the kristie sessions

Bookmark Swap

2011-04-19T12:28:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to stop in quickly and show you a little something I participated in a while back. Dear sweet Patti asked if I wanted to do a bookmark swap and you know, how could I not???? Here is what I made up using some die cuts, tags and ribbon:

I wanted them all to have enough ribbon hanging so it could be seen from the top and bottom of the book when you closed it. I love ribbon tales.

Here's a close up of all the ones I made:
It really makes reading even more fun to have a pretty book mark hanging out of your book!

And a little something else...

You can check out my personal blog HERE to check out who's coming in September. For those of you who don't want to click, I will give you a little hint: It starts with 'B' and ends in 'aby'.

Thats right folks, baby #4 is on the way! We weren't really planning it, but its here nonetheless and we are getting excited! Lots of changes here in Larsen land. So needless to say, I won't be blogging much. But will try to do my best. Now that I am not sick anymore, I actually do feel like crafting. It's the time that I keep looking for. But I do get something made here and there and will try to share more.

Thanks for stopping by!

loves

Cardabilities #28

2011-03-30T11:12:00.000-04:00

Hey there!! Today marks the last day of my Cardabilities term so here it is without further ado.

Today's sketch:

Here is my take on it:

I used some new stuff here. Purple cardstock and buttons, doilie and extra large sentiment stamps (which I love!) All from PTI.

ok. I would love to stay and chat but I have a 4 year old begging me to help him cut cardboard. My momma instincts say I should help him rather then letting him do it himself. Do you think?

hope you have a great weekend.

thanks for stopping by!

Cardabilities #27

2011-03-17T20:00:00.000-04:00

Good evening to you! Here is this weeks Cardabilities sketch:

And here is my take on it:

You know, I am still trying to figure out my camera sitch. I had this great one and the white balance worked great, but this new one, while I love it as a camera, has serious WB issues. anyway, I did get to ink up some new PTI stamps for this one. I LOVE the doilies!! Anyone out there agree? those doilies, whew! What's a stamping girl to do??

So this is a quick post. Got a MOUND of laundry haunting me from the other room. I really must get us some clean underwear to wear. Trust me, EVERYONE will thank me later ; )

thanks for stopping by!

Cardabilities #26

2011-02-28T09:28:00.001-05:00

Cardabilities sketch today!!! # 26 coming your way! (um, I didn't mean for that to be a song... but you can kind of feel the music, right?)

Here is your sketch:

Here is my take:
Can you tell I want some fun in my life!! I need spring really really bad and I can feel it, on the edge just waiting to break through. The pot of spring bulbs I've had waiting out the winter in the garage are peeking up their little heads. They can feel it too and want to show themselves. I. just. cant. wait!
A little 'smile' close up for ya today. Don't you just love these balloons? I love this stamp set. Really its a gem.

How are things in your neck o' the woods lately? I hope the snow is melting and you get to feel some sun on your cheeks soon.

love to you

Valentine's Recap

2011-02-18T17:17:00.002-05:00

So I am finally getting around to showing you what I put together for my friends for Valentine's Day. Now please take into consideration that I DID want to do something fancy-schmancy. Something like THIS or THIS, but between the three kids, and the winter blahs, I have a serious case of the lazy-s. SO, I broke out my Cricut (thanks again Mom!) and cut up some boxes:

They have this cute heart for the top. I used the Tags, Boxes, Bags and More cartridge. They folded up nice and easy.
Here are a few to look at. I punched out some white hearts using my Marvy small heart punch and then stamped my Happy Valentines Day stamp from PTI's Tiny Treats: Valentine set.
I stuffed them with some Lindor Chocolates. Really the perfect little treat for a Valentine. So that's it. Nothing remarkable or crazy unless you consider that it only took me an hour to put all 12 together. Now for a homemade valentine, that is pretty remarkable!

How has your week been? I am looking forward to a nice and relaxing weekend... hope it stays that way!

thanks for stopping in today. Have a great weekend!

loves

Cardabilities #25

2011-02-15T09:06:00.001-05:00

Hey there... its February!! Boy does that make me feel good. Although it is SO frigid outside I feel as if spring will never come! But moving on to the month of love does help warm me up a bit.

Here is the sketch for Cardabilities:

Now, before you think me strange, just remember this is supposed to INSPIRE not necessarily dictate what I do. Here is my take:
Listen, I was TOTALLY inspired!! I kept moving around this canvas until something clicked in me. I feel like I have all the elements. Mats, Ribbon... uh, stamps! But you know I tend to dump the symmetrical quite often, so I guess you could say that was a trademark move. Anyway, I was inspired and like how this turned out! It has gone to Ronin's teacher for Valentine's Day.
Here is a little close up. How much do I love polka dots? I mean really, I think they make the world go round.

Love to you this Valentine week!

Have a good one.

Favorite 2010 Papertrey Ink Projects

2011-02-05T15:53:00.003-05:00

Hey there all you Papertrey Ink-ers! I am re-posting my favorite Papertrey Ink projects for the year and just crossing my fingers and toes in hopes of winning the BEST darned giveaway EVER! I have absolutely LOVED the die cuts and coordinating stamps that have come out this year. Here are two cards I made for my sons end of the year gifts at school:

I used the outline stamps from A Little Argyle and of course my favorite flower of the year!
Again the flower and of course the polka dots that no one should live without. I based this card off of a dress ensemble I found in a clothing catalog. I love me some good inspiration!

Well thats it folks! Thanks so much to Papertrey Ink for helping me stay creative and happy!!

loves

Cardabilities #24

2011-01-30T09:22:00.000-05:00

Cardabilitie Time People!!! Here is sketch # 24

Here is my take on it:
Welp, we got a new camera and for some reason I don't know how to use it. Plus my Photoshop program is Ollllld and won't sinc with the camera so there was a lot of drama getting this baby shot. Finally my husb took care of the photo and editing which is why you see this retro shading/blurring mystical thing going on here. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining. I am just glad it actually got shot without me chucking the camera at the wall.

Ok, so January is over. I was worried it would draaaaag. it usually does, but to my delight it has gone by quite quickly and now we have a boy turning 4 and a boy turning 1! all in one week of each other. It should be fun!

Things here are busy, which is why you only see me twice a month. I really thought I was going to be able to keep up on it and did pretty good there even after the baby was born, but other stuff has taken over and my crafting has taken a back seat. It does feel good to craft, but all the other fires that need to be put out during the day prevent me from getting to it more. Anyway, I hope YOU get to craft as much as you like!

hope all is well with you in your neck of the woods.

loves

Happy Birthday Scottie

2011-01-24T22:33:00.000-05:00

Hey there! You know, I was missing you and all this crafty goodness so I thought I would stop by and share a card. One of my favorites that I have made in the last little bit:

I haven't gotten to do much crafting but when this baby went together I did smile and sigh and wish I could sleep in my stamp drawer. I lurve it.

Sweet dreams my little cherubs.

loves~

Cardabilities #21

2011-01-15T18:16:00.003-05:00

Good day to you all out there! Well, another Cardabilities challenge has come around and now its time to share! Here is sketch #21:

Here is my take on it:
I got to use some new die cuts that have been waiting to get used. Lets be honest, with the holidays and back to back family visits plus just life happening, I have NOT been crafting. This was a good chance to get it going again. It was a lot of fun and I like how it turned out. I even got to send it out to a friend right away which always feels good. I don't like making a card and then putting in a pile of other cards that just collect dust. What about you??

I took some old tissue paper that I had sitting around and folded it up a few times and then cut my butterfly out of it. It really adds a lot of dimension and flounce to it! Other stamps are Papertrey Ink and the printed paper medallion is Cosmo Cricket.

This marks the middle of the longest month of the year, and it feels good to have it moving! It has been so bitter cold and of course you can't forget the two huge snow storms that showed us what they were made of. I think they were calling this last one a Snow Bomb? Well, what will they come up with next?

Anyway, what are you all up to this holiday weekend? We have been discussing Martin Luther King Jr. a lot this week and I feel so grateful for visionary people who help make this world a better place. What a wonderful person to celebrate this week.

Have a happy weekend!

loves

Cardabilities #18

2010-12-30T10:34:00.001-05:00

Morning All!! Here is today's card sketch for Cardabilities:

I got a little excited with the buttons....
I discovered I like these colors together. Very Fall-ish though, which might not be what we are in the mood for. But I figured we had to be done with the holiday cards ; ) Click on over to Cardabilities to see the teams reveal and play along as well!

Here's to only 2 days left of 2010! It's been an interesting year around the world, but considering we still have a job, a roof over our heads and a new baby added to our family, I consider 2010 magical!

Love to you and yours

Happy New Year!!!!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-25T08:13:00.002-05:00

Wishing you love and laughter this holiday season.

From our crazy family, to yours ; )

loves,

Tis The Season

2010-12-24T18:33:00.001-05:00

Just one more card before the season is officially behind us. This is the last of them I think. Nothing more Christmas-y to share. We are finishing up dinner and getting out stockings right about now. Soon little heads will be asleep on their pillows and mom and dad will be busy in the garage wrapping!

See you in the morning!

Warm Winter Wishes

2010-12-24T10:32:00.001-05:00

Here is a NON-Christmas card for ya. More Cosmo Cricket and PTI. I like these colors too, but of course they are pretty much the same as on yesterdays card. When I told you there would be a card everyday, did I say they would be different, stunning and unique? Nope, I don't think I did. It's a good thing too...

So today I am baking pies, making rolls and glazing a ham. I can't wait to eat! It's my favorite meal of the season. Growing up we always had a candle light dinner for Christmas Eve. It was such an exciting thing for all of us kids to look forward to. Almost as magical as Christmas morning. It was the ONLY time the entire year that we would get out the candles. I think since my parents are visiting I will need to dig out some candles for our dinner too. Its just too fun to pass on no matter how crazy the kids get at the table.

Have a warm day and a Merry Christmas Eve!!

Deck the Halls

2010-12-23T10:32:00.000-05:00

I am really liking the colors on this holiday card. Pattern paper from Cosmo Cricket and ribbon, button and stamp from PTI. Whatcha doin today?? We are heading to China Town for some quick and easy gifts for my nephew to take home. Maybe we will hit Pearl River for a kimono and grab some chinese food on our way home. I am sure it will be CA-rrrAzy with the holiday rush and tourists. Should prove to be an interesting day.

Hope you have a good one!!

Believe

2010-12-22T20:31:00.000-05:00

Hey all. Another card for ya!:

So today the baby has been a bit sick and we had a total diaper blow-out....really gross. I feel like I have a ton of things to do, but when I actually try to sit down and do something, I forget what needs to be done. Do you think that means I am too busy or that I am disillusioned and just thinking I am busy. One can never tell. I do have all my Christmas shopping done (I think!) and all the Christmas cards have been sent out. whew! I thought that would never get done.

Anyway, the week is quickly disappearing and I hope wherever you are, things are great for you.

loves

Christmas Card 2

2010-12-21T10:31:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! Here is another card that is all monochromatic. (is that the term I want to use? Yes I think it is)

I just want to eat this card because it looks like a candy cane:

Super simple and pretty flat which makes it easy to send. Something I have tried to be more conscious of this year. Nothing worse than having a card come back to you, get ripped up in the mail or just plain rejected by the Post Office worker.

Tonight we are seeing Mary Poppins. I will let you know how it is! I can't wait to go. It's going to be my oldest boys FIRST Broadway experience. And I can't wait to share the love I have for it with him. Should be a fun time.

have a great day. thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Card 1

2010-12-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

Good evening all! This is the week right? My family is here and we are ready to enjoy days on the town and nights cozying up to a Christmas tree with hot chocolate and a book. aaaah, my favorite. So far we still have school for the boy this week, and have been baking tons of cookies for the neighbors. Tomorrow we will hit a broadway show, which should be fun. But until then, I do have a card for you:

This week I have a new Christmas card everyday to share. Nothing fancy or crazy, just a few glimpses of what I tried out either for the shop or for sending to loved ones. I did a blend of both bought photo cards and handmade cards this year. It wasn't totally creative but it helped get the job done, so I can't complain. This card features some felt paper from K&Co with some other simple elements to complete the card. I love the non-traditional colors for the holiday.

For those of you who may not celebrate Christmas there will be regular cards coming your way too, but just in a week or so. I hope to get back on my feet quickly after the holidays pass. So wish me luck!

See you again tomorrow!

Love to you and yours

Snapdragon Inn FREE Nights Stay Giveaway!!

2010-12-13T03:40:00.001-05:00

Hey there peeps! Do you remember THIS trip I took in September?? It was our anniversary trip to Snapdragon Inn up in gorgeous Vermont.

Welp, in order to celebrate the holiday season, the wonderful people at Snapdragon Inn are giving away a free night's stay EVERY day from now until Christmas!

So click on over to their blog -->HERE and find out the ways you can enter to win. And you twelve chances to win, so that's pretty great! It is a WONDERFUL place to visit and would be absolutely charming during the holiday season so I am pretty sure you will be happy you entered the drawings.

That's all the fun stuff I have to share today! I will be posting all next week with a Christmas card everyday until Christmas, so be sure to come back often.

Have a lovely week!

WINNER!!! Alice's Tea Cup Cook Book

2010-12-06T14:09:00.002-05:00

Hey there, we do have a winner! LINDALOU who said:

Ya gotta love cook books. This one looks lovely.

So nice to know I'm not the only one that spatters on their cookbooks and recipes.

CONGRATS!! I will get your book in the mail to you!

Have a great day!

A Card and A GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-12-02T12:57:00.003-05:00

Hello there people! What a loooong time it has been. Well of course there has been a lot of action here from the recent holiday and our festivities are still going on a bit. We love having visitors and we are having a great time! Today we will head into the city to see the tree at 30 Rock.

