Thursday, December 30, 2010

CHRISTMAS THANK YOU


I've been missing from bloggers land for several weeks... we went on a wonderful Mediterranean vacation to Italy, Greece, Cypress, Turkey and Egypt. We visited the beautiful Greek island of Santorini and even rode camels in the Sakkara Desert of Egypt. We had a wonderful time! But no sooner did we get home when my little granddaughter had to have surgery,  then we headed right into the holiday madness. I'm glad it's all behind us now, and I've  been able to get back into my stamp room and stamping mode!

This weeks bloggers challenge theme is reuse/recycle. What better time to be able to make a card using a piece of recycled Christmas wrapping paper! My green checked country wrapping paper was chosen as my background paper for my thank you card.  The cute image is called "Toasty Treats" by Impression Obsession and the greeting is from a set called "Curly Cute" by Stampin' UP.  Real Red, Chocolate Chip, and More Mustard were my chosen card stock colors along with Copics R24, R37, YR12, E000, E00, E35, E57, G17, YG17 for coloring my image. Circle Nesties were used along with the Bigz XL Die called Tasteful Trim.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and I wish you all a safe, healthy, happy new year!!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

HALLOWEEN 2010


Halloween, it's my favorite holiday! Perhaps it's because I have such wonderful memories of how much fun it was going trick-or-treating with my brothers and sisters when we were kids on those dark cold nights. And now, I love having my little granddaughters all dressed up coming to my house to trick-or-treat on Halloween night!

It's always a lot of fun blog hopping around this time of year so I can see what everyone makes for their Halloween cards. I just love seeing all of the different images!

There are so many challenges this week for Halloween cards! My card is being used for the following challenges this week:

Craftycreationschallenges - Thewildflowerpatch
Lilredwagon - BloggersChallenge
Paperplaytime - ellephantasticchallenges 
Cowgirlssundaystampenchallenge - Crazy4challenges
Corrosivechallengesbyjanet - Acraftylittleplace

I decided to use a wonderful set by Stampin' UP called Tableau of Terror for this years card. I just love this image and even though it has a lot of coloring on it, it was much easier to do using my Copics R24, YG93, V95, YR12, YR20, W3, E00,E33, E50, E55. The retired "Canvas" background stamp was used along with Pumpkin Pie ink. Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Pumpkin Pie card stock was used. I dug out my rarely used Magic Mesh, along with my color duster brush and some Creamy Caramel ink to brush over the vanilla paper, giving the color a more uneven look.

I hope you all have lots of little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treating at your house this year.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!


Saturday, October 23, 2010

DECORATED CHRISTMAS TIN

Well, some people may think it's rushing the season to think about Christmas right now, but anyone who makes handmade items for the holidays knows it's NEVER to early to start! LOL This week for #174 Bloggers Challenge was to reuse/recycle something.

I've had this little tin for quite some time. It was given to me with a small gift inside and I kept it to decorate and recycle it. Being completely silver colored with writing on the top and bottom of the tin, I decided to cover the top with some heavy weight Christmas DP(Ornaments/Pine) from BasicGrey and cover the bottom of the tin in the same matching paper that was used to make the band that wraps around the middle of the tin. Red ribbon was used as an accent to wrap around the center of the band and also around the sides of the entire tin. I tried to turn the tin so that you can see the ribbon. I found a great little silver colored tree charm by Making Memories that worked perfectly as a center piece for the band. My newly decorated tin is to hold the gift certificate that I am giving Steven for Christmas this year. Ho...Ho...Ho...

Friday, October 15, 2010

TRICK OR TREAT

I love black and white cards with just a splash of one other color added. This weeks challenge at Bloggers Challenge was just that! The added color was to be orange, which just so happens to be my favorite color, and nearing Halloween which happens to be my favorite holiday. It made it fun and easy for me this week. :)

I used the little bat stamp from Halloween Backgrounds to create my background, and the greeting is from Holiday Best, both from Stampin' UP!

If you'd like to see what the other members of Bloggers Challenge have come up with this week, just click on the Bloggers Challenge button on the right side of my blog to check it out.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

JUST FOR YOU

I was able to participate in not only Bloggers Challenge #172 this week with a sketch challenge, but also using a freebie digi image that was offered by Faith over at Designed2Delight.

