By The Tide

Hello Crafty Friends!

Another card for the Mod Squad Blog, Going Gingham Challenge.   The colors are a little unusual for these stamps I think, but I still like the outcome.

 

I used the By The Tide stamps from Stampin' Up!  Added a bit of red gingham ribbon on a black and white polka dot background, kind of fun looking.  The enamel dots are of my own 'baking'.  Judy Woodland shared a video she found on how to make them.  Hers came out awesome, mine not so much.   Apparently the trick is to use a glass pan, I used a cookie sheet.  I may try again at some point.  Here is the VIDEO.  If you make them  make sure you open a window, I noticed a small odor when baking them.

That's it for today!  Hope you have a wonderful day and thanks so much for popping in!

Enjoy~~

Have A Happy Day!

Good Afternoon!

Today's card is a simple creation made for the Mod Squad Blog, Going Gingham Challenge.

I mixed several stamp sets from Gina K Designs, One In A Million, True Love, and Warm Spring Wishes.  I stamped the floral vine 3 times switching directions in the top right one, colored with Copic Markers, vine traced with a Sakura Glitter Pen as well as the berries.  A wide black and white gingham ribbon and several adhesive black pearls were added.  I love the sentiment, who wouldn't?

Thanks for popping on in.  May you all have a HAPPY day!

Enjoy~~

Gingham

Hello Friends!

Today's card will be entered into the Mod Squad Blog, Going Gingham and the Simon Says Monday Challenge, Big Stamp.

 

I have a large background stamp from Hampton Arts with this great flower (?) pattern that compliments the stamps and dies from Papertrey Ink, Lovely Layers.  I used a background of green gingham designer paper from my stash, and some green gingham ribbon to 'tie' it all together.  :)  The inks are from Stampin Up, Always Artichoke and Garden Green.  The flower center has a bit of Sakura Glitter Pen.   This is a simple card, yet it kind of makes me HAPPY!  Gotta love that!

 

Hope you find some time to play along. 

 

Enjoy~~



Watercolor Splats

The title says it all, right?  :) 

I made 2 cards using this technique which you may watch HERE!  Instead of making a background I thought it would be fun to make the flowers using this technique.  It's an interesting technique that will give you a dozen different outcomes I'm sure.

 





 

I used the stamps and dies from Papertrey Ink, Lovely Layers.   Simple little cards, using Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Adhesive Rhinestones and Paper Piercing, and a little ribbon.

 

 

 

 





I will be entering them into the following challenges:

PTI # 161, Watercolor Splats.

CASology # 92, Garden.

Simon Says Wednesday, CAS.

Thanks for checking in!  Appreciate you doing so!

Enjoy~~

A Reel Great Guy

Hello!

With Father's Day approaching (okay I know I still have plenty of time, but I think I am in June on the old card making calendar!) I thought I would use the fantastic sketch at My Favorite Things Sketch #173 and whip one up!

 

I did rotate this one again, love doing that!  This card will also be entered into the Anything Goes Challenge at CMC . 

 

 



This is a Flourishes set, What A Catch, so perfect for several men in my life!  Has a lot of great masculine images and sentiments!  The Designer Paper is from K And Company, Sea Glass.  (you KNOW I love that name!)  I colored the images with Copic Markers with a touch of a few Sakura Glitter Pens.  A couple of adhesive pearls, also colored with the Copic Markers and the card is complete.

(and Barbara C if you're reading this, I have NOT forgotten about stamping and sending you this set!)

I'm cutting it close with the CMC Challenge, it's due in an hour and 14 minutes!  ;)

Happy Friday!  Thanks so much for stopping by.

Enjoy~~

With Thoughts Of You

Good Sunny Morning!

Today's card will be entered into My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge.  Although I did rotate it. 

 

 

 

Unfortunately it is another Sympathy card.  It seems like I have been making way to many of these recently.  I used the Gina K Designs stamp sets, Dogwood And Butterfly and Spring Blessings.   I was lucky enough to win this gorgeous dogwood and frame stamp awhile back, so beautiful and fun to color!  Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Oval Dies, ribbon, a little strip of texture and accents made with Liquid Pearls.  Image colored with Copic Markers.

