Happy Birthday

Yesterday was my SIL's birthday. Many of you know that we make and sell cards together. So, of course, I made her a birthday card. I really would have loved to "WOW!" her with my creation. But, instead I found a great color palette and fun design that I think she will love. I'll find out tomorrow when we celebrate her birthday. :)




Contents: Paper - MME and Bazzil; Flowers - Prima; Buttons - Foof-a-loof; Stamp - Clearly Wordworth

Paper Trey Ink Blog Hop

Welcome to my blog - my creative piece of the world. I try to share lots of my crafty things on this blog - cards, scrapbooks, digital scrapbooks, decor, etc. This is my very first time to participate in the PaperTrey Ink Blog Hop. I was so excited to use her paper that I decided to jump right in.

Here is my creation:



The paper is of course from PTI. The stamp is from their Everyday Blessings Collection. The ribbon is from my large stash of grosgrain.

I began by cutting the paper into rows leaving the squares together with a piece of white.



Next, I folded my card base and applied glue to the entire card front. I arranged the strips of paper onto the front.



You can see this better if I turn the card upside down. I didn't glue it this way. I actually applied each row separately to the front. It allowed me to position it evenly. I only turned it over for this photo so you could see what I meant. Next I cut off the excess from around the card. Violla! My card front is done.

I stamped a piece of white card stock and added the ribbon.




I attached the verse with pop dots to add extra dimension.

Thanks for reading!!

I cannot wait to see what everyone else has come up with. I know there are going to be many fabulous things! I hope you will come back again, soon.

Digi Cards

I just made some really fun digital cards that I printed out. So, technically they would be considered hybrid because I used real products over the top of 2 of the 3 cards. I haven't made any like this to date (at least that I can remember).




Contents: All of the cards are made with Andrea Gold's Card Template Set #3
The Pink and Blue cards were made with Graziela Mendes' "A Spring Garden" Kit that is currently on the Polka Dot Potato Bar. The Green and Yellow card is made from Andrea Gold's Discover Kit. All the ribbon is Hobby Lobby ribbon.

These were so much fun to make. I can see me making a few more of these (although I probably won't be selling my digital or hybrid cards).

Sassy Girl

I really like animal print, but I personally couldn't live with it in my everyday surroundings (okay, maybe I could but my family could not). So, I have brought a piece of it to my crafts, just for fun! This is a fun, cute baby girl card.




Contents:
Paper - The Paper Studio and MME; Ribbon - RABOM; Stamp - SillyLeAnn Designs

Cowboy Wedding

In honor of the rodeo birthday party, I made a western/cowboy wedding card.



Contents: Embossing - Cuttlebug Paisly; Ribbon - HL; Brads - The Paper Studio; Stamp - SillyLeAnn Designs

I am getting back in the swing of blogging (hopefully). I have several new cards to share and I still need to share all of my son's birthday party things. Believe me. You won't want to miss his invitations!

By: My Sister-in-Law

Many of you know that I make and sell cards with my sister-in-law. We were talking the other day about all the different cards we have made over the past year and a half. We were laughing at some and I started to remember some of my favorites. I wanted to share a set of note cards that she made that are still some of my favorite cards that either one of us has ever done.




She used a variety of products and stamps. I made the boxes that the cards are setting on. We sell these as an option with the note card sets. These were so fun. I was very impressed with how they came out overall. We have made so many different note card sets. I will try to post some of my others along side my usual card posts. And, I will try to put a few of her cards up from time to time. She doesn't blog, so I will have to share her creativity with the world.

Only 2 days until the big party. Everything is coming together very nicely. Hopefully, I will get some great photos and post this weekend or Monday how it all turned out.

My share for today is none other than another "happy birthday". It features one of my happy birthday stamps that I have never shown before. Enjoy!




Contents: Paper - My Minds Eye and The Paper Studio; Ribbon - Hobby Lobby; Flowers - The Paper Studio; Stamp - SillyLeAnn Designs

Didn't turn out as planned

Have you ever started out to make one thing and ended up with something entirely different? Well, lets just say that today's share is just that. I wanted to make a birthday card. However, my creativity took a turn. I really like how this came out. In fact, it is one of my favorite baby boy cards in a long time. For me and what I have been making, it is refreshingly unique.



