Paper Therapy Ponderings

Oldie Moldie Monday

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

Oldie Moldie Monday - showing some love to some old paper. Gotta love those 6 x 6 pads of Basic Grey or all 6 x 6 pads - they hold a special place in my heart and all over my crafting area. Three more cards for Operation Write Home. The truck is a favorite for masculine cards - and the thank you stamp is from Hero Arts.

If you want to see another card from this paper - check out Sunday's card.

Thank You Very Much

2012-01-29T16:07:00.000-06:00

My card today is the appetizer for Oldie Moldie Monday - come back tomorrow to see what other cards I made from this Basic Grey 6 x 6 pad. Every Monday I try to show some love to some older paper - I have been doing it with my Basic Grey 6 x 6 pads - I collect them so therefore I must use them.

This is based on the sketch at Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps blog - I like this sketch. I used my Silhouette to cut the banner. I just trimmed the other end of the banner off. The image is a free image by Paula - which can be found at this link. Digitals are so great because you can size them so you have the size sentiment you need for each card. I cut the circles with my spellbinders but you could size the circle to fit into your punches. Thanks Paula for sharing this. She has lots of other freebie digitals on her blog.

See you tomorrow for Oldie Moldie Monday.

Eat Cake Graphics

2012-01-28T09:18:00.000-06:00

I am proud to say that I am now on the design team for Eat Cake Graphics. I know I am going to have lots of creative fun with their great stamps. Both the stamps on this card are from Eat Cake Graphics - isn't that a fun sentiment. This started as a card for Operation Write Home but then I decided to use my Stardust Gel pen on the cupcakes and sentiment. One of my great nieces - decided she wanted to learn how to bake and decorate cupcakes this year - so I am going to send this card to her. At Easter I will give her a cupcake recipe book I bought at Kohl's. Kohl's has great items that all the proceeds go to charity - each item cost $5. Many times they are books with coordinating stuffed animals.

The card is based on the sketch from Clean and Simple Stamping. I think this will be a sketch I used in the future. I did put my sentiment in the block rather than lining it up with the edge of the card.

I also am entering it on the challenge at Lily Pad sponsored by Simon Says Stamp to use patterned paper. The paper I used is from an old Basic Grey 6 x 6 pad - I think it will be the paper I use next week for my Oldie Moldie Monday post. I did dry emboss the aqua layer with a Cuddlebug folder. I also added some ink along the edges to distress the paper. The cupcakes and sentiment are pop dotted. Three little orange rhinestones finish off the card.

Everyone enjoy your Saturday. I need to buy some groceries to make dinner - my youngest will be here for dinner before she starts her journey to Alaska to start a new adventure in her and her husband's life. July 2013 I will be planning a several week vacation to Alaska.

October Afternoon and OWH cards

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

I wanted to use some of the paper in this 8 x 8 pad from October Afternoon. Once I grounded each element by mounting it on cardstock - they stood out more. The rectangles are pop dotted.

Thanks for stopping by.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

Oldie Moldie Monday - time to show some love to some old paper - I took out one of my Basic Grey 6 x 6 pads and started making a few cards - they are very simple cards - but I think they turned out very nice. All the cards are for Operation Write Home.

Big Bunny Hugs

2012-01-22T12:17:00.000-06:00

Today's card is inspired by the weekly sketch at Operation Write Home's card blog - Stars and Stamps. I had colored a couple bunnies yesterday so I already had a cute image to use on a card - my card may not fit the exact dimensions of the sketch but somewhat follows the sketch. The sentiment does not make it only for Easter. Isn't that the cutest bunny - I do believe I got my $1's worth out of this stamp from Michael's. The sentiment is a favorite for OWH cards - it is from Hero Arts.

Of course, I did my cheater stripe - I just added another piece of paper down the middle rather than trying to line up 3 small strips of paper. Everything was matted with a rose pink cardstock to make it pop a little more.

Now to accomplish my week end chores and get some more cards made. I believe I have made 9 for Operation Write Home this week end - stop by tomorrow - Oldie Moldie Monday to see more of them.

Bunny Card Challenge

2012-01-21T18:52:00.000-06:00

A quick challenge on Operation Write Home's Facebook page to make a bunny card - very quick card - using a couple Studio G stamps - $1 each. It is really not an Easter card so that helps make it less time sensitive. I embossed the background cardstock (Bazzill Bling) with a Cuddlebug folder - adds some nice dimension to the background. I cut the scallop with my Silhouette and the background pink circle and flower with Spellbinder Dies.

Clean and Simple Card Class

2012-01-18T06:00:00.005-06:00

I signed up to take the Clean and Simple Card Class taught by Jennifer McGuire and several others. I am such a slackard and have not done one card until today and this took me several hours to make - I stuggle with Clean and Simple. The cards look naked to me - I thought this class would help me - I will just have to get busy. Gee too bad I have to work.

The lesson today was to make a white card - YIKES - I made one this last fall that I really liked. I looked through my paper - I wanted the Bazzill pin dot paper in white - I couldn't find it - I know I hae some somewhere. So I took a piece of textured cardstock (very subtle) and ran it through an embossing folder. The pink mat and Penny Black floral sticker are each pop dotted to add some dimension to the card. I added the orange twine for some contrast and to also add some balance to the Hero Arts sentiment. The centers of the flowers needed something so I added some pearls to the center - gee - should it have been bling - or maybe some clear Stickles - but it is pearls because you know if I tried to remove them I would tear the sticker. I also cute the size of the card down some to it was more equal distance on all 4 sides. Also rounded the upper right corner.

I also am entering this card in the Moxie Fab challenge embossing/debossing challenge in honor of their special edition on Tools - fun issue.

Whew I made one card for the class - maybe I have opened a flood gate.

Echo Park, Moxie FAB and CAS-ual Friday Join Forces

2012-01-17T06:00:00.001-06:00

I have a new Silhouette and the little scallop background is one of the free shapes you get with the machine - I was just playing and cut out this shape - I made it smaller so it could be used on a card. I decided I had to use it on a card. The card is based on several challenges - Moxie Fab to use Die Cuts and CAS-ual Friday to use scallops.

The card uses the Yours Truly collection (6 xs6 pad) from Echo Park. I love that houndstooth plaid - in fact - I bought a couple extra pieces of that paper. The die cuts are the Silhouette scallop background and Spellbinders hearts. The heart and plaid stripe are pop dotted for a little dimension.

Thanks for stopping by.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2012-01-16T08:03:00.000-06:00

Oldie Moldie Monday - time to share a card made with some paper I never showed any love to - I bought one sheet of this paper because I liked all the elements in it - knew it would be great for making cards - double sided (blue print and rusty print) and on the blue side there were two rows of these flowers. I cut the rows of flowers off each end and then used th remainder ofthe paper to make 4 of these cards. These cards are all for Operation Write Home - yes there are many soldiers still serving overseas that do not have access to a hallmark store. The stamp is from Hero Arts. The paper is from Graphic 45.

This card fits the challenge for flowers on Stars and Stamps - Operation Write Home's card blog. Come play along with us. Everyone has flowers in their collection of supplies.

And on that note - I Wish You a Wonderful Day. I have a day off from work - have a haircut appointment at 11 - was going to work but I did not get the list I wanted to work on - so gee - I guess I will not go to work. Enjoy your day whether you are working or doing other things.

Another Unity Stamp Card and Authentique Paper

2012-01-14T09:14:00.000-06:00

Unity Stamps had a challenge for a couple weeks using their Itty Bitty Stamps - so I had to play and I did ink up a couple I had not used before. I like how this one turned out with the banner and the image actually hanging off the card edges - something a little different in size and shape. Isn't that Authentique paper the best.

If you want to see what else I created, just go down further in my blog.

Still toying with the idea of going shopping - driveway is shoveled, maybe if I go get the dishes done - then I could go out for a couple hours. OK - talked myself into it.

I love patterned papers!!

2012-01-12T17:32:00.000-06:00

My first love in paper crafting is patterned paper and I have a new love in that area - 6 x 6 pads so the challenge for Operation Write Home Our Daily Bread Designs Challenge is to use three patterned papers on a card - I am sure there are more than 3 on this card but hey - I love patterned paper. ODBD will pay the cost of shipping a box of cards for every 25 cards up to 2 boxes. We have an entire month to meet this challenge and as said we usually eeeeeeek in by the sticky on our ATG tape.

Thank you ODBD for your support of Operation Write Home.

Authentique and Unity Stamps Unite

2012-01-11T19:23:00.000-06:00

Good evening - long day of work - and it is suppose to snow tomorrow - YUCK - it could have waited for the week end and then you don't have to worry about going anywhere - but I need to go to work.

This is a card I made over the week end for my brother whose birthday is coming up. It is made with one the Itty Bitty stamps from Unity Stamps. I love the mushroom. I like how I added the polka dots to the cap by using the color removing pen from Copic. I used a collection from Authentique Paper - there papers are so yummy.

The card is based on the sketch from I Heart to Stamp.

Thanks for stopping by.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

It is Oldie Moldie Monday - time to show some love to some old paper and supplies. I had seen several challenges for using chipboard and I knew buried within my Basic Grey collections was a collection with coordinating chipboard - and to my total amazement - it was in the first bin I looked in. That has to be an Oldie Moldie Monday miracle.

The cards are very self explanatory - paper, chipboard and a great SRM Sticker to finish it off. The challenges I have done are

CAS Friday - chipboard

Lily Pad - chipboard

Unstampabella Challenge site - anything goes (no stamps) - new challenge site - introduced to me by my friend Ivanka

and each card would qualify for all the sites. All these cards are going into my Operation Write Home box.

Go dig in your supplies - show some love to some old supplies.

