Jul 30, 2009

Mac Mae July Card Kit

Just a few more cards made from the ever fabulous July Card kit at Mac Mae Designs. I am on my way to CHA right now! I hope to check in with you soon and have fun pictures to share.

I am definitely going to meet my hero Nichole Heady, Debbie Olson and Mish Wooderson over at PTI (uh, the only reason I am going!) I hope to get a picture or two too!
Have a great weekend wherever you are. 'See' you Sunday for 365 Cards Sketch and have a good one!
k


Jul 29, 2009

365 Cards: You Can Do It!

Today is a fun day! We are doing Reader Appreciation Week over at 365 Cards. There are some fun people being showcased so come by and help us show our appreciation to all those that continue to support us at 365 Cards! Today's challenge is to use the words "You Can Do IT!" on your card. Lucky for me Cosmo Cricket has my back:

I found a saying in their journaling strips that had "you can do it" in it, so I clipped part of it out and then made up the rest with chipboard. 
I used some of my leftover Shortcuts frosted acrylic sheet for my circle. I cut out the star from some CC patterned paper and then added the chipboard on top. Added some stitching and a lot of distressing. What do you think?? 

Tomorrow is the big day! Heading out for CHA. I don't know if I will have the laptop so I might not be available until sunday, but be sure to check in. I do have my sketchy sunday card ready for your viewing pleasure and will have lots of fun things to share next week when I return!

have a grand day!
k

Deets:
Paper: Ocean Tides by PTI (card base) Halfway Cafe by Cosmo Cricket, Shortcuts frosted acrylic sheet
Accessories: Distressor, Halfway Cafe chipboard, twine

Jul 28, 2009

Get Well Soon!

A quick card today. Embossed images, some of my fav colors together (orange/blue) and a fun scallop punch. Not much to say about it, but I hope you like!

Be sure to join me tomorrow for my 365 Card and also our Reader Appreciation week!
loves
k

Jul 27, 2009

Happy Birthday Cards!

These are both cards I made with the July Mac Mae Card Kit. Such a fun tag. I LOVE the color. I sponged the edges to add dimension. I underestimate how much it can do for a project!

Some fun Basic Grey papers. I love these adhesive pearls and fun ribbon.
Only a few days left until I head to CHA in Florida! Can I just say YIPEE!!! We are cramming in all the family get-togethers as much as possible here. Still no pictures to show you, but I do think they will be coming soon. There is just so much to do and really no time.
Have a glorious day!

Jul 26, 2009

365 Cards: Sketch Sunday!!

Oh it is a glorious Sunday! Welcome to todays sketch from 365 Cards:

Here is my take:
It is all S.E.I. paper pack. And boy do I love it! 
Ok, so the wedding is finally over. The last two days have been so lovely and wonderful. I love weddings. It helps you reflect on life and love and the purpose of it all. We have had a great time here, and hopefully now that it is over I will be able to focus a bit more on getting my cards out on time!

How is your weekend going??? I feel totally out of the loop so I will be coming to spend some time at your blogs to see what you create today. Hope all is well for you!
k


Jul 24, 2009

Mac Mae July Kit Cards!

Hey there!! I missed a day yesterday, and really didn't mean to. Today is the pre-wedding bbq and there is a lot to do! We are heading out to buy some food but I thought I would stop in and show you a card or two. This first card looks more flat than it really is:


I actually sewed with a zigzag stitch on the yellow strips and then popped up the green strips with pop dots. It actually has really nice dimension. I added a green flower but folded it in half and added a great blue Basic Grey brad. The sentiment is actually a sticker from Cosmo Cricket.

Next card is super simple to put together:

I used my spellbinders to cut a big circle and little circle (which I used on a different card!)I added the two stickers from Cosmo Cricket, which are the little circle and sentiment. The cute polka dot ribbon and adhesive pearls are from this kit as well. I LOVE the card bases in this kit too. Ok. the kids are fighting and I think its time to put an end to it before an eye gets poked out.

