So long 2011, welcome 2012!!!

So who is looking forward to 2012? I am!  I cannot wait to see what the New Year has in store for me! One good thing will be participating in one more term at Cardabilities!  You must come back and see the new ladies that will be joining us!

So here is the last sketch reveal from Cardabilities in 2011:

Here is my take:

Supplies:

October Afternoon Papers

Recollection Kraft Cardstock 

Spellbinders - Lacey Circles, Circles, and Pendants

Fiskars Border Punch

Lily Bee design Alpha Stickers

Ribbon and Button from stash

I have not made many shaped cards before, so this is a challenge for me. I started with a folded cardstock and placed the diecut on the edge of the fold. Diecuts were also used for the circle and the pendant.  I cut patterned paper into strips and punched the borders with the scallop edge.  And adhered on top of each other to form the ruffles. Using a large glue dot, I used a ribbon to form the flower and placing the button in center. 

I have a list of things I am going to (hoping to) be changing for the new year!  Organzing many things in my life.  People talk about spring cleaning...I alsways have New Years cleaning. I like to start of fresh!  Along with my house, I hope to change some things here on my blog. Problem is I'm not computer savvy enough to do it quickly, so it may take awhile to do so...but I WILL have it done by 2013 :)

Happy New Year everyone! Party like it's 2012, just do it safely!

Also entered into the following challenges:

Inky Impressions - Use something new (first time to make circle-shaped card)

Simply Create Too - Shape it Up

Favorite Times & Seasons...

I just finished a project using Echo's Park Times and Seasons and was happy to see that I had plenty of scraps to make a card!  I needed a sketch for some inspiration and loved the one at Mojo Monday. 

Here is this week's sketch:

Here is my take:

Supplies:

Echo Park Times & Seasons Collection

Bazzill Bitter Chocolate Cardstock

Pop Dots

Adhesive

Lately I have been addicted to popdots and giving my projects some dimension.  I love the look of a card that "POPS"! I also love the pleats that you see all over the place. However, I don't feel as if I have mastered them yet. But, hoping the saying "Practice makes perfect." will take hold soon!

I will probably be spending the next few days baking. The kids and I have not been good about staying away from the baked goods, so I need to make sure there are some fresh ones for Santa.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!  See you next week!

Cardabilities Newest Reveal - Sketch 45

Thanks for stopping by today! Cardabilities has revealed another awesome sketch for you guys today!  I am having a blast with Karan's sketches! I am so glad that she is allowing me back for a second term!  More wonderful sketches to come, that's for sure!

Here is today's sketch:

Here is my take: 

Supplies:

October Afternoon- Farmhouse Papers

Paper Studio-cardstock

Spellbinder - Pendants

Michael's Ribbon

Studio G Ditto Cling Stamp

Recollection Brad

Paper Studio Buttons

Pop-dots

Memento Ink

Are you guys ready for the new year? I am! I have already start making a list of the changes/improvements I would like to work on! (Hoping that motivation will last stick around for a while!) So one of the improvements I am looking towards is to improve this blog. I have been trying to figure out the "right" way to take pictures with my camera. It is challenging, but I am having fun trying!  Wish me luck!

 

Other Challenges:

The Paper Variety -  Anything Goes

Ladybug Challenge - BINGO (ribbon, flowers, diecut)

This card is also entered into the

 Shop Pumpkin Spice Design Team call.
Challenge "What makes you SMILE?" - I love to use buttons and popdots, so I "smile" when I can do both in a project!

Woot Woot another term with cardabilities!

I am proud to annouce that I have been chosen for a second term at Cardabilities!  Here is the list of ladies starting in January!

Cardabilities Team: Jan 1-March 31, 2012

Anna Iwanowska – Poland – returning

Carina Lindholm- Sweden

Alexis Easton-Canada

Stephanie Castro-USA

Amy Prior-Austrailia

Brenda Becknell-USA

Guylaine Seyler-Canada

Jolanda van Pareren Netherlands

Stephanie Lee-USA-returning

DeNetra Bates-USA

Anita Mulcahey- USA

Jessica Pascarella-USA-returning

Sylvia Blum-Germany-returning

Agata Blomberg-Poland

Rochelle Washington-USA

 

 

Please come by to check out the newest sketch reveals on the 15th and 30th of every month!

Busy, busy...