More Silhouette and Hero Arts Fun

2012-01-08T11:42:00.000-06:00

I am still having fun with my Silhouette - my daughter was visiting and she went out into the Silhouette store and found this fun mustache file - there I believe 6 different shaped mustaches in the file - I loved the handle bar one. I couldn't quite figure out what sentiment to use with the mustache but yesterday I bought the Hero Arts stamp set (new this winter) which Hero Arts is donating 25% of their profits on this set and two other sets to Operation Write Home. So of course I had to make a card (actually 3 total of same design) for Operation Write Home.

The design of the card is based on the sketch at Clean and Simple Stamping. I had to add some texture to the kraft paper so I used one of my dry embossing folders and then used the backside of the embossed paper. I also got out my Tonic Distresser and distressed the edges of the paper. Fun Fun Fun - and of course, I had less stress when I was done.

I have also been busy working on my Oldie Moldie Monday cards for tomorrow. I have 4 done so I am going to put that paper away for now and see what other kinds of paper making trouble I can get in. Have a wonderful day.

Silhouette and My Mind's Eye

2012-01-07T06:56:00.000-06:00

Today I am sharing another card I made using my Silhouette Cameo. It is going in my box for Operation Write Home. I had to size the design down just a little to fit in the A2 envelope.

I backed the cutout area with paper from My Mind's Eye to highlight the beautiful design that was cut by the Silhouette and added a stripe of paper and twine at the top. I know that I will get my 99 cents worth out of this pattern.

Last night before I went to bed, I put a beef roast in my crock pot with a can of cream of mushroom soup and dried onion soup mix. Of course, my house smelt wonderful all night long - I am surprised I could sleep and did not make up ravenous. This morning I have wonderful hot beef sandwiches for a luncheon later on today. I had forgotten about this recipe until I was cruising the meat aisle and it popped into my head. Looking forward to that sandwich later in the day - if you add extra soup - it also makes great gravy over potatoes.

Have a wonderful day.

Favorite Cookie Recipe

2012-01-06T18:59:00.000-06:00

dug out this recipe to make for my son in law - thought I would share it with all of you. Very yummy.

Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

1 pkg (18 ¼ oz) yellow cake mix 1 egg

1 cup creamy peanut butter ½ c. vegetable oil

1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 c. (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips

2 T. butter

In bowl combine cake mix, peanut butter, egg and oil. Press 2/3 of mixture into greased 13 x 9 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes.

In heavy saucepan heat milk, choc chips and butter over low heat. Stir until well blended. Pour over crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 – 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.

Unity Stamps and My Mind's Eye

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Unity Stamp Company has a challenge on their facebook page to use their itty bitty stamps - I have all my Unity Stamps together and I knew where they were - surprised aren't you - so I took out my sewing machine stamp - I always make my assistant a set of cards for her birthday - her birthday is in March and I am usually trying to get them done right before her birthday - so now I have one made. I love the colors in this grouping from My Mind's Eye.

Sew happy you stopped by today. I found a card shape on Silhouette - shaped like a spool of thread - I think I will have to use it with this stamp to make another card.

Silhouette fun and Operation Write Home

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

Sharing another card I made using my Silhouette - check yesterday's post for another card. This is one of the free cutting files that comes with the machine. I decided to turn the tag into a cute card. I sized the tag down to fit on an A2 card - put a color behind the words to make them pop - added some flowers from the flower drawer and some great My Mind's Eye paper. I made this for Operation Write Home.

This week's midweek challenge on OWH Stars and Stamps is to use something you got for Christmas - Merry Christmas to Barb - very fun to use.

Come back tomorrow - I may have another card for you to see.

Silhouette Adventures

2012-01-04T06:00:00.001-06:00

I got a Silhouette Cameo at Christmas so now I am beginning to start to play with it. This is one of the card I made this week end. I used paper from My Mind's Eye - Everyday Flair and a sticker from SRM Stickers to complete my card. I colored some pearls to match the pink in the card.

Come back again to see more adventures with the Silhouette. I am having fun.

Lawn Fawn and Basic Grey

2012-01-03T06:00:00.004-06:00

I love the saying on this stamp from Lawn Fawn - a perfect stamp for an Operation Write Home card. I knew I wanted to use a paper that resembled a map and Basic Grey had this great paper which had some nice colors to compliment the design.

The first card is based on the sketch from Card Positioning System. I used a circle in the middle rather than a rectangle. I added dry embossing to the strip behind the circle.

The second card is based on the sketch from Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps blog. The little strips are paper I trimmed off the map paper (double sided). It worked perfectly.

I hope you enjoyed today's cards. If you want to do something that makes you very happy, start making cards for Operation Write Home. They are guaranteed to bring smiles to many faces.

1st Oldie Moldie Monday 2012

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

I have this wonderful pad of Making Memories paper called English Garden - I don't think I have hardly used any of it so I got it out and started making cards - I believe with the blue rose paper I have made 5 cards - and then I had to try out my new Silhouette machine and I cut the butterfly with it. It was one of the free shapes you get. I embossed the butterflies and then layered them to add some dimension to the card. I tied some bakers twine around the butterfly.

The stamps used on the top two cards are Hero Arts stamps. I have gotten so much use out of this set - they is one more stamp in the set - Just Saying Hello. I used a SRM sticker to complete the butterfly card.

The midweek challenge on the Operation Write Home card blog Stars and Stamps was to make a thank you card in honor of Dixie - our east coast shipper - who has retired from shipping so hopefully she can make more beautiful cards.

So in 2012 dig into your old supplies and show them some love. It is amazing how beautiful those papers still are.

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T15:20:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year - hope 2012 is filled with health and happiness for all of you. I hve spent the day playing with paper and just relaxing - work is going to get crazy so I need to enjoy these quiet days at home.

I wanted to send some New Year cards to a couple people so when Melonheadz Illustrating posted this cute baby New Year - I could not resist using it. I had this great number paper from Authentique that I thought would add to a new year card. Why oh why did I not buy a 12 x 12 sheet of this paper - maybe because I never saw it in 12 x 12. The first card is based on the sketch at Authentique Papers blog. I had this embossing folder of clocks and for a new year card it seemed appropirate and adds a little extra texture.

The other card is using up all the different pieces I had of this particular grouping of paper. Did you know that there is a certain color of ORANGE that is the color for 2012.

I added a couple stickers from SRM - it is from a birthday sticker sheet but I think Celebrate works for a new year's card. I did add some sparkle to the baby's hat and flag and also the numbers on the first card.

Enjoy the remainder of today - and hopefully everyone cheers on the Wisconsin Badgers tomorrow in the Rose Bowl.

Favorite Operation Write Home Cards for 2011

2011-12-31T06:08:00.002-06:00

I love the contrast of the red doily and the new Hero Arts clock stamp.

I think I must like hearts for my OWH cards - I love this vintage image - and I made a card that was somewhat similar that was published this last year in Paper Crafts Stamping Issue

Of cours this card made the cut (more hearts) but it won on Scrapbooks Etc and OWH got a $500 donation for it.

I just love this birdie and all the bright happy colors.

I love the simplicity of this card - this is my type of CAS style.

This card was in the October Issue of Crafts 'n Things when I nominated Opeation Write Home for crafting for a cause.

I just love the colors on this and the image is a sticker - how easy.

My first love (no not Santa) - using just paper on a card - no stamping.

I lovethe simplicity of this card - CAS style getting better and chevrons are the "in thing" this year paper crafting - plus that new clock stamp from Hero Arts

I have to share a favorite masculine card - love the embossing in the background and the simple stamped image of the golfer.

There are my favorite cards for the year. What do you think?

Pop over to see Nancy now.

Thank You, Paint and Ink

2011-12-28T20:53:00.001-06:00

I guess tonight was the night to get messy. We lost power at work this afternoon so I came home early and I took a little nap - maybe I should do that every afternoon when I get home from work - hopefully it does not affect my falling asleep tonight. It is amazing how much you can not do without power and I hate sitting around work and not being able to work - one of my busiest times - so I needed to get out of there.

My card tonight is a thank you card but I wanted to try something different - I got out my acrylic paints and painted my cardstock - I then stamped on the painted cardstock with a chalk ink from Colorbox. I kinda like how it turned out - especially the dots on the painted card front. The midweek challenge on the Operation Write Home card blog Stars and Stamps is Thank You cards in honor of Dixie - one of our shippers who recently retired from her post - now she will have all this time to make cards.

Simon Says challenge is "Anything Goes" and I will be entering my card in their challenge.

So get out and be messy and see what you can come up with - it is lots of fun.

The hardest card to make

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

I believe a sympathy card is the hardest card to make. There are never enough words to express your feelings for a person losing a loved one. A co worker and friend has lost her husband to cancer - he fought so hard - may he rest in peace.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2011-12-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

The good news is that I survived another Christmas and I even managed to make a card last night - I did not want to miss an Oldie Moldie Monday post.

I know I have an entire grouping of this paper - but who knows where it is. These pieces of paper were in a little drawer with all the die cuts that coordinate with the paper. The die cuts have glitter on them so I will not be able to use them for Operation Write Home.

Well I must go - trying to clean up after Christmas dinner and put things away - I am on my second load of laundry and I am planning to go play for awhile with my friend Mary. I actually would like to take a nap right now - it is only 9:00 am. I slept through the second half of the football game last night - luckily the Packers were able to win without me but it must have been a great second half looking at the score. Oh well.

Recipe Share

2011-12-21T08:15:00.000-06:00

I do not have any cards to share with you today but I thought I could share a recipe - a wonderful tasting quick bread to add to your holiday table or take to a friend for a little holiday goodness.

Come back again tomorrow for a favorite - make ahead mashed potatoes.

