Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Tag, You're It

Holy Moly, is it really great to be home.  For those of you, who don't live here in central New Mexico, we had a bit of snow fall on the city.  That isn't the tragedy.  Well, the storm really hit the northern border of Texas and Oklahoma.  So, they closed I-40 East.  They closed the freeway Sunday evening, and didn't re-open it till Tuesday.  I take the freeway to get home from work.  And I was on-call at the hospital Sunday night.  And the snow plows didn't start on I-40 East in our area till after 3a Monday.  But then again, they don't really know how to plow anyways.  They are better at dumping red dirt on top of the snow.  Blah, blah, blah . . .   I could go on, but I'm sure that you didn't stop here to hear about my crying.
The wonderful ladies over @ Nacho Average Challenge have a very creative sketch for you to try this week.  I'm sure you will have fun with this sketch!


Before you pass us by.  Don't let the large pennant discourage you.  I added a torn edge, a doily, and a slightly off-center tag.  Here is what I did!


I did alot of masking on the tag.  I stamped two postage stamps and two flowers.  I inked my text wheel and ran it across the lower third of the tag.  I stamped the flowers again and fussy cut them out  and used foam tape to pop them off the tag.  I stamped a sentiment banner and machine stitched it to the tag.  I used a 'water mark' stamp to help age the tag.  
I tore a measuring tape DSP to resemble some what of a triangle shape.  I also added a paper doily.  I ran a strip of crochet trim and vanilla seam binding down the middle of the card.  I machine that too.  I tied a multi-loop bow with the seam binding and added a fabric blossom to the center of the bow.
I hope you get a chance to play along with us @ NAC.
I am participating in the Natural History Museum Chocolate Fantasy, again this year.  I'll post photos of my chocolate sculpture on Sunday, as the judging is on Saturday.  Wish me luck!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

New Things

Hello.  I hope your weekend is going well.  I know for me, if I get a chance to craft, it is a good day.  And well, today is a good day.  But right now, my mind is traveling in several different directions.  So, staying on task has been a challenge.  
I am participating in the Natural History Museum Chocolate Fantasy this year.  And I have been busy working on my sculpture, as well as perfecting my bite-size chocolates for the attendees.  So, please check back late this week, for a peak at what I did.  As the competition is Saturday March 2, 2013.  So, I need to have everything done and ready for judging by 1p that day.
Meanwhile, I have created a lovely card, for a lovely lady.  One of the things that I find fascinating about blogging, is the wide range of folks you interact with.  Folks that you wouldn't normally meet at a craft fair, or a grocery store.  This is a belated Birthday card, for a fellow design team member.  She is quite talented.  From her blog, and working with her, I have discovered that she treasures her friends, and her crafts.  


While crafting a Birthday card for Paula, I thought, why not create Birthday cards for the other design team members for their birthdays.  I'm a bit late for Sue, but I hope she knows that it is not reflective to my happy wishes for her.
I hope you get a chance to play along with your favorite challenges this week, and enjoy the process.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

HB, Paula

Happy Saturday!  It's time for another challenge @ Our Creative Corner.  Paula, has an interesting color challenge for us to try this week.  Paula, wants you to create a cake creation using Red, Blue, and Yellow with layer upon layer.  My first question was what shade of red, or blue.  The yellow, I pretty much have that covered.  But, Paula mentions super hero s, so the shades I selected are deep and bright.  

Here is my card: 


For those who know me, this is not my typical color combo.  But, this is labeled as a challenge.  I selected Not Quite Navy for my card base.  I thought this color would help ground my card and give it a starting point.  Not only as the card base, but a base for coordinating the other colors.  The blue/yellow pattern paper is from a Teresa Collins collection, I believe.  The text pattern paper is from Paper Studio.  I used my red to showcase embellishments.  I used an Authentique Valentine's Day themed paper for the red/cream polka dot pattern paper.  I added a scrap piece of the red checker ribbon to add a splash of color towards the bottom of the card.  I used my Utility stamp set for the cake and the sentiment.  I used white embossing powder and my heat gun to emboss the cake image.   I just love the shading.  I added a lady bug fabric brad to attach the multi-loop bow to the top of the birthday tag.
I hope you get a chance to play along with us @ OCC.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Every Bunny

