Note

Happy Friday to you!  This has been an interesting week, to say the least.  I hope all of you are well.  So, on Fridays, its blog hop day!  The talented Deb C. over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday, has a wonderful sketch for you to try.   So, if you are here from another blog, please take a moment to browse, you just might see something that delights you. 

Here is Deb's sketch:

When I first saw this sketch, I was thinking of different stamp sets that I have that have a vertical image.  But, I kinda struggled with this one.  Maybe I was over thinking it, or it might be that I don't feel well.  I started feeling sick on Tuesday, and it has been down hill since.  If I had to guess, its a stomach flu, only from what's been going on.  so, that's fun.

Anyways, on with my card:

Ok, so the first thing, I turned the sketch on its side.  Second, I don't have a sentiment 'tag' or 'label'.  But, I did like the vertical line, so I dragged my mini clothes pin across my craft white ink pad.  I added a train ticket piece from the Attic Boutique Side Notes collection.  I stamped the 'label' from Everything Eleanor. I wrapped a scrap piece of Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon to help ground the pink, and added a small butterfly to help convey a feminine feeling.  

Now, please continue on with this blog hop, and see what Tammy F. has created.

Have a great weekend, and craft something beautiful!

For the Newlyweds

Happy Friday to all of you out there in blog-land!  This is the eve of our daughters' Baby Reveal Shower, and we are busy getting things finalized and completed.  We have a great event planned and a bit more work to get it all done.

Anyways, I am playing along in the sketch challenge over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Angela is the creator of this weeks sketch.  It's a fun sketch to work with.   Here is the sketch:

See what I mean?  There is a lot of empty space, giving you a lot of opportunities to show us what you can create.  Here is my take of Angela's beautiful sketch:

I used pattern paper from: Mocha Morning DSP, Attic Boutique DSP, Beau Chateau DSP, and first Edition DSP.  The ribbon is pool party seam binding.  I added a neutral button to the center of the multi-loop bow.  The heart piece was made with the scallop heart die and the large heart punch.  I created the paper blossom with the trio flower punch.  The tiny tag was made with the Tiny Tag stamp set and the Jewerly punch.  I added a mini clothes pin to the heart.  I first rubbed the top edge across my white craft ink pad, and while the ink was still wet, I dipped it in some dazzling diamond glitter.  I added a tiny butterfly and half faux pearl.

I used the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set to add my sentiment.

Now head over to Tammy F.'s blog to see what she has created.

old friends

It's Friday! and it's time for another blog hop over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  So, how this works, is we (the design team) give you the sketch and, you can visit each of our blogs for inspiration.  How fun is that?  Each of us, (on the design team) takes a turn at providing the sketch to work with.  And this week, it was my turn.  So, here is my sketch: 

and we all hope that you get a chance to play along with us!

Here is what I created:

I used some of my favorite paper: Attic Boutique DSP.  I just love the vintage images and the colors are so wonderful to look at.  I used crumb cake as the card base.  I used two stamp sets, Creative Elements and Timeless Treasures.  I love the graphics in the stamp sets.  I added some crochet trim, which I just love, too.  I used very vanilla card stock to create the rolled flower.  I sponged the edges with so saffron classic ink.  Then I added some ultra fine glitter.  The butterfly just seamed to pull it all together!

And I hope that you have a chance to play along with us!  Sketch Frenzy Friday

Calorie Counter + prize

I have decided to keep track of my calories and hopefully loose weight.  But, I needed something unique to write my food journal.  So, I went to a big red store and purchase a notebook from the clearance rack.  And used some pretty paper to alter the notebook.  

I worked with the sketch from Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  Why don't you play along with us this week?  There is a prize this week, also!

Here is the sketch:

And here is what I created:

I know, there aren't any circles on my card.  I followed the curves of the circles and made the scallop edge of my 'layers' of ruffles.

I used some of the new DSP from Stampin' Up! and used one of the new edge dies.  

For my flower I used a die to create the paper blossom.  I added some very vanilla seam binding and a new designer brad.  

