Creating with Cosmo Cricket

I've mentioned Lulu on my blog before, but I'm mentioning her here again because she is offering up an awesome challenge in conjunction with her new design team gig at Cosmo Cricket. Be sure to check the challenge out by clicking here. Well, I decided to play along by creating this card:

I went to my stash and grabbed my favorite sheets of "Girl Friday" patterned papers. I absolutely love all the designs in this line and have hoarded many of these pages for quite some time. I put it to use with some solid cardstock from Stampin' Up and Papertrey Ink along with a Spellbinders die, Papertrey's Banner Builder dies, Martha Stewart's butterfly punch and some Twinery twine.

Here is a picture of the card sketch I followed:

This was a fun challenge and I thought this card would make a cute mailbox stuffer to brighten someone's day. I hope you like it!!

Enjoying

some card making time lately...and I had a few to catch up on so that's always good when you can get two things accomplished at once!! I'm all about multi-tasking!!

Here's what I put together:

This card was made using a stamp set from Close to My Heart that I purchased while attending the Orlando scrapbook convention a few weeks ago. I had an idea in my head when I started the card, however I'm not sure this is exactly what I envisioned. Can you tell the circles are buttons? I'm not sure they "scream" buttons the way I had hoped they would. This stamp set is called, "Buttoned Together."

Next is a card I made using some Crate Paper die cuts. This is actually a thank you card, but the "Hello" sentiment from Papertrey Ink fit perfectly so I used it instead. I love that ledger paper background stamp from Jenni Bowlin.

And last is a simple card I put together for a group of ladies at my Mom's church. I attended a really nice class on canning and preserving food and they did such a wonderful job with the presentation and the food afterwards I wanted to make sure they knew how much I appreciated their efforts. I found this Mason jar stamp a long time ago at a garage sale (for $1.00) and was excited to put it to good use. I wanted to take a really simple approach (no distressing on this one) because I know what my Mom's taste is like and I thought the other ladies would have the same point of view. After I finished it I thought that maybe next time I might try masking the jar and stamping a pretty background of some kind. Isn't it funny what you think about when you finish something? If there were only more hours in the day...

The little tag says, "thanks so much."

That's it....I'll see you guys later!!

Just a few...

...cards that I've made recently. No reason for these particular cards, just felt like being creative.

First up is a birthday card I'm sure I'll put to good use one day:

This card was made using some of my favorites by Stampin' Up including Melon Mambo and Real Red cardstock. I also added some jewels and a strip of patterned paper from my scrap stash.

Next up is a wedding card I made during to donate to our school's card stash. I was using a stash of scraps and loved how the colors went together.

I also added a mixture of Spellbinders dies along with a sentiment stamp from Papertrey and my scalloped edge punch. This one was really out of my norm as far as colors go, but I was pleased with how it turned out.

Where do I begin? A bunch o' stuff...

You know, once in a while I get a little down...I start thinking about this blog and I wonder, "Does anyone really care if I post or not?" I think we all have "visions" when we start a blog, and sometimes the visions become a reality and sometimes they do not. I don't know where I'm going with all of this, I usually don't get this "philosphical" on my blog, and I don't mean to sound like a downer....just letting you know what my thoughts have been. Anyways, I understand and totally get that to become a famous blogger it requires a lot of time, a lot of skill (great photos are a huge bonus) and a lot of dedication. Some days I have it and some days I don't. Some days I want to focus on the fun stuff and some days I want to focus on the required stuff....chores, paying bills, grocery shopping, homework -- you get it. So, that is basically my "excuse" for where I have been and what I've been up to. But, in a positive light, a few weeks ago I got the sweetest e-mail from someone I admire and have admired for a long time....I've never met her, but I think she's super talented, super sweet and I deeply appreciate the fact that she reached out to me during a time when I was thinking, "does it matter?" If you've never been to Laura Craigie's blog, you MUST check it out....she's been on a roll lately and has many accomplishments attached to her sweet name. I would love to be half as talented...