Contents: Paper - SassafrassLass; Scallop - Fiskars Scissor; Scallop Square - Marvy Uchida; Feet Stamps - no brand but purchased from Hobby Lobby years ago; Little One Stamp - Studio G; White Stitches - Sakuri Gel Pen

Birthday Countdown Week

Well, it is official birthday countdown week here in our house. Our son will turn 4! We really like to make a big "to-do" over birthday's. Okay, I like to make the fuss. I am fast at work trying to complete all the decorations and finishing touches for the grand celebration.

So, here is a Happy Birthday card to celebrate this fantastic event in our family.




Contents: Paper - Bo Bunny; Ribbon - Hobby Lobby; Flower - The Paper Studio; Button - My Mind's Eye; Stamp - Clearly Wordsworth

Fun with Flowers

I have one last birthday card for you this week. I must say that I have really been on the ball getting my blog updated regularly. Enjoy it while it lasts. LOL! I will certainly have a down spell at some point.




Contents: Paper - My Mind's Eye; Jewels - Dollar Store; Flower Punch - My Treasures; Flower Stamp - Studio G; Birthday Stamp - SillyLeAnn Designs

Birthday on the Brain

I told you that I have Birthday on the brain. Here is another birthday card. This time is is more of a spring, fun, festive type. I am leaving rodeo and western for the party. :) And, I used another one of my stamps.




Contents: Paper - ??; Scallop Square and Embossing - Cuttlebug; Stamp - SillyLeAnn Designs

Birthday Party Planning

My son turns 4 this month. I am in the midst of planning his rodeo birthday party. So, I have birthday on the brain.




Contents: Paper - The Paper Studio and My Minds Eye; Scallop Circle - Marvy Uchida; Stamp - Michael's

My Favorite Movie is Out Today

I am totally excited! One of my new favorite movies is out on DVD today - Enchanted. I am a huge fan of Patrick Dempsey and of course Grey's Anatomy (if it will ever come back on). I saw this at the theaters and fell in love. I love how a cartoon comes to life. It is my dream come true. :)

I am posting a Thank You card in faith that I will get the movie. Enjoy! Oh, and pay special attention to the stamp. It is one of my stamps from my last set.




Contents: Paper - ???; Flowers - Prima; Jewels - Dollar Store; Ribbon - Hobby Lobby; Scallop Square - Cuttlebug; Stamp - SillyLeAnn Designs

Another Teacher Card

I was so inspired by my first teacher card, the school bus, that I decided to make another. I really liked how this turned out. It is really a fun card. Now I want to make some more tree cards. :) Funny how that works!




Contents: Paper - Basic Grey; Letters - Cricut from Doodletype; Scallop Square - Cuddlebug; Flowers Punch - EK Success; Bling - Dollar Store

Smile at Bath Time

I haven't shared much digital work lately. I have been doing so many large digi projects. I wanted to share a beautiful smile with you to brighten your weekend.



Credits: Pink Parfait Page Kit by Andrea Gold
Get the kit at GDS

Falling for You!

I touted my custom stamps and haven't shown another one since. :) I will try to get some together and posted. I know of a new stamp that I will add to my next order: Falling for You! I made a card using this idea I had after pulling a punch out of my archives. It didn't turn out exactly like I wanted, but you will get the idea.




Contents: Paper - Basic Grey; Punch - My Treasures; DecoEdges - Fiskars; Stamps - My Sentiments Exactly! Alphabet Stamps

Hi!

Hello everyone! Happy Thursday to you! I hope this post finds everyone doing great!

I have another card share today. I found this stamp at Michael's a while back and fell in love. It was a part of a $1 set. You cannot beat that! I am just now getting around to using it.




Contents: Paper - My Mind's Eye; Ribbon - RABOM; Scallop - Marvy Uchida; Stamp - Studio G; Color - Copic Sketch Markers

Speaking of Copics, I really need to figure out how to better use mine. I am getting by and LOVING the look. However, I see all these fantastic things colored using them and know that I need some more practice/help. If you have run across any great tutorials, I would appreciate the info.

