Another Stamping Around Challenge

Waltzingmouse Stamps is hosting another contest over at the Stamping Around blog and this time it is an inspiration challenge chosen by Anya. I have been thinking about this one for a while now and today I finally had time to create something (just in the nick of time since the challenge ends tomorrow).

I wasn't 100% sure where I was going with this card, but I do know that I need to find a better adhesive for lace. It was driving me nuts the way it kept moving around on me (that it why it looks so wonky--LOL). This card is very different from my norm, but I'm really enjoying using these challenges as a way to branch out.

I started with a base of Lemon Tart and strips of Lavender Moon, New Leaf, and Raspberry Fizz. I stamped each one with Fresh Snow ink using some cute Studio G stamps from the $1 bin at Michael's. I added two types of lace, some soft blue velvet ribbon, skinny hot pink dotted ribbon, and ivory decorative trim that is called "mini gimp braid" (that's what the roll says) from Wrights Creative Classics line. The sentiment is from PTI's Paper Tray set and it is stamped in Hawaiian Shores onto linen vellum.

Thank you for checking out my card. Be sure to check out the rest of the entries at www.stampingaround.com .

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm sorry that I'm posting this a little early. I've had it ready to go for a week now and I can't wait any longer. LOL

This is my first ever blog hop and I'm very excited to see what everyone creates. My card came together pretty quickly because as soon as I saw Claire's beautiful shamrock digi stamp I knew I was going to attack it with my Copics.


I tried to make all of the shamrocks look different so I used a few different shades of green and just started coloring. I cut out the image and mounted it with dimensionals on Rustic Cream, New Leaf, and purple cardstock from my stash.

The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's mini set Luck of the Irish--so is the tiny shamrock that I stamped randomly in New Leaf ink all over the Rustic Cream base.

I'm embarrassed to say that I've had my Copics for quite some time now and I rarely use them. I usually gravitate towards stamps that are solid images that don't require coloring, but I guess when I find the right images I can be inspired enough to get them out. (Thanks again to Claire!)

Thank you for coming to visit. I hope you enjoyed my first ever blog hop card. :-)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Stamping Around Color Challenge

Last night I made a card for the Stamping Around Color Challenge from Bonnie who is part of Waltzingmouse's Design Team. The winner of the challenge gets a prize from Waltzingmouse Stamps--so of course I had to play along.

I started with a base of Kraft and layers of Berry Sorbet, Lemon Tart, Spring Moss, and Vintage Cream. The Berry Sorbet and Spring Moss layers were stamped with VersaMark using Background Basics: Tin Types, and then I used the bracket edge punch from EK Success for all 3 colors.

I used Dark Chocolate ink to stamp the trail from Little Lady, one of the smaller butterflies, and a sentiment from Butterfly Dreams. I used my Copics on the butterfly and a strip of velvet ric rac in a coordinating color to tie the colors together.


These colors just make me think Spring! It's such a nice change after all of the cold and snow we've seen the last few months so I am more than ready for it.


Thanks for stopping by. You still have a little more time to join in on the challenge. It runs until Sunday the 14th on www.stampingaround.com

Are you ready

for the St. Patrick's Day Blog Hop with Waltzingmouse Stamps?

I can officially say that I am. I have my card made and my blog post saved, just waiting for the go-ahead on the 17th.

Usually I have every intention of joining in on blog hops, but somewhere along the way I run out of time and ideas and have to bow out--not so this time. Claire has generously supplied some digital images that make it easy to join in even if you don't have any of her stamps. As soon as I saw them I had ideas brewing and my card came together pretty quickly last night.

The more the merrier! If you would like to join in, visit Waltzingmouse stamps or Claire's blog (both are listed on my side bar) to get the rest of details and the free digital stamps.

I hope to see you on the 17th! :-)

Butterfly Dreams

I finally got a chance to ink up my newest PTI set Butterfly Dreams and I can tell that I {{{heart}}} it. There really are so many different butterflies to choose from that you can find whatever you need. The coordinating die cuts beautifully too and made adding 3-D butterflies a snap.