Whew, it's finally Friday.  This week has been extra brutal at work.  One of my friends told me yesterday, that she would love to quit her paying job and just stay home: cook, clean, and tote her children to their organized events.  And after the day we had at work, I almost could.  But, I have grown accustom to my pay check.
One of the ways that I keep my sanity, is by creating.  Mostly paper crafts.  But, right now, I'd love to sit at my sewing machine to whip something together.  The thought of sitting at my sewing machine and the humm is like music to my ears.  
On Fridays, the lovely ladies over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, provide us with a sketch, and we hope to inspire you to play along.  However, today, I am the creator of this weeks sketch!
here is the sketch:

As you know, I am a fan of multiple elements.  And so I have different elements and layers to this weeks sketch.
here is what I created:


The card base is basic grey card stock.  I used some polka dot pattern paper from the Neutral DSP.  I ran a scrap piece of pink pirouette through my Lacey Brocade EF.  I love the delicate design.  I inked the lace wheel with basic grey classic ink and created my own piece of lace trim.  I wrapped a piece of pink pirouette taffeta ribbon around the card, to help hide the seam, and tied it into a bow.  I stamped the sentiment in basic grey classic ink and used the modern label hand-held punch to create the decorative label.  For the focal image, I stamped the bunny in basic grey classic ink, and used my blender pen to color the image.  I stamped the dress portion of the bunny onto pink pirouette card stock and fussy cut the dress.  
I used the framelits labels to create the decorative piece.  To create the blossom, I used the floral fusion die and the buttons #5 for the button center.  I added a trio of pearl jewels in opposite corners, to add a feminine touch.
I love this grey and pink color combo.  I think it looks so elegant.  I also hope that we have inspired you to play along with us @ SFF.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Create Happiness

This week, over @ Nacho Average Challenge have a color challenge for you this week.  I have to admit, when I first saw the colors, I thought, 'what can I make with these colors?'  You see, they are not the typical colors that I work with.  But, it is called a challenge.
Here are the colors:

here is what I made:


I stamped the back ground stamp in VersaMark ink onto the Marina Mist card stock.  I used clear embossing powder and heat set the image.  I placed my embellish pieces over the label portion of the main panel piece.  
For the butterfly cluster:  I used the doily die to cut the small doily under the butterfly.  The paper is actually very vanilla card stock.  I sponged daffodil delight onto the card stock.  I used a piece of First Edition DSP and the butterfly die.  I used real red card stock and the beautiful wings die.  I sponged daffodil delight classic ink onto a paper blossom.  I adhered the paper blossom to the red butterfly with a dimensional.  I tied some white bakers twine through a faceted button and added it to the center of the paper blossom.
I used the Loving Thoughts word stamp set to create the two banners.  I stamped the words in Basic Grey classic ink, and used a 1 1/4" square hand-held punch to create the flagged ends.
For the postage stamps:  I first stamped the images in Marina Mist classic ink.  I then used the postage stamp punch and punched out the images.  I sponged crumb cake classic ink along the edges to distress the stamps.  I then used the Paris postmark stamp, on the Eiffel tower postage stamp, in Basic Grey classic ink.  I rolled the text wheel, over the Travel Post postage stamp, in Basic Grey classic ink.
I hope that we have inspired you to play along with us @ NAC.  You never know, you could be our next Top Nacho!