But enough of that, I have a great non-papercrafting giveaway for you today. I know you are really going to love it, (I know I do!) and I can't wait to get it started. But first a little holiday card for you:

This is a little one I sent to the shop, although I am sure it will be a bugger to send in the mail ; )

OK...

How many of you have heard of Alice's Tea Cup which is located here in NYC?? Well, its a loverly little place that has fabulous scones, cakes, teas and food. You can read about a trip we took while still living in the city HERE. We love it there. In fact we have had more trips, but I can't seem to track down the other posts.

Anyhoo, Let me show you a little somethin' somethin':

It's the new cook book from Alice's Tea Cup!! Yes I know, it looks heavenly! And I can actually tell you first hand that it IS heavenly! I got permission to give away one copy of said book and decided to give it a try first before putting my stamp of approval on it, and let me just say I APPROVE!! (please note whomever wins will receive their OWN copy of the book, you will not get one I used with batter splatters on it and such ; )

Since the book showed up the week of Thanksgiving, I decided to let it help me round out our feast. I chose my recipe; Banana Nutella Cake (oooooh):
I mixed up the batter. And it tastes divine just plain out of the bowl (ask me how I know ; )
I stopped myself long enough to get the batter in the pans and cooked. I'm lucky there was any batter left:
Each layer is slathered in Nutella. Divine!:
And here is my frosting try. I tell you, I have NO idea how to frost cakes, but for some reason it still came out looking absolutely delectable, that's how easy the instructions are. And of course we were too busy eating it to take pictures of the inside, but trust me when I say it was totally wonderful! It really made our Thanskgiving feast top notch.

There are so many wonderful recipes in this book. The photos are beautiful and there are little fun tidbits about the restaurant and the owners that are a delight to read. SOOOO, if you wanna win this book follow the instructions below:

Leave me a comment, any comment. Something fun, sweet or just plain practical.

Leave me your name and a way to get ahold of you either by blog address or email.

Thats it!

You have until SUNDAY NIGHT at midnight to be eligible. I will post the winner on Monday here on the blog.

Good Luck!

Happy Craft Cooking this week everybody!

loves

Cardabilities #16

2010-11-30T10:04:00.000-05:00

Hey there! Today marks the ending of November. What the what?? So it's another special day over at Cardabilities. Here is today's sketch:

I think I was mostly inspired by the green, summery images on this sketch. Here is what I came up with:
I have loved this PTI stamp set since the first day I saw it. I love using it. It's fun, carefree and perfect for this sketch. I have been keeping my cards extra simple lately. It seems to work better for me than when I gussy them up a lot. I over exposed this in photoshop so my cloud is a bit light. It's rather dark on the actual card.

A simple little card to send to a friend. So, how about them holidays eh? They are going strong and the last is just around the corner. I actually do have most of my shopping done (whew!) and am looking forward to some time with my parents and staying cosy. We are also really heavy on the birthdays in the winter so we have a lot to look forward to, even when its cold and miserable outside. There's always a party to be had here!

Hope you are well goodbye to you for now and Goodbye November....until next time

Happy Crafting!

Pink Persimmon Christmas!

2010-11-22T20:56:00.002-05:00

Hey there.... I have been soooo MIA. I wonder to myself, "Self, what have you been doing??" Well, I just don't have a great answer. Mostly life has been happening and it has been preventing me from getting other fun things done. But just incase you are worried I am only filling my time with cleaning floors and changing diapers, I thought I would share a few cards with you tonight:

the new Christmas sets from Pink Persimmon helped me make these cards:

This baby is all silver embossed and flat flat flat. well, except for the button that I couldn't do without! This new set is just charming with last years Holly Wreath set. Looks lovely embossed!

This second card has been up over at the Pink Persimmon blog so I thought I would throw it on at the end. I stamped the star image as a background using some Galaxy Gold ink that is nice and shimmery. It creeps up the page. I added a ric rac edge and there is a gem at the top of this tree. My camera has been naughty this last little while. The auto focus is super messed up and so picture taking is less than enjoyable and the outcome is borderline horrible. I can barely photoshop these pics into being viewable. But there you have it anyway. I hope to be back with a super fun giveaway that is NOT paper related, well, it is a paper (book!) but not for paper crafts. It's going to take me through this Thanksgiving holiday to get it pulled together though, but be sure to check back in a week or so. I hope to get some card making in too, so I am not so out of touch with you all.

What do you have planned for your holiday coming up? (well, I guess just us USA-ers) I have some in-laws coming into town and we are all chomping at the bit to see them! Thanksgiving will be BBQ turkey this year with all the fixin's. It's actually the first time I have ever had to do it myself, so it should get interesting.

Even if you are not celebrating something, I hope you have a wonderful week with those you love.

See you soon!

Cardabilities #15

2010-11-15T08:52:00.000-05:00

Hey there blog-o-buddies! It's another fabulous reveal over at Cardabilities. Hope you can join us this go-round. Here is the sketch:

And here is my take on it:
I am still working out my holiday cards for this year and I thought using the sketch would be a great chance to get some inspiration help. I had this felted paper for K&Co which was just divine and it was shaped with the swoops and peaks. So I fussy cut a bit of it to go on my card front. I added some beautiful red ribbon (this is my fav. color red!) and a tag with simple font. The ribbon, stamps and card base are Papertrey Ink. I added come glitter over the berries which are hard to make out. A pretty simple way to put together some cards which is how I like it.

Head on over to Cardabilities to join in the fun! Hope all is well with you. I am using this week to finalize my Thanksgiving menu. It's a bit complicated right now and needs to be weeded through for my own sanity. Plus we picked up a sweeeet BBQ from the clearance rack at Target so I think a BBQed turkey needs to be added in there instead. Should be pretty great. We are also having some family come this year which will be wonderful! We can't wait for the holiday to get here. I think mostly because it means the husb will have some time off. We always love that.

Have a great week and Happy Crafting!!

Pink Persimmon New Stamp Sets!!

2010-11-11T20:53:00.002-05:00

Hey there all! I just wanted to drop in since it has been AGES since I have posted. I wanted to share with you a bit from the amazing new stamp sets that Pink Persimmon has just come out with. I got the great opportunity to play with them and oh how I LOVE them! Here they are from the Pink Persimmon website. Click on the link and enjoy!

I made a few cards but will only share two of them today. Here is the first:

I clear embossed the image and then sponged it with ink. The top is Brilliance Galaxy Gold and has a great shimmer to it. I added a little jewel at the top.

Here is the second:
I made up a wreath using the small leaf stamp images. I punched a circle with my 3/4" circle punch and lightly fixed it to the center. I stamped around it to help me keep the wreath even. I stamped the small vine-y like image around the edge. I also copied the same onto the envelope using a different color. This sweet envie actually came from a gift I received from Red Envelope. The perfect color and size for a quick card and of course it was completely intact and just begging to be used again. I stamped the Merry Christmas image with Galaxy Gold as well, trimmed and popped it up.

So that's it for tonight. A few seasonal cards to get you all in the moooood. I have been a bit MIA since the auto focus on my camera has broken and taking pictures is just not as fun as it used to be. Gotta get a new lens since we have had this thing fixed more than once. I am a little bit exhausted of broken things in this house! So forgive me if my pics are blurry. They seem to be almost in focus except for one small spot. If you can find it in these pics, you are the winner! Ok, gonna hit the hay now so...

Nighty Night!

Winter Hat Giveaway!

2010-11-03T09:05:00.004-04:00

A dear friend of mine makes these FABULOUS hats (both for kids and adults). She is having a giveaway on her BLOG. Go check it out and enter to win!!! You can pick you own colors, and you know that will make this coming winter so much more fun.

It's a beautiful fall day here today. How about where you are?? I think I need one of these hats to keep my ears from freezing off of my head. It's making me want to be cozy. I just had some hot chocolate and I see soup and bread in my near future. Yep, it's definitely fall here!!

have a great day!

Cardabilities #14

2010-11-02T23:44:00.000-04:00

Oh man, do I feel Fooooolish. It seems I missed a Cardabilities reveal this last month. I think it was the church Halloween party that made me forget (I have to blame someone else, don't I??) Anyway. here is the sketch which happened this last Oct. 30th:And here is my take on it:
You know I think what happened was I saw it posted over at the Cardabilities website and I think I thought I was looking at my own blog or something. Somehow my brain thought it was already posted. I am totally lame.

I hope they can forgive me!!

This card was using up my K&Co stash from my scrap stash blitz. This is what actually started the entire blitz in the first place!!!

Anyway, its got some glittery chipboard embellies and a Martha Stewart doilies which I am (sadly) almost out of.

Happy Crafting everyone!

Scrap Stash Blitz

2010-10-27T21:14:00.003-04:00

If you are anything like me, you have page after page of papers and embellishments sitting in your stash. You pull them out and realize how much you loved them but yet you still have so much left over to use and have long since moved on to the latest grand thing. Welp, I pulled out some papers and set to work making a slew of thank you cards. The list of people I need to thank keeps growing so I thought it was a perfect time to use up my stash and send some thank you love in the mail.

Because you are lucky, you get to see all of them at once. (uh, mostly its because I am too lazy to make multiple posts ; )

All these papers and the embellishments are the Berry Sweet collection from K&Co. This stamp is Lawn Fawn.

I am trying out the new color Fresh Linen from Papertrey Ink. It's not too bad, but I do find I am not sure what to do with it, the paper especially. I think my eyes need to get used to seeing it. However the ribbon, as always, is great!
These stamps and ribbon are Papertrey Ink and I added the embellishment to a Martha Stewart doily.

With this one I made up a small tag to be used for the sentiment so I could free up the paper to take the focus. I love those little mushies...
And last but not least, another Lawn Fawn stamp set. I wanted this all to be fun and colorful. I love the pink water! Again I added some Fresh Linen ribbon and a few rhinestones.

Ok, thats my scrap stash blitz for ya! I want to make a habit of using up my stash. My poor drawers are stuffed full and need some relief! Maybe I will have another blitz soon. Have a great evening. This weekend is full of halloween fun for us. What are you up to? Hope you have a great weekend too!

Happy Crafting!

BOO!

2010-10-20T22:37:00.003-04:00

We are getting closer to Halloween here folks! I just wanted to pop in and share a bit of a card with you. This is using all Pink Persimmon Stamps:

The background is a mix of Vintage Pumpkins and the starburst image from Flower Garden. The jumping pumpkin is also from Vintage Pumpkins colored in with some Copics. The Alphas are from the Carnival Alpha set.

I just finished watching Babies. It was cute and funny and delightful! However, I do feel for those babies that are tethered to the bed and who play in the dirt all day. Although its a testament to the fact that you don't need a ton of toys! Check it out if you haven't seen it yet. So cute. I guess that means it's time for bed now right? The morning comes early in this house (and in every house, to be sure) and this cranky lady needs some sleep so she can be nice ; ) Thanks for stopping by. Nighty Night!
k

Cardabilities #13

2010-10-15T10:19:00.000-04:00

Hey there! Today is the start of a new Cardabilities term. I am so excited to be staying on for the next term, so lets get started! #13:

Here is my take on the sketch:
I decided to off-set it a bit. This Lawn Fawn set comes with the curly cue stamp that is actually straight but I curved it around the circle instead of adding any scallops like the sketch. I also added a bit of pink color to the spools of thread for the background and if you look close you can see some embossed polka dots. Added some felt ric-rac and polka ribbon.

That's all for me today. I have come down with a cold and don't feel to well, but will still be posting a few times here this week. Hope all is well with you!!

It's a "Framed" Christmas

2010-10-10T22:24:00.003-04:00

Good evening folks! Tonight I am sharing some Christmas cards. I have been starting to think about what I want to do this year. A few criteria... easy to mass produce, FLAT, and fun to look at. I figured if I don't start now, I really won't get them all done in time. I am not a big fan of mass production, nor a fan of flat cards ; ) so I need to really find something I love. This first one I do really like:

I think it should be stamped on white though. I think the colors will pop better. I like the color combo on this. Not your regular holiday colors. But it wouldn't be easy to reproduce. You have to concentrate to keep everything super straight, and I think my patience would run thin. So maybe only a few like this and then I will move on.

Second sample:
ugh... really really UGH! I actually hate looking at this card. blech... It doesn't help that you can't see the glitter on the snowflakes. The glitter makes it a bit more bearable, but most of it has rubbed off since it only dawned on me to add the glitter once the ink had partially dried. I think this would be a good man-card right? totally manly ; )

Sample 3:
Now I am liking this one, and its pretty easy to pull off. You can't see the glitter that I added to the berries, but I think I would do them with red rhinestones instead. It will really help it sing. And I would do a black frame/sentiment instead of brown and maybe on white paper? Or, this one needs some distressing or inking around the edges to make it a bit more home-y to match up with the cream paper. That might help it.

Anyway. This has been a talk through for my own sake as maybe you can tell! It's been a bit since I have sat down and created without a deadline, or requirement attached, and I think I am a bit rusty! I hope to get some more crafting in soon. How about you? Are you crafting? I hope so!

thanks for stopping in tonight. Have a good one!