Have a Great Day!!

It is hard to believe what time of the year it is!

I seems like life just keeps flying by faster and faster! In just another week, it will already be Spring Break. Wow! It seems like summer is just on the heals of that. We are gearing up for of son to start school next year. (Insert my sad eyes!) I have made a fun thank you card to give to a teacher.



I was inspired to make a shaped card from the "Bitten by the Bug" blog. They had a contest a month or so back. This is what I started and never finished. :)

Contents: Paper: Hobby Lobby; Die Cut: Cricut from Doodlecharms; Glitter: Doodlebug Designs; Stamp: Studio G

Baby Girl Counter Part

I shared one of my favorite baby cards last week. I thought I would make a baby girl to go with it. I just love the baby corner stamps from Heidi Swapp. They are so adorable!



Contents: Patterned Paper - The Paper Studio; Card Stock - Hobby Lobby; Baby Words Stamp - Heidi Swapp; Baby Feet Stamp - Stampablities; Ribbon - Ribbons and Bows Oh My

Thanks for looking!!

My Very Own Official Custom Stamps

Yes, you read that right! I have just completed my very own set of stamps. I have made so many new ones of all sorts of styles and occasions. I cannot wait to share them all with you. I have been working on these for so long. I finally jumped in with both feet and had them made. I couldn't be happier with the results. I have a hard time finding the right sentiments in the right size. It was so good to custom create my own.

The first custom stamp I want to reveal is a wedding stamp. I think it is so hard to find good sentiments for Wedding cards. I like something versatile that can be used for a shower and wedding day card. I love how my "Wishing You Happily Ever After" came out. I have never seen anything like this before. So, enjoy!




Contents: Paperned Paper - ??; Embossing is by my Cuttlebug; Marvy Uchida Scallop Square Punch; Ribbon - Craft Supply; Stamp - Happily Ever After by SillyLeAnn Designs

Thanks for looking! I would love to know what you think of my new endeavor!

Another Fantastic Friday

I am so glad that today is Friday. I have a cute baby boy card to share with everyone today. I really liked how this came out. I hope you enjoy as well.




Contents: Paper - The Paper Studio; Baby Feet Stamp - Stampabilities; Baby Words - Hiedi Swapp; Ribbon - Craft Supply; Brown Ink - Stampabilities Walnut; Blue Ink - ??

Thanks for looking! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Envelope Swap

I participated in an envelope swap this month. The object is to stuff a one stamp envelope with as much stuff as possible without going over. This month the theme of the envie was "LOVE".



This was super fun to put together. All the patterned paper is by Cosmo Cricket and all the solid red is from bazzil. The title box is CC title, CC alpha, and Circut sign post from George Cart. The decorated corners have a My Minds Eye button and Hobby Lobby Ribbon. The journal box uses a stamp from Stampendous stamp, Hobby Lobby ribbon, and fiskars scallop scissors. I also added a set of Love - Dress it Ups, some coordinating Prima's (you can never have too many of these), and some heart punchies.

I hope whoever got this enjoys it. I had a great time preparing this envie.

I haven't posted much due to illness. Yuck! I am happy to report that we are officially on the up and up! Yeah! I haven't been in the crafty mood lately. I can hear the *gasps*. But, I haven't been able to get into my craft room in a while either, so hopefully I will get set down and it will all come back to me. :)

Until next time . . .

Fun with Flowers

I am really trying to push myself as a card maker. This card is a real different approach for me. I hope you enjoy!



Contents: Paper - Basic Grey; Flowers - Prima; Stamp - Michael's $1 Stamp; Glitter - Doodle Bug Design's Sugar Coating (shown in the picture); jewels - from stock

Happy Birthday Page Kit Swap

It has been a long time since I participated in a swap. I signed up for a "Happy Birthday" page kit swap to have a little something different to work on. I needed a new/different outlet for a change. It was refreshing, but I was ready to get back to cards.

