April Showers Blog Design is having a HUGE giveaway and celebrating her OPEN waiting list that starts January 1st! April not only does blogs - but also invitations, announcements, calendars, cards, business cards, custom illustrations, and so much more! Just by pasting this paragraph on my blog I'm a winner!

'til I craft again or have something to say...

Tis the Season...

It's time for holiday cards. Initially, I was stumped for ideas until I perused through this year’s Paper Crafts Holiday Cards & More, Volume 4  and I got so many ideas. This card was inspired by Maren Benedict’s Think Snow Card, page 32. There’s something about using Kraft paper that’s raw and pure that it seems to fit for any occasion.

The next card idea came from perusing Paper Crafts November/December 2009 issue. As you can see, I used Kraft paper again…gotta love that organic touch. This card was inspired by Tanis Giesbrecht Merry & Bright Trio, page 47. I really used some non-traditional colors (orange/white/gray) for the same layout. This one was made for a University of Tennessee (at Knoxville) fan. Even though they are odd colors, they kinda work in a weird way. Let me know what you think.

'til I craft again or have something to say...


~Stuff Used~
Let it Snow…
Card Size: 4.25” x 5.5”; Rubber Stamps: Snowflake (from a Michael’s Christmas set), Let it Snow (j deni for Visuation Design); Ink: Red, White (Hampton Art); Paper: Kraft, Red and White CS (Hobby Lobby); Accessories: Red Satin Ribbon (Offray)

Merry & Bright…
Card Size: 3.75” x 3.75”; Paper: Navy, Orange, Kraft (Hobby Lobby), White and Gray CS (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories: Snowflake Glitter (Martha Stewart), Free Snowflake Clipart, Rhinestones, Pristina font (Microsoft)

Birthday Card Time…

My hubby’s bro and my gal pal have birthdays on the same day. So imagine the stress that causes a slow card creator, such as myself. Somehow, I was able to get two birthday cards done and both were given to them on their birthday. I was on time…will wonder ever cease?! LOL!

Here’s his card…
The sentiment on the inside…but you have a pretty good view from where you’re standing. I’ve heard this sentiment before and have always thought it to be funny. I didn’t think to put into a card until I was seeking inspiration for a dude’s (masculine card) and my gal pals (including the bday gal) at work suggested this sentiment. I thought it so fitting, I couldn’t pass it up.

Here’s her card…
I recently got my first set of Spellbinders and couldn’t wait to use them. The sentiment on the inside…Hoppy Birthday! This is the first card I’ve done in a long time that I didn’t premeditate; have a plan or idea in mind. I just picked a stamp and got started until it looked like it was done. Somehow the non-method to my madness turned out pretty nice…in my humble opinion.

'til I craft again or have something to say...

~Stuff Used~

His Card
Card Size: 4.25” x 5.5”; Rubber Stamps: Polka Dot Background (Stampabilities); Ink: Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Vintage Photo (Ranger), Embossing Ink; Paper: Cream CS (Georgia-Pacific), Brown CS (Hobby Lobby); Accessories: Cream Twill Ribbon, Twine, Brads, Foam Tape, Markers (Copics), Clear Embossing Powder, Clip Art and MT Script Bold Font (Microsoft)

Her Card

Card Size: 4.25” x 4.25”; Rubber Stamps: Grasshopper Fluffles (Stampendous); Ink: Onyx Black (Tsukineko); Paper: White CS (Georgia-Pacific), Kraft and Red CS (Hobby Lobby); Accessories: Ribbon, Nestabilities – Label Two

Candy Corn...Yuck!


I can't stand the taste of candy corn, but it sure does make a pretty picture. LOL!

Dontcha think?



'til I craft again or have something to say...

~Supplies~
Card Size: 3” x 3”; Clear Stamps: Candy Corn (Hampton Art); Ink: Onyx Black (Tsukineko); Paper: White (Georgia-Pacific), Yellow, Orange; Accessories: Scallop Square Punch, Foam Tape, Markers (Copics), Croobie Font (Microsoft)

Your Handwriting = A Font = For Free

If you have ever wanted to see your handwriting as a font, the wait is over. At fontcapture.com, you can create a font from your own handwriting AND it's free! How sweet is that? All you need is a printer and a scanner. I think I'm going to give it a whirl. I'll post it when I do...

'til I craft again or have something to say...

