~July 2012 Blog Hop~

Today is Papertrey Ink's July Blog Hop!

Here is my CAS creation~

based on inspirational photo colors:

I pulled out my BoBunny Country Garden pack for this one~all that color is packed into that lil' apple!

I added sewing for Less Is More:Week 77 ~Sewing

The gorgeous frame is from Joan's generous prize pack that included Little Yellow Bicycle's Clear Cuts Shapes~LOVE!!!

One quote I've heard this week at archery camp that convicted me

...."BE TEACHABLE"...

Yes, you are NEVER too old to learn new things.

I signed up with my girls and I'm learning a ton of lil' details about holding a bow; aiming at the target; etc.

Just when I think I know what I'm doing...there's another step!

It's just like life, I guess. ;)

I kept most of the card white with just a pop of color for 

Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger: Sweet Season.

The stitches I chose for my card mimic the subtle ruffles in the cake...the frame has gentle dots circling around...

Thanks for stopping in today~I appreciate the company! ;)

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Communique Sentiments Mini Set

Die: Papertrey Ink Fruit Fusion apple die

Ink: Memento Ink pistachio

Paper:Georgia Pacific white,BoBunny Country Garden Pack

Other:Little Yellow Bicycle Clear Cuts Shapes,Martha Stewart border punch,Mark's Finest Papers twine

~Pill Tracker~

I've been forgetful lately about whether or not I took my allergy medicine right before bed.

I know they sell those weekly medicine containers...but I thought I'd DIY the concept. ;)

 I used my Creative Memories Jumbo Blooming Star Pattern to cut out this shape from 3 cereal boxes which I then layered. 

I stamped the Kraft side to make it pretty. 

The fishing line, being clear, was perfect for viewing what day I'm on when I slide the button over.

No more second guessing whether or not I took that pill!

 

Colour Q #114

Supplies:

Creative Memories Jumbo Blooming Star Pattern, ODBD Chickadee die,I Heart Papers Mint Motif Beyond Borders,JustRite Curlz Font,Spellbinders Label Four,Basic Grey Lauderdale DP,VersaMagic cloud white chalk ink,Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink tea dye,MFP twine

~Mittens and a Story~

Once upon a time, there was an island girl who moved to the mainland.

She was used to island ways, and wasn't given a class about mainland customs and necessities (because, she WAS an American, after all).

It was never MORE evident that she lacked mainland winter skills, than when her firstborn was dressed one morning for her first winter day outside.

The puzzled island girl turned the mittens to and fro, marveling at the string that linked the two mittens.

Somehow, she KNEW they were not to be separated, but was at a LOSS as to how to apply them to her firstborn.

Her husband found his daughter with her mittens ON and her wrists "safely shackled" (like a prisoner)...since dangling strings ARE DANGEROUS for a young child.

TRUE STORY.

I won't give her name; it's really for the best.

My,...

I mean...

HER...

father said, "You can take the girl from the islands, but you can't take the island from the girl." 

Not trying to give island girls a bad name mind you...

I do have some island sisters out there. ;) 

Come on, I bet you have some cultural minefield stories to share-island girl or not.

*wink*

These mittens on a string should really, REALLY come with instructions for those that don't figure out these things on their own.

REALLY.

3 LITTLE SNOWMEN won't lose their mittens today.

CAS-ual Fridays CFC27

~Have patience with those who don't know how things go~

Appreciate the humor in cultural/regional naivety. ;)

Info:

Papertrey Ink Shape Up Snowman Accessories and In the Meadow stamp sets,Papertrey Ink's Shape-Up Series Snowman Die,Mark's Finest Papers twine,Memento ink,Marvy punch

~Third Make It Monday~

Not promising this will be my last Papertrey Ink's Make it Monday 39 project.

I sort of started this at the same time when I was doing the other two.

I wanted to make sure and get it done.

I believe it's my favorite.

Thank you for looking. ;)

INFO:

Papertrey Ink stamps (Grunge Me swirl,In the Meadow snowflake and sentiment,Shape Up Snowman Accessories snowman with hat and snowflake),Papertrey Ink's Shape-Up Series Snowman Die,Tim Holtz Distress inks (mustard,peeled paint,marmalade and broken china),Mark's Finest twine,Papertrey ink felt

~Amazing Kid~

My nephew has a birthday coming up.

