Time 4 Creativity

LRW #117 - Winter Wonderland

2012-01-25T06:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Hump Day!! It's the middle of the week, and a new Little Red Wagon challenge is on!!

Winter Wonderland!

Joanne has challenged us to create a winter themed card.

Hard to capture in the photo, but the little snowman is set with white embossing powder

I reused the top of a Kleenex box again--hadn't done that in a while.

Did a double bow this week--if you recall, it wasn't working for me last week with the 2 ribbons challenge.

Any-whoo . . . hope you can harness some winter inspiration to create something.

Be sure to link it up at the LRW blog!

Edited (to add)

I made this "winter" card a while back, but realized I never posted it on my blog, and it also fits this challenge:

Thanks 4 your time!

RIC #4 - You Color my World

2012-01-22T08:38:00.001-06:00

Fabulous burst of colour this week with the Runway Inspired Challenge. It's a Christopher Kane dress . . . ha, I say that like I know who he is . . . to be honest, I've never heard of him. I'm not a label person, but the inspiration at this blog is always a fun challenge nonetheless!

I was inspired by the slight pleating in the lower part of the dress, and I had just so happened to have recently bought a sleeve of Martha Stewart seam binding in this rainbow of colours

Hope you have some crafting time today. Me? I'll be spending the day marking a pile of Senior English Reports : ( . . . then exams start next week . . . looks like I won't have much crafting time until February!

Stay tuned to my post for Little Red Wagon on Wednesday--thankfully I've got that already scheduled!!
Toodles!

Thanks 4 your time!

LRW #116 - Two Different Ribbons

2012-01-18T06:06:00.000-06:00

Deanna's up this week at Little Red Wagon, and she's challenged us to use 2 Different Ribbons on our card.

At first I thought I'd for sure tie my ribbons into a double bow, but it wasn't working for me.
I ended up with this:

Closer look at the pleated seam binding:

Hope you can join us this week. Dig out that ribbon that you're ~~hoarding~~ saving, and use it up!

Thanks 4 your time!

Winter's Children's Hospital Valentine's Card Drive

2012-01-14T14:28:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching for us card-makers, and I wanted to make some extra special ones for Winter's Children's Hospital Valentine's Card Drive. St. Jude is just one of the Children's Hospitals that will be receiving cards.

Winter is very passionate about this drive, and it is that passion that inspired me to make some cards for these children. If you have some time, I urge you to pop on over to her blog for the details. She needs the cards mailed to her in Texas by Jan. 31, so for us Canadian-folk, that's not a lot of time. I'm getting mine mailed out today, so I hope they arrive there on time!

I made 4 very CAS cards--didn't want anything too bulky for the mail.

Again, I hope you can join us for this wonderful Card Drive!

Thanks 4 your time!

LRW #115 - Itty Bitty Little Polka Dot Bikini

2012-01-11T07:15:00.001-06:00

Time for another Little Red Wagon challenge!

Roseanne challenged us to make a card that could be either:

- Little

- Yellow

- Polka dotted

-Include a bikini

- OR ANY or ALL of these

I decided to make the card for a"little" one, used some "yellow", "polka dotted" ribbon, and embossed some "polka dots" on my background panel . . . I just couldn't figure out how to squeeze in the bikini--LOL

Hope you can join us. What a fun challenge--so many possibilities!
Go check your lil' wagon to see what you can come up with!
Then link up your card back to LRW.

Thanks 4 your time!

Runway Inspired Challenge #3

2012-01-06T17:53:00.001-06:00

Okay, I love the idea of the Runway Inspired Challenge--fashion meets cardmaking! However, I think I yelled out YIKES when I saw this week's inspiration photo. I don't think I've ever made a B&W card before! Guess that's why they call it a "challenge"!

The design team did an amazing job with their cards--you should check them out.
Here's what I came up with:

The runway model seems to really be "workin' it"--that's why I went with this sentiment.

Thanks 4 your time!

CR84FN45 Challenge

2012-01-05T06:20:00.004-06:00

I haven't had the chance to play with the gals at the CR84FN blog for a while, but these holidays are giving me the time to get crafty--imagine how much crafting I could do if I didn't have a teaching job . . . ahhh . . . one can dream . . . (don't get me wrong though, I do appreciate my job).

Any who---when I saw this colour combo, I was intimidated. Yikes, what do I do with those colours???

So, as with any challenge I see, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I couldn't let go of the hint of green and floral image in that third photo, so this is what I ended up with:

Here's a close up of that yummy orange seam binding. I don't own any blue copics that matched the required colour, so I used a Q-Tip to colour in the hydrangea with some Broken China Distress Ink.

Enjoy your day, and consider scattering some seeds of kindness.

Thanks 4 your time!

LRW #114 - Warm & Fuzzy

2012-01-04T07:17:00.000-06:00

Here it is, the first Little Red Wagon challenge for 2012!!

It's called WARM & FUZZY

Regan has challenged us to use felt or flocking on our card.

Here's my CAS felt heart card {excuse the not-so-great stitching)

I got really behind on my Christmas cards, so I need to start now with Valentine's Day!

Hope you can join us in the challenge!

Click on the link above to add your card--you have one week!

Thanks 4 your time!

Vellum Butterflies

2012-01-03T09:51:00.000-06:00

Morning all! I'm loving having this week off! Lots of time to relax, watch movies, get crafty (oh yeah, and squeeze in some essay marking). I made this card yesterday for the current call from the CREATE Blog card challenge--vellum.

I coloured my vellum with various Copics, then punched the butterflies out (colouring them again for a stronger colour and to highlight the edges). I then sewed them onto a strip of recycled kraft cardstock, added the strip with foam adhesive onto card front, stamped my sentiment, and voila!

Hope you have a great day!! It's absolutely frigid outside today (-13 Degrees Celsius)--brrr!! I'm going to stay warm and get inky!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Little Red Wagon Design Team!!

2012-01-02T18:04:00.000-06:00

It is with great excitement that I share with you that I am now a member of

Little Red Wagon's Design Team!!!!

I've applied for various DT positions before, but have never been accepted :(

So I'm delighted that I'll be joining the rest of the LRW team this year to create some super cards!!

I hope you have some time to join us for our weekly challenges!!

New challenges are posted every Wednesday.

Thanks 4 your time!

Runway Inspired Challenge #2

2011-12-30T10:51:00.000-06:00

A great new challenge blog out there is the Runway Inspired Challenge--where paper-crafting meets high end fashion! I'm definitely not a designer label type of gal, but I love the idea of finding inspiration for my craft outside the paper-crafting world. Here's this week's inspiration photo:

I zoomed in close at the dress to identify the colours in the graphic pattern. I also couldn't help notice her purple glasses, which inspired my vellum butterfly. I also choose not to use white as my card base, despite the inspiration photo's main use of white. Wanted to be a bit more bold.

Some exciting (for me any way) DT news from me in the next few days--stay tuned!

Thanks 4 your time!

Something New-LRW

2011-12-28T10:06:00.000-06:00

The gals over at Little Red Wagon have challenged us to create a card for SOMETHING NEW.
I'm without a camera right now, so I can't take a shot of anything I create today. I made this one a while back. The little onesie is repurposed from the packaging of a set of onesies

Now I want to go make more baby cards--they can always be so stinkin'cute!

Thanks 4 your time!

Merry Christmas Blogland

2011-12-26T08:48:00.001-06:00

This comes a day late, but I wish all my friends and visitors in blogland the best of the Christmas season!!

Thanks for visiting throughout the year and leaving me some love--it helps keep the mojo alive!

Here is a card to thank-you!!

I was looking forward to making some real snowmen with my boys this holiday, but we're having a rather mild green Christmas in Southern Ontario. Paper snowmen will have to do,I guess!

I hope you got some crafting toys under your tree--I got some in my stocking, so looking forward to creating with some of them over the next week!! Stay tuned!

Wishing you time to enjoy the company of loved ones!

Wishing you time to celebrate with delicious food and drink!

Wishing you time to get crafty!!!

Thanks 4 your time!

On the 10th Day of Christmas {2SF Blog Hop}

2011-12-19T02:00:00.176-06:00

Hello--and welcome to the 10th Day of Christmas Creations on the Two Scrapbook Friends Blog Hop. And what a hop it's been so far--such fabulous inspiration all around! Did you check out (yesterday) how Shelby repurposed blinds to decorate a candle--so cool!

I was so delighted when the ladies invited me to be part of this hop that I created 3 projects to share with you today --yup, count 'em 3 (really,I just couldn't decide which one to share, so why not share all 3, right?)!!
So grab a cup a'joe, and join me . . .

First up is a double page layout I designed using products from both My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Christmas collection and Simple Stories 25 Days of Christmas collection. I love the sparkle and formal feel of the MME papers mixed with a few touches from the vintage-y Simple Stories line.

I pleated some velvet red ribbon on the left hand side, which I finished with cute leaf pins and regular sewing pins to mimic holly leaves and berries. The Christmas Wish List is from Simple Stories--originally a list of 10, but I cut it down to fit my page.

I dug out some of my old decorative scissors and cut out triangles to create this banner [could easily be done with banner dies--2SF carries a great set from My Favorite Things here!]. I over-lapped them and attached with bronze coloured brads. Hard to tell in the photo, but the two ends of the banner have two shear ribbon ties and green snowflakes (MS punch). I used some glitter stickers to highlight the key word in my title!

I typed up the start of my title on the computer; it looked a bit plain, so I covered my typed "nothing" with Glitz Designs Teeny Alpha Stickers

Final detail--more Teeny Alpha stickers; flower and glittered button from my stash; finished off with some twine.

My second project is a single page layout, and features this vertical card paper from Simple Stories [used above for the "Christmas Wish List" card]

Have to admit, I can't remember the manufacturer of the background paper (I selected it simply because it matched the green of my son's sweater perfectly, and it had the vintage feel of the Simple Stories line. Navy blue mounted panel also complemented my son's sweater. Those could easily be swapped with other colours. What really stands out though are those vertical cards I cut out:

The bear and Santa postage stamps are cut from a piece of patterned paper I picked up in the clearance section at 2SF--sorry, don't think there would be any left.
I fussy-cut the "Naughty or Nice" label from one of those cards! This is the "naughty photo"--he was 2 years old here--enough said!