Hey Dude

2010-10-01T13:33:00.001-04:00

Hey there. whew, it's been a loooooong week for some reason. I am feeling super drained from kids and bedtimes and food fights and toy messes. I think I am ready for a weekend where I can leave these kids with their dad for the day! So a little dude-ness to get your weekend started right:

I just love love love this image! I also really love the font style. That Kim Hughes... she really knows how to put a smile on your face right?! This one is made with Clear Cardstock from Short Cuts (who I think are not around anymore? can anyone out there verify? I couldn't find their website)

A bit of orange Copic action and some T1 outlined around the image to help with dimension.
Here is more dude-ness with some green monsters. I love this image too. It's all around a great set. So glad I snagged it! (took me long enough ; ) Ok. so I am trying to breathe deep now. Trying to not feel like this week was a total failure. At least I got some crafting done right?! Ok... Onto the weekend!! On to OCTOBER!!! Hope you have a great one!!

loves

Cardabilities Reveal #12

2010-09-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hey there people in the blogosphere! It's that time again. Cardabilities it's last reveal of this month. Where did September go anyway?? Here is the sketch:

And here is my take on it:
I got this sweet small picture frame (Melissa Frances) from the dear ladies over at Pink Persimmon and used all Pink Persimmon stamps on it. I mixed some patterned papers (Cosmo Cricket and PTI) and did some Tim Holtz inking action to the paper.
I colored my Santa with Copics and added some dyed silk ribbon and the new bakery twine from Papertrey Ink. Lots of fun to be had on this card. I can't believe I am thinking about the holidays already, but it is that time again. Once October rolls around you really don't come up for air until January. But I do look forward to all the wonderful things that come with the holidays. School is finally in full swing as is the falling of the leaves and the nipping of the cold. It's time to break out the hot chocolate! YUM!

ok. really, now I want some, so I am gonna go now. I suggest you get some too, just because its so good. Happy sipping ( I mean, crafting!)

Cuteasaurous

2010-09-28T22:07:00.002-04:00

Good evening!! I have a boy card to share with you tonight. Stamps are PTI and Kim Hughes:

I adore this stamp set so much! Well, actually I adore both sets. So very fun. A fun color combo too. Hawaiian Shores and Ripe Avocado. I did some Copic coloring as well.
I am waiting for the husband to stop working in the garage so we can watch a movie tonight. It seems late to get started, but I am determined to relax tonight even if it means being dead tired in the morning! Anyway, I got popcorn made, salsa and chips and a nice big cold beverage. aaahhhhh. I'm gonna go now, but not before I wish you good night!! Happy Crafting night owls!

loves

A card and my trip to Snapdragon Inn!

2010-09-24T23:09:00.006-04:00

Hey there everybody! I wanted to stop in and share a card with you real quick, but also to share some pictures of the trip I took last week for my 10 year wedding anniversary (*gasp* 10 years!!)

So here is today's card. Simple and to the point:

I wanted to thank the lovely people at the Snapdragon Inn for such an amazing time! It was just what we needed to celebrate 10 years in style.

The Inn is located in Windsor Vermont (which is the most lusciously green place I have ever been)! You can check out the website to the Snapdragon Inn HERE. The Snapdragon Inn just opened to the public this month and it is fabulous. It is the former house of Maxwell Perkins who was the literary editor to famous writers such as Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Floyd. It has been completely remodeled and now is absolutely GORGEOUS! Here is a shot of the back of the Inn (you can see Patrick sitting on the porch):

Dontcha just love the look of it? Inside our room they had the most AMAZING bed. I tell you, for days after getting home, I really didn't like being in my own bed. It is SO horrible in comparison and I actually dreamed about the big fluffy one back in VT. Baby Kai loved the soft downy pillows and mattress:

The dear sweet owners left us a little love in our room to help us celebrate our special day. Chocolate covered strawberries!! What?!? How perfect is that? And all the roses *sigh* I want to go back!

One of my favorite things about the place was the fabulous toiletries they offered. You just can't beat L'Occitane! Every once in a while I would catch a smell of my hair and smile, it smelled so good! Wish I could go back to that, for sure. I loved the soft fluffy towels and the bathrobe too! Actually I wore that thing as much as possible since I don't have one at home. It made me feel extra spoiled.

The husb and I spent a lot of time on the back porch in the rocking chairs. It was so very peaceful there. You are surrounded by lawn, garden and trees everywhere. If you are looking for a nice getaway where you can actually relax, then this is the place for you! But there are even things to do as a family, which I know we will be exploring some day.

Here is the lake right behind the Inn. It's so lovely! We strolled all afternoon. You may wonder who I actually went on the vacation with right? I did take a few pictures with my husband, I promise. But it was so sweet to celebrate this with the baby because it gave us good alone time with him. Something he will rarely get growing up in this family ; ) And it was also such a great reminder of the journey we are on together... 10 years and 3 kids later.
So that was our trip and since we got home I just can't stop thinking about when we can get back there. If you live in the New England area and are looking for a quaint, quiet getaway, you really should look it up. (They are also having a special this month too which you can check out HERE!) I definitely think this will have to be a re-occuring trip for Patrick and I. I love the idea of making this "our place" while we grow old together. It was a perfect 10 yr. celebration and I look forward to many more years together and at the Snapdragon. Thanks for letting me share it with you!

Hope you have an amazing weekend.

love to you!

Guest Designer: Sketchabilities #31

2010-09-19T09:35:00.001-04:00

Hey there all you Sketchabilities fans!! I am very excited to get to scrap today with all of you today since usually I am only seen at Cardabilities. Here is today celebratory sketch for the big party going on over at Sketchabilities. Come on over and play with us too!

Ooooh, the second I saw this I Loooorved it! Very fabulous sketch Karan!

Here is my take on it:
It didn't take much to find the perfect pictures to put to the page. I have an entire box of photos that need to be scraped, but these fall ones, when added with the sketch just seemed perfect. Or maybe the sweet crisp air that is starting to linger outside got me itching... hmmm I love this time of year!

This is my little peanut who is not so little any more (nor a peanut as you can see). I added some felt ric rac across the middle which is over top of a chevron patterned paper. The houndstooth pattern paper is a die cut (which I used only the bottom half) and it has a fuzzy texture to it. I added stickers to a die cut for the sentiment and hand cut stamped leaves and curled up the tips of them to give them some movement.
My journaling is placed on a stamped note pad image with a flourish and blowing leaves. I opted not to mat the photos. I think it gives a more modern look to it. All sketch and the patter paper really does all the work on this baby. Love the completed project (and love that its just completed!) Thanks to Karan for letting me participate with you all today. Hope you get a chance to play along!

loves

Cardabilities Reveal #11

2010-09-15T09:19:00.000-04:00

Hey there people. Happy day to you! Here is today's sketch reveal over at Cardabilities:

ooooh, I know. really great right?? And here is my take on it:
I pulled out some older Scenic Route papers. You really can't go wrong with orange and blue. I also used some of the Lawn Fawn stamps I have been coveting for such a long time now. It's taken a while for them to really get some use, but they are getting it now, I tell ya!

Here's a bit of a close up:
The tag was cut using my Cricut and the Tags, Boxes and Bags cartridge. I used a T1 Copic for shading the typewriter and an orange too. Colored up the push pins with the Aqua Mist Copic Trio. (not sure of the numbers) I also stamped some text behind my sentiment strip for a bit more visual detail. (PTI Background Basics: Text Style).

And that's about it! Thanks for stopping in today. The husb and I have celebrated our 10 year anniversary this month!! I will hopefully get back here to tell you aaaalllll about it.

loves

PLAID Project: Herb GIft Box

2010-09-12T22:16:00.003-04:00

Whoops! I am a bit behind with this post. Here is a final peek of my last PLAID project using Modge Podge and their tool kit. You can go to PINK PERSIMMON and check out the tutorial. While you are there, be sure to comment for a chance to win some PLAID goods!!!

Thanks for stopping in. I have a Cardabilities reveal coming your way in a few days, so be sure to head back over here!

Also, this just in: I will be with Cardabilities for another 6 months!!! Whoot.t.t! I love it over there and am so glad that I get to keep participating for a bit longer. You can check out the post HERE. Welcome the new ladies and the ones staying on for another round, and join us for a sketch or two, won't you??

loves

PLAID Project Week with Pink Persimmon!!

2010-09-08T09:02:00.000-04:00

Hey there!! I have another PLAID Project to share with you today. Here is a little peek of the final project.

Head on over to PINK PERSIMMON to read the tutorial and to enter the contest for the day! Have you been over there yet?? There was a fabulous tutorial yesterday by Samantha Sibbet. Make sure you check out every day and enter in the contest EVERY day because there are a ton of things to win from PLAID. CLICK HERE!

Thanks for stopping in today. I have one more project to share with you later in the week, so be sure to stop by!

loves

PLAID Project Week with Pink Persimmon!!

2010-09-06T09:55:00.003-04:00

Good Monday morning to you!!! Today starts a full fun PLAID Project week over at Pink Persimmon. This week is your chance to get in on some sweet Plaid products and see some fabulous tutorials using these products.

Today's project is one of mine. You can see a bit of a sneak peek here:

Head on over to PINK PERSIMMON to read about the tutorial and to enter to win some Plaid products. The giveaways will be going on for the next 7 days. (Starting Sept. 6th and ending Sept. 12th). There is a slew of things you can win, so get movin'!! CLICK HERE!!

I hope you have a great holiday today. We are heading to the park to enjoy some time with friends. Regardless of where you live, I hope you have a great day too!!

loves

A few items of Bizzzz

2010-08-31T21:32:00.002-04:00

Hey there. How is your night?? Mine is great. Kids in bed, hubby still at work so I have a bit of time to do some crafty craftin'.

Ok, so I have a few things of bizness to share with you tonight.

Just incase you haven't heard, Cardabilities is having a call for a NEW design Team. You can read all about it HERE.

PaperCrafter's Corner is having a Pink Persimmon stamp giveaway!!! It's going on until Sunday so head on over THERE and check it out for yourself. You may just win one of the new stamp sets that were released this last week!

Also, you may have spied a little something something I made using the new Pink Persimmon stamp set Vintage Pumpkins. They have it over at ScrapScene if you want to check it out HERE. It highlights a bunch of fun fall projects you can do yourself.

Ok. I think thats it for tonight. Stay tuned for next week. The gals and I over at Pink Persimmon did some projects using various Plaid products and we review them, so you will definitely want to check up on that. I think there will be one every day but I will let you know specifically the schedule so you don't miss anything!

I think thats it for tonight's bizness.... Going to go make me some cards. I will post them soon!

loves

Pink Persimmon Project + Tutorial!

2010-08-30T11:29:00.002-04:00

Hey there everyone!! Today you is a full day! If you are here for my Cardabilities post just scroll down. I also have a tutorial to share with you today over at Pink Persimmon. I made up some closet clothing tags and you can find all the supplies and instructions HERE. Hope you like it! Here's a little photo of them to pique your interest:

Also, Pink Persimmon is releasing some new stamp sets today! Check them out!!! You will be seeing some cards coming your way in the next few weeks using these fun images. Don't forget to sign up for their Newsletter so you can be first to know about their releases and fun tutorials from the Creative Team!!

Hope you have a great day today. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!!

Cardabilities Sketch #10

2010-08-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hello there, and time for another Cardabilities Sketch! Today's sketch:

And my take on it:
It ended up being really simple and more of a simple layered card. That's what I love about sketches, you just never know what it will end up being. I did pop up the balloons after stamping the sun on the card base. I then stamped the green hills, distressed them and popped them up a bit too.

Well, thats it for the month of August. Where in tarnation did it go anyway? School is pounding down the door and fall time is just itching to creep in. I am so sad summer is over. What a lovely time it was and can't wait until next year!

Thanks for stopping by today.

loves to you and yours

School Time is Almost Here!

2010-08-20T21:56:00.002-04:00

Welp folks, I can feel it edging in on me. We now know who Ronin's teacher will be in September and have also started gathering his school supplies. We visit his class room this next week and before you know it he will be starting 1st grade. I can feel summer thinking of changing to darker and cooler nights and I really am not ready to say goodbye. However, I do Looorrrve Fall!

So in light of new school beginnings I made up a few cards for the store:

This is also an 'Ode to Cornish Heritage Farms'. You all know they are closing their doors so I quickly ordered a few things that I have always wanted and while they have yet to see ink, I did get to pull out an oldie but goodie Kim Hughes set, Making the Grade. This all in celebration of who Cornish Heritage Farms is and was. They had great service and great products and they will be missed!!

I also made up two similar cards. One for a girl:
one for a boy:
Eek! I love this pencil image SO much! And definitely when its colored in. So we will see if these babies sell. There is only 2 1/2 weeks until schools starts here so hopefully they will move before then.

And here is a smattering array of close ups for ya all:
Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Crafting!!

Birthday Tag

2010-08-20T00:34:00.002-04:00

Just a little something to share with you for the start of this weekend. I am really loving these K&Co. die cuts. Just so much fun to play with. I made up this birthday tag:

These die cuts are scored and cut so you can round them up and make them really 3-D. Just beautiful! You know you could do this easily with your own scallop punches. In fact, lets try that next week and see what we come up with. What do ya say?
Here is a bit of a close up. I added some pearls on the inside for some detail. I love how easy it was to pull this thing together. Some die cuts, distressed stamping and a birthday sentiment and you are ready for gift giving!

Hope you all have a smashing weekend! It looks like there is deck building in our future so I won't be around the computer much. Hope you do something enjoyable.

loves to you

James Dashner--ARC Scorch Trials!

2010-08-19T00:36:00.003-04:00

Ok, really I don't do this often, but there is a giveaway for the ARC (advanced reading copy) of the second book of the Maze Runner series by James Dashner and I really want to win it. Really, I was DEVASTATED when I made it to the last page only to find out there were two more books to come that weren't even written yet!

So I am posting about it here knowing I will get another entry into the contest but also secretly hoping no one else joins the contest so that my odds are better ; ) Ok, just kidding! go there NOW and check out the great giveaway and join in the adventure known as the Maze Runner. If you haven't read it yet, you really should....

thanks to the Lateiner Gang for the great giveaway!

