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!

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!

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 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.

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

Thinking of You . . . Sunflower

I have another sunflower card.  I was super excited to break out my Dear Jane paper from Papertrey Ink.  It is the first time I have had the chance to use it, and I loved it.  I cannot wait to add this to my go to supplies.

I scheduled this post just in case I was away having a baby.  Hey, a girl can hope, right?

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink except the flower which is unknown

Wonderful Friend

I have another quick share.  I am finishing up my sunflower stickers.  Thanks for stopping by.  I am due anytime now.  Well, that may be wishful thinking.  :)  I actually have 27 days left!!!  YEAH!!

Supplies - Cardstock - Papertrey Ink; Pattern Paper - Cosmo Cricket; Stamps - PTI; Ribobn - PTI; Flower Sticker - unknown

PTI Blog Hop - February 2012

I am so excited to be participating in the blog hop for the first time in a LONG time.  My release products just came in yesterday, but I already had this in my head.  So, I hope you enjoy.

Here is the front:

Then you open it up:

I created a little pop up for a gift card.  I made it and cut it out on my Silhouette.

Here is a close up of the inside of the card:

This was a fun challenge.  It really made me stretch myself.  This was a super fun card to make.  Thanks for looking.

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink unless noted
Stamps: Beautiful Butterflies, Turning a New Leaf, Inside and Out: Birthday, Butterflies (Martha Stewart)
Inks: Simply Chartreuse, Raspberry Fizz, Orange Zest, Kraft, Yellow (Studio G), VersaMark
Dies: Mat Stack 4, Turning a New Leaf, Beautiful Butterflies
Ribbon: Orange Zest Satin Dot
Punch: Butterfly (Martha Stewart)
Paper: Kraft, White (Sam's Club), Simply Chartreuse

Mining My Stamp Stash

I have switched my stamp index over to Evernote officially.  It is complete, and I LOVE it!!  I have found so many great uses for stamp sets that have been setting dormant.  I love that I can "mine" my own stamp stash for images and sentiments.  Don't get me wrong.  I love getting new stamps.  But, at some point you have to take a good look at your stash and either use it or lose it.

This card was made with some stamp sets that have yet to see ink.  Most of that is circumstantial at this point, but it is nice to use some of my new things as I get back into the swing of card making again.  This card all started with the flower stamp from Boxes, Bags, and Tags.  I love that flower.  Where has it been?  Well, it was locked away in forgetful land until Evernote brings these things to light.

Thanks for looking today!  I hope you have a great week!

Supplies - all Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Boxes Bags and Tags, Daydreamer, Label Basics, Fillable Frames #4
Ink: Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse, Smokey Shadow
Other: Aqua Mist Ribbon, Label Basics Dies, Rhinestone (dollar store), Stampers Select White Card Stock

Baby Girl

So, I liked making the shaped card so much that I made a girl one.

I loved how the little scallops turned out.  I have a stamp from years ago made by "The Paper Studio".  It is a long simple scallop stamp.  I was so easy to bend it to go around the legs of the onesie.

I didn't get a photo of the inside.  Oh!!  I stamped the "Congrats on your new little bundle" from Signature Greetings.  I accented it with a flower from the Flower Fusion line.  Shame on me.  I thought that was one of the best parts.

Credits - All Papertrey Ink unless noted:  Stamps - Damask Designs and Unknown Set by The Paper Studio; Flowers - Prima; Pearls - craft store; Ink - Berry Sorbet; Die - Shape Up Onesie Die

Baby on the Brain

I definitely have baby on the brain.  I was putting away my newest Papertrey Ink order when I ran across this Onesie Die.  I couldn't stop thinking about it.  So, I made a card. Again, I kept it simple.  I am still trying to get back into the creative swing.

Yes, I made a boy card.  Because, I am after all having a boy.  I am super excited.  Anyway.  I was so happy with how this turned out.  It wasn't as easy as I thought it was going to be cutting the card.  Two layers of card stock gave my little Cuttlebug a run for its money.

Credits - All Papertrey Ink unless noted: Paper - Spring Rain; Ink - Spring Rain, Enchanted Evening, and Fresh Snow; Stamps - Everyday Classics and A Little Argyle

Happy New Year

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  I went into my craft room and made my very first card in months.  It felt so good.  But, it was funny as I sometimes felt like I had 2 left hands (which would be GREAT if I were left handed).  I couldn't remember where I kept things.  It came back slowly at first, but I started acting like I had never taken time off before long.

I went simple.  Easy.  Mostly I wanted to try my new PTI inks.  More on that later.  I want to use them several times before I give an honest opinion.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Credits all Papertrey Ink unless noted otherwise:  Designer Paper - Hobby Lobby; Vintage Cream Card Stock; Ink - Hawaiian Shores and Raspberry Fizz; Dies - Butterfly and Mat Stack 4 Layerz; Stamps - Butterfly Dreams and Limited Edition Thank You Stamp; Ribbon - Hawaiian Shores

Stamp-a-faire Challenge #7

Yes!  I finished another one!!  YEAH!!  The twitter updates are amazing.  It looks like everyone at the Stamp-a-faire event are having an amazing time.  Here's to hoping I win a prize.  :)

This challenge was to see if you could find 2 or 3 stamp sets that worked together surprisingly.  I used the star image from "Silent Night" and some medallions from Giga Guidelines and Guidelines II to make the back ground.  I am sure this has been done, but I discovered that the Tiny Tags series fit inside the Mat Stack stamps.  So fun!!

