365 Cards: 'Leaf' it Up to Me!

Here is my card for today's 365 Cards Challenge: "Leaf" it up to me!  This challenge requires that you use at least ONE leaf (real or image) on your card. I chose to do a few leaves:

I stamped my center leaf image in black and then embossed it clear. Then I used my second leaf image in Vintage Cream and sprayed it with water before stamping. I realize this technique works better with colors and watercolor paper, but I wanted to see what would happen. Then I wiped my black leaves clean to bring it out a bit. I used some silver ink for the sentiment frame and embossed it, the sentiment and the little dragon fly. (I wanted to squeeze in a hint of Tuesday's Challenge: Miss You Sentiment)
Here is a close up of the leather cord and button. And that is all she wrote! Hope you are having a swell Thursday. I am constantly surprised at how fast the weeks go by. Soon the weekend will be here and I will be running a 5k! EEK!  Wish me luck, cause baby I am gonna need it!

Thanks for stopping by today!

loves

k

Deets:

Stamps: Natures Silhouettes CHF, Fancy Frames Pink Paislee

Ink: Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream, StaZon Jet Black, Encore Silver, Hero Arts Soft Pool

Paper: Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream, Smokey Shadow, True Black

Accessories: Leather Cord, Papertrey Ink Black Button, Clear Embossing Powder

365 Cards: What?

Happy Wednesday everybody!! First of all I LOVE today's challenge over at 365 Cards. It's SO creative and it really is a challenge. Pam is just amazing at all the creative challenges she gives us everyday. Thanks Pam!!

Honestly I only had 2 ideas for this card. And now I think I may have been a bit crazy when I made it. Here she is:

Its a birthday cake with lots of ribbon, glitter and gems on it. I was so excited to find pom-poms in my stash!! I must dig to the back more often ; ) The candles were made with some AC thickers. I put them on cardstock and then cut them out to give them some weight.

Here is the inside:
Pretty much self explanatory! I just couldn't think of anything else! Anyway. This card was measured to fit into a standard envie, but that was before I added the candles.... So I am thinking this would go really well standing in a pile of gifts, or by the birthday cake at a party. You know I really like to be practical with my creations. If you can't use it, why make it, right?  

Anyway, I wanted to say really quick that I am so sorry I am behind (still) on checking out your 365 Card creations. I have been doing a lot of gardening and running around town the last few days. But I promise I will catch up! Thank you to each of you for visiting me and leaving me comments each day. I appreciate you!!

loves

k

Deets:

Paper: Sassafras Lass Hog Heaven, Papertrey Ink Smokey Shadow

Accessories: Pom Pom, Ric Rac, Glitter, Gems, Bamboo Sticks, glue dots, AC Thickers, black brads, chipboard, Deco Silver Pen

Take-Off Tuesday # 23!!

Hey there!! I have been out of it ALL weekend! I worked really hard to stay away from my computer so I could focus on some family time and let me just say.... I can tell I took some time off because putting together these next cards was a real challenge for me. Obviously my mojo is still on vacation and didn't get the memo about needing to be back in action... but I did get TOT done so without further ado.... our magazine pic:

Taken out of the CB2 Catalog (thats Crate and Barrel-Modern Edition). I have had this page dog-eared for such a long time. It's great to be using it finally! Here is my take:
I realized the things I loved about it were the contrast of circles. But I thought I should leave it simple instead of a bunch of little ones. I stamped in various colors on the circles and popped them up on dimensionals. Once again I used my new favorite sentiments set from Hero Arts.

Pretty simple design today. Hope you like it!!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for my card at 365 Cards.... I tell ya, my card is a little crazy, even for me. But its such a fun challenge I am sure you will want to give it a try! Hope to see you around. And please forgive me for being so behind in visiting your blogs. I promise I will get back into my regular program here soon... Can't wait to see what you all have been creating while I was MIA!!!

loves~

k

Deets:

Stamps: Scenic Route (flowers), PTI Green Thumb (bursts), PTI Beautiful Bloom (Gray Flower), Hero Arts Thougthful Messages

Ink: Papertrey Ink Pure Poppy, SU! Summer Sun, Basic Grey, Color Box Green Moss Chalk Ink, Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream

Paper: Papertrey Ink Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream

Accessories: Circle Punch, Embossing Powder

Yee Haw

Hey there. It's a Monday so YEE HAW! (insert sarcasm here...)