I was terribly disappointed with how the colors of this card photographed. The apples and paper are actually red, not the pink color that it looks like here.

Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, and DP from a retired series called Summer Picnic are all by Stampin' UP. Antique Linen distress ink by Tim Holtz was used to soften the bright white paper using a color duster brush.

Along with this cute seasonal digi image, I used the Aida Background stamp and the little greeting is from Stampin Up's Teeny Tiny Wishes set. Copics W3, R22, R24, R29, E25, E27, E31 and YG45 were used for coloring the images. Stop by and see what everyone else in Bloggers Challenge came up with for this weeks sketch challenge. Just click on the button on the right side of my blog.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

LIFE'S MOMENTS

I rarely make anniversary cards but the challenge this week was to make one for Bloggers Challenge #171.

Pretty in Pink and Always Artichoke were used along with some DP from the retired Bella Rose collection by Stampin' UP. Whenever I use Copics, I use Neenah Solar White card stock along with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

This beautiful floral image, along with the sentiment, is from the Elements of Style set, also from Stampin' UP! This image was really easy and fun to color using YR31, G21, G82, R81,R83 and R85 Copics. As my card has a really soft look to it, I decided to finish it off with 3 little pearls. Easily, this card could be a birthday, Mother's Day, sympathy or wedding card just by adding the appropriate wording inside. :)

Friday, September 17, 2010

RAINS ON YOUR PARADE

I just love this sentiment~~~~as we all know there's nothing like really cute shoes and boots! LOL

This week was a color challenge for Bloggers Challenge #169. The chosen colors were brown, green and blue.

I chose Stampin' UP's Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, and DP from the retired collection called Cutie Pie. The sentiment is by Great Impressions.

These cute little boots got their color from Copics E55, B12, B14, G82, YG91 and YG93.

Friday, September 10, 2010

HAPPY AUTUMN

With it being in the 60's during the day this week, along with some chilly nights, it certainly is getting us prepared for the upcoming autumn season!

Faith, over at Designed to Delight created this fall wreath digi stamp for her September freebie. She has some great digi stamps available. I thought it would be perfect for this weeks Bloggers Challenge which was to make a card using a fall theme.

I started out using Stampin' UP's garden green card stock adding layers of chocolate chip and pumpkin pie. I found some plaid DP in my paper stash that had all the right autumn colors in it, and used solar white card stock by Neenah. I used my color duster with creamy caramel ink to tone down the brightness of the white paper.

Besides the wreath digi, I used the canvas background by SU, and the greeting by Stampa Rosa. Copics used were Y11, Y15, Y17, Y38,YR16, YR31, G40, G82, G14, G99, E55, E57, E59. Memento Tuxedo Black ink was used. The little round buttons and linen thread are also by Stampin' UP.

Friday, September 3, 2010

ON THE GREEN

I wanted to make a "thinking of you" card to send to my nephew who will be home from the hospital soon, after having surgery. I've also been wanting to use this new golf stamp I bought, but didn't have a lot of time this week for card making. Things worked out great....this weeks challenge over at Bloggers Challenge was an easy sketch layout challenge and my nephew likes to golf... how perfect! I did alter the placement of the smallest layer a teeny bit because I wanted it to look as though the golfer was standing on it! LOL

I started out using Wild Wasabi, Whisper White and Basic Black card stock from Stampin' UP, along with some K&Company DP designed by Brenda Walton. I used Wild Wasabi ink on a background stamp called Antique Cracking, retired by Stampin' UP. My new golf image is called On The Green and the little greeting is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set. Four little black brads were added to complete my card.

WISHING CHIP A SPEEDY RECOVERY!

Friday, August 27, 2010

SENDING YOU A SMILE!

My sister just left after being here for a couple of weeks vacation. We all had such a good time that I decided to make a card to send to her, using this weeks color challenge of red, green and yellow for Bloggers Challenge.

Beverly loves flowers and has worked with them for years at florists, nurseries, and her own greenhouses. So I thought my card for her should have at least ONE flower on it! :)

This lonely Hero Arts flower image has been sitting on a shelf in my stamp room for as long as I can remember so I thought it was time to introduce it to some ink! The wording is an image from Endless Creations.

I chose Stampin' UP's Wild Wasabi and Real Red card stock, along with some DP from both Martha Stewart and Jillibean. Copic markers Y11, G20,G82, YG17, R22, R24, and R27 were used for color, along with 2 little red snaps for the finishing touch.