I will try to be back tomorrow. I hope all is well for you!! Have a great weekend!
k

Jul 22, 2009

365 Cards: You Raise Me Up!

Today's challenge at 365 Cards is to use to ways to add dimension on your card. I chose to use some chipboard and pop dots. Of course I think the glitter adds dimension too ; )

The chipboard cupcake comes from Maya Road and the sentiment is Hero Arts. I put on tons of stickles and then shimmer glitter on the polka dots. Pretty simple card. I just smashed the chipboard into the ink pad to apply the color. I also added some Dimensional glaze to the cherry for some dimension and shine. What do you think you will make today using some dimension?? Can't wait to see it!

Here is a little close-up. I was trying to show you the different layers, but it is a bit hard to see. Hope you are having a great day wherever you are!

loves

k

Deets:
Stamps: Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages, PTI Polka Dot Basics

Ink: PTI Pure Poppy, Raspberry Fizz, Dark Chocolate. VersaMark

Paper: PTI Raspberry Fizz

Accessories: Stickles, Glitter, Dimesional Glaze, SU! Marker, PTI Riboon

Jul 21, 2009

Mac Mae July Card Kit:

Hey there. I thought I would share a few cards that I put together from the July card kit from Macenzie Mae Designs. It was a kit chuck full of fun items. (you can click HERE to see it). I love the companies Pam uses to make up these kits. Here one with some Cosmo Cricket image stickers and some Alphas from Sassafras Lass: This card was ALL card kit except for the backround text which is a stamp by PTI stamped in two colors.

The second card is all card kit except for the "Party" stamp and clear embossing powder and ribbon:

This kit comes with SO many great adhesive gems and fun brads. This is some Sassafras Lass trim paper that I put together to create the circles for the gems.

That is all for today. I knowt these are a bit 'old' but I wanted to share them with you at some point, and it's still July, so I think its still ok to show them ; )

Be sure to check back tomorrow for my card at 365 Cards. I will be doing all wedding stuff to get ready for Saturday. My parents backyard is absolutely stunning and I hope to get some good pictures to share for all you green thumbs out there. Just see all the work they put in makes me realize how much I don't know about gardening and general home upkeep. This wedding should be spectacular!

Have a great day!
k

Jul 20, 2009

Fun

Welcome to a new week. We here are having so much fun! Ronin starts swimming lessons today, so this card is totally appropriate. 

I realized that he is turning 5 and still doesn't know how to swim. So it has become a priority. Here in Utah you can pack in the entire program in 2 weeks and it's SO cheap in comparison to NY. There was no reason not to do it. It will definitely take some time out or our 'vacation', but its time I am willing to give to a good cause! So that is what we are doing today. What are you doing???
loves
k

Deets:
Paper: Basic Grey, Sassafras Lass (alligator), Bazzill Card Base
Accessories: Circle Punches, ZigZag scissors, Sassafras Alpha Stickers

Jul 19, 2009

365 Cards: Sketch Sunday!!

It's another Sunday folks, and that means fun for everyone!! Today's sketch: (which I love btw!)

My take:
I got this new woodgrain stamp from Hero Arts. I have been looking at it for awhile and thought... "I don't need more woodgrain stamps." But then you know... I couldn't stop thinking about it. Its fun to play with. I woodgrain-ed my card base and some linen vellum. Put in a bunch of eyelets, scalloped trim and you know, the rest is self explanatory. 

So how is everyone's Sunday so far?? We got into Utah late last night so we are going to be napping today! It's beautiful here and so great to be with my family. The kids are excited to meet the cows (Grandpa has new ones every year... hello butcher!) and of course there is so much yard the kids don't know what to do first. I will share pictures soon. But until then, I hope you have a glorious and relaxing Sunday and know someone in Utah loves you!! (and it's not just my mom!) Oh, and start craftin... I wanna come see what you are up to!
loves
k

Deets:
Stamps: Woodgrain by Hero Arts, Text Boxed by PTI
Ink: New Leaf, Dark Chocolate by PTI, Basic Black by SU!
Paper: New Leaf, Kraft, Spring Moss, Linen Vellum by PTI
Accessories: Twine, Eyelets, Corner Rounder

Jul 18, 2009

365 Cards: Shortcuts Week- Painting!

It's Saturday already!!! Can you believe it?? Today's fun 365 Card challenge is to paint on your card. Luckily I had some sparkly metallic paint sitting around. Here is my card for today:

This paint is glittery and a bit gritty so the texture is really nice. I used a clear card base and then cut some frosted plastic and layered it on some kraft cardstock. I like how simple this layout is. You could change the colors so easily to fit the gender of the baby or even use green or yellow if you don't know the gender yet! I love when things turn out this easy but still look good.