This is a quick one today. No stamping on it. Just some Cosmo Cricket papers and embellishments. Distressed the edges and added some 'cowboy' twine and a button. This is a total cowGIRL card.

Thanks for starting your week with me! I hope this week is all you hoped for and more!

loves~

k

Deets:

Paper: Papertrey Ink Berry Sorbet, Cosmo Cricket Wanted Crafting Kit (discontinued?)

Accessories: Button, Twine, Distressing Tool, pop dots

365 Cards Super Sketchy Sunday!! #7

Happy Sketchy Sunday everyone!! Thanks for stopping in today. I just love Sundays (for SO many reasons) But it is SO much fun to see all the different takes from the DT members at 365 Cards. Without fail, I see their cards revealed and think "That is so cool!" So don't forget to check them all out and say hi to them on their blogs and then link up your own creation so we can check it out! Here is what the sketch looks like:

Here is my contribution:

I {heart} this sentiment SO SO much! Isn't it just so cute? I used white ink and then Zing White Embossing powder over it to make it a nice, strong image. Added some of my fav. Pink Paislee suckers and some sweet papers from K&Co called Citronella. The purple polka dot is from Papertrey Ink's Bitty Dot Paper Pack. I added three stitches to the top right and bottom left edges to fill most of the sketch requirements.

This sketch is really fun and I think you will love it! Can't wait to see what you come up with. Thanks for stopping by.

loves

k

Deets:

Stamps: Pink Paislee Vintage Pop and Sweet Cakes

Ink: Papertrey Ink Fresh Snow, Raspberry Fizz, SU! Summer Sun, Palette Chartreuse.

Paper: Papertrey Ink Stampers White, Hibiscus Burst, Plum Pudding Bitty Dot. K&Co. Citronella

Accessories: Zing White Embossing Powder, Embroidery Floss, Glitter 

Enjoy Every Moment

I got some new stuff in the mail this week (FINALLY!) I was totally stalking the mailbox. There is nothing worse than expecting a package and only finding one piece of junk mail in your box each day... the waiting was torture. But I did finally get them. I decided to take the plunge on some Pink Paislee Stamps. I have been wanting them for a while. I love their images, but one fear I have with ordering acrylic stamps on-line is what the quality will be. Some acrylic is really thick and doesn't stick very well, nor does it bend easily. I do not like these kinds. 

But I can say that Pink Paislee Stamps are NOT like this. They are SUCH good quality. Thin and bendable, sticky and they leave a great strong image. I LOVE Pink Paislee!

So you will see this image both today and tomorrow for Sketchy Sunday because it is such a fun one. Here is my card:

THIS is the set the sucker is from. And you may notice their sets are 15% off right now! Check them out! I paired this with some S.E.I papers. I also got some new Zing Embossing Powder. BOY is this stuff thick! And I love it too. I used it on the Hero Arts sentiment. We grow suckers at our house and enjoy every moment of it!

So that's all for this glorious Saturday. The fam and I are going to a farm in Massachusetts today. Should be fun with games, egg hunts and square dancing!! We just can't wait to get out and enjoy the day together. 

I hope to see you tomorrow for 365 Cards Sketchy Sunday! Thanks for stopping by today. Have a good one!

k

Deets:

Stamps: Pink Paislee Vintage Pop, Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages

Ink: Versamark, SU! Pacific Point, Old Olive and Tangerine Tango

Paper: Papertrey Ink Melon Berry, Vintage Cream, Ripe Avocado. SU! Tangerine Tango. S.E.I. Citrus Burst

Accessories: Papertrey Ink Mellon Berry Grosgrain, Zing White Embossing Powder, corner rounder, pop dots

Pear Card PDF

Hey all! I DO have a PDF to give you for this card, but can't for the life of me figure out how to get it posted. I will get some help and get it to you by tonight. And any pointers on how to do this would be GREATLY appreciated!!

thanks

k

Friday's Gifty~

I have some people I need to visit in the next week. And since it is FINALLY spring, I thought I would take a little spring in a pot! I picked up these 3" terra cotta pots from Michael's and covered them with decoupage and paper. 

