Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Challenges Galore!

While surfing the web I found this blog: http://looking4blogchallenges.blogspot.com/

 OH MY GOODNESS!  I could do challenges for a whole year at not repeat one I think.  And....they have this adorable little button too :D:D:D

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Inspired By & Playing in Paradise!

Yep. Another two for one...my second attempt at creating 1 card for two challenges.  This is the second Inspired By challenge...I was also able to participate in their first one.  I'm loving the images that Laurel finds for us to be inspired by. This week's was postively delicious.  I was loving all the presents wrapped non traditional colours.

The challenge for Playing in Paradise #45 was to use a tree in our project. 

I started with a Vintage Cream card base, adhered some patterned paper...and then matted some complimentary patterened paper with the pastel green cardstock.  I die cut and stamped the tree from 'Tree Trimming Trio from Papertrey Ink.  The ornaments were fun and easy...I put some 1" score tape onto some cardstock, punched 1/2" circles, peeled the backing off and applied microfine glitter to them. Sparkly! I die cut the little slide that the sentiment was stamped onto from a cuttlebug die set. Threaded a ribbon through it and attached a button off to the side.


 
Doesn't that cake look like fun! I love all those packages in the assortment of non-traditional Christmas colours.



Paper: Vintage Cream Cardstock (PTI), Patterened Paper - Nana's Nursery Baby Girl (DCWV), Pastel Green Cardstock (Bazzill Basics)
Ink: Rose Petal Chalk Ink (S.E.I.), Razzberry Pigment Ink (ColorBox)
Stamps/Dies: Tree Trimming Trio (PTI), Tag Slide (Cuttlebug), Sentiment - Christmas Classics (Flourishes)
Embellishments: Ribbon (Michael's) Microfine Glitter - Fair (Barbara Trombley's Art Glitter), Floss and Button from my stash




Saturday, December 10, 2011

Fall to Layout #170

I simply adore the Clean & Simple Stamping blog...I lurk on there often for inspiration.  Finally, this week instead of reading, I've decided to participate in their challenge.  The inspiration sketch looked fun and of course simple. Which can be a trick...sometimes I find myself challenged in keeping to simplicity.


Here is my card...which I have to say I really had a lot of fun making!  Aren't those ornaments adorable?  I die cut them from the Vintage Ornament set (PTI), stamped and embossed them.  I love how they turned out.


Paper: Kraft Cardstock, Vintage Cream Cardstock (PTI) Red Cardstock, Brown Cardstock (Bazzill Basics)
Ink: Frost White (ColorBox), Khaki Green (ColorBox)
Embellishments: Clear Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Ribbon (Offrey), Maraschino Twine (The Twinery)

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Playing in Paradise Challenge #44

This is my first time participating in this challenge...and I love that it's monochromatic! The most difficult decision was choosing a colour.  My morning coffee was perfection on this snowy awakening...and the inspiration for my choice of a vintage sepia through to a rich cream.
 

Here is my card for the monochromatic colour challenge:



Paper: Vintage Cream Cardstock (PTI), Brown Cardstock (Bazzill Basics) Patterned Paper (Making Memories - Paperie Rouge & Mocha 6x6 stack)
Ink: VersaFine - Vintage Sepia (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Tea for Two set (PTI)
Embellishments:  Circles (Spellbinders), Tea for Two Die cut (PTI), Ribbon (American Crafts)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Two in One!

Welcome to the first full week of December...what a year this has been.  I'm a fan of Mojo Monday and play along quite frequently, not always posting what I've made, but playing along nonetheless. And the other day, I ran across a new blog called 'Inspired By' which has posted its inaugural challenge...and as luck would have it I still had time to enter!   I've never combined challenges together before...


I was drawn right away to the crisp green and delicate blue colours in the 'Inspired By' photo.  It is a very calm and comfortable sense decking the halls for the Holidays!  I knew that I just had to make a card after seeing the picture.