Apple Bread

Cream together: ½ c. butter, 1 c. white sugar, 2 eggs,

1 tsp vanilla, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp soda dissolved in 2 T. Sour Milk

Add: 2 c. diced apples, 2 c. sifted flour

Turn into 2 small or 1 large bread pan

Topping: Mix together, 2 T. butter, 2 T. Flour,

2 T. sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon

Place on top of bread. (I normally do not put the topping on the bread - it really does not need it)

Bake 1 hour at 325 degrees.

Crate Paper and SRM Stickers Unite

2011-12-20T06:21:00.000-06:00

The last Christmas card for the week - all paper stuff is being put away so we can eat dinner on those crafting tables. So needless to say I am working away at cleaning - YUCK.

I participated in a cookie exchange tomorrow - I have two containers full - they make a great breakfast - I really need to put those cookies in the freezer - although that has never stopped me before from eating them - that is what microwaves are made for.

My card today is for my friend Mary - who started me down this road in cardmaking. The image is a digi from I Brake for Digis but she is no longer offering digis - you may wish to check and see if she has the snowman in rubber. He is such a happy little snowman. I used papers from Crate Paper. I added a SRM Sticker and May Art Ribbon to finish off the card.

No more cards until after Christmas - maybe I will post a recipe or two.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2011-12-19T06:27:00.000-06:00

It is Monday - time to show some love to some older paper. The majority of this paper is beautiful but just been hidden beneath piles of new paper you love. At least one day of the week I try to use some of this "unloved paper".

This grouping from Making Memories is from last year's Christmas Collection. It is beautiful paper and I had to have it but then never used it. I may need to have a month or year of using my unloved paper - hmmmmm - sounds like a good New Year's resolution.

My card today is for another set of neighbors - they will receive it with dinner one night this week - need to find out what night they would like to receive dinner all prepared for them.

The card is based on the sketch at Chupa's blog - Random Acts of Creativity. She has a sketch each week. This is the first time I have played along.

The stamp is from Inkadinkado which I colored with Copics. I used a Stardust pen over the top of parts of the snowman to add some sparkle to the card. I also added some vintage stickles along the bottom to make it look like glistening snow. The sentiment is from Jenni Bowlin. Of course eerything is pop dotted to add dimension to the card - you can do this when you hand deliver.

Well I must go start cleaning - I don't think the week is long enough to get everything done so I need to kick myself in gear. I have a cookie exchange today also - at least I will have lots of different tasting sugar to keep me moving.

Authentique Paper, Inkadinkado and SRM Stickers Unite

2011-12-18T11:19:00.000-06:00

If you are looking for the OWH Hero Arts Skip - click here.

Coordinating Envelope

Frantically working on finishing up my holiday cards - one of the last ones to be made is a card for one of my neighbors - my backward neighbors - no they are not backwards - I just always make their cards so they open on the wrong side. The first time I made a card for the family - I accidentally made it to open the wrong way and did not have time to fix it - so all cards for this family - open from the backside.

I combined two challenges for this - I used the sketch from Clean and Simple Stamping and the challenge to make a coordinating envelope on CAS Friday. Since the envelope and card will be hand delivered I an dress the envelope up as much as I want. I deliver dinner one night to them - soup, bread and dessert - I know during the holiday season when you have a busy family life - this is much appreciated.

I love this snowman stamp by Inkadinkado - you can dress him up with some great colorsin his scarf and ear muffs. I used my glitter pen to add sparkle to the scarf stripes, fringe, hat band and ear muffs. Authentique Paper has this wonderful Christmas collection which almost makes a card by itself. The addition of a great holiday sticker from SRM Stickers finishes off the card.

Well off to clean the refrigerator - sorry you are jealous of my wild and crazy life.

Operation Write Home - Welcome to our Hero Art SKIP

2011-12-16T15:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the last stop on our "Happy Hour Skip" - creativity makes me happy and being Friday makes me Happy also plus I am not working next week.

If you came from Sandy's blog - then you are in the right spot. We are featuring the three stamp sets that Hero Arts just released in partnership with Operation Write Home. I have used the set "All The Time" on my card - it has some great sentiments to go along with the two clock faces.

I had the red doily heart which I am sure I bought last year at the end of the valentine card season - I think it makes such a great backdrop for the clock face. The paper I used is a double sided paper from October Afternoon so it made it easy to coordinate the papers in the card. The clock face and sentiment are pop dotted.

Remember you can win one of these wonderful sets by just leaving comments along the way.
OWH is giving away one of each of the Hero Arts stamp sets, and the 3 winners will be picked from all comments on all the blogs in the skip - the more blogs you comment on, the more entries you have! Winners will be drawn Sunday night. How easy is that.

I hope you have enjoyed our "Creative Happy Hour".

Hello

2011-12-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

Just a quick post sharing a card I made for a friend - to just say HELLO - don't you love my $1 stamp from Michael's - it will be great for Operation Write Home cards - because how nice to say HELLO to someone special.

Not to rush the week - but I wish it was Saturday afternoon.

Orange You Glad It is Christmas

2011-12-12T06:00:00.002-06:00

Did you know that a certain shade of orange has been named the color for the upcoming year. I started using orange more because it is the favorite color of one of my workers. Guess who this card is for. Try using orange - it is quite fun to use. The colors for the holidays are quite bright - this is a combination of several different paper companies, My Little Yellow Bicycle (a double sided orange patterned paper), Echo Park, My Mind's Eye and who knows what other paper jumped on this card. I do like it.

This co worker also has a thing for monkeys - thus the monkey card. The stamp is by Stampendous. It was colored with Copics and the lights, hat, and wire are highlighted with a Stardust pen to add sparkle to the card.

The card is loosely based on the weekly sketch at Card Patterns. I always "loosely" follow sketches.

Everyone have a wonderful Tuesday.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2011-12-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

It is Oldie Moldie Monday - the day to show some love for those old supplies you have in your stash. Yes - some of it is ugly and you can't do anything with it but the majority of it is still wonderful paper - it just needs some creativity added to it.

I am still working on my own personal holiday cards. This card is for one of my staff members - I am very blessed to have some wonderful people work for me.

This paper is last year's Christmas collection from My Mind's Eye. I had bought a packet of it so have some die cuts that match also. The stamp is from Hampton Art - I love this snowman - he has a vintage feel to him.

The design is based on the sketch at The Sweet Stop. This layout if probably one of my favorites and you will find many versions of it throughout my blog.

Everyone enjoy your Monday.

Hero Arts and Operation Write Home - What a Team

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am sharing my card based on today's sketch on Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps blog - I used the new stamp set from Hero Arts - All The Time - which was created in partnership with Operation Write Home.

I used some paper from Authentique. They have the most yummy paper.

Of course, my card took a turn down on the sketch and I flipped it. I wanted room to add the sentiment under the clock. I think this is a great masculine card.

Everyone enjoy your sunday - I am going to brave the grocery store and Kohl's.

Authentique Paper, Hampton Arts, Penny Black - another Holiday card made

2011-12-10T09:42:00.000-06:00

Are you all frantically working on completing your holiday cards like me - I need to clean up my ara so we can eat dinner down here so I need to start cleaning soon. Picture BIG MESS.

Authentique Paper has a sketch challenge on their blog for the month of December. I decided to put my spin on the sketch. Of course, when I do a sketch - my spinning sometimes goes way out of control. I do like the final result though and I know the recipient will appreciate it also.

For fun and excitement today I plan on cleaning my refrigerator - I know - don't be jealous of me plus I need to head out soon to the post office to mail out some lumpy holiday cards. Hope you have a creative day.

Card recipe:
Sketch - Authentique card blog
Paper - Authentique - 6 x 6 Wonder
Snowman stamp - Hampton Art
Sentiment - Penny Black
Snowflakes, pearls, muslin from my supplies
Ink - Colorbox Chalk Ink

Hero Arts New Release and Operation Write Home

2011-12-09T18:29:00.000-06:00

How exciting - one of my cards was in a Hero Arts blog hop - that is pretty special. Hero Arts designed three sets in partnership with Operation Write Home.

The set I have used is CL584 All the Time. A wonderful set of stamps and not just for Operation Write Home - the two clocks are very versatile along with the sentiments.

I have used We R Memory Keepers paper on my card along with using Spellbinders to cut out the star and heart. I wanted my card to be patriotic.

Stay tuned I think there is more fun to come.

Inkadinkado and Echo Park Paper Company

2011-12-07T19:07:00.000-06:00

Got one more card made last night for the holidays - a friend had a sweet little weiner dog so I try to maker her cards like this sometimes.

The stamp is from Inkadinkado - one that you can buy for a $1 or $2 - depending on where you buy it. I stamped it on patterned paper and colored it with Copics. The paper is from Echo Park Paper Company - great Christmas grouping of reds and greens. An SRM Sticker added the finishing touch to my card along with some ribbon like twill tape.

Everyone have a wonderful week end. Day off work tomorrow to do some playing.

Echo Park Paper Company and SRM Sticker

2011-12-06T20:04:00.000-06:00

Echo Park Paper Company has a contest to make a holiday card and send to them - this is the card I am sending to them. I have made this design before. It is a smaller size and I enjoy making this size. This little snowman stamp has been in my collection for years - glad I could get him out and use him again. I added an SRM Sticker for the sentiment.

Everyone enjoy your evening.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

Oldie Monday - show some love to your older collection of paper and believe me I have lots. I just went and grabbed one of my must haves (6 x 6 pads) from Basic Grey. I then grabbed a sentiment stamp I had gotten on clearance at Michaels and there is the base of my card.