I have this plant you see. It's a Wandering Jew. This plant is actually a clipping off of a clipping of the original plant. These little ones I just put in are clippings from my clipping... are you following??? Actually this is like the 5 or 6th clipping I have taken from my ONE plant. They grow so well and are just SO lovely. I actually have a hard time throwing any of it out, so I put it in water, wait till it regenerates its roots and re-plant it. I have pawned it off on SO many people and will continue to do so. But at least this time it looks pretty ; )

I dug out my bamboo skewers (they were being used!) and attached it to a little medallion that I stuck in the dirt. Just a little note to send along with the plant (to help it stand up!)
Of course I couldn't stop there... I had to make matching cards too. I want to give a little love to these ladies and who doesn't love a big button and a plant?!
Here is the second set. This is SUCH a fun and really and easy project. And I think it makes a delightful gift. And that is all for today, and for this week! I actually have two more gifts I need to do, but they are for Mother's Day so I probably won't share them for a bit. Thank you for joining me for Nifty Gifty Week! I loved hearing all your comments and ideas. Thanks for sharing your love and may you have a wonderfully FABULOUS weekend!!

loves to you~

k

Deets:

Stamps: Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages

Ink: Papertrey Ink Dark Chocolate

Paper: American Crafts Metropolitan Line, Papertrey Ink Summer Sunrise, Berry Sorbet, Raspberry Fizz, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream, Stampers White

Accessories: Pots, Glue Dots, Skewers, marvy Scallop Square punch, SU! Scalloped Line Punch, K&Co. Adhesive Gems, Papertrey Ink Vintage Button

Swifty Nifty Gifty

Hey all~ I figured since I am a card maker, it seemed only right to make a set of cards for a gift. This set is SUPER simple. I used up some scrap paper so all the designs are the same, but I made these in about an hour (a while back) and that is what I call a swifty-nifty-gifty. (Is this getting obnoxious yet?)

 Here are 3 of the 6 I made:

As you can see, I did some background stamping and paired it with some K&Co. papers. That little deer has some glitter on her behind-er. So cute! I actually got a pack of cards and envies (about 300 or so?) from Wal-Mart for about 5$. Super cheap. So cheap I feel a lot of guilt about it. But this is a great way to get all the supplies you need to make a quick set of cards.
I scored up a belly-band and added some ribbon to keep them all together. You really could give them just like this, but I wanted to try this pocket. Its folded with one 12x12 patterned paper:
I added a ribbon handle too. I ran out of time last night so I didn't doll up the outside. It desperately needs it! This is a fun fold you can learn from SCS. Easy and quick. 

And that is my project for today! All of these are thank you cards. I am pretty sure everyone can use some of those!

Thanks for hanging out with me and all my gifties this week. I hope to have a few more, but I feel some deadlines crunching, so I am not sure how many I will be able to get done by Sunday. But check back tomorrow. There will for sure be a card.... there always is! ; )

loves to you~

k

Deets:

Stamps: Sassafras Lass Oh My Deer, SU! Totally Tabs, PTI Simple Alphabet and Polka Dot Basics

Ink: SU! Dark Chocolate, Close To Cocoa, PTI Berry Sorbet

Paper: K&Co. Berry Sweet designer Paper, PTI Berry Sorbet, Stampers White, Kraft

Accessories: Ribbon, SU! Tab Punch,

365 Cards: Recycled Elements

Today's challenge at 365 Cards is to use recycled elements. I am kind of freaky when it comes to keeping things to put on cards. I see a lot of stuff that would just be fabulous and I horde them for a while. Lots of times the stuff sits for quite awhile. I need to get better at using it up RIGHT when I have the idea. Anyway, I have had this idea for awhile and actually made this card up weeks ago, knowing about this challenge:

You may be wondering, what in the world I'm be talking about, since it doesn't really look recycled. But here's the secret...the entire front of this card was cut out from the Hero Arts mini catalog I got in the mail last year. It was showing what this new design block stamp looked like and I thought... it already looks like a card! SO I ripped it out (along with a few other pages) and kept the scrap hoping to make it into something. 

It's a bit bigger than an A2 card so I added some cream paper to the back and made it a postcard. I sewed the edges with my machine, and rubbed chalk over the big Happy Birthday to give some focus to the sentiment. I really wish I could say that the rest of this card is recycled, but alas it isn't. But I think this is a great way to use up what you see around you (and I could try out the stamp without even buying it). Now thats what I call frugal!

Thanks for checking in today. I have more gifts to show you for gift week, so I will be back later! 

loves~

k

Deets:

Paper: Papertrey Ink Kraft, Vintage Cream. Hero Arts Catalog

Accessories: Chalk, Big Brad, Papertrey Ink True Black Twill

Nifty Gifty Wednesday!

