Color Throwdown Challenge #31

Tonight I'd like to share the card I made for the Color Throwdown Challenge #31.  The challenge is to make a card with Night of Navy, Kiwi Kiss and Bashful Blue.  I don't have Kiwi Kiss, so I substituted Certainly Celery and it worked nicely.  Here's my card:

The stamps are from the Too Terrific Tags set by SU.  I purposely dug out an older, neglected set to show some love.   Cardstock and ribbons are also SU.
I used thick foam tape to mount the tags and I really like the 3 dimensional feel it has.
And here's the inside, matching of course!
Bonus: This card will make a great birthday card for my nephew next week!  

Two Challenges in One: TPE #3 & Color Inspiration #43

Today I'm sharing a card that I made combining two challenges in one:  K. Werner Designs Color Inspiration Challenge #43 and The Pink Elephant Challenge #3 which is a card sketch.

Here's my card:

This color inspiration was really a challenge for me because I would never use these colors on my own, but I have to confess that I really like it!  I used the card sketch from The Pink Elephant Challenge, but as you can see, I changed it around a bit.
This is a larger than normal card for me.  It's 5" by 7".  I used all SU cardstock and ribbon and the images are SU rub-ons.  
And those awesome charms are from Montage Collage- my charm blog.  They are priced great and there are more charms being added every week.  Go check it out and tell me what you think. 
And here's the inside, layered and embellished to match.
Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Zebra Enclosure Card & Big Announcement!

Hello!  It's almost 4:30am and I'm still up.... why, you ask?  I'm too excited to sleep because I have a surprise for you!  Also, earlier in the week I was complaining that there weren't enough hours in the day and guess what?  I found a few more hours.  Unfortunately, they are in the middle of the night.  {grin}

First, let me show you this cute little 3" by 3" enclosure card.  I used my SU Serengeti set for the last time before I listed it on ebay and made this little card to send the new owner with the stamp set.  

Cute little card, right?  I know the question you are asking is, where did she get that really cool zebra charm?  Well that brings me to my big announcement!  

Drum roll please....  {dorky grin}

You can now get this cool zebra charm along with many other kinds of charms at my new blog store, Montage Collage!  

Tonight I got a good start at adding product to the blog and there will be MANY more items added in the coming days and weeks.  Click here to check it out.  While you are there browsing around, be sure to click on the links on the right sidebar for info about me, the store and how to order.  If you have any questions, please let me know so I can make sure the blog has all the info that is needed for a pleasant shopping experience.

Well, I better get to bed before it's time to start tomorrow!  Be sure to check back here and at the Montage Collage blog soon because there's sure to be some great stuff happening this week... maybe even a bit of blog candy- which would be my first ever!

Mojo Monday Challenge #75

Tonight I was in the mood for a new challenge so I went on over to Mojo Monday and tried my hand at this week's card sketch.  Here's the sketch:

And here's my card:

What I like most about this sketch is how elegant and classic it can be.  At least that's how I saw it.  I used designer paper for the layers, SU ribbon and pearl brads from Michael's Brides line.
The lace edge is a Martha Stewart punch and the top part of the flowers are from an SU punch.
I'm finding myself gravitating towards light blue lately, especially this robin's egg color or what I like to call "Martha Stewart blue".   You know that blue color that is her signature color?  Maybe I just want to be her?  We do have the same birthday... I'm much younger though.  {grin}  
Oh... wow... wait just a minute!  I just realized I didn't use my cuttlebug at all!  Maybe I need to go do this again! {giggle}
Thanks for stopping by.  I have some more organizing tips coming soon so make sure you come back again, okay?

Stamp & Ink Spot Storage

Today I'd like to share a couple of organizational tips.  First, I'd like to show you how I keep track of and store my rubberstamps.  All of my stamps are indexed by catagory in a binder (as shown below).  Once a new set is in this binder, I give it a number.  As you can see in the photo, the set on right is number 214.

Now, the next step is to number that set on the case and file it according to number (as shown in the photo below).   This system makes it easy to find and use what you have.  When I start a project, I pull out the binder and choose the stamps I'd like to use and I always know exactly where to find them.
A couple of quick tips: 

**I number SU sets by the size of the case.  The smallest cases are 100, 101, etc. and the next size up is 200, 201, etc. and so on, up to the largest case size.  This way, I can store them by size and things look and stay neater.

**I also use this same book and system for non-su stamps.  Unmounted and clear stamps are stored in CD cases.  I index and number them in the binder and then number the outside of the CD case accordingly.  For single unmounted wood stamps, I index them and number them by tray (I use box frames like in the pictures below).

Now on to ink spots....