Saturday, February 16, 2013

the Little Things

Happy Saturday!  I hope you are all well.  I'm busy just like usual.  But, I did carve out some quality crafting time.  The talented Paula over @ Our Creative Corner, have a creative sketch for you to play with this week.  When I first saw the sketch, I was a little intimidated.  But, hey, it's called a challenge, so here it goes:


Here is what I came up with:


I started working on this card, with the thought of creating a sweet card, that had a shabby chic feel to it.  I also wanted to add my own touches, without over doing it.  Here is the card recipe:
I used some of my favorite pattern papers.  The green pattern paper is Rose Garden by EP.  The two pink pattern papers are from the Lovely collection by Authentique.  The two different shades of pink paper is actually the opposite side of the two pink pattern papers.  I used my Top Note die from Stampin' Up! to cut the dark pink paper.  I used my Tasteful Trim die from Stampin' Up! to cut the light pink paper.  I ran my card through my sewing machine, and stitched along both edges of the pink floral pattern paper.
For the label piece, I used the decorative label die from the Lots of Tags die set, to cut the dark pink label piece.   The inner label piece is very vanilla card stock.   I stamped the flourish in crumb cake classic ink.  The flourish stamp came from the Established Elegance stamp set.  I then stamped the sentiment in basic black classic ink.  The sentiment is from the Little Things stamp set by Unity Stamps. 
I tied some cream twine from Paper Trey Ink, through a vintage button by Paper Trey Ink.
I had a scrap piece of cream dyed crochet trim along the lower edge.  I hand-dyed some seam binding with my Blush re-inker, by Paper Trey Ink.  I machine stitched these two trims together.  Then, I tied a multi-loop bow with the Blush seam binding.  I added a pearl brad by Recollections to the center of the bow.  I added a 'hand-crafted' tag to the trim.  
I hope the design team has inspired you, and you have a chance to play along with us @ OCC.


love it? This card can be purchased here

Friday, February 15, 2013

Inspire My Heart

I hope you had a cozy and happy St. Valentine's Day, yesterday.  Me, I sure did {smile}.  My husband worked with me, side by side, to make dinner.  We enjoyed a bottle of wine.  Cuddled on the couch.  We had a wonderful evening {smile}.
Ok, back to the task on hand.  It's Fridays, so that means that its time for a new sketch challenge @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  It you haven't played along with us before, you should give our challenge a try.  The creative Robbie, is the designer of this week's sketch.  She has an unique and clever way of designing some wonderful sketches.  
here is this weeks sketch:

here is what I created:

When I first saw Robbie's sketch, I instantly thought of a paper blossom in the upper right corner.  But, then I thought you could easily select a butterfly, a scallop circle, but what about a scallop rectangle?
So, I grabbed my clearlits scallop rectangle and some of the new sand-able card stock in Primrose Petals Core'dinates paper.  For the center of the scallop rectangle, I added a scrap piece of tiny heart print paper from the More Amore DSP package.  
I used my heart hand-held punch and a scrap piece of chip board.  I rubbed some vanilla craft ink on the heart and while the ink was wet, I dunked the inked heart into my tub of dazzling diamond glitter.  I gave the heart a few minutes to dry, and then I sprayed the glitter heart with some Aqua Net hair spray.  
I stamped the wings, from the Affection Collection stamp set, in Basic Grey classic ink.  I fussy-cut the wings, with my detail scissors.  I cut two different size blossoms from the Floral Fusion die and lightly sponged the edges with Primrose Petal classic ink.  I held the blossoms and wings together with an In-Color Designer Brad, in pool party.
The main panel is very vanilla card stock.  I ran this piece through my Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder.  I just love the vintage look of this pattern.
For the vertical strip, I used the scallop trim border punch to create the decorative edge.  I added a strip of the primrose petal pattern paper from the More Amore DSP package.  I wrapped and machine stitched a piece of crinkled very vanilla seam binding around this vertical piece.  I tied the seam binding into a simple bow.  
The banner piece was quick and easy.  I cut a strip of very vanilla card stock 1/2" wide and roughly 5" long.  I stamped my one-word sentiment in basic grey classic ink, in the center of this card stock piece.  Basic Black classic ink, seamed too stark.  I folded the card stock into a Z fold.  I used my hand-held square punch to create the banner ends.
I sponged all the edges of these pieces with classic ink.  The primrose petal card stock pieces were sponged with primrose petal classic ink.  The very vanilla card stock pieces and DSP pieces were sponged with crumb cake classic ink.
I hope that we have inspired you, and you are able to play along with us @ SFF.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Moments in Blue