I just want to thank my friend Natasha for pointing out the Nifty Gifty reference from The Office. I knew I could count on her to catch it. I tried looking for a quick clip so you could see it (and laugh your pants off), but I couldn't... so sorry. If you are at all into the show The Office, you can check out Season 3. It's the episode when they get all the new workers in from another branch... and blah blah blah.... Ok, onto todays project!!!

I have had this little bag sitting around for a bit. Its made of burlap (I think) and has these fun wood handles. It screams 60's and is SO fabulous. I have wanted to doll it up and found my inspiration suddenly this week. You have probably seen this idea around, its been floating out there for awhile, so by all means this is not [my] original...
First I traced out a heart on paper and transfered it to my bag with a pencil (that will erase later). Then I found my stash of buttons and went cA-ra-Zeeee! 
I started with a bit of tape runner on the back of each button to keep them in place while I found the look I wanted. Then I stitched them on with some blue thread. I really wanted to add a sentiment, and stitch it on too, but I couldn't find something I loved and I really didn't want to ruin it, so I left it out. If you have any ideas shoot them my way. I would love to send this to someone that has a sewing habit. This is the perfect little bag to carry your embroidery in or something. Of course I felt really bad with today's project not having ANY stamping on it, so I made up a matching card for the recipient.
I matched up the heart theme with some Kraft paper and would you believe I have some blue burlap ribbon?!?! Offray brand.  Pretty cool, so I used it. Here is a close up of the different stitches I used for the buttons. You know they don't have many holes but there are SO many ways you can thread a button. I hope you get inspired and make one of your own. You could use any kind of bag, so get creative!And that's it for my nifty gifty today. It wasn't a quick gift by any means, but I think it's got some oomph to it. But it was thrifty, since I had the bag (it was given to me, besides) SO there you have it. A Thrifty, Nifty, Gifty. And that is what I call a PERFECT-y wednesday!

Thanks for stopping by today! Leave me a comment if you desire. I LOVE hearing from you!!

Loves

k

Deets: All Papertrey Ink unless noted

Stamps: Heart Prints, Heart Print Sentiments. CHF Houndstooth Backgrounder

Ink: Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate, Melon Berry. Color Box Chalk Ink Creamy Brown, Tim Holtz Distress Ink Antique.

Paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream. S.E.I. Striped PP

Accessories: BUTTONS!! Thread, K.E. Memories Tab Line Punch, Offray Ribbon, Corner Rounder

365 Cards: Fun With Food Challenge

It's Wednesday and that means it my design day at 365 Cards! Today's challenge is to use food... specifically FRUIT on a card. In my case I chose to use it AS my card. Here she is...

I just want to say, it was SO fun making this card! I folded some scrap paper in half and sketched my pear base. Then did the same with the 1/2 pears (as I like to call them) the seeds and top. I traced all the parts and then cut them out, being sure to keep the base on the fold. 

I am trying to figure out how to make this into a PDF so I can share it with any of you who may be interested, but it may take a bit. I am so I.T. challenged its amazing I can even blog. Hopefully my dear husb will be willing to sit with me and figure it out.... or just do it for me ; ) Please let me know if its something you are interested in and I will get on it ASAP!

Anyway. I added my new Hero Arts sentiment to a tag and finished it up.

I decided to add a nestability embossed circle to the inside for some writing. I had originally wanted to stamp inside it, but I felt it would take up too much room, so I left it out.

I hope you find some time today to join in our challenge! You can add fruit to your card in so many ways. Stamps, designer paper, or make a shape. It's so much fun! PLUS today we have a guest designer, so be sure to check that out! And don't forget to link up your creation at 365 Cards. I love seeing what you create from these fab challenges. It's such a highlight!

Thanks for joining me today. I hope to have another nifty-gifty to share with you later, so check back. 

Thanks for visiting today!

loves~

k

Deets:

Stamps: Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages 

Ink: Hero Arts Soft Pool

Paper: Papertrey Ink Spring Moss, Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, Dark Chocolate, Ripe Avocado, Vintage Cream

Accessories: Hemp, Nestabilities Circle

Thank You!! And Blog Awards Go To...

I am speechless my dear friends.... speechless. The last few days have been pretty hectic and not very much fun. But then all my dear online crafting friends came to shower me with love and fun blog awards!  Thank you so much for lifting me up these past few days!!! It has taken me a bit to get back on these but I want to thank you each for the awards and pass them onto some talented crafters...