So that it. Today is simple since I will be packing all day and will step onto a plane with both of my kids (sans husband) tonight. Wish me luck. Somehow I know I will need a lot of it! The only reason its even semi- ok to do this solo is that Patrick will be traveling home with them by himself. The pain will be equal for both of us.  ; )

Be sure to check back in tomorrow for 365 Cards Sketchy Sunday. I have a new stamp that I used and you know how I love sharing! So I can't wait to see what you create this weekend.
Have a great one!
k

Deets:
Stamps: Making The Grade by Kim Hughes (star), Bitty Baby Blessings by PTI
Ink: StaZon Jet Black
Paper: Kraft, Stampers White (inside) by PTI, Shortcuts acrylic clear pre folded card base and frosted acrylic sheet
Accessories: PTI Ribbon, Button. Acrylic Metallic Silver Paint

Jul 17, 2009

365 Cards: Shortcuts Week- Paper Piercing

Hey there everyone. It is a friday and it's crunch time! My challenge card today is done, but my picture was really hard to take so it might not be the prettiest thing to look at. Todays 365 Card Challenge is to use paper piercing on your card to make a pattern. I used a frosted card base from Shortcuts to help complete my project:

I used my paper piercer to make my rain drops. This card is SUPER simple. No layers. No fuss. The only real crafting that went into it besides the drops was cutting out the umbrella and popping it up with dots. This really is it for the day. I am leaving town tomorrow but will be here every day with something fun for you to see. And only ONE more day of Shortcuts week so check back tomorrow. Pam has a really fun challenge for you all. Have a good day!
loves
k

Deets:
Stamps: Scattered Showers by PTI
Ink: Pacific Point by SU!
Paper: Frosted Card base by Shortcuts
Accessories: Paper Piercer by Making Memories

Jul 16, 2009

365 Cards: Shortcuts Week- Poem Time!

Ok, I think I might be losing my mind. I really thought the challenge today was to use a poem, but it seems you need to use a quote AND list the source. Both of these things I did not do. So I am totally lame! I will try to read the challenges more closely! But I did have fun with my poem today. When I was thinking it was to be a poem, I went straight to google. I love google. It totally rocks. I found this Children's nursery rhyme that I wanted to use.  This card is for ~Amy~. She loves owls, and honestly I couldn't stop thinking of her when I was making this. She is such a sweet gal!


For my card base I used a Shortcuts Acrylic pre-cut sheet and then cut another card insert out of the heart paper (by Sassafras Lass). I then added an eclectic collection of stamps. All my favorite designers/companies are accounted for on this baby. I used one background stamp for all of my paper piercing (screen shadow by Hero Arts) in all different colors and then stamped the other images in black over it. I like how it kind of ties it all together and off sets the big print of the hearts. And here is what the poem says:
The original rhyme ends "Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?" but it just did work for me so I changed the last line. I still wonder if maybe a person might find it offensive in some way. Like I am saying they are old, or worse yet, that they don't talk much. But I thought this might be a good card to send to a friend that always lends a listening ear and gives wise advise. I might make up another sentiment for the inside along these lines when I do indeed send it.  

So that is it for the challenge today. Only two days left until I leave and I am SO behind! I had it figured that I needed to make 3 cards a night to be sure I had enough posts and all my responsibilities covered while I am away. But I have missed the last two nights, so I might be in trouble! I hope to find time during the day today to catch up a bit, but don't worry, I will still be around with something fun to share for the rest of Shortcuts Week and for at least a week while I am gone! I will not let you down!

