Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Crazy Fun Dots





Here's a bit of fluttery crazy for you today....






I was inspired by this beautiful dress.








I used a new paper pad (for me)...My Mind's Eye Breeze.


It's a bit gloomy doomy here in my corner of the world...it was fun to just "create".


Hope you got a chance to also~



stamps: Hero Arts Untitled Word Shadow,Technique Tuesday Inner Circle,Waltzingmouse Teeny Trees circle
inks: Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin,Memento Inks (Rhubarb Stalk and Gray Flannel),Ranger Tim Holtz Fired Brick
paper: My Mind's Eye Breeze,Authentique Carefree,Georgia Pacific White
dies: Spellbinders scalloped circles and classic circles
other: stapler








Friday, January 25, 2013

~Happy Birthday Amanda and PTI Hop~




Today is my youngest turns 12..... 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA!!!




~May you have a wonderful day filled with laughter and fun~



I already made her a fun card and shared it before...




I had prepared another card a week ago, knowing that I would be busy with her special day.









I've seen such lovely cards in the gallery so far.



There is so much inspiration to be had!









Have a wonderful day~



Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Be Organized





I created another for 


CASE Study #124

Amber Kemp-Gerstel

Her lovely card of bottles reminded me of my PTI pint jar  and I how I HAD TO HAVE IT.


I wanted to make sure and use it while I was inspired and thinking about it.








Karen's recent post reminded me of using the back of a stamp for a solid look, or in my case, for shadows and depth.


When I inked the back of the jar~the middle naturally wouldn't ink...so it left the perfect ring of color I wanted.



I organized words here, because

I felt like organizing something "different"



ANNNND, I am limited with stamps that would fit in this jar.


IN FACT, I misplaced the cutest little tack stamp~how frustrating!



SO, I'm not telling YOU to be organized...I'm telling ME~


just so we're clear. ;)





stamps: Papertrey Ink Friendship Summer Jar,Heidi Swapp Memory File clear stamps
other: Pink Paislee (Daily Junque Ephemera Pack),My Mind's Eye twine,stapler
inks: Papertrey Ink Hibiscus Burst,Memento Ink Dandelion and Pear Tart,Ranger Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane




Rosie Posie and a Gradient Look



It took me a few tries to achieve this gradient look with two powders (pink and lime).


The only downside was, I couldn't pour the extra powder back in the containers...I didn't want to contaminate the pure colors.


I designated a "mixed" container for times like these...it will be interesting to see what color combo results after a few months.


These two stems are from Papertrey's Rosie Posie~they are easy to line up and fun to work with.










I brought out my beads and sequins and scattered them about with Glossy Accents glue.


is hosted by Heather.

After getting my image the way I wanted it, I took the plunge and embossed the sentiment in yellow over it.

I must admit~I was a bit nervous about overheating it.

I love the outcome though!

This is a great way to use up that gorgeous embossing powder.


Thanks for stopping by~have a blessed day now~








stamps: Papertrey Ink (Rosie Posie,Counting My Blessings Mini stamp set)
ink: Versamark
embossing powders: Recollections and Whispers
other: beads and sequins
paper: Bazzill,BoBunny Weekend Market DP
die:Papertrey Ink Counting My Blessings




Monday, January 21, 2013

I'm Missing the Palm Trees






It is SNOWING here ~ which has me thinking of palm trees. 


LOL.


WHITE palm trees, that is. ;)



I am born and bred an island girl and this set (My Island) speaks to my heart and gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside. ;)

Claire is hosting a Chalkboard Challenge this week-so I brought this set out again.


There's plenty of time to give this technique a go!



I picked the beautiful sentiment from Waltzingmouse's My Island and a random line from Teeny Trees (I LOVE THAT ELEMENT) to accompany those beautiful trees.

The border at the bottom of my card was created with a Papertrey Ink Photo Finish Strip that I trimmed.


I have the elegant meshing with the "relaxed" island vibe.


A bit of palm info...my Dad used to hire someone to CLIMB THE TALL PALM TREE behind my grandma's house. They would cut the coconuts loose so they wouldn't fall later on unsuspecting heads. 

I imagine that is a normal yard grooming precaution everywhere for tall palms.


Ok, I feel better already~ just thinking about summer and swaying palm trees~





stamps: Waltzingmouse My Island and Teeny Trees
dies: Spellbinders Label 25,Papertrey Ink Photo Finish Strips
other: Versamark ink,Recollections white embossing powder,Versamagic white ink,white pencil,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,black cardstock






Bird Day Card and a Feather



I'm trying to fatten up my Birthday Card supply.


