Christmas Card Challenge Week #43

Happy Sunday friends!

I'm so excited that today is Sunday!  I get to share another Christmas card, or project in this case, with you.  I also got to sleep in today, which makes me totally happy. lol  This weeks challenge is tags.  You can add tags to your cards, or create Christmas tags for your gifts.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I chose to create a gift tag for my project today.  I am about two cards away from completing the amount I need for this year, and I am going to need a few gift tags, so I figured why not start them now.  I got this fantastic cork paper at Scrappers Boutique last weekend, and I had to use it.  I embossed it with the Victorian embossing folder, then distressed it with some Cat's Eye chalk ink in Alabaster.  I used more felt, with my new Tattered Florals die from Tim Holtz, my favorite MFT die, and some new Nesties also.  I really like the look of the cork.  I'm definitely going to use it for all of my gift tags this year.  Isn't it cute?

I hope you'll head over to see who our guest is this week, and to see what the other designers have created.  As always, they're pretty wonderful.

Have a great day!

Unscripted Sketches #74

Hi everyone!

I've got another busy day today, working at Scrappers Boutique and then a birthday crop for my friend Adair.  This is going to be another quick post.  I created something a bit different for this weeks Unscripted Sketches challenge.  For this weeks sketch, click HERE.

This started out as a chipboard book that I got on sale at Hobby Lobby, months ago.  I had been racking my brain, trying to figure out what to do with it, and this weeks US sketch finally helped me pull it together.  I flipped it for what I needed, and love how it turned out.  Those bold colors worked together better than I expected.  I think I'm going to fill it with chocolates and a gift card for Staples or Office Depot and have my daughter give it to her favorite teacher.  I suppose she could lay it on her desk like a real book, but then it would have hidden goodies inside for when she "needs a moment".  lol

I hope you'll head over to the US blog to see what projects are posted using this weeks sketch.  They're fantastic!

Big hugs!

Christmas Card Challenge Week #42

Hello to all!

How's your weekend been?  Did ya'll do anything exciting?  I worked at Scrappers Boutique yesterday, and then stayed to crop with my friend Adair, and the wonderful ladies that I usually play hostess to every weekend.  I was SO excited that I got to meet another online blogger, whom I'd kinda been stalking (but don't tell her), Anne Harada.  She's so amazingly talented.

I can't believe we're at week #42 of these challenges already.  Only 10 weeks until we're done for the 2010 term.  Have you guys started your Christmas cards yet?  I'm SO happy that I'm almost done with mine.  All I will have left to do is sign and send them.  So, this weeks challenge is, Distressed Christmas cards.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I don't think I'm very happy with the photo of my card this week.  You can't really see all of the distressing, and for some reason, it's a bit fuzzy.  I think I may have the settings all messed up again.  Either way, I love the non-traditional colors, which you know is my thing.  It's nice and clean, and simple.  This is my take on THIS sketch.  I thought it worked really well for what I was attempting.

I hope you'll head over to see who our guest desinger is, and also maybe play along this week.  I know you want to, right? :)

Have a wonderful day!

Unscripted Sketches #73 with a Twist

Happy Saturday ya'll!

I'm excited that the weekend is here!  I've got a busy day today.  I'm working at Scrappers Boutique and then cropping with friends tonight.  This post is going to be short and to the point.  I've got another Unscripted Sketch challenge card for you.  This week there's a twist: make a monochromatic project using the sketch.  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

Isn't he the cutest?  I stamped him twice, colored him with my Copics and then popped up his head and body.  In the picture below you can see how popped up he is. lol

I also used a bit of my clear Sakura Stardust pen to make him sparkly.  I thought it would give a nice dimension to him.  I mean, what better than a cute, sparkly lil alien, right?  I love how his blue eye pops against all of the green too.  It really is adorable in real life.

I hope you'll head over to the Unscripted blog to see what wonderful projects are posted for you this week.  As always, they're pretty fantastic.

Hugs!

Colorful Birthday Blessings

Hi ya'll!

I was really excited to find another challenge blog while surfing.  It's called The Paper Variety and they just posted their first challenge yesterday, a sketch challenge.  I loved it, and couldn't help putting something together right away.  I've decided to start building up my stash of cards so that I have them available when I need them, just in case.  Here is my card using their sketch.

I love the added touch of the lace, and the different colored flowers to match one of the papers.  I also love how bright and cheerful it is.  I hope you'll head over to The Paper Variety challenge blog to see what their amazing design team have put together.  You'll love them, I know it!

Have a great afternoon!
Hugs!

Christmas Card Challenge Week #41

Yay for Sunday!

Today brings us to another Christmas Card challenge.  This weeks challenge is to incorporate Christmas trees on your card.  Easy, right?  For this weeks challenge, clicke HERE.