Here is what I came up with. I hope it is okay. I really didn't know what I was doing. But, I would this on a 2 page layout in my scrapbook. Well, I might change the colors, but I thought these were generic birthday celebration colors. Hopefully, they will be well received and loved.



This kit was made with MME papers and various elements. Contents include: 2 scalloped borders - bazzil cardstock; 7 coordinating ribbons - from stock includes grosgrain, satin, saddleback, swiss dots, and sheer); Happy Birthday Title - signs cut with the Cricut from the George Cartridge, letters cut with the Cricut from the Doodletype Cartridge, flowers punches from EK Success, jewels from my stock; Photo mats are 4x6 and slightly smaller than that - red corners are die cuts from the Cuttlebug, buttons are from sewing notions, and the corners are stamped with Autumn Leaves Swirl stamps; Cupcake Paper Piecing - cut with the Cricut using the Doodle Charms Cartridge, I used Stickles on the flame, the blue glitter is Sugar Coating from Doodle Bug Designs, and ribbon and flower jewel from my stock; I also included 6 coordinating papers just in case they need to add to what is here.


up close of the title


up close of the button corners on the photo mat

I hope you enjoy! I had a lot of fun creating this whimsical and fun page kit.

Out of the Box

I have been wanting to get outside of my box. I feel like all my cards "look" the same. I really love the way the colors came out on this card. I hope you enjoy.

Sorry about the long time between posts. I have been unusually sick the past month. I think we are getting to the bottom of it. But, it has me a touch "off". :)

Contents for the above card: Paper - My Mind's Eye (Bohemian Collection); Stamps - Autumn Leaves and Stampabilities; Flowers - Bazzil; Buttons - MME; Glitter - Stickles; Ink - Walnut by Stampabilites

I skipped Cricut Monday. I am working on a page kit that I used the cricut to make. Details coming soon!

Cricut Monday . . . on Tuesday

I was sick again! I am really starting to get disturbed at my body. However, I didn't want to disappoint since Cricut Monday is about the only posts lately. :) I hope you enjoy.

I made an 8x8 2 page scrapbook spread. I haven't scrapbooked (with paper) in a very long time. This was fun and got me in the mood to do some more. I think I will be selling this one. So stay tuned. I am not crazy about the full photo as it doesn't show off the colors and glitter very well.



The mini book on the left can be used for hidden photos or journaling. See the detailed photos below how it opens flat. The right side has a place for 1 4x6 photo (no cropping needed!!!). Thanks for looking this was tons of fun.

Contents: Paper - Basic Grey; Ribbon - from stock; Alpha - cut from Doodle Type using my Cricut; Snowflakes - cut from Doodle Type using my cricut; buttons - MME; glitter - Doodlebug Design; Ink - Stampablities in Walnut -- I have sealed all the glitter so that is doesn't get all over the page. Also, I have temporarily adhered the corner of the white glitter snowflake. It is easily removed to slip the photo under.

Details and up close:

It's Cricut Monday

I really am going to try to add a Cricut project every Monday. I have just loved owning my bug. It is such a great tool that I know will grow more valuable in time. I am late posting because my project today is somewhat comprehensive and took a little longer than usual to make.

I made a baby mini album as a gift for a friend's upcoming baby. She is of course having a boy. I thought this would make a cute announcement type mini album. I am going to put his name on the front. Inside is room for photo and I stamped places to fill in date, weight, and length.


Contents: Paper - Paper Studio and Heidi Grace; Ribbon - from my stock the polka dots is American Crafts; Flowers - prima; Bling flower - Paper Studio; Baby Bottle - cut using my Cricut (Doodle Charms Cartridge); Album made with card stock cut with my Cricut using the Design Studio and George Cartridge

I hope she enjoys this as I hope you do to. Thanks for looking!

New Favorite Color Combo

I was looking through my paper and realized that green and orange is one of my favorite color combinations. So, I quickly went to work putting together a needed Happy Birthday card. Simple, yet fun!