I used a mini vintage tag, and a soft suede marker to write my '1800'.  I also added a big half faux pearl over the hole.  

I used the BFF stamp set to stamp the worn flourish onto the DSP before adding my scallop trims.

Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you play in our challenge this week.

A Note of Thanks

Wow, already Wednesday.  This week is just flying by.  I am back to work, still battling this kidney infection, and now I believe I have a sinus cold.  gotta love the winter.  So, this post will be short.  Sorry.

Anyway, the creative gals over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge have a great new sketch for you to play with.  Just remember to use your Stampin' Up! supplies.

Here is the sketch:

When I first saw this sketch, I did have to brainstorm for a day or so.  I knew what I wanted to do, just had to find the 'right' paper and stamps.  The card I created isn't what I originally had in mind.  I wanted to use a floral stamp as the main image.  But, you know how that goes.  And this is what I have created:

I used some of the new DSP: Attic Boutique.  I also used two stamp sets:  Rue des Fleurs, and Thank You Kindly.  The diagonal piece in the sketch really threw me.  I first thought of tying ribbon on the bias.  But, I like the 'sash' of vellum, better.  I only used one ink pad: Soft Suede classic ink.

Thank you for stopping by! I am off to bed.  I have work later this morning, and I need to get some rest.

Occasions Challenge

Thanks for coming back today for another look-see.  If you missed  yesterdays post, I am entering a few cards into a challenge that Stampin' Up! is sponsoring @ Leadership, this year in San Antonio, Texas.  The challenge is pretty straight forward, and allows any attending demonstrator some creative freedom.  All you need to do is make a card (preferably card front) using a stamp set from the new Occasions catalog.  Sounds pretty easy, huh?  Well, I posted a card yesterday that I am entering into this challenge, and here are two other cards, using the Rue Des Fleurs stamp set & Attic Boutique DSP.

And

Ok, here is the scoop on these two cards.  The first card, I used Attic Boutique DSP paper.  For the largest matt, I used the larger print of the pattern paper.  I just love the colors, the flowers, and the vintage images.  I added a strip of a 'whiter' pattern paper to help show case the yellow, and not take away from the card.  I added a scallop trim in the soft suede patter to help ground the brown.  I added a piece of pink pleated ribbon to help both hide the seam, and to accentuate the pink.  I stamped the umbrella in chocolate chip craft and used clear embossing powder.  I 'colored' the umbrella with a pink and a yellow marker.  I stamped the sentiments in soft suede classic ink.  I sprayed the stamped piece with vanilla smooch.  The vellum piece was cut with the petal cone die.   Now, for the second card, I used the same pattern paper.  But, with a little different twist.  I wanted to work with the yellow and blues.  So, I selected two of the pattern papers that showcased the yellow.  The largest yellow print was used for the largest matt.  I added a scrap piece of pool party texture paper at the bottom half of the card.  I wanted to use white as an accent.  So, I selected the pool party pattern paper.  I just love the doily print on this page.  I wanted to add purple as an accent color.  So, I added the new wisteria wonder card stock piece.  I used the vintage wall paper embossing folder to give the paper some depth, and texture.  I inked the four frames stamp set in the wisteria wonder classic ink to stamp the 'label', then stamped the 'thanks' in basic black classic ink.  I stamped the corset in classic ink, and then used a yellow and wisteria marker to color this image.  I added a small piece of silver glitter paper to help give the card some glitz.  I hand dyed the vanilla seam binding with elegant eggplant re-inker.  The fancy shapes were cut with the new labels collections die.  I used an in color designer brad to hold the bow to the card.  To give the card a 'finished' look, I sprayed the whole card front with vanilla smooch.

Well, thank you for looking.  Let me know which of the three cards (todays 2 and yesterdays 1) you like best.  The winners will be announced at the end of the week, so I'll keep you posted as to how I did.  