A couple of years ago, he came to visit and went sledding for the first time.

That's craft foil behind a hole I created with a Marvy circle punch.

The silhouette is a perfect image for the little guy-hope he remembers having fun here.

It was cut from Papertrey Ink's In the Meadow die set.

Here's without the glare.

Inspiration for using stars comes from Less is More Week 39-Lucky Dip Stars.

I die cut them, sponged them with Memento sand ink and strung them on twine. 

My sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's Game On.

Thank you so much for stopping by. ;)

Info:

Quickutz star belt loop die,Papertrey Ink In the Meadow dies,Papertrey Ink Game On sentiment,Marvy circle punch,craft foil,Versamark Brilliance red ink,Mark's Finest twine,Creative Memories corner rounder

Don't Have a Pumpkin

Papertrey's Make It Monday #32

challenges you to stamp with acrylic paint.

I wanted to make simple little Fall cards with one pumpkin, but

I don't have an individual pumpkin stamp.

 

 

An upside down apple will do!

 

Here are some simple, one-layer cards using Papertrey's Fruit Fusion Apple, 

stamped with Americana Acrylic paint.

 After inking up with paint, I gently made striations with my nail before stamping on the paper.

 

 

I wish I had done that to the first two...I like it. ;)

I'm sure the apple stem would have worked, but I wanted more dimension, so I made stems with floral wire.

Pliers were used to curl the wire, and then the stem was inserted through the hole and taped to the back.

Other challenges:

My cards are tiny... 3"X3"

~CAS-ual Fridays' CFC #20

~Less Is More Week 33 Anything CAS Goes

~Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Week #73

One Layer Card

 

 

 

 

Thank you for stopping by today...it's nice to have the company. ;)

Info:

Papertrey's Fruit Fusion Apple stamp,Papertrey's Wreath for All Seasons sentiment,Americana Acrylic Paint bright orange,Tim Holtz Peeled paint,floral wire,Kid's Jewelry Friendship Thread

Lots of Heart

I know a sweet family that owns an apple orchard.

Oh, the goodness that flows from this family and their land!!!

Yummies that their store offers ...

apple pie,apple cider,apple butter

and caramel apples!

I used a circle punch for the apple and caramel, and cut away from there to shape the dessert.

There is slit in the apple where I inserted the mini craft stick.

I tried to make the caramel as glossy as possible with Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel.

The apple got one layer and the caramel confection got three.

My daughter said she could just take a bite out of it.

I figured it had reached its realistic potential for that comment. ;)

Oh, my sweet family that encourages me everyday...what a blessing you are!

Have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping in. ;)

Challenges:

~CAS-ual Friday CFC#19

-Use paper-piecing on your Fall themed Clean and Simple project

 ~Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Week #72-Use a punch

Info:

JustRite a Day in the Country,UTEE clear embossing powder, Memento ink,Copic markers for shading on the edges,Spellbinders scalloped circles,Marvy circle punch,Mark's Finest twine,mini craft stick

Together Fishies and Metal

Less Is More Week 31 Metallic Colour has some beautiful entries, you have to check it out.

Everything in this card was based on the simple strip of metal sentiment.

I had it left over from my sister's wedding scrapbook I made about a year or so ago.

It needed a home.

The plane is colored in with a Fantastix and Brilliance Platinum Planet ink.

The windows are filled in with Glossy Accents.

I thought of "Finding Nemo" and these stamps were handy, 

so here we are. ;)

2 wittle fishies in the big blue ocean.

I have an embarrassing confession....

this movie made me cry.

Only at the end.

It was years ago...and it really upset me that Nemo was lost...my girls were little at the time.

You understand, don't you?

Unfortunately, we were in a theater.

They won't let me forget that....so I'm just going to put it out there. ;)

Reunions are so emotional...animated or not, don't you think?

Info:

Lawn Fawn Bon Voyage, BoBunny Barefoot and Bliss,Brilliance Platinum Planet,Fantastix,Ranger Glossy Accents,Martha Stewart ink,Spellbinders Scalloped Ovals,Staz on ink,Mark's Finest twine

Shabby Chic

Talk about trying on new shoes.

This is my attempt at Shabby Chic.

Be sweet and kind, ok? ;)

I was TERRIFIED....but took a deep breath and dove right in.

I DID enjoy the sanding and sponging...that was fun.

