Mix and Match Challenge

I absolutely loved this challenge as well.  Betsy is my card making hero.  Dawn is my color hero.  It was a win-win for me!

Ultimately, I chose to come up with my own color combo.  I went so far out of my box that I lost it somewhere.  Seriously.  I lost my mind.  I have NEVER water colored with real actual water colors in my life.  And, I loved Laura Bassen's use of the clear bobbles from her "thread nest" video.  I could hear Tim Gunn over my shoulder saying "make it work".  So, I did what she said she used to do and put glossy accent bobbles on my card for the first time ever!  EVER!  How is that for out of the box?

I am crossing my fingers and hoping this looks ok.  I will admit that it isn't my best work.  But, I think the point is to get outside of your comfort zone.  And I smashed that out of the park!

I used Peerless Water Colors for the background.  I purchased them a year ago!  I bought them off of a discussion I was following (but I cannot remember where . . . it was a year ago).  I thought I would crack into them today.

The color scheme of Scarlet Jewel, Hawaiian Shores, and Summer Sunrise is way out there for me.  I adore Hawaiian Shores.  It is probably my favorite color.  I tend to go in spurts with Summer Sunrise.  But, I just don't find myself reaching for scarlet jewel ever.  I think it worked.  I see Tina scrunching her nose at it, and Heidi turning her head sideways as if she needs to see it in a new direction.  But, I gave it my best effort.  I did NOT play it safe.  It is Project Runway . . . go big or go home!

The balloons and Sentiment stamps are PTI.  But the sunshine stamp is from Verve Stamps.

It is late . . . I am exhausted.  Thanks for looking.  I hope that I can complete the remainder of the challenges.  If not, I still had a fun day!

Thread Nest

I have never seen or heard of a thread nest until today.  Brilliant!!  I liked the idea so much that I ran to the craft store to get some of the thread.  It is late.  No time for unnecessary words.  :)

I had lots of fun with this one.  Thanks for looking!

Unconventional Materials

I am playing along with Papertrey Ink today.  We were issued a challenge to use unconventional materials from the hardware store not to exceed $10.

So . . . here are my materials.

First in full disclosure, I did not go to the store to shop.  I am just thankful for the time to craft today. At 5:15 pm today (local time), I went to my husband's garage.  I started looking around.  I saw the wood filler right off but didn't pick it up. I rummaged around.  I found this bright orange flag.  I grabbed it thinking that would make for an interesting color and material.  Under the shelf with the flags, I saw this tag on a plastic pot.  So, I yanked it off.  I saw this string but passed it over thinking it was too easy.  I looked a little more and thought I would grab the wood filler.  After I found the inspiration for my card, I went back and got the string.

My original thought was to use the flag as a four wheeler flag.  Then I had the idea to remove the plastic.  I thought picnic blanket.  So, I came back to my room and sat . . . and sat . . and sat staring at these things.  What on earth could I possibly do?  I was afraid to stamp on the orange flag as it would be a smearing nightmare.  So, I started thinking about all the things that are bright orange.   And the idea hit me . . .

So here is what I came up with:

Hilarious!  Right?  I folded that flag piece in half and went to my sewing machine.  I was originally going to use the wood filler as texture for water.  But, it honestly looked so good as sand.  This was certainly a stretch for me.  It was fun and entertaining.  I hope my inspiration comes across.

Here are some other shots of my finished work.

I looked up the prices for the materials on Home Depot.  The wood filler is $2.98, a set of 15 flags is $3.88, the string is $2.57.  I am still counting the tag as free.  So with tax I am coming in real close to the $10 mark.  I think that is pretty good for grabbing a few things from my husband's garage.

I am excited to see what others have done now.  Thanks for looking!!

It is Time . . .

. . . for my once a year craft day!  Yay!  That is so sad though.  I miss getting to spend time in my little craft room just working away.  I finally have my very own room and life has just somehow got in to the way.  But it is ok.  I am having a blast making memories with my family.  And somehow . . . in years to come . . . I don't think I will ever regret the time I spent with them.

I am playing along with Papertrey Ink's Stamp-a-Faire again this year.

So without further ado . . . what you came here to see . . .  My Patterns Challenge Card!

I am also crazy about finishing a card to the complete . . . full!  So here is a peek of the inside of the card and the envelope.  

I had such a good time putting this together.  I hope you enjoy!  I will hopefully be back to share even more crafty goodness!

All supplies are from Papertrey Ink.

Sweet Sugar Coated Embelishments

Yes!!!!  My final challenge . . . completed!!!!  I used Danielle Flanders technique.  So cute!!

Everything you see if from Papertrey Ink.

Now, I am channeling my inner "Top Chef".  I have never won anything from Papertrey Ink after all these years.  My whole family is praying that I win.  :)  Hey, I am not above a little supernatural advantage.