I started with a base of Orange Zest and then a layer of gray from my stash that was stamped with VersaMark Dazzle Champagne. The sparkle is very subtle, but it is there. I added a Summer Sunrise strip that was punched with yet another EK Success edge punch (arrow) and stamped with True Black ink.

The butterflies were first cut out of Soft Stone cardstock with the die, then stamped with black (Memento) ink and colored with my Copics. It was so easy to line the stamp up with the cut out image. I added black Stickles to the bodies of all of the butterflies and then sprayed the entire card with a layer of Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist (pearl). I really like the subtle shine it gives a finished card.

I can't wait to have more time to play with this set. I already have so many ideas swirling around in my head.

Spammers Bite!

I'm temporarily changing my blog settings so that anonymous posters cannot leave messages. I've been getting a lot of spammy comments for some reason and I'm hoping this will help cut down on it. I may change it back after a while, but I'll just have to see how it goes.

Moxie Fab Challenge

I was on a roll last night and made another quick card for the Moxie Fab Lace Challenge. I wasn't really sure where I was going with this one, but I like the end result. It's way different from anything I normally do, but here goes.

I started with a base of Terracotta Tile from Papertrey Ink and I used Vintage Cream ink and clear embossing powder on the scalloped lace backgrounder stamp from Cornish Heritage Farms.

I added some Vintage Cream ribbon, some rusty/gold ribbon from my stash, and a button. Then added some shiny/glittery stickers from Stampendous and Making Memories for the sentiment and flourish. I sprayed the whole card with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Pearl because you can never have too much sparkle.

Compose a Card with Becky

Well, it only took me 6 weeks to be able to join my first "Compose A Card" challenge with Becky, but I did it.

Her challenge was to use Enchanted Evening as a base, Soft Stone as a mat, white embossing powder, satin ribbon, and a button. I am not a measurer when I craft, but I was able to get the required sizes right (after my second try-LOL).

I used stamps from Heidi Swapp and Me & My Big Ideas and the sentiment is from PTI's Mixed Messages. I put a small rhinestone in the center of the button for a little extra bling to go along with the "fabulous" theme.

I noticed after I had finished heat embossing that I had a line from the edge of my stamp that wasn't supposed to be there. But considering I was already fighting for my stamping space with 2 kitties and was afraid I'd heat emboss one of them, I decided to just go with it. Oh well, at least I tried. LOL

The good news is that my headache is gone and I've had the evening to myself to relax and get crafty.

Baby Shower Card

Some friends of ours are having their first child (a baby girl) and the shower is this weekend. I got out Bitty Baby Blessings from PTI and went to work. I've only used the set a few times, but I can see having more chances in the next few years--seems like another baby boom is going on lately.

I used Hibiscus Burst and Sweet Blush cardstock from PTI and some pp from Basic Grey's Sultry line. I used Dark Chocolate ink and stamped the sentiment on a Cuttlebug Tiny Tag. Yes, I got out one of my EK Success edge punches again--I'm addicted to them. LOL

This is the inside of the card using the baby carriage from BBB and the sentiment is from Simple Little Things, the first PTI anniversary set.

I really hope Tara likes the card. Joe seems to think she'll be blown away--but he always seems shocked whenever I make cards by hand. He's very supportive, a great cheerleader. LOL

I love it when a plan comes together

So after waiting almost a year to order from Papertrey Ink I finally got to place a small order to catch up on the colors that I had missed out on. My plan was to order the paper and one ribbon of each color, but to wait on the ink in case I had something close enough to work in my already large ink pad collection.

I just had time to look and I found inks that will work for all 4 colors.

Scarlet Jewel = Aged Mahogany Distress Ink or Chianti from Color Box

Enchanted Evening = Faded Jeans Distress Ink

Orange Zest = Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink

Terracotta Tile = Sepia Archival Ink **Edited on 3/5/10 to add that I'm not really loving this one and I may go ahead and order the PTI ink, but hey 3 out of 4 ain't bad.**

They may not be exact matches, but they'll be close enough for me and it saved me enough money that I could justify buying that new Butterfly Dreams stamp set I've been eyeing. LOL

I know I'm not the only one who has to keep a tighter eye on the budget, so I thought I'd share how well my latest plan of attack worked out. :-)

Last Card for Feb

Just as I finishing up my last blog post I got a call from my MIL inviting me and Joe to get some dinner when he got off work with her and her husband. I scrambled to get ready and went and met them all down at the bar DH works at on the weekends.