I think I found the right sanding technique that didn't RIP the paper apart.

I also got to bring out my pretty dies.

These challenges helped me take the shabby plunge:

JustRite Friday Challenge 057-Shabby Chic

and Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC96

Speedy the Cat's-Use Lace

Thanks for being sweet and stopping by. ;)

Info:

JustRite Thinking of You, JustRite You're So Sweet,Martha Stewart ink, Spellbinders Label Four, Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Pendant die, Tim Holtz Distress ink tea dye,S.E.I. Dill Blossom DP,Martha Stewart Border punch,Copic and Zig Writer

Classy AND Stylish

I love this quote from Innovative Stamp Creations.

Moxie Fab's Tuesday Trigger Girly and Gutsy

is classy.

Nothing is more classy than focusing on the best in others, don't you think? ;)

I also did some embossing for Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Week 20 Emboss It!

The pink and white striped paper was embossed with Sizzix's Texture Fades Brick embossing folder.

The black layer was embossed with a cuttlebug folder.

Thank you for visiting today. ;)

Info:

ISC Friendship for the sentiment,Stampendous Frame Trio Perfectly Clear Stamps, Sizzix Texture Fades Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Basic Grey Lauderdale DP, Memento Ink, Versamark ink, black embossing powder, Spellbinders Scalloped Ovals

Criss Cross Distressing and a Tag

I was motivated to make a few cards...simply because I couldn't pick among the wonderful verses.

These are simple cards with removable, laminated tags.

The cards don't have to be kept...but I sure hope the tags will be.

I came across a cool background technique.

I'm sure that it's been around...but it's new to me!

I tried using my Marvy Corrugator in both directions, criss crossing the lines.

I love the checkered texture it gives.

Here is a blank slate that I distressed with Tim Holtz ink so you can see the lines.

So easy.

It really softens the paper up for distressing, also.  It makes paper feel like fabric!

I did it on the card base and the triangle pocket.

I also distressed the triangle for a rough look.

This is entered in ODBD 72 Add a Tag and Mark's Finest Speedy the Cats Friends Challenge 68-Distressing.

Thank you for peeking in. ;)

INFO:

ODBD Not Forgotten, Sizzix Dog Tags, Making Memories Just Chillin' DP, Versamark ink, black embossing powder, Memento ink tuxedo black for the edges, Corrugator, Tim Holtz Distress inks

A Child's Smile

I needed a boyish card.

I used Sizzix's Dress Ups Overalls die to punch out the trucks and outfit.

 

The second layer was created by stamping Papertrey Ink's Grunge Me circles.

I love the sweet sentiment by Stampendous...how true is that???

Trying to keep the card boyish, I tucked the grosgrain ribbon instead of tying a bow.

Using a Uniball white pen, I added little details.

The lovely sketch was provided by CardPatterns Sketch 127.

I am also entering this square card in Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Week 67

anything but a 4 1/4" X 5 1/2 " card.

Thanks for peeking in today. ;)

Info: 

Sizzix's Dress Ups Overalls die, Papertrey Ink's Grunge Me circles, Stampendous Childs Smile sentiment, Uniball White pen

A Sketch, Silver String, and Trigger Colors

I really like the colors in Moxie Fab's Tuesday Trigger Squares to Cherish.

I simultaneously made this second Moxie card with my previous post's card.

I've had a sketch in the back of my mind for three days now.

The strip of paper has TONS OF SQUARES ON IT and

 already had a butterfly cut out.  I simply put glue in the void and added chunky glitter.

I had to spray some fixative...because that glitter started to fall off.

Take my advice....

DON'T spray fixative IN YOUR HOUSE. 

Take it outside.

cough, cough, sputter, sputter....

This smell will probably last for a few days...what was I thinking???

sigh.

Live and learn, right?

Here's the sketch from Simply Scrappin Crafts July Card Challenge Sketch.

Here's the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger photo again.

 Mark's Finest Papers: Speedy Cat's Friends Challenge #66 is calling for anything but ribbon.  

I used this silver string that I know nothing about...except that it's in my stash, and it came in handy! ;)

Thanks for peeking in, especially if it's your second visit from Moxie Fab. ;)

Info:

Papertrey Ink Game On sentiment, Sizzix Butterfly die,Memento ink, chunky glitter,silver string, tag,Making Memories Just Chillin' DP

Sticker Card with 3Hearts

This was different for me...a card made with a sticker!