 

Hope you are able to do at least ONE thing today that makes you HAPPY!

 

Enjoy~~

 

Marathon Monday And Blog-O-Versary

Good Morning! 

A year ago on Marathon Monday I started this Blog, although I never posted my first entry that day, I saved it for the end of the week.  The date was actually April 15th, a typical Patriots Day here in Massachusetts.  But, what we all know now is, that day became anything but typical. 

My daughter and her fiancée, my brother and sister-in-law and their soon to be daughter-in-law were all there to watch my nephew run his very first Boston Marathon, he ran a great race and crossed the finish line too.  I am thankful that my family was safe on that fateful day, that we all can take comfort in that fact.  I am also greatly saddened by other families who were not so lucky.  And by others who will never be able to view the world as they did before.

This city, Boston, as we all claim to be from in times like these, has truly become Boston Strong!  I am proud to be from 'here'....I grew up in a little suburb 15 minutes north of the city.  Somehow my daughter, who grew up in a little town south of the city, has still managed to become a 'city girl'.

A lot has happened over the past year, some good things, some bad things, but isn't that the way years tend to pass?

So to everyone everywhere, say a little prayer for our little town, especially today!  Thank you!

Here is my latest card.

 

I have used the Marathon Diva stamp set from Gina K Designs, first time getting her inky!  I added a blue metal paperclip.  I topped the paperclip with a pin honoring the Boston Marathon 2013.  I worked at a little family run business, before moving to the Cape, they manufactured plastic lapel pins for promotions.   My old boss Nick, sent me some of these. 



 

 

 

I don't want to end on a dreary note, I want to celebrate the fact that I have had my Blog for a year, so I am offering up some Blog Candy.  All you have to do is make sure you follow my Blog via email and that confusing Google thingie.....leave me a comment, maybe tell me what is your one favorite thing that has happened to you over the past year!

 

Here is what you may win:

 

Autumn Leaves, Whimsical Frames

Sandylion, Funtastik Flowers

Gina K Designs, Spring Parade Designer Paper

Baker's Twine

Miscellaneous Accents





  

 

 I will choose 1 winner on May 1st.  One entry per person.

 

Happy Spring To You All!

 

Enjoy~~

Miss You Note Card

Good Morning!

I hope you woke with a song in your heart!  Too much?  I wake up kind of happy.....everyday.....I've been told it is annoying!  BUT, it's who I am.  I'm a glass half full kind of gal, in case you didn't know.  I am a great friend and an awesome cheerleader!  If you ever need a laugh, search me out! 

Today's card is just a little note card.  Nothing fancy, NO flash.....I think I may be able to even mail it with a regular stamp, THIS is what I have been trying to accomplish!

This card will be entered into Mix It Up Monday Challenge, Metal, at Stamp TV and the Simon Says Wednesday Challenge, Animal Antics.

Using FREE cut files and the Warm Spring Wishes stamp set all from Gina K Designs I designed this simple little note card.  The Designer Papers are from K And Company, Julianne.  A little 'flag' sentiment banner and 2 different sized shiny metal brads.  I must say I LOVE this bird image, so perfect in every way!

Thanks so much for popping on in, it has been a very creative week so far.....YAY!

Enjoy~~

Botanical Dreams

Hello Again!

I can't believe I have owned this stamp set, Botanical Dreams, from Gina K Designs,  forever and have NEVER gotten this image inky before.....WHY???  It is absolutely gorgeous and just so much fun to color!  I wonder what other images I have overlooked in my stamp collection, I may just have to got through them all.....see you in a few weeks!  lol

I used the Sketch from Poppy Sketches, with POPS of color!



 

The image is colored with Copic Markers and outlined with BG10, Cool Shadow.  Added a little strip of texture with a Swiss Dots Embossing Folder.   The sentiment is stamped onto a cut out 'flag' banner.  A button, Baker's Twine, and a little metal charm that says, Made With Love, were added as accents. 

 

Orchids are everywhere these days, I just love the style that you water by adding 3-5 ice cubes each week, how simple is that?  The blooms last for such a long time and then they seem to go dormant for just as long.....BUT....if you keep watering them they come back time and time again.  They are so delicate and come in a variety of colors!

