Foxhole Paper Crafts

Make a Wish

2011-02-11T16:34:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to create birthday cards that are neutral enough to be given to men. So when I do manage to pull one off, it's always worthy of a big ol' pat on the back!

Today's card certainly fits the bill. While it's certainly very gender neutral, it still offers elements that appeal to the ladies (hello, glitter!) and a color scheme that definitely appeals to the gents. When it was all said and done, I was quite proud of myself for this one. (But I must admit that Whitney helped! *wink*)

Make a Wish recipe
Base: cream card
Paper: DCWV - glitter cardstock; SU - vanilla
Ink: VF - onyx; SU - riding hood red
Stamps: Hampton Art - Happy Birthday
Misc: ScorTape; Stickles; glitter; pop dots

Beautiful Whoopsy

2011-02-08T16:19:00.000-06:00

Don't you just hate it when you mess up a card when your stamp rocks just a little and gets ink in places there shouldn't be any?! I know I sure do. And today's card is a perfect example of how it sometimes works out for the best.

I started by stamping the Upsy Daisy in eggplant. Before reinking, I stamped the image again to create a shadow effect. In order to fill 2/3 of the card, I needed to repeat this process one more time. Well, that's when I got a little heavy handed and managed to get ink on the edges of my rubber stamp and then rocked a bit too much and got that ink on the card. What was I going to do now?

Well, lucky for me, Whitney was over helping me out and she suggested that we cover those places up with something. So we hunted through our punches and found the butterflies and it just so happened they were big enough to cover up my booboo - perfect! I used three of them to keep with the rule of Odds (or even perhaps the rule of Threes) to give balance to the card. If you look closely, you can still see my mistake, but it's not as prominent and your eye is certainly not drawn to it but to the butterfly instead.

When all was said and done, I couldn't decide where to place my sentiment and that's when I decided that it didn't need one. Not on the outside anyway. So here you have a very simple design that packs a lot of punch. I couldn't have been more pleased with my mistake, and that's why I call it my beautiful whoopsy!

Butterflies recipe
Base: cream card
Paper: SU - eggplant
Ink: SU - eggplant
Stamps: SU - Upsy Daisy
Misc: Jolee's - butterfly punch; misc. butterfly punch; pop dots

By My Side

2011-02-05T16:14:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything here on the ol' craftin' blog. But it's definitely not for lack of craftin'!!! Nosiree! Quite the contrary actually. Aside from some personal projects I've worked on, the biggest portion of my crafting time has been taken up with projects for a new business. That's right, I finally started a card business.

It's a long story, but I'll try to give you the Reader's Digest version, for anyone who might actually be interested. My friend Whitney and I have a pretty sweet little part-time singing gig at a local church. The downturn in the economy has really impacted the church's budget, and we thought we were gonna be let go. Whitney approached me with questions about starting a card business, and I told her that it's virtually impossible to have a viable business on your own and I proceeded to give her all my reasons why. And so she said, "then why don't we do it together?" And that, my friends, is how High Notes Ink was born. The business is going well and we are cranking out new product all the time.

Since I do have a backlog of personal projects that I haven't posted over these five long months, I'll try my best to schedule a post or two a week to catch you up on my projects. My regular posts these days are dedicated to the biz, so if you're interested in some light reading 5 days (or more) a week, then hop on over and follow our blog.

On with today's card! Each year I make cards for my grandmother. Several years ago, I made her a box to hold all of her prized handmade cards and now I work to keep her in stock with cuteys to send to friends all year. This card is from this year's batch. Isn't it adorable? I absolutely LOVE these sets of Papertrey Ink stamps, and what's even better is that there are dies to coordinate so there's no tedious cutting! Just diecut it, stamp it, and stick it. Easy peasy!

It seemed so fitting to have a little doggie looking lovingly toward his owner's favorite chair to coordinate with the sentiment "thank you for always being by my side." If you have furry friends, you understand oh-so-perfectly what it means to have a faithful little friend who's always waiting to give you love. I know I sure do - as I sit here blogging with a snuggly, purring kitty on my lap!

Well, I hope you've enjoyed today's card and that you'll stop back by every once in a while to keep me honest in my promise to catch you up on all of the fun projects I've done!

By My Side recipe
Base: kraft card
Paper: SU - Patterns Pack III
Stamps: PTI - Chair-ished, On My Couch, On My Couch Additions
Ink: VF - onyx; SU - riding hood red
Misc: Zots; pop dots; PTI - On My Couch dies

Good Friends

2010-08-21T08:13:00.002-05:00

Clearly I'm loving me some Papertrey Ink these days. You know how, when you get a new stamp set, you just want to make a bunch of cards with it? Yeah, well ...

I made this card for a coworker who is going through a really rough time right now. Hopefully it gave her spirits a little lift. The design was based on this card by Nikie Estes.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - Patterns Pack DSP III (hostess)
Ink: VF - onyx; SU - creamy caramel, real red; CB - kraft; VM
Stamps: PTI - On My Couch, On My Couch Additions, Chair-ished
Misc: SU - eyelet border punch, close to cocoa polkadot satin ribbon, white embossing powder, white gel pen; pop dots; ScorTape; PTI - On My Couch dies

Miss You

2010-08-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

I just love this set by Lisa Johnson, and I absolutely fell in love with the card that she made with it in this post. It was absolutely the perfect design for a card that I sent to my cousin who is currently in Marine Corps Boot Camp. Hoorah!

And you'll notice that I was on another kick to dress up the inside of the card for this one too. It just didn't seem fair to leave the kitty uninked. *wink*

Cardstock/Paper: SU - Patterns Pack DSP III (hostess), very vanilla, basic black
Ink: VF - onyx; SU - real red, creamy caramel, chocolate chip
Stamps: PTI - Chair-ished, On My Couch, On My Couch Additions
Misc: pop dots; PTI - On My Couch dies, button twine; SU - whisper white satin ribbon; MM - ribbed ribbon; misc. red button; ScorTape

Masculine Card

2010-08-19T07:00:00.005-05:00

I've had this Papertrey set for quite a while and just haven't sat down and played with it. My supply of ready-made blank cards has dwindled, so I decided to make a few. This design lends itself to many uses - thinking of you, sympathy, birthday, get well, etc. I opted not to stamp a sentiment of any kind on the front or inside of the card until I'm ready to send it. I adapted my layout from this card by Dawn McVey.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - Patterns Pack DSP III (hostess), very vanilla, chocolate chip
Ink: SO - timber brown
Stamps: PTI - Through the Trees
Misc.: SU - antinque brads, ticket corner punch; SEI - twine ribbon; Zig - glue pen; glitter; ScorTape

Chair-ished

2010-08-18T06:10:00.010-05:00

My dad recently came over and did some plumbing work at our house. While a formal thank-you never seems to be necessary with the parentals, I think it's still nice to offer a gesture of appreciation. So I made this card using one of my new Papertrey sets. It's a little difficult to see but the cardstock I used to stamp my sentiment on is actually a scrap that I had used to catch Glimmer Mist overspray. The scrap got just a light dusting of sparkle, which went with this card perfectly.

I also did something that I rarely ever do. I "finished" the inside of the card, as well. It just seemed too ... blah ... to leave only a sentiment on the inside.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - Patterns Pack DSP III (hostess), very vanilla, whisper white
Ink: VF - onyx; SO - timber brown
Stamps: PTI - Chair-ished, On My Couch, On My Couch Additions, Inside & Out Thanks
Misc: PTI - On My Couch dies, button twine; pop dots; misc. button (Michaels variety pack); TA - Glimmer Mist (misc. colors); misc. brown pen; white gel pen; blue glitter pen
Card design based on a card by set creator Lisa Johnson

Happy Father's Day

2010-08-17T06:09:00.002-05:00

I intended to post this card yesterday, but I danced my time away and then completely forgot. While not indicative from the outside, I made this card for Father's Day using some of my new Tattered Angels products. I don't know if I ever mentioned that I went to a Glimmer Mist class at the Great American Scrapbook Convention, but I did and I absolutely fell in love with all things Tattered Angels. Honestly, it was hard to stop myself.

For this one-layer card, I used glimmer screens with the mist. It's difficult to see one of the screens in this photo, but if you look closely at the top right corner of the card, you can see a little of the Glacier scroll peaking through. The real, true shimmer of the card is quite difficult to capture on camera, but hopefully there's enough shimmeriness (yes, I just made that up) to give you the idea.

Card base: Michaels
Stamps: Tattered Angels - Tattered Traveler
Ink: SO - timber brown
Misc: Tattered Angels - Glimmer Mist (Metallics - Glacier, Gold, Graphite, Silver; Blue - Sapphire; Tattered Leather); Glimmer Screens - Tattered Traveler, Garden Lattice

Happy Mother's Day

2010-08-13T08:08:00.007-05:00

Today's card is based on this card by Ashley Cannon Newell. I thought the soft colors lended themselves well to Mother's Day. A simple sentiment substitution was all it took. Overall, this card was very simple to execute. Probably the fastest I've ever made one actually.

