Simon Says Stamp Leaves

the weekly challenge at Simon Says Stamp is to use Leaves.  I love leaves and have a boat load of leaf stamps but - this little leaf had already been stamped and colored and was waiting to be made into a card.

The leaf stamp is from Eat Cake Graphics.  It was embossed with Zing brown embossing powder and then colored with distress inks and stains.  I believe I used some Perfect Pearls mist on it also so it has a pretty shine to it.  I embossed the background card stock with a wood grain folder.  The sticker sentiment is from SRM Stickers.  I had just enough of this ribbon to make a bow for the top of the card.  I am sending this card to Alaska where it has already started to snow.

Everyone have a good Saturday.

Operation Write Home Color Challenge

Don't you love my new penguin stamp - one week end Gina K was having a sale on her single stamps and I was there buying some.  Gina K is actually only about 30 minutes away from where I live.  Wisconsin has some great stamp companies.

The midweek throw down on Stars and Stamps - OWH card blog - is a color challenge - black and white with either green or red as your accent.  I wanted to do lime green - but did not have a copic marker that gave me the color I wanted for the little accessories on my penguin.  All the green has glossy accents on it.  So fun - going to make a few of these for my own Christmas cards.

The embossing folder is from Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby) - hmmmm - they are on sale this week - I think I need to go see if I need any new ones plus - I need some new B plates.

Enjoy your evening.  I got myself a new cell phone today - OMG - do I have lots to learn.

Inkadinkado - I love you

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.

Unity Stamps Fall Card

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.

Hero Arts - Holiday card

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.

Another Fall card

 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.

Heros Arts - Just Saying Hello

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

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

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.

Easter and Spring

OK - try again - I started this post and realized I was on the wrong blog - so had to start over - and Of course I did not copy what I had written already - I was quite chatty.

I am enjoying the fact that now that spring has arrived you are able to go outside and take pictures of your creations. Of course yesterday it was a challenge because it was windy and I had many pictures with nothing in them because the card blew away on me. I was trying to avoid the shadows from the bow, hurrying so that it did not blow off, and did manage to get a bright spot of sunshine on the card. I am not going to complain - it is so nice to have warmer weather - today it is raining so no open doors to day - I can't wait till we have a 60 degree day - and most likely I will be working that day.

My card today is using an image from The Paper Shelter. On their blog - the challenge is to case someone's card - well I guess I was being lazy - I cased one of my own cards from last week - I liked the design - the colors are entirely different. I did use another handmade flower - this one is made with acrylic paint and coffee filters and some die cuts - I have a box where I am growing a garden of them. This is the small version. My next experiment is to see if I can make a poinsetta. Hopefully I have some dark red paint - if not - paint is cheap to play with.

Well I must go and try to get something accomplished or at least started. Everyone have a wonderful day and I hope you get to spend some time being creative.

Card Details:
Size: 4.5 x 6
Paper: The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby)
Image: The Paper Shelter
Ribbon: Offray
Sticker: SRM Stickers
Lace trim: Wrights

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year - 2011 - I hope the new year is full of happiness and health - if we have those we can live our life to the fullest.

I am enjoying a quiet week end at home - I have my daughter's dog as company - they are traveling - Mo is lots of company but she is a Husky so she is very hairy and we vacuum lots.

I did do some retail therapy yesterday. I had said I would not shop in January unless it was a necessity - I suppose I could make anything a necessity so I could buy it - but I just want to try to get through the month and not buy more paper stuff. I really do not need anything - I could create for years and years. Do you also have that problem or addiction?

I needed a baby card for a little girl and wanted to use this beautiful buggy image from I Brake For Digis. It is so beautiful in its lines. It could be colored but I liked just the beauty of the image on the patterned paper.

The design for the card started with Sketch #7 from Unscripted Sketches. It follows the sketch until we get to the sentiment - I didn't really have room for it alongside the buggy os I added it to the bottom of the card. I think I achieved balance with the image, bow and sentiment. Do you know what you do if your lace is white and you want it cream colored - you dip it in your leftover morning coffee- it is no longer white. The doily was also very white - but it took a coffee bath also - and came out a very nice creamy color to add to my vintage look. The flower is made from coffee filters cut with spellbinders - and guess what - they were dipped in coffee also to make them creamy colored. Now I want another cup of coffee.

Going to watch the Rose Bowl - the Wisconsin Badgers are playing - go Bucky. Everyone enjoy your day and have a wonderful 2011.