It's Tuesday, and that means its time for a challenge from Nacho Average Challenge.  This week, is a sketch.  Here is the sketch and my card:


my card: (sketch rotated)


The card base is Basic Grey card stock.  The main panel is Pool Party Core'dinations card stock.  I love this sand-able card stock.  I kept this card basic, but with some WOW!  I used the Elements of Style stamp set.  I stamped the flourish in pool party classic ink along the left side of the card.  I wrapped a piece of pool party seam binding over the flourish.  I tied a faceted button to the multi-loop bow with some white bakers twine.
I used the scallop square hand-held punch for the Basic Grey pieces.  I cut  1 1/8" squares from pool party card stock.  I cut 1" squares of white card stock.  I stamped the large floral image onto the white 1" squares, in Basic Grey classic ink.  
I used the Floral Fusion die to create the blossoms.  I used the Blossom Petal Builder hand-held punch, to create the leaves.  I dabbed my 2-way glue pen along the edges of the blossom petals and then dunked the blossoms in my tub of Dazzling Diamond glitter.  I added pearl jewels to their centers.
To create the 'label' I used the Lots of Tags die.  I cut the label shape out of pool party card stock and white card stock.  I cut the oval center out of the tag and used my sanding block to smooth the edges.  I stamped the sentiment in Basic Grey classic ink.

This card is basic.  But not boring.   I used beautifully colored papers and an elegant stamp set, to create this card.  I really think that the feminine touch of the pearls adds some polish to this card.
I hope we have inspired you to play along with our sketch challenge @ NAC.  I rotated the sketch.  I felt that it was easier to work with.   Lets see what you create! 


Monday, February 11, 2013

Note Jar

Welcome.  I have been busy with several different projects and obligations.  I will be posting photos of my Valentine's Day projects this week.  
I also need to apologize to the wonderfully creative ladies over @ Our Creative Corner, as I was unable to play along with their Mardi Gras themed challenge this week.  I don't have an excuse other than life got away from me, and I was overwhelmed with other obligations.  My apologies.
I have been a fan of Paper Trey Ink since they started.  My following began with Nichole.  She is very creative and talented.  I would stalk visit her blog on an almost daily basis.  And from visiting her blog, I was introduced to Melissa Phillips and I instantly fell in love with her paper crafting style: shabby chic.  Melissa, uses machine stitching, felt, chip board, glitter, buttons, and seam binding/twill ribbon.  
This is the 6th anniversary of Paper Trey Ink, and they have an unique and creative challenge.  They have asked that their followers and fans, create a new project that is inspired by one of the Design Team Favorites projects.  And you are probably right, as to who I selected to inspire me: Melissa.



Here is what I created:

One of the main themes that I find alluring to Melissa's style, is the feminine touches.  So, I selected two different pattern papers, to build the main panel.  The music pattern paper is from Glitz, and the floral pattern paper is from Authentique.  I distressed the edges and added some text paper.  
To hide the seam of these two different pattern papers, I wrapped some white seam binding that I dyed with some Blush re-inker (PTI).  I machine stitched the seam binding across the pattern paper seam.  I created a multi-loop bow with some of the dyed seam binding, and added a single bow made from some crochet trim.  I tied a vintage button (PTI) with some cream twine (PTI) to the bow bundle.
I used the heart border die (PTI) and some cream felt (PTI) to create the 'string' of hearts at the top of the card.  To machine stitched the hearts to the top of the card.  
I used the Button Boutique stamp set (PTI) to create the button card.  I also used the Friendship Jar stamp set (PTI).  I stamped the jar in Versa Mark ink onto clear card stock (PTI) and heat embossed with pewter embossing powder.  I stamped the 'mail' onto vintage cream card stock (PTI).  I added a polka dot lid trim stamped in Blush ink.  I wrapped some cream twine around the lid.  I created the tag with the tiny tag die (PTI) and a sentiment from the Jar Spring Fillers stamp set.  I tied the twine into a bow.  I added a scrap piece of silver glimmer paper behind the heart cut-out.
To give this card a bit more feminine touch, I added a few half faux pearls.
Thank you for stopping by.  I hope I have inspired you to paper craft something!  Don't forget, St. Valentine's Day is Thursday!


