Thinking of You

Long time no post!  Eeek.  Sometimes life has a way of getting in the way of the things I want to do.  I have missed blogging.  I have missed creating.  I have made a few things behind the scenes.  But quite honestly, I haven't had a chance to get in my little space and create.  You know the kind?  The opportunity to just play with all my creative goodness.  No deadlines.  No projects.  No kids.  No stress.

Oh, I never mentioned my in-laws 40th SURPRISE Anniversary Party.  That is what kept me busy through the end of September and the first half of October.  300 pictures.  220 photos used in a video.  About 100 photos printed, matted, and tagged.  Yes, LOTS of work for me.  So, hopefully I am somewhat back again.



I used a sketch from TE.  This was a few weeks back.  I came up with this idea and never had a chance to see it to completion.  Although the challenge is long gone, I still loved the concept and wanted to keep going.  The polka dots and plaid took FOREVER to stamp (mostly because I made 10 of these).

-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Discover Your Wings (Taylored Expressions); Thinking of You (Stampendous); Polka Dot Basics, Distressed Stripes, Life
Paper: Enchanted Evening, Stampers Select
Ink: Simply Chartreuse, Enchanted Evening, Smokey Shadow, Hawaiian Shores; Noir (Pallette)
Other: Copics

Taylored Expressions October 2010 Bloghop

I am blogging from afar this morning; I hope it all goes as planned.  This month we were instucted to use a stamp from one of the TE Christmas stamp sets.  I chose a beautiful sentiment from the Christmas Blessings set that I picked up at CHA.  This may be my favorite Christmas sentiment of all the Christmas sets I have seen.  Isn't it gorgeous??!!??!!  I was so excited about the color combo.  I think I am going to redo Christmas at our house this year and go with these colors.  Thanks for stopping by.  Be sure to scroll down and visit all the other awesome blogs.




Edited:  I updated my photo from the backseat photo shoot with my iPhone.  Now this is more like it.  :)

-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps:  Christmas Blessings (Taylored Expressions); Damask Designs
Paper: Vintage Cream, Kraft
Ink: Pure Poppy, Smokey Shadow, Tea Dye Duo
Ribbon: Red Satin (Hobby Lobby)

Hello Sunshine

I had so much fun putting this happy little card together.  I will have to admit that I am not a "scrap" user when it comes to making cards.  I had a VERY difficult time trying to use the small pieces of paper sticking out behind the design - so I ditched them.  :)  This is the last card in the Verve Stamps World Card Making Day Sketch Challenge.  Yeah!!!  It was lots of fun!








-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Let It Shine (Verve); Beautiful Blooms II, School Time
Paper: Stamper's Select White, Spring Rain
Ink: Spring Rain, Lemon Tart, Pure Poppy
Other: White Floss (DMC); Lemon Tart Ribbon and Button

I used a Doily!!!

I personally think I am so far from Shabby Chic it is almost unreal.  But, I got some doily transparencies from my Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit.  I came very close to just throwing them in the trash.  When I saw this sketch I immediately thought of those doilies.  Well, here is my attempt at vintage, shabby chic . . .

-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Plain Jane Proverbs 3:5 , Because of You (Verve)
Paper: Plumberry, Choice Buttercream (Taylored Expressions), Restoration Designer Paper (Crate Paper)
Ink: Ocean tides, Plum Pudding, Simply Chartreuse
Other: Doily Transparency, Ribbon (Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients - Sept 2010); Diamond Stickles

Birthday Wishes

Thanks for looking!  Here is my contribution to the Verve Stamps World Card Making Day Sketch Challenge #3.

-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Up Up and Away, Round & Round
Paper: Vintage Cream, Fine Linen, Aqua Mist
Ink: Vintage Cream, Aqua Mist, Tea Dye Duo
Other: Fine Linen Ribbon

Happy Birthday to You

I am working through the Verve Stamps World Card Making Day Sketch Challenges.  Here is the sketch and my card.







