Christmas in February

I am trying to make Christmas cards throughout the year so I have enough in December to mail out to everyone.  I have even decided to do some multiples of cards.  This is a card that will have 6 made just like it.

I like to buy gift tags at the end of the holiday season  to use on cards.  I have many that have not been used yet but this particular gift tag was just bought this year at Tuesday Morning.  I believe there were 12 in the packet so I will get my money's worth out of my 99 cent investment.

The paper is from a new American Crafts 6 x 6 I bought when I was in South Carolina.  I only bought three 6 x 6 pads while I was there.  It was my first time in AC Moore and they had quite a few but I only got one there.  The two Christmas ones were bought at a scrapbook store in Seneca, South Carolina.

I am playing along with the challenge at Merry Monday Christmas Challenge.  The challenge is to use Santa on a card.

Isn't he the sweetest looking Santa?  The cord I used on the card is the cord for the gift tag.  It matched perfectly so use it.  The sentiment is from Hero Arts.  The card is also fairly flat so should only cost me the extra for being nonmachinable.  I have 5 more cards to make just like one.  I also have all the insides ready.  I am going to be "somewhat" prepared for sending my Christmas cards in December.  Maybe I will even get them addressed in November.  Wouldn't that be a novel idea.

Have a wonderful day.  I am recovering from my vacation in South Carolina.  I am having lunch with a friend today.  I am looking forward to that.

Paper Smooches Spark Challenge and Oldie Moldie Monday Collide

Monday - time to show some love to your old supplies.  I needed to make a get well card for my granddaughter.  She had to have her tonsils out on Sunday.  This is not something you want to do at any age - but at the age of 18 - it is not fun.

I decided to play the Paper Smooches Sparks Challenge - Anything Goes.

I got out some American Crafts paper that has a date of 2012 on it.  Not as well aged as some of my supplies.  I love the bright cheerful colors in the 6 x 6 pad. Teal is one of Emily's favorite colors.  I paper pieced the balloons.  After cutting out a shape that you have stamped, always run a black marker around the edge.  It gives your cut a neater finish.  The get well sticker is from SRM Stickers. The white border was cut with my Silhouette.  The yellow ribbon is from May Arts and it was just laying there on the floor waiting to be used.

I don't know if I like the enamel dots on the card but there was so much white space.

If you wish to buy your own Paper Smooches stamps, just pop over to their online shop.

Remember to show some love to your old supplies.  They do still make beautiful creations.

Happy Monday - is it Friday yet?

Tag You're It - Let's Try It

There is a new challenge blog - Tag You're It - and you make tags - clean and simple tags.  I do hope it is clean and simple - I do struggle with that.  They give you a tag that you take your inspiration from.  Here is the tag to inspire you.  It is beautiful.

The inspiration I am taking from this picture/tag is the hello and the flower.  I cut my shapes with the Silhouette and it is a small card in the shape of a tag.  It is going to my young friend in Australia.  Looking forward to seeing her in the fall when she returns and learn about all her adventures.

I off set my flower so that the white showed underneath it to pick up the white of the hello and also the center of the flower.  I layered 3 cuts of the flower together to have it be off the card base without using dimensionals.  I chose the colors because teal and pink are two of her favorite colors.  I added the pearls to pick up the color of the yellow strip I added on the bottom.  The paper is from American Crafts.

Birthday Card for Child Struggling With Cancer

Cancer sucks but it sucks even more when it is a child.  They have not even had a chance to live their life to any extent.  When I see a legitimate request for a card fighting cancer, I want to try and help.  On Facebook I saw the story of Danny.  I wanted to make him a card to make him smile.

When I want to make someone smile, I dig out my monkeys from Stampendous.  Guaranteed smiles from these dudes.  I used the weekly sketch from Sketch Saturday.

I used papers from American Crafts.  The sentiment is a sticker from SRM Stickers.  The bubbles have Stickles on them and then a layer of Glossy Accents.

I hope you are able to send Danny a birthday card.  If you can't make it for his birthday - just send one anyway.  Just say hello.  Here is his address.