I got this wonderful Karma Award from Glenna: (Thank YOU!!!)

The Karma Award: These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

I would like to pass this award onto:

1. Audrey.  

2.Stephanie. 

3.Mandy.  

4. Deanne. 

5.Wendi.

6.Bex

7. Sandy

8.And last but not least IVY... (you can see her fab creations on her flicker acct).

I received this Award from Maz and Diana!!

Both of these women are SO sweet. The visit me everyday and give me encouragement. Thank you ladies for your love, support and fun award!!

So, the rules are I am to pass this award on to five of my blogging friends who's blogs make me smile, so I know this MAY seem like a cop-out, I wish to nominate all my fellow 365 Cards DT members. They are AMAZING! TALENTED! And just plain FABULOUS!  I visit them every day and am in awe of there abilities. Its been so great to get to know them and see their wonderful creations. So without further ado, here they are:

1. Pam: the amazing woman behind 365 Cards. Without whom we would all be lost wandering through cyber-space. She is an inspiration is doing what you love and reaching for the stars. Love you Pam!

2. Tammy: She has some amazing creations on her blog. She also does fabulous scrapbook layouts that always have me amazed... I could learn a lot from her!

3. Sophie: Brilliant, brilliant card maker. I adore her simple but chic style. If only I spoke French!

4. Gloria: She has SO much wisdom and knowledge in this craft and wonderful talent. Just a joy to watch her create each day!

5.Vicky: I have found my PTI soul mate! I love her simple style and fun projects. She always has something wonderful to share!

6. Amy: Three words... Hilarious, Sweet, Talented! Love her fun spunky designs!

I am sure many of you have seen these ladies before, but I really wanted to give them props today. They are each wonderful and have enlarged my life leaps and bounds. Thanks ladies!

I received the Lemonade Stand Award from Deanne and Gloria.

I remember first seeing Deanne's cards at 365 but her blog would never let me comment. I was troubled for days because I wanted to tell her how great her cards were. And here she is sending me love. Thanks Deanne! And Gloria is none other than a fellow 365 Cards DT Member and she is just AWESOME! SO much talent and love in that girl. 

The Lemonade Stand Award is for being a blogger who shows great attitude and gratitude.To pick up the Lemonade Stand Award:

- Comment on this blog.

- Cut and paste the award logo and use it in your own blog.

- Nominate 5 to 10 blogs you feel show great attitude and gratitude.- Link to your nominees within your blog post.
- Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award.- Link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation.

I have found these women through 365 Cards and think they always put in some strong work. I would like to nominate the following awesome bloggers for this award:

1. B.B.

2.Jeannie.

3.Rose

4.Kelly

5. Maz

And You know Maz is so sweet she nominated me for this one too!! Thanks Maz!

Here are the rules for this award:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award. 

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.

5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

6. Post links to 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs, letting them know they have been nominated.

I nominate:

1. Jessica: at Coffee Addicted. Some brilliant stuff there!

2.Alicia C. at Alicia Scraps. Her cards will take your breath away!

3.Rieca: at Onewithapassionforstampin. Pretty talented girl here! Love her stuff!

4.Jana at Icantwanna. Very creative ideas AND she loves Disney, so you just can't lose!

5.Laurel at Want2scrap. Whoo buddy she's got some GREAT stuff!

6. Di at Allswelldl. I have watched her cards grow leaps and bounds since 365 Cards started. She has participated in (almost)  EVERY challenge. Now that is some serious stamina!

7.Nancy at NancySanders. She has already received each of these awards, but I dig her stuff, so she's getting awarded again!

Seven Things you might find interesting (but then again... maybe not!)

1. I have two boys. Ages 4 and 2 And a husband who is a production designer.

2. I studied Acting and Directing in college... which did NOT prepare me for an intense love of paper.

3. I am the 3rd youngest of 7 kids (My mom is a rock star!!)

4. I am 31 yrs. old and my sign is Cancer

5. I have been cardmaking/papercrafting for 2 years. My first card making experience was two weeks after my son was born... I remember sitting there thinking, "I should be sleeping. But this is SO much fun!"