Here's some of what I've been busy with lately:

This is a card I made for a friend using some scraps, SU cardstock, the Teeny Tags stamp set, scallop border punch, Fiskars edge punch, the Outlines alphabet stamp set from Papertrey Ink and a Martha Stewart butterfly punch. Can you tell that punches are my favorite tools to use?

Next up a little card I made for my sister:

This was a quick card I made using a Hero Arts bicycle stamp. (My sister gave my daughter a bike and I wanted to send a thank-you card.) The patterned paper was from my stash, but I think it's from Hobby Lobby's brand. I also used the Apron Lace border punch and the Teeny Tags stamp set.

I've also been working on a few Easter treat samples. I'm not sure what I'm going to go with yet so I just make one or two of something and then I decide.

This is a fun egg-shaped tote that is just small enough to make with one piece of 8x11 paper but big enough to fill with some fun treats. (I actually made these last year.)

This was an easy craft using a piece of cardstock and a piece of vinyl. I punched the holes using my Crop-a-Dile and then cinched it together using purple organza ribbon. I also made another version using clear vinyl on both sides and stitched it together using pink thread and my sewing machine. (Sorry the photo isn't the best quality.)

I think both of these would work much better using flat M&M's (the plain version) but for Easter, the plain version is made in an egg shape. Who would have thunk such a thing? (is thunk a word???)

And, one of my favorite Easter treats is a non-sweet treat....I shared these last year but thought I would re-post a picture:

Easter "carrots" made using Cheetos (or you could use Goldfish crackers) and piping bags from Wilton. These were a huge hit in my 2nd grade class.

And, just in case you're interested, here are a few things I've done in the last few days (things that I've actually managed to take pictures of):

I've long admired a turquoise and red necklace worn by another blogger (that I visit daily) and I've never been able to find one like it....so, yesterday I gathered the supplies and made one all by myself!! I was shocked that it took less than 15 minutes and turned out just the right length and exactly how I envisioned it.  Yahoo!!

Next up, I thought I would share a fabulous bread that we've been making lately. I got the recipe from another blog (what we would do without blogs?) and it's fantastic! In my quest to get my family on a healthier eating path this Oatmeal Bread will be making an appearance quite often at my dinner table.

That's it for now...I promise to be a better blogger, but thanks in advance for your patience and understanding! Bloggers and blog readers are the best!!

Papertrey - Color Challenge

Today's challenge on the Papertrey blog was to pick a color combo from a favorite designer and create your own project using those combinations. I loved the colors chosen by Lisa Johnson, and I had the same cardstock and ribbon to match.

The colors I chose were Pure Poppy, Kraft, Spring Rain and Vintage Cream.

I also went to my Bitty Boxes paper pad and used a Spring Rain paper from that selection.

Stamp sets I used include the Make a Wish sentiment set along with Heather's Library Ledger set which I used to create a background design.

The focal point for my card is a "Wish" bingo card from a Jenni Bowlin pack I've had in my stash for quite a while. I loved how the colors popped on the main background. I hope you liked it!!

Make a Wish - Birthday Wishes

I'm sending out some special "pre-birthday" wishes to a great friend today!! Her birthday is tomorrow....Happy Birthday Jennifer!! I hope you have a fun and fantastic day!!

The inside of the card reads: "Don't despair about the number of candles on your cake. The more candles, the bigger the wish that you can make." I love the Make a Wish stamp set from Papertrey.

By the way....your card (which is up above) will be a teensy tiny bit late.

**I forgot to mention that the layout for this card design was borrowed from Lisa Johnson's feature in this month's CARDS magazine. I loved her card on page 129.

January Blog Hop - Papertrey Style

Hi and Welcome to my blog!! I am so excited to be a participant in this month's Papertrey "Blog Hop."

A dear friend of mine recently purchased a new car and, once I heard the news, I knew exactly what stamp set I wanted to use to help her celebrate.

I went to my Papertrey stamp collection and got to work using the "Enjoy the Ride" stamp set. I've loved this set since the moment I saw it released, but have actually waited quite a while before using it. Why? I am not sure, because it is so much fun! It was also a perfect match for this month's theme which is to use a stamp set that has seen little or no ink.