So Grateful

I've received my box of new Stampin' Up! products earlier this week, and I'm just loving the new stuff!  There is this pattern paper that reminds me of a French flea market:  Attic Boutique.  It has a wonderful mix of pattern, text, and pretty colors.  

It's Friday, and its another blog hop over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Tammy F., over at Sketch Frenzy Friday has created a wonderful sketch for us to work with this week.  

Check out the sketch:

Here is what I did!

One of the great things about this sketch, is that the empty space can be pattern paper, or an image, or dry embossed cardstock, etc.  Very versatile and easy to work with.  Also, the rectangle piece at the upper right doesn't have to be rectangle.  I used one of the Label Framelits, to die cut the First Edition DSP to make the first layer of my 'rectangle'.  Then I stamped one of the frames from the Frame It stamp set, and used the hand-held punch to create the shape.  Then I used a wood sheet to die cut a butterfly from the Butterfly Die.  I then made a multi-loop bow with some cherry cobbler seam binding, and then added a pretty in pink button on top.  I added a half faux pearl to the button.  I made a quick tiny tag with the Tiny Tags stamp set and jewelry hand-held punch.  The banner-sentiment piece was made with the petal cone die and the Apothecary Art stamp set.  To give my 'rectangle' piece a little shabby feel, I stapled a scrap piece of crochet trim to the left edge.

Now, head over to Tammy B.'s blog, to see what she has created.  And, don't forget to leave some love, and let me know what you think!

I don't know if most of you know this or not, but I also work full-time.  Some weeks are more of a jungling act than anything.  I just got home yesterday, from an extra long weekend with a girlfriend.  It's a bit rough getting everything back in order.  I did make my card and photograph it for this weeks sketch challenge over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.  But, I forgot to post it here.  Talk about scatter brain.  So, I apologize for the lateness of this post.

The sketch this week is beautiful.  I didn't have much artistic license to change it up.  So, it pretty much follows the sketch.  Not that, that is a bad thing.  Just a side note.

Here is this weeks sketch:

As for me, tags have been a general focus lately.  But, I did struggle with it a bit.  My mojo was not there.  I couldn't come up with anything that worked, and then kinda did this.  So, don't let my lack of creativity stop you.  Please join us!

Here is my card:

I have to admit, I'm a big fan of this new DSP: Attic Boutique.  And this new stamp set:  Rue Des Fleurs.  Actually, I love this new stamp set sooo much that I have it in English (wood-mount) and French (clear-mount).  And yes, both sets have been inked.  Isn't that just crazy?  Stampin' Up! does sell a 'yellow' taffeta ribbon, but I didn't have any left, so I dyed some white taffeta ribbon with my So Saffron re-inker.  The sketch has a row of buttons across it, and I know how shocking it is not to see a row of buttons across my card.  Just one lonely button brad.  I had to use some of my other all-time favorite DSP: First Edition.  The butterflies were made with a butterfly embosslit: Beautiful Wings.  I'm a super big fan of that little guy, too.  (I'm on my second one, the first one wore out-if there is such a thing.)  I used pool party for the card base to pull all the blue together.

Well, thanks for stopping by.  I hope this new year is starting quite wonderfully for all of you.  It has been going quite nicely for me.

And don't forget to play along with us @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge.

A Note of Thanks

Wow, this month is off to a fast start!  That always seems to be the problems with short weeks.  As I sit here, I realize all the things I have yet to do this week, and the list keeps growing.  But, I won't fret.  Here is how I see it:  I'll do what I can.  No more and no less.  I finished my home chores for the week yesterday.  And the few days I have at home this week, I'll try to squeeze everything else in.  I have a few items that have to be taken care of each day, so I'm not too over whelmed.  And then I still have all my blog things to do.  design teams I still need to create for, posts that need to be written, and of course, paper crafts that need to be created.

In the mean time, the wonderful talented ladies over @ Stampin' Queens Sketch Challenge have a great sketch for you to work with.  Here is the sketch:

 

  For this challenge, we are to use only Stampin' Up! products.  But, I'm probably like most of you, in that I don't have alot of disposable income to spend on my hobby these days.  So, I have opted to purchase some Designer Series Paper, and a few embellishments.  That way, I can spend $10 or so and have a few new things to 'play' with.  