Cardstock: SU - pink pirouhette, chocolate chip, whisper white; kraft
Ink: SO - timber brown; CB - white craft; SU - pretty in pink, blush blossom, pink pirouhette, rose red, pixie pink
Stamps: PTI - Out on a Limb, Daily Designs Sentiments
Misc: SU - pink pirouhette grossgrain, eyelet border punch; pop dots; ScorTape

Welcome, Little One

2010-08-12T08:08:00.006-05:00

Yowzas! It's been a while. Not sure what happened. I guess life just got in the way. But not to worry. I've been crafting these last several months, so there will be some things to see over the next week or so. And I hope to get some more time in the craft room this weekend, too.

Now for the card. Way back in April, I attended a baby shower for my friend Carla & sweet baby Emma. This is the card I made to accompany her gift. You'll notice that I used the emboss resist technique for this card. Such a nice, soft look - perfect for baby cards!

Cardstock: SU - pink pirouhette, pretty in pink, very vanilla; Luxe - (polka dots)
Ink: SU - pink pirouhette, pretty in pink
Stamps: PTI - Text Style, Inside & Out Baby; Verve - Fluttering By
Misc: clear embossing powder; corner rounder; MM - flower ribbon, eyelet ribbon; ScorTape

Daws Glacier

2010-04-09T15:34:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately, I'm home from work today b/c of my allergies. BUT on the plus side, it means I can play around in the craft room a little. And today I worked on this layout from our Alaskan cruise. We got up close & personal with the Daws Glacier, and it did not disappoint.

Digital Supplies Used

Program: Adobe Elements 6.0; Template: JS Temp 11; Paper: SBA April '09 Kit - Queen of Quirk pp 8, mfen solid 1, mfen solid 4, mfen solid 8, awolff bg 6; Misc: Michelle Coleman - criss cross stitching; Fonts: Cracked, CK Becky

Beautiful Glaciers

2010-04-01T05:50:00.002-05:00

Today we're looking at the opposing layout for my Juneau spread. I focused on all of the beautiful scenery; it was pretty tough to narrow it down to just 10 faves!

Program: AE 6.0; Template: JS Temp. 03; Paper: KH - beige; Scrapdish - JB postcards; SBA - Jan. 10 awolff solid 4; Apr. 09 solid 4, solid 6 & tag 3; DD - KP traveler stamps Journey; MCO - antique brad; DP - simplicity word art 1

Birdseye View of Juneau

2010-03-31T05:50:00.002-05:00

While we didn't get to mush huskies as we'd planned due to low cloud cover in the morning, we salvaged the day by taking a sea plane tour of the glacier fields. Stunning! I had tons of pictures and wanted to maximize the number of beautiful photos I planned to preserve for our album. So I chose a template that would highlight a particularly memorable photo while allowing lots of other photos from the day.

Program: AE 6.0; Template: JS Temp. 03; Paper: KH - beige; Scrapdish - JB postcards; SBA - Jan. 10 awolff solid 4; Apr. 09 solid 4 & solid 6; DD - KP traveler stamps day 4; Fonts: Title - Cracked; Journaling - Abadi MD Condensed Light

Ketchikan: The Salmon Capital

2010-03-30T05:46:00.000-05:00

After we finished our tours in Ketchikan, we enjoyed a leisurely walk about town. We were actually in search of some good food (a story unto itself) but ended up just sightseeing instead. Once again, I used the ol' flip-it trick to tie the opposing pages together.

Program: Adobe Elements 6.0; Template: Designer Digitals - AAspnes Temp. 4; Paper: Songbird Ave. Dec. '09, awolff bg 7; Fonts: Title - Myriad Pro; Journaling - Arno Pro

Here, Fishie, Fishie, Fishie...

2010-03-29T05:37:00.004-05:00

Anyone else remember that episode of Sesame Street where Bert & Ernie go fishing? Makes me laugh every time I think about it. I've worked on some more digital layouts for our Alaska album, and I'll be sharing those this week. Today's layout, we're taking a look at the guy's first fishing trip in Ketchikan. No fish hopping in the boat, but they still had a great time.

Program: Adobe Elements 6.0; Template: Designer Digitals - AAspen Template 4; Paper - Songbird Ave Dec. '09 Kit, awolff bg 7; Fonts: Title - Stencil & Franklin Gothic Medium; Journaling - Baskerville Old Face

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

2010-03-27T09:03:00.001-05:00

The winner of the "guess what's wrong with this picture" contest is MOM. While she didn't guess the right answer, she was the only one who played along. So whoohoo, you win some yet-to-be-determined goodies! *wink*

The "error" in my card is in the assembly. The photo isn't the greatest, so it may be that the details just don't show up enough for you to see it. Each of the stitched panels is embossed: two have polka dots & two have circles. The patterns were supposed to be opposite each other but I mistakenly put them next to each other. But I did like MOM's answer too. *grin*

Packaging Templates Not for the Faint of Heart

2010-03-19T06:40:00.009-05:00

Yesterday you saw the card I gave to my friend for her birthday. Today I'm showing you the gift that I included. Why am I showing you the gift? Well, b/c I made the packaging and, quite frankly, after all of that work, someone should give me kuddos. LOL! I downloaded a digital template from Papertrey Ink and then printed it on the back of the cardstock I had chosen for the packaging. Then you score and tape flaps as set out in the assembly guide. And when it's all said and done, you have a handmade package for your goodies.

Also, Don't forget about the little contest I'm running. You have until noon tomorrow CST to enter!

Cardstock: SU - Parisian Breeze DP, choc. chip; watercolor paper

Stamps: WS - birthday chicken
Ink: SO - timber brown

Misc: PTI Timeless Template - Tucked Away; SU - watercolor pencils & blender pen; MM - green eyelet, polka dot grossgrain; green grossgrain; lt. blue satin; raspberry satin; ScorTape

Now, here's a little tip from me to you: when using these kinds of templates, test them out on scratch paper, especially if you decide to resize them! Don't ask me how I know this, I don't want to talk about it.

Birthday Cupcake

2010-03-18T10:39:00.000-05:00

One of my good friends recently had a birthday, and I whipped up this card to honor her special day. I based it on a layout by Mariana Grigsby in this recent Embellish Magazine challenge post. And here's an added bonus: I'm offering a little prize if you can figure out my layout mistake. While this isn't the best quality photo since I had to use my phone rather than my digital SLR, you should still be able to see the whoopsy if you look closely. (You can click the photo to enlarge.) You have until Saturday at noon CST to post your answer. I'll select a Random.Derek winner from the correct answers. Good luck!

Cardstock/Paper: SU - choc. chip; pixie pink; tempting turquoise; glorious green, more mustard; watercolor paper; Sizzix - shantung texture, silver
Stamps: SU - Crazy for Cupcakes; PTI - Around & About Sentiments
Ink: SO - timber brown
Misc: Bazzill - micro brads; MM - stitched grossgrain; Sizzix Texturz - #20 (Birthdays), SU Backgrounds #1; machine stitching; ScorTape; pop dots

Coming Soon...

2010-03-15T05:41:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been a busy month. While I've done some crafting here & there, I haven't had the time to get anything uploaded to show you. BUT I will be home babysitting worker bees the end of this week, which means that I will have plenty of time to get to that craft room to-do list! See you back here at the end of the week!

Valentine

2010-02-06T15:32:00.000-06:00

'Tis the time of year to make a little something for your Valentine. I whipped this one up using a technique called Emboss Resist. Several stampers have demonstrated this technique recently (check out this one). In fact, Nichole Heady over at Papertrey issued a challenge using this technique. While I didn't get my card done in time to participate in the challenge, it was fun to learn & use a new technique with such great results.

Cardstock: SU - riding hood red, very vanilla, Candy Lane
Ink: SU - creamy caramel, pink pirouette, riding hood red; VM
Stamps: SU - Happy Hearts; PTI - Text Style
Misc: SU - clear embossing powder, pink pirouette grossgrain; PTI - rustic twine; ScorTape; Magic Scraps - red glitter; Stampendous - white ultra fine glitter; misc. buttons; Zots

Invitation

2010-02-02T06:01:00.002-06:00

Since I don't have anything of my own to share with you today, I thought I would show off a bit of my mom's work. She was contracted to make invitations for a school faculty function. I like the simplicity of this pocket card design and how she made it appealing to both men & women. I believe all of her supplies are Stampin' Up.

Wishing You

2010-02-01T06:37:00.003-06:00

I was recently hired to make a birthday card for a 90th birthday celebration. I like to get a feel for the type of person who will be receiving a card that I make. The card recipient has been described as "rather traditional" and loves the colors pink and green. I knew this card would be perfect with a few simple substitutions.

Cardstock: DCWV - Luxury Stack; SU - chocolate chip, pink pirouhette; misc. white paper

Stamps: PTI - Recipe Box Label, Fresh Alphabet, Daily Designs, With Sympathy, Through the Trees

Ink: SU - pink pirouhette, sage shadow, creamy caramel; SO - timber brown

Misc: SU - pixie pink satin ribbon, scallop border punch, Texturz Flourish embossing plate; EK success - diamond scallop border punch; PTI - rustic twine; Reflections - pink adhesive pearls; pop dots; Zots; ScorTape; corner rounder

Birthday Cupcakes

2010-01-31T07:22:00.000-06:00

I replicated the card that I forgot to photograph from the Christmas gift set. This one got rave reviews, and I must say that it's pretty snazzy. Such a happy color combo.