I think that this will be my last holiday card!  After all the cards that went out in the mail and the cards for co-workers, bus drivers, teachers, etc I believe that I am done for this year. I think I will get back to regular cards... but I will admit that I had some fun with this one. I have been seeing these ornament balls on several projects and finally got around to it :)

Supplies:

Cosmo Cricket - Mitten Weather

Paper Studio Textured Cardstock

Spellbinders -

Recollection "NOEL" Clear Stamp

Martha Stewart Fine Glitter

Ribbon

Brown Ink

Pop-Dots

This card has been entered into the following challenges:

•  Perfect Sentiment - Sparkle/Christmas Sentiment
• The Paper Variety - Holiday Song Inspiration (The First Noel)
• 365 Cards - Inchies or Rinchies (Ornaments are made with rinches)

So what do you have planned for this weekend!  We are getting our tree on Saturday, my oldest son has hi first basketball ever and on Sunday we are attempting to make Anis Puff Cookies (big tradition in my husband's family). On top of that I have to finish the Christmas projects!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Eeek the holidays are coming...

I have been absent from the blogging world for the past week!  I haven't even had time to look around and "steal" some inspiration!  Are any of you finding that the holidays are coming too quickly?  I have been cranking out some crafts for teacher and co-workers gifts. I have seen this for the last few years and finally decided to do it.  I made tile coasters for gifts.  Here is one set using some Amy Butler paper.

I am also trying to figure out how to take better pictures with the camera I have.  (Better camera is on my Wish List!)

I was somewhat surprise on how easy these were to make. Tile, paper, mod podge and clear spray paint. Last touch cork backing and DONE!

Well, I need to get back to the craft room!  Got some deadlines coming up!

Have a great day!

Another amazing sketch at Cardabilities!

I am running somewhat behind due to the past holiday and currently playing catch up! 

When I first saw the newest sketch from cardabilitites, I was stumped!  I ponder the possibilites with the sketch. I had never made a card with any elements that were off the card.  Here is the sketch, so you know what I mean:

Here is my card:

Supplies:

Bella Blvd Christmas Wishes

Paper Studio Cardstock

Recollections Cling Stamp

Buttons

Memento Black Ink

Adhesives

Make sure to play along with cardabilities!

So my list of to-dos and want to-dos keeps growing. I don't know why I do this to myself.  My latest thing I am thinking of adding is to do the December Daily. I have been seeing this awesome albums all over and am leaning towards completing one this year. I am trying to determine if I have the time, I do not want to start it and not complete it (will not be the first time).

What projects are you working on?

Have a great day!

Other challenges:

Pattie's Creation - Christmas

PaperCrafting Journey - Anything Goes

Creatalicious Challenges - Christmas and Sparkles

Perfect Sentiment -CASE Challenge

Like many of you, I am coming off a busy past few days and trying to play catch on a number of things!  I will have to come back in a few hours to fill in the rest of this post!!!
............................................................................................
This is a fun week at Perfect Sentiment!  The awesome design team are making cards of their choice!  The challenge to you...CASE one of the design team's card.  Simple and easy, don't you think?

This week's sponsor is The Digital Emporium of Paper Expressions. This week's winner will win 3 digital stamps of their choice!  Exciting!

Here is my card for the Perfect Sentiment Challenge - CASE one of the designers cards this week.  Here is my card:

Supplies:

Paper - Imaginisce

 Slice - Words & Expressions

Buttons

Martha Stewart Mirco Beads

Glue Dots

Pop - dots

I decided to dust off the Slice machine for this card.  The saying once merged into one image, but I cut the individual words. To seperate the words, I used pop-dots to add some dimension to the card. 

I tried something for the first time. Don't know if I like it enough to do again...  I attached a glue dot to the front of the buttons and covered them with micro beads.  But I will admit, it gives the card alittle spark. 

For more inspiration please visit the following Perfect Sentiment Design Team blogs:

Jennipher

Sami

Sarah

Abby

Jan

Kimberly

Rochelle

Shauna

Stacey

Tere

Theresa

Guest Designer:

Rita

Other Challenges:
2 Sisters - Holiday
The Poodles Parlour - Christmas
Craft Your Days Away - Bows or Buttons

Cranking out some cards...

I have challenged myself to have all my Christmas crafts completed by the end of this month.  (I will be shocked if this does happen.) I have been putting off our holiday cards for a few days now. But I have dedicated today to finish them.  I have been searching for a few weeks for a punch or something in a triangle. But had no luck.  Yesterday, I came across the Spellbinder Pendants and figured those would make easy trees. 

So here is one of my creations:

Supplies:

DCWV and Me and My Big Ideas Paper Packs

Spellbinders Pendants Die Cuts

Ribbon

Stampabilities Rubber Stamp

Memento Black Ink

Challenges Entered:

Pile it On - Anything with "P" (used pendants for the trees)

CAS-ual Fridays - Sketch

Papertake Weekly - Christmas

It's Time for a Perfect Sentiment!