It's a really cute sticker.

I added the fringe layer.  

I notice that lately there is a lot of "hanging out there"/off the edge layers

...I kind of like it.

Makes me feel like a rebel. ;)

It was perfect for CAS-Fridays Challenge CFC12

The three hearts (I added the button to make a FULL 3) were perfect for

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Week 65~3Hearts.

Thank you for stopping by! ;)

Info:

Kopp Design Stick-its, Simple Scrapbooks sentiment,MS fringe scissors

Safer With a Party Fork and Instructions

Love the romantic look of hat pins, but haven't taken the plunge?

I have a fun substitute.

I'm safer with these party forks, ;)

sold as a 50 piece pack at my Walmart.

Here are pictures showing how to secure these lovelies with a mini hair band.

First, punch 3 holes and poke a band into the first.

Lay the fork down and poke the band into the middle hole.

Flip it over.

Insert one end into the other and then stick it back up through the last hole.

 Flip it over.

 Take this last loop and stretch it down, bringing it back under the bottom of the stick.

You want to bring it up over both tines, not just one...but I inserted this picture so you could see which direction to bring the rubber band up.

It is now secure.

But is it safe?

It CAN be a little sharp, so I glued beads with Glossy Accents.

There, now I can trust this won't hurt the recipient or me.

I hope this will be an answer for those that want to add a hat pin, 

but aren't willing to live on the edge.

Kudos to you that risk life and limb, ;)

those pins are gorgeous and I wish I were that brave.

Now the others can have a little romance on their cards too. ;)

Challenges entered in...

My colors were inspired by:

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge #64 (pink, yellow, green).

Since I went botanical:

Fanatical About Botanical Challenge in the Moxie Fab World

Since an ODBD was focused on and I managed another "high flying" element...

ODBDSLC68 Phrase Inspiration Challenge

Thanks for peeking in! ;)

Info:
ODBD Scripture Collection 6, MS butterfly stamp, fussy cut flower from misc DP, Making Memories Just Chillin' DP, Memento ink, Staz on ink, EK Success border punch, Ellison Tim Holtz Retro Circles embossing folder, party forks

Perty Pocket and Die Cut Mat

I tried something new today...constructing a pocket on my card!

Make It Monday #23 Pockets with Edger Dies

"Create a project utilizing your take on the challenge.  Your project must use at least one Papertrey product and make a pocket of any type on the front of your card."

Now, I don't own edger dies....yet!  But I do have other dies. 

Here is my project:

 

Closeup

Here is the info for constructing the pocket:

Papertrey Ink Mat Stack 3 sandwiched between die cuts of Spellbinders Label Four (the smaller one was cut one end at a time, using a smaller set of cutting pads from my Tag-A-Long).

I added small flourishes at the tops from Papertrey's All Booked Up (Look at the sentiment "This is Where I Fall Asleep").  I also used Papertrey's Grunge Me for its flourish on the bottom.  The MIM video inspired me to add those little details.  They DO add pizazz.  

Speaking of pizazz...

look at Moxie Fab's Tuesday Trigger Perty and Flirty.

Talk about inspiration!  It gave me the stylish theme and yellow/black combo.

Mark's Finest Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Week 63 inspired me to use a die cut as a mat/background.  I used half of my Sizzix/SU Lattice die as a backdrop.

Thanks for taking the time to stop in. ;)

Info:

Stamps: Papertrey All Booked Up flourish, Papertrey Grunge Me flourish, My Favorite Things Let's Go for a Walk sentiment

Other: Papertrey Mat Stack 3, Spellbinders Label Four for envelope, Spellbinders Label eleven for insert sentiment, Sizzix/Stampin Up Lattice Die, Staz On black ink, Sizzix Texture plate, Want2Scrap bling colored with black Sharpie

Time to Celebrate with Some Embossing Fun

Papercraft's Color Inspiration #6 got me motivated to do this card for my nephew who has a birthday next month.

Making one nephew a rocking card like this had to be matched somehow.  

Thank you Jess Witty for this idea....WOWzers!

Thank you ESPECIALLY for reminding us to heat from UNDER -

NOT ABOVE  

when doing this technique. I am such a newbie, that I would have blown embossing powder ALL OVER my den had she not warned me.  