I hope Beverly likes her card, and visits again soon. :)

Friday, August 20, 2010

BACK TO SCHOOL

I knew immediately when I saw this image of the little bookworm.....that this set was a must have for me! He is just so stinkin cute wearing those big round glasses! I smile every time I look at him. :)

This weeks Bloggers Challenge was "Back to School". Now how perfect was that....knowing I was just itching to make a card with my new little bookworm. LOL

With the exception of using Neenah Solar White card stock, Memento black ink and Copic markers R29, B21, B91,YG11, and YG95, everything else is by Stampin' UP. The DP is called Summer Picnic and was teamed up with Real Red and Brocade Blue. These wonderful little stamps are from the set called "First Day"from the summer mini catalog. Circle, scallop and the spiral border punches were also used.

Take a look to see what everyone else came up with for this weeks challenge. Just click on the "Bloggers Challenge" button which can be found on the right side of my blog.

Friday, August 13, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES!

I'm always in need of a birthday card so when I saw this weeks challenge for Bloggers Challenge was to make a birthday card...I was a happy camper! The image I picked for my card is from a set called Crazy for Cupcakes by Stampin' UP! The small greeting is from Teeny Tiny Wishes also by SU. Whisper White was used for my background card stock, along with Rich Razzleberry and Daffodil Delight. The DP is from the Razzleberry Lemonade collection all by SU. Also used were oval and scallop Nesties, Rich Razzleberry polka dot grosgrain ribbon, yellow brads, an oval and modern label punch, and 2 small pink adhesive jewels. The image was colored using R27, E11, Y21, W7, R83, and R85 Copics, and finished off with lots of glittery Star Dust Stickles!
If you'd like to see what the other members of Bloggers Challenge came up with for this weeks challenge, simply click on the bloggers challenge button on the right side of my blog.

Friday, July 30, 2010

WARM WINTER WISHES!

No, I'm certainly not trying to rush the summer season by making a winter card! LOL This weeks Bloggers Challenge was to use black & white and one other color. I've had this card in mind since I bought the set, so I knew right away what I was going to do for the challenge!

I started out using basic black for my card base then added a layer of Whisper White after running it through my bug using the Swiss Dot embossing folder. Additional layers were then added, along with an image of the tree and bird stamped on the center panel from the "Branch Out" set by Stampin' UP! Nesties were used for the circle and scallop and the greeting was computer generated. I really like the simplicity of this card made by using so few colors.

If you'd like to see what the others came up with for this weeks challenge, just click on the "Bloggers Challenge" button on the right side of my blog.




Friday, July 23, 2010

GOOD MORNING!

This weeks Blogger Challenge #161 was to use something recycled. While going through the mail one night this week, I noticed when opening an envelope that the inside of the envelope had a pattern that looked like the background stamp called Canvas by Stampin' UP. I knew right away this was calling out to me to recycle it! :)

I selected a fun stamp that I've had forever by UpTown Rubber Stamps called "Good Morning". The card base is Garden Green with a layer of Basic Black, and Apricot Appeal DP. The coloring was done using Copics G17, V000, V01, V12, V17, YR00, YR20 and YR21 along with Memento Tuxedo Black for the image. Nesties were used to cut the circle and scallops. I dug through my button stash and was thrilled to find some buttons that matched perfectly. Linen thread was used to tie it all together.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

FRIENDS

This weeks Blogger's Challenge#160 was a sketch challenge. I started out making something totally different than what I ended up with. The only thing I started out with was the background blue card stock! :)

My order of Stampin' UP arrived this week, just in time to use the Marina Mist and Daffodil Delight card stock (2 of their new colors available now). Also used were retired SU Mauve Mist, Neenah Solar White, and Graphic 45 DP from the Fashionista Collection.

I finally got the new Square Lattice embossing folder and couldn't wait to use it, along with the scallop punch, clear Spica gel pen, and daisy embellishment. There was very little that needed to be colored with this clear image from Inkadinkadoo, so the only Copics used were B93, Y15, R81, G82.

Friday, July 9, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OWL

I couldn't wait to get home tonight so I could post my first card for the Blogger's Challenge! This week was an inspiration challenge #159.