Cardstock: SU - riding hood red, kiwi kiss, baja breeze; DCWV - Mi Casa stack; watercolor paper
Stamps: SU - The More the Merrier
Ink: VF - onyx
Misc: MM - green eyelets; SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen; pop dots
Inspiration card

The Court Goes to School: Day 5

2010-01-30T05:41:00.001-06:00

There were lots of terrific photos from the take home library dedication. I selected the best representation for the collage. What a neat thing for this office to be able to remember this program for many years to come!

Supplies used: red cardstock; DCWV - the Grade School stack; misc. cardstock cbackpack; pop dots; MAMBI - boy w/ backpack sticker; Adobe Elements 6; CoffeeShop To the Nines Template; Font - Scrap Kids

The Court Goes to School: Day 4

2010-01-29T05:33:00.002-06:00

One of the amazing things this group did last year was begin a take-home library. Why is this amazing? Well, this library is designed to encourage more at-home reading by allowing the kids to select books and take them home - FOR GOOD. The volunteers collected over 350 books to start the library and have continued collecting since its inception, donating more than 500 books in a single school year! They plan to have annual book drives to replenish the library from one school year to the next.

Supplies used: Imagination project - Office Supplied Great Grid Paper Black; white cardstock; DCWV - the Grade School stack; SU - so saffron striped grossgrain; ScorTape; misc. cardstock children w/ book; pop dots

The Court Goes to School: Day 3

2010-01-28T05:27:00.001-06:00

Today we're looking at the right-hand page of the photo collage of last year's volunteers. I kept the two-page design very simple. That keeps the focus on the photos of all of those happy kids and mentors.

The stitching is a little better on this side of the layout, but the thread tension gave me some trouble in a few places. So many things to learn!

Supplies used: SU - tangerine tango cardstock; lt. red cardstock; DCWV - the Grade School stack; misc. cardstock globe; corner rounder; pop dots; black pen; Singer Pixie; orange thread; Adobe Elements 6; CoffeeShop Rounded Corners Storyboard Set 5; Font - LDJ Noodge

The Court Goes to School: Day 2

2010-01-27T05:12:00.001-06:00

While the office I am scrapping for has not taken tons of photos or retained lots of memorabilia from their volunteer project, there are still plenty of good representations of the work they are doing at the school. For instance, last year, the school counselor took photos of some of the volunteers with their mentees, which made an excellent collage for last year's tutoring work.

Supplies used: SU - tangerine tango cardstock; lt. red cardstock; DCWV - the Grade School stack; misc. cardstock computer; corner rounder; pop dots; black pen; Singer Pixie; orange thread; Adobe Elements 6; CoffeeShop Rounded Corners Storyboard Set 5

NOTE: My scanner and I are not getting along at the moment, so this is not the best scan and thus not the best digital panoramic stitching. But hopefully you get the idea, despite having part of the edge page elements cut off.

I also experimented with machine stitching as a border. I have not had my sewing machine very long and have never been good with one to begin with. Straight lines aren't my strongest suit! But I think the imperfections work in the context of subject matter and thus I did not scrap the layout and start over but embraced the layout - imperfections & all.

The Court Goes to School

2010-01-26T05:01:00.008-06:00

I've been hired to complete an album for a business. This particular office has adopted a school as a group volunteer project. They've been documenting bits & pieces of their work since they began, so the scrapbook has come together very easily. For the next several days, we'll look at what's in the book thus far. Today, we start with the title page.

Supplies used: black cardstock; white cardstock; DCWV - the Grade School stack; Singer Pixie; white thread; pop dots; Adobe Photoshop Elements 6; Frame - Sande Krieger A Little Pizzazz Funky Frame; Font - Scrap Kids

An Album Gone Digital: Day 7

2010-01-25T06:27:00.002-06:00

And here is the right-hand page of the Ketchikan layout. I used a two-page, coordinating template this time. So you'll notice that the two facing pages compliment one another without mirroring.

Supplies used: Program - Adobe PS Elements 6; Template - Ali Edwards Remember This Right (DesignerDigitals); Font - Birch Std (journaling); Paper - Daniella Peuss Love & Affection kit background 04 (background), Jan Crowley SongBird Avenue April 09 patterned paper 6 (strip), Veronica Ponce Cottage Bluff kit cloudy day paper (center); Ink - Michelle Coleman Fall Splendor kit inked edge overlay; Rub-ons - Katie Pertiet Traveler Stamps explore, Ali Edwards Hello Summer brushes "unwind"

An Album Gone Digital: Day 6

2010-01-24T07:19:00.001-06:00

We've cruised the Inside Passage and have reached our first destination - Ketchikan. The boys went fishing while we explored the Alaskan wilderness.

Supplies used: Program - Adobe PS Elements 6; Template - Ali Edwards Remember This Left (DesignerDigitals), CoffeeShop Rounded Corner Storyboard 6; Font - Blackoak Std (title); Paper - Daniella Peuss Love & Affection kit background 04 (background), Jan Crowley SongBird Avenue April 09 patterned paper 6 (strip); Ink - Michelle Coleman Fall Splendor kit inked edge overlay; Vellum - Rhonna Farrer Travel kit tag; Rub-ons - Katie Pertiet Traveler Stamps day 3, Ali Edwards Hello Summer brushes "play"

An Album Gone Digital: Day 5

2010-01-23T06:48:00.003-06:00

We're still at sea cruising the Inside Passage in today's layout. Again, you'll notice that I used the same template for the left and right-hand pages, except that I flipped the template both horizontally and vertically for balance. You'll also notice a little mirroring between the two pages. It couldn't have worked out more perfectly if we'd planned it (and we didn't)!

Supplies used: Program - Adobe PS Elements 6; Template - Anna Aspnes MultiFoto Single Layered Template No. 27B (DesignerDigitals); Font - Myriad Pro (title), Arial narrow (journaling); Paper - Amy Wolff SongBird Avenue April 09 kit background 4 paper (top right), Jan Crowley SongBird Avenue April 09 kit patterned paper 6 (behind title) and patterned paper 4 (behind "us" sticker), Meredith Fenwick SongBird Avenue April 09 kit paper 2 (background) and solid 1 (center blocks)

An Album Gone Digital: Day 4

2010-01-22T06:35:00.000-06:00

Today begins the second day of our Alaskan cruise and another fun digital template. We were at sea on the second day and passed lots of beautiful scenery as we cruised the Inside Passage. So I chose a template that allowed for lots of photos.

Supplies used: Program - Adobe PS Elements 6; Template - Anna Aspnes MultiFoto Single Layered Template No. 27B (DesignerDigitals); Font - Myriad Pro (title), Arial narrow (journaling); Paper - Amy Wolff SongBird Avenue April 09 kit background 4 paper (background), Jan Crowley SongBird Avenue April 09 kit patterned paper 6 (behind title) and patterned paper 4 (behind "us" sticker)

An Album Gone Digital: Day 3

2010-01-21T06:22:00.000-06:00

This is the right-hand page of the two-page layout "Leaving Seattle." You'll notice that I used the same digital template on this layout as on the left-page, but I flipped it both horizontally AND vertically for balance.

Supplies used: Program - Adobe PS Elements 6; Template - Cathy Zielske no. 01 (DesignerDigitals); Font - CK Urban (title), Cooper standard (journaling); Paper - Angie Briggs Whimsy Style kit blue solid patterned paper & brown solid patterned paper (ScrapArtist), Meredith Fenwick Serenity kit paper 2, Michelle Coleman Fall Splendor kit distressed brown paper, Sarah Batdorf Whimsy Style kit brown circles patterned paper (ScrapArtist); Journaling block - Sande Krieger Travel Papers diamond ledger (TwoPeas); Ribbon - Rhonna Farrer Travel kit ribbon (May Free{Pea}); Rub-on - Ali Edwards Hello Summer brushes "ocean" and "travel" (DesignerDigitals)

An Album Gone Digital: Day 2

2010-01-20T06:43:00.003-06:00

For the next several days, you're going to see layouts I've done for our latest cruise album. I've really enjoyed this album so far. It's amazing how freeing a digital template can be! If you've never tried using one, I strongly encourage you to watch one of Jessica Sprague's tutorials and give it a try. (Here is one superb sample. More can be find on her website.)

Supplies used: Program - Adobe PS Elements 6; Template - Cathy Zielske no. 01 (DesignerDigitals); Font - CK Urban (title), Cooper standard (journaling); Paper - Angie Briggs Whimsy Style kit blue solid patterned paper & brown solid patterned paper (ScrapArtist), Meredith Fenwick Serenity kit paper 2, Michelle Coleman Fall Splendor kit distressed brown paper; Journaling block - Sande Krieger Travel Papers diamond ledger (TwoPeas); Ribbon - Rhonna Farrer Travel kit ribbon (May Free{Pea}); Rub-on - Rhonna Farrer Travel kit travel overlay (May Free{Pea})

An Album Gone Digital

2010-01-19T06:38:00.001-06:00

As a Christmas gift, my mom scrapped the pictures from our recent family vacation to Alaska. We went with my parents and my brother & sister-in-law, so there were lots of fabulous pictures to choose from for the album. So many, in fact, that it still leaves me plenty of pictures to scrap on my own. And that's why I decided to scrap the trip completely digitally.

