Wishing You

I am sharing the cards from the gift set I shared yesterday.  I made these for my sister.  She has such a distinct style and taste.  I would describe her as charming, nodding toward old world, slightly rustic, yet very sophisticated.  I honestly thought these cards were "her".

For my card, I used some luscious pinefeather felt.  I finally broke down and ordered Papertrey Ink's Pinefeather.  Oh my!!  It is such a great color - ribbons, paper, and felt.  I don't have a need for many Christmas stamps and haven't been able to justify a purchase of a snowflake set.  I have wanted a set for so long, but would only use them sparingly.  So, I thought and thought.  I used the Giga Guidelines 2 to mimic a snowflake.  It worked!  Did you even notice?  I love it when I make these little bitty discoveries.

Thanks for stopping by.  It has been a crazy busy weekend, but I have had a great holiday.  Maybe I can run over to my sisters and see if I can snap a quick picture of the tags that were also a part of this gift set. If you are interested, One Week With . . . starts Monday.  Otherwise, it will be blogging as usual here on my blog.

- All Papertrey Ink unless noted -
Stamps: Tree Trimming Trio, Giga Guidelines II
Ink: Fresh Snow, New Leaf
Paper: Kraft
Other: Pinefeather Felt, Vintage Cream/Fresh Snow Buttons, Rustic Twine, Tree Trimming Trio Die

Better Late Than . . .

Well, never.  I am so super late at posting this.  I really, really, really, really, really, super bad wanted to participate in the Papertrey Ink Bloghop.  Thanksgiving did not lend itself to blogging ease.  :)  Well, here she is - my PTI November blog hop tag project.

I made this little set for my sister (a.k.a. Thanksgiving Host).  I made a small set of Christmas cards with matching tags.  Then, I finished off the entire gift with a tag that I am sharing today.  I hope you enjoy my small, but late contribution.  I will be blogging about the cards and the tags, hopefully, tomorrow.  :)

-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Home Made
Ink: New Leaf, Tea Dye Due, Versamark
Paper: Kraft
Other: Pinefeather Bitty Dot Ribbon, Pinefeather Grosgrain Ribbon, Tag Sale 2 Die

Birthday Wishes

I had the opportunity to spend some time "playing" in my little craft space.  I love those times where you don't limit your creativity.  No challenges, no colors, no particular theme.  Oddly, those can be the most challenging, too.  :)  But, on this day, I was able to just play.

On today's card, I inked up an embossing folder before I ran the paper through my Cuttlebug.  It was definitely an interesting effect.  I will return to this but in different colors and armed with a wealth of knowledge.  Also, do you see the little beaded wire?  That was another "try" I did.  I liked how it turned out overall, but the whole card sorda turned out industrial.

-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Birthday Wishes (SillyLeAnn Designs 1.0), Life
Paper: Smokey Shadow, Stampers Select White
Ink: Summer Sunrise, Smokey Shadow, Terracotta Tile
Ribbon: Summer Sunrise Grosgrain
Other: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Mat Stack 1 Die, Wire and Beads (my little creation)

With Sympathy

Today I am sharing an elegant sympathy card.  It was quick and easy which makes it perfect for an unexpected need.  Thanks for looking and reading today.


-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: With Sympathy, Fancy Flourishes
Paper: Kraft, Melon Berry, Vintage Cream
Ink: Melon Berry
Other: Berry Sorbet and Vintage Cream Buttons, Woodgrain Impression Plate, Flowers (The Paper Studio), Rustic Twine

Just Moved

Ok, I totally did not or have not moved.  Well, I moved 4 years ago.  I just made this for a friend.  I wanted to share as it is made with tons of stuff from my Cricut.  I hope you are having a great week.  We went to see "Shrek the Musical" last night and had a ball.  Otherwise, we are gearing up for the holiday weekend here in the States.


-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Paper: Aqua Mist, Smokey Shadow, Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise
Ink: Fresh Snow
Stamps: Up, Up, and Away
Die Cuts: Platin School, Gypsy Font, DoodleType (Cricut by Provocraft)

Happy Fall

Autumn is officially in full bloom in my area of the world.  I love this time of year - the colors, the weather, the thankful spirit in the air.  I made a fun little card to share my love with all my blog readers.  Have a great Autumn season!



-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps:  Falling Leaves, Background Basics: Petal Power, Up Up and Away
Paper: Stampers Select White, Terracotta Tile
Ink: Summer Sunrise, Dark Chocolate, Terracotta Tile, Orange Zest, Tea Dye Duo
Other: Prima Flowers, Summer Sunrise Ribbon, Rustic Twine

With Gratitude

I really fell in love with a card I made for the Verve World Card Making Day Challenge here.  I kept looking at it thinking I should do it in a different color.  So, I did.  Enjoy!



-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Because of You, Wishful Elegance (Verve); A Little Argyle
Paper:  Vintage Cream, Smokey Shadow, Aqua Mist, Spring Moss
Ink: Spring Moss, Smokey Shadow, Aqua Mist, Plum Pudding
Other: Lavender Satin Ribbon (Hobby Lobby), Mat Stack 1, Argyle Embossing Folder (Quickuts), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Cuddlebug)


Thanks for looking!  One more thing . . . I am starting a new "series" if you will.  It is called "One Week With".  If you have a moment, go check it out here.

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