Paper:  Vintage Cream Card stock (PTI), Patterned Paper, Nana's Nursery - Baby Boys (DCWV), Blue Shades & Green Card stock (Bazzill Basics)
Inks: Tiffany Chalk Ink (S.E.I.), Tree Frog Archival Dye Ink (ColorBox) Pearlescent Sky Blue (Tsukineko)
Stamps: Pitcher - Iconic Images Set, Mehndi Medallion Set, Mat Stack #2 Set (PTI) Pine Boughs - All That Glitters set (Flourishes)
Embellishments:  Mat Stack #2 Die cut (PTI), Pearls (Basic Grey)


Monday, November 28, 2011

Mojo Monday #217

Welcome to Monday!  I woke up feeling creative and the Mojo Monday challenge was there!  I didn't know i still had yet another Christmas card in me...but i did.
Here is the sketch:
I of course, chose to make a square card.



Papers:  Kraft Cardstock, Vintage Cream Cardstock, Coaster Stock (PTI), Designer Paper (Echo Park), Red, Blue Cardstock (Bazzill Basics)
Inks: Sea Breeze, Lady Bug, Moonlight White (Tsukineko) Crimson (All Night Media)
Stamps: Ornament & Die cut - Vintage Ornament Set (PTI) Sentiment (Flourishes)
Ribbon: Offrey

Friday, November 25, 2011

Papertrey November Blog Hop Challenge

Wow!  What an image we had to work with for the challenge.  So many directions to choose from. 


I loved the predominate red & white colour scheme.  The pine boughs add a festive touch of green.  The agony of choices to launch my design from.  But it was the red & white colours that kept drawing me in...and the toile print on the gifts.  I used the Mehndi Medallion to create this same sort of feeling for my card.
Paper: Stamper's Select White (PTI), Red (Bazzill Basics)
Ink:  Lady Bug - Momento (Tsukineko)
Ribbon: Offrey
Stamps: Mehndi Medallions, and sentiment from Tree Trimming Trio sets (PTI)


Make it Monday #42

Hello Everyone!

I loved this week's 'Make-it-Monday' over at Papertrey Ink.  The tutorial was about layering a background using sentiment stamps...something I'd never tried.  I had several goes at this ...and the cat came in from the snow with wet paws and ruined them.  I re-created my favourite, and kept it out of harm's way.

Takinng a break from Christmas cards, I opted to use the 'Daydreamer' set.
Paper:  Kraft Cardstock, Vintage Cream Cardstock (PTI) Brown Cardstock, Pumpkin Cardstock (Bazzill Basics)
Inks:  Antique Linen (Ranger) Galaxy Gold, Cosmic Copper, Rich Cocoa & Spanish Olive (Tsukineko)
Stamps:  Daydreamer Set (PTI)

Sunday, November 20, 2011

A Few Months... and now a few Christmas Cards.

Dear Readers,

As you can see from the last posting date...it has been quite a few months since my last post.  Not to get too much into the details of it...I had a stroke.  It was caused by some medication I was taking.  You know you've got a crafting addiction when none of your body wants to move or work but you are craving to operate a pair of scissors!  Yes, during the first days after my stroke that's all I wanted...A pair of scissors.  My hand would make the movement as my brain was thinking about scissors.  Fast forward now to a few months into rehabilitation and I'm finding cardmaking not only a joy but also a challenge and a bit theraputical in terms of figuring spatial relationships, fine motor skills...in cutting, stamping, etc. 

In the spirit of keeping my blog going and in keeping myself going physically and creatively, I share with you these photos of what's been going on in the craft room.  I should have taken photos of the boxed card sets I made as presents ...but I forgot before giving them.  I do however have a few random Christmas cards that are going to become boxed sets.






Thanks for taking a look.  Leave a comment ...constructive criticism is appreciated as well.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Mojo Monday #203

I made a card for this challenge...and then forgot to post it in my excitement over beads.  I love Mojo Monday challenges.  There is usually some element that throws me a bit, and this time was no exception.  It was the ribbon across the top corner.  I think i did it and re-did it about 15 times before i was satisfied with it.  The pearl centers for the flowers was an afterthought...still not sure how I feel about them.
And here is my take on this week's challenge.

Cardstock: Vintage Cream (PTI), Pink (C'ordinations), Black (Bazzill Basics)
Patterned Paper: It's the Little Things (Fancy Pants)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Pixie Dust (Versa Magic), Aloe Vera (Versa Magic)
Stamps: Daydreaming Set (PTI), Sentiment (A Muse)
Embellishments:  Ribbon (Michael's),  Pearls (Basic Grey)

Friday, August 12, 2011

A Change of Pace...