I'm very much a novice at digital scrapbooking. I've done a few layouts here & there, but I found the process to be even more time-consuming than the traditional paper layouts, if that's even possible (for me, that is). That is until recently when I discovered the wonder of digital templates. Oh my. These toys have to be the best invention ever. What makes them especially nice for someone like me is that you're not "stuck" with the layout as-is. Assuming you've downloaded a layered template, you have the option to delete & add & move around, which makes them totally customizable. Now, don't get me wrong, I still love working with paper as much as the next die-hard traditional scrapper. But I have to say that I'm now hooked on the possibilities that lie in wait in the digital realm.

This is the cover layout I made for our Alaska book using a template by Jessica Sprague.

Supplies used: Program - Adobe PS Elements 6; Template - Jessica Sprague 04; Font - LDJ Miss Me (title), Trebuchet MS (journaling); Paper - Angie Briggs Tom Boy Kit lt. green & grey cardstock, Songbird Avenue April '09 Kit solid 6 cardstock; Ribbon - Anita Stergiou The Floriade Collection ribbon 04; Rub-on - House of 3 WordArt (relax)

20+ Days of Cards: Day 23

2010-01-18T07:32:00.001-06:00

Today wraps up my post-holiday thank-you notes. This third and final design is clean & simple and was very quick to assemble.

Base: Michaels pre-scored card
Cardstock: K&Co green; misc. cream
Misc: Sizzix - Gifts & Mistletoe; Zots; SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen (shadowing); silver glitter pen; Xyron

20+ Days of Cards: Day 22

2010-01-17T06:25:00.001-06:00

Today I have another holiday thank-you card to share with you. I used one of my new Sizzix dies to paper piece this card. I had bunches of scraps leftover from an album project that worked perfectly for the piecing.

Base: Michaels pre-scored card
Cardstock/Paper: misc. white; K&Co - holiday paper, green textured cardstock
Misc: Sizzix - Gifts & Mistletoe; green glitter pen; white pen; pop dots; Xyron

20+ Days of Cards: Day 21

2010-01-16T07:15:00.002-06:00

When the holidays are all over, it's time to thank everyone who made them special. I came up with three designs for the thank-you cards this year - all inspired by the dies themselves. This first one screamed for something beyond paper, so I thought it would be fun to use felt. I really like how the texture of the felt gave the design added dimension and depth.

Base: Michaels pre-scored card
Misc: Sizzix - Holly & Berries; brown pen; white pen; brown machine stitching

20+ Days of Cards: Day 20

2010-01-15T06:07:00.004-06:00

Today wraps up the holiday cards I made as gifts. This last card is literally a gift in itself. Again, I used Jennifer McGuire's tutorial for incorporating money into the design. Who said money doesn't grow on trees?? *wink*

Cardstock/Paper: SU - not quite navy, baja breeze, sage shadow, chocolate chip
Ink: VM; SU - handsome hunter, always artichoke
Stamps: Luxe - swirls; PTI - 2009 Holiday Tags
Misc: SU - heat & stick powder; Stampendous - crystal snow; Reflections - pearls, stars; Michaels - velvet ribbon

20+ Days of Cards: Day 19

2010-01-14T06:52:00.000-06:00

I have a gift card holder to share with you today. I used Jennifer McGuire's tutorial on the Hero Arts blog found here. It came together in a snap.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - real red, whisper white; misc. print
Misc: Sizzix - Top Notez, Texturz #10; Prima - Holiday Poinsettia; MM - rhinestone brad; misc. ribbon

Alternate view

20+ Days of Cards: Day 18

2010-01-13T06:30:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, I neglected to photograph all of the cards that went into the gift set so you won't get to see all 20. However, I still have plenty of things to share over the next several days.

I don't know about you, but I give a lot of gift cards these days. While I hate that it feels so impersonal, I feel like I'm saving the recipient a trip & a return. So to spice things up, I try to make the packaging fun. Just before Christmas, Jennifer McGuire posted several tutorials on the Hero Arts blog for gift card holders. I thought they were wonderful and set out to make them myself.

Today's card is a creative way to give money. Jennifer's tutorial can be found here.

Base: SL - frosted card
Cardstock/Paper: SU - delicate dots, whisper white, real red, basic black; DCWV - mi casa
Ink: CB - frost white, platinum; SU - handsome hunter
Stamps: SU - Solemn Stillnes, Happy Winter
Misc: MM - black mini brads, blue brads; Reflections - star; MS - chunky glitter; SU - crystal effects; pop dots; black pen

TIP: When using a frosted or acetate card base, be sure you have the right kind of ink to stamp on it. I didn't, which means that despite my best efforts the ink never dried properly.

20+ Days of Cards: Day 17

2010-01-12T07:03:00.000-06:00

You may remember this card from a few months ago. I made a big batch of them and didn't need them all at the time. I included one of the leftovers in the bundle. I didn't feel the need to photograph it again for this project.

This is such a cute & simple card. When I saw it in the SCS gallery, I immediately marked it as a favorite. I will definitely turn to the layout for future quick cards.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - delicate dots, basic black; watercolor paper
Ink: VF - onyx
Stamps: SU - A Flower for All Seasons; PTI - Autumn Abundance
Misc: SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen; EK - 2" scallop punch

20+ Days of Cards: Day 16

2010-01-11T06:50:00.000-06:00

This is a re-run of a card I did in September, but I liked it so well that I felt it should be included in this year's bundle.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - pink pirouhette, whisper white
Ink: SU - mellow moss, pink pirouhette
Stamps: PTI - With Sympathy
Misc: SU - pink grossgrain; Reflections - pearls; Stampendous - black embossing powder; pop dots; Zips; ScorPal

20+ Days of Cards: Day 15

2010-01-10T06:50:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure whether I've ever mentioned my love for chickens, but I've had a love affair with Gallus domesticus since I was a little girl. And it's one of the reasons I bought this particular stamp set, aside from its versatility and how easily one can assemble more masculine-feeling cards.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - real red, good morning sunshine; watercolor paper
Ink: VF - onyx; SU - riding hood red
Stamps: SU - Country Morning; PTI - Autumn Abundance
Misc: EK - 2" scallop punch, 1.75" circle punch; SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen
Inspiration card

20+ Days of Cards: Day 14

2010-01-09T06:48:00.001-06:00

This card came together in a snap. And when you're making a lot of cards, it's nice to have some quickies, particularly if you're a slow-poke assembler like I am.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - going gray, very vanilla, pink passion
Ink: VF - onyx; SU - mellow moss, rose red
Stamps: SU - Close as a Memory
Misc: Sizzix - Texturz #15; SEI - adhesive ribbon
Inspiration card

20+ Days of Cards: Day 13

2010-01-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

One-layer cards are always fun, not to mention challenging. I like them for their simplicity. I was inspired by this card and am quite pleased with the way mine turned out.

Background: Michaels - white pre-scored card
Ink: VF - onyx; SU - riding hood red
Stamps: SU - Time for You; PTI - Autumn Abundance
Misc: SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen; misc. stitched ribbon

20+ Days of Cards: Day 12

2010-01-07T06:57:00.003-06:00

Having grown up in a farming community and as part of a farming family, the images in Country Morning really grabbed me, reminding me very much of my childhood. I, of course, wanted to include the images in this year's bundle of cards. I saw this card on SplitCoast and was inspired to create the card I'm showing you today.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - parisian breeze; lt. kraft; watercolor paper
Ink: SO - timber brown
Stamps: SU - Country Morning; PTI - Autumn Abundance
Misc: SEI - ribbon; ScorPal; SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen, eyelet border punch; Sizzix - TopNotez; Zips

20+ Days of Cards: Day 11

2010-01-06T06:57:00.007-06:00

The first time I saw this set of Papertrey stamps, I knew I had to have them. They're so versatile. And who doesn't love to receive flowers?! Once again, Dawn's color combo came to the rescue, and I borrowed the layout from this card in the PTI design gallery.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - always artichoke, pink passion, certainly celery; cream; watercolor paper
Ink: VF - onyx
Stamps: PTI - Autumn Abundance
Misc: SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen; MM - ribbon; Sizzix - Texturz #17; pop dots; Zips; sewing machine

20+ Days of Cards: Day 10

2010-01-05T19:22:00.000-06:00

I bought this stamp from a fellow blogger but hadn't had the opportunity to ink it. This was the perfect opportunity. It makes the cutest blank notecard, don't you think? I used one of Dawn's color challenges to put the whole thing together.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - sweet always, chocolate chip; watercolor paper
Ink: SO - timber brown
Stamps: WS - Fall Fun Kitty
Misc: SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen, linen thread; misc. buttons; Zots

20+ Days of Cards: Day 9

2010-01-04T08:01:00.001-06:00

Simple, understated, elegant. What else is there to say about this design? I simplified it to eliminate some of the intricate cutting. But I think the end product is just as stunning.