6.My favorite foods are mangos and chocolates

7. I have dabbled in every craft: jewelry making, soap making, scrapbooking, toll painting, drawing, sewing... nothing has stuck like card making and I am sure nothing will ; )

Thanks again for all the wonderful awards. See you tomorrow for a 365 Cards Challenge and of course a Nifty Gifty!!!

loves to you!

k

Take-Off Tuesday # 22: Nifty Gifties

Todays Take-Off is a bit obscure. No picture of inspiration. But I have seen a lot of tea towels around lately and thought in honor of gift week, I could use the inspiration to make my own. So, I dug out the stamps and made up these dishtowels:

The towels were from IKEA for about 50 cents. So this gift is nifty AND frugal. I stamped the images with different colors and then stitched a border on them with some embroidery floss. I just love stamping on towels. I think its so fun to watch the color take on fabric. I thought they needed a card so of course I made one:

Here it is! I think this would be SUCH a great hostess gift for the summer. Imagine a basket full with some fresh grown produce and these little babies. I would LOVE to get this as a gift!

The images are the Farmer Market stamps from Basic Grey (OffBeat line) That is the radish and the images on the card. The peas on the second towel are Papertrey Ink. I had started with that first and had forgotten I just got the Basic Grey stamps in the mail! Next time I will use images from the same set!

So that's it. Nifty Gifty Take-Off Tuesday. Hope you like it! As far as a how-to, just remember when you are stamping on fabric you MUST use fabric or hybrid ink. You cannot use a dye ink because it will wash out. I used Palette and Papertrey Ink Hybrid inks. Then you want to heat set the images for about 30 seconds with an iron. And Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by today! So glad you joined me. Come back tomorrow to see my 365 Card Challenge (its so fun!). Plus I will have another nifty-gifty for ya.

loves~

k

Deets:

Stamps: Basic Grey Off Beat Farmers Market, Papertrey Ink Green Thumb

Ink: Papertrey Ink New Leaf, Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream. Palette Ink Chartreuse. SU! Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie

Paper: Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream, Kraft

Accessories: IKEA Tea Towel, Embroidery Floss, K&Co, Adhesive Gems, Pop Dots

Blog Candy Winners!!!

Hey All...I just want to thank you all for joining in my blog candy contest!! Thanks for all your wonderfully sweet comments. I love doing this everyday and you make it SO SO much fun! Thank you for sharing your love of this craft with me. May you each be blessed with success in life and a bit of extra paper and ink along the way!!

SO my winners were picked randomly and they are:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

#13

Cindy E. said...
Thanks for the chance to win such awesome blog candy! I really enjoy your site.

and

#25 

4kids4 said...
Kristie, your creations for 365 Cards are lovely...I usually check them out anonymously, but your blog candy is so yummy I had to post a note today. Keep inpiring us!

Timestamp: 2009-04-20 01:22:42 UTC

Whooopie!!!  Ladies, please leave me your email address so I can contact you and send you a box of goodies. Thanks again everyone. Hope to hear from you all again!! Keep on inspiring each other and love to you today!

k

Gift Time!

You know I love making cards, but sometimes you just want to switch it up a bit right?! So this week, I thought I would focus on gift giving. I have a few gifts to give and some ideas floating around, so why not have a go?

Todays gift... A decorated candle. I have wanted to try this one for awhile. It is so easy and quick and I am sure you will love it. First you must gather your supplies. A candle. Tissue Paper. Outlined stamp. Black Ink (I used StazOn just incase ;) and colored pencils. 

You want to stamp your image onto the tissue paper. Color it and cut it out, as you see here:
Then you want to hold it in place on the candle and heat it lightly with a heat gun. This will melt the wax a bit and soak it into the tissue paper.
Then when it dries the image is melted in. I didn't have another hand to take pics while it was melting. But trust me when I say it is coooool and it does in fact work. Be careful not to hold the gun too close or for too long in any one spot or you will just melt your candle into a puddle!
I decided to doll up the candle a bit. This is mostly a decor candle, although I am sure the tissue paper would melt fine if you decided to burn it. I just wanted to give it a little 'boutique' kind of interest, ya know what I mean?
And here is my gift all packaged up with a nice matching card to go with it. I used THIS tutorial from SCS as a guide for my acetate box. I changed the size of it and the ribbon top, but its the same idea. I also added 1/2 inch score lines to the acetate to give it a little spunk, but you can't actually see it. Maybe if you enlarge it...