-All Papertrey Ink Unless Noted-
Stamps:  Damask Designs, Fillable Frames #5
Paper: Plum Pudding, Dotty Discotti, Kraft
Ink: VersaMark, Plum Pudding, Dark Chocolate
Other:  Plum Pudding Ribbon, Fillable Frames #5 Die

World Card Making Day with Verve

I had a migraine over the weekend and am just now getting all my Verve Stamps World Card Making Day cards up.  Yikes!!  So, bear with me as I post 5 things in a row.  :)


The first card is from the first sketch.  Simple, right?  :)  I did have a lot of fun with these and really tried to stay true to myself and my design esthetic while pushing myself to use the sketch.  Did that just totally sound like Project Runway or what?










-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Because of You, Wishful Elegance (Verve) A Little Argyle
Paper:  Vintage Cream, Smokey Shadow, Simply Chartreuse, Orange Zest
Ink: Pure Poppy, Smokey Shadow, Simply Chartreuse, Orange Zest
Other: Red Satin Ribbon (Hobby Lobby), Mat Stack 1, Argyle Embossing Folder (Quickuts), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Cuddlebug)

Thanks for looking!

Papertrey Chicks - Sketch Challenge

The latest Papertrey Chicks Sketch Challenge is up!  I was excited to play along and went for a new color combo for me.  I hope you enjoy!



-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Background Basics: Diamonds, Round and Round, Background Basics: Petal Power
Paper: Fine Linen, Harvest Gold, Summer Sunrise
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Summer Sunrise
Other: Mat Stack 1

Hello

I had made this for a one word challenge and just found the picture today.  Oops!  So, all my blog readers get to see my fun card.



Stamps: Boxes, Bags, and Tags, Fillable Frames #1 (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Lavender Moon, Stampers Select (Papertrey Ink)
Ribbon: Ribbon FX
Flowers: Prima
Jewels: Dollar Store

Thanks for looking today!  Have a great rest of the week.  I have been in my craft closet most of the day.  Hopefully, I will get back to my regular blog schedule soon.  :)

PTI Blog Hop September 2010

Hello!  I had a great time making the card for this blog hop.  I cannot wait to see all the great ideas and how as a collection we all make this craft GREAT!  Happy hopping!




I used two different things for this card.

One, I loved how the embossed polka dot background looks.  I saw it here - Soapbox Creations.  Laurie is super talented, and I love visiting her blog almost daily.  So, I am working on my embossing skills, but I had to give it a try anyway.

Two, most of you probably recognize the frame from the ever-so-talented Maile Belles.  The first time I saw her use this frame - found here - I was overwhelmed.  So creative!  So beautiful!!  I knew right then and there that I was going to use this same frame over and over.

I hope I did justice to these talented ladies and their inspiration, ideas, and techniques.  Thank you so much for visiting.  Come back anytime.  :)  My blog is always here.

-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Polka Dot Basics, Background Basics: Text Style, Fillable Frames #7, Just the Ticket
Paper: Harvest Gold, Spring Moss, Smokey Shadow
Ink: New Leaf, Smokey Shadow; VersaMark
Ribbon: New Leaf, Spring Moss, Harvest Gold
Dies: Mat Stack #4, Fillable Frames #7
Other: Clear Embossing Powder (Ranger)

Blast from the Past Blog Hop - September 2010

Welcome to the Taylored Expressions Blast from the Past Blog Hop!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek.  I have had a busy couple of weeks and it was SO needed to get some time in the craft room.  :)  Enjoy your journey through this Blog Hop!



Stamps:  Make the Grade (Taylored Expressions), Up Up and Away (Papertrey Ink)
Pattern Paper: A Walk in the Park (Echo Park) from TE Key Ingredients
Paper: White and Red (TE Key Ingredients), Hawaiian Shores (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Noir (Pallette); Tea Dye Duo, Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist, Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink)
Other: Copics, Ribbon (TE Key Ingredients), Mat Stack 4 Die (Papertrey Ink)

Make sure and check out the rest of the blog hop participants!  There are going to be some amazing things to see, I am sure!