Cardstock/Paper: DCWV - Mi Casa stack; SU - chocolate chip, whisper white
Ink: SO - timber brown
Stamps: VV - Fluttering By; SU - Thoughts & Prayers
Misc: pop dots; Recollections - black gems; orange gems; Zots; EK - diamond scallop punch; Sizzix - Texturz

20+ Days of Cards: Day 8

2010-01-03T08:00:00.006-06:00

I like having a multipurpose card in the stash. By leaving the inside of this card blank, you are free to celebrate anything from a birthday to a piece of good news to a beautiful day. I saw this card in the Papertrey idea gallery and knew it was the perfect design.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - wintergreen, windsor knot, good morning sunshine, chocolate chip; kraft; watercolor paper
Ink: SO - timber brown
Stamps: PTI - Autumn Abundance
Misc: SU - linen thread, watercolor pencils, blender pen, ticket corner punch; MM - pewter brads; brown pen

20+ Days of Cards: Day 7

2010-01-02T08:00:00.004-06:00

Everybody loves a good group birthday card. This Whipper Snapper stamp is always perfect for just such an occasion. I had stamped the image a long while ago but never got around to using it. I was a little heavy-handed when I stamped it so, in order to use it, I would have to cover up some smudges. I colored it up and set to work on covering up the boo-boo. I used the Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #17 for the palette which worked perfectly.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - notebook, candy lane, chocolate chip, whisper white; kraft
Ink: VF - onyx; SU - riding hood red
Stamps: WS - Party Kittens; PTI - Around & About Sentiments
Misc: SU - watercolor pencils, blender pens; pop dots; Recollections - red gems; Fiskars - 1" circle punch

20+ Days of Cards: Day 6

2010-01-01T07:59:00.006-06:00

It's nice to have a winter card ready to go right after the holidays. Whether it's for a thank-you note or just to say HI to family for the new year. This card caught my eye and was very easy to replicate. I hope you enjoy.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - real red, always artichoke, wintergreen d/p; watercolor paper; silver paper
Ink: VF - onyx
Stamps: SU - The More the Merrier
Misc: SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen, scallop edge punch; Recollections - silver pearls; Stickles - frosted lace, crystal; Sizzix - snowflakes

20+ Days of Cards: Day 5

2009-12-31T06:38:00.000-06:00

It can be difficult to find a sympathy card that isn't too frilly or flowery. Sometimes you just want something simple, perhaps even a bit more masculine. That's what drew me to this design when I first saw it. It adapted very well. Enjoy!

Cardstock: SU - always artichoke, barely banana, real red, very vanilla
Ink: SU - really rust, more mustard, garden green, ruby red, mellow moss, creamy caramel; SO - timber brown
Stamps: SU - Thoughts & Prayers
Misc: MM - square brads; Sizzix - SU Texturz #1 Flourish

20+ Days of Cards: Day 4

2009-12-30T06:29:00.006-06:00

Welcome to Day 4 of the project parade. Today we're giving thanks. Enjoy!

Cardstock: SU - kiwi kiss, tangerine tango, pumpkin pie, more mustard; watercolor paper
Ink: SO - timber brown
Stamps: SU - The More the Merrier
Misc: SU - Alpine Originals felt ribbon, watercolor pencils, blender pen, scallop circle punch; EK - 1.75" circle punch; Fiskars - 1" circle punch; Sizzix - Texturz #15 Lovely Flourish; pop dots; Zips; Zots
Inspiration card

20+ Days of Cards: Day 3

2009-12-29T06:20:00.001-06:00

You may remember this gift set from last year. When I made this for my grandmother, it was with the full intention of refilling it each year. The card showcase you're enjoying is this year's refill set. Five of the designs (2 birthday, 2 sympathy, 1 thanks) were packaged in gift sets for several friends & co-workers. Each recipient was thrilled with their set of cards, and I couldn't have been more pleased! Enjoy today's sample.

Cardstock: DCWV - The Luxury Stack; SU - rose red, creamy vanilla
Ink: SU - rose red, handsome hunter
Stamps: SU - Close as a Memory
Misc: Sizzix - SU Top Notez; gel pen; SU - very vanilla grossgrain; Zips
Inspiration card

20+ Days of Cards: Day 2

2009-12-28T03:01:00.001-06:00

Did you enjoy yesterday's card? It's nice to scraplift when you're trying to save time. Adapt the colors & go. That made it easy. Today's card is an original design (as far as I know) but it didn't start out that way. I saw this card but when it came down to it didn't have enough stuff in the stash to make it look right. I had already stamped & colored the main image, so I drew inspiration for paper selection from there. The layout worked itself out. Enjoy!

Cardstock/Paper: SU - real red, barely banana, Windsor Knot dp; black; watercolor paper
Ink: VF - onyx
Stamps: TCP - Smells Like Cake
Misc: SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen; Stickles - Xmas Red; CM - circles

20+ Days of Cards: Day 1

2009-12-27T14:59:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope yours was as good as mine. Now that all of the gift-giving is through, I can finally show you what I've been up to the last several weeks. I've been a busy bee, I tell ya.

I hope you enjoy 20+ Days of Cards!

Cardstock: Michaels - pre-scored card; SU - taken w/ teal, kiwi kiss; DCWV - Mi Casa stack; white
Ink: VF - onyx
Stamps: TCP - Smells Like Cake
Misc: SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen, tangerine tango brad, kiwi kiss brad; EK - scalloped diamond punch; pop dots; Sizzix - SU Texturz Backgrounds #1, Stars #2
Inspiration card

Genius!

2009-11-29T21:10:00.004-06:00

So ... why didn't anyone tell me that watercolor paper would be the key to better images? Now ... I have to say that my Mad Coloring Skillz have improved somewhat over the last six months or so after I watched several tutorials. But I kept having piling problems. You know ... when your paper gets all wet & bunches up & looks fuzzy. NOT good! Unless you want your image to look fuzzy, that is.

I tried all different kinds of paper, even the ones suggested in the tutorials, but I just wasn't having good luck. I'm sure it has something to do with my technique and/or my impatience to let things dry ... one never knows.

Anyway. This weekend I had to make a run to the craft store for some supplies - sticky anyone? - and decided to pick up a tablet of watercolor paper for the heck of it. If I was going to have ANY luck, surely this would be it? And whadda ya know? Voila! Perfect blending and no fuzzies! I wish I'd bought into the watercolor paper idea earlier, but I thought it was a load of hooey.

So let this be a lesson to you, if at first you don't succeed, listen to the advice of The Experts ... they probably came by that title honestly! *wink*

Mama Bird, Baby Bird

2009-11-14T10:06:00.000-06:00

I hosted a baby shower at work this week for a dear friend of mine. The shower theme was loosely based on the "mama bird, baby bird" concept. I knew exactly what I was going to do but was a little worried about the execution of the idea. The end result couldn't have come out more perfectly!

I wanted the birds to have the appearance of flying. So I affixed them to dowel rods stuck in styrofoam. The stands sat atop blue napkins meant to look like the sky and I covered the stands with polyfil to give the appearance of clouds.

I used a Sizzix die called Hello, Kitty Birdie to cut the birds and various elements from felt. I sewed two birds together, leaving a pocket for the dowel rod. I affixed the various elements using Zots.

I found a nifty cupcake stand online. It's made of cardboard that you decorate and assemble yourself. Since I wanted the cupcakes themselves to more of the focal point, I kept the stand decorations very simple. I covered each piece in white tissue paper and then covered the edges with polka-dot ribbon. It turned out to be a really nice presentation.

Adhesives

2009-11-14T09:27:00.000-06:00

In a recent article in one of my scrapbooking magazines, the column author reviewed a number of adhesives on the market. For many years, I've used double-sided tabs with great success. They stick well and are removable so long as you do it within the first five minutes or so. But they're a little time-consuming and I thought I would try one of the tape runners on the market - particularly after reading the article.

My first venture didn't go so well. I opted for the Tombo Mono Adhesive runner with removable adhesive. The problem I had is that it never stuck. The elements on my cards kept falling off, even days later. Even after leaving the cards underneath books - in hopes of getting better contact. So on my next trip to my favorite craft store, I returned the extra removable cartridge I bought. I thought about trying the permanent Tombo but decided instead to go with a different brand altogether and opted for the Therm-o-Web with permanent adhesive. It worked much better but still had some trouble keeping my heavier elements in place (I ended up using Zots on those places so I could get the cards in the mail). But I'm not ready to throw in the towel on it just yet.

Do you use an adhesive runner? If so, what brand do you use? And do you like it?

Congrats

2009-11-11T09:27:00.001-06:00

I made this card for an office baby shower. I knew the shower theme was birds, so I kept this card design in line with the overall theme. I based my card on this design from SCS. I really love how it turned out.