I've always got a project on the go ...ever since I can remember.  I love paper, beads, fabric...paints, charcoals..and there's surely something out there yet that I've not yet discovered and will LOVE.  This post isn't cards or paper...its BEADS!  Yesterday I discovered crocheting wire with beads into beautiful necklaces.  I love making them!  So without further ado....here for your viewing pleasure:  The necklaces.


Friday, August 5, 2011

What's That Theme Throwdown #8

I've missed participating in the challenges the last couple of weeks *sad face*, but now that I've had some time I've made a card for the challenge.  This week's challenge:

Here is my card.  Feminine, Flirty, and oh so fun!

Paper: White #110 Cardstock (Michael's), Black & White Flocked paper(My Minds Eye), Pink Polka Dotted Paper ( K&Co) Black Cardstock (Bazzill Basics)
Ink: Black Tuxedo (Tsukineko), Rose Petal Chalk Ink (S.E.I.), Copic Markers,
Stamps: Cupcake (MFTS -It's a Cupcake Kind of Day set), Sentiment (A Muse)
Embellishments: Pearls (Basic Grey), Ribbon (Offrey)

Mojo Monday #202

It's been a bit busy around here, but I've finally found some time to spend in my crafting corner.  I thought this week's Mojo Monday was quite a challenge for me.  It must have been the triangle elements that were throwing me off...I managed to put mine opposite to the sketch!

Here is my take on the sketch.

Paper:  Kraft Cardstock (Papertrey Ink), Patterned Papers (DCVW-Baby Boy Nursery), Blue Cardstock (C'ordinations)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Ocean Breeze (S.E.I.) Copic Markers
Stamps:  Sentiment (Unity Stamp Co. - Wild Bunch Set), Image (No Mark on stamp...was given to me by a friend)
Embelishments: Buttons (Basic Grey), Ribbon (Michael's)


Monday, July 25, 2011

New Goodies!!!

Today I received my order from LSL Diversified, here in Canada.  I am beyond tickled. Fabulous service...best prices on Copics.  I ordered 19 markers, and a small 6 x 6 pad of paper ...came in just under 100.00 CDN and they arrived in 3 days!  I'm going to go sit in my stamp room and colour everything I can get my hands on! 

I am a HAPPY HAPPY stamper today!

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop for July

This is my very first time participating in a Papertrey Ink Blog Hop!  I've cruised through the entries in the past with complete awe of everyone's talent.  This time I got it together and am participating. I am so excited!

Here is the picture from which we were to get our inspiration for this month's challenge:
I used Papertrey Ink Kraft Cardstock, Butterfly Die from 'Love Lives Here' set, Sentiment is from Mat Stack 2.  Orange and blue cardstock from Bazzill Basics, bling hearts from my stash (can't remember who makes them )


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Mojo Monday # 200

What a busy week/end.  I spent most of last week preparing the house for houseguests, and they arrived Thursday night.  We had a fabulous fun time and the weather was hot and sunny and beautiful...perfect for outdoor strolling and shopping.  I didn't make many purchases, but the one thing i did buy that I love was a Lampe Berger...fun little device for making the house smell nice. 

I missed my craftroom.  I am glad however, that today I had time to play along with the Mojo Monday challenge for this week.
After all that sunshine and bright skies, and seeing everything blooming in my tiny little patch of a flower garden I was inspired to play with something floral.

Here is my take on the sketch:

Paper:  Cardstock (Bazzill Basics), Patterned Papers (K&Co)
Inks:  Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger) Copic Markers
Stamps:  Sentiment from 'Tea For Two Additions', Dahlia from 'Delightful Dahlias' (Papertrey Ink)
Dies:  'Delightful Dahlias' (Papertrey Ink)
Ribbon: Offrey
Bling:  'Salt Air' (Cosmo Cricket)

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Mojo Monday #199

It's been a rather busy week here for me, preparing the house to have guests for the weekend.  I did however manage to take a break and spend some time in my sanctuary (craft room) and whip up a card for the Mojo Monday challenge.  It's always fun to get to play along.
Here is my take on the design