Now, if you're still with me . . . here's the third [and final] project. I made something that can be used either as a placecard . . .

. . . or as a gift tag . . .

I started off with a mini clothes pin that had a square wooden face on it (actually part of an old set I had to pin up Christmas cards--not using them any more, so time to re-purpose!!). The square could be added to any clothes pin with some chipboard. Any way, I covered the face with some scraps I had from the Simple Stories Christmas paper, then added a punched snowflake, a pearl and some baker's twine.

For the name-tag part, I used my "favourite" [pun intended] My Favorite Things Stamp and Die set to stamp the polka dot frame. I achieved the antiqued red colour by covering my stamp with Stampin' Up poppy red ink, and then dabbing some Ranger Ink walnut stain on top before stamping onto my paper. I love how it matches the text paper on the clothes pin! The polka dots also pick up the "period" punctuation in the text as well--ha, I just noticed that--totally not intended.

Any way, hope you've enjoyed my projects. Thank you SO much for joining us in this hop!!
Be sure to leave a comment to qualify for a great prize from Two Scrapbook Friends!!
Also, collect all the secret words from each blog along the hop to create a phrase--email that phrase to the 2SF and you'll have a second chance to qualify! Click on the blog hop link at the top of my post if you're starting today and you want to start from the beginning.

My secret word is: A
Be sure to visit Carolyn's blog tomorrow!!
Thanks 4 your time!

I Think You Love Hockey

2011-12-18T07:48:00.000-06:00

Got a chance to hit my crafting desk yesterday and whipped up this layout:

I used a wooden button to fulfill a challenge on the 2SF Forum to use wood. My favourite part of my design is my square NHL tiles--I tore the flaps off my son's NHL Advent calendar--I love recycling!! Super cheap embellishment!! Can't beat that!

My niece and nephew are coming over this afternoon to make Christmas cards for their teachers and parents--I love getting to share my love of paper-crafting with them!! I'll ask them if I can share their creations here--they'll likely get a kick out of it!

BE SURE TO SWING BY HERE TOMORROW FOR MY STOP ON THE 2SF 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS CREATIONS BLOG HOP!! Click on the link if you want to get to the start of the hop!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Sketch challenge catch-up!

2011-12-15T16:09:00.001-06:00

My little man is sick with the chicken pox, so I stayed home with him today. While he played, watched a movie, and rested (and in between laundry loads!), I got a chance to get crafty!!

I got caught up on some sketch challenges for the 2SF Forum (that were due today!!)
Here they are:

I made a card for this one (loose interpretation):

My printer was not letting me print my last photo for the centre (please ignore that)

Love the above sketch--will likely use it again.

Now I guess I'll have to get to my pile of marking tonight :(
Thanks 4 your time!

12 Days of Christmas Creations Blog Hop

2011-12-10T21:29:00.000-06:00

Something happened to by preview about this hop from a couple of day ago, but today is the start of the hop any way, so here is all the info you need:

The countdown to Christmas is here and with that in mind, your friends at Two Scrapbook Friends invite you to countdown the 12 Days of Christmas Creationswith them. Each day a member of the Two Scrapbook Friends team and a few special friends will share with you some of the projects and inspiration that they have created to celebrate the Season.

Beginning on December 10th at 8 am, you can begin the hop at the first Friend's blog where you can be inspired and leave a comment. That blog will then tell you where you need to hop to on the next day!

You will need to hop from blog to blog leaving a comment on each in order to qualify to be in a draw for a special prize from Two Scrapbook Friends! Also, you will find a SECRET word on each blog which will make a special phrase at the end of the Blog Hop! Once the 12 days of hopping are complete you can email the phrase to us and we will enter you for another ballot to win!

The hop will remain open from December 10th to December 22nd at midnight (EST). Winners will be announced on December 23rd on the Two Scrapbook Friends' blog.

The master blog list is listed below so you don't miss a single inspiring creation!

1st Day of Christmas: Joanne (10th)

2nd Day of Christmas: Audrey (11th)

3rd Day of Christmas: Avril (12th)

4th Day of Christmas: Christa (13th)

5th Day of Christmas: Dee (14th)

6th Day of Christmas: Jan (15th)

7th Day of Christmas: Jayne (16th)

8th Day of Christmas: Sharon (17th)

9th Day of Christmas: Shelby (18th)

10th Day of Christmas: Tammy (19th)--That's me!!

11th Day of Christmas: Carolyn (20th)

12th Day of Christmas: Two Scrapbook Friends Blog (21st)

Have fun celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas Creations with the Two Scrapbook Friends team!

Thanks 4 your time!

Christmas Banner

2011-12-06T18:58:00.001-06:00

A group of us over at the Two Scrapbook Friends Forum participated in a Christmas Banner Swap. I was responsible for creating one of the Rs for the banner. I made 14 of these:

I picked up my banner this weekend--I'm SO lucky to have this gorgeous banner hanging in my house for the holidays!!! Here it hanging on the mirror in our dining/living room.

[sorry--photos do not do it justice}

Thank you ladies!!! Hopefully we can have a Forum ladies in-person crop in the new year so I can meet some you off-line!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Get ready for a HOP!!

2011-12-04T10:58:00.000-06:00

I know I've been a bit MIA lately, but I have some exciting news for this month! Stay tuned for some guaranteed inspiration at the Two Scrapbook Friends 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop!!

I'm your stop on Day 10, but be sure to be here on December 10th (happens to be my birthday too), so you can get directions as to where to begin the HOP!! Exciting!!!

Before, I go I'll leave you with a Christmas card!

Thanks 4 your time! See you on the 10th (or likely before!!)

CR84FN-41 Challenge

2011-10-28T17:28:00.000-05:00

Haven't played along with the CR84FN challenge in a while. Here's challenge #41

Here's what I made:

Hoping to get crafting tonight! Never enough time for it lately :(

Thanks 4 your time!

Happy {Canadian} Thanksgiving!

2011-10-09T14:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I definitely haven't been able to post as often as I want to. To be honest--it's hard to keep up. I promised myself months ago that I wouldn't let myself get stressed out about my blog. I want to keep enjoying my hobby first; if and when I have time to post my creations to my blog is just icing on the cake.

In honour of Thanksgiving here in Canada, I thought I'd share some cards that I'm SO thankful I had time to create on Friday night. Enjoy! and Happy Thanksgiving!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Embellish Challenge w/ Embossed Flowers

2011-08-20T10:26:00.000-05:00

Here I am with the 2nd card I made last night; this time for Embellish Magazine's Colour Trends Challenge with Embossed Flowers. Here's my take:

I took half a dozen photos trying to capture the embossed fabric flowers; alas, it's hard to capture the detail you see IRL. Here's the best shot. I used the same brocade embossing folder as I did on the cream background.

Be sure to check out my other post from today for the current Tuesday Trigger!

Have a great weekend!

I'm off to Disney tomorrow with the kids and 14 other family members!! Can't wait!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger

2011-08-20T09:57:00.002-05:00

Haven't played along with the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger in a long time, but I made two cards last night for two different challenges and this Tuesday Trigger was one of them:

I was inspired by that large B&W leaf patterned area rug at first, and I had the idea to heat emboss leaves for the strong contrast, but then I was stuck with what to do with the panel I created . . . seriously, I stared at it for almost half an hour and was about to call it a night!

Then I finally came up with this:

I used the pale pink and golden yellow colours from the photo for my butterflies, and the gems mimic all the crystal light fixtures and round mirror from the photo. As bold as the inspiration photo is, I find it still rather soft, so I softened the edges of my card to balance to bold panel.

I'm fairly pleased with the results. Stay tuned for my entry for the new Embellish Mag challenge!

Thanks 4 your time!

CFC16

2011-08-19T13:33:00.001-05:00

I've been keeping an eye on the "fairly new" Casual Friday challenge blog since it first started a few months ago. A few of my favourite card-makers (Virginia, Karen & Laurie) are part of their design team. Now that I'm settled into my craft space, I finally got a chance to play along with one of their challenges-Challenge #16-Embossing

. . . perfect . . . I love ALL kinds of embossing, and I just so happened to make this card last night!

Hard to see in the photo, but the background I created with the violets from PTI's Year of Flowers are heat embossed.

Here's another card using an embossing folder

SO glad I got to play along this time!!! Looking forward to next Friday!!

Thanks 4 your time!

CR84FN36 Challenge

2011-08-18T16:09:00.000-05:00

Haven't played along the CR84FN challenges in a couple of months!!! Now that my new scrap space (see post here) is set up, these two cards are some of the first I've created in it.
First, here's the colour combo for challenge #36:

Here are my cards:

I used two neutrals (white and grey) in the above card.

I did cheat with a hint of green on the above card, but I couldn't leave those leaves and stem colourless.

Thanks 4 your time!

New Craft Nook!!

2011-08-14T15:06:00.001-05:00

Okay--so here it is . . . my new craft space, which I'm now calling my Crafting Nook! It's NOT large, but it's ALL MINE!!

It's a small nook area on the upper floor next to all the bedrooms--this is perfect because my craft space in the old house was in the basement, and after putting the kids to bed I would often be too lazy to go down there to craft. Now, I can just kiss my boys good-night (Owen's door is on the very right of this photo), and get right to crafting!!

Here's my main work station, with everything within easy reach!! I found the hutch on Kijiji--great deal!

Here's my new ribbon storage--LOVE! Picked up the rack at HomeSense! (scroll down below to see my old ribbon storage--too hard to change the rolls out)

Here's my button storage--I just love these mini mason jars!!

Here's the other side of my nook--more storage and a desk for my Cuttlebug and Sewing machine! The desk was part of the hutch deal on Kijiji! Both for $60!! I still have some organizing to do on that bookcase!

Here is the framed stained glass I hung up today! It's an antique piece that my dad reframed for me. I picked it up several years ago at what I lovingly call a "Stained glass graveyard" out in Campbellville.

