that fit both challenges.

Just Add Ink #101 Sketch Challenge and CAS-ual Fridays #36 Black and White Challenge

Be sure to scroll down to see the second card too! I am very partial to black and white and I love both of these cards with matching envies.

This card is made with patterned paper by Me & My Big Ideas and the image is from Inkadinkadoo Organic Fabric Flowers stamped in black pigment ink and embossed with clear embossing powder.

The sentiment is computer generated and cut out with Spellbinders Fancy Tags.

Here's the inside:

And matching envelope:

And here is the second card. I just love black and white... and this sketch.

This card uses the same patterned paper pack by Me & My Big Ideas and Spellbinders Fleur De Lis die cut.

The sentiment is computer generated and cut out with Spellbinders Fancy Tags. This goes really nicely with the Fleur De Lis. There are tons of swarovski crystals on this card too. They give it a sparkly New Year's Eve look that I love.

Here's the inside:

And matching envelope:

Freshly Made Sketches #18

2012-01-20T00:43:00.001-05:00

This card is inspired by the sketch at this week's Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #18.

This card is made with patterned paper from K & Company SW Botanicals paper pack, celery cardstock, computer generated sentiment cut out with Spellbinders Fancy Tags, and flat backed pearls.

The inside to match:

Cards & Things #104 and Flutter By Wednesday #186

2012-01-19T00:28:00.001-05:00

Here is my card and matching envelope for two challenges-

Cards & Things #104 Sketch Challenge and Flutter By Wednesday #186 Open Challenge.

This cards is made with patterned paper from K & Company SW Botanicals paper pack, teal cardstock, grosgrain ribbon, swarovski crystals and metal butterfly charms.

Here is the inside:

And matching envelope made with the Martha Stewart Scoring Board. I LOVE that thing! I don't think I'll be buying any more envelopes. I get so many compliments from the post office clerks with these envelopes and they don't even get to see what's inside.

Martha Stewart Scoring Board Envelope Measurements

2012-01-17T01:24:00.004-05:00

If you own the Martha Stewart scoring board, you probably have used it to make fabulous envelopes. If you haven't, you are missing out. This envelope maker is so simple and great. I wanted a few more sizes of square envelopes than what is listed on the instructions so I had to figure out the measurements. I thought I'd share them with you. I hope you find this helpful.

If you have measurements of your own, please comment and I will add them to the list. Thanks!

Env. Size:	Card Size:	Start with:	A Score Lines:	B Score Lines:
#1	2 1/8 x 3 1/2	5.5 x 5.5	2	2 1/2
4 Bar	3 1/2 x 4 7/8	7.5 x 7.5	2 5/8	3 1/4
A2	4 1/4 x 5 1/2	8.5 x 8.5	3	3 5/8
A6	4 1/2 x 6 1/4	9 x 9	3	3 3/4
A7	5 x7	10 x 10	3 1/4	4 1/4
A9	5 1/2 x 8 1/2	12 x 12	3 7/8	5 1/2
6 Square	6 x 6	10 x 10	3 3/4	3 3/4
#10	3 3/4 x 9	10.75 x 10.75	2 7/8	5 1/2
3 Square	3 x3	5.5 x 5.5	2 1/2	2 1/2
4 Square	4 x 4	6.5 x 6.5	2 1/2	2 1/2
5 Square	5 x 5	8.5 x 8.5	3 3/8	3 3/8
5.5 Square	5.25 x 5.25	8.5 x 8.5	3 1/4	3 1/4

3 Challenges in One!

2012-01-16T01:04:00.001-05:00

This card is inspired by the following 3 challenges:

Come & Get It January Sketch Challenge

Crazy 4 Challenges Monochromatic Blue Challenge #119

Sweet Stampin' All that Glitters Challenge

And the inside to match:

Paper: White Cardstock, Patterned Paper from The Luxury Stack by DCWV, Teal Cardstock

Ink: Teal and Navy Pigment ink with Clear Embossing Powder

Stamps: Snowman- Inkadinkadoo Ornate Christmas

Other: Grosgrain Ribbon, Metal Charms, Swarovski Crystals

Sketch & Stash #78 & 2 Sisters Challenge #74

2012-01-15T00:32:00.000-05:00

This card is for the Sketch & Stash #78 Sketch Challenge and 2 Sisters Challenge #74 - Use Metal.

This card uses beautiful paper from the K & Company SW Botanicals Paper Pack. The dragonfly is from the paper pack too and makes a gorgeous image for the card.

The sentiment is printed on my computer and cut out with a Spellbinder's label die.

And here's the inside:

Sketch Saturday #190 & Card Makin' Mamas Challenge

2012-01-14T00:01:00.002-05:00

I combined two challenges on this card.

The sketch challenge at Sketch Saturdays (click here to see the sketch challenge) and the New Year's Card challenge at Card Makin' Mamas (click here to go to their blog).

I really love this paper from K & Company SW Botanicals Paper Pack.

The sentiment is printed with my computer and cut out with a Spellbinders die and the cuttlebug.

Here's the inside to match:

Mojo Monday #221

2012-01-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

I made this card the other night but didn't get it posted in time to link it to the Mojo Monday #221 Challenge. I'm sharing it anyway though. Click here to see the sketch.

This card is made from patterned paper in the K & Company SW Botanicals paper pack.

The sentiment is printed from my computer and cut out with a Spellbinders tag die cut.

And here's the inside....

Mojo Monday #222

2012-01-03T01:13:00.000-05:00

Here's my Mojo Monday Card for this week's sketch challenge.

Click here to see the sketch and visit their blog.

This card is made using paper from K & Company's SW Botanicals paper pack.

I love this purple floral paper.

Here's the handmade envelope to match...

And the inside of the card...

Sentimental Sundays "Anything Goes" Challenge #83

2012-01-02T01:34:00.002-05:00

Here's my card for this week's Sentimental Sunday Challenge #83- Anything Goes.

This is a pretty simple Winter Happy New Year Card.

The snowman and patterned paper is from the K & Company Visions of Christmas paper pack. The sentiment is printed on my computer and cut out with a Spellbinders tag.

And the inside....

Card Positioning Systems CPS249 Challenge

2012-01-01T00:50:00.001-05:00

Here's my take on this week's CPS Challenge 249.

Click here to see the challenge sketch and other entries.

The designer paper is from K & Company Yuletide specialty paper pad. The sentiment tag is Spellbinders Fancy Tags One. The Sentiment is printed from my computer.

Other Specifics: Black and White Grosgrain Ribbon, Swarovski Crystals, Clear Dew Drops

Matching inside of the card.

Homemade envelope to match the card. I got myself the Martha Stewart Scoring Board with a coupon at Michaels and it makes envelope making a breeze! Click here to see the scoring board. I have a Score-it but I love this product for making envelopes. With a 40% or 50% coupon you can get it really cheap and it's worth every penny just for the handy envelope chart and tool. I love it.

Happy New Year! I hope 2012 is a good year for all of us.

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge CFC13- The Long and the Short of it...

2011-07-29T23:50:00.000-04:00

This week's challenge at CAS-ual Fridays is to make a 4 by 9 inch clean and simple card. Clean and simple designs are a big challenge for me but I like this one. It's a good start to my weekend. If I'm feeling well tomorrow, I have a whole day to myself in my art studio. I'm hoping for a "feel good" day!

CPS #228 Sketch Challenge

2011-07-27T11:08:00.000-04:00

Here's my card for this week's Card Positioning Systems Sketch Challenge. This is a simple one because I wanted to keep it flat so I could mail it. I've joined an inchies swap and this will be accompanying my inchies to my swap partner.

Mojo Monday #201

2011-07-25T23:01:00.000-04:00

Here's my card for this week's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge.

And here's the inside.

CPS #227 Sketch Challenge

2011-07-24T23:23:00.000-04:00

Here's my take on last week's sketch challenge at Card Positioning Systems. I think I'm posting it just in time to get it included before the links close for the week. I had a great weekend spending time outdoors instead of in my art studio but I'll be back in the air conditioned art studio soon!

Here's the inside of the card:

Mojo Monday #200

2011-07-18T23:20:00.000-04:00

Here's my take on this week's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge. This card didn't photograph well. It's much better in real life. I think I need to learn how to use my camera. That should be my next project... camera lessons!

Stamp Something- Bugs & Butterflies Challenge

2011-07-14T02:32:00.000-04:00

This week's challenge at Stamp Something is to make a card with bugs or butterflies. I chose dragonflies. I made this card for a good friend's birthday. I love black and white.