Lawn Fawn Hearts Cards for Kids!!

2010-08-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

Hey there all and welcome to the Lawn Fawn Hearts Cards for Kids Blog Hop!! We have all come together today to make cards for a wonderful cause, Cards for Kids! We hope to encourage you to also make cards for this great cause and have some fun along the way too. So please hop along with us, and make sure to leave comments as there will be prizes for commenters and participants. So lets get hopping!! Also, if you get lost in the hop, you can always start at the beginning at the Lawn Fawn Blog. Thank you so much for hopping with us today!

I got so exited about the hop, I had to make two cards! Here is my first one using Lawn Fawn's 'Just My Type' stamp set. I have had this set for a few weeks but haven't had the time to introduce it to some ink, so I was extra excited to get going!
Gorsh, I do love these colors together. So vibrant and fun! I couldn't stop without adding some felt ric rac which of course goes so well with scissors ; ) and I tied a tiny button with some twine to my chartreuse scissors and popped it up with a dimensional. I stamped the scissor images on some linen vellum and then distressed the edges so it has some nice texture.

The second card is done using Pink Persimmon stamps. I love this set SO very much. And I thought maybe this would be a good pick-me-up kind of a card for a lovely girl. Everyone wants to know they are a jewel and priceless, right?!
I used two shades of pink for this baby. I stamped the main jewel image with silver ink so it is nice and shimmery. I used red and pink adhesive gems to finish off the image. I also used an impression plate on the card base and brushed it with some white ink to help it pop.
My kids also wanted to get in on the action and each chose a child to make pictures for to send. Here is Ronin's. It's a picture of both Zach and he dancing under the sun and a disco ball. How does he know about disco balls? While we were working he said he was going to draw a sun on Zach's chest to show that he had grown healthy and strong there and then he outlined it with a heart. Sometimes kids are wise beyond their years.

And here is Cache's picture for little Gavin. He is just learning how to draw people and its been so fun to watch. He was a bit camera shy when it came time to show the goods. We hope these bring some joy to the recipients.

And there you have it!! Go on and leave a comment because remember there are prizes to be won and then click on the name to hop to: Rhonda!! Remember if you get lost in the hop go back to Lawn Fawn and get your bearings. There are so many wonderful cardmakers that are participating in this hop you really don't want to miss even one of them!

Have a fun time and thanks for stopping in!

Cardabilities Sketch #9

2010-08-15T10:16:00.000-04:00

Hey there everyone! Today is another great sketch reveal for Cardabilities! Check out today's sketch:

This is a fun one, so I hope you can participate. And here is my contribution:
I picked up these fun die cuts from K&Co that were on the clearance rack. They are sorbet and white crosshatch patter on one side and a solid sorbet on the other. I added some pearls, some distressed text stamping and put it all together on a bunch of white cardstock, which I personally love doing.
There is something so fresh and clean about an all white card. I also love repeated stamping. It's a great way to fill in some extra space. That's all for today. I hope you get a chance to participate!

thanks for stopping in today. Have a good one!

Pink Persimmon: Tickled Pink

2010-08-12T11:08:00.001-04:00

Hey there! A little Pink Persimmon styled card for you today. I really adore this new set they have out. Did you get your yet? If not, go on over and check it out. They have a 15% off coupon for newsletter subscribers that you can use to stock up on all the new goods! So head on over and subscribe for heavens sake!

For this card I paired some blue with this fuzzy sorbet paper from S.E.I. I did some fussy cutting so the damask print was in the middle. The card base was rolled through a crosshatch impression plate and rubbed with white ink to help it pop a bit. The sentiment is double stamped with pink and black.
Can you even tell its a baby card? Well, its supposed to be! Hope you have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Hello! and a project

2010-08-10T20:21:00.003-04:00

Well, I tell you what, this is the loooongest I have ever gone without blogging. Whew buddy! But I am back and hope to keep myself moving forward. Patrick was off last week so we did a lot of work around the house and then we went camping and you know there is just something wrong about blogging while you are camping,(not to mention the lack of internet service) so I thought I would just enjoy time with my family and see you all this week. SO I do have some other projects that I have been dying to do lately. One of which I am sharing with you tonight. I have seen this idea around the blog-o-sphere and finally got to do some myself. It took me a while to find the GoodWill but once I did, I perused the glassware section and found these beauties:

I picked up some heavy duty glue that bonds most surfaces and applied it to the bases. Add a little pressure and dry over night:
Then you get this!:
Two cake pedestals ready for serving. It's honestly one of the easiest projects I have ever done and finally I have something to hold my favorite chocolate cake.

So, what have you been doing while I have been gone? Hope you are still around and all is well. I have some projects for Pink Persimmon coming up and another Cardability reveal this week too so come on back.

Thanks for stopping by!

loves and good night kisses~

Cardabilities Sketch #8

2010-07-30T09:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the 30th! As always, today is the Cardabilities reveal! Here is the sketch for today:

I love this sketch. Really. I just want to look at it all day. The possibilities are endless and it is very inspiring. Here is my take:
I used a funky color combo on this one. Hot Pink, Orange, Mustard and Green. Glorious!
Actually there is a little scarlet thrown in there as well. Lots of die cutting too. I have been LOVING the die cuts lately. How much fun are they?? Ok, so here is the dealy-o. Get yourself a bit of crafting time and whip up somethin' fun and go link it up at the Cardabilities blog. I am pretty sure you will be happy you did! While you are there, check out what the rest of the team made up. Can't wait to see what you create!

Thanks for stopping in today. Have a glorious friday!

Boy Cards

2010-07-29T23:14:00.002-04:00

Just a quickie tonight. I pulled together some baby boy cards this week. I LOVE this paper line by My Mind Eye. I have had it forever and have always enjoyed looking at it and wading through the pages and embellies I picked up. I originally got it to do some scrap pages for my boy (I only had one at the time!) and of course never got to it. Luckily it still works great for some cards.

I added some stamps and a few more rhinestones. And those big letters are actually adhesive fabric ones that are at least 5 years old. I colored them up with a Copic and they look good as new!

Ok. going to hit the hay. Got to have rest so I can be a happy momma tomorrow. It's been a week full of a NOT-happy momma. Just ask the kids ; )

thanks for checking in!

Baby Bee

2010-07-21T21:00:00.000-04:00

Hey there! Long time no blog! Whelp, my parents have gone and now not only am I lonely but I have three kids that are DYING to be talked to, held and played with. So it's back to the grind of life but I have you dear friends to keep me company! SO today I have a baby card to share. I feel like I am so behind in things that need to be done. Making new cards is one of them. It seems every card I make goes to something else and then I always remember too late to take a picture of it! But here is one:

Simple. To the point. This bee is a lot of fun and of course I love buttons!

Welcome little one. Where ever you may bee. (bwhaaaa!)

Have a great night!

This n' That

2010-07-16T03:00:00.005-04:00

I have a few random things that I wanted to share tonight. First off its suuuuper late so I must get to bed. But I wanted to share that I have a friend who just opened her own Etsy Shop! Natasha is a rock star knitter and has started making mohawk caps. (A few you can see below...made to order adult or kid sizes). I LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!!! If you are in the market for something fun, fresh and hand made, head on over to her shop HERE. And Enjoy!

Also, another friend is having an "I {heart} New York" week over at her blog. I did a little post for her that you can read HERE. I love living in New York and I must say its even better now that I have some space and a dishwasher. Can't complain here!

Ok. I will be back with a card for my first Cardabilities Reveal, so stay tuned!!!

Thanks for stopping in.

loves

Cardabilities Sketch #7

2010-07-15T11:00:00.000-04:00

Hey there people! I am very excited to share with you today my first card creation over at Cardabilities. I am so excited to be apart of the new design team! Go check out the blog and meet all the ladies and take a gander at the great cards. Hopefully they will inspire you!

Today we have sketch #7 reveal:

And here is my take on the sketch:
I used some ink on my woodgrain impression plate to create the background and then added some simple elements. You know me, I like to go a bit on the simple side. Colors are pink, chartreuse and grey. LOVE them together! And have I told you yet how much I like this hand dyed scrunchy silk ribbon? sooooo nice.
Here is a bit of a close-up. I added some pearls in my stamped flower (in the sentiment) and did a quick swipe of my gell pen to add faux stitches. I love those things.

That's it for my first reveal! Remember, there are two reveals a month on the 15th and the 30th, so I hope you can join in the fun at some point!

thanks for stopping in!

Pink Persimmon Congratulations Baby!!

2010-07-12T16:03:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! Today I have another baby card for you... are you surprised?! Yup, I know...

But I think you might like it:

oh my oh my, this pattern paper is PERFECT for these little clothes. I used the sailor pattern paper from Men for Life (PTI) for the sailor suit! I arranged to stamp right over the anchor image so it looked like it is on the shirt. I also colored the cuffs and toes with Copic markers.
I used a Nestability #4 label to cut out the frame both in blue and white. Its a bit hard to see but I ran the white label through an impression plate to give it a nice crosshatch imprint and then popped up the blue frame to give it some dimension. I colored the clothespins and glued it all to my jute twine clothesline.

Ok, going to go now. My little 3 year old wants to play 'Diego' and of course that means someone has to be the iguana lost in the forest... lucky me!

loves

Pink Persimmon Welcome Baby

2010-07-10T18:05:00.000-04:00

Hey there all! I realized I hadn't shown you exactly what Pink Persimmon has released this week. So take a gander!: Here are the banner sets. SO SO very useful. I have been putting them on quite a few things. Some of which you have seen this week. Today's card also uses them.

These are the baby sets. CUTE CUTE CUTE!!

And today's card:

You can see I used both Baby Clothesline and the Mini Banner Alpha set. I used some nestablilities rectangles both with and without scallops. I colored in the duck with some colored pencils. They are the only thing that will give good color on this Kraft paper.
I added some polka dot paper and stamped my banner in an array of colors. They are SO easy to use. I just put all my letters on a block and stamped the word in the different colors and then cut them out and arranged them in an order that I liked. I have many more baby things to show you and will try to keep up with them all!

My parents are visiting this week and I hope to get some crafting time in with my mom who is so fabulous. She is endlessly supporting this crafting habit of mine and a wonderful cheerleader. I love you mom!! Maybe I can trick her into make a card for the ol' blog-o here so you can see it. One night soon we will get our girls time. Right now we are doing 'boys' time with concrete, dirt and wood out back. Its a dirty sight to behold.

Ok. Hope you are having a grrrrrreat weekend. Thanks for stopping in!

365 Cards: Guest Designing!

2010-07-08T14:53:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! It's taken me all day to get here to post. I am still pouring concrete and the backyard is looking fantastic! We are getting excited. So now I am covered in dust and sitting at the computer coming to say hi to you! Today I was invited to design for 365 Cards. They are having a wonderful time over there and celebrating 1000 followers! WAHOO! Congrats to Pam and all the lovely ladies over at 365 Cards. And if you haven't been over there yet, head over and become a follower, participate in a challenge or two and help them celebrate in proper style. Today's challenge is an ad. Coming from me straight to you! Here she is:

Is this just lover-ly?! I love the candies, the colors, the stripes! I hope this little ditty inspires you to create and here is the card that I made:
You can see the stripes in the background which I absolutely HAD to have in there. The circles are Pink Paisley and just reminded me of lollypops and you can see a new Pink Persimmon release (just this week!). The cute little banner. You can see the new releases here if you are interested.
I love this dyed silk ribbon which comes from Marilyn Healey (and all the way from my home state) and I added some pearls to spunk up my ribbon flower.

That's it for today! Tonight there is a movie in the park and I must get cleaned up for that. Hope to share some more cards this week and maybe a concrete story or two. Take it easy!

loves

Pink Persimmon Release Time!!: Little Miracle

2010-07-07T11:04:00.000-04:00

Hey there everybody! Well, the time has finally arrived. Pink Persimmon has just released some new sets and BOY you just wait till you see them!!! Go NOW and check it out. There are the cutest baby clothes in the new baby set and really great banner sets. All of which I will be showcasing in the next few days and you can hop over to the Pink Persimmon blog to see what the other creative team members have made. I hope you like them!!

First off today we have the little onesie stamp from the Baby Clothesline set. I paper pieced them and popped them up on some scalloped circles. I used this old book paper and sewed strips onto the card base.

I added some rivets and tied the circles together with rope twine. The 'Little Miracle' sentiment is from the Baby Greetings set also being released. I used some tea dye ink to sponge the edges of the card and scalloped circles. Join me tomorrow for a fun day over at 365 cards!

Thanks for stopping by today. Have a good one!

Baby Cards

2010-07-05T09:01:00.001-04:00

Hey there! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. We celebrated our Independence Day this weekend here in the U.S. and I feel SO humbled and grateful. It's been a wonderful time to spend with my family who is visiting and a good time to remember all that has been sacrificed that we might have this great country of ours. And regardless of the crazy stuff that goes on, it is a great country and we should be grateful!

Ok. I wanted to stop in and share more baby cards before I get crackin' on this day. My parents are here and helping us put in a patio, so I must actually get going. There are pallets of concrete on my lawn that are waiting to be mixed and poured.