I'm totally digging this color combo!  I got it from Monday's Design Dollies challenge, and I used it with last Sunday's Sweet Sunday sketch that I flipped.  I added just a pop of red to contrast the other colors, and love the card.  I have to admit that I'm not really enjoying my try at using Liquid Pearls.  They didn't turn out as round and pretty as I'd hoped.  Sankari Wedgeman makes it look so beautiful, but apparently it takes a lot more practice than I thought. lol  All in all, it's a very cute card.  I didn't have room for my sentiment, but I still like it.

I hope you'll head over to see who our wonderful guest designer is, lets just say she's one of the funniest people I know!  I know you'll know who I'm talking about after seeing who it is.  The other designers have some amazing cards for you as well.  Why not check them out, and maybe play along?  We're another week closer to Christmas you know. :)

Off to finish laundry!
Hugs!

Unscripted Sketches #72

Good day!

I'm a bit late posting this today.  I had originally planned on joining the US challenges again on the 18th, but I really wanted to use the sketch from this week.  The gals over at the US blog said to go ahead and play along, if I wanted.  So, here is my first project as a design team member, again.  For this weeks sketch, click HERE.

I re-did my sisters engagement album after her husband spilled his coffee all over it, and after it was done, I decided to re-do her wedding album as well.  This is one of my absolute favorite pictures of them.  They look like they're so in love, and in their own little world.  They truly are one of the best couples I know, and I'll say it again, I'm happy they have each other.  I took a sheet from the Le Creme stack from DCWV and cut out the pretty pattern to use as like a type of trellis at the top.  I adhered it over everything else with dimensionals, and like how it turned out.  It almost reminds me of a curtain over everything, does that make sense? lol  I like the dimension it adds.  Anyway, their wedding colors were deep blue, orange and ivory.  It's going to be interesting to see how I incorporate these colors.  I suppose it will be cool for you Bronco's fans out there. lol

I hope you'll head over to the US blog to see what everyone has created today.  Most of the new designers have projects posted, and they're wonderful!  Sketch challenges are always so much fun, and really help me, as a starting point.  I hope you'll get the chance to play along with us this week!

Have a great day!
Hugs!

Embrace Happiness

TGIF!

I originally had a different card posted for today, but after seeing this weeks ColorQ that was posted on Tuesday, I had to play along.  Just look at these gorgeous colors!  And you know me, I love the blues!

I didn't have any Marina Mist so I subbed for Baja Breeze.  Fortunately for me, I had some felt that matched perfectly with these colors.  I used Laura's Sketch #60 at 2S4Y and am loving it.  I was also directed to a new challenge blog called Papercraft Star.  This weeks challenge (#12) is an inspiration challenge.  I've got lots of favorites in this card.  My Nesties, Cuttlebug embossing, a new MFT die and of course, the color blue.  I've got just the person in mind for this card too.  I hope they enjoy receiving it.

I'm off to work, and then to Scrappers Boutique tonight.  I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
Hugs!

Trick or Treat

Yola!

Today I have one of my favorite Halloween cards, to date, to share with you.  It actually turned out a lot better than I pictured it in my head.

Isn't she the cutest all colored up?  I colored her and her kitty kitty with my Copics and then used my Nesties to cut her out.  I used more of the felt I got recently, to finish off the main image panel.  I'm not sure I dig the sentiment tag, after looking at it now.  I was hoping to highlight the embossed part by using some purple ink to go with her dress, but it just looks like elementary school coloring in my picture. lol  Eh, it's all good.  I still love the card.  I finally found my MS Drippy Goo punch and put it to use immediately on this card.  I will be entering this into the following challenges.

Jen's SFYTT 9/4 - Sketch
Stamp Something 9/4 - Something Cute
Play Date Cafe #45 - Deep Purple/Burgundy, Kraft & Dark Orange (I got as close to the photo as I could)

That's all for me today.  Back tomorrow with another crafty post.
Hugs!

Finally, my exciting news! And, a card.

Happy Humpday!

I'm so glad it's Wednesday!  This means only two more days until I get to sleep in again.  I think I've said that quite often.  Can you tell that I enjoy sleeping in on the weekends? lol  Today I have a simple anniversary card to share with you today.  I've got a couple coming up, so I decided to just put them together already.

I'm loving the butterfly!  Go figure, right? lol  I recently got some felt and decided to use it.  I had no idea how much I was going to LOVE it.  It adds so much to your projects.  I'm definitely going to be using more of this fabulous stuff on my projects soon.  I'm excited that I got to participate in a few challenges this time too.  Below are the challenges I combined for this card.

Unscripted Sketches #71 - Sketch
Annabelle Stamps - Say it in Yellow and Gray
Stampin Royalty #35 - Rhinestones & Pearls
Marks Finest Papers #19 - Use 5 of Something (I have five die cuts, I know, that's stretching it...)