Card Patterns Sketch Challenge #123

2011-07-13T01:58:00.002-04:00

Here is my take on this week's sketch challenge at Card Patterns. I gave this card to my sister for her birthday today.

Alcohol Ink Spatter Card

2011-07-07T23:46:00.001-04:00

Here's a quick birthday card I made using Tim Holtz's Alcohol Ink Spatter Technique. Click here for instructions. It's a fun technique and I love the final result.

Crazy for Challenges C4C94 & Daring Card Makers Challenge- Waterlilies

2011-07-07T00:48:00.000-04:00

This is a card that I made to combine two challenges. Crazy for Challenges has a challenge to make a "center step card" this week and Daring Card Makers has a challenge to use a water lily or larkspur flower.

The water lily flower is made using the Cricut. Just cut the flower in varying sizes, layer them and curl the petals up.

Click here for instructions on how to make a center step card. It's not very hard and it's a very clever card fold.

And here's the inside.

Simple Happy Summer

2011-07-06T03:41:00.000-04:00

Here are two clean and simple, easy cards that I made for my nephews when school got out for the summer. Each card had a Dairy Queen gift certificate inside because I'm a cool Aunt like that. ha ha Just sharing the cards before they get lost in my files. Enjoy.

CPS #225 Sketch Challenge- And an altered rotary phone...

2011-07-06T03:22:00.000-04:00

This week's sketch at Card Positioning Systems is a fun one and I made it more fun with an altered project to match the card.

My 12 year old niece went with us to a flea market recently and discovered a rotary phone... something she had never seen before. She loved it and wanted one. We found her one but it was a bit beat up so I altered it a little to jazz it up. She absolutely loves it (and the matching earrings I made) and the coolest part is that the phone still works. They called me from it to say hello today! I love to make those kids happy!

Here's the card:

Here's the altered rotary phone. You wouldn't believe how heavy it is or how long it takes to actually dial a number! ha ha

And here are the earrings I made her.

No excuse not to get phone calls from her now! ha ha

I made the Card Patterns "Super 6"!

2011-07-06T03:00:00.001-04:00

Yay! My card was picked as one of Card Patterns Super 6 this week! Click here to see the post with my card. I feel so honored to be included in the top 6.

Clean & Simple Stamping #147

2011-07-04T05:11:00.002-04:00

Here are two cards inspired by this week's Fall to Layout over at Clean and Simple stamping. I can't help but use paint chip cards on these layout cards that need color coordinating blocks of color. They come in so handy!

Mojo Monday #197- A Matching Gift Set (CONTINUED)

2011-07-04T04:59:00.000-04:00

As promised, here is the jewelry I made that goes along with this gift set (Click Here).

It's a necklace and earring set. I hope she likes the whole gift. I can't wait to give it to her in a couple of weeks. I'm so excited.

As you may or may not know, I have been fighting to regain my health from Late Stage Chronic Lyme Disease for well over a year now. That explains the long dormancy on this blog, huh? Before I got sick, I was a jewelry designer and had to give that up while I was incapacitated. I'm slowing working my way back to it and this is the first piece I've made in a long time. I'm hoping the road I'm on will get easier. I hope that all of our roads get easier as I know we ALL have a "road" to deal with.

Just remember, always be nice and go out of your way for people whenever you can. It's good karma, and you never know what kind of struggles they are having in their lives. When's the last time you gave a random act of kindness? Carried someone's groceries, paid for the person behind you in line's coffee, or even stopped to help someone in need? Try it. It's amazingly rewarding and the smile you get in return will make your whole day better. I promise you.

Photography Card

2011-07-03T01:27:00.001-04:00

This card is made from one of my photography prints.

The inside....

Mojo Monday #197- A Matching Gift Set

2011-07-02T00:44:00.004-04:00

This week's Mojo Monday sketch inspired me to create a card and matching gifts for a good friend's birthday that is coming up.

Here's the card...

This rose is created with a scallop punch and it's so easy. You can find instructions here.

Here's the inside of the card.

And here's the gifts to go along with the card. First, two matching notebooks.

And a matching post it note holder and microbead pen. The post it note holder is made using and acrylic photo frame.

One last shot of the card and note holder.

I also made her a matching pair of earrings since I am also a jewelry designer ~~but I didn't photograph them yet.~~ ~~I'll add that picture soon.~~ You can now click here to see the matching jewelry I made to go along with this gift.

Happy 4th of July weekend. Stay safe and keep our soldiers in your prayers.

My Time Made Easy Pretty Patterns #15

2011-06-30T01:00:00.000-04:00

Here's my version of this week's sketch challenge at My Time Made Easy.

Stamp Something Challenge- Red, White & Blue

2011-06-30T00:46:00.001-04:00

This week's challenge at Stamp Something is red, white and blue. This card that I made to send to a friend's son who is serving in the Navy is perfect to share for this challenge. I'm getting all of my soldier packages together to send out, now I just need to bake some cookies.

The inside:

Card Patterns Sketch Challenge #121

2011-06-29T01:44:00.001-04:00

Here's my version of this week's sketch challenge at Card Patterns.

More Patriotic- Welcome Home with a Gift

2011-06-28T02:36:00.001-04:00

A family friend has just come back from deployment and I made this card and small gift to welcome him home. The gift is a small frame that I made say "Home Sweet Home". It's a great little frame that I found at a discount store some time ago and it was perfect for this project. I embellished it with some silver corner pieces and some patriotic ribbon. I hope he likes it along with the cookies I'll be sending.

Another Soldier Card- For My Son

2011-06-27T23:05:00.001-04:00

Here's a soldier card I created to send to my son in Afghanistan but first, here's a picture that was posted on facebook this week that I love. This is the first I've "seen" of my son since January and the picture looks like something out of movie. He's the one in the middle with his back to the camera but I was still thrilled to have the picture and wanted to share it. I can't help it that I'm a proud Army mom.

And here's the card... It uses Jolee's stickers that I just thought were adorable. I'm sending him this card along with his favorite cookies.

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge CFC8- Getting Edgy

2011-06-27T22:55:00.000-04:00

This week's challenge at CAS-ual Fridays is "Getting Edgy"- in other words, create a card with a creative edge. I chose to make a "welcome home" card for my nephew who is coming home from Iraq this week. The seems appropriate since it's almost 4th of July too. I made a few patriotic cards this week since my son, my nephew and two family friends are all serving. I like to send them all packages now and then.

Eat, Sleep, Stamp Sketchy Thursday #136

2011-06-26T02:11:00.000-04:00

Here's my take on this week's Eat, Sleep, Stamp Sketchy Thursday sketch. Hope you're having a great weekend!

CASE Study Challenge #45

2011-06-25T04:06:00.000-04:00

This week's CASE Study Challenge is to use THIS CARD (Click Here) as inspiration. I love the way the sentiment banner is attached in a three dimensional way. I wouldn't have thought of that.

When making this card I discovered that in all the ribbon I've been hoarding, I didn't have the right color to match this card. I ended up dying white grosgrain ribbon with a reinker and it's so easy. Click here for directions on how to do it. It's quick and easy and you can even dry it with your heat gun.

If you invest in some white grosgrain ribbon, you can make it match just about anything using this technique. It can also be colored with watercolors, or even chalks. Click here for a great tutorial on using chalks to color ribbon.

Card Patterns Sketch Challenge #120

2011-06-25T01:30:00.001-04:00

Here is my version of this week's Card Patterns Challenge. I love black and white so I love this card. Sadly, I missed posting it to the challenge blog because the challenge closed an hour ago. Oh well.... sharing it anyway!

Lili of the Valley Sketch Challenge #102

2011-06-24T02:18:00.000-04:00

Here's my take on this week's Lili of the Valley challenge. I spent quite a bit of time in my studio today- I had a "feel good" day... or least the afternoon was a feel good day. I actually made seven cards today. Yes, seven. I'm amazed! Keep watching, they will all be posted soon but until then, here's one.

And the inside....

Fancy Fish Card

2011-06-23T13:08:00.002-04:00

This is a sketch challenge that I did a week or two ago from this Mojo Monday card sketch. I never got it posted in time to share it there so I'm sharing it now.

I bought a K&Company paper stack called Que Sera Sera and it's my favorite paper stack right now. That fish is part of the paper design and I just love it. Click here to see another fish that is in that wonderful paper stack. I just love it.

My favorite thing about this card is how masculine it is while still using beautiful papers.