Contents: Paper - MME; Ribbon - The Paper Studio; Flower - Paper Studio; Button - from my stock; Stamp - Michael's $1 Stamp; Stamp colored with Copics; Glitter - Sugar Glitter by Doodlebug Designs

As I am typing this, I have realized that another new favorite of mine is glitter. I love to use it in small or unsuspecting ways. Of course, the trick is to always go back and seal your glitter to keep it into place.

Celebrate Friends

I am to the point where I could really use some new/fresh stamps. I have looked and looked. There are so many options, but nothing is sparking me. So, I am on a quest to find something fun and fresh. Any thoughts?

Here is another creation with the rub-ons. I used just the corners here. Much fun!


Contents: Paper - MME; Rub-ons - Cloud 9; Flowers - Prima; Transparency Saying - JoAnn's

Thanks for looking! All comments are always appreciated. :)

Love . . . expressed in Rub-ons

I am blessed to have the most wonderful husband. He is such a romantic. It is so much fun to make love cards. Sadly, these are the cards that sell the least. But, I still have to throw one in every now and then.



Contents: Paper - MME and Paper Sudio; Stamp - Michael's $1 Stamp; Ribbon - generic; Rub-ons - Cloud 9 Design

This is the first time I have ever used rub-ons. I must say that it was a wonderful experience. I get all the hype about them. They were super easy and really added such a cute and sparkly accent to the card. I will definately be dabbling in them more.

Snowflake Anniversary Card

This "Happy Anniversary" card turned out so cute. I made it for my in-laws whose anniversary is on the 31st.


Contents: Plain Cardstock; Snowflake Stamp - Michael's $1 stamp; Anniversary Stamp - unknown; Glitter - Sugar by Doodlebug Designs




I have been very ill throughout December. It has been crazy. However, I do plan to restart my Cricut Monday's and adding more projects.

Enjoy! Thanks for looking!

Baby Girl

I seem to make and sell more baby cards than any other type of card (well, wedding runs a close 2nd place). Here is another baby girl card - quick but cute!

Paper - Bazzil and Paper Studio; Flower - Bazzil; Brad - Paper Studio; Embossing - Cuttlebug; Stamp - Technique Tuesday

My Favorite Christmas Card

I just completed my very favorite Christmas card that I have made of all time. It is a fun card with a new twist on an old idea. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Merry Christmas!


Credits: Pattern Paper - Cloud 9 Design; Santa Shape - Cricut from the Doodlecharms Cart; Cardstock - Bazzil; Buttons - generic; brads - Paper Studio; Nose Colored with colored pencils

Fun and really not too difficult once you get passed the Santa!

Basic Cricut Card - George Cartridge

I have really been enjoying my new Cricut. I am hoping to have some time to really get some projects done with it. So far, I have pretty much only done basic things with it. I think it will come with time and patience (and a few more cards).

Card Details: Paper - My Minds Eye and Bazzil; "Thanks" cut with my George Cart; Ribbon - generic

Thanks for looking! I am going to try to post a "Cricut Creation" on every Monday. I'm sure I will miss a few here and there, but that is my goal. :)

Digi Scrapping Highlight

I have really enjoyed being on the Creative Teams for several designers. This is a really fun and creative outlet for me. I am not certain low long I will continue or if I will ever go back to designing. But, I am going to enjoy this for now. Here is a layout I made using Doreen Stolz's Smells Like Autumn digital kit.



Thanks for looking!

Baby Boy Card

Here is a baby boy card that I used 3 different stamps on. This is such a quick, fun yet very cute card.

Stamps used: Swirl - Autumn Leaves, Quote - Michael's, Welcome Baby - Technique Tuesday

Other: Solid Paper - Bazzil; Dotted Paper - The Paper Studio; Ink - Walnut by Stampabilities

Early Christmas Present

I was so excited that I got an early Christmas and Birthday present rolled into one. My birthday being on December 21st finally has its advantages. :) I am now the proud owner of a new CRICUT!! I couldn't be more excited. I really didn't think I would ever really need or want one. However, my mom kept insisting (yeah, she really had to twist my arm) that I watch the cricut infomercial. For the first time, I could really see the benefits of this tool for me. So, I waited until the insane sales on Black Friday and was able to get one. Yeah!