Baby card #1:

I messed around with A Little Argyle a bit. That set has endless possibilities and I am still trying to get the hang of it. I think I need to take a look at some argyle around me cause I just couldn't decide which stamps to use from the set and then ended up using a lot of them on top of each other. I need more playing time for sure and get really excited for the possibilities!

baby card #2
Some different uses for the Argyle set and I just LOVE this die cut. And I am getting to use my bear that has been sitting un-inked for quite awhile. Inking new stamps always feels good right : )

We are having a wonderful summer so far! How is yours going?? The weather is hot, but the popsicles are so cold, and you know I love me a nice cold popsicle. Must run now, but thanks for stopping by!

loves to you and yours

Baby Elephant

2010-06-29T09:40:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! I wanted to stop in today and share a baby card with you. The boys and I are on our way to the pool. It's gonna be a hot one today!

I have some boy baby cards that I needed to make for the shop so you will see quite a few of them in the next little while. I have been doing a LOT of baby card designing (that might be a new release *hint*) and so I think I will have a ton to share. I will try to space them out so you don't get 'baby bored' ; )

I used all PTI sets on this one. I die cut the label and stamped it with polkas and text. I stamped, cut and colored the elephant and tied the baby tag around his neck. One interesting thing to note. I mixed a light blue marker with a T1 gray shadow marker. It makes for an interesting color:
The background is A Little Argyle with some Background Basics: Retro dots added into the diamonds. All very simple and fun!

I am realizing we are only on week 1 of summer and I am tired and cranky. hmmmm must be the heat. I hope we all make it through summer alive. And interestingly enough its not the school aged child that is driving me crazy. It's the messy, sassy, belligerent 3 year old instead. And he used to be so cute and delightful. what's a mom to do??

Little Sweet Pea

2010-06-28T23:02:00.001-04:00

Good Evening friends. A little sweet pea card for you tonight. Gotta got to bed really, or I might fall asleep on my keyboard!

This baby card features some Dotty Biscotti paper which is really really fun when you see it in person. And of course the fabulous Hawaiian Shores color which just makes my heart sing when I see it. I love its vibrancy!
I added some stitching to my card today. I think I need some practice. Anyone have some sewing advice they would like to share? I always seem to have my stitches pulling out or waaaaaay too tight. This card turned out fine, but there are some others that need some help. Even when I futz with the tension it doesn't seem to fix it. I would LOVE some serious tips on how to get things 'sew' perfect. (bwaaahaaa!) Anyway, if you got some, I would appreciate it if wanted to share!

If I haven't said it yet, I just want to add that I cannot believe its July. Truly, where is my life going??? Its going TOO fast! AND, Check out what my little baby was caught doing tonight. Oh that cutie pie! Ok. Thanks for listening to my ramblings. Going to hit the hay now. Good morning to you overseas folk and goodnight to you here at home.

Have a good one!

Deets: All Papertrey Ink Unless Noted

Stamps: Baby Button Bits

Ink: Noir (Palatte), Tea Dye Duo

Paper: Ripe Avocado, Hawaiian Shores, Vintage Cream, Dotty Biscotti

Accessories: Satin Ribbon, Mat Stack Die Cut, Vintage Buttons, Corner Rounder (Fiscars), Scallop Border Punch (SU!)

Last Day Of School, Thank You!!!

2010-06-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

Good Mornin' to ya! Today is finally the last day of school! And you know, I totally forgot about school gifts and Ronin came to me yesterday and asked if he could take his teachers flowers. Very sweet, but that meant I had to make up a gifty-gifty for them last night. I went to the store at 11pm and it honestly took me WAAAAY too long to decide what to get. Finally I picked up some small bonsai plants because they will last and were the only thing there that looked even remotely healthy. I threw in some chocolate for good measure. Hopefully that will make up for sad looking plants ; )

I did manage to get a bit of card making in so here is the first one I made up. I was inspired by an outfit in a clothing catalog: (using all Papertrey Ink schtuffff)

I must say the new Beautiful Blooms II is my new favorite set. I LOVE these flower tops!! I also use the ric rac die cut, Polka Dot Basics set (a total classic!) and the Inside and Out: Thank You set.
A vintage button and some nice pink ribbon. Loverly!

Here is my second card. Yes, Ronin has TWO teachers! This one is using Beautiful Blooms II as well, but a different feel based on the colors I chose:

The background stamping was done by using A Little Argyle set (endless possibilities with this one!) stamped in Versamark Ink. I LOVE the look of it!
I also love the Say It With Style stamp set. Isn't that a fun font?! You might be able to tell that I have done a bit of purchasing lately. I am having a really good time with my new stuff..... *sigh*

Ok. Thanks for stopping in today and for all your lovely comments this week. Summer is finally here and we can't wait to play! The last few nights we have had company over so we have all be up late playing. I'm excited because finally we can do that without sleeping in and being late for school!

Mr. Campy Cards!

2010-06-23T18:36:00.003-04:00

Hey, real quick post tonight. Ronin is sitting next to me begging to help him color in his Batman coloring book, so you know I have to adjust my priorities ; )

Just two more cards I made up for the store:

These just make me want to eat smores!! I LOVED your comments about camp! I never did go to sleep away camp. We did do girls camp which was a week in the summer for church and of course that was fun and crazy, but I don't know if I will be able to send my kids to sleep away camp. Sounds like just trouble waiting to happen!

Anyway. Thanks for all your well wishes on the cards in the store. I hope they sell too! Thanks so much for stopping in. Have a great night!

loves

Camp Cards

2010-06-22T17:47:00.002-04:00

Hey there everybody! I have so many cards to share with you but I just can't yet! Soon, I promise. Until then, I have a few different cards to share. I have a good friend here who has helped me get some cards to sell in a little kids boutique in the area. I made up some of these camp cards to sell there too. The boutique is selling lots of fun things to send with kids to sleep away camp and we thought these would be fun to sell too!

Just perfect to go with your son or daughter so they can write to you while they are away.

I used all Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy stuff. Figured I might as well, since its sitting around and PERFECT for sleep away camp. This first card has polka dots in the background which are a bit hard to see. I fussy cut the camp sentiment and used a PTI fillable frame. The leaves are stickers.
This last card I used the Woodgrain Impression plate for the card base but it is hard to see too. This one was simple I matted the tag that came in my Mr. Campy crafting kit and tied some twine around it. In real life, the woodgrain impression plate is doing most of the work. this is a simple card but really fun to look at with the texture.

So thats all. Baby is crying so must run. There are a few more cards going to the boutique that I have to share in the next few days. So keep your eyes peeled. I am SO excited to be selling these cards. As soon as I can get their weblink to work I will share it with you.

thanks for stopping in today. hope things are well! be back later this week

Oh no, and a Woot Woot!

2010-06-17T09:42:00.002-04:00

hey there people. I wanted to stop in today to share a few things and then I realized I can't share them yet!!! I am working on some fun stuff but it has yet to be released so I have to keep it under wraps for a bit longer. Sorry. That's the Oh No, of the title, but the Woot Woot can be found HERE. I am SO lucky and have been asked to be on the Cardabilities design team! Head on over there and check out the fun stuff they have going on. I love this site because you get two sketches a month on the 15th and 30th. It's a great way to get involved online and work on your design skills without overwhelming your entire life and let me tell you these sketches are AMAZING! I can't wait to get started! Thanks so much to Karen and I hope to see you over at Cardabilities soon!

Picture Frame

2010-06-10T22:15:00.002-04:00

Hey there all! Well, as you can see there is a new look here on the blog. Do you like-y? Well, I would love to say I planned it, but honestly it was all done by accident. You see there was a button here and a link there and before I knew it I had a new template. It was a confusing whirlwind and I tried to fix it best I could cause I didn't know how to get back to the regular template! HA! So funny that I can even carry on this blog considering how technically challenged I am. Anyway. I do like it so I think I will leave it until I accidentally change it again ; ) Let me know if its easy to read. Nothing worse than squinting your eyes so you can see something. ok... on with the show!

Here is a little somethin' somethin' I pulled together a few weeks ago. I love doing picture frames as gifts because they are fairly simple and so much fun. I used papers and embellishments from My Minds Eye that I have had in my stash for a long long while. I adored it so much I had to get everything on the rack and then it sat untouched waiting to be used until now!

I had originally purchased it all to do some scrapbooking but that never happened. However now with three boys I have lots of reasons to use boy scrapbooking stuff. Just need to get organized. Until then I don't mind using it to make picture frames! Here is the picture I wanted to put in it. I don't actually have the pic yet, I just photoshoped it in so you could see what it will look like:

This was all the boys at the kindergarten concert. It was a farm theme and all the kids were supposed to dress up. Ronin went as a dog. We figured that was a good farm animal (and we already had a costume). It was very cute. I made him this nose (marker on paper) and put it through my sticker maker so he could stick it to his face. He kept pushing it around so it was always in a funny spot. But super cute nonetheless.

Ok thats all for tonight. Must sleep now. Do you have fun plans for this weekend?? I hope so! Thanks for stopping in tonight. I love reading your comments. Thanks for sharing with me. You are appreciated! Hope all is well in your neck o' the woods.

loves

Friend

2010-06-08T20:58:00.002-04:00

Good evening friends. Tonight I had a quick card to share with you. The other day I did a bit of sketching to get a few ideas for cards. Some inspirations came from magazines and come just came from the 'ol noodle. Here is a noodle card:

I wanted to design with purple. It's a tough color for me. I chose to use some copics to color in my flower. A dark purple (V99) and a light purple (V91) with some pink (R20) inbetween. It's not really the way you are supposed to do it (you should use three of the same color) but I like the tie-dye look it gave. The inside is a few different colors of oranges and yellows.
I added a flourish and some rhinestones and popped up the panel with dots. It was a really simple design that was also executed quickly. Can't argue with that. And to top off the night I wanted to share a pic with you of my little bean. He is 4 months old and to me seems SO much bigger!
I love this little kai guy. He looooooves his fist nowadays. And boy do his eyes sparkle when he smiles. ooh, i love him!

OK, enough o' that. Hope you will join me later this week since I have a few more things to share.

Welp, I am off to do some crafting. I LOVE the summer! It's practically here (only 11 days left of school!) and my crafting time is multiplying, so all in all I am one happy gal!

thanks for stopping in tonight. Sleep well my little cherubs...

Thank You~

2010-06-06T20:04:00.002-04:00

Good evening my fellow crafters! Coming to you tonight live from my living room. What a great week it has been having my DH here. Lots of things got accomplished this week and we spent a lot of great time together as a family. I wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you who commented on my last card. I LOVED hearing your stories about your own husbands and the sweet things they do for you. It was quite a comfort for me also to know that many of you have husbands that work long hours as well. I will think of you next time I am alone and putting my kids to bed!! But until then (which will be tomorrow night) I wanted to share a card with you. I got some new punches by Martha Stewart this last week:

Some of her punches now come in a 2 pack. One punch for the corner and one for the edge. This is what it looks like when you put them together! I am still trying to figure out the measuring, but this one didn't turn out too bad. I added some scraps that I have had hanging around for years and that always feels good.
The pattern paper and the tag that I stamped 'thank you' on are both an Amy Butler line from K&Co. The stamp is the new PTI Inside and Out: Thank You set. This card is going to a special friend in my life that has done so many things to help me this last year and a half. One of those was getting me started into running. I have always hated running but she encouraged me to get started and now I really do like it. My heart owes her BIG time!

Ok. This is a funny thing that the kids were fighting about today. And I mean they were really fighting and screaming about it. We were coming home from church and Cache was yelling that Jesus only loved him and no one else. And of course Ronin was yelling "NO! He loves everyone!!!" And on and on it went. What a thing to fight about!

Anyway. Hope you have a great night. I will see you later this week. I have some stamp sets that are begging for ink and since DH goes back to work this week there might be some night time hours that I can devote to actually stamping. I missed it this week!

Thanks for stopping by.

loves

Deets:

Stamps: PolkaDot Basics II, Inside and Out: Thank You (PTI)

Ink: Raspberry Fizz (PTI)

Paper: Raspberry Fizz, Lemon Tart (PTI), Pattern Paper (Amy Butler)

Accessories: Pink Ribbon (Michaels) Vintage Buttons (PTI) Tag (Amy Butler), Corner and Border Punch (Martha Stewart)

Hello London

2010-06-01T09:11:00.000-04:00

I know that is a totally weird title, but there is a reason. So, here is the story: My dear dear husband has been working a lot lately. I realize it seems like he is always working a lot and really he has been for the last 6 months. But this time its a bit different because he is actually in town and comes home each night but we still don't see him because he leaves early and stays late. BUT he finally got a night off so we could go out on a date. His boss said to have the company pay for it (SCORE!) as a gift to him for working so hard. I found a restaurant and checked on movies. It was delightful if not a bit of a farce. I checked the movie on the wrong date so when we got to the theater the show we wanted to see wasn't playing so we got different tickets but ended up walking into the wrong theater and sat around for a good 30 minutes before we realized it and then had to go to the late show. Our babysitter was asleep by the time we got home. BUT that is not the story... the story is that my dear husband bought me a little thank you gift for the night. And would you believe it he bought me STAMPS?!?! He found these Cavallini & Co. destination stamps at Anthropologie. He said he wanted to give me something that would be just for me and something I could enjoy while he took the kids off my hands for a bit. Isn't that sweet of him?? So I finally got them out to make up a card:

They have a lot of different locations in the world and the postage stamp and bon voyage stamp you see above. I double stamped the London to get the faded look and overlapped the others and then distressed it and sponged it. I wanted it to look like a piece of air mail or something similiar.
I got my PTI order in the mail and it had this amazing Hawaiian Shores color in it. WOAH how I love it! I also got some of their silk ribbon and dyed it with some ink and a sponge. The flower is actually a paper doily cut small and crunched up. The sentiment is Hero Arts and the flourish on the tag is from PTI Vintage Labels. I like how this turned out even though its got modern colors and vintage-y embellies and stamps I kind of like the blend of two different styles. Anyway. I hope all is well for you! My dear husb has the entire week off!!! We are all really excited. This week is full of home improvements and then the boys are going camping for the weekend. Seriously its tough when he works so hard but when he finally gets time off, it is SOOOO worth it!! This weekend was a glorious time as a family at the beach flying kites. We had a splendid time. How was your weekend??