And here's the inside.

Clearly Inspired Challenge #30

2011-06-22T02:58:00.000-04:00

Here's my version of this week's card sketch at Clearly iStamp. I think it would have come out better by antiquing the edges with some brown ink (note to self!).

Daring Cardmakers "Let's Rock" Challenge

2011-06-21T00:57:00.000-04:00

This week's challenge at Daring Cardmaker's is to create a card with a curved base that will rock or wobble if you tap it. I don't make many round cards so this was a fun challenge.

It started with this patterned paper that I was drawn to. I actually bought a whole paper stack just because I liked this particular paper inside it. The rest of the stack was okay but I loved this paper.

I gave this card to my niece today along with a Dairy Queen gift card as a "Happy Last Day of School" gift.

Before I go, I'd like to thank everyone who's been leaving comments here for me. Especially the ones welcoming me back after my long absence due to my illness. I appreciate all of your comments so very much. This is one of the longest streaks of "feel good" days that I've had in a very long time and it's nice to have my creativity back and be able to share it. So thank you for the well wishes.

Oh, and one more thing.... I noticed that my blog just got to 40,000 hits today- which just blows me away! That's very exciting for me! Especially after such a long absence. I just can't believe you are all still coming here to see what I'm up to. Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart.

Dragonfly Birthday Card

2011-06-20T02:31:00.001-04:00

This is the first card I've made in a while that didn't start out with a challenge sketch. It's fairly simple and I'm happy with it.

Clean & Simple Stamping #145- Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T01:30:00.001-04:00

Here's my version of this week's Clean & Simple Stamping Challenge. I decided to do a Father's Day card. I hope you all have a wonderful Father's Day!

And the inside to match...

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge CFC7

2011-06-18T00:43:00.004-04:00

This week's challenge at CAS-ual Fridays is Color Blocking. They want to see blocks of color next to each other to form a cohesive design on a clean and simple creation. I think this card fits the bill.

I used a square punch and paint chip cards from the paint section of Home Depot for the color blocks and a computer generated sentiment.

I don't find myself making many clean and simple cards but I like this one. Happy Father's Day weekend!

Sketch n Stash Sketch Challenge #63- A Wedding Card

2011-06-17T01:07:00.001-04:00

Here's my version of this week's Sketch n Stash Challenge. I'm so happy that I've had some "feel good" time this week and have been able to spend some time in my art studio. It's feels so good!

I'm still having a rough time fighting my Lyme Disease but I'm trying to keep a positive attitude.

This card was requested by my sister who is attending a wedding next weekend.

Those are swarovski cystals adorning the wedding cake.

And the inside...

CPS #222 Challenge

2011-06-16T16:31:00.001-04:00

Here's my version of this week's Card Positioning Systems Challenge.

And the inside to match:

Stamps/Images: SU (sentiment)

Paper: K & Company Que Sera Sera Paper Stack (fish image and background papers), SU cardstock

Ink/Coloring: Black pigment ink with clear embossing powder (Sentiment)

Accessories: Nestabilites die cuts, Grosgrain and Organza Ribbon, Assorted Metal Findings

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #121

2011-06-16T11:43:00.000-04:00

Here is my version of this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.

Here's the inside to match.

Stamps/Images: SU

Paper: K & Company Que Sera Sera Paper Stack, Georgia Pacific White Cardstock

Ink/Coloring: Black pigment ink with clear embossing powder (Celebrate), Black Archival Ink for Peaches- Colored with Prismacolor Pencils

Accessories: Nestabilites die cuts, Sewing Machine and Assorted Metal Findings

Mojo Monday #195

2011-06-15T12:16:00.001-04:00

Here's my version of this week's Mojo Monday sketch. I'm excited that I have felt well enough to get into my art studio a little bit for the first time in over 4 months.

Stamps/Images: SU

Paper: DCWV All Dressed Up Cardstock

Ink/Coloring: Black pigment ink with clear embossing powder

Accessories: Nestabilites die cuts, Martha Stewart Lace Border Punch, Black and White Organza Ribbon, Micheal's Bridal Flowers, Pink Brads, Misc. Leaves

One Sheet Wonder Card #3

2011-06-14T03:47:00.000-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been 4 months since my last post! Time flies when you are sick as a dog I guess (it really doesn't but we'll go with that...). I've been fighting my way back from a debilitating case of Late Stage Lyme Disease for over a year now. I never know from one day to the next how I will feel and it's been 4 months since I've even stepped foot in my art studio but I made it in there today and I even made several cards so it was a productive day.

Before I share those new cards, I need to show you the last of my One Sheet Wonder project that I was making in February. This is card #3 and I can't believe it but I forgot to photograph cards #4 and #5 from this set. Sorry about that!

This card is made from my One Sheet Wonder background paper that is pictured below at end of this post. The background paper was made using the White Outline Techinque and Twinkling H2O watercolors.

Here's the inside. I like to use a scrap of background paper on the inside to give it nice finished look.

And here's the background sheet that I started this project with. It's so easy. Just randomly stamp a whole sheet of paper with clear or white pigment ink and emboss with clear embossing powder. Then randomly add Twinkling H2O's watercolors to give it colorful shimmery look. Any watercolors would work.

I'm so sorry I don't have the last two cards to share. I have some other cards to share very soon though. Thanks for stopping and sticking with me even though I haven't added any new posts in a while. I keep hoping that I'll be well enough to keep this blog going and maybe that will happen soon.

PS- I don't know if you noticed but I have a new picture in the profile section of this blog. My niece is a photographer and she's just amazing. If you are interested in seeing some of her other work, she has a facebook page. Click here to see her page- Amanda Diefenbach Photography. Click "like" while you are there!

One Sheet Wonder - 2nd Card

2011-02-04T14:16:00.002-05:00

Here is the second of five cards for this One Sheet Wonder Project. The background paper was made using the White Outline Techinque and Twinkling H2O watercolors. Click here for easy directions on how to do the White Outline Technique.

This giant flower was created by layering several different sized flowers from my stash together. The pearl brad in the center holds all the layers together nicely. I used a little green ribbon to create the illusion of leaves.

And here's the inside of the card. It's so easy to jazz up the inside by just adding a strip of background paper scrap.

Once I share the other three cards with this project, I will add a post showing the whole project.

Stamps/Images: SU

Paper: Marco's watercolor paper, Coral and Banana Cardstock

Ink/Coloring:

Accessories: Pearl brad, Assorted Flowers, grosgrain ribbon

A Late Challenge Card- CPS 202

2011-02-02T13:11:00.005-05:00

This is the first card of my second One Sheet Wonder project this week. I used a card sketch from last week's Card Positioning Systems challenge which is pictured on the right. I'm too late to add it to their links but that's okay. Better late than never.

I made the background paper for this project using the White Outline Technique again. It's so easy and makes such a beautiful background. Click here for easy directions. I used Twinking H2O watercolors and it gives it a beautiful shimmer.

I was able to make 5 cards with this one sheet of handmade background paper and I'll be sharing them all as well as the whole project.

One Sheet Wonder Project- Snowflakes

2011-01-31T09:29:00.000-05:00

I love One Sheet Wonder projects. Especially when I'm feeling like I need a creative boost. Here is my lastest one using a snowflake theme.

The picture on the right shows the handmade background paper that I started with. I used the White Outline Technique to create it. It's so easy and the end result is so stunning.

I stamped the snowflakes in white craft ink on watercolor paper then embossed them with clear embossing powder. Then I color washed the whole sheet with Twinkling H2O watercolors. It doesn't show in the picture, but it has a gorgeous shimmer.

After the watercolor paint was dry, I used copy paper and a hot iron to remove the clear embossing. Just cover the paper with the copy paper and iron it. The embossing will soak into the copy paper and leave you a crisp white, flat image.

Once the background paper was done, I challenged myself to make as many cards as I could with it. I got 5 out of this one. Here they are....

I hope you enjoyed this One Sheet Wonder project. I have another one to share this week.

Stamp Something- Winter Somethings Challenge

2011-01-30T23:12:00.001-05:00

This week's challenge at Stamp Something is Winter Somethings. Perfect for my last One Sheet Wonder card. This is the last of 5 cards that I created with one sheet of handmade background paper.

I made the snowflake background paper using the White Outline Technique (click here for instructions). It's super easy and looks so beautiful when it's done. I used Twinking H2O watercolors to color wash my paper so it has a gorgeous shimmer that doesn't show up in the pictures.