Hope all is well for you today. 
Take Care~
k

Deets:
Stamps: Pink Paislee Fancy Frames, PTI Wise Old Owl, Kim Hughes Welcome Summer, Hero Arts Screen Shadow
Ink: PTI New Leaf, Summer Sun. SU! Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Close To Cocoa, Summer Sun, Hero Arts Soft Pool
Paper: PTI Stampers White, Sassafras Lass Hog Heaven (heart and scallop) Shortcuts Acrylic Card Base
Accessories: Lots 'o Pop Dots, Twine, SU! Earth Elements Markers, Sentiment Computer Generated

Jul 15, 2009

365 Cards: Shortcuts Week

Today's 365 Cards challenge is all about binding! Well, that is take two items and bind them together to make a card. Here is my creation:


This card took a little doing. But here is what I did. I first cut my two colors (green/pink) into 1 inch strips. I then cut my card base. Length 6" width 4 1/4" I scored it 1 1/4" from one side. Then I used a little glue tape to adhere my strips to the underside of the 1 1/4" piece of frosted acrylic from Shortcuts. (is this all making sense?) Then I trimmed a piece of white cardstock to cover the backs of the strips so they would stay in place and then made my holes for my grommets. Now I totally got in trouble last night for pounding on my craft table. The whole house was sleeping until I started. So I had to adjourn to the garage to finish it. OY! Crafting friction with the spouse!! It was quickly remedied when he fell back to sleep ; )
Once I had that in place I matted some white cardstock with pink and made my inside panel, which you can see here:

I kept a little of the frosted sheet showing through, which in hindsight I wish was more prominent. I then stamped my hearts and sentiment for both the inside and card front. I tied my twine through the grommets even though it doesn't need it for binding sake. The grommets are what is holding it all together. That and a little tape. OK thats all for today! 

And you know what? Today is my birthday so I am going out on the town to celebrate. My husband took the day off to take the kids so I get a free day! Aren't I married to the best man? I just love him. Anyway. Enough gush. Hope you have a wonderful day and I can't wait to come back and see what you are creating!
loves
k

Deets:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Heart Prints and Heart Prints Sentiments
Ink: Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, Pure Poppy by Papertrey ink SU! Basic Black, Old Olive
Paper: Ripe Avocado, Sweet Blush, Stampers Select White by PTI Shortcuts Frosted Plastic Sheet
Accessories: Grommets, Twine, Pop Dots

Jul 14, 2009

365 Cards: Black White and Red all Over!

Today's 365 Cards Shortcuts Week Challenge is to only use the colors Black, White and Red. I got to use one of Shortcuts pre-cut pre-scored Gift Card Holder Folder. These are SO fast to make and SO fun. I think it is a necessity to have these on hand for any gift card occasion. And really that is ANY occasion! Here is my holder's outside:

Lots of the three chosen colors (I did add in a little yellow for the centers... Gloria would be so proud ; )  And of course I couldn't call it good until I used a button!
Here is a top view. You can see I added in some black patterned paper for the inside flaps.
Here is a better look. You insert the gift card  into that middle flap. Of course I totally forgot to get out a gift card for the picture, but I think you get the idea right? Head on over to Shortcuts to check out these wonderful things. They come in 4 colors too! How can you not totally love that? You can't not... if that makes any sense ; )

So with that, what are you up to on this beautiful Tuesday?  I was thinking of  taking the kids to the beach but we went to the pool yesterday and we feel tuckered out. We will have to wait and see what the day brings. Hope your day is full of sunshine and flowers!
loves~
k

Deets:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Floral Frenzy (flower), Beautiful Blooms (stem) Birthday Basics (sentiment), Polka Dot Basics
Ink: Papertrey Ink Pure Poppy, SU! Summer Sun, Basic Black
Paper: Shortcuts Gift Card Holder Folder, Papertrey Ink Stampers White, Black & White Patterned Paper
Accessories: Ribbon, Button by PTI, floss, pop dots

Jul 13, 2009

365 Cards: Shortcuts Week!!!

Hey there, Happy Monday to ya! Today is the second day of Shortcuts week over at 365 Cards! I am excited to get started and have a weeks worth of fun things to show you. Today's challenge is to create a window using plastic. I used this super thick acrylic sheet they have over at Shortcuts. Its SO great to work with. I really do love it.  Here is today's card:

I made up a shaker window with some of my new Hero Arts love I got in the mail last week. I am still working out how to use it all, but look forward to lots of fun creating. I embossed the background cloud design block with Zing powder. Cut out my window and added some beads and some of the Hero Arts images made with shrinky-dink. I also used the screen shadow stamp block on the front (its subtle) and some faux stitching. 
This card was a bit of a challenge to make after having some days off. It definitely doesn't pay to take a break. There is more frustration and less fun. Plus the outcome is always a bit, shall we say... curious. I really like how this one turned out in the end considering how it started and how long it took me! I am glad to get my creative juices flowing again this week after my "hiatus" (if you can call it that). I will see you back here tomorrow for something else fun to share with you from Shortcuts. Head on over to their site and check it out. And hey, have a glorious monday will ya!

loves
k

Deets:
Ink: Papertrey Ink Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise. SU! Basic Black
Paper: Papertrey Ink Aqua Mist, Stampers White, Shortcuts Acrylic Sheet
Accessories: Diamond Stickles, SU! Kid Markers, Shrinky-Dink, Beads, 3-D foam, Basic Grey Adhesive Gems

Jul 12, 2009

365 Cards: Sketchy Sunday!!

Wow people, I have been under a rock this week! I have missed you all so much and would longing look at my craft table as I ran by it to get to all the gazillion things done that took me over this week. Thank you for visiting me still (you know who you are!) I think I finally have a handle on the "extra summer" stuff that keeps cropping up. I promise I will have a full week of cards next week and all the other weeks to come. There is a lot too look forward too! First today we have Sketchy Sunday kicking off our Shortcuts sponsor week! All week I will have something new to show you using another FAB Shortcuts product. Then I will be sharing my Mac Mae July Card Kit creations (albeit late) and will also be traveling to see my family for my brothers wedding and then I am off to the CHA Show in Florida at the end of this month!!! Can I get a double Woot! I just can't wait and I will have lots of cards and pictures to share when I return! But first our sketch challenge for the week:

Fun sketch (as always Pam!) You actually get a special treat today of 2 cards... That's right! Here is the first. I used a frosted card base to get started. (its a bit hard to see) These are fabulous! They are pre-cut and pre-scored for you. Plus they are SUPER thick so you get a nice sturdy card. I totally recommend them. I also really love the frosted look. It's a fun change to the "see through" product!
I used my heart and circle punches to create my flowers. Added some text and polka dot background stamping. Buttons, twine and a bit of distressing complete the package. I stamped and then clear embossed the sentiment.
I was surprised that I could use a heat gun without completely warping this card base. I think because its so thick it doesn't shrivel up! I tried to keep the heat pretty far away (which means longer heating time) but in the end it worked pretty great. Ok. That is card number one. And guess what?? Card number two is TOTALLY different!:
Ok. ok. I know what you are thinking.... "what is this woman thinking??" ; ) Yes this one is totally different and more closely resembles the sketch. This was actually the first card I actually made. I had this corrugated red paper that I just couldn't get away from. It was begging to be used, so I gave in. The triangle made me think of a flag and I haven't used this stamp set in a while so that is how it came together. The reason this isn't my only card is because I forgot to read the challenge directions and didn't use a Shortcuts product! My brain is mush, I tell ya! So lucky you...because I am slow, you get two cards today. It's the least I can do after being MIA all week. ; ) 

Thanks again for sticking with me and for your sweet comments. I love hearing from you!  Be sure to link up your creations. I am devoting the rest of my sunday to crafting, so I need stuff to look at and blogs to comment on!