It is time for a new challenge at thehttp://perfectsentimentschallenge.blogspot.com/blog!  It involves a sketch (see below) and the use of a sentiment of encouragement.

I completed a few cards with this sketch. Here is one:

Supplies:

DCWV - The Green Stack Paper

Spellbinders - Scalloped Octagons

Lily Bee Design - Stamp

Paper Studio Buttons

Twine

Brown Ink

I am off to (hopefully) work on the holiday cards.  I have yet to start them and really wanted them finished this week!  But, like most of you I will be using today to cook!  Happy Thanksgiving!

For more inspiration please visit the following Perfect Sentiment Design Team blogs:

Jennipher

Sami

Sarah

Abby

Jan

Kimberly

Rochelle

Shauna

Stacey

Tere

Theresa

Guest Designer:

Rita

Other Challenges:
Cupcake Craft - Teenage Boys

A week to celebrate THANKS

So how is everyone's week going? Getting crammed with tons of projects for the holidays?  I am in the same boat.  I REALLY need to work on holiday cards, but I keep having fun doing other cards. Can you spell P-R-O-C-R-A-S-T-I-N-A-T-I-O-N!!!! I think that is correct ;)

I am burnt out with creating Thanksgiving themed cards or using fall colors, I decided to switch it up a little. I guess you can say the I am getting a head-start on my spring cards :)

So here is one of my latest creations.

Supplies:

Adornit Paper

Recollection Kraft Cardstock

Paper Studio Textured Cardstocks

Spellbinders - Lacey Circles and Scallop Octagons

Cuttlebug die cuts

Jillibean Soup Twine

Recollections brads

Sudio G Stamp

Black Ink

Adhesive

So know that the weekend is here and I have my lovely husband here, I think I will lock myself into my room and get to work on those holiday cards!!!  Crazy week ahead and with kids out-of-school, that will limit my crafting time this week! Off to work I go!

Challenges entered:

The Paper Variety - Thanks

Creative Card Crew - Thankful

Simon Says Stamp - Thanks/Thanksgiving

I (finally) got my hands on doilies!

Have you ever had a product that you REALLY wanted, but could not get your hands on it?

So I have been in search for some cute doily stamps, for what seems like months!  It started when I saw the My Mind's Eye stamp set from the Stella Rose collection. But after searching and searching and finally found a set in Sweden and disappointed in the final cost, I decided to move on!  In my search, I was so excited when I saw some new stamps from Inspired by Stamping... I knew I was in love. They arrived and I finally had some time to sit down and create!  I used this week's sketch challenge from Mojo Monday to help with more creation.

 Supplies:

Bazzill Cardstock

Doily Stamps by Inspired by Stamping

Spellbinders - Circles, Lacey Circles, and Label 8

Jillibean Paper

Lace Ribbon by Paper Studio

Satin Ribbon by Michael's

Recollection Stamp

Brown Ink

Recollection Brads

I have been creatively stumped lately. I believe that these stamps have sparked something...I am off to create some more! Have a great day!

Also entered into the following challenges:
Mojo Monday - sketch
Pollycraft - Friendship
Frosted Designs - Die Cuts

Oh sweet baby X4!

I am sure that all of you have caught yourself staring at a blank cardstock, stumped on where to go.  Trying one thing, not liking it and starting over. Well, this week's Perfect Sentiment Challenge came at the right time!  Two weeks ago, some dear friends were blessed with quads! So how do you make a card for 4 babies and they are not the same sex? So I knew at the beginning that I needed to use stitching (one of this week's challenge).  And off I went...

This week's challenge is to make a baby card with some sort of stitching (faux, hand, machine, etc). 

This week's sponsor is

Cindy Coutts Designs

She has offered a mini Stampin' Up!® set called Something for Christmas for this week's prize!

So here is the card that I (finally) came up with!

Supplies:

Mohawk Cardstock

Heidi Grace Design Papers

Studio G Stamp

EK Success Border Punch

AC Zing Embossing Powder

Paper Studio Brads/Embellishments

Pop-dots

Thread

Ribbon - stash pile

For more inspiration please visit the following Perfect Sentiment Design Team blogs:

Jennipher

Sami

Sarah

Abby

Jan

Kimberly

Rochelle

Shauna

Stacey

Tere

Theresa

Guest Designer:

Rita

Are you going blank of possible gifts and cards for the holiday season? Stop by our sponsors' website! She is hosting a 12 days of Christmas series of videos! Click HERE!

Also entered into the following challenges:
Frosted Design - Embossing
PaperCrafting Journey - Embossing
Hiding in My Craft Room - use something from your stash
The Pink Elephant - Embossing

cardabilities reveal day!