Wishing You a Happy Birthday

I have a new favorite.  :)  Yes, it continually changes.  Please no judgement about my changing.  I have grown to love Summer Sunrise by Papertrey Ink.  I really didn't care for the color, but it was nice to have around.  However, lately I find that I reach for it all the time.  I don't know if it is the changing season or what, but I love it.  So, enjoy a fun color combo that makes me smile.



-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Polka Dot Basics, Through the trees
Paper: Aqua Mist, Stampers Select White
Ink: Summer Sunrise, Fresh Snow, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss
Ribbon: Summer Sunrise Grosgrain
Other: White Embossing Powder (Prisma), Scallop Border Die

Stamping Only

I thought the Create Blog had an interesting challenge of "stamping only".  I immediately thought of replacements for all my usual embellishments.  What a fun challenge to only use stamps and paper!  I had a blast making this card.  Sorry about the photo.  We are getting the first part of the clouds from the hurricane, and I won't be seeing sun for a couple of days.  Thanks for looking!



-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Background Basics: Diamonds and Tin Types, School Time, Falling Leaves
Ink: Spring Moss, Scarlett Jewel, Smokey Shadow
Paper: Rustic White, Smokey Shadow
Other: Copic Spica, Cuttlebug Circle Die

Happy, Happy Birthday

I love having days off.  But, they can sometimes be the hardest, too.  Can you say live and breathe a schedule?  :)  I have a card to share today that was so much fun to make.  I hope you have a great holiday today.



-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Life, Fillable Frames #1, Round and Round
Ink: Vintage Cream, Tea Dye Duo, Dark Chocolate
Paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream
Other: Fillable Frames #1 Die, Ric Rac (JoAnn's)

To Teach . . . .

Another Teacher card today!!

I am finishing my teacher cards, very slowly.  But, I only have 2 more to go!!!



-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Teacher's Apple
Paper: Fly a Kite (October Afternoon), Red Paper and Cream Paper (Key Ingredients from Taylored Expressions)
Ink: Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Tea Dye Duo
Other: Flower (Kaiser Craft), Pure Poppy Button, Dark Chocolate Baker's Twine, Text Style Impression Plate

Soaring by to Say Hi

Happy September 1st!!!!  That is just crazy!  We have had a great summer, but now I am ready for a long fall with fall weather.  I love the warm days and cool evenings that this time of year brings.

Today's card is featuring a couple of different things.  First, this is the very first time I have used my Everyday Button Bits set that I bought at CHA.  I love it and plan to make many, many, many, many, many more cards with it.  Also, do you see that delicious paper.  Most of my blog readers know that I don't buy anything usually except Papertrey Ink.  Well, Taylored Expressions has a great thing called Key Ingredients.  I get to use a pretty good supply of many fresh products and they just come to my door step every month.  I love it.  Now, to just use it instead of looking at it.  :)


-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Everyday Button Bits
Ink: Dark Chocolate, Tea Dye Duo
Paper: Fly a Kite (October Afternoon), Yellow and Cream (Key Ingredients from Taylored Expressions)
Ribbon: Red Satin (Key Ingredients from Taylored Expressions)
Buttons: Key Ingredients from Taylored Expressions
Bakers Thread: Dark Chocolate

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy Wednesday!!

Too Cute to Spook

Let me just say . . . this is my 2nd ever Halloween card.  I adored my very first one (see it here).  But, we don't do Halloween.  We never have.   Every year I see all these cute Halloween projects and cards, but I am really never a part of them.  This year I decided to buy PTI's Tiny Treats: Halloween stamp set to make some things to send with the kids to school.  It is my one and only Halloween stamp set.  So, if you see it in my projects a lot, you will know why.  :)

I am playing along with Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #126.  I haven't talked about TE much on my blog.  I have followed Taylor's work for a couple of years and have recently become a Key Ingredients subscriber.  While I was at CHA, I had the opportunity to talk to her and let me tell you - an absolute sweet heart.  I bought my very first 4 SETS of TE rubber stamps and have become a fan in more ways.  Isn't it nice to know you are in good company?  I mean seriously; who better to play along with than a great person and a great company.  And no, I didn't get paid or compensated to say that.  :)  I pay for the privilege.