As always Have a Happy Sunday!
loves~
k

Deets:  Flowers Are Smiling
Stamps: Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages, PTI Polka Dot Basics, Background Basics: Text Styled and Retro
Ink: SU! Purely Pomegranate, Basic Black. PTI Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist
Paper: PTI Scarlet Jewel, Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist. Shortcuts Frosted Acrylic Card Base
Accessories: PTI Vintage Buttons, Martha Stewart Bakery Twine, Embossing Powder, PTI Scarlet Jewel Grosgrain Ribbon

Deets: Arrrgh Matey
Stamps: CHF Ahoy Matey
Ink: SU! Basic Black, Encore Silver, PTI Fresh Snow
Paper: PTI True Black, Stampers White, Vellum. Corrugated Red (from stash), 
Accessories: Basic Grey Adhesive Gem, Zing White Embossing Powder, Black Embroidery Floss

Jul 8, 2009

365 Cards: That Tickles Me

Hey there! Today's 365 Card Challenge is to make a humorous card. Now, this is tough. Whenever you want to be humorous, that is when you just can't pull it off!! Today is a bit like that. I thought this card was funny, but maybe its not so much, but it is my card and I do love it!:

I got to use my Gelly Roll pens by Sakura. They made my cupcake paper nice and glittery. I also added some stickles to puff up my frosting.  The paper is from Sassafras and actually comes with these lines on it. I thought it was a perfect thing to actually write in my sentiment. It reminded me of gradeschool, which is fun but weird. I used another chipboard from GCD Studios and inked around it to give it some color. There was a lot of white on this card so I added a dark scalloped circle to help my cupcake pop. So that is all for today. I am looking forward to a good chuckle, so get crackin' on your humorous cards! See you soon and thanks for stopping in!
k


Deets:
Stamps: Pink Paislee Vintage Pop (cupcake)
Ink: SU! Basic Black
Paper: PTI Smokey Shadow, Stampers Select White. Sassafras Lass Hog Heaven
Accessories: Diamond Stickles, Sakura Gelly Roll Pens, GCD Studios Chipboard, PTI Ribbon, SU! Scallop Circle Punch

Jul 7, 2009

Party Favors!

Happy Monday to you all! Today I wanted to share with you a little treat I made up last week for our birthday boating excursion. I wanted them to be simple but still fun which means I used the same idea from the muffin-toppers I did last week. You can find it HERE. I first started with making some almond clusters:

Now these ended up being SO easy and totally unplanned. I was at Chef Central and found these melting chocolate pieces and thought I would do chocolate strawberries. Then when I got home I realized I had almonds in the freezer and I was curious as to how it would work. Well the answer is EASY! I melted the chocolate, mixed in the almonds and  drizzled with semi-sweet chocolate. And Done! 
To wrap them up I used glassine bags and made these cute tags with the cupcake from the PTI Everyday Classics set. And made some happy birthday flags. Super easy, but still so fun to look at if you are thinking of doing a party yourself! And of course the girls loved them! 

That's all for today. This week is a little touch and go. I will for sure be here on Wed. for my 365 Cards Challenge and then probably back on friday. I will be gone to girls camp over night so I will be missing some crafting time. I haven't missed a day ever, so this is going to be weird. I will try to get some stuff pulled together so you can have some viewing pleasure while I am away. See you soon and have a great day!!
k

Deets:
Stamps: Everyday Classics, Birthday Basics by PTI
Ink: Berry Sorbet, Pure Poppy by PTI, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun by SU!, Soft Pool by Hero Arts
Paper: Stampers White, Dark Chocolate, Aqua Mist, Lemon Tart, Berry Sorbet by PTI
Accessories: Glassine Bags, Glue dots, SU! Scallop Circle Punch.

Jul 5, 2009

365 Cards Sketchy Sunday!

Hello There and welcome to Sunday! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. I am excited to 'see' you again and get started on today's sketch. Wonderful Pam gave us this to work with:
I completed my card early this week and thought I was such a rock star only to find out that I did it all wrong!! Apparently I need my eyes checked ; ) SO  I went back to the craft room and fixed it up right. Here is my card:

I made a monogram card because I got these fabulous G.C.D. Studio chipboard letters from the Paper Crafts Blog. (I LOVE winning stuff!)  I thought it went pretty well with what I was trying to do.
Here is a close up. You can kind of see that I metered the corners. Made me feel like I was quilting again! That is all for today. For those of you who are wondering about the 5k race yesterday you can see a little glimpse of it HERE (on my personal blog). My kids were so cute and helpful, although my oldest was really bummed that I didn't win a medal. I decided it was a perfect time to teach him about NOT being the best at something, and that it's ok. He just said "Go get one, I want to wear it!" Hilarious child of mine.