 

This will also be entered into the Mix It Up Monday Challenge, Metal over at Stamp TV.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

 

Enjoy~~



Just A Note, CAS

Good Morning!

I don't think any card can be any cleaner or any simpler.  (still a struggle for this type of card!!!)

 

I used the Just A Note Stamp Set, available from Gina K Designs.  Love the musical note flourish from this set.  I added a metal clamp to the stamped sentiment flag.  There is really not much more to say about this particular card making process.  lol

Oh I will point out that when taking photos I throw this piece of folded white poster board on my kitchen counter, in front of a little TV.  It seems to work fine for me.....BUT if you look at the top right portion of the poster board in the background, you'll notice.....what???   That would be a white adhesive pearl.  I'm sure it's missing from some other creation.  HA!  

This will be entered into the  CASology #91 Note Challenge and the Mix It Up Monday Challenge at Stamp TV, Metal.

Keep smiling people!

Enjoy~~

Floral Celebration

Good Afternoon!

Here's a pretty little card I whipped up for a couple of Challenges.  I just felt like coloring yesterday, so I did.  Life is good like that (knock on wood!)

 

I used a pretty flower bouquet stamp from Penny Black Stamps, colored with Copic Markers.  The Designer Papers are from American Crafts, Dots And Stripes.  Just a simple layout, lots of pretty Spring colors to brighten your day.  I did add a few colored metal eyelets (does anyone use eyelets anymore?  I have a TON of them!)  lol  The sentiment is stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink onto Spellbinders Label Eight die.

 

This card will be entered into:     

 

                                               Mod Squad Blog, Spring Color Challenge     

 

 

                                          And the Curtain Call Challenge, Confetti Crush.

 

 

Wishing you SUNSHINE!

 

Enjoy~~

Birds Of A Feather

Good Chilly Morning!  Yup we had Spring in the palm of our hands for 3 whole days....and then *snap* right back to winter.....even with a little snow squall.....oh man!  BUT the sun is shining despite the cooler temperatures.

Today's card is for 2 Challenges, the Mix It Up Monday Challenge over at Stamp TV, hosted by my very good gal pal, Karen Hightower, Metal.....to add any type of metal to your card or project and for the Simon Says Monday Challenge, Winged Things.

 

I used the Warm Spring Wishes stamp set, available from Gina K Designs. The Designer Papers are from Teresa Collins, World Traveler.  I used my Cameo to create the FREE 'cut files'  also from Gina, click HERE.  I stamped the cuts in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and left them 'natural'.  I added 5 shiny metal brads.  Using a Black Sakura Glaze Pen I added some accents to the bird cages.   Fiskars Border Punch.  Spellbinders/Flourishes Perfectly Pierced Classic Frame die.

 

Glad I didn't pack up my winter coat.  *sigh*

 

Enjoy~~

 

 



Peter Cottontail X 3

One last Easter card, remembered just one more person on my list!  ;)

 



I used the cute little stamp set, Polka Dot Parade #1, from Papertrey Ink.  I really think these bunnies are super cute, just perfect for the season!  I took the 'cottontail' stamp and using white embossing powder made a little panel of my own Designer Paper, adding some texture with a Swiss Dots embossing folder.  The tails of the bunnies have had some white flocking added to them, so soft to the touch!  The bunnies were stamped in Garden Green, More Mustard, and Elegant Eggplant, all inks by Stampin' Up!  A little Happy Easter sentiment and 2 strips of ribbon and the card is complete. 

 

This card will be entered into the Simon Says Wednesday Challenge, Easter and/or Sweet Treats and the Mod Squad Blog Challenge, Spring Into Spring, to use 3 bright Springy colors and to use stamps to make your own Designer Paper.

 

Glad you could come by!

 

Enjoy~

 



April Showers......

.....Bring May Flowers.  Yay!  LOVE this time of year, so full of life and rebirth after one of the longest winters I can remember.  I am not sure, but the older I become the longer the winters feel.....what's up with that?

Today's card will be entered into the CAS #90 Wet Challenge, and the Mod Squad Blog Spring Into Spring Challenge, to use 3 bright Springy colors AND to use your stamps to make your own Designer Paper. 