Cardstock: SU - pink pirouette, brocade blue, whisper white, pretty in pink
Stamps: SU - The More the Merrier; VV - Practically Perfect
Ink: VF - onyx
Misc: SU - watercolor pencils & blender pen, Ribbon Originals Dress Up; Sizzix - SU texture platez #4

Everyday Miracle

2009-11-10T20:51:00.001-06:00

I sent this card to the daughter of one of my co-workers who has had an ongoing illness. She's been sick since June, so the office has been sending her cards to help keep her spirits up. We're hopeful that this latest treatment is a success. I got this stamp set just recently. This is the first time I've inked it. I would have liked for my sun spot to have been a little less prominent, but sometimes you stop when things are just okay rather than ruining it by trying for perfect!

Cardstock: SU - chocolate chip, pink pirouette, sweet always, very vanilla
Stamps: Peace Within
Ink: SO - timber brown; SU - barely banana, apricot appeal, so saffron, more mustard
Misc: SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen; button; twine; metal flower; Zots; pop dots

4 Baby

2009-10-31T11:15:00.006-05:00

This seems to be the year for babies. I have five friends with babies due before the end of the year. Needless to say, there are lots of baby gifts to give & cards to make. I really like the way this one turned out. I based it on this card by TravelingMama. I've had this SU! paper for ages and use it here & there but hadn't yet found a way to incorporate the oh-so-cute birdies into a card. I was pleased as punch when I saw the inspiration card & knew exactly what I was going to do to adapt it. (No stamps/ink required!)

Cardstock/Paper: SU - Good Morning Sunshine, pink pirouette

Misc: Prima - aloha petals; AMM - chipboard 4; Sizzix - Broadway Melody; MM - gem brad; gems; Zots; Xyron; corner rounder; chipboard; Stickles - cotton candy

Did you notice my new floral frog? I've admired Dawn's for a long time and finally happened upon this one in Michael's last week. And it was only $3 - what a steal!

Birthday Kittens

2009-10-17T20:24:00.008-05:00

I bought this terrific Whipper Snapper stamp recently and have been anxiously awaiting a time to ink it up. I had an idea where I wanted to go with the card design, but it took a mind of its own really. It took three chances before I got it the way I wanted it.

Here's my favorite. Everything fell into place perfectly - the coloring, the layout, the colors. I'm pretty darn proud of this one. (Watercoloring inspiration found here)

Cardstock: SU - whisper white, Good Morning Sunshine; DCWV - Mi Casa; misc. red
Stamp: Whipper Snapper - Party Kittens
Ink: VF - onyx
Misc: SU - button, linen thread, watercolor pencils, blender pen

Here are the two that didn't turn out as I'd hoped. (Okay but not great.)

Cardstock: SU - whisper white, Good Morning Sunshine; misc. red
Stamp: Whipper Snapper - Party Kittens
Ink: VF - onyx
Misc: SU - hardware, orange rickrack, watercolor pencils, blender pen; Zots

Cardstock: SU - whisper white; DCWV - Mi Casa
Stamp: Whipper Snapper - Party Kittens
Ink: VF - onyx
Misc: SU - grossgrain, watercolor pencils, blender pen

Birthday Thanks

2009-10-17T12:48:00.004-05:00

I had quite a few thank-you notes to write after my birthday. And I after I saw this card on the Amuse blog, I knew that it would be perfect so I whipped up a set to send out to my friends & family. I adapted the design to suit what I had on-hand. They turned out pretty good, eh?

Cardstock: SU - choc. chip, very vanilla; Sizzix - shantung assorted metals self-adhesive

Stamps: Studio G - typewriter alpha

Ink: StazOn - timber brown

Misc: Zots; gems; Sizzix - leaf #4

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-10-13T08:53:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted here. I've completed several projects but cannot show them to you since they are gifts not yet in the hands of the happy recipients. As I just had my birthday, however, I will have some thank-you cards to show you in the coming week.

And speaking of birthday, look at what I got from my mom. I've thought long & hard about whether or not I wanted a sewing machine for my crafting projects, and I've finally rued NOT having one long enough that when mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I didn't hesitate in asking for a small machine. I've played with it on some scrap paper, of course, and can tell that I have a lot to learn but seem to be figuring things out quickly enough that I might use some stitching on my thank-yous. We shall see. I do love the compact size of the machine and the fact that it has a light. If I could just figure out what I'm doing, I'd be set. LOL!

Close in Love and Prayer

2009-09-20T19:54:00.004-05:00

In the last week, I've had need for several sympathy cards. I designed this simple card using one of my favorite sets from Papertrey.

Cardstock: SU - pink pirouette, whisper white
Stamps: PTI - With Sympathy
Ink: SU - artichoke, pink pirouette; VM
Misc: Black embossing powder; Reflections - pearls; MM - pink ribbon; Zips; pop dots

It's a Boy

2009-09-20T19:48:00.005-05:00

I had to make a quick card before attending a baby shower this weekend. I'm pleased with the design and how quickly it came together (for a change). Not to mention it's my own design. Go me!

Cardstock/Paper: SU - Parisian Breeze; kraft
Stamps: SU - Office Accoutrement; VV - Practically Perfect
Ink: SO - timber brown
Misc: EK - binding edge punch; SU - choc. chip clip, choc. chip brad, baja breeze buttons, linen thread; pop dots; Zots

Beach Bums in Maui

2009-09-11T06:06:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh, beautiful Maui - also known as the sunbather's paradise. This was the only port of call in which we chose not to schedule a daytime tour. Two whole days of relaxation. This is the beach day (obv). Look at that beautiful blue water!

Cardstock/Paper: TLC - Runway; DCWV; SU - chocolate chip
Stamps/Ink: PTI - Simple Alphabet; SU - taken w/ teal
Misc: grossgrain ribbon; K&Co - chipboard, stickers; Sizzix - Sassy Serif; Zips; Xyron; pop dots

Kona Le'a Coffee

2009-09-10T07:06:00.000-05:00

Our day in Kona was one of our most-anticipated. We chose to take the Explosion of Flavor tour on which we would visit the Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, Kona Le'a Coffee Plantation, and the Hawaiian Vanilla Company. We were certainly not disappointed - it was an "explosion of flavor" and then some!

Cardstock/Paper: TLC - Runway
Misc: Luxe - travel rub-ons; chipboard; Sizzix - Aphrodite; MM - rub-ons; pop dots

Pub Crawl!

2009-09-09T18:05:00.002-05:00

One of the many things we really loved about our Hawaiian cruise was the fun ship-sponsored activities. We never found ourselves wanting for anything to do. On one such afternoon, we participated in a pub crawl where we got to sample a drink at each bar, play some games, and make some great friends. We laughed ourselves silly that day!

Cardstock/Paper: TLC - Slumber Party
Misc: chipboard; pink gems; Sizzix - Broadway Melody; Uniball - Signo white gel pen; DCWV - rub-ons; misc. satin ribbon; Zips; Zots; Xyron; pop dots

Hilo Botanical Garden

2009-09-08T20:04:00.003-05:00

While in Hilo, we enjoyed a day-long excursion on which we toured Volcano National Park, the Thurston Lava Tube, the Mauna Loa macademia nut farm, and the Botanical Garden. I was enamored by the beautiful flowers and plants in the garden. This layout is but a small sampling of the many wonders of the garden.

Cardstock/Paper: TLC - Runway; Luxe - Simply Luxe
Misc: buttons; Michaels - flower; MM - big brad; Sizzix - alphabet; Luxe - adhesive tag; TLC - parens; Xyron; Zots

Mudbugging

2009-09-07T15:53:00.005-05:00

There are quite a few layouts from our Hawaii album that I have not shown you. Slowly but surely I'm finishing up this album. Sad when it takes you two years to get the layouts done. LOL! For this layout, I used another one of Becky Higgins' sketches. A basic recipe sure makes pages come together more quickly!

While we were in Kona, we went mudbugging on the old sugar plantation. We had a blast "gettin' dirty" on the trails. It was beautiful country to drive through and we even recognized several of the vistas from movies like "Jurassic Park" and "Six Days Seven Nights."

Cardstock/Paper/Elements: TLC - Urban Threads; kraft

Ink: SU - chocolate chip (edge distressing)

Misc: TLC - brown distressed rub-ons; Sizzix - alpha; Luxe - travel words rub-ons; pop dots; Canon photopaper; Xyron 250

Happy 29th ... Again

2009-09-06T15:04:00.005-05:00

When I saw this card, I knew it would be perfect for my boss who celebrates a birthday this week. I tweaked the color scheme to coordinate with the paper I had on hand. I also added dimension to part of the packages and to the focal image for added "pop" and emphasis. I think it turned out rather well.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - whisper white, pacific point, riding hood red, tangerine tango, summer sun, Good Morning Sunshine

Ink: VF onyx

Stamps: TCP - Smells Like Cake, You Say It's Your Birthday

Misc: SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen, crystal effects, scallop border punch; Stickles - crystal; Reflections - silver pearls; pop dots

Good Luck

2009-09-03T16:30:00.005-05:00

This week my most favorite bus driver is leaving. It's an unfortunate part of riding the bus. We only get to keep our drivers for six months before they move on to other routes. I've been riding the bus for six years, and I cannot recall a driver I have liked more. Michael is courteous, polite, and takes a genuine interest in his riders. He notices when we don't ride. He holds the bus a few minutes when we're running late. He takes pride in his job. And it shows: he was selected as Driver of the Year for 2008. In short, Michael is a real gem. I made this card to wish him farewell and good luck as he moves on.