I dry embossed the background paper on this one with a snowflake embossing folder to give it a little extra texture. I also embossed the flap of the envelope to make it match nicely. That's an easy way to add a nice touch.

And here's the inside of the card.

Stamps/Images: Snowflakes- SU, Sentiment- SU

Paper: Marco's watercolor paper, White and Teal Cardstock

Ink/Coloring: Teal craft ink embossed with clear EP.

Accessories: Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, White Satin Ribbon, Swarovski Flat Back Crystals, Hardware Ribbon Slide.

Woodware USA Challenge #11- Anything Goes

2011-01-28T07:58:00.001-05:00

This week's challenge at Woodware USA is "anything goes". This is the fourth of five cards that I created with my One Sheet Wonder Project. Once I've shared all five cards, I'll share the whole OSW project.

I made the background paper using the White Outline technique (click here for instructions).

I colorwashed the paper with Twinkling H2O watercolors so it has a nice shimmer.

Stamps/Images: Snowflakes- SU, Thanks so much- $1 clear stamp

Paper: Marco's watercolor paper, White and Blue Cardstock

Ink/Coloring: Teal craft ink embossed with clear EP.

Accessories: Blue and White Grosgrain Ribbon, Light Blue and White Satin Ribbon, Swarovski Flat Back Crystals, Nestie Tag, Cuttlebug Snowflake Embossing Folder, Brad.

The Shabby Tea Room Challenge #46

2011-01-27T22:08:00.002-05:00

This week's "Winter Wonderland" challenge at The Shabby Tea Room was perfect for my One Sheet Wonder project. This is the third of five cards I created with one sheet of handmade background paper. Once I share all five cards, I will share the whole project.

I made the background paper using the White Outline technique (click here for instructions). I colorwashed the paper with Twinkling H2O watercolors so it has a nice shimmer.

Stamps/Images: Snowflakes- SU, Wintertime- Hero Arts Wintertime Messages

Paper: Marco's watercolor paper, White, Lilac and Teal Cardstock

Ink/Coloring: Teal craft ink embossed with clear EP.

Accessories: Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Light Blue Satin Ribbon, Purple Machine Stitching, Blue Pearl Corsage Pin with Beads (capped with an earring back), Swarovski Flat Back Crystals, Snowflake Charms and Hardware Oval Frame.

Sketch n Stash Challenge 53

2011-01-26T15:59:00.014-05:00

Here is the second card of my One Sheet Wonder project using this week's Sketch n Stash Challenge sketch. I made a total of 5 cards from this OSW and I'll post the whole project once I've shared all the cards.

Take a look at my last post if you'd like to know how I made the watercolored snowflake background paper.

I inked up the snowman stamp with teal craft ink and then I added some lilac craft ink in just a few spots before I stamped it to get that two toned look. It's embossed with clear embossing powder.

Stamps/Images: Snowflakes- SU, Snowman- Inkadinkadoo Ornate Christmas

Paper: Marco's watercolor paper, White, Lilac and Teal Cardstock

Ink/Coloring: Lilac and teal craft ink embossed with clear EP.

Accessories: Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Purple Machine Stitching, Round Nesties, Blue Pearl Corsage Pin with Beads (capped with an earring back), Swarovski Flat Back Crystals.

Mojo Monday 175

2011-01-26T15:00:00.012-05:00

After a very long absence from my art studio, I am finally back at it and so happy about that! I started with a "One Sheet Wonder" project because that always helps me find my groove again when I am feeling less than creative.

Today I'm sharing one of the cards from the One Sheet Wonder project. I used the Mojo Monday card sketch for this one. When I get all 5 cards from this project posted, I'll do a post sharing the whole One Sheet Wonder project.

The snowflake background paper was created by stamping the snowflakes with white craft ink and embossing with clear embossing powder on watercolor paper. I then color washed over it with Twinkling H2O watercolors. Once dry, I covered it with white copy paper and ironed it with a hot iron to remove the embossing which leaves a smooth, crisp white image.

A few beads added to a plain pearl corsage pin make the pin extra special. A little glue holds the bottom bead in place nicely.

I dry embossed the flap of the envelope with the cuttlebug and a snowflake folder to add nice touch to the envelope.

Stamps/Images: Snowflakes- SU, Ornate Circle- Inkadinkadoo Round Frames, Friendship- SU

Paper: Marco's watercolor paper, White, Lilac and Teal Cardstock

Ink/Coloring: Lilac, teal and black craft ink embossed with clear EP.

Accessories: Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Purple Machine Stitching, Round Nesties, Blue Pearl Corsage Pin with Beads (capped with an earring back), Swarovski Flat Back Crystals, Snowman Button.

Lyme Disease

2011-01-25T13:08:00.000-05:00

After being MIA since October of 2009, I am finally crawling out from under a big rock called Lyme Disease. I know many of my stamping friends have been wondering where I went and what happened to me.

In October of 2009, my husband's father lost his very long, hard battle with cancer and it hit our family very hard. The very same week, a good friend was killed in a tragic situation that quickly became a national news story. She was my age (38 at the time) and was taken from this Earth way too early.

After two weeks of very difficult funerals, I started to feel very drained which was not very surprising except for the fact that I never really felt better as time passed. Time went on and I slowly started to have more and more symptoms (all subtle at first) and the depression and the fatigue worsened.

Eventually I had to admit to myself that something was desperately wrong but I didn't know what. Neither did my doctors. After months of doctors, specialists, blood work, tests and even thinking I had cancer, I was finally diagnosed with Late Stage Lyme Disease. At first, I was relieved to have a diagnosis and because I wasn't very educated on Lyme Disease, I thought "Oh, good! This is no big deal!" I quickly learned how wrong I was.

The more I learned about Lyme Disease, the more I realized that my situation was much more serious than I ever imagined. I started seeing a specialist two hours away and have been under his care for the past 9 months. I just finished up 8 months of intense antibiotic chemotherapy (11 doses a day). I stopped the meds last week because my body just can't handle anymore of it right now.

There is no cure for Late Stage Lyme Disease and I am hoping to regain my health gradually with traditional medical treatment along with alternative treatments including naturopathy, homeopathy and nutrition.

I haven't been able to work at all this year and my creative interests had to be set aside because when you feel that sick, the last thing you feel is creative. For the past year, I have spent the majority of my time in bed but lately I do feel like I'm finally improving a little bit and this week I finally had some creative energy and time in my art studio. I'm very thankful to have come to that point. I have a long road ahead of me but I am thankful for every bit of improvement I get.

I hope that I'm getting back to the point of living life again but only time will tell. With any luck, you'll be seeing me much more regularly here. That's what I am hoping for!

Happy Halloween!!!!

2009-10-31T14:23:00.003-04:00

I haven't been into my art studio in over week so I thought I'd share with you the only artsy, craftsy thing I've done this week. A couple of days ago, my best friend showed up on my door step begging me to help her with "her wedding dress". I said "wedding dress??!!!!"... thinking she might be getting married... but no... this is what she had in mind:

Cool, right?! She couldn't find a used dress anywhere for weeks so she finally went to David's Bridal and bought a BRAND NEW wedding dress! She found this perfect dress on the sale rack for only $99 and although we didn't get a "before" picture, it WAS a gorgeous dress.
After a glass or two of wine, I was feeling better about destroying this beautiful dress. We used razor blades to slash it up and we cut some gashes in the bodice of the dress. We took it outside on my back patio and rubbed ashes from the barbecue grill into it. We burned the end of our wine cork and used that make some black streaks on it. Then I borrowed my hubby's blow torch and scorched the edges, blackened some pearls and sequins and burned some holes in the lace. Some red acrylic paint made for some realistic blood and there is no picture of the back, but her man was able to roll a spray painted tire over the back to give her a nice tire mark!

She did a great job on the makeup herself and the veil is actually MY wedding veil from my wedding two years ago- what else was I going to do with it now?! It's been wadded up in a ball in the attic for two years so we cut and burned it up a bit and it looked perfect!

So here's the coolest part... she won the costume contest last night! Here she is with her $100 prize (paid for the dress!) and two Delaware River rafting tickets in hand!

I did not go out dressed up last night, which is so not like me... Halloween is MY holiday. Instead, I took my husband on a nice dinner date for his birthday. We had a great time.

Happy Halloween!

Mojo Monday #109 & A Bit of News

2009-10-21T03:09:00.011-04:00

I know I've been missing in action for almost a week. I've been in a bit of a creative rut that I'm trying to climb out of. There's been way too much sadness and stress going on here and that is a sure fire way to make your creative mojo pack up and hit the road. In the hopes of luring my mojo back, I participated in this week's Mojo Monday Sketch. The sketch is on the right and you can click here to check out the Mojo Monday Blog and see all of the other wonderful entries.