Thanks for following along and peeking into my creative life.

Thankful . . .

I am so very thankful for all that is going on in my life at the moment.  Highlights?  We sold our house!!  God is so faithful.  So, we are moving.  Like this next weekend into a temporary home until our house is finished.  Our new home will be done at the first of May in 2013.  I am designing both my craft room and my closet.  It isn't going well.  Why does a little thing like money always play a part?  Oh, and I was supposed to have them both designed by two weeks ago!!  My sister just lost her husband.  (ok, so not technically thankful for that, but it sure makes you thankful for those you do have!)  They are having a Celebration of Life next week because Thanksgiving was his absolute favorite thing.  They wanted to keep it sacred.  I am, however, thankful to celebrate the life that he did have here on this earth.  AND, last but certainly not least, my newborn (who probably isn't technically a newborn anymore but 6 months old) has begun to sleep almost all the way through the night.  YES!!!  One easy peasy feed between 4 and 5.  Yes!!!

I am still planning on showing you how the craft room is coming.  Endless possibilities + Overthinker = Very Difficult to Narrow Down to What I Want!  I have initial drawings from the cabinet maker.  I also have tons of sketches, etc.  I hope to get it all put together so you can see it go from empty space to "Craftopia"!!  I just made that up . . . utopia combined with crafts . . . craftopia!

Now to show you what I have been working on before the "now" craft room goes into boxes.

Credits - All Papertrey Ink unless noted:

Stamps - Pretty Peonies, Polka Dot Basics; Ink - Summer Sunrise, Canyon Clay, Harvest Gold, Winter Wisteria; Paper - Vintage Cream and Summer Sunrise, Flowers - Prima; Jewels - Dollar Store

It's My Life . . .

. . . and I love it.  I really do.  It is just that my life at the moment is . . . well . . . how can I put it . . . a lot.  But, look what I have made today!!

It felt sooooooooo good to get into my craft room and make a card.  It feels like it has been so long now.  It probably has been so long.  

Here is a closer look:

I was so excited at how this turned out.  I would like to give it to my sister for Thanksgiving.  She will LOVE it.

I also made a Veteran's Day card.  I have a family member that is in a nursing home.  He LOVES to get mail.  I thought this would totally make his day.  I cannot wait for him to open it up!

And I also made the inside to this one.

I am getting ready to start packing up my craft room.  Before I do, I WILL do some stamping.  I will do some stamping.  I am not completely sure when I will see them again.  So, I cannot wait to share all my creations before the big move.

Thanks so Much

It is fast approaching that time of year when we pause to give thanks.  Autumn can be a great season and arguably my favorite of them all.  I have a quick and fun share for you today.  I made a hybrid card.   Like I said, being on my laptop is so much easier and more transportable with a little one.  So, I designed this on the go and was able to put it all together so quickly later.

Credits:  Digital Papers, frame, and butterfly from Shabby Princess, Font - Some Weatz, Envelope Liner Die, Vintage Cream Card Stock and Hawaiian Shores Ribbon - Papertrey Ink

I am still loving making complete cards.  (LeAnn's definition of complete = (outside + inside + envelope) designed)  Yes, pull out your 6th grade math skills.  You can do it!  :)  I love how the liner adds the perfect and sophisticated (yet totally easy) touch to the card.  And hold the phone, operator . . . long, heartfelt inside sentiments . . . LOVE!  I will definitely be doing this one again.

I found a new love . . . my favorite paper products, Papertrey Ink, paired with my favorite digital products, Shabby Princess.  Love!

Gratitude

Gratitude - that sums up my life.  I am so thankful for my life, my health, my savior, my husband, my kids, my mom, my sisters, my family, my home, my new home, my friends, my church . . . . I am so thankful.

As some of you are aware (mostly because I have been blogging about it), I am a digital scrapbooker.  It is a passion of mine almost as much as card making (and sometimes more than).

I love to make my own pattern papers.  It is so fun.  So rewarding.  So freeing.  I have been making my own patterns to coordinate well with the PTI colors lately.  This is one of my favorite color combos.  So, I am happy to share this card with you today.

Credits:  Dots Paper, Ribbon, Stamps (Pretty Peonies) - Papertrey Ink; Plaid Pattern Paper - SillyLeAnn Designs (that's me!!)

I thought it might be fun for me to share my plaid paper with you.  I hope this works and you enjoy.

Ok, I think I have it now.  Try THIS and see if you can download the plaid paper.  Thanks for stopping by today.

First Day of School

First day of school, first day of school.  Can you just hear Nemo chanting that (yes, I am a Disny Pixar junkie)?  I am a touch emotional today as the kiddos head back to school.  Growing up doesn't get easier as you get more grown up.  I am blessed beyond measure and appreciate my family.

Here is a card that I made using my very favorite cover plate die.  This card was so fun to make.  It just seemed to come together effortlessly.  Oh, how I wish they would all do that!