Here is my take on the challenge.  Thanks for looking.



-All PTI unless noted-
Stamps: Tiny Treats: Halloween, Polka Dot Basics II
Paper: Bitty Dots, Summer Sunrise, Harvest Gold, Stampers Select White
Ink: Summer Sunrise, True Black
Other: Copics, Copic Spica, Fiskars Circle Cutter Thing

Praying for You

Several weeks back (or a month or two *wink*) I was on a mission to use up some of my supplies or loose them.  Here is another use it or loose it card.  I know it is only the ribbon, buy hey, I have to use it up.  :)  Thanks for looking today.  Have a great weekend!!!  I hope to be back blogging on Monday.



- All Papertrey Ink unless indicated -
Stamps: Damask Designs, With Sympathy
Paper: Melon Berry, Stampers Select White
Ink: Melon Berry, Dark Chocoloate
Other: Brown Ribbon (Offray), Versa Mark Ink, Filagree White embossing powder, Mat Stack Die 4

Papertrey Chicks - Sketch Challenge

I am participating in the Papertrey Chicks sketch challenge.  I thought the quick and simple sketch was just what the doctor ordered for this busy time of the year.  Thanks for looking today.



- All Papertrey Ink unless noted -
Stamps: Round and Round, Beautiful Blooms II
Paper: In Bloom Pattern Paper, Stampers Select White
Ink: Enchanted Evening
Other: White Satin Ribbon (Hobby Lobby), Copic Spica

Best Wishes

I have been waiting to play with my new Guidelines Impression plate since I saw its debut.  However, I really didn't see a lot of the design team members using it.  So, I was a touch concerned about it.  It did not disappoint!  I love the simple, and much needed, texture it added to my card.  Also, did you see ocean tides?  This is one of my original favorite colors, but it has gone by the side for me lately.  Oh, how delicious that color still is in my eyes!!  Thanks for looking today!  This is our first full week of school.  Wish us luck!!



- All Papertrey Ink unless indicated -
Stamps: Guidelines, Fillable Frames #7
Paper: Rustic White
Ink: Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist
Ribbon: Ocean Tides Satin
Other: Guidelines Impression Plate, Fillable Frames #7 Die

Teacher - You mean the world to me

Welcome to one of my very first shaped cards.  I made a shaped card about 2 years ago, which was my first.  I don't typically do these, but when the Create blog challenged us to do a star shaped card I pulled out my Gypsy and began creating.  I learned a lot!!  It wasn't nearly as painful as I thought it would be.  Maybe I will venture into them more often.  Also, I need to finish my teacher cards.  Yes, they are not done, and we started Thursday.  :)  Only 3 more!!!



Stamps: Make the Grade (Taylored Expressions)
Paper: from the Key Ingredients Kit (Taylored Expressions)
Flower: Kaiser Kraft
Other: Dark Chocolate Ink, Pure Poppy Button, Chocolate Bakers Twine (Papertrey Ink)
Die Cuts: All stars cut from George Cartridge on my Cricut

Happy Birthday

I made a card for Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #125.  I always admire all of Taylor's cards and never took the chance to play along.  This was a fun sketch and I had a blast making this card.

Thanks for looking!



Stamps: Beautiful Blooms II (Papertrey Ink), Wishful Elegance (Verve)
Paper: Spring Moss, Vintage Cream, Kraft (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Spring Moss, Tea Dye Duo, Aqua Mist (Papertrey Ink)
Die Cuts: Beautiful Blooms Dies (Papertrey Ink), Circles and scallop square (George and Gypsy Wanderings cut with my Cricut)
Other: Woodgrain Impression Plate (Papertrey Ink), Rustic Twine (Papertrey Ink), Copics
Sketch: TESC #125

Mr. and Mrs.