We made a reservation at the restaurant next door, House of Savoy, and we had about an hour or so to hill so we had a few cocktails and chatted. We had a great dinner and a few bottles of Pinot Nior and then MIL and I went next door the the casino to play the penny slots. DH had given me $40 to play with and within a half hour of playing I had won back his $40 plus another $87--not too shabby for penny slots. I cashed out and was ready to go, otherwise I know I could've spent it all again. :-)

I came home and even with a little bit of a wine buzz I finished the last card I needed to make this weekend. I used the same EK Success border punch (bracket) and more pp from Me & My Big Ideas. The ribbon is Hibiscus Burst from PTI and the stamps are also from PTI (sentiment = Birthday Basics, flower = Everyday Classics). I used a tag from the Cuttlebug tag sliders set. It was another quick/simple card that lets the pp do the work.

I finally got the pic of DH's Valentine's Day cookies off the camera too. They're sweet enough to make you sick if you eat too many at once, yet they were gone within 24 hours. Sweets do not have a chance at our house. LOL

I have to get ready for a birthday party so I need to get off the computer. I hope everyone is having a good weekend!

New Cards

I was in record-breaking card-making mode today and finished three of the Birthday cards that I need for tomorrow. I still have one more to make and hopefully later today I'll get to it.

First up I have a card I made for my older sister. It's a little blurry, but it's a pretty basic card. I used a base of PTI black, some pp from Me & My Big Ideas, and some orange ribbon I found at Michael's. The sentiment is from PTI's Birthday Basics and I used an EK Success border punch (bracket).

This card is for my 5-yr old Niece who loves princesses and everything girly. I thought it was the perfect time to use my first ever Lily stamp "Angelface" from Stampavie. I used color pencils and Stickles so it really sparkles in person. The base and ribbon is Hibiscus Burst from PTI and the pp is from DCWV's Summer Matstack.

Last up is one I made for my Nephew. He turned 10 on Valentine's Day so I'm a little late, but we're celebrating tomorrow so I think I get a pass on that. LOL The base is PTI's Ripe Avocado, the blue is from my stash, and the pp is again from DCVW's Summer Matstack. The stamps are from Inkadinkado's Humorous Birthday set. I used two different stamps from this set only inking the parts I wanted so that the sentiment and creature from different stamps could be used together.

I used yet another EK Success border punch (noticing a pattern here? LOL) I also used a fun starburst punch from Martha Stewart just for a little fun touch.

I still have another card to make, but it doesn't have to be mailed out until Monday so I have a little time. I should be back with it soon.

Kitten Cuteness :-)

My kittens are getting so big so fast. They both were trying to squeeze into the bed that I got them a few months ago and it's a much tighter fit than it used to be.

Here they are back in Oct:

And here they are this week (4 months later):

I can't believe how much they've grown in such a short time--they've each gained at least 4 lbs and are very sweet, playful fuzzballs that love to snuggle. They are so loving it's like they know how horrible their lives could've ended up at the shelter and they are so happy/thankful to have a good home. They get into everything and can be very frustrating at times, but it is so worth it when they nuzzle up to my neck and purr themselves to sleep.

I took a picture of the Valentine's Day cookies I made for Joe on Sunday, but it's still on my camera--I haven't found time to download yet. This weather and lack of sunshine has been making me want to do nothing but sleep. The last few days we've been seeing peeks of the sun and I can tell I feel better/more energized when it's out. I have put it off long enough and now this weekend I have to make 4 b-day cards.

Nothing like a little pressure to get the creative mojo going. Wish me luck!