Thanks for looking.  I had fun with this one and making the color combo.  Again, all supplies are from Papertrey Ink.

Stamp-a-faire Challenge #8

So, I am working out of order today.  :)  But, I am still having so much fun!

This challenge was to make a card where the cover is slightly shorter than the back.  I don't recall ever making a card like this before, so it was fun to try.

I have been wanting to pull out some pattern paper for a while.  It seems like when I first started stamping and card making that I couldn't do anything without a patterned paper.  Now, I have gone full circle and hardly use them at all.  Interesting what we trend towards over time.

Supplies:  All Papertrey Ink

Stamp-a-faire Challenge #3

I am finally starting to work some of my crafting muscles back into shape.  Yeah!!  :)

This challenge was all about cutting a window in your card and wrapping ribbon through it.  I went out on a limb and used the bow to kind of accent the butterfly.  This was an extremely fun card to create.  Thanks for looking.

I have one more angle for you to see it possibly better.

Oh, this was fun!!  I love it when projects just come together.  It is fun to find stamps from lots of sets and create a card.  So much fun!!

Supplies: All Papertrey Ink (except the sun outline which is from Verve and the yellow ink which is from the Michael's dollar bin - it was my effort to match Harvest Gold)

Stamp • a • Faire Begins at Home

I have had a crazy, wild, fun, hard, heart-breaking, and blessed summer.  Sounds crazy, hugh?  But so true.  To spare you (and frankly me, too), I will leave out the details except to tell you that my husband has graciously given me this little day in the year to just stamp.  Stamping is such a source of fresh wind in my life.  And trust me . . . I could use it today.  :)

I am going to try and play along with the Papertrey Ink's Stamp-a-Faire challenges and fun all day.  I have NEVER taken a whole day just to play.  This should be interesting and fun.  We'll see what really gets done today.  So, I am sorry upfront for the post blast that should/will happen today.

The first challenge was to stamp a strip using one of our favorite icons in our stamping stash.  I have must have back-to-school on my mind as this is what I came up with.

I like how I went for an obvious, but not-so-obvious, color scheme.  I think it works.  Do you see the shimmer on the Pinefeather card stock?  It is so pretty in real life.  I am still unsure of the main image thingy. I will have to keep looking at it to see if I want to make a change.  But, otherwise, I was super happy.

This was the first card I have actually made since May.  Seriously.  Yes, really!!  My 4th of July post has been scheduled since like November of last year.  :)  Sneaky, hugh?  And my book was ordered at the end of May.  So, let's just say that today is timely and so exciting for me.

Supplies: It is all from Papertrey Ink except the dark green ink (which is Momento) and the spray shimmer (which is from Tattered Angels).

Case Study #41

I played along with the a case study challenge.  I really liked this particular challenge because . . . well . . . it was a challenge.  :)  I am neither chic nor shabby.  I am not lace and fills.  I had to design this card inspired by a different card. 

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Fillable Frames #10, Mat Stack 1 Collection, Est. 1776, Fancy Flourishes, Background Basics: Text Style
Ink: Scarlett Jewel, Spring Moss, Vintage Cream
Paper: Vintage Cream, Scarlett Jewel, Kraft
Dies: Fillable Frames #10, Mat Stack 1, Edgers #3
Other: Scarlett Jewel Grosgrain Ribbon, Spring Moss Button, Twine

Thanks for looking.  I had fun!

Clean and Simple 141

I am playing along with the Clean and Simple Sketch challenge.

I immediately fell in love with this sketch and this card came to mind.  Enjoy!

I have loved having so much beautiful sunshine lately.  This card is a reflection of my day today.  Thanks for looking!

Supplies - all Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Up Up and Away, Life, With Sympathy, Damask Designs
Ink: Momento; Spring Moss
Paper: Simply Chartreuse, Stampers Select, Harvest Gold
Dies: Cloud 1 and 2, Limitless Labels 1.75, Scallop Border
Ribbon: Harvest Gold Bitty Dot

The Future Looks Bright

I pretty much always have at least one graduate in my life every year.  This year, I made all the cards to match.  This was SUPER simple by using the technique of masking embossing folders by Erin Lincoln in the Papertrey Ink Make-It-Monday series.  If you haven't seen it, run over to Nichole Heady's blog and look for the video.  That Erin is a pure genius!!!!

Short and sweet today!  Happy Wednesday!

All Supplies Papertrey Ink unless noted:  Stamps - Fillable Frames, Graduate (Stampabilities); Paper - Stampers Select White, True Black; Ink - Pure Poppy, True Black; Ribbon - Pure Poppy Satin; Embossing Folder - Morocan (Cuttlebug)

Chevron Stripes

I know that chevron stripes are hot right now.  I was awaiting my Papertrey order to arrive with the ever-so-cute Chevron Stripes Background set.  I set down to make a card and ran across this paper in my stash.  I know it has been there for at least 2+ years.  So, in honor of this newest trend, I played.  :)

I was taken by the colors in this paper and have had a hard time using it.  However, this time I pulled it out, the card just flew together so fast and easy.

All Supplies Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Paper: Chevron Stripe (My Minds Eye); Spring Moss
Stamps: Fillable Frames, Turning a New Leaf
Other: White Filigree Embossing Powder, Kaiser Flower, Spring Moss Button, Turning a New Leaf Die

Thanks for dropping by today!  Have a great Wednesday!!