I used one of Lauren's sketches for my card. This is a fun sketch! Its so great to use something like this when you want to cut gift making time. I highly recommend using a sketch or making up your own before making a card. It can really help you save time and your frustration. Even when it's your own sketch, a little pre-planning can help you make your cards better than they would have been. 

So thats it for today!! Hope you like my little nifty gifty. Have a wonderful Monday. They really aren't so bad you know...  Today the kids and I are making bird feeders for the many kinds of chirpies we have flitting through the neighborhood. Hope to get some good pictures. 

Have a good one!

k

Deets:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Friends 'Til The End

Ink: StazOn Black

Paper: Papertrey Ink Melon Berry, Spring Moss, Vintage Cream. Bazzill Cardstock, PP from stash

Accessories: K&Co. Adhesive gems, Martha Stewart Bakery Twine, Papertrey Ink Melon Berry Ribbon, Colored Pencils, Martha Stewart Double Scallop Line Punch

365 Cards Super Sketchy Sunday!! #6

Wel,l here we are once again for 365 Cards Sketchy Sunday! Welcome Welcome! So glad you could join us. Here is todays sketch from none other than the fabulous Pam!:

And here is my card:

I have been battling this week with my camera. You see, it has spots.... lots of spots. You can see a few in this photo (I cropped out the rest) and well, I just don't know where these spots are a comin' from. I cleaned every lens, and every surface and still.... spots! I just don't get it. Anyway, I hate to complain cause its a good camera but I mean, come ON! So, try to ignore them, as I keep doing. One day I will figure it out...

Ok, onto my card. I used some Cosmo Cricket paper for my oval and of course had to wrap some twine around it. I seem to be doing that a lot lately ; ). This card stock base is GORGEOUS and sparkly sent from Pam. The brand escapes me at the moment, but let me know if you are dying to find out and I will dig up the info.
Here's a little close up of my heart and the embellishments. Hope you like it! Head on over to 365 Cards to see all the other DT's cards and to link up your own creation. Hope you had a glorious weekend. Enjoy the last day while ya got it!!!

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget you have until NOON today to post a comment HERE to win some blog candy! I will announce the winner monday morning!

loves to you

k

Deets:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Heart Prints, Heart Print Sentiments

Ink: SU! Real Red, Basic Grey

Paper: Cosmo Cricket Honey Pie, Papertrey Ink Stampers White. Red Cardstock from Stash

Accessories: K&Co. Adhesive Gems, Twine, Marvy Heart Punch, Offray Gray Ribbon

365 Cards Score-It Week: Accordion Card

My card for todays 365 Card Score-It challenge is an accordion zig zag card. It creates a really fun result. It's not technically my day to share a tut, but I thought some of you might be interested so I put together a few shots. Here is how you do it!

Step 1: Measure your standard size card stock to 3 inches on the top and 5.5 on the bottom. Using a ruler and craft knife, cut from the first mark to the second. Resulting in a diagonal through your paper.Step 2:  Trim your card stock down to 10.5 inches (cutting off 1/2 inch from one side. I cut off my small side)

Step 3: Score at 3.5 and 7 inches.

Step 4: Fold on the score lines to make a valley fold and mountain fold. This is what your cardstock will look like. 

Step 5: Design as desired.

Here is my final card from the front. I stamped the flowers in two colors and added A LOT of stitching (this baby took some time to put together ; )I drew the stems and leaves with a pencil before piercing them and then erased the pencil marks before stitching. I also added stitching and a loose french knot to each flower head.Here is the card fully open. You can see why this took so long! I sponged the edges of the card with some white ink.Here is a little detail of the sentiment. I learned a few things making this card. If you plan on stitching, I advise to do it on panels and then adhere the panels to the actual card base. 

I had to adhere CS to the back side to hide the stitching. But this also gives me a good surface to write a message but it does add bulk and maybe doesn't look so nice ; )

Anyway, that's it for today! Hope you have fun making your own accordion card! They are so fun to make and a delight to open. Make sure you link up your own creation to 365 Cards before this week is out to be entered to win your very own Score-It Mini!

And stop by HERE (by noon on Sunday) and post a comment to win some bloggy candies...