Paper:  Kraft Cardstock (Papertrey Ink), Brown, Yellow Cardstock (Bazzill Basics) Patterned Paper (K&Co), Coaster (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Bronze (S.E.I.), Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Stamps:  Sentiment from Delightful Dahlia Set (Papertrey Ink), Flower Power Set (Gel-A-Tins)
Embellishments: Brown Ribbon (Offrey), Die Cut Border (K&Co), Brad (Michael's) Rhinestone Bling (Michael's), Paper Flowers (from my stash). Butterfly cut from 'Love Lives Here' Dies (Papertrey Ink)

Sunday, July 10, 2011

What's That Theme Throwdown Challenge 4

Another fun challenge.  I had 1 tiny little Teddy Bear stamp...an accent stamp in the MFTStamp set (She's Having a Baby) and had to figure out a way to make it a feature.  I think it works!



Materials:  Kraft Cardstock (Papertrey Ink),  Green and Yellow Cardstock (Bazill Basics), Patterened Papers (DCWV - Nana's Nursery -Baby Boy), Coaster Stock (Papertrey Ink). Inks:  Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Blue (S.E.I.), Copic Markers.  Stamp:  Teddy Bear from 'She's Having a Baby' set (MFTStamps) Ribbon (Offrey) Button from my collection of buttons.

Mojo Monday - 198

It took me awhile to figure out what I wanted to do for this challenge.  The layout was fun and energetic.  I eventually put together this bright and playful card to go along with the theme.

Materials Used: Kraft Cardstock (Papertrey Ink), Orange Cardstock (C'ordinations), Green Paper (S.E.I.), Blue Cardstock (Bazill Basics), Patterened Papers (DCWV-Nana's Kids), Coasters (Papertrey Ink).  Inks: Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Bronze (S.E.I) Copic Markers. Stamps: Lion from Wild & Crazy Bunch (Unity Stamp Co.) Baby from Mat Stack 2 Collection (Papertrey Ink)


Tuesday, July 5, 2011

CPS-Card Sketches Challenge #225

When I first saw this challenge I pictured something feminine and sweet.  However after digging through my stash of papers and things I ended up with a masculine and retro feeling card.  I wish I could remember where I got the patterened papers from....they're quite fun.



Materials: Kraft Cardstock - Papertrey Ink, Grey Cardstock - Bazzill, Orange Cardstock, C'ordinations.
Patterened Paper - unknown
Ink: Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko, Black Sharpie
Brads - unknown


Saturday, July 2, 2011

What's That Theme Throwdown - Challenge #3

 I LOVED this challenge...challenge being the keyword.  I really didn't have anything 'starry' and had to really go searching through my stash of things.  Ta-Da!  I found my Creative Memories Star template...who knew I had one of those? I found a little snippet of the bandana paper...and that woodgrain went well.  Now to dig through the box of embellies.....YES...bling stars!  And a small star punch!  Things were looking up.


Materials:  Kraft Cardstock (Papertrey Ink), Black Cardstock (Bazzill), Cream Cardstock (Michael's), Patterned Paper I belive is from (K&Co.) Stamps: MFTStamps (It's a Cupcake Kind of Day), Studio G (Alphabet Stamp Set)  Ink:  Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Bronze (S.E.I.) Sea Breeze chalk ink (Versa Magic Dew Drop). Ribbon: Brown (Offrey)  Rhintstone Stars (Darico)  Brown button from stash of asst buttons I've collected over the years.

Monday, June 27, 2011

My Mojo Monday #197 Entry

As I said the the other day, I'm finding some challenges and participating...

First of all let me say...I know the picture quality isn't that great.  I'm a but technologically challenged by my digital camera, and image quality will improve with practice.  I'd also like to know how to take better pictures of my cards in terms of lighting and angles as well.


Here is Mojo Monday 197


PAPER:  Papertrey Ink Kraft cardstock, American Crafts Patterned Paper (A la Carte) collection, SEI Black Textured paper,

STAMPS: Papertrey Ink Delightful Dahlia set

Prismacolor Pencils, Tsukineko Tuxedo Black Ink, Black Buttons, Rhinestones, and Yellow Ribbon.