Credits:  Again, all papertey ink except the pattern papers which are from Basic Grey.

I am loving the coordinating envelope with the stamps and the lining.  Such fun touches!  Thanks for stopping by today!

Thank You for Your Kindness

I am popping in today to do a real quick share.  This is another one of my cards that I made to attempt to use up some pattern paper that I have been hoarding for no good or particular reason.  :)  Pattern papers really do look better when they are used, don't they?

Credits:  Pattern Paper - Basic Grey; Ribbon and Stamp - Papertrey Ink; Embossing powder - White Filagree

Thanks for taking a peek today.  Happy crafting!

A Very Happy Birthday

I love red.  It isn't my favorite color (that is reserved for the very special midnight blue), but gee wiz, I really love a crisp red.  I have really tossed around the idea of adding it to my new craft room.  I was already planning an aqua and white craft room.  Oh, how dreamy - a red, white, and aqua craft space!

I made this card for my sister-in-law (who had a birthday in April and I am ashamed to admit that I am just now blogging about it).  Her and I began card making together several years ago as a way to make extra money.  She sadly quit about 2 years later.  I couldn't give up card making for anything.  :)  So, it is always fun to give her one of my hand made cards.  Mostly because she ALWAYS rants and raves at how amazing it is.  I am more convinced she is impressed because she knows the heart and soul put into each handmade card more than she actually likes the card.  But either way, I love to see her run her fingers over all the layers, examine each and every stamped image, and sometimes ask a sincere (and impressed) how did you do that.  Don't you wish all your recipients would react like that?  :)

Credits:  It is basically all Papertrey Ink except the tag which is a chipboard tag from a set of Maya Road chipboard pieces.

I have always been an on again off again blogger.  But so many things are happening right now that I cannot decide what to blog about.  So, instead of fretting, I just need to start blogging.  I now have a 3 month old!!!  Time is flying by for sure.  We are in the process of building our dream home and by extension my dream craft room.  I have been doing way more digital scrapbooking than card making.  It is just easier to tote around the MacBook than to tote around the craft supplies.  We are gearing up to start back to school this next week.  Life . . . it is such a fun and beautiful thing.

SAF DIY

Done!!  This is my last badge to earn for the 2012 SAF (details found at Nichole Heady's blog).  I feel like balloons should drop from my crafting ceiling.  Or Nichole will show up at my door to give me a personal congratulations.  I am super pumped that I was able to play along.  I seriously have like zero follow through sometimes.

My son came in my craft room today asking me about the badges on my desk.  He wanted to know what they were for and if they were all that important to me (I secretly think he wanted them for his scout uniform, but who knows).  I paused and realized.  Yes, they are important to me.  I worked hard on each of my projects. I had fun in the process.

I learned a lot of new crafting techniques and more importantly learned a few things about me.  For instance, I work SO much better under pressure.  I do better when there is a set plan laid out in front of me.  I know what I need to do so I can just get to work.  No guess work.  I learned that I should really take a little more "me" time here and there.  (I currently take none.  Seriously.  I am a mess!!)  And most importantly, I learned that despite my short comings, my exhaustion, and the feeling like I could disappear tomorrow and no one would notice because I am just the cook, maid, and nanny - my family loves me and appreciates me.   Although I don't get to see a lot of the fruits of my labors right now, they really do value me as mom in this family.  (But it sure would be nice to get a "thanks mom" here and there)

Wow.  It is over with this post.  Just like that.  Gone.  As fast as it came.  Goodbye Stamp-a-Faire festivities.  I will hopefully see you next year.

Oh, and here is my DIY card.  :)  I used Betsy's medallion technique.  Have I mentioned how much I adore Betsy?  I totally do.

Thanks again for the comments, support, and visits.  It tickles me to pieces to be a part of such a fun community.

SAF Rainbow Badge

I finished.  I finished.  My Rainbow Badge is officially earned!!  I was letting the tie dyed background dry last night.  So, here is my finished project.

YES!!!  I am so happy.  Thanks for stopping by to see all my projects and things.  The sweet comments  put a smile on my face.  Thank you.

SAF Correspondence Badge

Woo-Hoo!  I earned another badge!  I made a set of quick and easy cards.  I used inspiration from Jessica Witty.  However, it all went wrong when I got to making the packaging.  I don't know if I didn't get a large glassine bag.  Or I made my cards too large.  But they simply would not fit the way she did hers.  I was sad as it was so super cute.  I adapted and moved forward.  I still put the cards and envelopes in a bag and used a hybrid of the way Betsy closed hers.  It all worked out in the end.

Here is a look at the set of notecards.

I stamped each of the cards the exact same way.  I only varied the sentiment and ribbon color.

Here is a look at them all packaged up.

Thanks for looking.   The comments have meant so much to me today.  Thank you again!!