Ok. That is all. I hope you guys have a great day and get your crafting done! Summer is finally here and the busy-ness has been kicked up a notch (or at least thats what I feel!) But it is SO much fun and my favorite time of year!

Thanks for stopping by!
k

Deets:
Stamps: Pink Paislee Fancy Frames
Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip
Paper: S.E.I Pattern Papers, Stampers White by PTI
Accessories:Chipboard Alpha G.C.D. Studios, Ribbon from stash, glue dots

Jul 4, 2009

Celebrate USA!

Happy 4th of July to you today!!! I can tell everyone is out celebrating because it has been super quite here in blogland these last two days. I hope all is well for you and your families. I have actually set this to post since I am currently out in Long Island running a 5k and BBQing it up with some friends. I hope to have pictures to share when I return. But I wanted to share something festive with you today. I made these fabulous muffins from a recipe I found in the Real Simple magazine years ago and because I was in a celebratory mood, I made up a little muffin topper too:

I even found these flag cupcake papers in the back of my cupboard, so I am pretty sure it was meant to be ; ) These are Sugar Crusted Raspberry Muffins. I added in some blueberries too because not only did I have a ton, they are really good and they helped put the 'blue' into my festive cupcakes! You can see the recipe below if you are interested in making them. And let me tell you.... you ARE interested. They are really fabulous, especially warm early in the morning when all the house is asleep. aaaaaahhhh.  And I also made up a card... 
Most of what I used is from  My Minds Eye. The Alpha stickers and gingham ribbon were from my stash.  I also sponged around the edge of the patterned paper with white. I love how it gives it a little halo. Kinda reminds me of those pictures we took in the 80's when they fuzzed out around your face and stuff. SO funny! Photography has come a loooong way.
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend wherever you are. But I hope we each still remember why we in this country (and those in other countries) celebrate on these holidays. I am so grateful for the men and women who have given so much. Even those that don't fight. They have given their loved ones. Wives, Husbands, Children, Parents. There is such a special sacrifice that they each give. I hope we will take time to realize how much we have because of them. What a true blessing it is to be in this free country. Despite its problems and setbacks. We are free. That is more than most the world has. It is truly a gift. Thank you to each of you who have served and continue to serve. We are eternally indebted.

Have a great 4th of July and a wonderful weekend everybody!
k

Sugar-Crusted Raspberry Muffins

2 C All Purpose Flour
1/4 C Sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted  (that's why they are so good ; )
3/4 C Whole Milk (I used 1%)
1 lg egg
1/3 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries, blueberries or blackberries. Or a combo of all three!

Heat oven to 400 deg. F. Line your muffin tin with paper liners or coat with cooking spray, oil or butter. In a medium bowl, combine 1  3/4 Cups of the flour, 1/2 cup of the sugar, the baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and combine. In a second bowl, whisk together the milk, egg and vanilla. Gradually add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined; the batter will be lumpy. Toss the berries with the remaining flour in a bowl. Gently fold the berry mixture into the batter. Fill each Muffin cup 3/4 full. Sprinkle the batter with the remaining sugar. Bake for 17-20 min. or until toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean. Transfer pan to wire rack and cool for 10 min. Serve warm. ENJOY!! 

Muffin Topper Deets:
Stamps: Pink Paislee Vintage Frames, Everyday Classics (star), Simple Alphabet by PTI
Ink: Pure Poppy PTI, Not Quite Navy SU!
Paper: Pure Poppy, Stampers White PTI
Accessories: SU! Scallop Circle Punch, Toothpick, Floss


Card Deets:
Paper: My Mind's Eye (circle pattern) Pure Poppy by PTI (card base)
Ink: Fresh Snow PTI
Accessories: Celebrate Plackard, Ric Rac, Embellishments My Mind's Eye, Alphas by Heidi Swapp, Gingham Ribbon by American Crafts