Card Details:
Size: 5 x 7
Digital Image: I Brake For Digis
Paper: Paper Studio
Brad: American Crafts
Sentiment: SRM Stickers
Lace and ribbon: from my supplies
Scallop Diecut: Papertrey Ink

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Good Tuesday morning - hmmmmm - feels like a Monday. Back to the rat race of work. My assistant returns today so that is wonderful. I want this kind of job when I retire - work two days a week - 9 months of the year - and have a wonderful boss like me.

My goal is to make 30 cards this month for Operation Write Home - so I have to make several cards a day to keep caught up - I did get caught up over the week end - but for some reason I now think I am behind. Dang. I want to get my halloween cards in the mail by the end of this week - I don't have too many - but they do need to get there. I also have some multiple of cards that need to be finished - the prototype is done - now to finish the others I started.

My cards today look very spring like. I am a great fan of Penny Black stickers so thought I would use some of them for some quick colorful cards. The first card is based on the sketch from Operation Write Home's card blog - Stars and Stamps - and as long as the paper is out you might as well make another card also.

Well I must go get ready for work - everyone have a wonderful day.

Card Details:

Size: 4.25 x 5.5

Paper: Bazzill Bling

Flower Stickers: Penny Black

Sentiment Stickers: SRM Stickers

Bling Brads: Making Memories

Bling: Paper Studio

Cuddlebug Embossing Folder

Thursday , August 5, 2010

Good Thursday morning - I thought I would do a quick post before I head out the door to work. I wanted to share a Christmas card I made - I think the secret of making cards that go fairly quickly is to not have to color them that is why you will see that I make many cards where the image just needs to be s tamped and nothing done to the image. When I color an image it seems I always have to color several images before I find one I like or don't goof up.

This image is from a local stamp company - Crackerbox Palace - located in Janesville. The image is so vintage and that is what I tried to achieve in this card. The rustic colors, brown ink, twine and buttons plus all that fun distressing.

The challenge at Our Creative Corner this week is Christmas in July - so I do believe my card qualifies.

Well I must go and get ready for work. Everyone have a wonderful day and I hope you get to do something creative.

Card Details

Size: 5 x 5

Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket
Cardstock: The Paper Studio
Inks: Colorbox Chalk Ink by Clearsnap
Stamps: Crackerbox Palace
Button: Blumenthal Lansing Company
Twine: May Arts
Punches: Stampin’ Up! and Punch Bunch
Die Cuts: Spellbinders

Sunday, July 18, 2010 Part 2

The second post of the day - but this challenge ends today so wanted to get my card posted. A Crafty Little Place has a challenge each Tuesday for cardmakers. Their sketches are such fun.

This card is for a co worker on campus who retired. I have worked with Becky the majority of my years on campus. Her knowledge and experience will be missed. I wanted her to know that I am wishing her well on this new adventure in her life.

Card Details:

Size:5 x 6.5

Patterned Paper: Paper Studio from Hobby Lobby

Stamp: Inkadinkado

Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink by Clearsnap (Chestnut Roan)

Twill and Ribbon: Michael's Dollar Bin

Twine: May Arts - inked with brown ink since I no longer have any brown twine and my source no longer carries it

Button: Unknown

Sticker: SRM Stickers

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Good evening - that first day of work after vacation is a rough one. I was working on a project I need to be ready for at 9 in the morning - almost there - so head in to work early.

I did manage to make a card last night. Luckily the layout is based on the sketch at Operation Write Home's card blog. I need to work on Holiday cards for Operation Write Home so thought I would use this sketch. I love the look of the kraft paper with a pop of color and white ink for your stamping. Also love to use white acrylic paint and dry brush it on the kraft paper. I do hope to make another card tonight but I am tired. Maybe I just need to focus on going to bed and getting ready for work tomorrow.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

Card Details
Stamps: Hero Arts
Kraft paper: Paper Studio
Red: unknown
Ink: Papertrey Ink

Monday, July 12, 2010

Return to reality - vacation is now over and tomorrow - back to work - hopefully my luggage catches up with me - because otherwise - there will be slim pickings for what to wear to work tomorrow. The Outer Banks of North Carolina - excellent vacation get a way - my daughters who are now adults and I - went on vacation together - we had a fantastic time - rented a house just off the beach. I am very relaxed and tan.

Before I left I did start this card - it actually qualifies for Oldie Moldie Monday - anyway the black and white papers - the pinks are leftover from a project. The July challenge on SRM stickers blog is clean and simple - I find it very difficult to do clean and simple. This way be one of those where I had to go that extra step - thus the POP of color in the green flower.