Danny Nickerson
P.O. Box 212
Foxboro, MA 02035 

Seize the Sketch

Did you hear the squeeling of the die cutter as I slid into the last hours of the sketch challenge at Seize the Sketch.  I have liked this sketch since it was posted and decided I wanted to do it before the challenge ended.

It took two attempts.  I did not like the die cut I first decided to use - it was too small - so thus the 2nd card was born.  Here is my card.

The stamp is from Techniques Tuesday.  This entire set of sentiments in this set are great for Operation Write Home stamps.  The paper is from American Crafts - Dear Lizzy collection.  I think you will see more of this paper in upcoming Oldie Moldie Monday posts.

Here is my second card.  The die cut was too small for the sketch and of course I did not have enough of the darker paper for the sketch card.  This stamp is a $1 stamp I bought somewhere.

Enjoy the remainder of your Sunday.

A New Challenge to Try - "The Challenge"

As I was out cruising the net I found a new challenge site called appropriately "The Challenge".  It looks like their challenges are two part - you can choose or or the other or combine them.  I chose to just do the sketch this week.  I tend to shy away from doing color challenges.  Here is the sketch for this week.

Every Friday I try to use stamps from Unity.  I have an entire box full so I need to start using them so I have set a personal challenge to myself to use my Unity Stamps.  They also have a challenge on Friday where you post what you have made.  You get lovely feedback from the group for your creation.

I had already stamped my images when I found this sketch and I thought I could use my little clipboard could work - I am taking creative license with the sketch - as I always do.

The paper is from American Crafts.  I had the paperclip in my collection of stuff.  Do you have a collection of stuff?

This card will go in my next Operation Write Home box.

Happy 4th of July.

Everyone Loves Snoopy

This week on CAS(E) This Sketch it was a very simple sketch - but then - CASE is very simple.  You just have to make an impact with what you do on a CASE card.

When I designed my card, I took the design very literally.  I did add some SRM stitch stickers to add a little extra to the card.  I keep thinking I need more.  "Walk away from the card".  The paper is from American Crafts - a Dear Lizzy collection.  I love the ombre look of the paper.  Who does not like Snoopy?  This card and the other two which are very similar will go in my next Operation Write Home box.  They will bring a smile to someone's face.

Enjoy your Saturday.

Sketch Saturday and Valentine's Day

Still working on my Valentine Day cards.  I just have a couple more cards to make and will try to get those done today.

I based the design of the card on the sketch at "Sketch Saturday".  I have been enjoying their sketches the last few weeks.  I rotated the sketch.

The paper is from a 6 x 6 pad from American Crafts - Dear Lizzy.  Love the somewhat nontraditional colors I used.  The little banners are the top edge of the paper which holds the sheet in the paper pad.  They were just the correct size for adding some layers.  The stamp is one of the holiday specials at Michael's that I bought for $1.50.  I have gotten my money's worth out of this stamp.  The enamel dots are from Michael's Recollection grouping.

Off to get groceries and then make some more valentine cards and do some laundry.  I know you are all jealous of my exciting day.  Looking forward to watching the special on the Beatles tonight.

Valentine's Day and Freshly Made Sketches

Valentine Day fast approaches so I need to get a few more cards done.  I think I will make four cards using this stamp.  The card design may vary.  "Bee"s are a favorite subject in our family since we have 4 generation of "Beas".  Molly Beatrice (grandma), Bonnie Bea (sister), Carrie Bea (daughter) and Elaina Bea (great niece).

The card is based on the weekly sketch at Freshly Made Sketches.  With their sketches they want you to be clean and simple.  I tried.  My papers are vibrant colors.  Pink is my mother's favorite color.  I do hope she forgives me for the green on the card.  She doesn't like green.  Here is the sketch.  I stayed very true to it.  I must confess it looks naked to me.  

The paper is from American Crafts - Dear Lizzy.  Beautiful colors in the 6 x 6 pad.

Thanks for stopping by.

Feminine Version of Monday's Cards

On Monday I made some little boy cards using this same stamp.  Today's cards are for one of our Heroes to send home to the girls in their lives.  Who doesn't love a weiner dog card?