So here's a look at my OLD craft space, which I don't think I ever posted. It seems large enough, but my desk was always so cluttered, and what you don't see in the photo is that my DH's office was right behind me, and to the right was our rec-room/toy area--all areas together in one space!!! Talk about cramped. My kids' stuff was alway under my feet; although, surprisingly, the kids stayed away from all of my toys!!

I have yet to actually "use" my new space to craft (hopefully tonight). I will let you know how it goes. My goal is to always keep it tidy! Wish me luck!!

Thanks 4 your time!

2SF Guest Designer!!

2011-08-14T08:44:00.001-05:00

Okay--so, I'm a bit late with this post, but settling into the new house + a bit of time away at the cottage has left no time for being on the computer. Alas, here I am with an exciting post (for me, anyway).

A few months ago, the lovely Joanne and Carolyn at Two Scrapbook Friends asked me if I would like to be a Guest Designer. Humbled and over-joyed, I jumped at the chance!! So this August, they featured me and some of my projects on their blog. They gave me some yummy products to work with; here they are:

Confession--I didn't have any photos that I thought would work with this berry paper, so I have to admit, I grabbed a bowl of strawberries and brought my youngest, Caden, outside for a photo shoot. I can always count on him for some great photos.

Here's a close up of the berry embellisment. I added glitter to the leafy stem, and added Glossy Accents to the berry to compliment the shine from the glittered Thickers.

Here's a card--embossed with a Tim Holtz woodgrain embossing folder. The stamped sentiment and die-cut frame is from My Favorite Things stamp set (which I picked up at 2SF, and I LOVE it!!!)

When I saw the peach die-cut in the embellisment pack I got, I knew I had to pair it with this sweet sentiment from PTI's Signature Greetings. The dotted green paper is recycled from the packaging of the die-cut embellishment package. You know me; I love to recycle!

When I saw the berry-themed paper, all I could think of was Sweedish berries (maybe, I was a bit hungry), so I made up this small mason-jar filled birthday treat. The tag could easily be changed for any occasion (thank-you, get-well, teacher, etc).

You could make such packages with all sorts of candy! A walk down the candy aisle at Bulk Barn is inspiration enough. I love Peach Slices myself, but when I got the die-cut watermelon from 2SF, I couldn't resist picking up the Melon slice gummies to make this "sweet" bag (sorry--bad photo):

Hope you liked my creations! Hoping to craft today for the first time in well over a month. My new craft space is nearly set up--super excited about creating in it. I'm planning to hang up my framed stain-glass in front of my window today so I can take some photos of the space (I call it "space" and not a "room" because it's actually a nook upstairs next to all the bedrooms). Stay tuned for a post in the next few days where I'll share those photos!!

Have a great Sunday!

Thanks 4 your time!

New House!!

2011-07-26T08:02:00.000-05:00

We just got the keys to our new house yesterday!!! Busy! Busy! Busy! We have much cleaning to do, including ripping up carpet and doing some painting before new carpet and wood floors go in at the end of the week.
Thought I'd stop in and post a card I made earlier this summer, given it will be weeks before I get all my crafty goodies unpacked and my scrap space set up to create again.
First, here's the inspiration. It came from an Avon catalogue, and I new I wanted to use my wPlus9 Pointsettia Patterns to recreate that pattern from the bedding.

Here's what I came up with:

Hope your day is Fabulous too!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-07-18T17:25:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is my anniversary! My DH and I have been married 8 years, and I love him more than anything! Since I have anniversary on the brain, here's an anniversary card I made and love (although it's not the card I will be giving him tomorrow).

Thanks 4 your time!

Back to Blogging . . . maybe

2011-07-17T19:11:00.000-05:00

Hi all!! It's been 2 months since my last blog post! Yikes! Life has been so busy! Between the end of the school year, packing up our home for our move next week, and the start of summer vacation, there's been no time for blogging. I started my blog to share my creations, so I have been using any left over time to actually scrapbook or make cards--hence the name of my blog.

Since all my papercrafting goodies are packed up in boxes, I thought I'd share some of the things I've been creating lately. Lord knows when I'll get my new craft area set up in the new house to start creating again--but, let me tell you, I can't wait to do it! Is it wrong that I'm more excited about setting it up than any other room in the house??

Any way, here are a few scrapbook layouts that I've completed in the last week or so that capture some of the things the boys have been up to lately.

Thanks 4 your time!

Glittery Dress

2011-05-15T11:53:00.001-05:00

Saw a card at Hallmark last week with a glittery dress, so I came home and recreated it. I sketched out the dress free hand, filled it in with glue, then covered it with glitter -- and ta-dah!

I added a pearl accents sash with a rhinestone in the middle.

Perfect for a bridal shower card, I think!

Thanks 4 your time!

CR84FN27 Challenge

2011-05-13T19:31:00.000-05:00

Quick post (again)--finding it harder and harder to post anything on a regular basis. Got this challenge done this week, and giving myself a moment to post

CR84FN27 Challenge

I used a darker gray (all I had). Sorry the photo is a bit blurry.

I may be needing that umbrella around here for the next few days--glad I got some of my planting done today! Have a great weekend!

Thanks 4 your time!

Embellish & CR84FN Challenges

2011-05-05T20:05:00.000-05:00

Haven't blogged in a while--busy working mom life getting in the way again ;)
Here are some cards for 2 current challenges:

Here's what I made for the Embellish Square Cards Color Trends Challenge

I typed up the sentiment in Word

Here's my card for the CR84FN #26 challenge

I interpreted the "gold" colour by stamping the fancy leaf on the Lemon Tart card stock with Versamark and heat embossing--the shine acts as gold, right?! ;)

I'm loving this beaded and pearl applique stash I found, so I also made this Wedding or Bridal shower card (not for any challenge, but thought I'd save myself from starting a new post)

Thanks 4 your time!

Moxie Fab Balloon Card

2011-04-17T13:44:00.000-05:00

Okay, just saw this challenge over on the Moxie Fab blog, and new I had a few Hot Air Balloon cards I had made that I never linked up to any challenges. So no time like the present:

Thanks 4 your time!

Color Cue {14} Challenge

2011-04-17T13:33:00.001-05:00

When I saw the colour combo for Dawn's Color Cue Challenge #14, I knew I wanted to use the glitter red foam sheets I picked up at a Dollar store and my new Spellbinders die (my first set!!).

Eeek--when I look at what I created, all I can think of is The Wizard of Oz--think: Dorothy's Ruby slippers and her "wish" is "There's no place like home!". If only I had some aqua blue gingham paper to mimic her dress!

I only used ONE stamp on this card--the dots on the card base--I can hardly believe it myself! LOL!

The sentiment is an SRM sticker--my fabulous blog friend Virginia has been designing for them for a while, and I've seen the fabulous cards she's made with them. So, I finally picked some up last weekend at Scrapfest at the Two Scrapbook Friends booth!

Well, just a warning, I think you'll be seeing a lot of that glittery foam on many upcoming project!! I got them in quite a few colours!

{ Click on Home, and scroll down to see my 2 other challenge posts from today! }

Thanks 4 your time!

Totally Hues Challenge #6

2011-04-17T13:13:00.000-05:00

I've been following Heather Pulvirenti's blog for a while. She combines colours so well and her creations are always inspiring! She started a colour challenge a while back, but I haven't had the chance to play along {correction--I have played along, but never post by the deadline}. . . until now !! Here's the combo for her current challenge #6 {Lemon Tart, Aqua Mist, Simply Chartruese & Raspberry Fizz}

Given we're one week away from Easter, I thought I'd make another Easter card. I stamped the card base with a dots stamp from Verve. Then I ran a scrap of green cardstock through with my Swiss Dots embossing folder. Before layering that on top of some vellum and stitching it onto the card base. I stamped a flourish (a stamp so old I don't even remember the manufacturer) a few time with Versamark ink.

I used some more of my Prima flowers, and made the brad by stamping the same flourish on some Lemon Tart scraps, punched it out, and added it to an old brad with an Epoxy dome sticker. Stamped the PTI Mexa Mixed Messages sentiment onto a scrap of Aqua Mist, trimmed with decorative scissors, distressed lightly with DI Walnut Stain, and tucked under the flower with a loop of soft yellow ribbon.

So glad I finally got to join in one of Heather's challenges!

Since I had some vellum out, I also made this uber soft baby boy card. I stamped the sentiment on vellum before stitching it to the card base I had stamped (in Powder Blue) with an old small floral damask stamp I have (I think Studio G)--trying to bring out and use the old stuff I had forgotten about!

I heat embossed the sentiment (before stitching) with some metallic blue embossing powder. It adds the perfect shimmer and depth to a card that is very light. I'm thinking it will be perfect as a Christening card.

Okay one more post to got today! I think this will be a record!

Thanks 4 your time!

Embellish Challenge w/ Crochet Trim

2011-04-17T13:10:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Hope you're having a great weekend! My wonderful in-laws picked up my boys yesterday to spend the day with them--for me that meant time to clean the house, work on my report cards, and have some crafty time!!!! I worked on a few colour challenges; the mojo was kickin'!!!

First up (you can check my other posts from today for other challenges) is Embellish's Crochet Trim Color challenge. Turquoise/Aqua are my favourite colours, so when I saw this combo with yellows (a combo I had never tried before), I was completely drawn to it!

I used my favourite wPlus9 Pointsettia Patterns stamp set (I seriously cannot put that set down!) to create the background which I then heat embossed to add some dimension and shimmer.

I then stamped the PTI "Mother" from Mega Mixed Messages repeatedly on some soft yellow cardstock using TeaDye Distress Ink, and then distressed the edges with the same colour. I stitched that piece and the crocheted trim on the card base. Then I added the layerd Prima flowers (which I've had for over a year and had not used yet) with a button and some floss.

The final addition was the "You're the Best Ever" sentiment from PTI's Big Bold Wishes set, which I stamped onto a scrap of Vintage Cream and popped up with foam adhesive. I love how the whole card turned out. I've been trying to step out of my go-to layouts, and this off-centred yellow panel was my attempt at that!

Since I had the flower from my Pointsettia Patterns inked up, I also made this card [totally different colour combo]. I tried the new Nellie's Choice die set I picked up at Scrapfest last weekend!! And I pulled out my other favourite stamp set--PTI's Delightful Dahlia for that flower focal point.