For those who love this card, you will be able to purchase it @ my Etsy shop, found here.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Sweet Valentine

Welcome.  On this Friday, Patrice, over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, has a wonderful sketch for you to try this week.   This sketch has alot of potential!
Here is this week's sketch:

This sketch looks pretty straight forward.  But, what if you replaced the squares with. . . .?  
Sometimes, you need to think out side of the perverbial box.  You could replace the squares with tags, hearts, circles, butterflies, etc.
here is what I created:

I replaced the right lower square with an oval.  I also replaced the right upper square with a rectangle.  I added a few hearts, a button, a blossom, and a few tiny tags!
The card base is basic grey card stock.  I ran the main panel of very vanilla card stock throught my swiss dot embossing folder.  I wrapped a piece of basic grey taffeta ribbon around the top of the main panel and tied it in a bow.
To start, I created the largest piece.  I used pink pirouette card stock and an oval embossing folder.  I tore around the edges.  I used basic black card stock and white craft ink to added the faux chalk board technique.  I used a clear heart-shape button, a tiny piece of real red card stock, and white baker's twine to add a whimsical embellishment.  
The two square pieces that I kept, are the postage stamps.  Those I stamped twice, and layered.  I wanted to add a sweet embellishment to the 'Paris' stamp, so I created my own blossom from card stock.  I sponged some pretty in pink classic ink.   I added an embossed grey heart, to help 'connect' the hearts.
The top right square, I replaced with a rectangle.  I have a weakness for ticket stubs.  Just so nostalgic.  I wanted to add something, but I didn't want to distract from the ticket.  So, I embossed a pink heart, and added two tiny tags, stamped with 'Love' and {love}.
The sentiment, was actually the easiest piece to create.  I took a scrap piece of very vanilla card stock, and cut it 1/2" wide.  I used my stamp-a-ma-jig, to position the sentiment.  I used a square punch to create the banner ends.  I used some dimensionals to lift the sentiment banner off the front of the card.
So, give Patrice's sketch a try, over @ SFF.   Let's see what you create!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Bleached Flowers

It's Tuesday!  This week over @ Nacho Average Challenge, our challenge for you this week, is a color challenge.  So, use any sketch, from any challenge, use our colors, and let's see what you create!  Here is this weeks colors.  and we want to inspire  you!
When I first saw these colors, I instantly thought: Valentine's Day!  But, then I wanted to create something different.  No hearts.  But, a whole lot of love {smile}.  Here is what I created:


This is not a typical card for me.  I generally make something a little more frilly.  
The card base is crumb cake.  I wanted a neutral base so that the Raspberry Ripple and Rose Red will pop!  I stamped the Delicate Doilies stamp set in Versa Mark and used white embossing powder.  Heat embossing the doilies, gives the doilies a raised texture.  I love the delicate look of them.  I also stamped the Fabulous Florets flowers in Versa Mark and white embossing powder.  
I added some regular bleach to an aqua painter.  Then I painted the blossoms with the bleach aqua painter.  I wanted to take the color out of the crumb cake.  I then painted rose red classic re-inker on the bleached flowers.  I wanted to add an illusion of leaves, so I painted the 'blocked-in' areas with garden green classic re-inker. 
To help balance the center panel, I added a corner lace doily and a button/seam binding to the opposite corner.  I stamped the lace piece in Rose Red classic ink on very vanilla cardstock.  I then hand cut this piece out.  I took a length of rose red seam binding and crinkled it.  I took a wooden button and rubbed craft white ink over the front of the button.  While the craft ink was still wet, I dunked the painted wood button in a dazzling diamond glitter.  I then used a length of linen thread and tied a bow to the front of the button.  To create the tag, I used Raspberry Ripple classic ink and stamped the sentiment on very vanilla card stock.  I used the jewelry tag punch to create the tag. 
I hope that we have inspired you! and you can play along with us @ NAC.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Mushy Sketch