Hope you will check back more this week. I am finally getting back into crafting mode and have stuff to share! Its great to have t.v. shows ending so I am more motivated to craft and not sit on my duff rocking the baby watching Hulu all night!

Thanks for checking in today. Have a great one!

Wise Old Owl!

2010-05-28T13:01:00.002-04:00

Happy weekend everyone. What a wonderful weekend it is too. It's way beyond the opening of the pools, the bbq's and baseball games. It's the time to remember those that have enriched our lives is so many way. A time to memorialize those that have passed on before. Have a wonderful and memorable weekend.

A little something to share with you before this weekend sweeps us all away (uh, I am NOT saying that all of us live in the U.S. those of you way beyond have a great weekend toO!)

This is a Pink Persimmon set that I haven't inked up too much and I wanted to see what else I could do with it. Since it is also the time for school to end I thought this was appropriate:

I used the scallop stamp from Tea and Cake for the scallops on the sides. I have been kind of in love with these colors together, but I think its time to branch out now ; )
I used some Spellbinders tags and some PTI buttons and ribbon. After stamping the owl I went in and colored a few of his 'feathers' a bit darker with a copic. I also did some copic marker-ing over the wings.

Ok. thats all for now. I have a husband working from home today so that means I need to manage the kids a bit more and get out of the house! lots of errands to run to get ready for some weekend company.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

loves to you

For My Friend...GiveAway WINNERS!!!

2010-05-24T22:22:00.002-04:00

Hey there peeps!!! Today I wanted to share a card with you, my friends:

I used the banner set from Pink Persimmon to make my flower/pinwheel thing-y. You can see I stamped on some American Craft paper: Craft Fair (aptly named ; )
So because you visit me my friends I have the winner's of the big ol' giveaway. And let me tell you, there is a lot of stuff here in my crafty space so I will be having more giveaways soon. It's fun! I put all your names in a hat and drew out TWO winners!:

Cindee Stacey

Pattie J

THANKS for all your comments ladies!! Cindee and Patti could you please email me your addresses or leave a comment and I will contact you. I have two boxes that I am filling RIGHT NOW!!

Hope you have a great night!

Pink Persimmon Tea Pots

2010-05-22T22:41:00.002-04:00

Hey all! Just a friendly reminder to join in on the goodies giveaway!! You can leave me a comment HERE or HERE but be sure to do it before tomorrow at midnight!! You definitely will want to win some o' this schtuff.

Okey... onto my card for today:

It's a simple design full of sweet pastel-y goodness. I used the teapot from THIS Pink Perisimmon set (which I love btw) and colored them in with Copics. Add some scallops to match the scallops on the tea pot and some twine and one of my fav. buttons.
I opted out of a sentiment this time. Didn't think I needed it. PLUS, what would you say with such cute images like this? I think the tea pot speaks for itself.

Ok, I am going to hit the hay. Tomorrow is a long family day and I am pooped already ; ) Plus I think my throat is coming down with a little somthin' somthin' so we will see how I am tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping in my little cherubs! Hope you are swell!

see you soon

Take Off Tuesday!!

2010-05-19T21:38:00.002-04:00

Hey there everybody. WHEW! Am I on a roll this week! I never thought I would actually get back up to a post every day but here I am with three under my belt this week. And it feels good! Of course that could be because baby is sleeping well which means so am I ; )

Well, these last few months I have been finding ads that inspire me and I have been ripping them out and keeping them on my desk hoping to get to them at some point. It's been ages since I have done a Take-off T uesday, (yes every color is a diff. link) and technically it is Wednesday but just for the sake of old times I thought I would show you what inspired me.

Take this ad from Garnet Hill. I think I have had it for a month or so. I LOVE the colors, the layout and the textured tile background.

So, here is what I did. I took EVERY element I liked and made my card exactly the same:
Now honestly I could have just not showed you the ad and pretended like I came up with this on my own, but I did not, and I love to share my inspiration...even if it makes up the entire card for you ; ) I wanted to give a little shout out to the good ol' PTI set Beautiful Blooms. But that is because I should have Beautiful Blooms II coming in the mail any day and whew baby, am I excited!! I am back to stalking the mail man and I don't think he likes it ; )
So here is what I did. I scored the blue CS and then sanded the score lines. Then I went back and rubbed some white ink on the creases to help it stand out even more. The flower centers are from Floral Frenzy (PTI) and the sentiment is from Everyday Classics (also PTI). The tag is Spellbinders with one side cut off and rounded out.

Pretty simple and that is a wrap for me tonight!

Please don't forget to comment either HERE or HERE for a chance to win some free schtuff from me! And for those of you who have already commented THANKS! I love to hear what you do with mistake cards and believe me I have done all of those things too. Glad I'm not the only one ; ) I am confident that this card will actually be sent out, mistake and all. Cause you know the one person that loves anything you make regardless of what it looks like??? That's who its going to, eventually. Yup, you got it.... my mom. And I am sure she will love it because her kid made it (even if she doesn't really REALLY love it). Now that I am a mom I finally get to see the other side of that scenario and it is a joy!

Ok, nighty night my friends. I hope you are having fun no matter where you are right now.

loves~

GIVEAWAY UpDATE!!!

2010-05-18T20:19:00.002-04:00

Ok peeps... I want to see more commenting because I was going through my stash today and there are some really great things that are not being used and I want to give them to YOU!!!

So far I have one package put together which will be:

Friend Centers stamp set (Mona Lisa Sentiments from CHF)

SEI Medium Flip Book with inserts

Latte MatStack and 3 sheets of matching epoxy stickers

Buttons & Brads

3 colors of ribbon (about2yds each: Navy, Olive, Purple)

other little tidbits that I am too lazy to type out ; )

AND if we get enough people to comment then I will put together a SECOND package which I have already started to assemble. I have at least one SU! Stamp set and tons more paper and embellishments I will pair with it. PLUS I will make sure everything matches so you don't just get a pile of weird stuff... No one likes to get a box of weird stuff ; ) So get started! You can comment on this post here, or sunday's post as well. I will tally them all up and make sure no one gets missed. (Only ONE comment please) So tell your family! Tell your friends! Help me get this place into shape!

thanks for stopping by and have a great night!!

I am Irked... and A GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-05-16T22:37:00.002-04:00

Well, how goes it?? As you can tell by my title, I am a bit irked. Have you ever had this happen... you have this idea for a card. You get excited! You start working. It doesn't end up exactly how you want but you are still happy with the way things are going and then... BLAMO! You stamp the sentiment on crooked!!

Enter tonight's card:

Seriously? Crooked? Like... whazzup? There is a reason I use clear stamps and blocks for heavens sake! Well, it did get me thinking about the future of this sweet ol' card. I have a hard time getting all the cards I make out into the post even when they don't have mistakes on them. And this baby is going to be one of the last cards I will send just because of that crooked sentiment. (ugh, I can't stand looking at it!) So I wanted to ask you..... Do you send cards out that you are less than happy about? Do you send it to people you think won't notice or care? Do you hide it away forever? Do you try to fix it in some other way or take it apart and use the elements for a different card? (yes, I have done ALL of these things. It depends on the severity of the mistake).

(a little close up of the gelly roll star pen 'dust')

SO, do me a favor. Leave me a comment any time this week on THIS post about what you do if you make a mistake on your card and you will be entered into a drawing to win some goods from my craft room that need a home. Those things include a CHF stamp set, American Craft pattern paper, and brad and buttons and bling (OH MY!) And well, you just don't know what else might jump into the box! You have until midnight of next Sunday (May 23rd) to join in the fun!

Thanks for stopping by this week. Have a good one, and happy STRAIGHT stamping!

Let Them Eat Cake!

2010-05-10T22:18:00.003-04:00

Hey there! Just wanted to stop in real quick tonight and post a card I made a little bit ago. The lovely ladies over at Pink Persimmon sent me some seriously fun sets to play with (Thanks Darcy and Judi!) :

I felt inspired to pair this sentiment with a frog. I do not know why, but I kinda like it. I used a line ric rac from Ric Rac Rectangle to make my background. I just stamped it on the diagonal with versamark. I love how it turned out and actually wish I could see more of it!
I colored in the cake from Tea and Cake with Copics and added diamond stickles to the scallops. I also used the frog from Ribbit and sentiment from Sweet Greetings. I added gold glitter to the frogs little crown. This crown was what started all the "marie antoinette" thoughts running through my head. I love these colors together. It really makes me want to eat frosting!

Well, thats all for tonight. I must go to bed. Really. Sleep rocks! I hope to get some more cards up this weekend. My camera is traveling with the hubs right now but will be back soon so I can take photos of the stuff I have been creating to share with you.

Thanks to you for stopping by....

Mother's Day Gift

2010-05-04T21:20:00.004-04:00

Hola! I have a little project that I have been working on for Pink Persimmon. This project is over on their blog and you can read and see more about it HERE. There are a few different pictures over there you can look at as well, but I thought I would post it here too.

The lovely ladies Darcy and Judi at Pink Persimmon gave us these fabulous chipboard books from Kaiser Craft and asked us to do either a Mother's day or Father's day gift. My niece had a baby recently which is SO exciting. The only thing is the baby was 2 months early (she was actually due at the end of this month but born in March!) Little baby Ashlynn was born weighing in at just over 3 lbs. She is still in the NICU but is now out of her incubator and is nursing well. I am amazed at what technology can do for us now to help preserve and strengthen life. Well, I am sure this entire experience has been quite traumatic and this is my niece's FIRST Mother's Day so I wanted to make it special. I took this Kaiser book and whipped up a scrapbook for her to put pictures of her new little miracle in. And here it is!:

Front page. All set for a newborn picture of Ashlynn in it. I used all Pink Persimmon stamps and Scenic Route paper (Charlotte line):

I love the colors on this paper. Sorbet, Red, Pink, Cream and Brown. Just LOVELY!

Here is the first page. I didn't want to dictate too much what size the pictures should be but also wanted to leave a mat to help the picture pop a bit. So some pages have them and some don't.
This is using Ric Rac Circle and Oh Dear! Silhouette.

Page 2 Using Cute as a Button set:
Page 3 using You're A Jewel set:
Page 4 using one of my new fav. sets from PP, Key To My Heart set. I actually added some Tim Holtz distressed Stickles to the key after I took this picture, but you can imagine how much more fun it looks with it on right?:
Page 5 using Little Red Wagon colored with Copics:
Page 6 using Ric Rac Circle again, Vintage Cupcake and Sweet Greetings. The circle was stamped on cork paper which is SO much fun to use and adds a lovely texture. I also added some stickles to the frosting and some dimensional glaze to the cherry. OH! I could just eat that cherry ; )
And because this is a gift for a new mom, I thought I would add a card to the whole package. I used my Nestabilities to cut out the patterned paper. This Label 1 die ties in with the shape of the book quite well. I used Singing Birds, Carnival Alphas and some sentiments from Ric Rac Circle to create the frame and sentiment. I colored it with Copics and added some flower buttons.
I think being a mom is such a special job. It's tough and exhausting and lots of times thankless, but there are so many sweet moments that make it lovely. I hope my niece can learn and grow through this experience and soon bring her baby girl home. I hope she knows that she is now and will forever be a special mom!

Thanks for stopping by today! Loves to you and yours.

Happy Birthday Mushie!

2010-05-02T23:22:00.002-04:00

OY! I just noticed it's been over a week since I have posted... I promised myself I would never let that happen! I have been crafting this week, but getting my pics cropped has been a bit tough. BUT I do have a vibrant card for you tonight:

All Pink Persimmon. Don't you just love mushies? This one is so so cute too. I colored with Copics (of course!) and added that cutie little frog as well. I love orange and blue together, but of course you know that since I seem to say it a lot.
Here is a close up. I love how the white scallops pop from the bright orange and red. I have been getting into tags lately as you may have noticed. I also added some sponging to this one.

Thanks for visiting! I am going to bed now. Not a lot of chit chat for this sleepy lady. I will be back soon to post some other pics of my now 3 month old! I can't believe he is getting so big so fast. And I have some other projects to share with you soon. Promise!

loves to you and nighty night,

Card Patterns #60

2010-04-23T22:58:00.003-04:00

Good evening folks. I got this in just under the wire! Only one hour left to go before the deadline is up!

Card Patterns # 60:

My take on it:

This doosey of a card had me goin'! The doily, the sanding and distressing of the papers, and that bow! for some reason that baby took me a long time to tie!
I added some glitter to the key and colored my Gnome in with Copics. That gnome makes me smile. SO with this baby done, I have a few precious moments left to read before my bedtime. I am sure I will fall asleep after the first page. I always do. Some books take me forevah to read!

I hope you have a spectacular weekend planned. Tomorrow is our first T-ball game (uh, i think I told you that already) and we are going to picnic in the park before hand just to spend all the time we can in the sun. Aahhh, that spring sun. How glorious it is! Have a great time, whatever you do and thanks for stopping by!

loves

Deets:

Stamps: Gnome Home, Key To My Heart (Pink Persimmon)

Ink: Rasp. Fizz (Papertrey Ink), Black Graphite (Brilliance)

Paper: Girlfriend Plaid (Amber Winward), Smokey Shadow, Stampers White (Papertrey Ink)

Accessories: Copics, Art Glitter, Satin Ribbon (Papertrey Ink), Distressing Tool (SU!) Doily (Michael's)

Welcome Cottage

2010-04-22T22:00:00.002-04:00

I have been coloring away with some Copics and Pink Persimmon stamps. I used this cottage from the Gnome Home set to make a 'welcome to the neighborhood' kind of a card:

I added a shadow to the house with a T1 marker and also outlined the entire thing to help it pop a bit more. I am not really sure what the buttons and scallops are doing, but its the result of an original idea that changed at least ten times.
You can see a close up here. I wanted it to feel like there was a warm fire all aglow in this little gnome cottage. Maybe a fire with an entire gnome family sitting around making smores. I really want to live in this cozy little gnome cottage.... or maybe I just want a smore. It's hard to tell.