As you can see in the photo above, ink spots fit perfectly into an 8 1/2 by 11 acrylic box frame that you can take the box out of and use as a tray.  This size tray is perfect for the 4 color groups of SU ink spots.
Once the tray is organized, I store it in a paper sorter- using the sorter as shelving as pictured above.  Since it is a paper sorter and the trays (box frames) are 8 1/2 by 11, it fits and works perfectly.  I store all kinds of things this way (wood mounted stamps, inks, paints, etc.).  

The paper sorters are from Sams Club and if I remember correctly, were about $15 each and each has 12 slots/shelves.  The trays can be found at Micheals or AC Moore and are on sale with the rest of the picture frames quite often.  At 40% off, which happens often enough, they are only a couple of bucks each.

I hope you find some of this info helpful.  If you have any great storage tips, I'd love to know about them- please leave a comment.   Have a great day!

Get in Shape Challenge

Tonight my friend Jacki invited those of us who stalk the Gingerwood board to participate in a challenge and I took her up on it.  The challenge is called Get in Shape and all you have to do is make a card that is any shape but a rectangle.   I decided to break out my "build a flower" cuttlebug die and embossing folders and made my card into a flower blossom. 

I glued down the petals to form a flower shape on a folded piece of cardstock, making sure that the top petal was close to the fold so I could trim it and it would still be a card.   I cut around the flower petals by hand (don't look too close!).  Then I glued the whole card to a piece of apricot cardstock and trimmed around it again by hand.  
I finished it off with a yellow button, some ribbon and couple of pretty pins.  This was a fun challenge.  I would have never taken the time to make this card otherwise.  Thanks Jacki!  

Maybe we could extend this challenge a little further... would you like to play?  Just make a shaped card and leave a comment here with a link to your card.  I'll edit this post to link anyone who participates.  I hope you'll play along!

New Blog Feature: Challenge Links List

Do you love challenges?  I've added a list of links on the sidebar to the best challenge sites that I have found.  Do you know of another challenge site that might be worthy of my link list?  Comment and let me know about it.  

Storing Decorative Pins

One quick post before I hit the road to visit my sister.  Today I'm sharing how I store my rather large collection of decorative corsage pins.  I love these pins and I always pick up a whole box when I find something new.

I use small glass votive cups for some of the longer ones.  They work well for longer pearl head pins.  For the larger gem pins, I use mason jars.  These are small quilt patterned jelly jars.  I use two sizes- they are the same diameter, one is just taller than the other.

I stuff Oasis floral foam in the opening at the top and hot glue a strip of ribbon around the jars threads at the top.  Then I just stick the pins in and it's done.  I keep them lined up along the back of my embellishment counter and I love that they look like pretty flowers in pots and they are always right there for me to use when the mood strikes me.  

I love to see the way others organize and store things in their art rooms.  I spend lots of time surfing blogs and galleries for storage ideas.  My favorite ideas are ones where the art room looks as beautiful as the artwork and is still very functional.  This pin storage is just that.  

Have a great weekend!

Sweet Herbs

Tonight I dug out my markers and did a bit of coloring, which I haven't done in a long time.  A really long time!  I've noticed (and you probably have too) that I'm not even stamping very much anymore.  Most of the time I am very happy using designer papers and embellishments without stamping at all.   Quite often, even sentiments are rub-ons.  I really should start stamping more.

My husband asked me tonight if I have "used every one of those stamp sets upstairs".  HUH?!  What?!  Did I hear him correctly?  Where on Earth did that come from?!   I just gave him the cat that ate the canary look and he didn't say another word.  

Soooo....I have decided (or maybe I was guilted into deciding) it is time to weed out and sell some of my many, many stamp sets.  I love this Sweet Herbs set, but I never, ever use it- so it's first on the chopping block.  I thought that I would use it one last time before I list it on ebay.  I am going to add this card to the ebay listing along with a dozen charms.  Maybe that will help me get a good price which would increase my stamping budget this month  (shhh....that's a secret). 

  

I used my SU! markers and blender pen on Marl paper that I bought a LONG time ago and don't even remember how to use.  It came out okay but I still can't remember what the Marl paper was supposed to do.  I remember being very impressed by it a few years ago at a convention demo, but that's all I remember!  If anyone reading this has any info on it, I would be very appreciative.  And I mean very.

And here's the inside with a nice matching charm.  All of the charms are from Montage Designs, which is my jewelry company and I'm going to be offering them for sale very soon.... I know I've been saying that for a week now but I've found that there just aren't enough hours in the day.  I've filed a complaint about that but have had no resolution!  :-)

Have a great weekend.  I'll be visiting my sister tomorrow so I'll see you again on Sunday, or Monday.  

EDITED TO ADD: This card, along with the SU Sweet Herbs stamp set and 1 dozen charms, is now listed on ebay.  You can check it out by clicking here.