There is a challenge on the Operation Write Home blog Stars and Stamps to make cards with just sentiments on them. I do believe these qualify. ODBD is sponsoring this challenge - for each 25 cards entered in the challenge in the month of December - they will pay for a box of cards to be mailed overseas to our heroes. Last month we got enough cards to mail two boxes - hopefully the same thing happens this month - you can only enter once though.

Isn't this stamp fun - I got it for about $1.50 at Michael's on clearance. This is the first time I inked it up. I really do like it and I popped those buttons on to add a little extra embellishment.

Please go dig into your old paper - it is still beautiful - and show it some love.

My Mind's Eye Sketch, SRM Sticker and Hero Arts

2011-12-04T12:33:00.000-06:00

Frantically working on my own personal Christmas cards - I would like to get some in the mail this week. I hope.

I have two cards I am sharing today. Both cards are made with the "12 Days of Christmas" collection by My Mind's Eye. I liked it so well I have bought two 6 x 6 pads - I do believe I have lost my memory when it comes to buying 6 x 6 pads. Good thing I really like this paper. Maybe I should look for some embellishments that match. (Insert smile). My Mind's Eye has a card sketch for the month of December and this card is based on their sketch. Fun sketch. You can do so much with circles - maybe I will make another one later one. I used my Hero Arts stamp set that has the coordinating die cuts for the snowman. I stamp him and then cut him out and add to my circle and trim off the excess snowman. Good way for him to lose a little weight. It seemed a little naked so I had to add a little bow to the design. Plop on a great sticker sentiment from SRM Stickers and I have one more holiday card made - it is going to a family with three children.

The second card is basically a smaller version of the other card shape using a very old snowman stamp I have. I cut the image out so it looks so cute sitting on the mat. The snowflake I found in clearance - it is suppose to be something you scatter on your table - not me - they are perfect for card embellishments. I added a little bling to the two snowflakes.

Everyone enjoy the remainder of your day. Packer game to watch later in the day and the Wisconsin Badgers are heading to the Rose Bowl and are the first time every - Big 10 Champions. If only the UW Madison men's basketball team could have beaten Marquette. UW Whitewater won their quarter final in their quest to return to the Divisoin 3 championships. Go Warhawks.

My Mind's Eye, SRM Stickers and Unity Stamps = Holiday Card

2011-12-03T14:12:00.000-06:00

Good afternoon - good news - I survived my cold - now I need to kick it in gear and get some things done for the holidays. Of course, I am still working on my holiday cards. I now have another one done in some non traditional colors.

The paper is from My Mind's Eye - their Christmas collection from this year. fun colors. The stamp is by Unity Stamps. I colored it with Copics. It is hard to tell from the picture but I chalked the white on the image so it is a lovely shade of pink. Breaks up all that white. There was some great patterned paper in the collection that I could have stamped on - maybe the next card I make with this paper. I added some bling to the card also. It is also hard to see but everything on the stamped imaged is outlined with a Stardust pen. A great sticker from SRM Stickers finishes off the card.

The card design is from Cardabilities.

Everyone have a wonderful day - I hope you are accomplishing lots.

Who would have thunk - Christmas papers - for a retirement card?

2011-11-29T17:54:00.001-06:00

I was asked to make a retirement card from our Office. The recipient of the card has worked for the University over 50 years and she has worked in the same position the majority of her years. Wow - can you imagine - the changes she has seen. Mind boggling.

This picture is an inspirational image from Moxie Fab World for one of Paper Crafts new special editions - Get Inspired. This card is my inspiration - I have a greenish houndstooth paper in my card and also the clasp is a pearl and I used a pearl brad in the center of my flower.

The papers for this card are from two different Christmas collection - Melissa Frances and Webster's Pages. I had to trim the Santa Claus off one paper in two different spots. The flower is made from old pattern pieces - I have enough pattern pieces to start several greenhouses. The "thank you stamp" is from Hero Arts. The three sentiments in this stamp set - have become go to stamps for me.

I hope you enjoy my retirement card made from Christmas papers.

Crate Paper and Hero Arts plus three challenges

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning - Oldie Moldie Monday - time to share some cards made with papers from my collection that are a little older - this collection is from Crate Paper. Great papers and colors and a fantastic weight to the paper. I did use my new Hero Arts stamp set with coordinating die cuts. The cards do look much better in person - not doing real well with my photo editing.

The card is based on three challenges:

sketch - Clean and Simple Stamping
bling - Less Is More
O Christmas tree - Creative Corner

I used brown pearls on one tree and then on the second tree I used red bling - it gives it a little bit more festive color - the insides are done - I made a total of 4 of this design.

Still fighting my cold - YUCK - no time for this.

Cosmo Cricket and Cardabilities Unite

2011-11-27T08:19:00.001-06:00

Second post of the day - you can see I am working on my holiday cards and I also wanted to do the sketch at Cardabilities. I do believe the deadline is today or tomorrow so once again I am just getting my card submitted.

This is an older collection from Cosmo Cricket - 2008 actually - I love the vintage feel of the paper. The stamp is new - I bought it the day before Thanksgiving. It is by TPC studio. One color stamping - my idea of fast and fun cards.

The sketch from Cardabilities is a very simple sketch that you could do lots with. I kept mine very simple. Showing off the vintage snowflakes on the patterned paper. I did two versions of hte card. One I centered the sentiment and just added pearls in the corner. On the other card I decided I wanted to add a bow of some sort. You would have thought with the millions of yards of ribbon I own I would have had the perfect brown ribbon - but now - so back to my trusty brown twine from May Arts - I think I just bought an additional 40 yards of it. The edges of the paper were all inked to add some depth to the paper and make it look "more vintage".

Well back to creating - two more cards done - I need to go finish the inside of thse cards - I hve a sentiment that has joy in it so I will use that on the inside ofthe card.

Happy creating.

Bo Bunny Sketch Challenge

2011-11-27T06:58:00.000-06:00

Good morning - I was busy yesterday making my own holiday cards - I have a few done - come back all this week to see more - I have been working through sketches that are online this week and challenges also. I even mass produced one - to me mass production is 4 cards. I have been using some older supplies also.

I have finally realized I have lost my mind - I was going through my 6 x 6 pads - and have found I have bought several of the same design - I think 3 or actually - Hopefully I do like the paper in each of those pads to use lots of. As I have said before - I love 6 x 6 pads.

My card today is based on the Tuesday card sketch challenge on the Bo Bunny site. I had a different stamp in mind but could not locate it - of course I wanted a deer - so remembered I had this one - unfortunately it is loose rubber so I do not know the company. I have two pads of this Bo Bunny collection - did not realize that until yesterday - glad I love the colors in it.

Everyone have a good day. I came down with a cold so I am trying to hopefully get through the worst of that today. I did nap yesterday afternoon and may do the same today.

It is official - Christmas is less than 30 days away. YIKES. Everyone enjoy your day.

Hero Arts, Crate Paper, SRM Stickers - Holiday Fun

2011-11-26T06:46:00.000-06:00

The push to get my holiday cards has started - I got two more done last night. This card is based on the sketch at Lily Pads Blog. The deadline is December 1 so I am just squeeking in here with my card.

I had bought this stamp set from Hero Arts and it comes with coordinating die cuts - I just die cut part of the snowman so he would fit on the circles I cut for the sketch. (I know I should have colored his nose and scarf - but not going to do it now - I don't want to ruin the card). I had this paper collection from Crate Paper - with coordinating die cuts and rub ons. I used my distressing tool to rough up the edges of the paper also. That always makes you feel "less stressed". With the addition of one of those great SRM Stickers and a little May Arts Twine - my card is complete. The card is 5 x 7 to accommodate the size of my images.

I know the family this will go to because they have three children - everyone enjoy your Saturday - so much to do - and I hope to make a dent in my holiday cards this week end plus make more LOVE cards for Operation Write Home.

Owl Always Love You

2011-11-25T15:07:00.000-06:00

Time to make Valentine Cards - what - love cards already - well if you want to get the shipped over to our Heroes who are serving overseas - yes you must plan ahead. Plus Archway Cookies has promised 5000 cookies for 5000 cards - I have said I would make 20 love/valentine cards toward this challenge - Of course - I need to be making my own holiday cards.

Operation Write Home's card blog - Stars and Stamps - midweek challenge is LOVE cards. I dug in my pile of paper and found this Basic Grey 6 x 6 pad - great colors - this could actually be an oldie moldie Monday post - and maybe I will use this paper on Monday also - who knows - stay tuned. The little stamp is a $1 stamp I got from Michael's. I have definately gotten my $1 investment out of this stamp. It is a great OWH stamp because you can always use LOVE cards.

Glad to be home after Thanksgiving travel - now to get some things done. I bought some new paper and stamps - maybe my goals will be to use all of it this week end - no - not all of it - but at least use a stamp and some of each paper grouping.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Good Monday Morning - two day work week - yeah - love weeks like that - of course I have lots to get done. Will spend Thanksgiving with my Mom this year - we will go to my sister's - it will be wonderful meal - she is a good cook.

Oh and it is Oldie Moldie Monday - dug out some oldier Basic Grey for these two cards.

My cards today are for Operation Write Home - time to work on those Valentine/Love cards - and Archway Cookies has a challenge going - if OWH gets 5000 love cards contributed by a certain date (don't remember it off the top of my head) - they will donate that number of boxes of cookies (I believe it is boxes - not cookies). I have a goal of 20 cards - this time of year - that is a big goal - I don't even have my own holiday cards done yet.

I have several challenges for thse cards - the first challenge is the sketch on OWH's Stars and Stamps. The second challenge is from the Stampendous Blog - go use chipboard. I did use chipboard - I stamped the heart on chipboard, colored with Copics and cut out. I colored the edges of the chipboard and then pop dotted it over the hearton the stamped image. There is also a challenge on Stars and Stamps where a stamp company will help cover the cost of mailing a box of cards - so hopefully we get enough challenges done that they will cover the cost of mailing several boxes.