This week has really moved along (as they all do, right!) We have our first baseball game of the season coming up this weekend which is really exciting. DH is taking tomorrow off so we can go to the kindergarten Spring Play and hopefully there will be a lot of relaxing happening. DH has been working hard and coming home late this week which means DW(thats me... dear wife ; ) has been alone with all three kidlets each day and hasn't had too hard of a time with it all. We spent the entire day at the park yesterday since we had no school and even got some nice sun on our cheeks. Spring has been just delightful and we are really enjoying ourselves. I am looking forward to getting some sleep tonight and honestly can't wait to feel the sheets on my toes. In fact I am having a hard time not nodding off already.

Anyway. I hope you sleep well and dream of sweet things. I hope to dream up a card sketch or two to help inspire me to create more this weekend. I miss crafting everyday! I hope to get back to that soon.

nighty night!

Sweet Cherry

2010-04-19T10:11:00.000-04:00

Pink Persimmon has this card up on their blog. The blog post is all about how to ruffle ribbon! You can see this card and another card by fellow PP creative member Samantha

I used the cherry image from Vintage Cupcake and colored them in with Copics. Added a simple sentiment and some ribbon:

To add ribbon like this to your card, just stock up on your glue dots! I put glue dots down and then ruffle the ribbon and stick it down. I kinda like it cause it reminds me of curtain ruffles.
I added three rhinestones that I colored with a Copic to make them the right color. Pretty easy. Be sure to stop by the Pink Persimmon blog to see other post of cards and projects from all of the Creative Team! There is a lot of inspiration over there.

Hope you have a great week! Thanks for stopping by!

Just A Note

2010-04-16T21:52:00.002-04:00

Happy Weekend my friends! I can't believe another week has gone by. I feel like I just turn around and already its the weekend again and I haven't posted! Well, today is another Pink Persimmon card. I have a lot of them up my sleeve. Lots of fun projects to work on and cards to make this month.

This is a card that turned out a bit differently than I had imagined. But that is what is so fun about it! I used Ric Rac Circle to create a stamped background. I just love the Ric Rac look. It's a really fun and versatile set:

The sentiment is from Vintage Greetings and the little birdie was thrown in there last minute. It's from Singing Birds set. Which is a really cute set I think.
This turned out to be quite a masculine card, which is a good thing. It can be so hard to create for the male gender. I had to do away with the buttons and bows, but still managed to use brads and pop dots. You can't strip everything away, or else you might as well buy a card at the store!

Anyway. Simple Simple. Tomorrow is a big day for the Larsen family. We are starting baseball season for Ronin. The first time ever! We got him some cleats, baseball pants and even a little cup (you know... for protection) I felt SO odd walking through a sports store.... let alone buying a protective cup for a 5 year old, but coach said we needed one. And after seeing the first practice with all the 5 year old mayhem, I can see why. Those kids are throwing like crazy and running all over the baseball field. I don't even think they know what the bases are for. It was quite hilarious to watch. So with one practice under our belts, we have the baseball parade and team pictures tomorrow. Ronin is ecstatic to say the least. At the sport store there was a woman there that had three boys (all older) and since I had my three in tow, we had to swap war stories and she gave me a few 'sport tips' to get me through the next 20 years of my life as a mom of boys. A life I can see will be full of jersey washing, team shuttling and cheering on the sidelines. When I think of it in those terms I get excited! Should be an interesting time.

Ok. Thanks for stopping by. I will have some posts for next week, so do stop by. I have been trying to get some crafting in this week, but baby has not been sleeping well which means a lot of holding to be done on my part. Hopefully that will stop soon!

Have a great weekend!

Pink Persimmon: For You

2010-04-12T00:00:00.004-04:00

Hey there all. It's Sunday! Tomorrow starts a new full week and I wanted to share a little something with you before it all got started:

Here is a little card I made up for yet another wonderful person that sent us a fabulous gift for baby Kai. I am SO excited for it. It's germinating in my fridge right now. My Tulip-To-Be Tree. Isn't that the most original and thoughtful way to celebrate a person? It should take about 10-15 years to be a full tree but when it is, it will be gorgeous! Anyway. I wanted to say thank you so I sent along this 'For You' mushroom card using all Pink Persimmon stamps.
The striped ribbon is SU! Buttons by PTI. I colored in the mushie with Copics and popped it up with dots onto this tag. (I actually repurposed the tag all my Divine Twine came on!) I wrapped the tag with some jute and popped it all up again over the ribbon. Pretty simple, but I do love the bold stripes with the dark blue.

Good luck with a new week ahead. I finally got Ronin signed up for T-Ball and they actually start this week, so we are all excited about that. Well, R is excited and I am a bit bewildered at the fact that I have such a big kid. I am amazed at how fast time actually goes. But I am kind of looking forward to being the 'baseball' mom. Shuttling to games, practicing in the yard and washing all the uniforms. I guess I better get used to it since there are still 2 more boys to come after. It's quite a fun thing having these three boys ; )

Ok. That's all for me tonight. I must go to bed. I have this strange eye twitch that I think will only be cured with rest. so too-da-loo!

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!

Deets:

Stamps: Vintage Greetings, Polka Dot Mushroom (Pink Persimmon)

Best Wishes

2010-04-06T14:41:00.002-04:00

Hey there all. Happy Tuesday!! Just want to post real quick. Have to run and pick up the boy from the bus and little baby is crying so I have to be quick....

These stamps are all Pink Persimmon:

I used the Little Red Wagon set and instead of putting the suitcase in the wagon I used a black marker and drew the bottom of it myself. It was simple as long as you use a ruler ; ) Colored it all with Copics and added a Vintage Greeting to the top.

The frame is from a scrap pad by K&Co. Its full of fun vintage paper and embellishments. I thought it went perfectly with this image. Just a quick card to wish someone well whether they are moving or graduating.

Ok. gotta run. Hope your week is going well! Thanks for stopping by!!

loves

Pink Persimmon Bitty Cards!

2010-04-03T20:35:00.003-04:00

Hello and what a fabulous Saturday evening it is! Hope all is well with you and your weekend thus far. We have some wonderful company in town this weekend. It's been so fun. Especially with the two babies cooing and laughing all around. (ok, kai doesn't quite laugh yet, but does giggle when he sleeps).

I wanted to share with you some cards I made up this week. I LOVE little cards. They can be so versatile and handy to add to flowers, small gifts and bags. Just perfect for a few nice words to a loved one. Well, I pulled out some Pink Persimmon stamps and wanted to make them focal points on my bitty cards.

Here's the set of all four cards together:

I cut my white card base to 3x3. Then cut the center square to 1.5 square. I stamped my main image in the square, and colored it. Using a little tape I temporarily glued down the center square so I could draw in the outlined frame and stamp the sentiment at the bottom and then I added some pop dots to finally adhere them to the card base. And here they are in no particular order...

Celebrate:
I used the balloon set from Vintage Cupcake and colored it with Copics. I then punched two small holes on either side of the balloon string and thread it with Divine Twine. The sentiment is from Ric Rac Circle.

Cute as a Button:
I used two sentiments for this one. The baby is from Ric Rac Circle and the other sentiment plus button image is from Cute As A Button set. A vintage button and thread is added to the middle.

Love:
I 'love' this image! It's also from Vintage Cupcake and very vintage! I added just a little color to the suit, flowers and brides hair. Very simple with the frame and "Love" sentiment from Ric Rac Circle.

Hello:
I love this little snail from the Flower Garden set. There are a lot of small simple images in this set that could be used for a whole slew of cards! The fun is endless, really! I colored him up and popped him on. I loved making these cards because they really are so simple but FUN FUN to make! I think having a lot of these on hand will be so useful.

So! What are you doing this weekend?? We are eating, playing and spending some wonderful time together as a family. It's been really peaceful and I really don't want the work week to start. One more day of bliss! The kids did easter eggs and baskets today since tomorrow we wanted to focus on more spiritual things. They have been eating candy ALL day. In fact I don't think they ate any real food so I am sure they will not sleep well. Or maybe if I am lucky the sugar crash will last until the morning ; )

Anyway. Hope all is well with you. Happy Easter and Happy Spring!!

loves~

Deets: All Stamps Pink Persimmon

Stamps: Vintage Cupcake, Ric Rac Circle, Cute As A Button, Flower Garden

Ink: Graphite Black (Brilliance)

Paper: Stampers Select White (Pink Persimmon)

Accessories: Copic Markers, Pop Dots, Divine Twine, Black Marker (SU!)

Card Patterns #57

2010-03-31T19:44:00.003-04:00

Whoo buddy... two posts in one week! I am rockin' it! Ok... today is another card challenge. Card Patterns #57, at your service:

And I realized how long it has been since I have crafted at a steady pace cause this baby took me forevah to pull together! I think I may have groaned a few times too ; ) Alas, I introduce you to, todays card:
Have a beautiful day! It's been raining like crazy here which is why I think I needed me some bright colors and spring images! I used some Divine Twine again too (LOVE IT!)
Stamps are Hero Arts and My Cute Stamps.... Purdy darned cute eh?

I am totally happy about the weekend coming up. DH has friday off (3 day weekend!) and we have some family coming into town. It's going to be great. Can't wait till they get here.

Hope all is well with you and you get some serious crafting in. I would love to say I will, but I know I won't... family comes first ; ) but I will see you next week with some Pink Persimmon goodness, so come on back now, ya hear!

love to you!

Celebrate!

2010-03-31T03:24:00.002-04:00

Hello my dear friends.... it's 3 in the morning here in NY and I thought I would get my post in now since it's completely impossible for me to do it during the day or even the evening at this point. Last night I was ready to post and fell asleep watching THIS movie. It's the third time I have tried to get through it. It really is fascinating, but I can only last about 30 minutes sitting down until I completely pass out. I feel a lot like my father who cannot stay awake during anything! Anyway... I wanted to share this Pink Persimmon card with you and since I am up feeding baby I thought a few more minutes awake wouldn't kill me:

Celebrate!! I love coloring now days. It's entirely too much fun when you have Copics on your side. I lightened up the pic and it washed out a bit so it's hard to see the great contrast of colors. I also used a T1 (gray shade) to outline the balloons and cupcake to help them pop, which they do a bit better in real life than you can see here.
I stamped my banner on vellum so you could still see the cupcake behind it. I like the sheerness of it! And of course I love the fun colors. They remind me of spring which is upon us now. Well you wouldn't know it by all the rain we have been having but even that is a 'spring' thing.

This week is our spring break so kids are home which means we are having playdates every day! It's loads of fun but that also means nothing is getting done around the house. Loads of laundry are piling up, no dishes are being washed and of course that means posting at 3 in the morning!!

I hope lots of you are sleeping or maybe some of you oceans away are just getting up? I hope you have a splendid day and look forward to our next late night rendezvous.

loves to you ; )

Deets:

Stamps: Vintage Greetings, Vintage Cupcake (Pink Persimmon)

Ink: Graphite Black (Brilliance)

Paper: Hibiscus Burst, Lemon Tart, Aqua Mist, Stampers White, Vellum (Papertrey Ink)

Accessories: Vintage Button, Polka Dot Ribbon (Papertrey Ink), Copics, Colored Twine (Divine Twine)

Bow-Wow!

2010-03-26T17:47:00.002-04:00

Ok folks... it's the weekend already. It seems to me that it was just monday and I was gearing up for a productive week! There has been a lot of time gone to baby but I did get a bit of crafting done. I wanted to leave you with some Pink Persimmon love to welcome in the weekend:

This is from the Little Red Wagon set. How much do you love this dog?? Very simple concept. I used my sentiment as my background and added some nice twine and SU! ribbon.
I colored my dog with some copics. Pretty simple. Well, Bow-Wow! Hope you have a great weekend!! The weather just keeps getting better and better here. I am no longer sick and hopefully we will get to spend some time outdoors. Have a great one!

loves

Moxie Fab: Tuesday Trigger

2010-03-24T22:04:00.003-04:00

Hey there folks! Today I got to do a challenge card. The first one in a loooong time. Well actually this card has taken me DAYS to complete. Every time I sit down and get started there is a child crisis. So really what ended up happening was I started one (the last one pictured) and hated it. It's too simple and booooring. So then I made up another one (the butterflies). It was the first one that took two days and the second I made up today while the kids played outside. Ok, let me show you what I mean. Here is this weeks Trigger:

A nice fun easter dress! Here is my card:

As you can see I went with the butterfly as my inspiration for this card. That and the lace which is represented by the doily. On the inside it says" Take Flight" (uh, forgot to photog that one!)

Here is a close up of the coloring:
Really considering how simple this card is, I can't believe it took so long to complete. That is a true indication of how long its been since I have sat down to create. TOO long!