SAF Memory Conservation Badge

Check!  I earned another one!!!

This went together pretty easy for me considering I haven't been crafting much lately.  I love seeing how all the same elements can be used for such drastically different things.  I cannot wait to see what others and the PTI DT have done.  I have on purpose not looked so it wouldn't sway me or change what I might otherwise come up with.

I am having a great time.  I am taking a quick lunch break and then I will be back at it.

SAF Knots Badge

I have just officially earned my Knots Badge.  Yeah!  You can read all the details here:  http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2012/07/stamp-a-faire-ribbon-techniques-challenge.html.  I used Melissa Phillips technique of ribbon leaves.  As soon as I saw it a light bulb went off.  Why didn't I think of that!!  It is so simple, but adds so much.  Here is my project.

Thanks for looking.  I am having so much fun.  Now off to feed baby.  I will be back later with my next project.

Good Morning SAF

What a great morning!  Right?  Right?  Ok, I am trying to convince myself that I am not that tired.  Although I am starting off a bit slow from a late night coupled with newborn interruptions, I am ready to roll today with all the online activities.

I am up.  I am already stamping.  I was up at 7am (or 6am my time).  I fed my son and got to work.  I am just now posting.  So, here is what I have been up to.

Yes, I finished my Make-n-Take.  Smart to start with a warm-up easy project.  It really did my juices going.  My crafting space is an utter mess.  I may have to take a break and clean on it some more because it is hard for me to create among chaos.

I look forward to getting started on the Knots Badge.  I have already been watching the videos.  Super exciting!!

Last Sunflower Card

Well, this is the last card I have using my sunflower stickers.  It is funny as these stickers have literally sat in my craft room for over a year.  I never touched them once.  Now that they are all used up, I somewhat wish I could get another set.  Sigh!!!

This happens to be my favorite by far.  I have really been working on my CAS lately.  I am going to have to revisit this style more often.

Another scheduled post.  I am hoping you will find me snuggled with my new baby boy.  But, we shall see.

Make It Monday #64

I loved Nichole's video for this edition of Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday.  She took us through her thought process when card making.  It was an incredible insight into her creative process and really gave me some things to try and do.

I was needing to make a Thank You card for a very special group of people.  A group of my husband's co-workers got together to throw us a surprise baby shower.  It was such a kind thing to do, and I was completely blown away.  One of the ladies made this diaper cake for me.

Isn't that just amazing!!  To top it off, the same person painted this for our new little one's room.

Talk about creative talent!!!

Besides the amazing diaper cake that was Dr. Seuss themed after our nursery, we received so many wonderful treasures and well wishes.  It was so thoughtful and very appreciated.

So when I started my card this morning, all I could hear was Nichole Heady in my head talking me through the entire card.  :)  I didn''t use one of the MIM color combos, because I wanted to keep it in line with the theme of my shower.  So, I chose to work with red, white, and blue (or more specifically white, pure poppy, and enchanted evening).  Here is what I came up with.

Let me tell you how she influenced this card.  First of all, I picked out a few things I thought I would want to work with or would match the theme or overall feel I was going for.  I needed to make it somewhat gender neutral as well.  I pulled out my Seeing Stars Dies first knowing that stars would be a great way to go and cover all my needs.  Next, I pulled out my Pure Poppy and Enchanted Evening inks.  I decided that I wanted to stamp a background and Background Basics: Houndstooth came to mind.  So, I stamped the background in red and die cut the stars in enchanted evening.  The stars were a bit plain, so I dressed them up with a small amount of decoration by impressing them with an impression plate and adding some pen doodles.  Because the stars would take over most of the front of the card, I decided that I needed to add my sentiment on top both to add dimension and tame the overwhelming stars.  Insert . . . fillable frames.  Once I had the frame stamped, I started looking at the overall design.  I placed the stars where I wanted them and really liked how the frame looked good offset with one of the stars popped up over the top.  I added the stamped red stars because I needed another element of red.  I knew I was going to embellish the small star with a button.  After looking at my design, I decided to use white floss as I needed another white.  It still didn't look quite right.  I needed just a touch more white.  So, I added the satin ribbon.  I felt like the ribbon pulled it all together.  I am pretty pleased how this turned out.  It didn't take me forever.  I didn't hem-haw over every little detail.  I used Nichole's wisdom of methodology and it literally fell into place.  Thanks Nichole.

Thanks for looking at today's Make It Monday.  I had a blast.

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Paper - Stamper's Select White, Enchanted Evening
Ink - Pure Poppy, Enchanted Evening
Stamps - Fillable Frames #5, Tag It's #6, Background Basics: Houndstooth
Other - Pure Poppy Button, Fresh Snow Satin Ribbon, White DMC Floss, Guidelines Impression Plate, Clear Spica Copic Marker, White Signo Pen