I thought this would be a fun bird themed card~







I used the vibrant colors from the




My gray isn't as dark as the inspirational photo...it's a tannish gray from the Carefree collection of Authentique.


I overlapped my bird cages...which was fun, considering I can't pick which cage I like the best~so I've included them all!


I took my inspiration from Case Study Challenge #124,

where Amber overlapped the bottles.





Finally, this lovely sketch was designed by Nina at The Craft's Meow.

The Craft's Meow January Sketch Challenge






I hope you are having a beautiful Monday~




stamps: The Craft's Meow Tweet of You
dies: My Favorite Things Rosette,Spellbinders Label 25,Feathers Set by Jamie (Silhouette Cameo)
ink: Memento Inks (Rose Bud,Lady Bug),Ranger Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane
papers: Authentique Carefree,7Gypsies DP(mustard) and American Crafts DP(red)




Sunday, January 20, 2013

A Long Birthday Card




I LOVE creating long cards (the larger canvas, perhaps?)


~so I made another.








Truth be told, I used the tag to cover up a crooked sentiment
(I was aiming for a one layer).

But, that tag needed love...I'm just glad that the ink didn't smear after I stamped the sentiment.

I didn't even "touch it" to make sure...LOL...I gave it enough time to set on the glossy tag.


That. was. SO. HARD. FOR. ME.



I'm one of those "let me see if this is still wet/hot" kind of gal...

I'm WAY TOO IMPULSIVE!!!


When I use a glue gun... I wear gloves...because I WILL BURN my fingers~I JUST KNOW I will be tempted to wipe that excess hot glue.

It's just best for me to be prepared for my shortcomings.


I learn to work around them. ;)


So, I after stamping the sentiment, I set that tag down and tried to forget about it while it dried.


Then I adhered it (after running my finger across it, of course). ;)



If you love long cards too...now's the time to create and submit to




CFC86: Create a CAS card that has one long side and one short side.
3 x 6, 4 x 8, etc. No standard A2's for this week.



I had fun JUST STAMPING AWAY for the
Make Your Own Background Paper Challenge in the Moxie Fab World.


Perfect timing too, because I just read a tutorial at Simplicity about random stamping.


I usually just "go with it"...but I tried to be more purposeful with my triangulations.



The colors at




motivated me. 



These colors are fantastic!!!



Thanks for stopping by and listening to my ramblings~




stamps: Technique Tuesday Inner Circle,Papertrey Ink Rosie Posie,Market Street Stamps Great Big Greetings
ink: Ranger Jenni Bowlin Spice Tin,Ranger Tim Holtz Mustard Seed
tag: American Crafts Bits Tags Margarita




 

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Friendships Warm the Heart



I love when I bump into my friends!



We've gotten so busy (or in my case, sickie)...that I haven't been able to hang out with anyone.







The size/shape of my card is inspired by 





CFC86: Create a CAS card that has one long side and one short side.
3 x 6, 4 x 8, etc. No standard A2's for this week.




My colors are from 







I pulled out an old sentiment I haven't used in awhile..from Innovative Stamp Creations.


I had to reapply some 2-Way glue to make it tacky again~now it's good as new!


ink: Memento Ink Elderberry,Ranger Tim Holtz Victorian Velvet Distress ink
dies: Papertrey Ink Movers and Shakers spinners die,(bikes-webdings "b")Silhouette Cameo
other: Zig 2-Way glue





Thursday, January 17, 2013

Distressed Tropical Valentine





Here is another for the Waltzingmouse First Blog Waltz of 2013.


The theme is love and hearts.



I don't live in Hawaii anymore...but as my dad says...


you can take the girl from the islands but you can't take the island from the girl.




I used most of the sentiments in My Island-because I CAN. ;)


I love them all!

I also used the cut files that Claire has for sale-to coordinate with this set.


I am TERRIBLE about sending cards out to my family
(um, I DO see the irony here...being a cardmaker and all)...


but this is designed for my dear parents.


It might be the first they've ever received from me for Valentine's Day.


I stink~


but NOT THIS YEAR!!!


New Year, NEW ME~


for now. ;)



stamps: Waltzingmouse My Island
ink: Memento Ink Pear Tart,Papertrey Ink True Black
paper: Authentique Lively,Bazzill, and Georgia Pacific white
other: staples,distress tool,Waltzingmouse My Island Cut Files




Tropical Hearts





Today marks the


Waltzingmouse First Blog Waltz of 2013!