Today I have a wedding card to share with you.  For some reason, this is THE hardest type of card to make.  I honestly don't know where the disconnect is for me.  I don't feel like there are any great wedding stamp sets out there.  I have found a few bits and pieces here and there but nothing that knocks my socks off.  Wow, what a downer way to start a post.  Chalk it up to a late night coupled with an early morning of fussy children.  :)



- All Papertrey Ink unless indicated -
Stamps: Big & Bold Wishes
Paper: Stampers Select White, Aqua Mist
Ink: Aqua Mist, True Black
Ribbon: Black Stripe (JoAnn's)

Happy Birthday - Dino Style

I love finding ways to make cards for the younger audience.  I have 8 nephews and 4 nieces.  So, you can bet that I am always needing a birthday card for one of them.  I was totally happy to use my Tiny Treats Valentine for all sorts of applications all year long.  That set gets TONS of mileage with all the kids in my life.



Paper: Pattern Paper (Basic Grey), Vintage Cream (Papertrey Ink)
Stamps: Fillable Frames #1, Tiny Treats: Valentine (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Orange Zest, Dark Chocolate, Tea Dye Duo (Papertrey Ink)
Other: Copics

The Cow Jumped Over the Moon

We had a baby shower at our church for a couple that  I really didn't know well.  So, I went pretty neutral when I made this card to go with their gift.  As it turned out, I really love using yellow for baby cards.  I know I have already posted about it, but it is still true.



 And I actually stamped on the inside of a card.  !!!!  I know . . . you are thinking that is crazy.  But, I happen to see this little tip/trick on the fabulous Nicole Heady's blog.  I used Giga Guidelines as a background to the inside sentiment.  I stamped it in Lemon Tart, so it made it harder to photograph.  What do you think?  I was totally thrilled with how classy it turned out.


-All Papertrey Ink unless identified -
Paper: Lemon Tart, True Black
Stamps: Baby Boy Stamps (The Paper Studio), Background Basics: Tin Types, Giga Guidelines, Signature Greetings
Ink: True Black, Lemon Tart
Other: Lemon Tart Ribbon, Copic Markers

Friends for Life

I thought I would be blogging every day this week.  Well, I am glad to get any posts up.  :)  I am making some invitations - okay about 100 - for a surprise event.  I was commissioned to keep it a surprise; so once the event passes, I will share what has taken me so long.  I don't think anyone would happen by my blog, but you never know.  This is my last "job" for a while as I am taking some time off of custom orders.  Switching gears, today's card is one from earlier in the summer.  I love, love, LOVE this stamp set and would use it on every card if I could get away with it.  Thanks for stoping by!



All Papertrey Ink unless noted.
Paper: Hawaiian Shores
Impression Plate: Picnic Basket
Stamps: Life
Ink: Hawaiian Shores
Dark Blue Ink: Stampabilities
Ribbon: Unknown (seriously, it just showed up one day in one of our cars.  So, if this is yours, thanks for letting me use it.)

Teacher Cards . . . Again

Officially, 3 teacher cards down . . . and 4 more to go.  YEAH!!!  Thanks for looking at my fast share today.  Have a great weekend!  I will back on Monday with some more cards.  :)



Stamps: School Time
Paper: Kraft, Pure Poppy, Rustic White
Ink: Simply Chartreuse, Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate
Ribbon: Simply Chartreuse, Harvest Gold
Other: Medium Scallop Border
-All products from Papertrey Ink-

Papertrey Ink CHA Make-n-Takes

I had a blast in Chicago for CHA.  I am forever thankful that my husband agreed to let me go without question.  It was refreshing.  Of course, the major reason I went to the show and the highlight was getting to the Papertrey Ink booth.

Nicole and crew were fantastic!!  She was right at the front of the booth greeting customers with a smile and warm welcome.  Heather and Debbie were running one make-n-take while Dawn and Michelle did the other.  PTI, by far, had the best make-n-takes of anyone else at the show.  Hey free PTI, it doesn't get better than that.  :)  The girls had to be tired from travels and long days, but you would never know from their sweet spirits and happy hearts.  They were gracious to take photos with and for fans.  During the Meet & Greet, Nicole, Heather, Debbie, Dawn, and Michelle took the time to ask questions and really connect.  It was sincere and heartfelt.  Jane was fantastic and gracious as she took the time to speak with us and answer all our silly questions.  I spent a lot of money and time to get to CHA, and they didn't disappoint.  Thanks, PTI.