Everyone have a wonderful Monday - I am thinking about a nap.

Card Details:
Size: 4.25 x 5.5
Paper: Black and White - I believe it is Luxe Designs
Pinks: Paper Studio
Sticker: SRM Stickers
Flower and Brad: unknown

Oldie Moldie Monday June 28, 2010

Operation Write Home Stars and Stripes Sketch Card

Scrap Card

Scrap Card

Good Monday Morning – work is under control so I do not need to head out the door before 6 in the morning. Back to an 8 hour day. Yeah – now if I could just sleep that extra time or maybe I should get up and exercise – I think that last word is a four letter word.

Enjoyed Sunday – worked around the house and did some card making. It always feels good to have some paper therapy.

My card today is based on the sketch at Stars and Stripes – the Operation Write Home card making blog. A very nice sketch.

Well it is Monday – so that means it is Oldie Moldie Monday – actually these are scraps leftover from another project from some time ago. I made a card for Sunday’s post and now I have three more cards – the scraps are all gone. I hardly had enough to finish the inside of Sunday’s card. I loved this paper – it has such bright, happy colors. Add some flowers and stickers and some cool bling brads I found on clearance at Michael’s and you have created some fun cards.

Please join my friend Ivanka and I as we strive to use up some of our supplies – thus the birth of Oldie Moldie Monday – we even have a Flicker gallery in which you can post your creations.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Card Details
Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5
One Card base is Bo Bunny dots
Patterned Paper: We R Memory Keepers
Bling Brads: Making Memories
Orange Brds: Paper Studio
Stickers: SRM Stickers
Flowers: Paper Studio and my Supplies
Orange Felt Trim: Michael’s dollar bin
Scalloped Border: Papertrey Ink

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Good evening - short on posts this week - I must be busy - or at least not creating. I did manage to put together a card this morning. My cards are for the mid week challenge at Operation Write Home's card blog Stars and Stripes. The challenge came from the shipper's - and they wanted more masculine cards. I had the dinosaur card started (for a little masculine man) and I used some of the same paper in my masculine card. Dug out the truck stamp and went to town.

I had to have more laser surgery today - this time it was on my right eye - my left eye is doing OK. I hope I don't have any more tears in my retina. It scares you when something is happening to your eyes.

Everyone have a wonderful evening. Grilling out tonight. Steaks and my new love - sweet potatoes on the grill. Yummy.

Card Details

Size: 4.25 x 5.5

Paper: Paper Studio

Truck Stamp: Cornish Heritage Farms

Sentiment Stamp: Hero Arts

Colorbox Chalk Ink by Clearsnap

SRM Stickers

Cuddlebug

Spellbinders

Wednesday - 2-10-2010

Good evening - I seem to be having a few issues tonight - decided to just scan instead of doing a photo - well you can see what we got and where it put it - and I feel so lousy - I am not going to fight tonight. I did work around 6 hours today - hit the wall of no return - and came home. I still have a sidewalk of snow that needs to be plowed - my sidewalk was clear when I went to bed - but the city came through and plowed and filled it up. It made me want to cry - I may still cry. I have called my neighbor and asked him to come over so hopefully he will take mercy upon Neighbor Grandma and do it for me.

Tonight's card is based on the sketch at 2 Sketches 4 You A valentine card for one of my student workers. I know she will enjoy it.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

Size - 4 x 7

Paper - Paper Studio

Stamp - Craftsmart - Michael's $1 stamps (come back toward Easter and see the cute Easter stamps I got

Colored with Copics

Clear Stickles to heart

Bue Bird of Happiness

Doesn't that little blue bird look very happy. If he was in Wisconsin right now, he would not be happy - it is very cold and snowy.

Had dinner tonight with a co worker - one of our student workers made dinner for us. This was very sweet of her. One of the joys of my job - are the students who work for us.

My card tonight is based on the sketch at Taylored Expressions. It was a fun sketch. I feel like my card is naked - it needs something - but I will consider it finished. I wanted to use this stamp - I think it was two trips to the store before I was able to get the stamp. The stamp's name is Conway Tweetie - I just saw that - how cute. The stamp company is Whipper Snapper Designs, Inc. A Wisconsin based stamp company. A trip to this store is very dangerous to my wallet.

Size 5 x 7
Stamp - Whipper Snapper Designs, Inc. colored with Copics
Paper - Pink Paislee - Pop Fashion Collection
Bling - Paper Studio
Cardstock - Bazzill
Spellbinders