This image always makes me smile - I can not resist making one of the cards upside down. I actually don't know which direction is correct so maybe I am just covering all my options. (Insert smile here)

Inkadinkado - I love you

2011-11-20T08:43:00.000-06:00

Good morning - late night with a friend playing with paper - now today I need to do lots of chores around the house - laundry - some grocery shopping - all those fun things. I also need to make home made chicken broth for Thanksgiving dinner. I have 10 pounds of chicken parts of stew up. My Mom - still at the age of 93 - makes home made noodles. Something to look forward to every holiday. After this post I need to get the chicken on the stove.

The card I am sharing is made with a new stamp I bought yesterday - I was feeling bad not going to the stamp show in Madison but I really do not need anything new but MoJo. I will stop at a couple stores on Wednesday on my way home to see things. The card design is based on the sketch at
CAS-ual Friday. This is a very versatile sketch. The paper is from Hobby Lobby - one of their own brands - but new - and a very nice weight.

Well I must get going and get my day's work started. I did not get out of bed until 8 which is unheard of for me but was in bed late and woke at 4 something when the neighbor was leaving for deer hunting. Everyone have a wonderfun day.

Snow Much Fun - Stampendous and We R Memory Keepers

2011-11-19T08:58:00.000-06:00

Actually SNOW is not fun and I am not looking forward to it coming - maybe that is a sign of old age. Of course, you can always use it as an excuse to stay inside and craft - once you clear your sidewalks and driveway.

Time to kick my "you know what" into gear to get my holiday cards made. I think they will be on the clean and simple side this year. My card today is based on the sketch at Clean and Simple Stamping. With the patterned paper choice it looks more complicated than it is. The little penguin which is a stamp by Stampendous was "fussy cut" and placed on the circle with some pop dots. The sentiment strip is based on a tutorial on Lisa Johnson's blog Poppy Paperie. It is called crackle embossing. You put adhesive on top of colored cardstock, sprinkle on your embossing powder and heat - it crackles - this was my first attempt - but it does add some fun texture to your strip. I then added a SRM sticker for my sentiment.

The paper is a patriotic collection from We R Memory Keepers. The papers I selected to use are subtle enough to be used for any occasion.

Yeah one more holiday card made.

Basic Grey and Card Positioning Systems Unite

2011-11-16T18:07:00.000-06:00

I needed to make a thank you card for a friend who I visited in Florida while I was on vacation. This cute little stamp was sitting on a shelf asking to be inked - and it says it all. I wanted to use the sketch from Card Positioning Systems. I dug through my huge collection of 6 x 6 pads - I have many - and many are Basic Grey and thought I should use this one. Orange has become a favorite color of mine to use for card making.

It feels good to make some cards - now tonight I am going to see if I can make a card without a sentiment - the currently midweek challenge on Operation Write Home.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2011-11-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

Oldie Moldie Monday returns after a vacation.

I have "a thing" about 6 x 6 pads - I have met very few that I do not like and have quite a large collection. I grabbed out a Basic Grey collection to use this week plus a Hero Arts stamp I have had for a long time. I have gotten lots of use out of this monkey stamp. The sentiment is computer generated. We have a new person starting in our office so wanted to welcome her with a card. My special greeting to her.

The card is based on the sketch at The Sweet Stop. I substituted a circle for the square element.

Thanks for stopping in for a visit.

I Am Back

2011-11-13T16:12:00.000-06:00

I am back - did you miss me - I was on a two week road trip with a couple friends - drove to the Florida Keys - where a friend has purchased a little home in a mobile home park for retirement - we pulled down the boat and supplies. Here little home is now ready for their three week visit in January - she won't have to work the entire three weeks she is down there. We went to Key West one day - visited with a former co worker in Miami, spent time in Savannah, GA and also toured the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. It was a fun trip. I am tired. When I have downloaded my pictures I will share them - if any of them are any good.

I did miss my paper and stamps so was excited to make a card today - it is time to start making cards for Valentine Days for Operation Write Home - I will try to make more general LOVE cards so they can be used anytime. I based the design on the sketch on Stars and Stamps and it also fits the Wednesday challenge for Valentines Day/Love.

The stamp is from Unity - I was sent this stamp for having a card published using one of their stamps in a magazine. I thought it was a perfect stamp for Operation Write Home cards. It has some other great sentiments that will work. I am also entering the card in the Fabulous Friends challenge on Unity Stamps.

It felt good to play with some paper - now I need to go do some laundry and get things ready for work. Everyone enjoy the remainder of your day.

Authentique paper, Inky Antics and Lily Pad Cards

2011-10-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Good evening - trying to catch up on my card making - maybe as a cardmaker you never catch up - I create so many cards for Operation Write Home - I sometimes forget to get ones made for my personal use.

I am only a week behind on this birthday card - the recipient loves monkeys and her favorite color is orange. I must thank her for making me realize what a delicious color orange is to work with. It is not just for Halloween. I found you can even make Christmas cards with the color orange.

The card is based on the sketch at Lily Pad Cards. This is a very versatile sketch. I found this Authentique paper in Madison at the Scrapbook Superstore (color me sad they are closing at the end of January) - I don't think I had ever seen 6 x 6 sheets of paper sold separately. The paper was also double sided and of course when that happens you never have enough of one sheet because you like both sides of the paper. With the addition of an SRM Sticker which came in white, the card came together. I know the recipient will treasure this card. It is special to make a card for someone you know who appreciates it.

Well I must close, have a wonderful day.

Gift Bag to coordinate with Card Set

2011-10-25T20:58:00.000-05:00

This is the gift bag that goes along with the card set I posted yesterday. More beautiful Paper Loft paper and a Penny Black sticker.

Hopefully it generates a little money in their silent auction.

Paper Loft Paper

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Isn't this paper by Paper Loft the best. It made a beautiful card with very little effort on my part.

I made a card set of six for a fundraiser. I covered a small gift bag for the cards to be in. Hopefully they will raise a little money.

Everyone have a wonderful day.

Oldie Moldie Mummy

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

It is Monday - time to show some love to some old paper you have sitting around. I needed to get a couple Halloween cards made so I had colored this mummy - easy to color - like snowmen.I honestly don't think the majority of this paper is that old - last year but the black on the card - is very old. I don't make too many Halloween cards.

The card is based on the weekly sketch from Card Positioning System. A very versatile sketch.

Everyone enjoy your Monday - busy week - lots to get done at home and work.

Stampendous and Little Yellow Bicycle

2011-10-23T08:09:00.001-05:00

Slowly I am working on my personal holiday cards. This little card is 4.5 x 3.5 inches.

Stampendous is having a challenge for CAS (clean and simple) holiday cards. I found this little stamp in my collection and the small card was started. I stamped the image and colored it with Copics - and then cut out the image. The background was embossed with a Cuddlebug folder. Small pieces of patterned paper were added to the card front. The image and the strip it is mounted on are both pop dotted for dimension. A SRM Sticker was added for the sentiment.

CAS Friday's challenge is to "Just Add Color" - I love snowmen to color - so easy - insert smile here.

More lawn raking on my agenda for today. My neighbor boy - Hunter - is waiting to use the leaf blower. Hopefully he gets home in time from hunting to help.

K 'n K Designs Blog Hope

2011-10-21T20:08:00.009-05:00

Welcome to the Operation Write Home Fund Raiser blog hop. If you arrived at my blog from Paige’s blog – you are in the right spot. Isn’t it wonderful that K ‘n K Designs has generously created these digis and offered up all the profits to help with the mailing costs of sending cards overseas to our heroes - $13,000 for postage – I think OWH helps keep the US postal service in business.

Now if you don't need to buy any digi stamps - you can still help out with postage costs - here is the link to the Operation Write Home blog where you can graciously donate some moola to help offset postage costs.

Back to the creative part of this post.

I made this card using the set Written With Love. Isn’t this bunny so cute – and the sentiments that come with it are perfect. I managed to make everything larger than I should have – my original thought was to have both sentiments on the front of the card – that did not happen so I decided to decorate the inside – normally I just add a liner so the hero can write a note. I did put a liner in the card – but I also decorated one panel with a sentiment.

Now – I want you to hope over to Shannon’s blog to see what she has created for your viewing pleasure.

Please leave some love on everyone's blog.

For Owl You Do

2011-10-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

Another card using a digi design from K 'n K Designs who are generously donating the profits from the sales of several digi sets - so check them out - I am sure there is something you NEED (insert smile here).

This uses some Basic Grey paper I had - love the plaid heart - has all those great red, white and blue colors in it to coordinate with the flag the owl is holding. I creted the LOVE word on my computer - it is pop dotted to sit on top of the U.

Come back tomorrow for a blog hop using these designs.

Vintage Santa Cards

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

This card was inspired by a card in the Paper Crafts Christmas Cards issue - Love the simplicity of it - It was a one layer card but I had to back my stamped image with black cardstock and just pop dot it off the cardbase. In my final version of this card, the silver snowflake was replaced with a black button with twine tied through the holes of the button. I got out my Tonic distresser and destressed the edges of the image and mat.

IMy daughter had asked me to make a couple sets of cards for her for a silent auction at a conference she is attending. I made 6 of this card. The inside is finished also with a sentiment. The envelope is stamped with a pine bough. They are all in a kraft gift bag with a handcrafted gift tag on the card.

Hopefully it will bring some money for their silent auction. Everyone have a wonderful day.