Thanks for stopping by!

loves~

k

Deets:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Garden of Life (flower), Green Thumb (sentiment)

Ink: Papertrey Ink Pure Poppy and Berry Sorbet, SU! Dark Chocolate and Ruby Red Marker

Paper: Papertrey Ink Kraft, Stampers White

Accessories: Embroidery floss, Button, Pop Dots

365 Cards Score-It Challenge: Score Lines

Wow! I woke up this morning completely SHOCKED that it is Friday. I have no idea what I have been doing all week... well beside card making ; )

Today is a fun challenge and is something I love to do. Use score lines to dress up a card. You can use it anywhere and it adds so much interest. Here is my challenge card for the day:

I did diagonal lines in sets of three and then I did two sets vertically on the left side (a bit hard to see).  I think if you click on the photo it should enlarge. My mother told me that the last time I said that it enlarged SO big she could only see a corner of it! I have changed the measurements of this one so hopefully we won't have that problem. Which is kind of funny, but I am sure obnoxious if you actually want to see the card. Sorry MOM!!  Let me know if it doesn't work!

Also, wanted to point out that trim with the zig zag edges is actually chipboard. I have a bunch of these at 12 inches and they are so fun to play with!! I just stamped polka dots on it and inked the edges. Then I wrapped it with some thread. And added some stickles to the center of the flowers.

And that's it folks! I am working on some submission cards and hope to get busy on next weeks stuff. So check back tomorrow and also sunday for the 365 Sketch Challenge. Next week should be fun. I hope to do an entire week of gifts and projects... but we will see how the weekend goes!!

Also, you have until Sunday at NOON to enter the Blog Candy drawing HERE. We have a lot of comments so far that I think we will be able to have 2 winners, so keep the comments coming!!! You know I wanted to give you something to comment on (not about me) and I totally forgot! Thanks for gushing, I do appreciate it! If you comment now, please tell me a bit about yourself so I can get to know you!

Thanks for stopping by today. Have a great weekend!!

k

Deets:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Wise Old Owl (flowers), Text Boxed (sentiment)

Ink: SU! Not Quite Navy, Palette Chartreuse,  Papertrey Ink Aqua Mist and Pure Poppy

Paper: Papertrey Ink New Leaf, Lemon Tart, Stampers White

Accessories: Embroidery Floss, Ribbon, Stickles, Chipboard

365 Cards Score-It Challenge: Pop Up Card

Hey there! Another quick post for today and I am out the door! Todays 365 Challenge is a pop up card. I was really excited about this one because I have been wanting to try something different. I have seen these around here and there for a while and I have always wanted to try them, so here is my chance!

My card front:

Added some stickles to the butterfly (isn't it a GORGEOUS stamp!) and added other fun embellishments.

My card inside:
Spiral Pop Up Card! Now, this is the FIRST ONE I have ever made and I was super tired last night and kind of pounded it out, and today as I look at it I can see SO many flaws. I hope to try this one again really soon to get it to look more professional. But since I am pressed for time today, I didn't tweak it, although I really should have!

I did a google search to find some tuts on spiral cards. They are all around if you want to have a go at it.  Hope all is well today. I must make a mad dash to preschool, so I will be back to add the details to the end of this post later.

Head over to 365 Card to link up your creations and don't forget to leave me a comment HERE to be entered to win some blog can-day!

Thanks for stopping by!

loves

k

Deets:

Stamps: Gel-A-Tins Butterflies (sent for free with my order!), Papertrey Ink Floral Frenzy

Ink: Papertrey Ink Melon Berry, SU! Summer Sun and Basic Black

Paper: Papertrey Ink Melon Berry, Aqua Mist, Stampers White, Everyday Blessings PP

Accessories: Prima Flower, Button, Ribbon (from Stash) Pop Dots, Stickles, Glue dots, Adhesive Gems, Nestabilities Circles, Corner Rounder

Blog Candy Alert!!!!

Hey there you!! I thought today would be more fun if we had a blog candy GIVEAWAY!!!! You can see below I have arranged a few things. Some Amy Butler (stamps/papes), American Crafts (papes/ribbon), chipboard shapes and books, buttons, alpha stickers and other fun things. (there will be more in your box than you see here ; ) 

I am SO grateful to each of you for visiting me each day. You make me so happy with all your lovely comments!!! SO I would love to give these wonderful things to YOU! You must leave me a comment on this post no later than Sunday April 19th by Noon and I will randomly pick a winner. And you know I was thinking, I am pretty sure I have some other lovelies that could fill a second box, so what the hey- I think there should be TWO winners!  (items will be different) so notify your friends to come join the fun and leave me a comment to be entered to win!

Thank you for making this world SO much fun to be apart of!!!

Loves to you!

k