I had the pink frames already cut on the design table.  I found the American Crafts paper with the same colors as the pink.

Nothing too exciting here - I made a total of 4 cards with my frames.  The circle on the one frame - is to cover up a tear in the frame.  Thank goodness for layers.

Operation Write Home Celebrates World Card Making Day

I am so excited to be celebrating World Card Making Day with Operation Write Home.  Now this is a holiday I can really get into celebrating.  Be prepared for lots of inspiration today.

For today we were asked to make a thank you card using one of the wonderful sketches from Operation Write Home - Stars and Stamps Blog.  Every week something new to jump start your creativity.

I chose Sketch 191.

When you look at my cards you will see that I brought the back rectangle to the top of the design.  I also made the small rectangle much smaller.  I made two cards - one more masculine and one more feminine.  I hope you enjoy them.  The link to get back to the Stars and Stamp blog is at the bottom of the post.

Jump back to the beginning Stars and Stamps Operation Write Home.  

American Crafts and Whipper Snapper Designs Unite

It is raining today so had to take my picture inside.  We really need the rain so I am not going to complain.  It is a pretty gentle one so that helps it soak into the ground.

My card is for Operation Write Home.  It is a card for a child.  The Paper Players challenge this week is to make a card for a child.  I colored two of this image - this one was colored so it would work for a little boy. The hearts have glossy accents on them.

The design of the card is based on the sketch from Tuesday Morning Sketches.  I have been admiring this sketch since Tuesday and have wanted to make a card.  Finally today I got one made.

Everyone enjoy your Sunday.  I have lots to do.  I am going to watch football but also need to get some work done.  I also need to make a sympathy card.  My Oldie Moldie Monday cards are made - I have four of them done for Operation Write Home.  Come back tomorrow to see those.

Hero Arts, Simple Stories, SRM Stickers and Operation Write Home

The monthly Our Daily Bread Designs challenge for September for Operation Write Home is "wheels"   Our Daily Bread Designs very graciously pay for shipping for a box of cards for each 25 entries - up to 2 boxes.  This is very generous of them because every month we reach a minimum of 50 cards.  My bike has two wheels.

This card could be an anniversary or love card - symbolized by the bike built for two.  I fussy cut out the banners from patterned paper.  The Bike stamp is from Hero Arts.  The "love" stamp is from American Crafts - an Amy Tangerine collection of stamps.  The paper is from Simple Stories and the celebrate is a sticker from SRM Stickers.

Be My Valentine

I worked on a couple valentine cards yesterday.  Need to get the packages in the mail.

This cute little stamp is one I bught for $1 and I have sure go my money's worth out of it.  I still have two more colored - with little red hearts on them.  These two were colored with favorite colors of both recipients.  The top card uses new paper - American Crafts - and the bottom card is leftovers - not valentine at all but I thought it was sweet paper.  I have enough of it left for one more card of some sort - check back Monday - it may be in an Oldie Moldie Monday post.

I used SRM Stickers for the sentiment.  Some Stickles were added to each heart and some bakers twine tied on to finish off each card.

I am entering this card in the challenge on Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog where "anything goes".  This qualifies as anything.

I am also entering this card in the weekly Shop My Stash challenge - one was to use a heart - well the second card is paper from my stash and also that stamp.

Enjoy your Saturday - I have snowblowing on my agenda - a trip to the post office and then I need to do some creating, cleaning and laundry.

Itty Bitty Cards

3 x 3 card

Moxie Fab World is having a challenge for "itty bitty cards" - the largest they can be is 3 x 3.  They have a new special edition titled "75 Creative Card Challenges" - hmmm must find this magazine.  

I decided to make a little valentine card.  I bought a new paper pad at Target last night (wow I got stuff to make chili and a paper pad in the same store - how great is that).  The paper pad is from American Crafts - isn't that the sweetest houndstooth.  The stamp is a $1 stamp I got somewhere.  Added some twine and a pearl.  These little cards are fun.

Thanks for stopping by today.  