K 'n K Designs Fundraiser for Operation Write Home

2011-10-19T07:15:00.001-05:00

K 'n K Designs has a wonderful fundraiser going on for Operation Write Home - they are donating the sales of some special images to help cover the cost of postage for Operation Write Home during the holiday mailing season.

This cute image - For Owl You Do - makes a great card - it comes with four different sentiments. I chose to use the "thanks for owl you do - sentiment because today on Operation Write Home the midweek challenge is - thank you cards.

I did a very CAS (clean and simple) design for my card. I used a combination of Copics and colored pencils to color the image. I can not color reds with my Copics.

Please pop over to K 'n K Designs and purchase some of those cute images and make some cards.

Operation Write Home Fundraiser - K 'n K Design

2011-10-18T04:34:00.001-05:00

K 'n K Designs is sponsoring a fundraiser for Operation Write Home to help raise shipping costs for sending holiday cards to our troops. $13,000 is the projected cost for sending cards overseas - this only happens because of generous sponsors such as K 'n K Designs or by each of us sending our own small donation. I sent a box of cards - 50 - to the midwest shipper yesterday - and enclosed $13.00 - I know this will cover the cost of shipping one box overseas. If we all do this - it will help immensely.

Today my card is made using the sketch from Fetch a Sketch - of course - I took my own turn down the road in the land of sketches - my circle is an oval - the placement of my strips is a little different. I used the digi image from K 'n K Designs Snow Thankful - I have been trying to work on my coloring skills with colored pencils. I still have lots to learn. I guess, not going to kindergarten, set me back in my coloring skills - of course - did they have colors that long ago.

Please go out to K 'n K Designs and check out their cute digis - they are only available until November 1. All proceeds are donated to Operation Write Home. Please stop by all week to see more of these designs and on Saturday there is a great blog hop - I will have more information on that later in the week.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2011-10-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

I dug into my collection of Basic Grey to do my oldie moldie Monday card. The weekly midweek challenge on Operation Write Home card blog Stars and Stamps - is masculine cards. I dug out my favorite truck stamp - I like this stamp - I don't have to color it - that I enjoy. I stamped it with some Colorbox chalk ink. This type of ink works so well when you are just stamping an image.

I hope you enjoy my card for today. Lots of fun things happening this week. I am participating in a blog hop on Saturday. Lots of cuteness coming your way.

Crate Paper, Hero Arts and Operation Write Home Sketch Challenge

2011-10-16T12:32:00.000-05:00

This is my card based on the weekly sketch on Operation Write Homes card blog - Stars and Stamps.
the sketch called for 3 different strips of paper on the card front. I always have so many troubles making sure everything is lined up correctly that I do the cheater version. One piece and a matted piece down the middle gives basically the same look and I did not sweat getting everything straight. I really like how the colors and paper came together - now I wish I had big sheets of this paper - I only had the 6 x 6 pad. The paper is by Crate Paper, Sentiment is by Hero Arts and ribbon is by Offray. The pearls are from the Dollar Store in Canada - thank you Ivanka.

Cindy was talking about distressing - so I got out my Tonic distresser and stressed up the edges of all the paper. It gives it a very cool finish.

Everyone have a wonderful day - Packers this afternoon and the Brewers tonight - I hope the Brewers pull off two wins since they are home so they can go to the World Series.

Unity Stamps Fall Card

2011-10-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

I wanted towork on a few Fall/Thanksgiving cards since I will be gone for a couple weeks before Thanksgiving - I don't spend the day with my girls so like to send them each a card to let them know how blessed I am to have them as my daughers and their great husbands as my sons

This card used some of the techniques I learned on an online class Jennifer McGuire taught. I embossed the image on watercolor paper. Swiped 3 or 4 distress inks on my mat and sprayed with pearl ex. I then stired them together to get this fallish color. Of course I will never replicate it again. I like how it turned out. The pearl ex adds so much beautiful shine to the image. The bow is some fabric left from a valance I made my neighbor. The colors worked perfectly. I love to use fabric for a bow. The paper is from a collection found at Hobby Lobby - they have added some new groupings that are a very nice weight.

This card is based on the sketch at Card Patterns and the challenge at Unity Stamps to make a fall card.

Everyone enjoy your day.

Penny Black + Distress Ink = Beautiful

2011-10-15T11:29:00.000-05:00

Playing with ink this morning and my fingers show it. I had purchased this new Penny Black stamp and wanted to play with it - Penny Black's weekly challenge is using inks to make a dusky sky - my sky is blue - hopefully it works for their challenge.

I first inked my stamp with Versamark and then with Distress Ink Black Soot and stamped on white paper. I then placed clear embossing powder over the top. I then took distress inks to color the paper the image was stamped on. I first used Broken China and then added some Fades Jeans. I have found I can never usually find a perfect color to work on the card so I just make my own paper and color it with the same inks. Black card base and black mat provide the perfect contrast. I added a black brad in one corner to balance the twine bow in the opposite corner.

Since the card is for my personal use - I added clear Stickles in the mood and across the words - very subtle - and I made my paper for the inside and stamped a sentiment - card is ready to go - now who will receive it will be the question - I think it should be someone who will appreciate all the technique that went into the card.

I am loving Saturday - I need to go do some cleaning/clearing.

Stampendous + Echo Park + SRM Sticker = Cute

2011-10-14T20:06:00.001-05:00

It has taken Blogger forever to upload this card. Finally - I am now exhausted from the waiting.

Stampendous has a monthly challenge to make a Clean and Simple Holiday card - and I ran across this image that was already colored - the colors match (fairly well) the colors in the Holly Jolly Christmas collection from Echo Park. I found the 6 x 6 pad last week end. Fun designs - I even bought a couple sheets of the 12 x 12 of the designs I knew I would use lots of.

This is also the sketch from Card Positioning System (kinda) - I couldn't cover up the image with a rectangle over the top so I left that part of the sketch off. An SRM Sticker was added to complete the card. The stripes were pop dotted and then the image was pop dotted double.

Also entered this in the CREATE magazine chevron challenge.

Looking forward to the week end and getting something done. I did some cleaning/clearing out - I believe there will be a trip to Goodwill in my future. Everyone have a wonderful week end.

Hero Arts - Holiday card

2011-10-12T05:00:00.001-05:00

Another holiday card made for myself - Hero Arts has a month long challenge to make a holiday card and not use a holiday stamp on it. I had this coffee cup stamp and thought it would make a great card with the use of Christmas papers. I heat embossed the image on the base and then also on another piece of paper and cut it out and mounted it on the base with some foam tape. The base was matted with dark brown and also pop dotted. The sentiment was computer generated.

Moxie Fab has a challenge using texture - I put some kraft paper through an embossing folder and then inked the embossing up for some extra texture and dimension - looks like coffee. I then added some May Arts twine. I distressed the edges of everything with some ColorBox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan.

Everyone enjoy your day.

Stampendous, My Mind's Eye and SRM Unite

2011-10-11T05:00:00.004-05:00

This week is my Mom's 93rd birthday - I try to send her a bunch of cards that week but Columbus Day - Post Office day off sure goofs that up.

The card today is based on the sketch at Clean and Simple Stamping. I was also going to use it on the Stampendous challenge for CAS challenge but it was for a holiday - a 93rd birthday is a holiday I think.

The stamp is from Stampendous - stamped with a distress ink and then clear embossed. I inked the edges of all the papers and card base. Added a great sticker from SRM which is brown and some May Arts twine - I pop dotted both layers to give some extra dimension.

Thanks for stopping by - have a wonderful day.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

Oldie Moldie Monday - time to show some love to some old paper and supplies. The old part of this card is the patterned paper. It is Basic Grey - a collection I found at Michael's many years ago. Still working on making cards out of it. Sunday's card was made with the same paper grouping. These cards are for Operation Write Home - I have made 6 of this card.

The stamp is an Inkadinkado - many times you can find them for $1 but I htink I paid $1.99 or $2.49 for it. I thought it was a great card for Operation Write Home cards - the sentiment is part of the stamp design - makes it easy to create a card. I colored the image with Copics and then used a Glaze Pen to add a little depth to the smoke and little dots in the image. This card fits in with the midweek challenge on Stars and Stamps for Christmas Cards. The deadline for Christmas cards is October 31. I am going to wind up my holiday cards this week because I need to ge caught up on my personal cards. I promised my daughter a couple sets of cards for a silent auction.

Everyone have a wonderful day - dig out some of that old paper and show it some love.

Operation Write Home Sketch Challenge

2011-10-09T08:54:00.001-05:00

Pure laziness on my part for not posting more last week - I actually had things to post - I will try to be better.

Today I checked out the sketch on Operation Write Home card blog Stars and Stamps and they have such a lovely simple sketch with beautiful samples. I wanted to try it immediately - Hero Arts also has a month long challenge for holiday cards - so I found a Hero Arts sentiment to go with the sketch - it was laying on my table - and was perfect. The paper was also still out - I used this paper for my Oldie Moldie cards - come back tomorrow to see them.

The sketch used two different patterned papers but I used the same patterned paper and just cut as one sheet. Backed it with red to make it pop. I stamped the sentiment and embossed in white and backed it in red also. I could not locate my white ink pad but I had a metallic white paint dauber on the table so I tried that - it is great - it adds just a little sheen to the edge of the papers.

Very simple but effective - going to make 5 more of these for my box for Operation Write Home this week - everyone have a wonderful day - hopefully it is creative for you.

GO BREWERS and GO PACKERS -- GO FIGHT WIN. So you know what else I will be doing today.

Hero Arts and My Mind's Eye

2011-10-04T19:46:00.001-05:00

Hero Arts is hosting some great challenges on their blog this month - they have sketches, holiday cards, holiday cards not using holiday stamps - so much fun.