So, I am going to add to my creative line up my cricut creations. Hey that is a cool name! My very first project made 100% with the cricut is a topper or title strip thing.


The inspiration to make a pumpkin hit. I know it is a little behind the season, but I am sure there are a few of us that have not scrapped our pumpkin patch photos. :) This was so much fun to think of. I can't wait to share more in the future.

As always, thanks for looking!

Better Photos

I have been somewhat disgruntled about the images of my cards. After MUCH trial and error, I think I have found a decent solution. Here is my Thank You card that I made a little while back. The photo really didn't do the card justice. So, I reshot it. What do you think?

Here is a link to the original: Click Here

It's a Boy

It is official. Some of our best friends are due in late February. It's a boy. We are so excited because it is their first child. :) I made this card for her just form me. They are contemplating another cross country move and I thought she needed a little encouragement.

Credits: All papers are the Paper Studio; Stamps - Michael's $; Inks are generic black; colored with Copic Sketch markers

Oh, How I wish I could do it all!

Yes, that is me! I am the one who tries to do it ALL. I was just looking through all the pictures of my cards. Let me tell you how disappointing it is to realize that I haven't been taking pictures of my most recent things. I made over 30 cards last month and cannot account for a single one. I knew I was letting some go without photos, but I didn't realize I let them all go. Sigh!!

Anyway, here is another wedding card I made in the black and white swirls. Again, another fun and easy card. Enjoy!

Credits: Autumn Leaves Swirl Stamps, Congrats Stamp - JoAnn's; Black Brad - Paper Studio; Ribbon - Fabric Dept

My All Time Favorite Cake

I know I haven't posted as much of my scrapbooking as I would like to. I am going to try to keep up my posts with all my projects. :) This is a fun page showing my all time favorite cake. It has lots of stamping (my favorite) and lots of swirls (my second love). I chose to cover up the journaling with some decorated vellum to keep it from distracting from my overall design.

Credits: Paper - MME; Flowers - Prima; Brads - The Paper Studio; Both cake stamps (Michael's $1); Swirl Stamps - Autumn Leaves; Beaded element - mine

Hitting My Stride

I am back to stamping for a few days. (maybe, we'll see) I have been busy with my current design teams for the past week or so. I have had some pretty fun things to do though, so I am definately not complaining. I really like the variety in my crafting adventure. I don't really feel as if I ever get bored doing something. Mostly, if I am losing my creativity with something, then I can pick up in a little different flavor and recharge. I feel as if I am finally hitting my stride. I am past all the learning curves and trial and errors. I really believe that I know what my style is and enjoy it. No more trying this or that (hey, I am talking style, not technique). It is a good place to be and a long time coming.

Here is one of the cards I came up with this evening. I just thought it turned out so adorable. It is a Thank You card that is definately girlie!

This is an A2 card on a white base. I cut the pink paper (unknown) on the side with a scallop. I then attached the pink flower paper and the pink paisily paper (The Paper Studio). I glued the ribbon on over the seam. I stamped and watercolored the girl image (Me and My Big Ideas) and attached. The "thanks" stamp (Michael's $1) was also watercolored but attached with pop dots. I tied a bow and attached at an angle.

Thanks for looking! Until next time...

To Redo or Not to Redo . . .

. . . that is the question! I have really had a hard time with this. I have several scrapbook pages that make me cringe when I look at them. The scrapbooker in me says that I cannot let go of these awful pages. However, the artist in me says that they have to go. In the end, we need to do what will make us feel good about our books. For me that will be to take it page by page. I do not plan or intend to ever completely redo all past pages. However, when the inspiration hits me, I will redo a single page or double page spread here and there.


Here is a double page spread from photos a little over 2 years ago. I never really captured the memory of what we did properly. This 2 pager really gives me insight into the memory I want to carry forward.

Notes: This is my first ever digital 2 page spread (or at least that I can recall). The elements and paper are from Theresa Borntreger's Zoo Bound kit found at GDS. If you need to do some zoo pages, I highly recommend this kit. It is so fun!