BeeLated BeeDay Wishes…

I made this birthday card for a gal pal of mine who had a birthday day last month. I’ve wanted to use Jen del Muro’s Sketch For You To Try from July for awhile and thought my friend’s birthday was a good occasion to use it

Since I used 3 bee stickers, I used the word “bee” three times in the sentiment. I guess I took the Rule of Three a bit far…LOL!


'til I craft again or have something to say...



~Stuff Used~
Ink: Vintage Photo (Ranger); Paper: Brown, Red CS (Hobby Lobby), Designer Paper (DCWV), Cream CS (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories: Tempus Sans ITC Font, Dimensional Stickers (Michaels), Corner Rounder Punch (EK Success)

U Da Man...

I wanted to make my hubby a lil’ somethin’ somethin’ because he’s really made me proud to be his wife. He’s taking better care of himself…he’s going back to school…he’s finally embraced his inner handy man (involved wood and a drill; very sexy…LOL!)…he’s done so much more. I just wanted to let him know how proud I am of his accomplishments and that I love him.

I got a lil’ extra inspiration from the following SCS challenges:

Clean and Simple Challenge #28 – Masculine Cards

Limited Supply Challenge #234 – Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man

'til I craft again or have something to say...



~Stuff Used~
Card Size: 4.25” x 4.25”; Ink: Distress Inks – Tea Dye (Ranger); Paper: Kraft (Hobby Lobby); Accessories: Chipboard Letter Stickers (American Crafts Thickers – Gift Box), Paper Piercer, Corner Rounder Punch (EK Success)

Warm Thoughts...

I just found out recently that a very sweet lady and co-worker’s health has had her out sick for a couple of weeks. I thought this would be a good opportunity to send her a get well card. I used the SCS Clean and Simple Challenge #25 as the layout is really simple hence the name of the challenge. I had the colors in mind but when I put all the papers together it was kinda boring.

To spice it up a bit…I decided to add some interest by using a wood grain background stamp, added some texture with an embossing folder and dimension with foam tape. I’m happy with how it came out. It’s not overly bright, but it’s cheery. I hope it will put a smile on her face.

Please let me know what you think.

'til I craft again or have something to say...

Supplies:

Card Size: 3 7/8” x 4”; Ink: Tuxedo Black (Tsukinek), Vintage Photo (Ranger); Stamps: Coffee Cafe (The Paper Company Studio); Paper: Chocolate Brown, Mustard, Red, White CS (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories: Markers (Copics: R08, YR04, Y15, C1), Font: Amienne (Microsoft), Ribbon (American Crafts), Distressed Stripes Embossing Folders (Provocraft), Foam Tape

Birthday Mission...

I have a gal pal who will be celebrating her 45th birthday. You know what that means…I was on a mission to create another birthday card. I was inspired by quite a few things when creating this card. First off…It was easy to be inspired by this week’s Clean and Simple Challenge #22 as it was about items with a birthday theme; right on time, if you ask me.

Then, I was inspired by this week’s Sketch Challenge #236. I like the design of it as it is pretty clean and simple. While viewing this challenge’s gallery of others creations, I came across this beautiful card and was immediately inspired by the color combination…so I decided to use it. The inside of the card reads, “You’re twenty with 25 years of experience.” This sentiment was inspired by the gal herself as she has a great sense of humor and I figured she would appreciate it, which she did.

Another gal pal of mine went in together and bought her a gift card to one of her favorite local restaurants. I thought that a good reason to make a matching gift card holder. We also created a mini spa (lotions, body wash, etc) gift basket which included the card and the gift card. Unfortunately, I don’t have a good picture of the basket to share.

I really love how the card turned out AND she loved it too! Mission Accomplished!

'til I craft again or have something to say...

~Stuff Used~
Card Size: 4.25” x 5.5”; Gift Card Size: 4.25” x 7” (open); Ink: Tuxedo Black (Tsukinek); Stamps: Beauty Stems from Here (Inkadinkado); Paper: Navy CS, White CS (Georgia-Pacific), Classic K Bailey (K&Company); Accessories: Markers (Copics: R08, YR04, Y15, YG03 ), Font: Script MT Bold (Microsoft), Glue dots, Ribbon

Challenging...

I was in the mood to be challenged. So, I took on two challenges with the same card.

First up, Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration Challenge #55.

I thought the colors were such an unusual combination that just seemed to work together when I began playing with them. I was happily surprised at how well the colors played together...it was like 4 3-year olds playing peacefully with the same toy without any fighting...possibly a bad analogy, but you get what I mean.

Anyway...next up, Inkspirations Sketch Challenge # 9.