I am trying to catch up on my October birthday cards - slowly - this is one card for a birthday this month. It uses one of the sketches on the Hero Arts blog. I love this sentiment stamp from Hero Arts - 3 sentiment stamps in the set and they make great sentiments on cards for Operation Write Home.

I love this paper grouping from My Mind's Eye called Lost and Found - Market Street. Such pretty soft colors.

I actually made this flower using a flower die cut and circle spellbinders. The color comes from spreading a distress ink on my sheet and spraying it with Perfect Pearl Mist - the base of the flower is a coffee filter. The flower is so soft also. A pearl was put over the top of the brad that holds it together.

Go check out the challenges on the Hero Arts blog.

Oldie Moldie Monday

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am sharing a card I made with some very old Christmas paper. I don't know who made it but I have a packet of it - it is double sided paper.

On Saturday, if you read my post for Operatione Write Home World Cardmaking Day blog hop - I made a Christmas card using a tag I had found at Michael's. This is a card I designed for a friend from a tag she purchased last winter on clearance. It is very cute and had the purple color in it - thus the purple or lavendar ribbon. The tag is popdotted and the hole has a little bling on it. Check out those tags - there may be easy cards hiding in that aisle.

My Mind's Eye, Stampendous, SRM Stickers Unite

2011-10-02T17:28:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for the blog hop post, click here.

My card today is based on the sketch at Stars and Stamps - OWH's card blog. Every Sunday there is a new sketch. I was doing a little experimenting with embossing and dye inks. The stamped the image in Versamark, embossed with white embossing powder and then rubbed distress ink over the piece of paper. I tried to add an edge of white embossing along the very edge also. I added the sticker in the corner - OWH is always in need of thank you cards.

I am not quite sure about my choice of papers.

Everyone have a wonderful evening - I am channel hopping - Packers/Brewers - both are winning presently - hope it stays that way.

World Cardmaking Day Blog Hop

2011-10-01T01:00:00.001-05:00

Today is World Card Making Day – I am sure this is not a Hallmark holiday. I love being able to celebrate something I enjoy doing so much. Card making is my therapy – I love to be able to create. Through my love to create and buy lots of supplies, I started to make cards for Operation Write Home. Cards for Operation Write Home – bring smiles to so many faces. I love to make cards and my ability to bring a smile to people’s faces.

The card I am sharing today is for Operation Write Home. Christmas cards are in huge demand. Our Heroes want to stay in contact with their friends and family at this special time of the year. I am always looking for ways to make great cards in an easy manner. One thing I have found that helps make card making easier is to use gift cards. I stalk the sales racks looking for tags that would work on card fronts.

The main image on my card is a small gift card from the $1 bin at Michael’s. There were 12 little cards and envelopes in the package. I actually used the red envelopes as the mat for my gift card front. So the next time you are cruising the gift wrap aisle, look at those gift tags – hmmmmm – I could make a great card out of that. My card is a 4.25 square - the normal size for OWH cards is 4.25 x 5.5 - but my square card will fit inside the standard A2 envelope. I justed to change things up a little.

Oh by the way – I have candy. I bought some new paper this last week and I am sharing with three people. In order to qualify please leave your e mail address in your comment.

Come back and visit my blog this week. I have a few more cards made using gift tags.

Happy hopping. Just click on the image below to figure out where you want to go next.

Jenni Bowlin Red/Black Collection and Creative Corner Unite

2011-09-29T21:21:00.000-05:00

Good evening - a quick post tonight - I have had this card made all week and forgot to post it.

October is a full month of birthdays for me and maybe everyone will get this card - I love how it turned out. It is just under a 6 inch square. I had just gotten this Jenni Bowlen collection and when I saw the challenge at Creative Corner - I knew this paper would work perfectly. The challenge is numbers. Well I have numbers.

Inside the sentiment will say - Happy Birthday - remember it is just a number.

Come back Saturday to see what I made for the Operation Write Home blog hop. Candy also.

World Card Making Day - October 1, 2011

2011-09-27T18:46:00.001-05:00

Lots of great fun going on this week end - October 1 is World Card Making Day - Paper Crafts is having a big blog hop that day and also my personal favorite

Operation Write Home

is also having a blog hop - stop by their card blog - Stars and Stamps on Saturday morning and start clicking. Lots of great inspiration.

Another Fall card

2011-09-26T21:03:00.000-05:00

I am using a new sentiment stamp from Hero Arts - it is one of three in a set - I have already gotten my use out of the first sentiment "Just Saying Hello" - and I think this one will be a new favorite for Operation Write Home cards. I love this new patterned paper from Hobby Lobby also.

Thanks for stopping by.

DCWV and Oldie Moldie Monday

2011-09-26T01:00:00.000-05:00

Today is Oldie Moldie Monday so I have this pad from Die Cuts With a View - it is the small pad so the paper size is perfect for making cards. I did pick up some big sheets of the solid blue, solid green and a stripe to complement the papers in the pad. I made a total of 5 cards this morning using the pad - I will share the other two later in the week. I think these will be great cards for Opeation Write Home. Doesn't that little skunk look like he is ready to give hugs? The "Big hugs" is a favorite Hero Arts Stamp. Great sentiment for Operation Write Home. The other two sentiments are stickers from SRM Stickers.

Everyone enjoy your day - too bad we have to go back to work.

Heros Arts - Just Saying Hello

2011-09-25T13:30:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon - Brewers and Packers play this afternoon - luckily the Packers play "da Bears" at 3 something so can watch the Brewers - or listen to the Brewers play. I listen to TV lots - how about you - do you sit and watch or do you listen. I do need to get some housework done also - the sheets are washed - so I need to go make my bed.

Today's card is for Operation Write Home - need to get a box in the mail this week so finishing up fallish cards. This did start at the sketch on OWH's card blog Stars and Stamps but I took a detour from the sketch. This sentiment stamp is from Hero Arts and it is fast becoming a favorite for my OWH cards. Sometimes you just want to say HELLO.

Oldie Moldie Monday cards are already made - I was on a role - I got five made using the same stack of paper. I find that is the easiest way for me to make multiple cards is to just grab a grouping of paper and then add some sentiments and embellishments.

Everyone have a wonderful day.

Fall cards and Operation Write Home card challenges

2011-09-24T19:15:00.001-05:00

Sharing a couple more fall cards I made for Operation Write Home - although that Leaf one may stay with me - I think it would be a great fall card for one of my children. Both of these could be cards for challenges celebrating Operation Write Home's birthday. Ribbon usage, use of a digital image and the challenge at Michelle's Scrap - Anything Goes. Since I have already entered the other two challenges - I will enter it at Michelle's. Thank you Michelle for support OWH.

The big leaf is painted with distress inks and pearl ex water mixed in. I love how it turned out. It looks like it came off the oak trees in my front lawn. I added some great May Arts ribon and cut apart an SRM sticker for the sentiment.

The digital image - I believe - was designed by one of the OWH crew - but I don't have notes on the image - I will run into it again so I will know. I love the leaf brad I had in supplies - perfect finishing touch for that empty corner.

This paper is more of the fall pad I got last night at Hobby Lobby. Love that they are adding more paper collections in their supplies.

Have a wonderful evening.

Gel-a-Tins Operation Write Home Challenge

2011-09-23T21:42:00.001-05:00

gel-a-tin (sorry I don't have the special markings in your name) is sponsoring a sketch challenge for Operation Write Home. It is wonderful when OWH gets support from the companies in the business we so happily support. It is a fun sketch. I just wanted a general fall card. Tonight I went to Hobby Lobby - had a cold this week - so have not been out anywhere - well they had paper 50% off so I had to buy a few pieces and some pads - shame on me. But isn't this lovely fall paper and it is a very nice weight also. It is Hobby Lobby's brand also. Like I needed more paper but a girl has to feed her addiction.

The sentiment stamp is a $1 stamp from Michael's - a good sentiment for OWH cards. The leaf stamp is an old Hero Arts.

Everyone have a wonderful evening - come back tomorrow to see the other two cards I made with the same papers.

May Arts Ribbon and Operation Write Home

2011-09-22T17:44:00.000-05:00

May Arts - say that to any cardmaker or scrapbooker and all of a sudden you see their eyes light up, they start drooling - it is a common ailment of people who enjoy working with Ribbon - especially May Arts Ribbon - it is so lovely. They partnered with Operation Write Home for a challenge - you can find that challenge at this link.

I had worked with this beautiful grouping of Holiday papers from Simple Stories and it was still on the design table (much nicer description than the messy table I create on) and I knew I had just restocked my supply of this particular May Arts ribbon - beautiful dark red color with a suede finish to it - works great for holiday cards. I also bought more dark brown. I found a sentiment and everything in the 6 x 6 pad - all I added was the kraft card base, ribbon and the black base for the stripe inset.

I have lots of May Arts ribbon but I always want more. I also love their twine - I buy that in 20 yard lots. Easy to add to an OWH card because it adds so much but not too much thickness. You do have to be careful when making cards for OWH that you don't make them too bulky for our Heroes to mail home. The majority of my personal cards need special mailing because of the huge bows I tie but for OWH I attempt to keep the bulk to a minimum.

Everyone enjoy their evening.

Digi Images and Basic Grey Unite

2011-09-21T09:22:00.000-05:00

I am posting a card I made for the Operation Write Home birthday celebration - the challenge was to use a digi image. This is a favorite for making Operation Write Home cards. Such an easy way for a Hero to send some love home to a loved one. I have no notes on where I got this image but I beliee it may may been designed by one of the OWH people.

Everyone have a great day.