Cardstock/Paper: TLC - black, cream underground; SU - real red, very vanilla

Stamps: Luxe - Swirls; SU - Figures of Speech

Ink: Versamark; SU - real red

Misc: Stampendous - midnight black embossing powder; MM - red star brads; white satin ribbon; red velvet ribbon; Zots; Zips; pop dots; Sizzix - top notez; circle cutters; star punch

Inspiration layout

Smell Cake?

2009-09-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

When I saw this card on SCS, I fell in love with it and knew it would be perfect for my co-worker Carol.

Cardstock: SU - sage shadow, whisper white, more mustard
Stamps: TCP - Smells Like Cake
Ink: VF onyx; SU - creamy caramel
Misc: Zips; Zots; ScorPal; SU - mustard grossgrain, linen thread, 1/4" circle punch, watercolor pencils, blender pen; button; flower; pop dots

Bow-Wow Birthday

2009-08-31T05:56:00.001-05:00

August seems to be one of those months chocked full of birthdays. I've worked fast & furiously to keep up. I made this card (inspired by this card) for a co-worker who turned 50.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - pacific point, real red, tangerine tango, sweet always, whisper white
Stamps: TCP - Smells Like Cake
Ink: VF - onyx
Misc: zips; zots; pop dots; MM - crystal brads; SU - pacific point brad, watercolor pencils, blender pen; misc. grossgrain; Sizzix - Texturz #15, #17; Stickles - crystal; CM circle cutter

Boot the Blues

2009-08-30T17:35:00.005-05:00

Anybody missed me? Wonder what happened to me? I was in a crafting funk. Oh, there's plenty to do but just didn't feel like doin' it. But I'm back in the groove(ish) and have cranked out a few cards in the last coupla weeks. Proud? Yeah, me too. *wink*

Who doesn't like a cheery card when they're feelin' bad? I love to get a card in the mail when I'm blue or just feelin' punky. My co-worker's daughter has been ill for almost a month now, and the doctors have had a tough time diagnosing the illness. I sent this card in hopes of brightening her day a bit. I borrowed the idea from the uber-talented Dawn McVey.

Cardstock/Paper: SU - vanilla, white, Candy Lane, Notebook

Stamps: SU - Flower Filled

Ink: SU - chocolate chip, pink pirouette, taken w/ teal

Misc: pop dots; assorted pens; SU - linen thread

FREE Digital Class

2009-06-24T09:36:00.003-05:00

In honor of its second birthday, JessicaSprague.com is hosting a FREE digital photo editing class. Aside from the terrific free instruction given by Jessica (she's a superb teacher - just check out her video tutorials if you aren't sure!), you'll get some digital freebies too. What's better than a free class with free digital tools?! I sure can't think of anything! Hop on over to register.

Birthday Star

2009-06-04T06:10:00.001-05:00

Monday was my husband's birthday and I made him this card. I found this great card posted on SCS. I liked how the mostly masculine card had a small feminine touch - with the tiniest bit of pink. So it was a salute to the birthday boy while still having a little touch of "me."

For more dimension on the stars, I recycled the leftover rubber from a new set of SU stamps. Just peel off the rubber & use the double-sided sticky foam. Perfecto!

Cardstock: white; SU - chocolate chip, always artichoke

Stamps: PTI - around & about sentiments

Ink: SU - pink pirouette, always artichoke, chocolate chip; CB - frost white

Misc: SU - scallop border punch; pop dots; corner rounder

Sweet One

2009-06-03T08:00:00.005-05:00

I was hired to make this card for a baby shower. The mom-to-be is having a boy, but I didn't want to make the card too masculine so I pulled the softer, more neutral colors. I wanted it to look like a wall with beadboard (though that is really difficult to see in this photo...sorry!), chair rail, textured wall on top with a baby-themed wall hanging. It turned out even better than I'd hoped.

Cardstock: white; SU - barely banana, bashful blue (banner), brocade blue (frame), so saffron (moon)

Stamps: SU - So Many Scallops

Ink: Versamark

Misc: Stampendous - midnight black e.p.; Sizzix - Texturez Tween Stripes; MM - FA Trims (Sidney), silver star brad, thin black wire; Zips; tacky tape; CM - circle cutters; Xyron

Class of '09

2009-06-02T07:51:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that my "little" cousin graduated this weekend. The same kid I babysat from the time he was born! Sheesh - where does the time go??!!

I saw this post last week and thought it would be perfect for Scott's card. I tweaked it to include his school colors & to work with my smaller dies. I'm pleased as punch w/ the result! *pat myself on the back*

Cardstock/paper: SU - Good Morning Sunshine, Western Sky, So Saffron; dk. kraft; green crinkle (that's technical, right?)

Stamps: PTI - Fresh Alphabet

Ink: SO - timber brown

Misc: Sizzix - Aphrodite alpha, Stars #2; MM - FV trims (Lizzie), star brads; SU - clear embossing powder; green grossgrain; pop dots; tacky tape; Xyron 250

Father's Day

2009-06-01T08:18:00.001-05:00

This is the card I made for my father-in-law. It's a little variation on yesterday's theme - a little different color scheme, a little truer to the inspiration layout, and a little turn on the stripes.

Cardstock/paper: SU - windsor knot, baja breeze, chocolate chip; lt. kraft; dk. kraft

Stamps: VV - Father Figure; PTI - Around & About sentiments (small star)

Ink: SO - timber brown

Misc: Sizzix - Stars #2; pop dots; MM - brads; La Plume - dk. brown pen

Proud

2009-05-31T08:08:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe it's already time to celebrate Father's Day. We'll be mailing our cards from Alaska this year. Won't that be fun? This is the card I made for my dad. I used this card as inspiration.

Cardstock/paper: SU - parisian breeze, baja breeze, chocolate chip; lt. kraft; dk. kraft

Stamps: VV - Father Figure; PTI - Around & About sentiments (small star)

Ink: SO - timber brown

Misc: chipboard star; Sizzix - Stars #2; pop dots; MM - brad; La Plume - dk. brown pen

Sympathy

2009-05-30T14:59:00.006-05:00

I made this lovely card for a friend of mine who rides the bus home from work with me. Her daughter-in-law passed away after a very long battle with cancer. I found this card on SCS and used it as my inspiration - only tweaking a few things here & there. Very simple design but stunning none-the-less.

Base: white pre-scored card

Cardstock: black; white

Ink: SU - pink pirouette, always artichoke; VF - onyx

Stamps: PTI - With Sympathy

Misc: flowers; MM - large gingham brad, FV trims (Ruby); SU - eyelet border punch; Stampendous - midnight black embossing powder

HOOT!

2009-05-29T17:31:00.002-05:00

June is a busy month in our family with two birthdays, and anniversary, and Father's Day. I've been busy working on cards, especially since we'll be gone for a week right around the time I would ordinarily sit down to make most of these cards.

For this card, I used Dawn's Raspberry Suite #4 color combo b/c it really gives the masculine feel I was going for. I realize that may seem a little surprising, but I think (hope?) you'll see what I mean. I also used Jen del Muro's SFYTT sketch from the end of April to build the layout. The stamps are some of my favorite critter sets: Wise Owl from Papertrey Ink.

Color inspiration

Layout inspiration

RECIPE

Base: white pre-scored card

Paper/Cardstock: SU - Windsor Knot; white

Stamps: PTI - Wise Owl

Ink: VF - onyx (I really need to get some brown!!)

Misc.: MM - metal tag; SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen; Zips; pop dots; white satin ribbon; Sizzix - Texturez Texture Plates #17, tween lattice

Fluttering Thanks

2009-05-24T11:07:00.004-05:00

I needed some quick thank-you cards and found inspiration in an older post I had starred in Google Reader. I was able to whip up a batch in no time flat and am certainly pleased with how they came out. I realized as I was assembling all the pieces that the scale is a little off, but I still felt it worked well enough to assemble as I'd planned.

Cardstock: Luxe - Simple Calico; white

Ink: VF - onyx; SU - baja breeze, mellow moss, pretty in pink

Stamps: VV - Fluttering By, Petals & Stems, Filigree fantasy; SU - Framed Greetings

Misc: Michaels - pearls; Zots

Blooming Birthday Gift

2009-05-20T21:07:00.012-05:00

I'm waaaaaaaay far behind on Dawn's color challenges, but that does not mean that I opted not to do them altogether. On the contrary, I continue to think on them and use them as inspiration hits me. Like with this gift card holder, for instance. It was my co-worker's birthday this week, and I wanted something fun, yet feminine, for her "card." Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #3 was perfect!

So here's the color combo:

And here's my take on it. What do you think? (I got the gift card holder idea from this post on Sheetload Shortcuts.)