Okay, off to post my other challenges!!

Thanks 4 your time!

CR84FN22 Challenge

2011-04-08T16:32:00.000-05:00

I had to make a couple Sympathy cards this past weekend--a friend of mine from work needed some. She told me that the recipients and deceased loved nature; so, when I saw the colour for the CR84FN22 challenge, it was easy to come up with the following cards.

A closer look at the heat embossed flowers

Loving this brocade embossing folder . . .

Sorry--short post--on a date night with my hubby tonight--wanted to get this posted before the deadline!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Easter Egg Shaped Card

2011-04-02T09:40:00.000-05:00

I'm submitting this card to the current Create CARDS blog challenge--Easter Cards
This week's Wednesday Card Challenge over at the Two Scrapbook Friends forum was to create a shaped card . . . so I joined the two challenges and came up with this Easter Egg-shaped card. I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out!!

That glittery strip in the centre looks so much more "sparkle-y" IRL.

Thanks 4 your time!

Color Cue {13} Challenge

2011-04-02T09:25:00.001-05:00

I've been letting the current Color Cue colour combo sit with me for a while . . . lots of ideas fluttered through my head.

Finally, these are two that I came up with . . . so far . . .

I can't put down wPlus9's Poinsettia Patterns--I LOVE it!! I heat embossed the pattern in white onto soft yellow. I also used one of the small stamps from the set to create the brad for the flower.

For the second card, I used my new Kassie's Brocade embossing folder for this lovely grey panel--I LOVE the texture!! The card base is PTI's Spring Moss colour--a bit washed out in this photo. I used the "for you" and "MOM" stamps (from wPlus9's Woodgrain Silhouettes set) repeatedly to create a subtle background on the cardbase.

Here's a close up of all the mixed textures--embossed panel, lace, stitching and soft pearls!!

I'll being doing another post right after this one showcasing an Easter Egg shaped card that also features the Poinsettia Patterns set--so stay tuned!!

Have a great weekend!! I'm going to try enjoying the somewhat warmer weather and hopefully some crafty time too!!

Thanks 4 your time!

CR84FN21 Challenge

2011-03-27T09:23:00.001-05:00

I really should be doing some school work, but couldn't resist playing with CR84FN21's challenge.

The moment I saw the inspiration photo, I couldn't stop think of all the combinations and layers I would use. I knew I wanted to make a wedding card, and I knew I wanted to play with my new Cuttlebug---YES, I finally got one!!!! Any way, here's what I came up with:

I found some gorgeous appliques used for dresses at a thrift shop--a whole bag full of it for less than $3. I knew when I saw it that I could incorporate some of it into wedding cards.

You can see how that applique adds a bit of sparkle with the pearls and sequins. The flower adds lots of texture too!

Okay--enough prograstinating . . . I really got to do my school work (arghhh).

Have a great Sunday!!

Thanks 4 your time!

CARDS challenge--Use a Grid

2011-03-26T09:29:00.000-05:00

The current CARDS challenge is to use a grid on your card. This is the card I've submitted--my quilt uses a grid pattern!

Little one just went down for a nap--gotta try to get some work done around here!! . . . or maybe just procrastinate and craft instead! LOL

Thanks 4 your time!

Why does my Purple look Blue?!?!

2011-03-25T16:54:00.001-05:00

This week's CR84FN Challenge has one of my favourite colours . . . purple!

If I were to do my wedding all over again (to the same wonderful man, of course), I'd go with that deep purple. I did go with a silvery lavendar, but the colour of those dresses in the inspiration pic is so rich and beautiful!

Any way . . . when I saw these fab colours, I knew I wanted to CASE this stunning card by the amazing Joy Taylor (you've MUST check her blog--her work regularly makes my jaw drop!)

I really loved how Joy made this hydrangea POP, and I also loved the text behind the stunning flower. So, I created the following card:

The only problem is that when I went to go photograph it, the flower appears blue. I SWEAR, in real life, the flower is purple and lavendar. I used purple markers and a grey toned Copic (don't own any purple Copics yet) to colour in the flower. However, no matter what setting I used on my camera, or what lighting I used, that darn flower appeared blueish--eeesh.

So, I thought I'd also submit this card for the challenge. I made it a while back.

I hope I get some time to craft this weekend, but I think I'll be spending most of it grading my students' assignments :(

Thanks 4 your time!

Masculine Color Trends Challenge

2011-03-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

Embellish has put out a Masculine Color Trends Challenge

And this is what I came up with--just gave it to my nephew this weekend. I went a bit lighter on the gray colour (only because I didn't have any of the darker shade in my stash)

I heat embossed the woodgrain (hard to see in the photo), so IRL, there is a great shimmer. I added 12 stars to commemorate his 12 years!

Thanks 4 your time!

Scrapbook Calendar

2011-03-19T11:10:00.000-05:00

I picked up this DCWV calender kit during Boxing Day and have slowly started putting together my monthly pages. This past week I got the chance to spend a few hours at Two Scrapbook Friends to scrapbook {SO MUCH FUN}, and I cranked out about 6 months (only 2 more to go--I just have to find the perfect photos for them).

Here are 9 of the months I've completed; I do have April done but just noticed I didn't get a photo of it (sorry, they were all photographed at different times, so excuse the inconsistent background/lighting)

June's LO is for the March Sketch Challenge over at 2SF!

I have since added some bling to the July LO--near the title--to mimic fireworks!

August's LO is for the January Sketch Challenge over at 2SF!

Well--got to run--lots to do today!!

Thanks 4 your time!

CR84FN19 Challenge

2011-03-16T16:23:00.000-05:00

My shortest post ever . . . my card for the CR84FN19 challenge.

Hard to tell in the photo, but that music sheet panel has a shimmer to it (using Perfect Pearls)

Thanks 4 your time!

CR84FN#18

2011-03-09T15:10:00.000-06:00

First time I'm playing with this challenge; it's the CR84FN #18--it's a colour challenge indeed:

I used orange ink to stamp the flowers--not dominant, but there. I scored the diagonal lines using my paper trimmer (saw something similar this week while blog-hopping and had to try it--sorry, I forget where I saw the inspiration to link you up). Any way, here's my card:

Thanks 4 your time!

Color Cue {12} Challenge

2011-03-06T16:02:00.001-06:00

I'm getting these two cards just in time for the Color Cue {12} Challenge. I've been thinking about these colours for weeks.

I came up with the second card in my post first, but wasn't satisfied; so, I started dreaming up this first posted card, and finally had some time last night to put it together.

Hard to see in the photo above the sparkle of the turquoise jewels I added to the buttons and the glitter I added to the bottom of the banner, so here's a close up:

Here's the first card I made a few weeks ago for the challenge. I love that it uses on of my favourite wPlus9 Stamp set, but I think it needs something more, and I haven't figured it out yet. Maybe some ribbon or bling along the bottom!

The white flower is heat embossed for added dimension:

Thanks 4 your time!

Embellish Challenge w/ Music

2011-03-05T19:04:00.000-06:00

I can't resist the Embellish challenges, and when I saw this one posted this morning, I jumped at the chance to play along . . .

Here's my card:

I've had the time to make some other cards over the last few days, so I thought I'd do a clupm post here too!

Hope you're having a great weekend! Hoping to squeeze in some crafting time tonight (but I've got a splitting headache--so I really should just go to bed). Night-night!

Thanks 4 your time!

Curtain Call {Act 71}

2011-02-27T11:02:00.000-06:00

Quick post--can't believe I got this done so quickly!! It helped that I had part of it started a few days ago. Stacey's Curtain Call colour combo just helped me add the kraft and mustard colours.

Love the texture on that watering can bouquet (K&Company sticker)

I know I'm a little ahead in terms of holidays--but you can never start early enough!

Have a great Sunday!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Embellish Challenge-Birds

2011-02-26T19:17:00.001-06:00

I can't believe I got an Embellish challenge done within the first week it was posted!! However, I still took me days to get card posted.
FAB colours--I can see myself creating another card for this challenge.

I went a bit lighter on the colour blue, but the paper inspired the whole design, so I went with it. I started with another bird image, but swaped it for this Martha Stewart bird image; not sold that I made the right choice. Nevertheless, here it is:

The sentiment is from Verve stamps. I free cut the tree branch.

Off to go play Mouse Trap with my son!!

Thanks 4 your time!

PTI February BlogHop

2011-02-25T18:17:00.000-06:00

Here's my entry for PTI's February Blog Hop which asks for us to use scallops

I typically place punched/cut borders on the bottom half of my cards, with the scallop facing down; I tried something different (for me) on this card, and I like how it turned out!

Thanks 4 your time!

Embossed PTI Flowers

2011-02-24T06:54:00.001-06:00

Quick post this morning--I'm submitting this card for the Papertrey Paper Dolls Challenge #32 (a new challenge site for me!)
It required the following:
1. Embossing
2. Use any floral image from PTI (I used Delightful Dahlia--my fav)
3. Spring colors

Here's my card:

I heat embossed the large Dahlia bloom onto Kraft cardstock, and then darkened the centres with Distress ink afterwards.

Have a great day!

Thanks 4 your time!

Curtain Call {Act 70}

2011-02-21T14:06:00.000-06:00

Stacey's Curtain Call colour combos are always scrumptious; however, this one screamed Spring, which is why I jumped on it!! LOVE this combo!

We had another snow fall last night; so depressing, given we just had a great thaw last week and I was so hoping we were getting Spring early. Fun to create a card with such warm fresh colours.

I made the following card a couple weeks ago, but never posted it. It uses 3 of Stacey's colours, so I thought it would work well for this post (although not part of my submission for the challenge, obviously). It's one of my first cards using Copics

Thanks 4 your time!

Embellish Challenge-Hearts

2011-02-17T18:11:00.000-06:00

Quick post--just don't want to miss this Embellish challenge. All too often I make cards and don't meet the deadline.

Here's my card:

Thanks 4 your time!