The theme is love/hearts~













Since I will be linking up a second card...I will chat later~



stamps: Waltzingmouse My Island,Papertrey Ink Teach & Inspire
inks: Memento Inks (bahama blue,dandelion,ladybug),Ranger Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane
paper: Papertrey Ink Rustic Cream






Ask




I had fun with this creation today-I let my inner teen loose!

I brought out two fun tapes for the challenge at

Simon Says Stamp: Use Washi Tape.


One of my girlies got me the section tape...I wouldn't have picked it myself (I'd have chickened out)... but I'm SO GLAD she thought I could

WORK IT. lol.


Girlie thinks I'm way cooler than I am.


That's kind of cool. ;)










Use 10 Embellishments Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

inspired me to add at least 10 stickers...but, they slip out of the envelope, so it's also a gift.

I recycled the little envelope by stamping the sentiment with Staz On (I figured if I failed...it would just go in the trash).


What do you know...it worked-yay Staz On!










The one great thing about blogging...is even if you feel sicky...you can still create and post about it~you don't have to worry about passing it on.


Are you struggling to stay well also?



Hang in there my friends~



border die: Silhouette
paper: Georgia Pacific White
ink: Staz On black
other: glassine recycled envelope, stickers,stapler

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

GOING UP




Lately we've been watching action flicks...and there were some elevator scenes that inspired me.

Since you cardmakers are punny punny people...I was hoping you would appreciate my little moment of aha.
 
 







I designed this on my Silhouette for






While I was on the elevator theme...I went ahead and made this for
Paper Crafts January 2013 Gallery.

(Milestone birthdays)




I also designed this on my Silhouette.

For both cards, the only line I set to "cut" is the outside border.  Everything else I set to "no cut".


I would have never been able to line up those circles without the "align" feature...it just isn't in me!


Thanks for stopping by~I appreciate the visits~




Dapper Mr. Mustache Man





I'd like to introduce dapper Mr. Mustache Man.
 





My husband pulled the word "dapper" from his arsenal of wit last night~
I haven't heard that word in AGES!


LOL


However...I think this fits Mr. Mustache Man~and my husband for that matter!



 *wink*



Mr. Mustache Man is from Silhouette (Jamie's Assorted Gentleman Dress Up) and the sentiments are from both Hero Arts and Skipping Stones.


Hero Arts:Try Something New
(this file was one of the first NEW items I ordered for my NEW Silhouette and one of the first that I cut).



I had the mustache man finished on the Mat Stack, sentiments and all.


However, it sat around on my desk because I didn't know where to go from there.



 The Inspired By challenge helped me finish this card.





Stripes are what I needed to give the focal point some shazaam!




Now I can send this card out~


yay for Dapper Man!


dies: (Jamie's Assorted Gentleman Dress Up Accessories)Silhouette Cameo,Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3
stamp: Hero Arts Best of the Best,Skipping Stones Design You Know You're Getting Old Birthday
tag: American Crafts Bits Tags Margarita
paper: Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Bazzill
ink: Papertrey Ink Hawaiian Shores,Memento Pear Tart
other: Papertrey Ink Herringbone Impression Plate


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

The Seeds in an Apple


I love this sentiment from Our Daily Bread Designs.





I used the inspiration from
CASE Study Challenge #123
Amber Kemp-Gerstel

Amber used lovely falling hearts...I utilized this tiny apple stamp from PTI's Teach & Inspire.





Hope you are having a blessed day~thanks for stopping by~





stamps: Our Daily Bread Designs Apple Seeds,Papertrey Ink Teach & Inspire
ink:Memento ink Lilac Posies,Ranger Jenni Bowlin Weather Vane
paper:Georgia Pacific white

Monday, January 14, 2013

~A Clean Heart~



I pray everyday for a clean heart.


It needs it!


Even when I try to do "good"...the Lord lets me know when the wrong motives have crept in.


ugh.


It's not fun to be reminded of how diva-ish I can be...


in fact, it's downright humbling.


However, His Spirit keeps me close to saving grace.

Without His guidance and pure heart...I am just another gal trying to draw attention to myself in words and actions.


I want to be the kind of gal that draws attention to Him and His pure motives and ways.


Amen????




I made this card for myself...it will replace the post-it note that's near my computer.


I got this lovely verse from

Word Art Wednesday #62:Hearts-

you can get it there, free!


Make a Window Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

 inspired me to give this card depth.