Jul 3, 2009

Made With Love

Just a quick card for you on this nice monday. The card base and tag are from the July Mac Mae Card Kit. The stamps are Papertrey Ink. Pretty simple, but with lots of layers and pop dots! What are you up to this fine day? A new week and so many creative possibilities. 
Hope you are happy and healthy!
loves
k

Home Of The Free

Well, here we are friends. My long weekend has begun. And boy has it started with a bang! Last night I went boating with some friends to celebrate a friends birthday (same friend I made THIS card for... I didn't give it too her, but that is because I forgot!) I tried wake boarding for the first time and must say I LOVED it! Can't wait to go again. Now how to just convince friends to keep taking me ; )

This morning I woke up and went for a good run. I am feeling fine about the 5k we are running tomorrow, so that is good. Although I do believe I am developing a knee problem. I feel like I am getting old. Or I just have bad knees. But I feel great now that I have gone out (um, the first time in over a week!)

Then we had THIS for breakfast. I tell you it was just a glorious as it looks (although mine were not as pretty ; ) I even made the Orange Maple Butter. Pure Heaven People. I totally recommend it to everyone. It will make your day! Now I am listening to the kids play outside with their dad (he is free all weekend!) and I get to come talk crafty with you! I already LOVE today! 

Ok. Here is my card for today:

I realized I have quite a few star stamp sets. And really that is the ONLY kind of thing I have that suits the holiday. So I set out to make a few different cards for this weekend. This one is a bit different as far as the colors I chose. I didn't want them all to be red white and blue! I used some K&Co. paper for my flourishes and added my Gel-A-Tin Stars. 

And what are your plans for this weekend? I hope it is a glorious one! I will be back tomorrow with more patriotic love and then be sure to check back on Sunday for the 365 Sketch!

Have a good one!
k

Deets:
Stamps: GelA-Tins Super Star, Pink Paislee Vintage Frames (brackets)
Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie, Ruby Red. Hero Arts Soft Pool. PTI Summer Sunrise
Paper: K&Co. Wild Saffron. PTI Kraft (base)
Accessories: K&Co. Gems, Basic Grey Alpha Stickers, SU! Marker

Jul 2, 2009

CPS #122

Good Thursday to ya! I participated in this weeks CPS sketch. I tried to keep it simple, straight forward and funky fresh:

I busted out my ZING embossing powder again. It just makes every card better! I embossed the background lines. The little hearts are filled with diamond stickles for a little shine. 
Nothing too fancy here people. No surprises! Today is wonderful because it's a short day for my DH (and I). He should be home early to take the kids while I have a night out with my friends. He is a true gem and a great dad! I have a few more holiday cards to share this weekend so be sure to check back and have a wonderful time celebrating! (those of you that don't have holidays, I think you should celebrate anyway... life is worth it!)
loves
k

Deets:
Stamps: Sweet Cakes by Pink Paislee, Background Basics: Retro by PTI
Ink: Fresh Snow, Berry Sorbet by PTI, Summer Sun by SU!, Soft Pool by Hero Arts
Paper: Smokey Shadow, Stampers white by PTI
Accessories: SU! Scallop Circle Punch, Marvy Circle Punch, AC ZING Embossing Powder, Stickles

Jul 1, 2009

365 Cards: White Space Challenge #2

I just realized as I type this post that this is my second time doing a white space challenge!(hence the #2 on there) I am definitely not complaining cause this is a fun one. Here is the pic that Pam sent me with the instructions to only embellish the black parts:
Here is what I came up with:


I figured since I am celebrating this week I would make a festive card. I added some score lines using my Score-It Mini to the white part because the plainness of it was just killing me! I stamped a little star on  the Pure Poppy cardstock and went crazy with the buttons and stars!

Here is a little close-up for ya. Ok, so get crackin' everybody. I can't wait to see what you create. Have a wonderful White Space Wednesday!
loves
k

Deets:
Stamps: Everyday Classics and Out on a Limb Sentiments by PTI
Ink: Pure Poppy by PTI. Basic Black and Not Quite Navy by SU!
Paper: Stampers White, Pure Poppy PTI
Accessories: Buttons, Embroidery floss, Score-It Mini


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