Here's my card... a Christmas one. One down... too many to count to go! (Who am I kidding? My cards will be from Sam's Club again this year, no doubt!) Supplies and an exciting announcement are listed at the bottom.

Here's a quick little tip: Do you see that lovely little holly charm? It's colored with green nail polish and red acrylic paint. If you paint a charm with acrylic paint, seal it with clear nail polish and it will stay beautiful and shiny! Click here to see what that charm looks like not painted. What a difference some color makes!

The inside of the card.

Paper: Artichoke, Burgundy and White Cardstock, K & Company Christmas Cheer Designer Paper

Stamps/Images: none

Ink: none

Accessories: Burgundy Grosgrain Ribbon, Scalloped Circle Punch, Christmas Tree Charm, Holly Charm

Okay, before I go... here's the exciting announcement. Well, maybe it's not that exciting.... I previously had a little blog with listings of brass charms for sale and I've decided to move them to my store on Etsy.com. I'm not finished with "the move", but I do have a few charms up on my etsy store and the two I used on this card are there. Click here, or click on the charm names in the supplies list above to see the store. Very soon, I'll have them all moved over from my blog and then I'll be able to add more to the etsy store. I'm really loving etsy and I hope you'll check it out!

Have a great day!

Kazan's Sketch 37- 2 Sketches 4 You

2009-10-15T01:57:00.004-04:00

I'm am in need of more sympathy cards this week as I prepare to attend the funeral of a friend. My creative mojo is in a bit of shock and starting with a sketch always helps when I'm not in a creative mood. The card I'm sharing is based on Kazan's Sketch 37 over at 2 Sketches 4 You.

The sketch is above and here's my card (supplies are listed below):

Image: With Sympathy Stamp (from my old stash)

Ink: Black Pigment Ink Embossed with Clear Embossing Powder

Paper: Brown Cardstock Base, Designer Paper from K & Company Life's Journey Stack, White Cardstock for Inside Layer

Accessories: Sewing Machine and Sage Green Thread (Zig Zag Stitch), Circle Nesties, Stitched Ribbon (from stash), Paper Flowers (Oriental Trading Company), Flat Back Pearl- Chocolate

Eiffel Tower

2009-10-13T05:00:00.004-04:00

I have a quick and easy card to share today. I made this one for Cards for Heroes, which is now called Operation Write Home. Check them out by clicking the link on the side bar. It's a great organization that I am proud to support.

Here's a few more pictures and supplies are listed below.

Stamps/Images: Eiffel Tower stamp from old stash

Paper: Burgundy and White cardstock

Ink: Burgundy pigment ink embossed with clear embossing powder

Accessories: Burgundy Grosgrain Ribbon, Fleur De Lis Embossing Folder with Cuttlebug, Homemade Gold Glitter Dew Drops

My Heavy Heart

2009-10-11T18:38:00.005-04:00

Tonight I'm sharing a sympathy card, which I never enjoy making. I don't ever keep them on hand. Every sympathy card I make is for a reason and every one of them I hope will be my last, even though I know life doesn't work that way.

Yesterday we said our final goodbyes to my husband's dear, sweet father. He will be missed so much. He was such a wonderful man. It's so difficult to watch what cancer does to a person but I feel honored to have been a part of his life and to have been there at his bedside when he left us. He will never be forgotten.

I am also heartbroken over the news of a friend who died tragically at a spa retreat in Sedona, Arizona on Thursday. She was the life-long best friend of one of my best friends and she was one of those people that the minute you met her, you loved her. When I first met her, I immediately felt like I had known her forever. I think she was what some people call "an old soul". She was a free spirit and lived life to the fullest- always with a smile on her face. I will always remember her warm smile. My heart is aching for her family and for my dear friend who is feeling the loss so much. Unexpected things in life like this are so difficult and make me question the reason for it.

So, with all that said, here is just one of the sympathy cards that I made this week. Supplies are listed below.

Stamps/Images: from my old stash

Paper: Watercolor paper as base and for main image, black cardstock for mat

Ink/Coloring: Black Archival Ink, Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol for blending

Accessories: Circle Nesties, Sheer ribbon from my stash, Stickles (glitter on hummingbird), Black Flat Back Pearls, Corner Chomper

Which Witch is Which?!

2009-10-08T08:19:00.000-04:00

Here's a Halloween card that I made last night. Cute, right?! The witch is fun! I was hoping to get to Salem this month but it doesn't look promising. Maybe next year.

Here are some more views and close ups and supplies are listed at the bottom.

Stamps/Images: From my old stash

Paper: Grey, Orange and Black cardstock, Marl paper (Do they still make Marl Paper?)

Ink/Coloring: Black Archival Ink, Prismacolor Pencils & Gamsol for blending

Accessories: Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Sewing Machine & Black Thread (zig zag stitch), Corner Chomper, Nesties (round), Pumpkin Button (from stash), Flat Back Black Pearls

Bride & Groom Card for 2 Sketches 4 You #36 & a Trick to Fix a Punch

2009-10-07T03:00:00.009-04:00

I found out yesterday that my husband's brother had a surprise wedding this past weekend and we have a new sister-in-law. I wanted to make them a special card and I decided to use the current sketch challenge at 2 Sketches 4 you as my starting point.

The sketch is on the right and here's my card:

I have decided to start listing supplies and product info at the bottom of my posts so that you can quickly and easily figure out what supplies are used. I have been noticing a lot of blogs set up that way and it does seem to be a very clean way to do it. What do you think? I really would like your opinion on this idea. Let's try it tonight and see how we like it, shall we?
I would like to tell you a little story about the border punch I used. I used a coupon at Michael's to buy this Martha Stewart Doily Lace Border Punch at 40% off last week and I was so disappointed when I got home and the punch didn't work at all. All it did was rip apart any paper I put in it.

Since Michael's is so far away, I decided to try to fix the punch myself. I remembered watching a video a long time ago where a woman tried out all the suggested ways she could find to fix or sharpen a punch that has stopped working. After trying several things- including punching through tin foil- she found that the only thing that really seemed to work was punching through an aluminum soda can that was cut apart. So I tried it. What did I have to lose?

I headed out to the garage and rummaged through the recycling until I found a soda can (Miller Lite can actually!). The first thing I noticed was how surprisingly easy it was to cut it with regular scissors. It works best if you just poke the scissors into the side of the can and start cutting around the can to remove the top and the bottom.

Once you have a nice flat piece of aluminum can, take your punch and punch through it several times. I had a very hard time with this border punch but luckily my husband walked by and was so intrigued by what I was doing that he was more than happy to help me out. We (actually, he) punched through the can about 6 times and then I punched through some wax paper to clean the punch and lubricate it. I've heard that's a good thing to do.... I don't know if it's true or not.

To my astonishment, the punch was then good as new when I tried it out on some cardstock and it now seems to be working perfectly. So, now you know how to fix a punch that isn't working well or needs to be sharpened.

Okay, back to the card....
The cake is colored just a tiny bit with a marker and blender pen and it's also slathered with lots of Swarovski crystals which make it look so amazing in real life.

And here's the inside with a little bit of detail to match the card.

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the new supplies format at the bottom. I've tried to (and will continue to) link any products that I can to a place where you can see them. In most cases, I will link either the manufacturer's website page for the product, or a reputable place to purchase the items, BUT, sometimes, if I can't find those things, I will link to a site that I don't know the reputation of because that's all I can find. If you want me to recommend a place to purchase any item, please email me or comment and I will do my best to provide that info for you. I guess what I'm trying to say is that just because I link a site here, it is not necessarily a recommendation of that company from me... it's more so you can see the product. I will tell you though, that I will NOT ever link a company that I've had a bad experience with. (I hope this makes sense... I'm waiting for a sleeping pill to kick in and maybe I'm rambling....)

Have a great day and I will see you again next time!

Stamps/Images: Wedding Cake- Our Wedding Clear Stamps by The Paper Studio, Bride & Groom- American Crafts Mini Marks Rub-ons- Fred Sidekicks

Paper: White & Black Cardstock, DCWV All Dressed Up Stack (pink & black paper)

Ink/Coloring: Black Pigment Ink with Clear Embossing Powder, Pink Marker & Blender Pen

Accessories: Black and pink grosgrain ribbon, Martha Stewart Doily Lace Border Punch, Swarovski Flat Back Crystals (rose & light rose)

World Card Making Day & Card Patterns Sketch #35

2009-10-04T02:34:00.002-04:00

Today was World Card Making day and I got a little extra playtime to celebrate. I decided to play along with a card sketch challenge and I chose Card Patterns Sketch #35 (Click here to see the challenge).