Cardstock/Paper: TLC - Slumber Party; SU - Autumn Vine; kraft
Stamps: PTI - Around & About Sentiments (inside tag only)
Ink: VF - onyx
Misc: red flowers; Imagination Project - save the date circles; MM - lg polkadot brad; pink gem; SU - grossgrain, eyelet border punch, scallop circle punch; TLC - Slumber party circle tags; Zots; Tacky Tape; SS - gift card holder

Still Crafting

2009-05-01T08:20:00.002-05:00

Just in case you were wondering, I'm still crafting ... in spurts. I have lots of stuff going & not a single thing finished. Ever have weeks like that? Yeah, well, welcome to my April! Lots of unfinished projects in the hopper. I have quite a few cards to make over the coming weeks though, so I'm hoping to get something finished & up on the ol' blog ... for the few of you who actually keep up! LOL

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge: Week 2

2009-04-04T21:10:00.000-05:00

I'm still playing along with Dawn's color challenges, are you? They really do make me think outside the box! I particularly liked this week's color combo b/c it works perfectly for yet another Hawaii spread. Here's this week's palette:

And here's where I went with it:

Sometimes you have to punt in order to make things work. Notice the small tag on the right-hand page. If you look closely, you'll notice the smallest bit of pink peeking out from behind the white Prima flowers. Since that was the only element that brought pink to the layout, I thought it ultimately stuck out like a sore thumb - stealing attention from more important page elements. Like photos, hello! So I covered the pink flowers with the white primas. What do you think? Mission accomplished?

Page recipe
Base: TLC - Circles Meadow Brook textured aqua cardstock
Paper/Cardstock: TLC - Circles Meadow Brook tumble weed, Shapes Meadow Brook sunflower patch; SU - taken with teal, barely banana, certainly celery; Daisy D's - mini dot

Misc: SEI - Dill stitched ribbon; Primas - aloha petals; K&Co - Happy Trails flowers, brad, tags / Roam tags & rub-ons; SU - white brads, flower brads;WR Memory Keepers - eyelet & snap; TLC - Shapes Meadow Brook paren; Zips

Incorporating a Template

2009-04-03T19:31:00.008-05:00

One thing that's important to remember about templates is that they do not have to stand alone. In this case, the template I used was scaled as an 8.5 x 11. I only have one album that size, but my travel album is 12 x 12. So what do you do? Quite simply, you resize or you incorporate.

And here's how I did it. First off, I start with my layout. I loosely based my two-page layout on a sketch by Becky Higgins. If you have her Best of Becky Higgins Sketches for Scrapbooking book, I used the sketch on page 172. See how the template formed the basis for the right-hand page? All I needed were some embellishments and *voila* a finished page. The beauty of sketches and templates is that you use them as guidelines. So what you end up with may not look anything like the sketch or template that inspired your layout. Isn't scrapbooking great?! Such flexibility!

The details

Base: TLC - Shapes Slumber Party textured pumpkin cardstock

Cardstock: TLC - Circles Slumber Party cherry blossoms; SU - pretty in pink

Misc: TLC - Shapes Slumber Party die cuts, travel rub ons, pink floss; SU - filigree brads, whisper white dress up ribbon, pretty in pink flower brad, whisper white latte collection button; MM - jewel brads; Luxe - red flower; Prima - aloha petals; Imagination Project - save the date white circles small; DCWV - rub ons; gems; misc. flower; Zips

Using a Template

2009-04-02T20:00:00.004-05:00

After deciding on the photos I wanted to use in my collage, I set about placing them in the template. Pretty cool, huh? You don't have to use photos in every space. You could use digital paper if you wanted to. I chose to use photos in every space b/c I wanted to give as much of the experience on one page as I could. But we won't be stopping with the collage. Check back tomorrow to see how I used this collage in my two-page layout about the cacao farm we visited in Kona.

The Wonder of Templates

2009-03-31T13:12:00.005-05:00

Call me slow, but I just recently discovered the wonder of digital templates. Sure, sure. Some of you jumped on-board with these ages ago. The rest of us are a little slower. And mostly ... just a little leery of Photoshop. I mean, I can do the basics in PS Elements. But don't ask me to do anything complicated!

Then after seeing an article by Jessica Sprague in the January issue of Creating Keepsakes, I thought, "gee, maybe I'll give that a whirl sometime." It looks pretty easy. So I downloaded the template. And there it sat on my computer. For months. Until this weekend. When I thought, you know, I think I have a digital template that'll work for this page of photos I want to do. And I dug through my folders of digital stuff and *voila* there it was. But how do I use this sucker? Then I remembered the fabulous tutorial that went along with that CK article.

And that's the (short) story of how I got hooked on digital templates. And now I wonder why I hadn't leapt on-board eons ago?! B/c, I'm tellin' ya, these things a grrrrrrrreat!

{Finished page using template coming soon to a post near you ... on Thurs.}

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge: Week 1

2009-03-28T08:30:00.006-05:00

I'm definitely behind the eight-ball on Dawn McVey's color challenge, but I decided to play along anyway b/c it stretches my crafting wings in the color combo dept. Because I'm back in scrapping mode, I decided to apply the color challenge to a layout from our Hawaii trip. Honestly, I'm not sure I would have come up with this color combo without Dawn's challenge - so thanks, Dawn, for the inspiration!

So here's the Week 1 challenge:

And here's where I went with it based on what I had lying about (subbing black from brown):

Cardstock/Paper: TLC - black from Salt & Pepper Runway, lemon sherbet scoops; Luxe - Flamingo from Pashmina, Pink Elephant from Pashmina; MOD - orange p/p; misc. yellow p/p; misc. orange c/s

Elements: All My Memories - chipboard letters; Prima - Aloha Petals; SU - corduroy button & brad, yellow striped g/g, orange rickrack; misc. white flower; Zips; Zots; Sizzix - Metro Retro alpha; Xyron

Cheery Flowers

2009-03-14T10:12:00.004-05:00

One of my co-workers is going through a bit of a rough patch. So I made this card to share a little cheer & just to let her know I'm thinking of her. I actually copied a card I made several months ago.

Base: white pre-scored card
Cardstock: SU - so saffron, real red; TLC - runway meadow brook circles; white
Ink: SU - real red, so saffron, pumpkin pie, old olive
Stamps: VV - petals & stems; SU - frames with a flourish
Misc: TLC - iceberg outerwear slumber party; misc. buttons; SU - hemp twine; SU/Sizzix - Top Note; pop dots; Stickles - pink, crystal; Zots

Cupcake Surprise

2009-03-08T04:10:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been thwarted by a plan in your head that just didn't seem to look right on paper? Then you have to figure out whether you're going to start over or try to make it work? That's what happened with this card. I wanted the penguins to be surrounded by lots of packages, but then I realized that they were going to be overwhelmed by them - at least in the way that I'd stamped them. So I decided to put the penguins on pop dots in hopes that the extra dimension made them ... well, pop out. But that still wasn't enough to really make the penguins and the cupcake stand out. Then it occurred to me. They could be lighting the cupcake getting ready to yell "SURPRISE" to the birthday person. So I sponged the background, hoping to give that effect. Did it work?

Cardstock: SU - pretty in pink, sage shadow, baja breeze, chocolate chip, autumn vine (?); kraft

Ink: VF - onyx

Stamps: TCP - smells like cake

Misc: zips; zots; pop dots; Stickles - crystal, pink, lime green; pink floss; SEI - lime grossgrain; SU - buttons, watercolor pencils, blender pen, pink grossgrain

Inspiration (layout & elements)

Eat Cake

2009-03-07T11:41:00.006-06:00

I have lots of birthdays to send cards for in the next week. This one came out pretty darn cute, assuming you like pink. *wink*

Cardstock: TM - queen's diner; SU - pretty in pink, cameo coral, pale plum

Ink: VF - onyx

Stamps: TCP - smells like cake, you say it's your birthday

Misc: zips; MM - dk. pink eyelets; Sizzix - circles #2; SU - watercolor pencils, blender pen; crystal stickles; silver glitter pen; pop dots; raspberry satin ribbon; raspberry fiber

Inspiration

Around & About Thanks

2009-03-04T17:06:00.006-06:00

My husband recently had surgery and wanted to thank all the nice folks who sent us stuff during his recovery. I whipped up these cards using PaperTrey's Around & About Sentiments. Can't say that I'm 100% pleased with the design, but the simplicity certainly fits my husband so I opted not to monkey with it.

Cardstock: navy; PTI - shimmery white

Ink: SU - night of navy, summer sun

Stamps: PTI - around & about sentiments

Misc: pop dots; SU - scallop circle punch

Project Complete

2009-02-20T13:27:00.009-06:00

My voice teacher chose the stationery sample she liked the best, which will be a gift for her sister's birthday. I was a little surprised by her choice, but I knew she would know her sister's tastes better than I. I'm pleased with the result, and I think she will be too.

Base: white pre-scored card

Paper/cardstock: TLC - misty blue city cafe; SU - baja breeze; DCWV - luxury stack

Ink: SU - taken with teal, close to cocoa

Stamps: PTI - simply stationery

Misc: scor-pal; PTI - packaging; SU - felt double-stitched ribbon, hemp twine, teal corduroy button, choc. chip button; tacky tape