I thought the sketch was quite unique. Granted creating the tag look by hand was a bit tricky and as you can see in my final product...not quite straight...but I think that just adds to the mystique. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

All in all, I like the way my card turned out. You be the judge...what do you think?


'til I craft again or have something to say...


***Materials***
Card Size: 4.25" x 5.5”; Technique: Paper Piercing; Ink: Pearlescent Rust (Tsukinek); Stamps: Chelsea Alphabet (Inkadinkado); Card stock: Gray, Rust, Mustard, Cream (Hobby Lobby); Accessories: Rain Dots (Cloud 9 Design), Piercing tool

Father's Day...


I created these cards for my pop (brown) and my father-in-law (blue). Because I waited ‘til the last minute (no surprise), I had to make them quick and simple which was real easy to do since I used the SCS Clean and Simple Challenge #19 (based on Natasha’s sketch) for the layout.

~Stuff Used~
Card Size: 4.25" x 5.5”; Paper: Heavy Brown & Blue CS (Hobby Lobby), Classic K McKenna & Classic K Bailey (K&Company), Vellum (Hobby Lobby); Accessories: Segoe Script font (Microsoft), Ticket Punch (EK Success), Brads, Metal Letters


'til I craft again or have something to say...

It's all about the Mojo...


Since my mojo has been kick-started in the last couple of days, it’s only right that I participate in a Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge. Here it goes…

'til I craft again or have something to say...



~Stuff Used~
Card Size: 5" x 4.25”; Paper: White CS (Georgia-Pacific), Sage (Hobby Lobby), Classic K McKenna (K&Company); Accessories: 1 3/4” Circle Punches (EK Success), Zots (Therm O Web), Monoadhesive (Tombow), Forte Font (Microsoft), Cornice Edge & Butterfly Punches, Crystal Fine Glitter(Martha Stewart), Quote – author unknown (Quotegarden), Yellow Green Marker (Copic – YG03), Foam Tape

Inspired to be Crafty by being Green


I haven't been feeling very crafty lately (so you can safely assume that's why I haven't posted in 3 weeks), but that all change when I was getting ready to throw away an empty Reynolds Wrap 100% Recycled Aluminum* box. I know it sounds odd, but it's rather neat how the idea came to me. As I was throwing the box in the garbage, I paused and did a double take on the packaging. It immediately dawned on me that I had an embellishment in the making right in my hands. Not only could I be creative but green all at the same time. I used the tree on the packaging for the focal point on my card. The rest of the card is pretty simple. I used the sketch from the Inkspiration Sketch Challenge #8, a little added texture here and there, some sponging (which I haven't completely mastered the art of), some punching and some ribbon and VOILA! I'm quite happy with the results. Let me know what you think.


*If you click on the link, you can get a $0.50 coupon.


'til I craft again or have something to say...



~Suff Used~
Card Size: 4" x 4”; Technique: Sponging; Ink: Distress Inks – Tea Dye & Vintage Photo(Ranger); Paper: White CS (Georgia-Pacific), Kraft and Green (Hobby Lobby); Accessories: Ribbon, Swiss Dots & Distressed Stripes Embossing Folders (Provocraft), Cardboard embellishment (Reynolds Wrap), Ticket & 1 ½” Circle Punches (EK Success), Zots (Therm O Web), Monoadhesive (Tombow)

I finally did another card...


It's another birthday and I decided to do a card this time. This one is for my hubby. It took me awhile to come up with something special...meaning he got it days after his birthday...but hey...like you expect anything else from me...I have a history of procrastination. Regardless, I liked the end result and he absolutely loved it...even with it being late.



~Stuff Used~
Card Size: 5" x 5”; Ink: Tea Dye Distress Ink (Ranger); Paper: Gray CS & Vellum (Hobby Lobby), Cream CS (Georgia-Pacific), DP (K&Company); Accessories: Glue Dots, Bronze Metal Letters, Serated Tracing Wheel, Rage Italic Font (Microsoft)

Another Birthday, Another Card or Not...

It was a gal pal’s birthday this week, so time for yet another birthday card…right...WRONG! I didn’t feel like doing a card, so I decided on a gift card holder that I’d seen on Kwernerdesign (seen posted here and here).

I have wanted to do a gift card holder, this one in particular. Plus, Hobby Lobby just recently had a sale on there packaged paper…50% OFF! Yahoo! I’ve always wanted some coordinated paper that I didn’t have to coordinate…I’m lazy. I got a Designer Paper pad from K&Company with some beautiful papers – which I used on this project. Also, there's something about this bunny bottom stamp that I just absolutely love…it’s just so freakin’ adorable. This was the simplest non-card I’ve ever done.