Here's my card:

I have to say that I just don't even know how I lived without Prismacolor pencils before now... I cannot even tell you how amazing they are. The term "colored pencils" just doesn't do them justice. I am truly in love. I have some learning to do as I have never done much coloring before but I will enjoy every minute of it for sure!
This card was made with stamps from my old stash that I dug out and colored with Prismacolor pencils and blended with Gamsol. I added some machine sewing to the layering on the card for detail. I love the rich look it gives.
The acorn is cut out with nesties and layered on a scallop punch in black. The brass charm leaves are from my stash (for my jewelry business). The ribbon is grosgrain in black and green.
Those are homemade dew drops. Aren't they cool? Click here to see how I made them. They are super easy and come in so handy!

I hope you all got some playtime today too. I'm looking forward to some more tomorrow. I might go paint shopping to pick out a new wall color for my art studio too. I've been wanting to do that for a while and I have an offer for free paint from the manager of our local Sherwin Williams, so I might take him up on it.

Blingy Bugs!

2009-10-03T02:10:00.003-04:00

It's the official start of the weekend and I had a little play time tonight. I finished up a card that I started the other night and I wanted to share it with you....

This is a sparkly, blinged out bug card that I made using some of my new clear stamps and colored pencils. I started with a piece of background paper that I had laying around from a previous project. The background is white cardstock that was misted with Stamp Zia Ultra Color Wash Jewels. Nothing special, just a fine mist of beautiful jewel colors. Easy and beautiful... can't beat that!

I randomly stamped bugs from the Inkadinkado set called Gemstone Insects with jet black Archival Ink and then I colored them using my new Prismacolor pencils and blended with Gamsol and a blending stump.

I embellished the card with grosgrain ribbon, paper flowers from my stash, punched leaves (EK Success Rock Fern punch), and rhinestone flowers from Oriental Trading Company.
I also added lots of Swarovski flat back crystals and stickles glitter.
Here's one more close look.

Thanks for stopping by... I hope you have a wonderful weekend. My husband and I planned a quiet, relaxing weekend for the first time in a long while and I'm looking forward to some down time and hopefully, some playtime in my art studio!

Until next time....

New Pencils & A Simple Card

2009-09-30T04:33:00.003-04:00

Aren't they gorgeous? They even smell good! You know what I mean? It's like the new car smell but in art supplies. (Yes, I do know I'm crazy....my husband seems to enjoy it though, so don't worry too much).

I'd like to take moment to introduce you to my new Prismacolor pencils. Readers, meet my pencils.... Pencils, meet my readers.... I think you'll be seeing a lot of each other from here on out.

I have been wanting these pencils for years and I just never sprung for them. Now that I've started selling off all of a certain company's stamps, I have a little fun money and I finally decided to spring for them. I got them for a steal on ebay, which makes the whole deal even sweeter.

To my surprise when I opened the tin of pencils, none of them were sharpened so I had to do that by hand. I'm too impatient to wait to buy an electric sharpener so I used the little tiny hand sharpener that came with the set. The colored pencil shavings looked so cool all piled up... check it out....

There's something kind of fun about that, right?!

Tonight I'm sharing a super simple card with you. Here it is:
It's a simple white cardstock base with designer paper from The Sweet Stack slab by DCWV. I just trimmed the paper to highlight the flower on it.
Some ribbon, a pearl and a thinking of you rub-on sentiment make this card perfect and simple. Perfectly simple perhaps?
Here's a closer look.

I hope your week is off to a great start. I'm getting lots of work done- aka lots of jewelry made and shipped to customers. All is good! See you soon!

My first Nesties Card

2009-09-27T01:20:00.002-04:00

Don't get too excited... it's just a simple card, but it is technically my first card made with my new Nestibilities dies. I'm sending this card to my son at Fort Sill this week.

This card uses a white cardstock base with some blue designer paper to start. I cut a circle with my nesties and a scallop mat in black to go behind it. I kept the nestie die in place to add some blue ink to the background and stamped the owl which is from a $1 set of Studio G clear stamps.
I colored the owl with markers and a blender pen because my new set of prismacolor pencils isn't here yet (can't wait!). The "hi" sentiment is a rub-on from my extensive stash.

I am visiting my sister this weekend and I stopped at Joann's, AC Moore's and Michael's on the way here, armed with 40% off coupons. I plan to do that again on the way home tomorrow. I got some great stuff today and can't wait to get home to play! AC Moore's had a sale on Inkadinkadoo clear stamps and I bought about 8 sets.... that should give me lots to play with when I get back home!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Did you miss me? I'm back!!!

2009-09-26T02:36:00.009-04:00

(Warning: Long rambling post ahead... I think I was gone too long!)

Hello again! It's been a couple of weeks and I just couldn't stay away any longer! Did you miss me? *grin*

I have lots to share tonight but first, I would like to share a picture of my brave and wonderful son at his graduation from Army Basic Training last week. Isn't he handsome? I'm so very proud of him! He's still only 17 and has finished basic training and now has moved onto his advanced individual training. He should get some time at home around Thanksgiving before his first deployment. We don't know where that will be yet but I'm praying that he will end up where he is supposed to be and that he will stay safe.

It's an amazing thing when your child joins the military. I'm starting to realize the range of emotions that you feel. The immense pride that I feel is matched by fear... and then there's the missing him part. I miss him terribly!

Okay, let's move on before I cry....

I can't believe how many people have visited my blog in the past couple of weeks. I guess the controversy regarding a certain unnamed stamp company has caused a surge of visitors. I was surprised that the majority of comments left were positive and I was also surprised at how many demonstrators from that same unnamed company are not happy with me expressing my opinion. All I can say is C'est la vie!

My blog has a stat counter that tells me where visitors are coming from and apparently my blog and I have been part of some discussion on the demo only (private to demos only) forum over at Splitcoaststampers. I find this very interesting but again, c'est la vie!

My first round of ebay sales is done and shipped. It went very well. I have about 150 more stamp sets to go and hopefully I will get that done this week.

I've been using the funds from the ebay sales to start purchasing new things for my art studio and it's like Christmas here. While I was in Oklahoma visiting my son, I found a Hobby Lobby and I bought some great stuff there. I picked up a Corner Chomper, which is so awesome I just can't stand it! I love that it punches two different sizes of rounded corners and does it so effortlessly. I also got a Cropadile Big Bite. I can tell already that it's going to get a lot of use. I'm always wishing my hand held hole punches would punch further in on cardstock and this will reach anywhere.

I also got my first few sets of Nestibilites. I think I might be the last stamper on Earth to take the plunge! Heck, it wasn't that many months ago that I bought myself a Cuttlebug! I've been behind on the trends over here for sure.

But, I love the Nesties so far. When I realized that I needed a "tan embossing mat", I ran right out to Home Depot and picked up a package of "plumbers gasket material" instead. I remembered reading about that online somewhere and low and behold, it works perfectly!

Which leads me to the card I would like to share. As I was playing around with embossing with Nesties, I remembered that I still have some brass stencils around and wondered if I could emboss them with the cuttlebug and gasket material in the same way. Sure enough, it works great!

Here's the card I made:

Isn't this pretty? It' so simple. I used the gasket material (aka embossing mat) to emboss with a brass stencil on so saffron cardstock (there is a photo of the stencil and the gasket material below.) Once the stencil was dry embossed, I used a tearing ruler to tear around it and matted it with ivory cardstock.
I used a swiss dots embossing folder to emboss the bottom half of the card front and added ivory grosgrain ribbon to cover the edge of the embossing. A small piece of ribbon tied in a simple knot and added with a glue dot makes a nice "bow".
A couple of pearls finish it off nicely.
Here'a a photo of the brass stencil I used and the plumbers gasket material that works as an embossing mat. It was in the plumbing department at Home Depot and cost about $4.00-5.00 for 2 6x6 inch sheets of it.

Two other notable purchases: Last night I scored a set of 120 Prismacolor pencils on ebay for a great price and can't wait for them to get here. I am really looking forward to playing with those! I also purchased the 3M ATG714 adhesive gun and it might be one the greatest things I've ever bought. It is so smooth and easy to use and very economical once you spring for the gun. I'm still deciding on new stamps so stay tuned for more info on that.