Tammy

Curtain Call {Act 67}

2011-01-31T15:10:00.001-06:00

I haven't played along with one of Stacey's Curtain Call challenges in a while . . . wait, that's a lie . . . I've played along often, but never get around to posting by the deadline. Any way, I'm making this deadline.
{Act 67}:

Wanted to play around with a label from my Cricut Storybook cartridge (I've altered it slightly though because I accidently tore off a piece from the top, so I had to even out the bottom). I don't use my Cricut very often--do any of you??

EDITED TO ADD NEW CARD:

So when I posted the above photo, I was reinspired by Stacey's Curtain Call inspiration photo with the cup of warm cocoa! So I came up with another submission for her challenge. I had this idea in my head, and I tried all sorts of layouts and colour uses. It took me longer than I thought it would, but here is what I came up with--I like it way more than my first submission!

Thanks 4 your time!

Tammy

Copic Confession & Color Cue Challenge 11

2011-01-22T19:58:00.000-06:00

Okay--so I finally gave in and bought myself some Copic markers . . . and now I understand the craze. They are indeed fun to work with! I've been playing with the few colours I picked up. This first card is for Dawn's Color Cue Challenge 11

The card also feature's wPlus9 Designs Pointsettia Patterns stamp set, which I'm having a blast with--so many different backgrounds you can create with it.

A closer look:

The next card is also for the Color Cue challenge (no Copics on it though). I actually made this one first, but wasn't 100% pleased with it (hence why I tried again with the card above):

The sentiment is from Verve Stamps (just got my first order from them last week!!!). Look closely at the large Hot Air Balloon's basket--I scored the small piece of kraft cardstock to mimic a weaved basket look.

Since I had the other half of my PTI Aqua Mist card stock, I made up this quick card for my cousin and his wife, who just had a baby boy this week--an excuse to practice with the Copics--like I need one :)

Okay . . . gonna go play some more!! Night-night!
Thanks 4 your time!

2SF Friday Friendzy--Banners SB Layout

2011-01-22T17:46:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted a SB layout, and in all honesty, a while since I've actually done one. I have so much to catch up on!! eeshh!

Any way, the great forum over on Two Scrapbook Friends had a Friday Friendzy challenge to use banners, with a fantastic tutorial by the wonderful Deanna on how to use punches to make non-triangle banners.

Here's my layout of my little man Caden:

I'm hoping to go out tomorrow to find some "tool" type sticker/embellishment for the bottom right corner, or I may have to paper piece one.

Okay, got to go get my boys to bed so I can have some crafting time. Stay tuned for another post later tonight where I confess that I totally broke down and bought a papercrafting tool(s) that I swore I'd never buy . . . can you guess?
Thanks 4 your time!

Practicing [My] Creativity + wPlus9 Design

2011-01-15T13:48:00.000-06:00

Right before the holidays I ordered a couple of stamp sets from Practicing Creativity Designs and wPlus9 Designs. I had been eyeing Courtney's Look Up set with the Hot Air balloon forever, as well as her Catterbox sentiments set, so I was super excited to ink them up. I also picked up wplus9's Pointsetta set, which is great for creating backgrounds, and their fun RetroGirly Christmas set. Here are a few of the cards I've made lately using stamps from both companies.

Hard to see in the photo above, but I used the small solid balloon stamp with Versamark to create a background on the red card base.

I used the same small solid balloon stamp to create the black scallop border on this card.

This fun girl and the "shopping" sentiment is from wPlus9's RetroGirly Christmas set, but paired with Practicing Creativity's "Seriously" and "Let's Go" sentiments from the Chatterbox set, this card is great for making a date with a girlfriend any day of the year!

The backgrounds on the cards above and below use wPlus9's Pointsetta set -- stunning, eh!?

Gotta run--I've got a 4 year old who needs a time-out!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Card Drive for St. Jude

2011-01-15T13:13:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!! Can't believe I haven't blogged in over a month!! Life is busy as always, but I don't worry so much about not blogging or finishing challenges. It's not worth stressing over. Besides, if I'm lucky enough to have spare time, I rather spend it crafting than on the computer . . . and if I do get around to blogging, I just consider it a bonus!

I was honoured that Winter invited me to join her in her Valentine Card Drive again this year for kids at St. Jude's Hospital. I mailed off my cards to her on Monday, but haven't got around to posting them until now (here's a preview Winter):

Winter needs the cards by the end of January, so if you have time to make some cute Valentines for some special kids, check out her blogpost about the Drive for all the details/guidelines here.

I loved the heart background I created on one of those cards (using PTI's Tiny Treats Valentine set), so I created this one last night. Maybe my hubby will get this one!

Although I haven't posted since last month, I have been busy making cards with many of the goodies I bought myself for Christmas ;) Stay tuned--I'll try to make a couple of posts today while I'm at it!

Thanks 4 your time!

Warm Winter Wishes

2010-12-10T20:18:00.001-06:00

I made this card a few weeks ago, and it makes me feel so cosy!! Makes me want to snuggle up with some hot cocoa, and . . . since it's my birthday today, and . . . it sure is cold outside, . . . I may just go do that!!

I also just submitted this card to the current CREATE blog Card challenge! which asks for Christmas cards that do NOT use Red or Green.

Thanks 4 your time!

Inspired by . . .

2010-11-27T20:49:00.000-06:00

I've been away from posting for a while again--without a functioning camera, it makes it hard to do so. I made this card a while ago after I was inspired by this card by Mariana Grigsby.

I loved it SO much I tried to replicate it as closely as I could. Here's my version (of course the Blackberry photo doesn't make it look as great):

Going to start on my Christmas cards now . . . night-night!

Thanks 4 your time!

Embellish Challenge-Vintage

2010-10-30T13:41:00.000-05:00

Quick post today--still trying to get chores done here around the house before we head out with the kids to our friends' Halloween party tonight! Owen's going as a Skeleton (although he's thinking he may want to be Woody from Toy Story instead); Caden's going as a green bug; and Mark and I are going as characters from the HBO series True Blood!!

This card's for the current Embellish Challenge--Vintage. I'm do not typically do the vintage style, but here's my attempt. The colours on my card match the challenge swatch SO much better in real life. The ribbon really is rust coloured (I Promise!). Our camera broke this week, so I had to take the image with my husband's Blackberry.

Thanks 4 your time!

Curtain Call {Act 52}

2010-10-17T11:00:00.001-05:00

LOVED these colours from this week's Curtain Call challenge {Act 52}:

Since they're not traditionally Christmas colours, I thought I'd challenge myself further with making a Christmas card--after all, I really need to get lots of them made both to sell at the spa and give away.
Here's what I came up with:

I used Glossy Accents to make that ornament look like a glass ball ornament! And you can never go wrong with damask print either. I think it will be all over my Christmas cards this year!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Curtain Call {Act 51}

2010-10-10T20:55:00.001-05:00

Okay, I was away from blogging for months, but I've got myself on a role the last couple of days . . . perhaps because I've really been cranking out some cards . . . I got some killer mojo . . . and the ideas seem to be coming effortlessly . . . which I guess gives me the energy to post . . .
Any way . . . I saw Curtain Call's current colour challenge, and I felt inspired to play along.

I've been using Perfect Pearls lately--finally got around to watching a tutorial on how to use them. I love the subtle shimmer they add. I also like this check box sentiment; you can check off what ever occasion you need.

I also made this card for my BFF today; she had a bad day at work on Friday, so I'm going to mail this to her work this week to keep her smilin'. I used another one of those library cards I made on Word. My BFF and I are both high school English teachers, so I thought I'd go for a TEXT theme.

Thanks 4 your time!

EBTKS Challenge 24

2010-10-10T12:13:00.000-05:00

I haven't played with the EBTKS (non-sketch) challenge in a while, but when I saw their current challenge which uses this as an inpiration . . .

I couldn't help but think of a Studio G stamp I bought months ago, but had never used.

A closer look:

I kept the stamp out and stamped it with Versamark onto this die-cut label, and whipped up another card. This one is not for the challenge.

Thanks 4 your time!

Embellish Challenge w/ Felt

2010-10-09T18:08:00.001-05:00

I have to admit, when I looked at the current Embellish challenge, the colour combo threw me for a loop; however, the moment I thought of using woodgrain for the brown, this card sort just came together, and I'm surprisingly pleased with it . . . although, I'm thinking I need to add some twine somewhere.

That centre label looks a bit peachy in the photo, but it is PTI's Sweet Blush.

Also, I thought I'd share my first Christmas Card Gift set I made this season. It's for my aunt--she owns the spa where I sell my cards, so what better person to make a set for. She sings in a choir, so I thought I'd incorporate sheet music into the cards as a theme.

Here's the whole set; I'll package them into a small red gift bag with the envelopes. I hope she likes it!!

It's Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada! I have SO much to be thankful for, including the snippets of time I get to craft, and thankful 4 you taking the time to visit me!

Embellish Challenge

2010-10-07T18:22:00.001-05:00

We'll I'm making another Embellish challenge deadline. Keeping it short, because I have to tackle a pile of laundry that's reaching the height of a skyscrapper!!
Here's their great challenge:

Here's my first card:

A closer look at the shimmer of Perfect Pearls on the butterfly:

Here's my second card:

Another closer look; I just made the Library card by creating a table in Word:

Sorry for the lighting in the photos; it's even thrown the colours off a bit :(

Thanks 4 your time!

Meeting a challenge deadline!!

2010-09-22T20:12:00.001-05:00

Well, I finally downloaded photos into my laptop, so I'm actually going to meet a deadline for 2 challenges that inspired my following card!

Everything But the Kitchen Sink Sketch Challenge 23

Embellish Challenge with Paper Piecing

. . . and here's my card:

As for Embellish's last challenge I didn't meet; here's the colour palette

Here's my card:

I really liked this colour combo, so I also used it to make the following card for my cousin's baby shower.

I just LOVE those little hangers I made from the thin wire pulled from wired ribbon!! I couldn't resist making another onesie/hanger card for our friends who had a baby boy last week (they named him Tyce--obviously)

Finally, I played around with some techniques with my new favourite stamp set--PTI's Delightful Dahlia.

Off to do some homework!! They joys of being back to school!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Where I've been . . .