I merged different files together to create this tag on my Silhouette.


May our hearts be made clean and pure for the Lord's purposes!






Word Art: Word Art Wednesday Verse challenge #62
die: heart,tag from Silhouette Cameo
paper: Georgia Pacific white,black cardstock
other: Hemptique bakers twine

Friday, January 11, 2013

Old Timey Love


I want NEW ideas, NEW hopes and dreams, NEW strength and joy.


But, I want OLD timey love forever....


it's the best kind...that stands the test of time.


I was smitten with this old timey cut and used it for my favorite guy in the whole wide world. ;)





I stamped florals from Hydrangea and tiny sentiments from Tiny Flowers and Tags around a Spellbinders die cut for the background.


I was inspired by

Flourishes Love Letters Challenge


to make the MOST IMPORTANT VALENTINE CARD on my list. ;)





stamps: Flourishes Hydrandea,Tiny Flowers and Tags
dies: (Jamie's Couple on a Vintage Bicycle) Silhouette Cameo,(Spellbinders Label 25),(Tipsy Heart) Sizzix
paper: Georgia Pacific white cardstock,white printer paper,American Crafts black
ink: Memento Tangelo,Papertrey Ink True Black,Tim Holtz Spiced Marmalade





Thursday, January 10, 2013

New Home






Something New




I used my new Cameo to create a card for a new family in town.








I used the colors from The Play Date Cafe #164.






I don't own "new home" stamps yet...so I was thrilled to find this design.


Although it was a big cut...I was able to resize it without any problems
(I'm learning this doesn't work well with some intricate designs).


I shaded the cut with a Copic marker for dimension.



I appreciate you stopping by...thanks so much!




cut file: house and tire swing by Cali Arroyo
paper: American Crafts cardstock and Georgia Pacific white
stamps: Verve Love Story
ink: Papertrey Ink New Leaf



A Rainbow Thank You



I had some stampy time yesterday..but the sun went down too quickly for me to get a picture in.


Where or where does the time go????



I had fun with the elements in Papertrey Ink's Teach & Inspire.























Have a wonderful day~




stamps: Papertrey Ink Teach & Inspire,Papertrey Ink Thing Big Favorites #2
inks: Papertrey Ink Hibiscus Burst and Hawaiian Shores,Memento inks (Pear Tart,Dandelion,Tangelo)
paper: Georgia Pacific white cardstock
die: Spellbinders Label 25



Tuesday, January 1, 2013

~Happy New Year~




I woke up yesterday morning in a PANIC~


it was the last day of 2012.


WHAT have I done that was important???

What NEEDS to be done next year???

This is BIG....am I ready to transition???


Then, I took a DEEP BREATH and was reminded....



it's ONE MORE DAY....


~~~~ to tell Jesus I love him

~~~~ to tell my husband I love him

~~~~to hug my girlies...they KNOW I love them...but I'll tell them BECAUSE I CAN


~~~~to call my parents and ring my grandma's cowbell through the phone,   land and ocean that divide us
(I have been bestowed the honor of keeping the precious bell~I know that everyone who was around her can hear it in clanging in their memories of happy times when she was around)

~~~~~to laugh until my sides hurt ...



Lately I've been IN PAIN with giggles...totally gifts from God when silly silly things happen and there is someone RIGHT THERE to share the memories with...better yet...3 girlies who mean the world to me....



~~~~to pray....

for those who can't

for those who won't

and for those who don't know how.




Let's not freak out with over-preparing on the FIRST day of this fresh New Year...


 I want to celebrate the ordinary day.






EACH ordinary day can be wonderful

...leading up to a wonderful week


....a wonderful month



...and eventually,



another wonderful year.




 The following challenges inspired me:








Flourishes Timeless Tuesday#202

I chose this card from challenge #196.

The theme was to make a card that makes you feel happy.



We are blessed that happiness doesn't have to fall on just the special days...

it's possible in the ordinary days too! 
 
 
 
 Here is to your NEW year and my NEW year!!!



~May the Lord bless us and keep us and fill us with His joy~




 
 
stamps: Technique Tuesday Ali Edwards Ordinary Days,Flourishes Hydrangea
ink: Memento Ink Teal Zeal,Ranger Tim Holtz Peeled Paint
die: Spellbinders Label 25
other: Ellison Tim Holtz Rays embossing folder,Georgia Pacific white cardstock,Bazzill blue dot cardstock,Little Yellow Bicycle Acorn Hollow DP,Want2Scrap bling,white uniball pen,staple