Well, it is the 15th of the month and what does that mean...it is reveal day at cardabilities!  Are in in love with the sketches from cardabilities and love working with them? If so, they are having a design team call, click HERE for the details!

Karan once again supplied us with a great sketch to work with:

Here is my take on the sketch:

Supplies used are :

Bazzill Pincone Cardstock,

We R Memory Keepers papers,

Fiskars circle punch and border punch

Ditto stamp

buttons, and twine. 

Pop-dots under the punched circles

Don't you hate it, when you know that you own something, but cannot find it??? All year long I kept thinking that I had a certain border punch (the one used on this card) and for the life of me, could not find it!  But I refused to buy one at the store, even through I REALLY wanted to!!!! My craft room is pretty organized, so this was stumping me! Well, I'm glad to announce that I found it (obviously)!!! I guess I put it in the box of Christmas crafts by mistake and recently took down the box and went thru it! I knew I had it :)

Wait until you see the next reveal!  It is a challenging one. Or at least for me! It will be the first time I made a card like it!!!! Make sure to come back on the 30th!

Other Challenges entered:
2 Sisters - Anything goes
Make It Monday - Anything goes

Stepping out of my comfort zone...

Up for another Perfect Sentiment Challenge!  This week's challenge is to make an All Occasion card using the inspiration picture for, well, inspiration :)

The winner of this challenge will get to choose 5 digi stamps from this week's sponsor, Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps. 

Here is the inspiration picture:

And here is my take:

This week, I clearly went out of my comfort zone. I have not been blessed with Copics talents! I cannot get the concept of the blending/shadowing. So I had to rely on my trusty Sharpies to color in this digi from Robin's shop.

I used Core'd'nation Cardstock and patterned paper from Fancy Pants.  The ribbon is from Michael's (pink) and Hobby Lobby (orange).  The stamp is from Paper Studios.

For more inspiration please visit the following Perfect Sentiment Design Team blogs:

Jennipher

Sami

Sarah

Abby

Jan

Kimberly

Rochelle

Shauna

Stacey

Tere

Theresa

Guest Designer:
Rita

November Guest Designer for Perfect Sentiment

I am happy to annouce that I have been asked to be this month's guest designer for Perfect Sentiment.  They are a new challenge blog that includes fun twists!  This week's challenge is to use a Thanksgiving sentiment and also include brads or eyelets.  (I have all the tools to do eyelets, but never am happy with the results!) So it is no surprise that I chose to brads!  This week's sponsor is Stacey's Creative Corner !

So please visit the Perfect Sentiment HERE, to see the great prize being offered with this challege. You will have until Tuesday 10pm EST to enter your creation! And have a chance to be chosen in the Perfect 3 and/or even the random winner!

Here is my creation:

I used Bazzill Pinecone cardstock for the card. The pattern paper is from Imaginisce (I fussy cut some of the images in the paper.) Added Recollection brads for the center of the leaf-flowers. The ribbon is from my scraps collection.

Also entered into the following challenges:
Pattie's Creations - Fall/Halloween colors
Inky Impressions - Inspiration Fall Picture

Thank you for stopping by and see you again next week for yet another challenge from Perfect Sentiment!

Holidays are almost here...eeekkk!

So are any of you starting to stress over holiday gifts/crafts/etc?  I am! I tend to be a planner, so now is the time I try to plan out all the gifts or crafts or holiday ideas that I would like to do! So now the ideas are flowing, so hopefully, I will get organized and plan WHEN I'm going to get it all done! 

One project is to plan the family holiday cards. So I have been searching and trying out different ideas. Perfect Sentiment's challenge is to use the following sketch with a holiday greeting.

Here os my take:

I used paper from a 3 Bugs in a Rug line. And hand-cut the penguins out! (Too cute). With the help of my Cuttlebug embossing folder and white ink, I was able to create the snow background. For the greeting, I chose to use white embossing to add some effect to the card. And last, but not least, I added the red string ribbon for a little extra pop!

Also entered into the following challenges:

Party Time Tuesday - Anything Goes

Inky Impressions - Anything Goes

Pile It On - Keep Warm

Off to get the kiddos ready for some trick or treating!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

New Cardabilities Reveal

Thanks for stopping by for another Cardabilities reveal! Karan created an awesome sketch for today!

Here it is:

Here is my take:

I used an October Afternoon paper pack for this beauty. The stamps are from Studio G Ditto Collection. I used a small Fiskar circle punch to create these flowers, with a simple Recollections brad in the center.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you can find some time today to create!