I guess that's about it for tonight... if you are still reading this, thank you for being so loyal! I am looking forward to playing with new products and sharing new things here!

Edited to add:

Here's the sandwich I used in the Cuttlebug to emboss with a brass stencil:

A plate (thick white one)
brass stencil (see note below)
cardstock to be embossed
rubber gasket (1)
3 sheets of cardstock as a shim
2 B plates (thinest ones)

Note: If the stencil has the company name etched in it, face that down or it will emboss too.

Paint Chip Card and My Thoughts about Stampin Up- A New Direction for this Blog

2009-09-10T17:00:00.009-04:00

Today I'm sharing with you a "clean & simple" card made with paint chips that I made for my last batch of Cards for Heroes cards. I just love the paint department at Home Depot! Not only because I always seem to be painting something but I also love to pick up some extra paint chips to play with (they don't seem to mind).

This card uses a paint chip card that has 4 different shades of the same color purple. I ran it through the Cuttlebug with the paisley embossing folder and then used a sanding block to take some of the color down to the white core.
Once I had the paint chip sanded nicely, I used a square punch to cut a square from each of the four colors and mounted them on some white cardstock with a border.

I attached that to the card with some white grosgrain ribbon and tore the very bottom of the front of the card. I used some double stick adhesive to add some white cardstock to the front flap and it's done.

I hope you enjoyed this easy one.

Now, on to another topic....Let me start by saying that for the next couple of weeks I won't be posting very much here to my blog. There are two reasons for this. First, I am leaving next week for a trip to Fort Sill, Oklahoma to attend my 17 year old son's graduation from Army Basic Combat Training. I'm so excited to see him that I just can't wait. My husband and I are flying down there to see him graduate and spend some time with our new soldier. I could not be more proud.

I'm super busy leading up to the trip and I doubt that I'm going to have much stamping time because my studio is all torn apart right now.

And that leads me to my second topic.... Stampin Up. I've been thinking very carefully about what, if anything, I wanted to say about this. Unless you live under a rock, I'm sure you've heard the news and all the talk that is going around about Stampin Up's new demonstrator policies being set forth this month. I have some thoughts and news that I'd like to share.

First, let me tell you that I am not a demonstrator. I'm sure some of you are wondering why I have any opinion at all if I am not a demonstrator and I will tell you why. I was a demonstrator for many years and I've been buying SU products for at least 15 years. And I mean, exclusively SU to the tune of at least $10,000 over those years. You may have already noticed that when I post anything here on my blog it is pretty much all SU, all the time.

I had a love affair with SU and would never buy anything else. Every year I bought all the in-colors. When clear stamps started to be all the rage, I resisted even trying them because I was very partial to SU's wood blocks and sets. I coveted my collection of stamp sets. I designed my studio with lots of storage for all of my SU sets and had them all cataloged in a binder. I used only SU cardstock colors, ink and markers. In my mind, there was nothing else worth buying.

Then they upset me.

I started seeing rumblings about SU online last week so decided to go look up the new demonstrator agreement to read it for myself. And I have to say that I am surprised and appalled by what Stampin Up is trying do. The changes that they are putting forth are unbelievably intrusive and restricting to any demonstrator that stays with the company after September 30th.

You can read the new demonstrator agreement (IDA) for yourself by c licking here. Pay close attention to section 9.

And you can read the FAQ that was released by Stampin Up by clicking here.

So what does all of this mean to me? And why do I care if I am not even a demonstrator? I care because this goes against everything I believe in for women and women in business. In any business, including a Stampin Up demonstratorship, business relationships are a very important aspect of success. In any business relationship there is give and take and SU is taking away the "give" part while promoting the "take" part. What do I mean by this? Well here's an example: When people visit my blog and see all SU products all the time and want to know where they can buy them, I can refer them to my SU demonstrator and I can even put a link on my blog to her site. BUT, my demonstrator cannot refer me and my small charm and embellishment business to her customers- not with a link on her site or even in an email. She can't even send a personal email to her sister saying "hey, I met this really cool lady who sells awesome charms that look great on cards."

Stampin Up wants control of all demonstrator's complete online presence including websites, emails, facebook, twitter, etc. And I mean ALL of their online presence whether it be SU related or personal... including personal emails and personal blogs. This is just plain wrong.

I am the cofounder of a large women's business networking group and one of the basic principals that we founded the group on is "embrace your competition". Your competition can be your best business ally if you handle the relationship in the right way. Nothing will hurt your image or make you look more petty than walking into a room and being uncomfortable because your competition is there. In my opinion Stampin Up is looking very petty and insecure right now. There is enough business out there for everyone, even in this tough economy and there's no need to take the attitude that SU is taking right now. My jewelry business, which is my full time business, is an example of that. My success is a direct result of being contacted by and working with my biggest competitor.

I also think that Stampin Up is being very unfair to their demonstrators because they are going to have a hard time promoting their product if they cannot participate in the real papercrafting world. It's all about networking and getting to know people. You aren't going to get very far when you are restricted to the point that you can't form a synergistic relationship with someone else in the business or papercrafting industry. Why would online forums and other online resources want to have SU demonstrators participating if they get no reciprocity from the demonstrators or Stampin Up. Stampin Up is trying to build one sided relationships that only benefit them and business does not work that way.

In my opinion Stampin Up has a wonderful, quality selection of exclusive products and should be able to stand on their own in the competitive papercrafting market without imposing these strict rules. If they are concerned and want to look at their business practices, they should consider not carrying things are not exclusive to them (because the ones they carry are overpriced) and expand their exclusive line. They should take a look at pricing or at the percentage they are paying their demonstrators, which in my opinion is low but I guess it's in line with other direct sales companies.

So now that I've told you how I feel, let me tell what I've decided. I've decided that I no longer want to be a customer of Stampin Up and I no longer want my blog to be one big Stampin Up promotion. Why should I allow my blog to be one big Stampin Up promotion when they take the attitude that they are? And to that end, I've decided to sell off all of my Stampin Up stamp sets and supplies. This may sound harsh but I feel very strongly about not supporting or promoting a company that takes this kind of business approach.

I've spent the last couple of days listing my stamp sets on ebay for a starting price of 99 cents each. I've got about 120 sets on there starting today and I'm trying to find time to list the rest- about another 150 sets. I am hoping that they all sell for enough money that I can place some decent orders with companies like Papertrey (which carries a nice line of coordinating papers and inks), GinaK (who seems to be a class act and has some great stamp images) and maybe even some Close to My Heart to replenish my stamps and supplies.

So back to my original point.... with all of this going on, my studio is in disarray as I sell off all of my stamps and buy new. This is going to make it difficult to create and post to my blog for the next couple of weeks. I hope if you are a regular reader of mine that you will stick with me and wait to see what new stamps and new projects this change brings.

As for Stampin Up... just as demonstrators will never be able to mention another company on their blogs, this will be the very last time they are ever mentioned on my blog.

One last thing.... I know that this whole situation has caused much debate all over the internet and I also know that some blogs that state opinions are being bombarded with comments both good and bad. Please know that I do not mean to start or continue controversy by stating my opinion here. I felt the need to state my opinion because it's something I feel strongly about and it is significantly changing the course of this blog. I hope you understand that.

Thanks for reading this far and I look forward to taking this blog in a new direction soon. I hope you'll join me.

(Edited to add: I've been asked to share my ebay name so that some can take advantage of my sale. My ebay seller name is moonwitch106. Thanks for taking a look at my items and remember, there will be more listed next week too.)

First Day of School!

2009-09-09T00:59:00.002-04:00

For the first time in 13 years I don't have a child going to their first day of school... but I do have a nephew who started kindergarten today! He's really my great-nephew but that makes me sound old, and I'm not old....I swear!

I made this card to send to him to congratulate him on starting school:

Cute, right? Simple too. I just stamped the crayon image several times, each time with a different color pigment ink. I embossed them with clear embossing powder and they look so nice and shiny... just like all school supplies do on the first day of school!

It'll go in the mail tomorrow and hopefully he'll feel special getting some special mail this week!
Here's a closer look.

Paisley Background

2009-09-06T23:38:00.003-04:00

Here's one more twinkling H2O's watercolor background that I overstamped with a large paisley background stamp. I used black pigment ink and clear embossing powder to give it a nice detailed look. I love the way this came out!
Here's another view.