Color Inspiration Challenge #42

I made some time to play in my studio last night and I made a card for K. Werner Design Color Inspiration Challenge.  I just love her color challenges!  She's amazingly talented.  Here's what I created:
I'm still loving my new cuttlebug and I created another Quilt card.  This one is square and uses lots of layers.  This card is actually really heavy, which surprised me in the end.  It's going to take extra postage to mail for sure!
I used SU! hodgepodge hardware with a sentiment that I printed with my computer.  

And here's the inside.  I've been doing more on the insides of cards lately and I have to say that I think it gives them an extra special feel.  

If you haven't already, head on over and check out the K. Werner Design Blog.  It's worth the trip!

Cuttlebug Notecards

Today I'm sharing a couple of simple notecards that are made extra special with some cuttlebug embossing.  Can you tell I'm a new cuttlebug owner and still very enamored by it?!  {grin}  I'm always "late to the game" it seems.  Most everyone is tired of simple cuttlebug embossing, but not me!  Not yet anyway.

The cool part of these cards, which you can't tell in the picture is that they are larger "Hallmark" sized cards.  I made them to enclose in a couple of swap packages I participated in over at swap-bot.  Have you checked out the swaps over there?  You should.  

I pulled these cards out of my stash of things that are already done to share because I've been very busy working on some other things.  I really want to try to get involved with a few challenges I've seen this week, and I'm also working on putting together a new and exciting blog where I'll be able to share my vast inventory of brass charms and unique embellishments with you at a very reasonable price.  And then there's my main business (I am a jewelry artist) and I have a big order I'm working on.  

I'm running out of extras to post when I need a fill in post so you can bet I'll be in my art studio at some point tonight.  I can't wait!

A few more Valentines

I thought that today I should show you the last of the Valentine cards that I made.  Since the holiday is over I wanted to get these out of the way.

This one is another wire creation with layers and cuttlebug embossing.
I've decided that this wire is awesome and I'm going to get some more colors very soon.  I started with just one color to see how I liked it.

And here's the last two cards.  Also very simple.  

So Valentine's is now officially over!  Time to look ahead to St. Pats!  See you again soon...

Playing with Wire Again

Okay, it's official... I LOVE this wire.  Today I'm sharing another valentine card made with wire.  It's super simple, just layers and a little cuttlebug embossing and some wire.  
I formed the heart free form by coiling both ends of a 6 inch piece of wire and then bending it at the middle to form the heart.
Wire hearts like this can be very forgiving because if it's not exact, it still looks great.  Using round nose pliers makes it easier to start the coils.
I used a wire jig (available at most craft stores) to form these borders from 12 inch pieces of wire.  You could get the same effect using anything round (like a dowel) to wrap the wire around.  Using the jig made it easy to get two nearly identical wire borders like this card has.  And the Swarovski crystals really finish it off nicely.

Thanks for stopping by... I hope you can swing in again tomorrow.   Enjoy your day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!  I love this holiday because it's an excuse to be a little bit more romantic than usual.  I'm a lucky girl because my hubby enjoys it too.  Tonight I'm sharing the gift I made for him.  We never spend much money on each other at any holiday and we get a lot of pleasure from being creative and making handmade things.

Here's what I am leaving for him to find when he wakes up in the morning.  It's a little love notes notebook with a matching card.  We frequently leave little love notes for each other either on scrap paper or the chalkboard in the pantry.  I had an idea that it might be nice to use this book to leave our notes for each other and then when it's full we'll have a wonderful little book of memories and love.  I wrote a little note to him on the first page to get us started.
Here's the card that matches.  I used designer paper for this and I chose this paper because he loves the color yellow and I thought the flowers were very fun.
I also wanted to share the wrapped candy bars I made.  We are having dinner with friends for Valentine's Day and I wanted to give a little gift to each of them.  I bought those really big Hershey bars and wrapped them in designer papers and ribbon.
I'm really happy with the way they turned out.  I've never done this before so I wasn't sure if I'd like it.  Turns out that I LOVE them!

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your romantic holiday!  Thanks for stopping by!

Playing with Wire

Today I'm sharing something really fun.  I got my mits on this really (and I mean REALLY) cool wire and I am having a ball playing with it.  This is a card made with a really fun big flower that I created with it.  Pretty neat, right?!  

This is ice blue aluminum wire that is super easy to work with.  It bends and forms so nicely that I just can't put it down.  I am hoping to get more colors in the very near future and you'll be seeing more of this because I've been making things like crazy with it.
I made the flower by starting with a coil and then bending the wire behind the coil.  Then I was able to loop the petals by working around the flower making each petal on opposite sides, instead of making each petal next the last.  Does that even make sense?  Clear as mud?  

I stabilized the whole thing with a blob of hot glue on the back and then I attached it to the card with hot glue.  

Even my husband was impressed by this one.  I guess in a man's world, wire is cool.  Stay tuned... there'll be more of this fun stuff coming!  Thanks for visiting!