You sprinkle embossing powders of various colors.  I varied the embossing powders in the image from ODBD TIME and did it the old fashioned way with Versamark Ink.  That is when it hit me to try Jess' way.

I stuck with the colors from Paper Craft's Choice.

Mark's Finest Papers has a Sparkle Challenge.  Hence, the red sparkly embossing powder.

Don't forget ODBD's Anything Goes challenge is this week.

Thank you for peeking in and have a wonderful weekend and July 4th! ;)

Info:  ODBD TIME, Ellison Hello Kitty Frame, Spellbinders Classic Circles, embossing powders: white, black, glitter red, Brilliance red Ink, Versamark Ink, Cuttlebug folder, Scor Pal for blue circle

Pink is Christmas Too

Up until a few months ago...embroidery was my thing. 

June/July is when you find the first sets of Christmas embroidery designs.

  Maybe that's why I'm thinking about Christmas!!! 

 I used  MIM #20 Reverse Masking

to make this Christmas Card (that's 2 for my stash!).

I am loving bright colors and not wanting traditional colors...can you tell? :)

Weird thing...one quilt store I visited said they got the Christmas fabrics in the summer...and got Fall materials after that. 

Is there a similar pattern with stamps? 

I would appreciate any insight on this! ;)

I am also entering this in  Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge Week #60~~Buttons.

 

Thanks for peeking in. ;)

Info:  Papertrey A Wreath for All Seasons, Grunge Me, MS Pattern Stamp, Memento Ink, Staz On ink

3D Flower and a Verse

     ODBD SLC63 challenges us to use a sentiment, not an image.  

I pieced together some scraps that all had a similar "lean" to them, to make a background that would highlight Psalm 139:14.  I also added a 3D button flower that is more button than flower because of the enormous center(or "ginormous" as I've heard my girls and others say). 

  That flower lets me submit this to Mark's Finest Speedy the Cat's Challenge #58.

Thanks for peeking in today.  ;)

Recipe:


ODBD You are the Potter, Staz On ink, black embossing powder, Sizzix Adhesive paper, Want2Scrap rhinestones

Ivory and Lace With Lots of Grace

  Stamping in Time SNTODBD36's challenge is to use your favorite Our Daily Bread Stamp!

     I am a newbie, so it is easy to pick my favorite...the one I HAD TO HAVE FIRST! I absolutely love the design in As You Graduate.  The path, the butterflies, the scene!  But more importantly, I had to have this for the Corrie Ten Boom quote. 

Here is today's card combined with three challenges.  In addition to ODBD, Papertrey Ink's MIM #17 (I am loving that cracked glass technique) and Mark's Finest Ivory and Lace Week 57 Challenge both inspired me in the process.

 

 

What I didn't tell you about Ms. Ten Boom in this card, was that I got to see her home in Haarlem, Holland about 6 years ago.  

Here are my "wittle" girls :( and I in front of the shop (2 of them are taller than me NOW...WAAAAAA!):

  

The entrance is on the side of the watch shop.

The wall has been cut out so you can peek in.

     Look at how God orchestrates things!  Here I was, 6 years ago, visiting the Ten Boom House....not knowing that this year I would be teaching a homeschool class of young girls (2-5th girls) about her.  Now, here is the clincher...they already KNEW all there was to know about her!  They just shot out all this info....they taught me a thing or two! LOL ;)  BUT, NONE of them had been there...like me!  So I had THAT to offer.  

     

     I showed my photos, and measured out a space behind a movable blackboard to have them squeeze into the measured replica of The Hiding Place.  Now, only God knew that all my research and reading The Hiding Place alone would have been BORING to these girls who know it all. ;)  I had at least thirty minutes to talk, y'all! Don't panic, though, we didn't just stare at each other in silence.  ;)  God was with me, as always...full of Grace. 

If you read this to the end...thank you for your patience! 

If you didn't, don't feel bad, thanks for peeking in anyway! ;)

Info for card: Stamp: ODBD As You Graduate, Papertrey's Mat Stack 3, MS punch, MS pattern stamp for the flowers, Memento Ink, Versamark Ink, copper embossing powder, Ranger UTEE, Sizzix Adhesive Paper, Sizzix Flower Die (cut in a swirl and twisted to make flowers), Uniform Designs Wright Brothers' corner flourish sticker