I hope you are having a happy and healthy holiday weekend. We had a very successful yard sale all weekend (I smell new stamp supplies!) and we are looking forward to a lazy day tomorrow. Enjoy!

Stay Put Bow

2009-09-03T13:57:00.004-04:00

I finally found an online tutorial for the "Stay Put Bow"! Click here to go on over to Michelle Single's blog and see the fabulous video tutorial that explains it perfectly. I do this all the time and it works so well.

In the tutorial, Michelle shows how to do it when you want just a knot but I do the same thing with longer "tails" of ribbon on each side and tie a nice bow. See my other post from today to see one I did with a bow (click here). Actually there are lots of examples of this on my blog if you look around!

The bow works best for me if I tie a knot first then make a "bunny ears" bow by making a loop with each tail and tying them in a simple knot (I tie my shoes that way too, but don't tell anyone!). As you are tightening the bunny ears bow, you can adjust the tails to the bottom (before the center knot is tight) and if you keep tightening the knot and then pulling the tails to make the loops smaller and fiddle with it that way, you end up with a pretty nice bow. Does this even make sense? I hope so!

What are your best bow tying tips? Share them in the comments and I'll compile a list here for all the world! Thanks!

More Watercolored Backgrounds

2009-09-03T13:24:00.002-04:00

How cool is this?! I was playing with the watercolored backrounds that I made with Twinkling H2Os (see this post) and I decided to try stamping one of the large detailed SU background stamps on it. I was so pleased with the results!
Otherwise, this card is really simple. It doesn't need much with that gorgeous background. On this card I stamped the large background stamp with black pigment ink and embossed it with clear embossing powder. The embossing combined with the shimmer of the background gives it an amazing rich detail and texture. It's too bad the photo doesn't show it that well.
The sentiment is from the SU set called Elegant Cheer and it's embossed also.
And here's the inside. I added a small strip of the background paper that was leftover when I trimmed the original piece to fit the front of the card. That's an easy detail that is so easy to do and adds so much to the inside of a card.

I hope you enjoyed this one! I have another great watercolor background to show you tomorrow, so be sure to stop back!

Autumn Watercolor Background

2009-09-02T21:24:00.004-04:00

This is another card I made with a Twinkling H2O watercolor background (see yesterday's post for instructions). Fall is my favorite time of year and it seems to be creeping in slowly and inspiring me.
The main tree image is from the SU set Lovely as a tree and is stamped in black pigment ink and clear embossed. The two leaves and the background stamp are both from the SU set Natural beauty. The leaves are stamped on the watercolored background paper with black pigment ink, clear embossed, cut out and then adhered with sticky dots. The background word stamp is stamped in pumpkin pie dye ink. I accented the card with small strips of pumpkin pie and close to cocoa cardstock. I like the texture that the tearing gives the card.
Here's a closer look.

I have a few more watercolored backgrounds that I am hoping to play with tonight if I can sneak in some playtime!

Have a great evening!

Watercolor Background

2009-09-01T23:59:00.000-04:00

When I saw this card over Second Childhood Creations, I was inspired to try some Twinkling H2O watercolor backgrounds. Here's the first one I created:

This is SO easy and the results are just stunning. It's hard to tell in the photo but it has an amazing shimmer that makes it really pop. All I did was dab the paintbrush loaded with the paint onto watercolor paper that has been spritzed with water. Dab and brush paint all over the paper and then spritz some more water and let it all run together and then let it dry. Once it's dry, stamp over it with black ink. This card is stamped with black pigment ink and then clear embossed.
The images on this card are from the set Measure of a Life by SU and the background is French Script. The card base is bristol vellum cardstock from a drawing pad that I bought at Michael's. I like the weight of it and the size (9x12) is great for making tall cards that fold on top.
Oh, and did you notice that grosgrain ribbon? Did you notice that it's a different color on each side? I saw this tutorial over at Splitcoast and decided to try it. It works so much better than I anticipated it would. I'm definitely going to do that again! By the way, I didn't seal mine as the tutorial instructs and I didn't think it needed it. The color is staying put just fine.

I hope you enjoyed this one because I made a few backgrounds while I was playing and I'm sure you'll be seeing those soon!

Trees and A Brayer

2009-08-31T00:37:00.004-04:00

I was inspired by a recent post on the Gingerwood board to break out my much neglected brayer. I've never had much luck with getting good results from a brayer so I guess I just stopped trying. After watching this great tutorial on using a brayer, I think there may be hope after all!

This card started with stamping the trees (SU Lovely as a Tree) in black pigment ink and embossing with clear embossing powder. I punched a circle from the sticky end of a post it note and placed down where the moon is. Then I used the brayer to add more mustard and night of navy ink to the scene. I also used my white Signo pen to highlight one side of the tree trunks and the ground under the trees.
The sentiment is from the SU set called Elegant Cheer and I used a brayer with more mustard ink on white cardstock to make it match the main layer of the card.
The metal embellishments are SU's hodgepodge hardware and the grosgrain ribbon is SU also.

Maybe a little more practice will make my brayer one of my tools that gets used in my art studio!

New Blog Feature: A Tour of my Art Studio

2009-08-30T15:13:00.003-04:00

If you scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page, you'll be rewarded with a tour of my art studio. I love to see other artist's spaces so I decided to share mine. I hope you enjoy it!

I'm about to make some changes and paint some walls (so tired of white!) so I'll update the photos when I do that.

Mojo Monday #101

2009-08-30T14:40:00.008-04:00

This is week number 101 over at Mojo Monday and it's a great sketch. The sketch is on the left and you can click here to visit the Mojo Monday Challenge Blog and see this week's challenge.

I decided to play along and here's my cards (I made two):

I strayed from the sketch a bit as I decided not to make my cards square as the sketch suggests. These cards are identical except for the final embellishment. The card base is made from designer paper from the DCWV All Dressed Up stack. I'm really loving this slab of designer paper because it's so thick and luxurious that it can be used as a card base. Loving it!

So, here's the first card. Simple tall card layered with some black cardstock, pretty in pink cardstock and more of that luxurious pink and black designer paper. A single large rhinestone and the thinking of you rub-on sentiment finish it off nicely. Clean and simple.
And here's the other card. Same design except instead of a sentiment I used a scalloped circle punch of white cardstock. It is sponged with some pretty in pink ink and layered with black and matching designer paper. Again, clean and simple.

I hope you enjoyed this one as much as I did! I'm really loving this paper! Have a great Sunday!

Oh, by the way, I added a new feature to my blog today. If you scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page, you will be rewarded with a tour of my art studio. I love to see other artist's spaces so I decided to share mine. I'm about to give it a little makeover by painting some of the walls and changing a few things and when I do, I'll update the pictures. I'm soooo tired of white walls in there! It's the ONLY thing in our home that is white and I can't stand it.

2 Sketches 4 You #33

2009-08-29T23:57:00.006-04:00

I decided to participate in this week's 2 Sketches 4 You challenge. The sketch is on the left and you can click here to go to the 2 Sketches 4 You challenge blog.

Here's my card:This card starts with a black cardstock base and layers of DCWV All Dressed Up designer paper. This stack has some great papers and they are nice and thick.
The big layer on the card is black and white and the smaller layer is the same pattern but it's pink and black.
The sentiment circle on the card is from the SU set called Circle of Friendship. The card is finished off with grosgrain ribbon and Swarovski crystal rhinestones.
Here's the inside layered to match.

I apologize that these pictures are not as good as they should be. My camera has been acting up lately and tonight it was very difficult to any pictures at all. I think the camera is about done and I'm upset over that because it's not that old and it wasn't cheap. I just don't seem to have good luck with cameras. If any of you have a recommendation for a decent camera at a good price, I would love for you leave that info in the comments or feel free to email me. Thanks.

After using my camera tonight, I have a feeling it's done and I'm not going to get any more good pictures out of it. Luckily I have a few more cards to share here that are already photographed. I need to figure what I'm going to do after that!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

You & Me

2009-08-28T07:35:00.002-04:00

Here's another card that I sent out to Cards for Heroes last week. I love the look of black and white designs.
All of the images on this card are rub-ons. The sentiment is a rub-on of unknown origin from my stash and the rest are Stampin Up rub-ons. The base of the card is watercolor paper which gives the card a nice substantial feel.
I just love the simple elegance of these rub-ons. Hope you enjoyed this one.

I was hoping to have a yard sale this weekend but the weather is not cooperating and the forecast is rain all weekend. Hopefully the consolation prize will be time in my art studio!