Onto the sentiment…I know it is corny, but this stamp always inspires me to come up with something fabulously corny. Hey…but who cares…I don’t, because she loved it. Granted, she might’ve loved the Target GC more, but I’m gonna stick with the thought that it was all about the fabulously color coordinated packaging.

Til I craft again or have something to say...

*click on the pictures for a larger view

~Stuff Used~

Size: 4.25" x 7” (open); Stamps: Cottontail (All Night Media); Ink: Black (Memories); Paper: Red (Hobby Lobby), White (Georgia-Pacific), DP (K&Company); Accessories: Foam Tape, Crimper, Red Brads, Bone folder, Sea Green Ribbon (Offray), Markers (Copics: B32 – Pale Blue, RV11 – Pink), Ticket Corner Punch (EK Success/Stampin’ Up); CliffHmk Font (Microsoft)

Yummy Strawberries!

One of my hubby’s coworker had bought some strawberries awhile ago. She had sent two huge, chocolate-covered, juicy deliciously red strawberries home with him to give to me. Talk about a treat for the senses! Every since then, I wanted to make my own and I finally did about two weeks ago. So here they are…

By no means were the prettiest things, but they tasted pretty good and my hubby enjoyed them. I made so many I shared some with my gal pal too. Share the love – that’s what I say or better yet share what’s going to go bad if you don’t share/give it away. LOL!

'til I craft again or have something to say...

A tisket, a tasket...I did another basket...

I know it's been a while since my last post...nothing new there. What is new is that I've actually done some crafty things since, but I just haven't had time to post them all. Tonight, I'd like to share with you a basket that I put together for a friend to give to a friend. The basket was a housewarming gift. As you can see - not all the stuff was bought to coordinate - she just picked up stuff at random. So, it was a bit challenging to put everything together so it would look nice. I finally ended up folding the towels nicely and tying up most everything with raffia (my favorite). All in all, I was quite happy with the finished product. Just so you know, I did wrap it with basket wrap - I just forgot to take a picture afterwards.



Here's my gift. It was a mini candle set that I just wrapped up in brown paper, rafia and a fake flower (another favorite). I thought it turned out to be a cutely wrapped package (if I do say so myself...which I just did...so this ramble makes no sense). It's late and I'm tired so I'm gonna call it quits for now, but you'll be seeing the other stuff I've been up to over the next couple of days. Ciao for now!

Crafty Silliness...

Recently, I tried Nature Valley’s Trail Mix Bar - Dark Chocolate & Nut. They aren’t the best flavor I’ve had, but they are still good. Anyway, I was eating one and just as I finshed I was looking at the wrapper and it dawned on me…my friend girl loves dark chocolate and nuts…not only would this would be something for her to try…the bar name describes here perfectly…Dark Chocolate & Nutty…LOL! I told you all that to tell you that a mere wrapper inspired the sentiment and the color scheme for the card. I was also inspired by a Jen del Muro’s sketch plus the SCS Limited Supply Challenge (LSC215). It’s a pretty simple card and I know it’s corny, but I think my friend will get a kick out of as well as the snack.

Thanks for stopping by. Til' I craft again...

~Stuff Used~

Card Size: 5" x 5”; Technique: Embossing; Paper: White CS (Georgia-Pacific), Kraft, Red and Heavy Dark Brown (Hobby Lobby); Accessories: Peanuts (Microsoft Clipart - j0177951), Pristina Font (Microsoft), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Foam Tape

I’m proud of myself...



I know that's not a very PC (politcally correct) thing to say, but I’ve got to speak the truth. This is the first time in my recent memory that I can remember having a creative idea and acting on it. Not only that, but this is my first ABC – ANYTHING BUT A CARD post. Yippee! I’m moving up in the world.

I wanted to create Easter baskets for some friend girls. Who says you’re too old for an Easter basket? Not me. As you can see the fruits of my labor are, in my humble opinion, quite cute. They’re nothing extravagant, but just a little something that took a little thought, a little elbow grease and a little money. I have to say this has been the most satisfying project I’ve worked on in a long while. It feels quite nice to make something with your hands and to just simply give because I wanted to.

Everyone was quite happy that the Easter bunny thought of them this year. It was worth the effort, just to put a smile on their faces.

'til I craft again or have something to say...