2010-09-19T14:04:00.001-05:00

So I haven't posted since June!! That's right! June!!! In fact, I haven't done much blogging at all . . . here are some of the reasons why:

my son Caden turned one on June 1st and he is one BUSY boy!! This leaves me no time to craft during the day, and I'm exhausted by the time he goes to bed for the night.
we had a fun but busy summer.
I gave myself some time away from blogging because it started becoming more of a chore. I was giving myself too much pressure to finish challenges and post them . . . and let's face it, as a busy working mom of 2, I didn't need another item on the "TO DO" list.

Don't get me wrong; it doesn't mean I haven't created at all. I have!! In fact, I even made a number of cards inspired by challenges; yet, I never got around to posting them in time. Also, I have kept visiting many of my favourite blogs, but I didn't allow myself to start commenting, because I knew that would suck me back in.

My blog is called "Time 4 Creativity", and what I wanted to give myself over the last couple of months was that: TIME. It's been nice to just create for the sake of creating, without the pressure of entering challenges (only to be disappointed when your card is never selected). I've also continued to create to sell. My cards are still selling quite well at my aunt's spa, which has been great!!

Any way, it's been a lazy Sunday around here, and I thought I'd hop back on. Here are a few photos of some of the cards I made this summer:

This onesie stamp has become my favourite for baby cards!

I'm also loving PTI's Delightful Dahlia stamp set

Other random occasions--

Thanks 4 your time!

Tammy

I've missed blogging!!

2010-06-12T10:37:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone--oh how I've missed you!! I've been away from blogging for a couple of weeks now--at first it was because something happened with our computer's Cookie settings, and Blogger wouldn't let me log-in. Arghhh--it was so frustrating!! Once we finally figured it out, I was too busy to post anything.

Life back to work as a full-time high-school teacher and mom to 2 young boys leaves me little if any time to craft (as I predicted a couple of months ago). This past week, I tried to make a few cards in the evening, but gave up after 5 minutes because I was either too tired or had absolutely NO mojo in me!! I've had a little bit of time to visit my favourite blogs for inspiration, but haven't even had the time to leave any comments (so I apologize to my blogging friends for not leaving you any love).

The good news is that I only have 13 work day left before summer break!! Also, the salon manager over at my aunt's spa where I've been selling my cards called me this week to let me know that my card display was getting empty!! Yayy--more $$ for me!! I needed to get more Father's Day cards for the display, given it's next Sunday, so I had some time this morning (while the kids played) to get at least these two made. I used some WeRMemory Keepers patterned paper. I really need to use up my patterned paper more for cards--makes things go a lot more quickly!! [Sorry for the dark pics--rather cloudy and dreary here today]

These are definitely not the best cards I've created, but, believe me, after some of the cards I attempted making this week, I felt pleased enough with these cards to at least post. I'm also going to send these into this week's current CARDS blog challenge, which is Father's Day cards (might as well give it a shot, right?)

Well, off to do some much needed housekeeping while Caden naps--think I'm going to give Owen my dusting brush to help me do some of the chores ;) He's a great little helper!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Embellish with Butterflies!

2010-05-24T11:09:00.000-05:00

LOVE it that Embellish's new challenge calls for the use of butterflies--those of you who follow my blog know I can't get enough of my Hero Arts Winged Friends digital stamp. The colour are also fab as always!

I'm taking a stand against Copics!! . . . I know, I know, many of you LOVE them [sorry], but I can't justify spending the money on them, especially when I'm happy with the results I can achieve with much cheaper artist markers and pencil crayons. I'm frugal about everything I buy, and I get a thrill out of finding the cheaper alternative (especially if I can "make" the alternative). I love how my limey green coloured butterfly is so vibrant and "summer"y. I feel like making myself a lime-flavoured drink right now . . . it's a holiday here in Canada today, it's gorgeous outside, and it's lunch time, so I may just go do that!

Thanks 4 your time!

Around the World Challenge #4--London

2010-05-24T10:54:00.001-05:00

After making my blue sky for the birthday card I posted about here, I knew I wanted to use some of the scraps I had. So when I saw the new Around the World Challenge, which featured some blue sky in the inspiration photo, I had to play along.

I loved the colour here!! I had some Maya Road clock rub-ons, so I also played with the "Big Ben" clock tower inspiration. Here's my card:

IRL the blue on the card looks a lot more like the actual sky in the background. I don't know why it turned so "aqua"-like in the photo.

Thanks 4 your time!

Back at it!

2010-05-22T17:42:00.001-05:00

So I've been back to work for a week now, and I was right in my assumption that I wouldn't have time to post or visit my blog friends much during the week. By the time I get home from work and picking up the kids, get through dinner, get the boys to bed, and finish up any homework, I'm way too exhausted to craft or blog--gosh, I'm exhausted just typing all that!! My classes are okay--I have two grade 10 classes that are rather rambunctious, so I've had to reel them in a bit. They require A LOT of one-on-one attention, but that's always a challenge when there are 24 of them and only one of me!

Any way . . . hopefully I'll have some time each weekend to squeeze in a bit of crafting and a trip into blogland. I made the following cards last weekend, but just haven't had the chance to upload the photos. They both follow the current EBTKS sketch and the first card is also for Color Cue Challenge {4}, for which I used WPlus9's Woodgrain Silhouette's woodgrain stamp to create my stripes.

I did add some silver glitter to this card (hope it still counts for the color challenge!)

I used some MS ribbon tape I've had forever but had never used for this next card. I've also had that metal accent forever too, so it was nice to give some old things a purpose!

Also, I have to show you this card I whipped up last night for my son's friend's 4th Birthday (party was today). I applied some Colorbox Frost White pigment ink onto some textured sky blue cardstock using a small sponge, and I LOVE how my sky turned out!! I popped up the banner to add the feel that it was actually flying across the sky. This is the first child's birthday card I've made, so I was pleased with how it turned out!! (hmm, besides my penmanship on the banner--got to work on that)

Here's a closer look:

Thanks 4 your time! I think I'll spend the evening making some cards :)

Blog Candy Winner!!

2010-05-16T07:17:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the big day--I go back to work! I met my students last week, which makes it a bit easier to go back tomorrow. I'll have a busy 6 weeks, but then I'll be off again for summer holidays!!

Thank you all for the best wishes and birthday wishes for my son!

So without further ado the lucky winner is comment #5--NC who said, "Going back to work is always a tough transition. Hopefully you'll be able to find some time to continue once you're back into the groove of things. Thanks for the terrific giveaway!"

NC, I have no way of contacting you (no email or blog), so please contact me in the next 48 hours. If I don't hear from you, I'll have to draw for another winner.

Hoping to posting some cards I made yesterday for the current EBTKS sketch challenge--so stay tuned.

Embellish Color Challenge

2010-05-08T11:42:00.001-05:00

Told you that first Embellish Color Challenge submission {here} wouldn't be my last. I think this color combo is my favourite from all the Embellish color challenges I've participated in. I like this card better than the first one I sumbitted (more my style, I guess). I'm loving the Glossy Accents I just picked up this week--what took me so long to buy that stuff?!?!

The butterfly is popped up to fill in the "Dimension" component of the challenge. Although, I think the Glossy Accents help give the butterflies dimension too!

Oh Yeah! - - - DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON MY BLOG CANDY POST (SEE TOP OF MY BLOG). I DRAW FOR A WINNER NEXT SUNDAY (THE 16TH)!!

Okay, that's my third post for the day--I'm done!! Going to try to get some time at my craft table right now while all the boys (including the hubby) are napping!

Thanks 4 your time!

Around the World challenge #2

2010-05-08T11:05:00.002-05:00

Next stop in the Around the World challenge is Holland! I was inspired by the colours in the inspiration photo more than anything. The reds and pale yellow of the tulips made me swoon!

Here's my card:

I used my favourite digital stamp from Hero Arts (Winged Friends). Using Word, I over-lapped a few butterflies and added the sentiment. I coloured in the butterflies with some watercolor pencils (which I'm still trying to figure out), then added some Glossy Accents to the wings. This was also the first time I tried the ruffled ribbon technique--I love it!! Thanks to the tutorial on Ashley Cannon Newell's blog here.

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON MY BLOG CANDY POST (SEE TOP OF MY BLOG). I DRAW FOR A WINNER NEXT SUNDAY (THE 16TH)!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T10:38:00.000-05:00

It's a dreary morning here. We just went out to some garage sales (our 3 year old LOVES going to them--it a treasure hunt for toys!) We ended up getting him a big hockey net--hubby is putting it together right now, so before I start lunch, I thought I'd post a couple of Mother's Day cards I made yesterday. One is for the current Embellish Mag. challenge:

I got the idea for this Flower pot card from my blog buddy Lynn here. I really loved this colour combo (then again, I always love Embellish's colour combos . . . and this will likely not be the only card I submit for the challenge). I popped up the flowers with various levels of foam tape.

The flower come up to reveal the inside of the card:

Here's another card I made using some FAB ribbon I found for 50 cents in the clearance bin. I'm normally not a vintage-type girl, but I really fell for this ribbon. If you look closely, I also added a pearl pin with some clear beads:

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON MY BLOG CANDY POST (SEE TOP OF MY BLOG). I DRAW FOR A WINNER NEXT SUNDAY (THE 16TH)!!

Happy Mother's Day to all you crafty moms out there!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Around the World Challenge #1 (2nd card)

2010-05-04T14:04:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I'm submitting a second card for the first Around the World challenge. You can read all about it here in my post for the first card I submitted.

Again, here's the inspiration photo:

And here's my card:

Little boats . . . the Mediteranean . . . blues . . . white . . . it works, right?

Thanks 4 your time!

Around the World Challenge #1

2010-05-04T13:58:00.000-05:00

Just found a great new challenge via my friend Virginia's blog. She had a link to the Clip-n-Cuts blog--I had visited it before a few times, but now, blog owner Vicky is hosting a fun weekly challenge called Around the World--Yay!! It's a great inpiration challenge. Here's the scoop from her post:

•Each Thursday Vicky will post a photo from some place around the world.

•You make a card/scrapbook page/paper craft inspired by the photo. No restrictions! Just get inspired by the colors on the photo, or by the shapes you see, or even by the general feeling or the culture of that place! It’s up to you.