Faux Letterpress Technique

2011-09-20T10:24:00.000-05:00

A quick post today - I wanted to share a couple cards I made using the Faux Letterpress Technique. I am taking an onlien class - Inspiration Showcase with Jennifer McGuire. I am learning so much - and will take another class sometime like this - I already have 80 some pages of printed material from the class with beautiful examples.

With this technique you ink of one side of your embossing folder and run it through your machine. Clean your embossing folder. Ink the other side and run it through the machine. You could just do one piece of the embossed paper on a card but I chose on these two cards to cut the pieces and then was able to make two cards. I thought they turned out fallish looking with the leaves and goldish ink. This sentiment from Hero Arts has become a favorite for cards for Operation Write Home - sometimes it is not a special occasion - you just want to say Hello.

Thanks for stopping by.

Resist Mini Cards

2011-09-19T06:36:00.000-05:00

2.75 x 3.75

4 x 4

CAS-usal Friday has a challenge for mini cards this week. These are pretty clean and simple cards for me. I placed the sizes of each card above them.

I am trying to do some more of my resist techniques from the online class I am taking. I am having so much fun - playing. The first card is Color Blend Stamping and Distress ink Watercoloring. Instead of white embossing - I used dark brown because I wanted to make the leaf look fall like. I just colored with different distress inks sprayed with pearlized water. In real life - it has such a pretty sheen to it. Added a SRM Sticker in which I just used the Hello. The cream string was colored with distress ink also.

The second card is using paint on your stamp and stamping it on cardstock - after it dries - rub distress inks around it. At first I did not like it but after a day or two I made it into a card and was very pleased.

Oh and by the way - it is oldie moldie Monday - and this is a 6 x 6 pad of Basic Grey - I have had for awhile - I don't think it has been in the collection that long but it sure made some cute cards - I actually made another card from the same paper - come back later in the week to see that one.

Simple Stories - 25 Days of Christmas

2011-09-18T10:05:00.000-05:00

This is a card I made this week for one of the challenges on Stars and Stamps (Operation Write Home's card blog) celebrating OWH's birthday. The challenge was to use Red and Kraft and Black or Blue. I chose red, kraft and black.

This is a new paper grouping for Christmas 2011 from Simple Stories - 25 Days of Christmas. I found the 6 x 6 pad of it. I have fallen in love with their collections. I just bought a new 6 x 6 pad yesterday of another collection. I want to find some big sheets of that houndstooth paper - yummy.

Everyone have a great day. I am working on cards using the techniques I am learning in my online class - come back tomorrow to see a couple mini cards using a couple different techniques I learned. Very happy with the results.

Hero Arts and Canvas Resist

2011-09-17T08:19:00.000-05:00

Good morning - wanted to share this card I made. I am taking an online class from Inspiration Showcase with Jennifer McGuire. I am having so much fun - trying things I would not normally do - so this is good for me - plus I am getting some cards made for some upcoming and belated birthdays.

This card is done using the Canvas Resist Technique. I did not have any sheets of the sticky back canvas so I do have just regular canvas bought at the fabric store. I tore the size I needed to fit my stamp. The tearing gives it such a nice homespun look. I rather like this and think it would be a beautiful piece of artwork also. You ink your stamp with Versamark and stamp on your fabric and then emboss it with white embossing ink. After that you press your distress ink over the entire piece of fabric. You can mist it with a Perfect Pearl Powder and water mix to make the ink go into the fibers of the canvas better. You then wipe off the embossed areas with a damp cloth. Such a pretty effect and the colors are varied even though you used the same distress ink.

I am going to enter this card at Lily Pad Cards because they have a Resist challenge going on - they must have planned it around my taking of the class.

Now I am still working on Day 1 of the class - we are up to Day 6. I am so behind.

Everyone have a very creative day.

Traditional Resist Technique

2011-09-16T18:33:00.000-05:00

I want to share a card I made in the class I am taking online Inspiration Showcase with Jennifer McGuire. Such fun - but I am still working on cards from the first two lessons - but I have been happy with what I have accomplished so far. This card is "Traditional Resist Technique" - I stamped with Versamark on glossy paper, let it dry and then rubbed a distress ink over it. I did the same technique on the sentiment. I couldn't find any paper to match the blue - so I made my own by rubbing the distress ink on the size square I needed. The image is pop dotted . A bow and a few pearls were added to the front of the card.

I am going to enter this card in the resist challenge on Lily Pad cards.

It rained today and I did not get a picture taken of the card I made in which I embossed on canvas - come back in the next couple days to see that and other cards using resist.

Have a good evening.

Bo Bunny Sketch Challenge for Operation Write Home

2011-09-15T17:22:00.000-05:00

BoBunny is sponsoring a sketch challenge for Operation Write Home. You can find the challenge at this link. It was a fun sketch because it had so many layers and I love layers - a one layer card - what is that - naked - some people can make a one layer card and it is beautiful - but not me. So all these layers were wonderful for me to play with.

I had recently purchased the 6 x 6 pad of BoBunny Father Christmas Collection. The image and sentiment were also in the package. I did reverse where the sentiment was. I could have very easily put the bow on the other side but I did not.

Thank you BoBunny for sponsoring this sketch and supporting Operation Write Home in their efforts to keep our heros in touch with families and friends at home. I know BoBunny paper always brings a smile to my face.

Hero Arts, May Arts, Teresa Collins

2011-09-14T18:18:00.001-05:00

This is my second card doing resist stamping - I am taking an online class - Inspiration Showcase taught by Jennifer McGuire. I am learning lots - I wish I could just stay home every day and play but MaMa has to work to buy new stamping supplies.

This particular technique is Patterned Paper Trapped Embossed Resist - you stamp your design on pattern paper (I had this great paper with just the word WISH on it - of course you think birthday). You heat emboss with clear embossing powder and then rub distress ink over the image. Wipe the ink off the stamped image. It has the look of fall to it - perfect for a fall birthday. I made the flower using two Hero Art flower stamps. I first stamped the flower with distress ink and then heat embossed with clear embossing powder. Cut them out and layered them. I had that great brad which was the perfect center for my flower. I added the May Arts Ribbon with a little twine across the top.

I think I will enter this at Lily Pad because they have a challenge for the month of September for resist techniques - I am sure I will be making a few more resist cards this month. I know I will be making a few more of these cards. They will make great cards for Operation Write Home also - I will just use a smaller brad for the flower center.

Well I need to do dishes before I can play.

My Mind's Eye and Hero Arts

2011-09-13T17:05:00.000-05:00

Blogger has not been playing nice - tried to schedule this post for today last night - did not work, tried to do it this morning - did not work - finally it worked.

This is actually a card I did for a week end virtual cardmaking party for Operation Write Home - this is a CAS card - well it is CAS to me - clean and simple. The design on the the 2 sheets of this paper in the 6 x 6 pad worked great for this card. I know it will bring smiles to someone.

Off the Hobby Lobby to get a new VersaMark pad. Mine are pretty old and disgusting looking.

Oldie Moldie Monday and Basic Grey

2011-09-12T06:57:00.006-05:00

Today is Oldie Moldie Monday - time to show some love for some older paper in your supplies. I have had this Basic Grey 6 x 6 pad since it came out (I need to have all of them) and I don't think I have used it at all. I wanted to make a thank you card for my aunt.

The card started out as the sketch from Clean and Simple Stamping - of course - I took a turn - hopefully it was a good turn. CAS-usal Fridays is to do some paper piecing. I pieced the flowers and then also pieced the center of the flowers. Since the card was not for Operation Write Home I used some Stickles (no glitter on OWH cards - we put our soldiers lives in danger).

Moda Fabrics makes this same paper line in fabric - I saw it today on their blog - so pretty. My first love was fabric and sewing.

Dig into your supplies and make a card (cards) out of your older supplies.

Card Details

Size: 4.25 x 5.5

Paper: Basic Grey

Image Stamp: Art Declassified

Sentiment Stamp: Hero Arts

May Arts Twine

Stickles

Unity Stamps and My Mind's Eye

2011-09-11T15:14:00.000-05:00

This si another card for Operation Write Home's virtual cardmaking party - it was the first challenge - garanimals i na card for a child - I love this little doggy - he is from Unity Stamps - you would have seen him on my card that was in October issue of Craft's n Things - Crafting For a Cause. This challenge can be found here.

Bananas for You

2011-09-11T12:09:00.001-05:00

Operation Write Home is having a virtual cardmaking party this week end. One of the challenges is a "non traditional valentine card" - well this is pretty non traditional when it comes to Valentines - it could actually be used all year - and it will be put into my next box. This challenge was hosted by Dixie.

The paper is Die Cuts With a View and unfortunately there were just a couple sheets with this big image on it - but of course - I do have lots of monkey stamps.

Everyone have a wonderful day. A day of catch up on things around the house and in cardmaking - come back tomorrow to see my Oldie Moldie Monday card.

Unique Christmas - Non Traditional Colors

2011-09-10T10:00:00.006-05:00

Welcome to my portion of the week end fun celebrating Operation Write Home's birthday.

Your challenge (should you decide to accept it) is to make a unique Christmas card which means - to use non traditional colors.

Since we are Operation Write Home - I decided to make a Red, White and Blue Christmas card. I know that this image will bring a smile to someone's face when they receive this card from a loved one serving overseas.

So please make a holiday card using non traditional colors - how about some orange, how about some purple, how about some hot pink - you know you can do it. I am excited to see your cards - please link them below.

Today is a Good Day

2011-09-07T19:12:00.000-05:00

I needed a card for Tuesday morning so Monday night I quickly threw this one together - not sure if the stamp goes with the paper but the sentiment sold it to me. My assistant came back to work - yeah - so I welcomed her back with this card.

The paper is by Echo Park. Ribbon from my supplies. Brads by American Crafts and the stamp is an Inkadinkado that I bought for $1.