And now, I know you're just dying to know what my exciting news is, right?  Did you notice the new tab at the top of my blog?  Well, with work calming down quite a bit, and getting an assistant, I'm able to leave on time everyday and have more time in my craft area.  This has resulted in rejoining one of my favorite design teams, Unscripted Sketches.  I'm SO excited that I've been able to join them again and look forward to working with everyone.  They will be announcing the new design team this week, so don't forget to stop by and see who's who.  It looks to be an amazing line up!  Now, I will have at least two posts a week, one Saturday and one Sunday.  I can't wait to get started so check back on the 18th for my first official project as a member of the US design team, again. :)

I decided to change the look of my blog again, to something more me.  This is a lot easier on the eyes as well.  Thanks for visiting again!  I wish you a good day!
Hugs!

Texas Tuesday Creation

Hiya!

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I've added a tab for the Texas Tuesday group at the top of my blog.  This is a group of paper crafters who all reside in Texas.  The goal is to post a Texas themed project on a semi-regular basis.  There are some fabulous designers in this group, and I hope you'll check them out!

Sorry about the photo not being so great.  I was fighting with the weather a bit over the weekend.  Being new to the group, I have very few Texas related stamps.  I'm going to have to come up with some creative ways to use the few I do have until I can purchase more.  Since I've been in Christmas card mode lately, I decided to add another to the pile.  Isn't this Texas flag ornament stamp the cutest?!  I love it!  I challenged myself to use more white space again.  I'm kinda digging it. :)

I hope you'll get the chance to check out what everyone else has put together today.  Have a good one!
Hugs!

I {heart} Penguins!

Hola ya'll!

So, I have something scheduled for you each day this week.  I told you I had been crafty over the extended, holiday weekend.  This first card is for my sister.  She had a rough couple days last week and I wanted to cheer her up.  And what better to do that, than with some adorable penguins?  Her hubby will love it if she doesn't (keep your hands off it Josh!), so either way someone will enjoy it. lol

I have to admit that this card started out as this fabulous idea to paper piece the couch and the rug.  The process of getting the idea onto my card was not so fabulous. lol  I thought it would be difficult to cut out each penguin, so I decided to cut the couch out, and lay it on top of the original stamped image.  This was, for a beginner paper piecer, very stressful.  I think it turned out ok, but I don't want to talk about how many times I had to do it just to get one decent paper pieced image.  I should have just colored it in and pieced the rug by itself.  I guess for all of that hard work, it kind of paid off.  It's an adorable card.  I got to play with some new goodies as well.  More Nesties, an MFT die, and some BG Kioshi papers.  The idea for this card, as mentioned above, is to cheer my sister up, and I think this card will do the job.  After all, who wouldn't love a big red couch, right?  I am going to submit this card into this weeks Drunken Stampers challenge, which is Serenity Now.  My sissy and I are huge movie buffs, so for us, relaxing on the couch with a good movie is bliss.  It also means that we're spending time together, which is fantastic!

I hope you have a wonderful day!  I'm off to create another something.
Hugs!

Christmas Card Challenge Week #40

Happy Sunday everyone! 

I hope you've had a great week.  This week was tons better for me at work, and I've got three whole days off to myself.  We're off Monday for the holiday and Scrappers Boutique didn't have a crop last night because of the holiday weekend as well, so that gives me three whole days off.  Do you have anything fun planned for the holiday?  I got to spend some good, quality time last night with friends I hadn't seen in a while, and we had a blast!  But, I've decided to just be a bum and enjoy the rest of my time off.  Needless to say, I've got lots to share with you over the next few days or so.  Lets just say I was a happy stamper this weekend.  And, I've still got a whole day to do more scrappy stuff tomorrow.  I'm SO excited!

Sunday brings us another Christmas Card challenge.  This weeks challenge is to create a CAS (Clean And Simple) or one layered card.  At first, I thought it would be easy.  Boy was I wrong!  It took me most of the week to come up with this, and I'm not even sure I'm all that pleased with it. lol  For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I love the bow, but that's about it for the card.  I guess I didn't realize how difficult it would be to create something so simple.  I think I may need to challenge myself to create more CAS type cards.  Just so that I'm not as challenged next time.  My card today also fits this weeks Stamp, Scrap & Doodle challenge, which is Christmas.  

We've got another fantastic guest designer this week.  I hope you'll head over to the blog and check out what everyone has created for you today.  They're all pretty fantastic.  And, time is running out to get all of your Christmas cards done.  Why not come play along this week?  We'd love to have you join us!

Hugs!

It's That Time Again!

I was tired of the old blog look, so I updated it to something completely different.  I like it.  It's the start of a new season, there are new beginnings in my life, and I'm back to simplifying quite a bit.  It is definitely time for a change!  I also have some exciting news to come in the next week. 

I hope you have a wonderful day!
Hugs!

Hello

Good day to all!

I have a quick post for you today.  I know ya'll know how horrible I am at creating masculine cards, so I wanted to post one that actually turned out quite nice. 

I recently got some BG Oliver papers at Scrappers Boutique, so I decided to tear into them yesterday evening.  I couldn't sleep when I got home, so I decided to be productive.  I'm loving how this turned out!  All of the elements seemed to just come together once I picked my papers and sketch.  I can't remember which sketch I used, so I apologize for not linking it. :(

I hope you have a wonderful day!