Happy Valentine's Day

I finished up Joe's Valentine's Day card in time to give it to him last night, but tonight is going to be the best part. I've had some nice steaks marinating since last night, I have all the fixings for my white wine lemon butter sauce, some baby portabella mushrooms, and I have some really good mozzarella and tomatoes to serve with balsamic dressing.

As I type this , the dough is chilling for my traditional Valentine's Day cookies I bake and decorate for him every year. I'd say that we're probably going to both gain about 10 lbs, but it is going to be SO good!

Enough about food, here's the card I made him. I carried the theme to the inside since it was a black card base and just because I think it is a nice finishing touch.

It took me a little while to decide to turn the focal point on an angle on the card front. That's one of those things I see other people do and I like it, but it's just not my normal way of making a card. I thought about it, and decided it was time to get out of my comfort zone and try something different.

I used True Black, Black & White Basics PP, White, and Pure Poppy cardstocks all from Papertrey Ink. The stamps are all from the Sweet Hearts set from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I used my new EK Success border punch and a few rhinestones in the hearts, but I kept the embellishments to a minimum since I was trying to strike a balance between Valentine's Day and a manly card. I've always loved the combo of black/white/red and I this card is no exception--I think those colors work for just about anything, but are perfect for Valentine's Day.

I hope everyone has a good day with someone they love! XXOOXX

I need to get busy

I still have a few cards to make this weekend and next week, but I've been in the middle of reorganizing my ribbon collection so I've been a little distracted. It is boring and time consuming, but it is going to be worth it with all of the space I will be saving by taking it off the cardboard spools.

I do need to take a break from that--I had a close call with one of the kitties and my ribbon. I still have no idea how Clyde got it, but somehow he swallowed several feet of 1/8" ribbon and I had no idea until he was throwing it up at 3:45 this morning. Luckily it all came out in one little compact bunch because it could've been a very serious situation if it had made it into his system. Thankfully he seems to be ok although it makes me wonder what else he could be eating?

On a crafty note, I scored some new border punches from EK Success at Jo-Ann's. They were on sale 40% off and they are new Spring designs that I have not seen anywhere else yet.

The first one is called bubbles and I think it adds a fun sort of lacy feel to the edge.

The next one is called graceful heart and it has a definite lacy quality about it that I cannot wait to use. I have a feeling this is going to be one of my new favorites.
I really like these punches and even the ones with tiny holes/delicate patterns have no trouble going through Papertrey's cardstock. (I have a few Martha punches that don't like to play nice the PTI paper.)

Yesterday, my honey was off work so he showed up at my office with 2 dozen roses and Merb's chocolate covered strawberries. He also went to a meat market and got some really nice steaks for us to make on Sunday. We've decided to stay home and have a nice dinner on Sunday since he says I "cook better than any restaurant anyway." I am looking forward to good steaks, a nice bottle of Pinot Nior and a quiet evening at home.

My first cards using Waltzingmouse Stamps!

I finally had a chance to ink up some of my new stamps from Waltzingmouse Stamps (see sidebar for link to store). These both use stamps from the Sweethearts set. All of the paper is from Papertrey Ink.

First up I wanted to do a Valentine card in non-traditional colors. I used a color scheme of Vintage Cream, Spring Moss, and Ripe Avocado. I used a fun border punch from EK Success that has a wavy edge and tiny dots that look like paper piercing. I think it gives some interest without looking as girly as my scalloped punches do. (I still have the old formula of Spring Moss ink so it doesn't show up as well as it should--I have to get the new formulation soon.)

Next up I went a little more traditional with my colors and added in some Dark Chocolate to the Vintage Cream and Pure Poppy. I stamped the hearts in Pure Poppy first and then stamped again without reinking to get the softer shade. I finished it up with some gold chord and a tiny heart charm with a keyhole that I found at Red Lead (local store with a webstore too - http://www.redleadpaperworks.com/). They have tons of sweet little charms and lots of vintage inspired stamps and papers.

I still have plenty more stamps that need to see some ink and I hope to be able to get working on that later today over the coming week. I'm also pretty excited about all of the fun contests happening for Papertrey Ink's 3rd Anniversary celebration.