And here is actually the first card that I did. You can see I was inspired by the plaid and pastel colors from the Trigger:

I created my own plaid pattern. I imagined this card for over a day. What it would look like, what to try and add to it. Then when I did all that, nothing looked right. So it sat for most of today with nothing else on it and I started on the second card with the butterflies. Finally I realized there is no reason to waste a perfectly good 'started' card. So I slapped on a sentiment and tied up a bow. I'm not proud of what I did, but I won't apologize for it either ; ) Regardless, I can tell I am rusty. Being up with baby all night and then down for the count with Strep last week really has done a number to my creativity and even my photo skills! Yikes!

Anyway. I want to pull together another challenge card for this week so wish me luck. I am gonna need it!

Thanks for stopping by.

loves

Deets: "Take Flight"

Stamps: Butterflies (Gel-A-Tins), Birds of A Feather (Papertrey Ink) Sentiment

Ink: Graphite Black (Brilliance)

Paper Kraft, Stampers White (Papertrey Ink)

Accessories: Doily, Copics,Jute Twine (papertrey Ink)

Deets: "Baby"

Stamps: Faux Ribbon (papertrey Ink), Welcome Baby (SU!) Sentiment

Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!), Spring Moss, Sweet Blush, Plum Pudding (Papertrey Ink), Soft Pool (Hero Arts)

Paper: Stampers White, Sweet Blush (Papertrey Ink)

Accessories: White Satin Ribbon, Vintage Button (Papertrey Ink), Lace Border Punch (Fiscars)

Pink Persimmon Stool Stamping!

2010-03-19T22:57:00.004-04:00

Hey there all. WOAH! It's been over a week since I have posted. So sorry about that! It's not that I haven't been crafting. I have done a little bit but can't post anything yet. And in the process I didn't get a chance to do the extra crafting just for fun that I usually post on regular days. My DH was out of town so I spent a lot of time holding dear baby (um, I'm not complaining!) and then I came down with strep throat! It's still going, but I hope in another day I will feel back on my feet. What a painful thing it is. It reminds me of being sick when I was a kid, which is the last time I ever had this wretched illness. But back then I got to lay on the couch all day and watch movies while my mother doted on me and brought me ice cream shakes and popsicles. But I am the mother now, which means no one is doting! (Well, actually DH took two days off and its a good thing cause I really couldn't get out of bed.) And I have sworn off dairy since it really causes tummy trouble for the little newborn, so I had to say goodbye to milk shakes... boo.

So now that I am kind of up and functioning a bit I thought I would share with you a little Pink Persimmon project I did for this fabulous month of March. For my project I really wanted to stamp on wood. I made an interesting discovery and revamped my process. Which you might be interested in reading about.

Here is the completed stool:

I picked this up from Michael's for about 6$. I had some paint that we had used for the kids room and put down an orange coat to start. Be sure to sand it well first. Using a sponge brush I added the white edging. A sponge brush really helps you control the paint to keep the edges crisp and clean. I really wanted to stamp right on the stool, but you really need a hybrid ink in order for it to stay on the paint (or even bare wood) and the orange ink I had for the mushroom wasn't hybrid. And all the other colors I had just couldn't stand up to the bright orange. Plus I get a bit stamp-shy when I know something is going to be permanent! So I decided to try something a bit different.

Here is a supply list:
I measured the top and cut it out of tissue paper. I stamped on the paper and then decoupaged it onto the stool. It does a couple of things. First it gives it this cool texture, which is something I love, but also it makes it so you can change the image on the stool. You just sand it off and put something else on when you want. No more being stamp-shy for me! I used the Large Soda Pop stamp set for the name.

Here is a close up:
I also pulled out some nestibilities and traced around it to give me a stronger focal point. One thing you need to keep in mind is a top coat. Since I used dye based ink on the tissue paper, leaving it unfinished will cause smearing and wear. Especially for this particular stool which lives in the bathroom so little Cache can reach the sink. Any amount of water on it will cause a problem. So a light coat of varnish over the top will keep it protected.

Here is side view:
Cache was so excited to have his own little step stool. It really helps make potty time fun!

So thats all for my tutorial and stamping project. You can check out the Pink Persimmon stamp sets I used. HERE and HERE. Plus you can see the blog post over at Pink Persimmon as well and if you sign up for their newsletter you will receive in your inbox every month a new stamping project put together by one of the creative team members which is always a lot of fun.

I hope to see you soon. Getting well and having my DH in town to shuffle kids will ensure more crafting time so I am really looking forward to next week!

Thanks for stopping by.

With Thanks

2010-03-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

I am still trying to cushion my card stash with thank you cards. Especially now that the baby is here, I need more thank you cards than ever! So many nice people have come out to help me in so many ways. Here's the latest thank you card to be sent out. Using my new favorite color: terracotta:

I pulled out some older paper be K&Co. Wild Saffron. It's one of my favorites that they have done. great patterns and colors.
Here's a close-up of some twine, a gem and fussy cut flowers. Hope you like!

Ok, it's late and my pillow is calling me... Just got to change the babes and put him to bed first.

nighty night my sweet ones.

loves

Deets:

Stamps: Fancy Flourishes, Autumn Tags (Papertrey Ink)

Ink: TerraCotta Tile (papertrey ink), Close To Cocoa (SU)

Paper: Kraft, TerraCotta Tile (papertyrey Ink), Wild Saffron PP (K&Co.)

Accessories: Bakery Twine (Martha Stewart), Adhesive Gem (Studio18), White Gell Pen (sakura)

Wonderful, Fabulous, Genuine Friend...and a baby

2010-03-09T10:19:00.001-05:00

Good morning! Another Copic colored card to share with you today. This is actually the very first image I colored the day my Copics came:

There is something I love about this cupcake. It's just a really cute design. And of course polka dots make anything that much cuter! I also added some faux stitching and Divine Twine!
Here is a close-up, so you can scrutinize my coloring. Haven't had much crafting time these last few days but I hope to get some more new things for you to look at, plus some challenge cards if I can swing it this week. In the meantime I will leave you with a photo of the latest creation that has been taking up most of my time:
Baby Kai. What a funny little man... (i am currently typing with one hand since he has taken up the rest of me!) He is a sweet little blessing and smells like puke. We love him!

Happy Heart

2010-03-06T10:20:00.002-05:00

Just a quick card for you today using some Unity stamps. I colored my heart with copics. Simple stamping background and faux stitching.

it's as easy as it gets. Gotta run and feed the baby but wanted to stop in and say HI! Have a great weekend!

Copics!!

2010-03-03T12:13:00.002-05:00

Well, I have to be without a doubt, the most spoiled girl on earth. Mom lovely mother was here not too long ago to visit the new babe. She loved us all u[ and before she left bought me my first set of Copic Markers!! Now I am not much of a colorer. I would purpopsely avoid buying stamps that needed to be colored because the results were always less than stellar. Well, no more my friends! Coloring with Copics is so enjoyable I now find my list of coveted stamps growing a mile long! This past week I got to play a little. I still have a lot to learn, but thought I would share a few cards today. (Well, duh... this is a card blog!)

Ok first we have this little turtle from Unity:

I colored him with 4 markers:

YG93, YG95, YG97 and a colorless blender. I tried to keep it simple : )

The second card I used more marker colors but kept the same look with the papers:
Stamp again from Unity. I am totally in love with this TerraCotta Tile (cardstock color) from Papertrey Ink. I've used it a lot this week.
Here is a close up of the coloring. I definitely need more blending practice, but seriously it is so much fun! You can see I added some orange Divine Twine and rhinestone to my sentiment. If you haven't already, you should check out all the different colors at Divine Twine. I love them all!

Ok. I am realizing for the next few months I am going to be a night blog poster. There is just too much chaos with all three of these boys. Hopefully baby Kai will start sleeping a bit better by himself so I can get a few things done! But of course he is too cute, so I forgive him easily : )

That's all for tonight! I am going to get kids in bed and hopefully have a few moments to read and relax. Sleep well my little cherubs!

loves

Deets:

Stamps: Unity, Amy Butler (sentiment)

Ink: Brilliance

Paper: Papertrey Ink

Accessories: Divine Twine, Studio 18, Copics, Fiscars, Papertrey Buttons

Hello! & Pink Persimmon WINNER!

2010-03-01T10:39:00.000-05:00

Hello Monday! Hello March! HELLO my Friends!!! How are you today? It's amazing to me that we are again at the start of a new week and a new month. My little babe is 1 month old this week! How did time go so fast?? I wanted to stop in today to share a card with you. ALL Pink Persimmon stamps:

Hello my deer!.... I used THIS stamp set using the solid tree image for some background stamping. Orange, Red and White. Lots of fun and bright colors for the start of spring! Is spring really coming? I sure hope so! I am done hibernating and am ready for the park, bikes, shorts and budding flowers! I found my tulips coming up a few days ago... the night before it snowed 2 feet! I have yet to see if they survived, but I am not holding out much hope. But regardless spring always comes and for that I am so grateful!

Today I wanted to share with you my Pink Persimmon winner. I put all the names in a hat and my DH picked out.....

Joanne Gilch!!!! You are the winner of the Pink Persimmon stamp Set SINGING BIRDS! Congrats to you!!!

Thanks to you all for playing along. SO many of you did cards for all 5 blogs and I am super impressed! It was a lot of fun hopping around to see what you created.

Thanks for stopping by today too. Have a great week!

365 Cards: Sketch Sunday!!

2010-02-28T09:50:00.001-05:00

Hey there!! This is it. My final day with 365 Cards. I sure am going to miss all the fabulous ladies over there and the wonderful challenges. Pam really knows how to stretch you creatively and I am so happy to have had the chance to participate for this past year. I have learned so much and have had such a great time being able to create every week. I hope I get to come back often to play along with the new DT members.

Ok for the final challenge we have a sketch...

And here is what I created:
I stamped right on the patterned paper. Added some buttons and this gorgeous gold ribbon. Thank you so much to all of you for your visits and constant sweet comments. I am grateful to all of you... my 365 Cards FRIENDS!

I hope to see you around the blogosphere! I will continue to create and share cards here a few times every week so be sure to keep checking back. I will be here!

Thanks for visiting!

loves

Feb. Guest Designer: My Stamp Box!

2010-02-27T20:19:00.000-05:00

Hey there folks! Wow, what a crazy few days it has been here. I wanted to post these thursday night but right when I tried to our power went out (we were having a CRAZY storm) then my oldest son got a flu bug or something and threw up ALL night long. Then last night we almost had a fire in the basement (such a long story...the firemen even came!) so I am just now getting to posting this.

Wanted to stop in and share a little bit I did for My Stamp Box this fabulous month of February! I was elated to hear from Bettina at My Stamp Box a few months ago and of course JUMPED at the chance to design for them this month. I had a really fun stamp set to work with and have some cards, a scrap page and project to share. You can check out the blog posts HERE and HERE. And for those of you who want a bit of eye candy to go with it, here are just a few things that I did. I hope you check out the fun stamps that My Stamp Box has to offer and take some time to go blog hopping through all the amazing projects and tutorials they have.

Thanks for stopping by!

Scrap Page Using "Itty Bitty's" stamp set. Released February 2010!

Cards:

365 Cards: Signature Style

2010-02-24T20:07:00.003-05:00

Hey there peeps! It's getting late here on a wednesday and you can see that I am so late with my post, but I am getting it done just in time! This week at 365 Cards we are celebrating. ONE FULL YEAR of 365 Cards. Those of you who joined in on the fun from the beginning should have a serious stack of cards to show!

Just one year ago I was asked to be on the design team of this great blog and participate twice a week with challenges for all of you to join in. Unfortunately that year has come to an end, and with a new baby to take care of I thought it appropriate to step down after a wonderful year at 365 Cards . I wanted to thank Pam and all the other fabulous designers at 365 Cards for such a fun and wonderful opportunity. YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

Today's challenge for me was to create a card using my signature style. Well, lets just say I was plain STUMPED! But I did pull out some things that I LOVE to use and find myself turning to again and again. I love to background stamp, and of course use buttons and twine, so here is what I came up with:

I used gold ink to stamp some medallions on my craft card base. Then I added some Terra Cotta ink with a text stamp. Then added more medallions with a brown ink. Lots of background stamping for ya! I popped up my frame with some dimensionals to showcase my sentiment. And of course I had to add my twine and rustic button. Thats a signature for ya! I hope you all have loved playing along this past year not just with me but with all of the 365 Card designers. We sure have had a great year!

Hope to see what you all create for today's challenge: You will need to scraplift something from this card and also use some modern influences to create your card. The sky's the limit folks!

Thanks again for playing and be sure to join in some other Sketch Fun HERE for your chance to win some free stamps!

Thanks for stopping by .

Deets:

Stamps: Giga Guide Lines, (Papertrey Ink), Vintage Frames (Sassafras Lass)

Ink: Galaxy Gold (Brilliance), Close To Coco (SU!), Terra Cotta Tile (Papertrey Ink)

Paper: Kraft, Rustic Cream, Terra Cotta (papertrey Ink)

Accessories: Lace Scallop Punch (Fiscars), Jute Twine, Rustic Button (Papertrey Ink)

You Make Me Smile

2010-02-23T09:29:00.001-05:00

Hello. How are you?? Today's card is something I made up really quick with some new stamps. Well, new to my stash anyway. I love them. Really really love them. Everything Alli Edwards does is just down right great.

The sentiment is perfect and actually makes me smile. Thanks Alli for making such great stamps! The grass and cattail are from Technique Tuesday. Again, very fun to work with.
I added a simple strip of polkadots to finish off this baby. Simple, clean and to the point. What are you doing today?? And what makes you smile?? I would love to hear it!

Today its raining/snowing. A perfect day to stay in and bundle up. Which is exactly what we plan on doing here. Don't forget to join in the fun over at Pink Persimmon and take a shot at winning some new stamps! Visit this post HERE for details and get crafting!

Thanks for stopping by.