Here's the card I created using lots of Papertrey goodies:

I began with Papertrey's white and kraft cardstock, along with a Spellbinders die cut using Hawaiin Shores cardstock which I embossed with a QuicKutz embossing folder. I also found this really cute patterned paper in my stash, and sorry....I don't know who the manufacturer is....it is something I found on clearance at my local scrapbook store.  I paired the patterned paper with Papertrey's Distressed Dots paper and Dotty Biscotti paper.

Other dies I used include the Enjoy the Ride car die, along with the double-ended banner die which I love!! Inks I used include Papertrey's Dark Chocolate and Pure Poppy. Other ink colors include Stampin Up's Gable Green and a Marvy turquoise.

I also paired this card with a scented air freshener for her car from Bath & Body Works.

I hope you enjoyed your visit and be sure to come back soon!!

Christmas Thank You Cards

A few days ago I sat down and had the best time making a big ole' batch of Christmas Thank You cards. I began with an inspirational card sketch and I also knew I wanted to use my new Papertrey felt and Christmas tree die...I fell in love with that thing the minute I saw it.

Here's what I came up with, a few different designs:

Lots of Papertrey and Stampin' Up cardstock, a Fiskars border punch, a Cuttlebug embossing folder, a Spellbinders tag die, Papertrey stamps and as I mentioned, Papertrey felt and their fabulous tree die. I made two variations of this card, one with red buttons and one with blue buttons....a certain friend of mine has a fondness for blue and green.

And, to round the bunch out, I reached into my "felt goodies" basket and found these snowflakes from a few years back. They were the perfect touch to finish these cards. Same supplies, I just added a different felt embellishment.

I still needed a few more cards, but decided to go with something a little easier and something that would take less time to make in a large quantity....after looking at the latest CARDS magazine, I borrowed this design from the featured designer, Amy Heller.  Amy's card design can be found on page 117 of this month's issue.  Here's my interpretation:

The die cut sentiment is from Stampin' Up, the patterned paper from DCWV and the stamped stitches are from Sandylion (I've had this set for years).

Now I need to get busy writing my messages and letting everyone know just how much we enjoyed our holiday! Take care until next time!!

Making Merry Gifts

This year my goal is to make lots and lots of homemade goodies for my friends and family.  Many of those gifts involve my sewing machine and my serger. The first project checked off my list was my countdown chain and #2 on that same list was a set of these:

I am s-l-o-w-l-y steering my family toward the trend of going paperless, and by that I mean less buying of paper napkins, paper towels and paper plates. I know they are convenient to use, but they are so costly, and take up so much room in my trash can, not to mention the landfills where they ultimately end up.

Here's a set of Christmas-themed flannel fabric towels that I am gifting this year:

It's a set of 6 all bundled up with a twill tape and decorative tag. The towels measure 10x10 and are made with soft flannel on one side and terry cloth on the other. I use a similar set in my kitchen for cleaning up spills around the sink. They are super absorbent and have saved me from wasting countless paper towels. I didn't have a tutorial when I made these, but I first serged the edges and then top-stitched around the perimeter so they would hold their shape after being washed.

And last up, a quickie card I made for a friend:

This was a quick card using a sticker from my Christmas stash, a fiskars edge punch, some twine and a cute tree die from Quickutz.

See you next time!

Thankful for you

I have so much to be thankful for, I don't even think I could compile everything on one list....I would have to have multiple lists...but I try to stay grounded and stay in the moment so that I don't let the "little" things slip by. I think that's what we all strive for, right?

Here's my "thankful" card for this season...I only made a few, but I wanted to share this one with you...my blog reader.

I enjoy your visits and your comments and hope to post more often as I let go of some resposibilities which keep me very busy.  I want to have more creative time for myself and my family in 2011.

This card was made with some yummy Papertrey products, including their new stamp set, "A Wreath for All Seasons". You will be seeing lots of projects made with that set...I just love grapevine wreaths.

Take care and have a wonderful holiday!

Yippee, Woohoo...What?