Blessed :-)

I feel blessed. :-)

I have many reasons--one of them is how happy I am to be able to share my love of crafting with all of the amazing people I have met through blogs and forums. The forum at Papertrey Ink was the first that I joined, and I have met so many wonderful and supportive people there. They opened up a new world of creativity to me and at the same time became my biggest cheerleaders. I gained a confidence in my creations that allowed me to actually SEND my cards to people so they can be enjoyed rather than just sticking them in a shoe box. They also gave me the confidence to start a blog. (Even if I don't post regularly it is such a wonderful outlet and I'm glad to have it available.)

In a previous post I mentioned Beverly from Precious Scraps (blog link on sidebar)--she is a perfect example of someone I have never met face to face, but I consider her a friend. She always goes above and beyond to do or say something nice (all while juggling her family, her dream business that she built from the ground up literally, her day job, and daily life). Her thoughtfulness has touched my heart and she is such a great reminder that there are people out there who do nice things just because they are good people.

Another amazing woman I have never met in person, but have been so fortunate to call a friend is Claire from Waltzingmouse Stamps (links to blog and store on sidebar). Even though she lives in Ireland (across the "Big Water" as my relatives in Germany call it), she has become a source of encouragement and inspiration to me. Claire also has such kindness and generosity that can be hard to find these days, especially while everyone is so busy with life/work/family. She followed her dreams and now designs and sells her own stamps. I received such a sweet surprise from her yesterday and it more than made my day.

They are only two examples of the many fabulous friends I have been lucky enough to encounter during the last few years. I want to thank anyone who comes here to read/comment on my little blog and offer encouragement. I am so blessed to belong to such an amazing community of crafters who come together from all over to share ideas, inspiration, advice, friendship, and a pure love of creating.

I am excited to see what the new year holds for all of us. {{{hugs}}}

Another quick card

I had a little time tonight to make a quick card so I grabbed a PTI set that I love, but don't use quite as often as I should--Life.

I used a base of Kraft paper, then a layer of Vintage Cream with some slight distressing on the edges. Next I layered some pp from Crafty Secrets onto to some Raspberry Fizz that I used my new favorite EK Success punch on (yes, I used it again).

The sentiment is from Life and it's stamped in Raspberry Fizz and Dark Chocolate. The pink is showing up a little orange-y in this photo, but I promise you it's a beautiful bright pink.

I'm glad I was able to squeeze another card in tonight, and that my little monsters left me alone long enough to finish. :-)

I underestimated myself

I thought I was wrapping things up for the day, but instead I ate a piece of pie and then made a quick card. It was inspired by the fun ribbon I picked up at Hobby Lobby yesterday. The dots/stripes can match up with Sweet Blush, Hibiscus Burst, Ripe Avocado, and even Ocean Tides.

For this card I used Sweet Blush, Ripe Avocado, and Dark Chocolate. The stamps are from Floral Fusion, a limited edition Papertrey Ink set that was only available during the CHA show in Florida last year. I wasn't able to go, but my blogging friend Beverly (Precious Scraps) was generous enough to give it to me as a wedding gift.

I feel like I'm on a roll--I'm finally getting back into the groove of creating and I couldn't be happier about that. It feels good to be using all of the fabulous and fun supplies I have stockpiled. (Of course, the more I use the better my excuse for shopping. LOL)

No card today, but I did get caught up on the laundry, dishes, and some other things around the house that needed to get done. I also baked an apple pie. It still has to cool, but it looks (and smells) pretty yummy!

I also had some help putting up a new shower curtain liner. It's quite fitting that they help since the reason it was being replaced was because of the holes they had clawed and chewed in the old one. They are doing very well and they are growing like crazy, but they have definitely left their mark on our home (Yes, Clyde is chewing on it in this pic). Luckily they are the sweetest, cutest little things so we let them live. LOL



When we named them Bonnie & Clyde we knew they were close, but we had no idea just how close they really are. I have very few photos of them by themselves because usually they are together. They snuggle more than any two cats I've ever seen before, but I'm glad they have each other. It's hard to resist two snuggling little kitties. :-)