•Post your project on your blog/gallery and then submit it to the appropriate Clip-n-Cuts post.

•The submissions will last for 5 days (there is a countdown just next to the submit button so no matter your timezone you know how much time you have left).

•When submissions are over all the projects will be available for voting. A little star will be shown just above each submission.

•All you’ll have to do is click on the star of your favorite project . (Inlinkz voting totally rocks). Now readers pick the winner not the blog owner! Isn’t that cool?!

•You can vote just one card (not your own) but you can tell all your blog-friends to vote as well

•The voting will last for 2 days. You will be notified by email when the voting is starting!

•The top 3 winners will be featured on my blog and the 1st winner wins a $25 gift certificate from twopeasinabucket!

Isin't that GREAT?! Here's this week's inpiration photo:

Here's my card:

I love the crisp white and blue in the photo, so I tried to resemble that crispness with the blue flowers on white background. When I think of Greece I think of the sea, flowers and olives [my love for Greek salad I guess :) ], so I had to add "olive" green in there too.

I just found this challenge last night, and quickly made up a card. I had a field trip with my son today, so I'm getting this in just before the deadline I think. I hope any of you reading this and learning about this challenge can join in next week for the fun!!

Thanks 4 your time!!

Crocus Flowers

2010-05-01T22:33:00.001-05:00

I'm still really loving the Woodgrain Silhouettes Stamp set I won from WPlus9 Design Studio! I LOVED the woodgrain background stamp the moment I saw it on Dawn's blog when she previewed the set, but what I have really have fallen in love with is the crocus flower stamp. I've made several cards with it and my favourite technique is to create varigated petal colours. I got the idea from my blog buddy Karen Baker when she posted this card using the same stamp.

Here are just a few of the cards I made with the Crocus flower (all similar layouts; just swapped out the colours).

Varigated PINK: I'm loving the Ripe Avacado with the hot pink ribbon. The patterned paper is from a K&Company Chrismas paper pad!

Varigated VIOLET (oo--there's some alliteration for ya!): I don't own PTI's Polka Dot Basics (yet--teehee), but I do own PTI's Beautiful Blooms--which has an individual dot stamp. I painstakingly stamped each dot with Versamark to create my background here.

EDIT: I've submitted the above cards for this week's CARDS blog challenge about Mother's Day cards.

Varigated BLUE: I added the script stamp (Hampton Art) last minute because I ended up getting some small ink smudges on the white panel while I was distressing the edges. No need to throw away a mistake when you can cover it up, right?! Some more patterned paper from my K&Company Christmas pad too.

Very simple layouts on each of these cards, but they've turned out to be some of my favs!

Thanks 4 your time!

3 Cards--3 Challenges

2010-04-28T20:01:00.000-05:00

I've made quite a few cards in the last couple of days, but haven't got around to posting, so I'm gonna try to post a few challenges in one. So grab a coffee/tea/coke (whatever drink you like) and here we go . . .

Embellish Color Challenge w/ Embossing:
I love the vibrant pink of the flower in the inspiration photo:

Here's my card (pink polka dots are heat embossed--you can sort of tell on the bottom right of the card, and the blue is a lot more vibrant IRL):

I made the flower out of . . . get this . . . the elastic corners of an old fitted bed sheet!! I was cutting up an old flannel sheet into rags, and when I was trimming off the elastic corners, I was left with this:

. . . which made me think of rolling it up to get something like this . . .

I hand stitched it at the bottom to keep it together, added a button to the centre, and Voila! I got this flower:

Curtain Call Act 27:

Some more vibrant pink flowers--this time with beautiful peonies (one of my favourite flowers--they smell just as good as they look!!)

I just got Wplus9 Studio's new Woodgrain Silhouettes stamp set and was super excited to ink it up. This is the first card I made with the set. (You'll be seeing a lot more cards with that set--I'm really liking it!!)

Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger--Pool Inspiration:

Don't you just to jump right into this picture and lounge on that couch with a cool beverage? Sure beats the cold and windy weather we've been having the last couple of days.

I loved the crisp white on the couch, and since there was a tree in the photo, I had to use my new large woodgrain stamp. I stamped it a few times and then set it with white embossing powder. I also loved that hint of aqua peeking in the corner of the photo!

Pheww! Enough posting--I want to go get inky!!

Thanks 4 your time!

My 100th Post!!! {a LONG one too!}

2010-04-23T21:05:00.000-05:00

Wow--when I started this blog back in the fall, I never imagined I would make it to 100 posts, but here I am!! I had no idea how much joy reader comments would bring me each day! Really, they all make me smile! I THANK each of you who has taken the time to leave me some love! I think my cardmaking has developed a lot since I started blogging, participating in challenges, and being inspired by so many of YOU!!

So what better way to honour a milestone than with a card that honours another milestone! My parents are celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary next month! They take care of my grandmother [who is in the late stages of Alzheimers] full time. My sister and I would have loved to send them away on a trip or even a weekend, but they refuse to take time away (even though they SO need it and deserve it). They wouldn't want a big party either, so we decided to invite just some of their close friends and family out for lunch, and then we'll head back to my parents' for some cake and coffee. Pretty low-key, but I wanted to make a nice invite, nonetheless! I only had to make 8 invites (one of which will be a keepsake for my parents).

40th Anniversary is considered the Ruby Anniversary, so I found these big ruby brads that double as the zero digit in 40. The card is a hybrid creation: I created the sentiment on Word first and then printed it onto cardstock first, then I stamped and heat embossed the damask print. [On a two of the cards above you'll see I stamped a bit of damask on the bottom, but then decided to omit it on the rest]

------------------------------------------

On another marriage note, my little cousin is getting married tomorrow! So glad the forecast is calling for a sunny day! My husband and I are pumped about getting to celebrate all day with family! My in-laws are watching our boys for the reception, so it will be nice to have a date night too! (Okay can I stop using exclamation points? LOL) Any way, Dawn McVey inspired me with this card she made for a wedding she attended last week. I just swaped the colour to suit my cousin's wedding colour scheme.

Here's her card:

Here's what she inspired:

Again, thanks to all of you who visit my blog! I hope my creations can inspire you -- even if it's just a bit!

Thanks 4 your time!!

REAL woodgrain!

2010-04-22T14:57:00.000-05:00

I was hoping to get my new Woodgrain stamp set from Wplus9 Studio in the mail by today so I could participate in the current CARDS blog challenge (I'll add the link later--server's currently down), which is to use woodgrain. Unfortunately, cross border mail service is always slow. However, this did not stop me!
In the spirit of Earth Day, I went directly to nature and took some "woodgrain" right off our white birch tree in the backyard. It's only a couple of years old--you can barely make it out in the background of the photo (camoflauged by our fence). I peeled a bit of the thin white bark off and stitched it on my card--it was a bit brittle and not quite flat. I didn't think any adhesive would work well.

I also used my new CutterBee. Jessica Rosario mentioned a tool like this over on her blog a while back (her cards are simply fabulous--check her out!). Any way, I've been looking everywhere for one and finally found one today at a discount store (a single row and double row piercer for $3.49)! It created the small piercings around the card base--SUPER easy to use! Here's what they look like:

Any way, gotta run and try to figure out what to make for supper tonight. I rather by crafting than cooking!

Thanks 4 your time!

One Layer Card Challenge

2010-04-21T19:45:00.000-05:00

I have to thank Kristina Werner for her current challenge to create a "one layer" card. I don't remember the last time I made a card that was only one layer--and I don't know why. Kristina's challenge reminded me of how much fun they can be . . . and how quick and easy they can be too. I created two last night, but I have ideas for a few more, so you may see some more in near future posts.

Here's my first card. I think I may make a set of them (switch up the sentiments and layout, but keep the flower stamp and colours). I coloured the flowers in with markers and added some highlights with a white pencil crayon.

For my next card I coloured in the baby buggy with pencil crayons and blended colours with some mineral water. I scalloped the side edges to mimic the scallop trim on the buggy.

Thanks 4 your time!

Day 50 -- Digging Deep

2010-04-19T07:53:00.000-05:00

Haven't play along at 365 Cards in what seems like forever!! But when I saw today's challenge, I figured it was a good way to make a card and tackle some cleaning of my craft table. The Day 50 challenge is called "Digging Deep" and asks to use three things:

1. An item that is more than a year old--the green card base from a DCWV box set (never could get around to use that colour)
2. Something that you were given that you have never used -- the decorative brad was from a big scrapbooking tote filled with goodies my sister gave me a couple of years ago too.
3.Something you forgot you had.-- the patterened paper is from a mat pad of K&Company Christmas Cheer paper (found it in the bottom of a drawer).

I decided to make an anniversary card (I have a lot of those coming up!), and when I saw the fab flower on this card that my blog buddy Lynn made last week, I knew I wanted to try one myself (check Lynn's blog for a link to a tutorial on how to make the flower). So, without further ado, here it is:

Here's a close up of the flower--definitely want to practice making more.

Thanks 4 your time!

Ha"Bee" Birthday!

2010-04-18T17:02:00.000-05:00

Okay, so when I first saw this sketch over at the EBTKS Challenge blog, I thought, "fuggadabout it--I'll skip this one!"

But the sketch lingered in my mind and then suddenly an idea came to me last night--perhaps it was getting inspired by all the goodies I saw at Scrapfest yesterday [I actually only used one of the new things I bought at Scrapfest on the card--Prima alphabet stamp set] . . . any way, I'm pretty happy with what I came up with!!

The shape reminded me of a beehive, so I went with it . . .

I think it's SO FUN! Can't wait to give this card to someone! I

Here's another card I made Friday night and didn't realize until now that it sort of fits with the sketch as well (arch of the flowers)--guess the sketch was lingering subconsciously in my mind ;) Found some rhinestone packs at a local Dollar store last week (look just like the Basic Grey sets--come in a spiral with 3 sizes--different packaging, but both made in China, so they're likely the exact same product!)--I bought them in every colour!!

Thanks 4 your time!