Here is my card:

The DSP is called Attic Boutique.  Isn't is just gorgeous?  I just love how the images look crisp and vintage.  I wanted to showcase the different patterns.  But, I wanted a 'hand-crafted' paper piece, so I got my inspiration from a quilt square called a 'log cabin'.  I think its pretty interesting, and has a 'home-y' feel to it.  So, I cut my pattern paper, adhered it to a cardstock square and matted it onto Calyso Coral.  I wanted my solid cardstock to match my DSP, so I used my Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder so the very vanilla cardstock wouldn't look so stark.  I didn't want my card base to compete with the pattern paper, so the card base is crumb cake.

I couldn't decide between the very vanilla satin ribbon and the calypso coral ruffle ribbon.  So, I added them together.   

I thought that the bow needed something, so I added a new brad.  To keep with the vintage look, I added some vanilla smooch.           I wanted to give my card some feminine touch, so I added some half- faux pearls.  I used a stamp set that I have had for over 2 years.  This stamp set has 4 stamps that have different fonts and the sentiments are 'thank you'.   The sentiment was stamped in pure poppy classic ink.

Thank you for looking, and please play along with us.  This sketch is very user-friendly.  

My Sketch

I can't believe that it is already Friday.  Wow, this month is screaming by.  I hope this post finds you all well, and happy.  I created the sketch this week over @ Sketch Frenzy Friday.  Yeah, it's mine.  I hope you all can play along with us.  We would love to see what you create with this sketch and your Stampin' Up! materials.

Here's the sketch:

I wanted to use some new designer series paper, so I selected a new paper that is being featured in the Occasions Mini catalog; Attic Boutique DSP. 
Here is what I came up with:

I don't think that anyone is surprised that I have used a favorite stamp set of mine:  Established Elegance.  I just love the graphics on these images.  Very pretty, lovely vintage, and clean, crisp lines.  I stamped the maniquin in soft suede classic ink.  The flourish is a second generation stamp of baja breeze classic ink.  The crown is stamped in daffodil delight classic ink.  The 'label' is sahara sand classic ink.  I selected those colors based on the colors used in the pattern paper.  I just loved the pool party color, so that is why I selected the pool and white pattern paper, too.  I stamped the circle in very vanilla craft and heat embossed with clear powder.  I just love the new buttons, so I tied some white bakers twine through it, and then used a glue dot to hold it to the cardstock circle.  I added foam tape to the back to lift the circle off the card.  The 'congratulations' stamp is from a wedding set.  The inside of the card is blank, so you can say congrats on any new news!

Stop by Tammy B.'s blog and see what she has created.  Then continue the blog hop to see what all these fabulous ladies have created with my sketch!

I hope to see your creations!

Attic Merci

On this snow packed Friday, I am searching for something soft, pretty, and feminine.  

Welcome back to another blog hop brought to you by Sketch Frenzy Friday!  The creative Robbie (from Sketch Frenzy Friday) has a delightful sketch for you to try.

Here is their sketch:

When I first saw this sketch, all I could think of was all the snow outside.  And with the wind blowing, I have drifts.  And the 'circle' in the upper right corner made me think of snowflakes.  But, I wanted to make a card that was prettier, and feminine.

I turned the sketch on its side.  But, other than that, I kept the sketch in its original configuration.

Here is my card:

I used some new DSP and a new stamp set:  Attic Boutique DSP, and the french version of Rue Des Fleurs. I also used two of my all time favorite colors:  Soft Suede and Pool Party.  I crinkled some Crumb Cake seam binding and tied a bow around the left side of the card.  If you look super close, I added three faux half-pearls, along the left of the seam binding.

Now, head on over to Tammy B.s blog to see what she has created!

And if anyone needs to head out to finish their holiday shopping, please be safe!