 

I used the umbrella image from the Warm Spring Wishes stamp set from Gina K Designs.  Paper pieced the top using 4 different colored card stocks.  I also added some glitz with the corresponding Sakura Glitter Pens and colored in the dots.   Stamped the sentiment and before adhering the image to the base I flicked light blue and dark blue paint all over it using an old toothbrush, to make the rain.  I then took some Diamond Stickles and dabbed that all over the dried paint.  Traced the outline of the umbrella with more Sakura Glitter Pens and added an adhesive pearl at the top.

 

Yesterday I finished cleaning out my garden beds, tossed in a ton of seeds I collected last fall like, Marigolds (I NEVER buy these anymore) Black Eyed Susans, Purple Cone Flowers, Cosmos, Cleome, Shasta Daisies, just to name a few.  (praying for a light shower of rain!)

 

Thanks so much for popping by.

 

Enjoy~~



Birthdays Are A Wonderful Journey!

Good Afternoon!

Today's card will be entered into the My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge and the Simon Says Monday Challenge, Journey. Nothing says journey more to me than another birthday.  It's a good time to take stock over the past year and to look forward to the next.

I love the sketches that MFT has each week, such great designs!  I am also happy to say that I won the Challenge last week at Simon Says and received a $50 Voucher, YOWZA!  So I am actually going to buy some MFT dies and Simon Says stamps, they offer so many different products, it's CRAZY!!!  (oh and the win is ALL random, luck of the draw!)  But, I'll take it!  lol

 

 

I used the Gina K Designs stamp set, Dreams.  The Designer Paper again is from Echo Park, A Perfect Summer.  Spellbinder's Lacy Squares die, Sizzix, Flower, Old Country Bloom die, topped with a fabric brad by Cloud 9.

Okay the sun is shining and my gardens and rake are calling, almost done with the Spring clean-up, which means I can begin to toss some seeds in! Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Enjoy~~

Bright Cozy Quilt

Good Sunday Morning!  Spring has finally arrived and I am happy, happy, happy!  :)

Today's card will be entered into the Papertrey Ink's #159, No Sew Quilted Card and the Mod Squad Blog, Spring Has Sprung, to use 3 bright Springy colors AND stamp your own Designer Paper.

 

I used the Tag-It's #2 stamp set from Papertrey Ink.  They have a wonderful video on the no sew quilting technique, quite fun to do!  On the white portions I used the little itty bitty vine stamp.  And to make the quilt look 'quilted' I used a Honey Comb embossing folder.  The bright Designer Paper is Echo Park's A Perfect Summer!

 

You can check out the video HERE!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by, so happy to have been able to spend some time crafting!

 

Enjoy~~

Poppy Sketch #1 Take 2

Good Monday Morning!

Sometimes you just find a Sketch and fall in love.  lol 

Here is my second entry for the Poppy Sketch #1.   This time I rotated it on it's side, just to mix things up a bit.

 

The stamps are from Flourishes, image is from Lots Of Thoughts set and the sentiment is from the Dahlias set.  The Designer Papers are from My Mind's Eye, In Bloom!  Perfect colors for this Challenge.  The border punch is from Fiskars, some black and white gingham ribbon (probably my most favorite on ANY card!) adhesive pearls, Stickles and some Glossy Accents on the champagne glass.  I also used a Sakura Glitter pen, but I think the Stickles over powered that.

 

I really like this Sketch, perhaps next time I will turn it upside down!  :)

 

Thanks so much for dropping in, I hope today finds you well!

 

Enjoy~~

DIY Designer Paper 3

Hello Again! 

This is the 3rd card I made making my own Designer Paper.  I have had a lot of fun doing this, GREAT Challenge!  It will also be entered into the Mod Squad Blog Challenge, DIY, make your own Designer Paper.  This actually my be my favorite of the 3.

I used the flower image from A Little Something, from Gina K Designs, to create my background, no coloring, keeping the image plain.  Then I stamped 1 flower using Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, and colored it in with some pink Copic Markers, as my focal image.  I added some fun pleated pink ribbon treatment, some lace, and a row of pearls.  The bottom portion of my card also has some texture added with a floral embossing folder.  Several adhesive pearl accents on portions of the stamped image and some pink Stickles on the colored image to add some sparkle and shine.  The sentiment is also Gina's, from the Spring Blessings set.