First, here are the design team's cards that they made with the "Four of a Kind" free CHA set.


These were just as gorgeous as ever.  If you think their cards and projects are cute in pictures on their blogs, they are even BETTER in person, flawless.

This is the make-n-takes from Friday:






These are the make-n-takes from Saturday:







I was so appreciative that they let us impress and die cut on our own.  It was good for first time PTI'ers and those who were hesitant to try them.  Let me just say that the envelope die cut was not even on my radar, but after using it I immediately went in the booth and purchased it.  :)  Great marketing move on PTI's part.  ;)

Thanks for reading my longer than usual post.  I had a great, refreshing, relaxing time in Chicago at a much needed time.

Edited: I said Cheryl but meant Debbie. Ummm . . . can we say long week. I don't even know a Cheryl in the pepercraft world. :)

Reach for the Sky

I made these for all the graduates this past year.  I loved how simple yet elegant they turned out.  I was able to use them for both boys and girls.  All the recipients loved them.  Thanks for looking today.  I hope you have a great rest of the week.



Stamps: Background Basics: Tin Types, Up Up and Away, Fillable Frames #4 (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Kraft, Stampers Select White (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Fresh Snow, Smokey Shadow, Tea Dye Duo (Papertrey Ink)
Ribbon: JoAnn's

Thanks be to God

It looks like I have spent lots of time in my craft room lately.  I have some cards that I have made here and there and never found an opportunity to blog them.  Here is a card made with the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit from June.



Papers: TE Key Ingredients June 2010
Stamps: Victory in Jesus (Verve), Beautiful Blooms II (PTI)
Other: Dark Chocolate and Summer Sunrise Ink (PTI), Brown Ric Rac (Hobby Lobby), Beautiful Blooms Dies, Clear Embossing Powder

Thanks for looking today!  I hope you have a blessed day!

CHA 2010 - Papertrey Ink Kites

I had an AWESOME time in Chicago attending the CHA Supershow.  By far, the highlight was getting to the Papertrey Ink booth.  I wanted to share all of the kites that hung around their booth.  I am always delighted to see new things made by the fabulous design team.  I was hoping that all the Design Team would share these on their blogs.   So without further ado . . . the Papertrey Ink Design Team Kites from CHA 2010.



I am guessing this is Lisa Johnson's.  ????  Hopefully, I will find out.


Heather posted about this kite on her blog.


I am guessing this is Nicole's.  Just a guess though.  :)


I was talking to Nicole and Dawn guessing whose kites these were.  So, I know that this one is definitely Betsy's.  And no surprise, probably my favorite.


My guess on this kite is Michelle. -- Yes, this is Michelle's.  She posted about it on her blog.


Dawn posted about her kite on her blog.


I am only guessing.  This just screams Niki to me.  -- Updated: Niki posted about her kite on her blog.


I had originally guessed this could be Dawn's.  So, I have no idea now. - This belongs to Maile Belles.  She posted about it on her blog.


My guess is that this belongs to Melissa.

Thank you for looking at some great craftiness.  I wish I could take credit for one of these, but I cannot.  :)  But, I wanted to post them anyway for your viewing pleasure.

Another Teacher Card

I am slowly getting my teacher cards completed for the kids to go back to school.  I made another 5x7 card and am falling head over heels for School Time designed by Niki Estes.  I don't want to put the background stamps down.  This is a must have set if you need anything teacher or school themed.  Hands Down!!



I don't know why the letters background is so washed out.  It was stamped with versa mark and no matter what I tried, my camera would not get a good photo of it.  Maybe I should try during the day to re-shoot it.

Stamps: School Time, Teacher's Apple (PTI)
Paper: Simply Chartreuse, Kraft (PTI)
Ink: Ripe Avocado, Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise (PTI), Versa Mark
Other: Lemon Tart Ribbon (PTI)

Thanks for looking.  I am hoping to get all my photos together and post about CHA 2010.  :)