D"awe"n Inspired

2010-04-15T19:56:00.000-05:00

Okay--so I new I'd play with Dawn's Color Cue {3} challenge again! Who knew I'd get it done in the same day! . . . I don't know if anyone else thought of this when they saw her colors,

but I immediately thought of her own WPlus9Design Studio logo:

So I thought of Dawn when creating this card (hence my post title). She and her stamps totally ROCK!! And now that she has great shipping rates to Canada, she rocks even more!! (Now I just have to get back to work to earn some $$ again and order me some). I gotta send this to her in the mail to thank her for her new stamp set I won!! Woohoo!! So Dawn, if you're reading this--yes, you're getting a sneak (well I guess full) peek at the card.

Thanks 4 your time!

Color Cue {3}

2010-04-15T08:43:00.000-05:00

I'm anxiously awaiting Dawn's new Woodgrain stamp set--I'm crossing my fingers I get it in the mail today, but I just couldn't wait to play with her new Color Cue Challenge. Again, what I love about colour challenges is that they compel me to use colours I would not likely combine on my own, so they're great inspiration!!

Here's my card:

I haven't done a lot of heat embossing in a while, and I have a whole set of Hampton Art coloured embossing powder I haven't really used. I like how the shimmery the yellow dots turned out (although I now see a lil' mistake)

With Mother's Day being the next big holiday, I need to start cranking some of those cards out (another reason I can't wait for Dawn's new stamp set!). My aunt suggested that I put a small display up at her spa to sell some of my cards--she's a gem! I'm going over later today to drop my stuff off. I'm not selling them for too much--$3--hopefully enough to support this crazy hobby!! Who knows if anyone will even be interested in buying any?! Any way, here's a photo of the display I made up. Some of you may recognize some of the cards from older posts! What do you think?

Thanks 4 your time!

CARDS blog--Birthday Candles challenge

2010-04-14T19:56:00.000-05:00

Well I got into my gardens today and boy did it feel great! The greatest thing about spring is anxiously visiting my gardens each day to see what new flower is peeking out of the soil or what new bud has blossomed. It just makes me so happy! It was great to be outside for a large part of the day . . . I even took my camera out and got a pic of my card for this week's CARDS blog challenge (which is to feature candles on a birthday card).

Here it is:

I just cut the flame free hand and inked it up on the edges and centre. I curled up the top a bit to give it a bit of dimension--pretty pleased with how it turned out!

Going to try brainstorming invite ideas for my parents' 40th Anniversary.

Thanks 4 your time!

Let the Good Times Roll

2010-04-09T20:15:00.000-05:00

Wow--2 card posts in one day!! Guess the Embellish Parties challenge really got my mojo going!
I love that it includes Black and White--it leaves SO many possibilities.

I printed off this sheet music image just yesterday, and thought it would work well for this challenge since most "parties" include music! So here's my second submission for the challenge:

Also thought I'd post another card I made that uses this same sheet music; however, I distressed it all up. BTW, that pale green strip on the bottom is actually a Behr paint sample chip. I found a whole pile of paint samples when I was cleaning up some drawers yesterday and I couldn't throw away all these great colours!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Embellish Challenge--Celebrate Parties

2010-04-09T12:36:00.001-05:00

When I saw the martini glasses in the inspiration pick for Embellish's new challenge, I knew I wanted to dig out an old martini glass stamp I have (Sarah Beise). The colour combo is fab:

Now I did have to add that dab of green for that olive--couldn't really make it look like a raspberry. The classy feel of the party in the photos led me to adding the classy damask strip. Dug out some stickles too to add some sparkle to that drink!

I think little coasters with this martini glass would be really great too!

Well--I often make more than one card for Embellish challenges--so I'm going to try a get more inky!!

Thanks 4 your time!

Blog Candy Giveaway!!

2010-04-09T10:35:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe my little Caden is going to be a year old soon.

This past year has been such a blessing! I have loved being at home with both my boys. I've had fun playing with them, and have also had fun squeezing in some CRAFT-time while they play beside me. Alas, my maternity leave is coming to an end; I'm going back to work on May 17th :(

Sadly, the reality is that when I go back to work, my paper crafting and blogging will slow down drastically (if not come to a complete stop). I teach high school English, and since I'll be going back with only 6 weeks left of the school year, I'll likely be up to my eyeballs in marking papers {insert big pout here}.
I'm going to try to squeeze in as much papercrafting and blogging as I can over the next few weeks, and I thought I'd do a BLOG CANDY giveaway too!! I thought about doing one for my 100th post (but that may be by next week). So I'll draw for the candy on May 16th (the day before I go back to work).

Details:
1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. If you admire my work, consider Following my blog (not a requirement to win)
3. Help spread the word about the chance to win--Copy the photo of the blog candy and post it with a link to this post somewhere on your blog.

Blog Candy:
1. Cloud9 Design "Kensington Gardens" 19 piece clear stamp set
2. 3-D "Peel-Off's" self-adhesive stickers--Sunflowers
3. EK Success 24 piece Scallop Circle chipboard shapes
4. Making Memories Classic Card Pad (18 pre-cut, scored cards)
5. 2pk-Handmade paper cards and envelopes pack.
6. Jolee's Boutique Dimensional Stickers--Pink & Cream Daisies
7. Memory Labels (with words Freedom, Awesome, Fantastic, Dream, Believe, Discover)
8. Silver Studs (these are used for jewelery, but I've used them for bling in papercrafting with Glue Dots)

Thanks 4 your time and GOOD LUCK!!

Moxie Fab Challenge

2010-04-08T08:18:00.000-05:00

I haven't participated in a Moxie Fab Challenge in a long time, but given the current challenge is called "Picking up the Pieces", I knew I'd have to participate because although the challenge is more about paper-piecing, I'm ALL ABOUT using LEFT-OVER PIECES . . . you know we all have a ton of them!!
I made the weaved part of this card with the thin strips of paper I trimmed off of cardstock to make some A2 size cards. It reminded me of the weaved paper placemats I made as a child in grade school. I think I gave one of those to my mom one Mother's Day, so I thought of my mom when adding the sentiment to this card.

I sort of feel like I need to add a button or something at the point the swirl meets the weaved part . . . what do you think?

Thanks 4 your time!

Curtain Call--Act #24

2010-04-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

I LOVE colour challenges--probably because they're such a great starting point and they compel me to use colours I may have never combined otherwise. Stacey's combos always inspire (especially when she includes kraft--my fav!). Curtain Call Act # 24 is . . .

And here's my card:

I know, the flower has been used by a lot of people for a while now, but I had one sitting on my desk and had not got around to using, so I took it apart, inked it up with Colorbox Amber Clay (closest I had to Saffron), and added the green button. I originally had a plain kraft background with just the flower focal point and sentiment--but I`ve been trying to add more to my safe CAS style. What do you think about the added leaf background.

Thanks 4 your time!

EBTKS String Challenge-Take #3

2010-04-06T12:43:00.000-05:00

Okay, as promised, I came up with a third idea for the EBTKS String Challenge. It's a graduation card with a paper pieced cap and "string" tassel.

I'll likely send it to one of my former students who is earning her Bachelor of Education Degree next month--hard to believe she was in my 10th grade English class not so long ago; now she may get a job teaching right along side me!

Thanks 4 your time!

I'm lovin' this paper!

2010-04-01T16:02:00.000-05:00

While on the Moxie Fab blog this morning, I spotted that the Moxie Monday post featured this great patterned paper designed by Teresa Collins. It's from her Welcome Home collection. I fell in love with this paper . . .

I have lots of vintage print (as an English teacher I have lots of old texts I'll never use--I also went through a phase were I bought old books at garage sales). So, I thought I'd take a shot at replicating Teresa's look.
II'm submitting this as my second card for the current EBTKS challenge -- I used string in a more conventional way this time.

Oh--and I have another string idea for the EBTKS challenge, so stay tuned for card #3!!

Thanks 4 your time!

EBTKS Challenge 12-String

2010-04-01T09:46:00.001-05:00

So I wanted to do something a bit different with the current EBTKS challenge which asks us to use string. I thought if this basket idea after picking up a big spool of Hemp Twine the other day.

The basket didn't take that much time, but the rest of the card took me forever. It was one of those cards that I didn't have a layout planned ahead of time, so I just kept playing around with ideas until I finally settled on this one . . . not my favourite card, but I'm glad I pushed myself to try something different with that basket.

The sentiment is one of the many I generated a while back on Word and have been featured a lot in my recent posts.

Thanks 4 your time!

Embellish Challenge w/ Stitching

2010-03-30T09:07:00.000-05:00

I saw the new Embellish color challenge last week quickly as I was doing my morning blog visits. Unfortunately, I didn't study the colours closely enough because I thought the colours were Kraft, Pink and Baby Blue--and I created a card with that colour scheme which I ended up posting about here. When I went to go post the card I realized I hadn't used the right colours--I felt so stupid!

However, I couldn't let this challenge go by, especially since it involved stitching! Have I mentioned before how much I've become attached to my sewing machine?! Here's Embellish's challenge:

My orginal card had more hand stitching on it, but on this card I used a new sewing technique for me--swirvy lines. I sort of wish I put more stitching on the card--perhaps on the pink strip. Hard to know when to stop sometimes. Any way, here's my card:

The book print totally gives this card a Dawn McVey feel--not surprising since she's one of my favourite designers!

Supplies:

PTI Kraft cardstock; PTI Beautiful Blooms stamp set; Inkadinkado sentiment; vintage book print; Prima flowers; MM buttons; Versamark Ink; Distress Ink Walnut Stain; pink embroidery floss.

Thanks 4 your time!

Curtain Call--Act #23

2010-03-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

Okay--so I'm not typically a fan of pink--as you can see from my blog I love blues and teals (oh, and kraft, of course). However, when I saw Stacey's Curtain Call Act #23 Color challenge--I couldn't resist. I was drawn to the damask wall in the inspiration photo and went from there.

Here's what I created . . .

I cut the flowers with the Cricut Storybook Cartridge. The text stamp is Hampton Art; the damask type stamp (in pink) is TPC Studio; and the sentiment is Inkadinkado. Here's a closer look . . .

I love how 3 of the 4 colours are neutrals--you can swap out that pink with any other colour and the look would still be fab!!

Thanks 4 your time!