I hope you have been inspired this week, and are looking for an exciting and creative challenge.  Because I have the challenge for you!  The lovely Lisa M. over @ Our Creative Corner has a super fun and creative challenge.  She has provided a sketch, and she wants you to create a Valentine's Day card.  Sounds very sweet and appropriate!  So, break out those romantic and lovely paper craft supplies you have been waiting to use, and create a lovely St. Valentine's Day card using our sketch!
Here is Lisa's sketch:


Ok, before you get a little discouraged, this sketch isn't that difficult to work with.  For a large variety of inspiration, please stop by our blog challenge @ OCC.
Here is what I did, not unique:


I have to admit, I started off pretty slow.  I had a bit of a struggle with the selection of papers.  So, I turned to a lovely paper company that makes a wide range of gorgeous papers:  Authentique.  (I think there is only one collection that I haven't purchased.)  So, this slightly distressed red polka dot paper is from their Valentine's day line.  I love the rich red color, and of course, I have an infinity for polka dots {smile}.  I used a soft kraft color: Latte, by Amuse Studio.  I opt to change the rectangles in the sketch for squares.  I thought the postage stamp edge was decorative and pretty.  So, I cut 1-inch squares to layer on top of the 'postage stamp'.  Now, what to layer.  I selected different pattern papers that I thought looked good with this layout.  
For the circle images, I used circles.  One circle is a mini bottle cap with a Valentine's Day heart inside: Be Mine.  The other circle is a button with some cream twine tied in a bow.  
For the two banner pieces, I used ribbon.  I used some Spun Sugar dyed seam binding into a bow and pulled one tail down.  For the other banner tail, I adhered some rustic ribbon to the back of this stamp piece and ran this piece through my sewing machine.  I'm loving machine stitching on card stock.
For the sentiment, I stamped the saying in Basic Grey classic ink and used a hand-held punch to create the shape.  I wanted to jazz that piece up, so I also punched out another piece and off set the label piece.
I hope we have inspired you to play along with us this week @ OCC.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Notes Measured

Happy Friday!  I hope you have had a chance to get work settled, and have an opportunity to play along with some of your favorite challenges.  The wonderfully creative Maria, over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, has a lovely sketch for you to work with.  Here is her sketch:


Here is what I did:

I wanted to create a card with some pretty spring-themed colors.  It's been snowing here, and all I see is white, green, and brown.  So, I decided to work with some Stampin' Up! soft subtle colors.
The card base is So Saffron card stock.  I first stamped the large doily (Hello, Doily!) in VersaMark and used some white embossing powder.  I heat embossed the doily partially off set.  I stamped the outline stamp in so saffron classic ink randomly on the card front.  
I used the Music Notes wheel and Basic Grey classic ink, to create the music sheet.  I used the Measure Stick wheel and whisper white craft ink and white embossing powder to create the measuring tape.  I layered these two pieces.  I used some Pink Pirouette re-inker to dye the very vanilla seam binding.  While it was wet, I crinkled it.  I hurried the drying time, with my heat gun.  I laid the dyed seam binding across the two stamped pieces, and then machine stitched along the seam binding.  
I used the scallop heart stamp and basic grey classic ink, to create the heart piece.  I used the matching die to cut the scallop heart out of whisper white card stock.  I used the small heart die, from the same set, to cut the so saffron heart.  I used dimensionals to lift the yellow heart off the front of the scallop heart.  I added some pearls around the border.  I stamped the banner piece in basic grey classic ink, and then hand-cut the banner,  I adhered the banner with a dimensional, to lift it off the hearts. 
I dyed a longer piece of very vanilla seam binding, and created a multi-loop bow.  I tied the bow with some white bakers twine and added a button from the Artisan Embellishment kit.  I tied the bakers twine into a bow, and glued a pearl to the center of the bow.
Thank you for stopping by.  I hope we have inspired you to play along with us @ SFF.