Two of my teacher friends received some really great news this week, so I thought I would whip out a card or two to celebrate.  These are more pieces from the "Funfetti" collection I mentioned in my last post. I also used a few of their papers which are now scrap-sized pieces in my stash. These are such fun colors to work with.

I thought some sparkly gems would add to the excitement factor and they ended up being just the finishing touch I was looking for. 

Congratulations are going out to Mrs. Carroll and Mrs. Bailey on your accomplishments!! Yippee! Woohoo! Way to go!!

Scenes from My [Messy] Desktop

I'm having the most wonderful kind of day....no commitments, no time schedules and NO LAUNDRY DUTY! And, on this kind of day, I love to get a few chores done in the morning so I don't feel guilty about "playing" for the rest of the afternoon. I'm in the midst of creating some fun and cute projects and thought I would take a quick break to snap a few photos to share with you.  

Here's the scene from my desktop:

I usually clean in-between projects because my space is a little limited.  And, right now, my youngest daughter has her "classroom" set up on the other side of the room, so I'm feeling a teensy bit cramped.

It's funny how I can start out with a "plan" and then, for some reason, I have the hardest time sticking to it.  I bring out a million and one things to find the pieces that make the project "just right." I wonder if anyone else uses that kind of method.

Here's a brightly-colored card I finished for my big sis who will be celebrating a birthday tomorrow:

I have several of these fun birthday papers and die cuts from the We R Memory Keepers "Funfetti" collection. Talk about some fun images and birthday stickers to choose from.  I could have gone way overboard with this collection! I also think some pretty Stickles or glitter added to the candle flames would have been fun.

Next up is a card for a sweet friend recovering from a recent surgery. [Sharon- Sorry I didn't send something sooner.]

This card mixes some patterned paper from my stash (in other words: I don't remember when and/or where I got it) with some Papertrey Ink cardstock and ribbon. I also used some of my favorite Spellbinders dies.

That's it for now...I'm moving on to some gift wrapping and one more card before...who knows what!!  See you next time!

New Cards to Share

So I realize that I have an entire box full of cards that I've made but I simply cannot resist "stealing" a few minutes here and there to make more...something about the process...

Here are a few cards that I've whipped up in the last few days:

This card made me smile when I finished it....I know I could have added some stitching or other goodness, but I decided to keep it simple.  I love the colorful butterflies.

Next is a "friend" card because you just never know when you might need one:

This card was defnitely a "throw together" and I got my inspiration from an old magazine clipping I had hanging out in one of my binders.  I got so happy with the designing of this card that I failed to notice my rub-ons were on short supply, thus the empty space at the bottom.  I don't think anyone will notice, do you?

Lastly, I made this card Saturday night while we were hanging out....I bought a pack of sock-monkey paper at a garage sale a few weeks ago and just thought it was cute.  I didn't know how I was going to incorporate it into my scrapbook pages when I bought it, but for $1.00 I didn't question it at the time.  Anyways, I had two people that I wanted to share a "Thank You" with and designed two of these cards to give to them.

I thought these turned out so cute....and I also passed out some "Funky Monkey" banana bread I had stashed in the freezer....I thought it was appropriate for the theme.

Now, back to my box of cards...whatever shall I do with them?  Got any ideas?

P.S.  All of the stamped sentiments and letters are from Papertrey Stamps, my cardstock is either from Stampin' Up or Papertrey and the border punches include the jumbo scallop, bracket and postal edge from Fiskars or EK Success.

Big Birthday Wishes - Boy Style

I had a really easy time yesterday morning putting together this card for a super swell 9-year old friend of mine.

I used a piece of patterned scrapbook paper from Little Yellow Bicycle, along with a distressed striped Cuttlebug embossing folder, a Sizzix star die cut and a new stamp set from Papertrey Ink, "Birthday Bash Sentiments."  Thanks to my sis for buying that one for my birthday!!  

The wonky stitches are from a set I bought years ago from the Kelly Panacci line through Sandylion.  I bought it because I loved the variety of different stitches but I haven't used it until this week when I've picked it up twice.  Go figure!!