  I just love this card, may use it as a Mother's Day card for my dear old Mum! 

Hope you all enjoy your Sunday, may you doing something, at least one thing for yourself today, one thing that makes you happy!

Enjoy~~

DIY Designer Paper 2

Back again with another card I created with my own hand stamped designer paper.  Of course, this will be entered into the Mod Squad Blog Challenge, DIY, make your own Designer Paper.

 

I used the lovely leaf stamp from the Gina K Designs stamp set, Signs Of Spring.    I stamped several of the images using Distress Inks in, Antique Linen, Peeled Paint, and Wild Honey.  I love the antique linen and the shadow effect it casts off.   The butterfly and sentiment are from Gina's Warm Spring Wishes stamp set.  Spellbinders Lacy Squares die, threaded with a little white ribbon.  Sizzix Branch With Leaves die.  An adhesive rhinestone and Stickles on the butterfly and leaves.  Copic Markers.

 

I am really hooked on making my own designer paper, so many choices with stamps, inks, and designs......the possibilities are endless!

 

Thanks so much for popping by, appreciate you doing so!

 

ENJOY~~

DIY Designer Paper 1

Hello!  Yesterday I was able to spend some time in my craft room.  No chores, no errands, just playing with paper....oh what FUN!

I made a few cards for the DIY Challenge over at the Mod Squad Blog, to make your own designer paper.  It's such a FUN Challenge, one that makes you think too!  Here is the first of 3 cards that I will be entering.  It's clean, not so simple, but has a masculine feel.

I used 2 Gina K Designs stamp sets, Masculine Tags and Pretty Patterns 2.  Stampin' Up! Inks in Elegant Eggplant, Cajun Craze, More Mustard and Night Of Navy.  Spellbinders die, Grommet Tags and a little bit of white and purple ribbon. 

I think this will make a perfect little card for a small gift for Father's Day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy~~

Spring....It IS Here!

And thankfully so!  We have sunshine, again....3rd day in a row. I'll take it!

Today's card is just a sweet little creation, nothing fancy, no flash, just sweet.

I used the Sketch at the new blog, Poppy Sketches.

 

The Designer Papers are from My Mind's Eye, In Bloom, just perfect for this long awaited Spring!  The sentiment is from the Spring Blessing stamp set which is part of the Shabby Spring STV Kit, available from Gina K Designs.  Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Spellbinder's Ribbon Tag Trio and a Fiskars Paper Punch.  A few Adhesive Pearls and a couple of different pink ribbon.  Ta Da!

 

Short.  Sweet.

 

This card will be entered into Poppy Sketch #1 and for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, Happy Birthday.

 

Hope the sun is shining where you are!

 

Enjoy~~

Spring Is Here.....Is It?!?!

Good Morning!   I say good because we have day 2 of sunshine!  So much better than the blizzard of last week!  Baby Steps!

Today's project makes me feel that Spring IS a possibility, that it will arrive, eventually.....until then I guess I will just keep stamping some beautiful floral images!  That should work.

The Card In A Box is all the rage and I finally jumped on the bandwagon, and glad I did.  It's FUN, it's EASY, and they can fit into a regular sized envelope, it's ALL good!  There are a ton of YouTube Videos, I watched a few to gets some great tips, just look for the one that appeals to you.

I am entering my project into the Mix It Up Monday Challenge over at Stamp TV, Celebrate Spring, and for the Simon Says Monday Challenge, Anything Goes!

 

I used my new Stamp TV Kit, Shabby Spring, and the Friends stamp sets, both available from Gina K Designs.  I also used all of the FREE, that's right I said, FREE Cut Files that Gina offers to us!  Just go to the Freebies Tab At Stamp TV.  

 

My theme is Spring and Friendship!

 

 

 

 

 

 I love how this came out and would encourage you to try it as well.  Birthdays, Weddings, Friendship, Baby Showers, you can tailor it to whatever you are celebrating, just think of the possibilities! 



 

 

The Designer Papers are from Authentique, Gathering Collection.  I added a bit of sparkle and shine using Sakura Glitter Pens and some Stickles.

 

Thanks for checking out Spring in my corner of the world!

 

Enjoy~~