Hello Sunday

Good morning - it is Sunday - time to start the day off with the weekly sketch on Operation Write Home's card blog - Stars and Stamps.    It somewhat resembles the sketch - the elements of the sketch are all there - with the added strip at the top and everything moved around a little bit.  Is that called creative license.

I found this paper grouping at Target - they have 6 x 6 pads from American Crafts there - this collection has some of my favorite colors in it.  The yellow is one of Bo Bunny's basic papers - I think I have it in every color - it makes such a great background.  The Hello is cut with my Silhouette Cameo.

Enjoy your day - trying to put another card together because I had another HELLO cut out in a different color.

Sending You Love

Once again trying to get a card posted for the sketch on Retro Sketches - just making it by the hair on my chinny chinny chin. 



I love pink and brown together and have a collection of these colors - I should really purge that drawer tonight - I have a chance to donate some supplies and the last day is tomorrow - so I need to collect some more supplies to get rid of.

This card will be for Operation Write Home - it is a 4.25 square - 4.25 x 5.5 is the desired size but this will fit in that size envelope so it will work.  It is nice to do something different once in awhile.  The stamp is a $1 stamp from Michael's stamped with Memento Ink.  The sentiment is from Hero Arts and an American Crafts brad finishes off the empty corner.

Well off to design another thank you card and get six kits made so my friend and I can assemble tomorrow night.

Simple Stories and Operation Write Home

It is Sunday and Stars and Satmps - Operation Write Home's card blog - has their weekly sketch posted.  I try to hop to it right away on Sunday morning - so then I know I have one more card made for my next box.  The emphasis right now is on mascline cards - the colors are somewhat masculine - they are from the 6 x 6 pad from Simple Stories - Awesome.  Great colors - and I do wish I had a sheet or two of that blue houndstooth.  YUMMY.

As everyone knows - a sketch is a tool and sometimes we alter things a little - my image is not the same size as the rectangle given in the sketch but I like this sweet little image.  I know it will bring smiles to many faces.  Also - I had purchased card bases that are kraft colored and they are 4 x 5.5 - so my other sizes are altered some - and of course - I then matted each piece of paper with dark brown since they are busy prints.  The fearless leader of Operation Write Home - Sandy Allnock - uses this trick - and I have learned from her.

I am frantically working on my own Easter cards so I imagine there will be some other posts today also.  Enjoy your Sunday - now I need another cup of coffee.

New Paper - Yummy

I was able to do some paper shopping yesterday - it felt so good - of course - my addiction came to a head again - you know the 6 x 6 pad addiction - I think I came home with 5 more.  Oh well - the addiction could be something worse.  Shoes maybe or clothes.

This paper is from the collection by Simple Stories - Fabulous.  I thought this label would be perfect on a card for one of our Heroes to send home to a loved one.  The card is based on the weekly sketch as Stars and Stamps - Operation Write Home's card blog. 


Of course, I added more layers - as always.  But love the colors used.  I found the solid aqua at Tuesday Morning - it is in a package for $1.99 - it is American Crafts - this color is in so many collections now days that I know I will get lots of use out of it.

Enjoy your Sunday - are you tired from the time change.

American Crafts, Hero Arts and Card Positioning System Unite

I needed a special thank you card for my friends who I visited in Florida.  It was a wonderful break from winter in Wisconsin and work. 

I had gotten the 6 x6 pad Dear Lizzy by American Crafts.  Luscious colors and designs.  But (don't tell anyone) when it comes to 6 x 6 pads - I am so easy - I have only met a few that I have not purchased.  The sentiment is from Hero Arts (Year Round Sentiments) a clear set that was done in partnership with Operation Write Home (a cause very dear to my heart).  The flowers are also a Hero Arts stamp but I don't have the name of that set. 

The design is based on this week's sketch at Card Positioning System.

The flowers were stamped with VersaMark and clear embossed.  I then cut each one of them out.  I layered them with a Prima flower and Maya Road brad holding them all together.  They were pop dotted with Scotch dimensional tape.  The sentiment is also pop dotted.  I added a little glitter with a Sakura Stardust pen. 

Enjoy your evening.