The DP is from a retired series called Petals & Paisleys and Au Chocolat, both by Stampin' UP. Along with the DP is Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, and Neenah Solar White card stock.

The little owl image is from a great clear stamp set designed by Hot Fudge Studio for Hampton Art, and stamped using Memento's Tuxedo Black ink. Copics used were E00, E31, E35, and E55. Stampin' Up markers in So Saffron and Tempting Turquoise were also used. To finish it off, I sewed a straight stitch border around the card, and added 3 little turquoise colored snaps that matched perfectly!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOCELYN!!

It's not only Father's Day today, but also my daughter's birthday. Here's the card I made for the special event. The image is called "Happy Mail" from the Pure Innocence collection by "My Favorite Things". Stampin' UP's Old Olive was used along with some fun background papers by Jillibean Soup.

Copics used were E00,E000,E11,C1,C3,C5,E31,E35,E97,Y11,Y21,YG93,R20,R22,R24,R27, and R29. Nesties, red jeweled brads, and a white Signo gel pen was used to do the faux stitching.

Did anyone notice I forgot to color in the bird? LOL I didn't notice it until I actually posted the card here on my blog. I guess I'd better pull out a few more Copics before it goes into it's envelope!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILY!

I remember so clearly the day that my granddaughter came home from the hospital. It doesn't seem possible it was that long ago... and now she's having her 3rd birthday! After dinner tonight, I decided to hide away in my stamp room and make her birthday card while watching the Redsox game. Well....watching the game may have been a mistake tonight (they lost 7-6) but I was really happy to be able to get back to card making. The adorable little mouse holding the balloons is a digi stamp from Sweet N' Sassy Stamps. I bought this stamp quite some time ago with the intention of using it for Lily's birthday card. (I just love it when a plan works out...lol) The birthday wording and number 3 is from JustRite Stamps. Stampin' UP's Certainly Celery and Pretty in Pink card stock was used, along with some of Brenda Walton's DP from K&Company. The image was colored using various Copics, and Certainly Celery and Chocolate Chip twill used to finish it off.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILY!



Monday, May 10, 2010

SUNSHINE AWARD




What a pleasant surprise to be given the "SUNSHINE AWARD" from my friend Kimberly. Thank you so much my friend. I appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness. :)


Wednesday, April 7, 2010

HELLO!

I instantly liked this set of clear stamps called "Flower Chat" by Stampendous. You know how it is....sometimes you like a set, but by the time you are ready to leave the store you've changed your mind and it's gone back to the shelf???? Not this one....I couldn't wait to get it home and make a card with it! It comes with lots of little greetings, I decided to use the word hello for my card.

I started out with a Whisper White background and added a layer of one of my most favorite shades of green paper----a retired color called Wild Wasabi from Stampin Up! (did you hear....it's coming back??? Yahoo!) I added some Rose Red and So Saffron DP also from SU, using a piece of it for my flower pot as well. My ticket punch was used for the corners, along with several Copic markers, a piece of purple grosgrain ribbon and 2 pearls which finished off my card.

Monday, March 29, 2010

GARDEN FAIRY

This delightful little Garden Fairy digital image is this weeks image from Designed 2 Delight. Faith has some of the cutest digital images available....and you can check them out here.
I used Old Olive card stock by Stampin UP, along with Neenah White Solar paper, and some really cute Heidi Grace Design DP which I just loved and couldn't pass up!

I also used my oval Nesties, Copics markers, Modern Label punch, and some pink paper flowers. The little jeweled flower center brad is by Stampin Up. It's difficult to see in this photo, but the wings and water coming from the watering can have been filled in with clear Spica glitter.





Sunday, March 21, 2010

POTTED FLOWERS

I just love this image of potted flowers that I used for this weeks card. It's another fabulous digi image from Designed 2 Delight. I think it would also look great done in purple which I plan on trying too.

I used Wild Wasabi and Regal Rose card stock by SU, along with DP by Making Memories, the Brooke collection. Also used were several Copic markers, Nesties, and the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder for the background. The edges were sponged using Regal Rose ink.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!



Saturday, March 20, 2010

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Well, it's the first day of spring today! Here in the north east we really look forward to see spring finally arrive after a cold and icy winter! What a wonderful day it is here today, a whopping 75 degrees! I have my windows open, as well as having an abundance of energy today, thanks to the warm weather and sunshine!

I'll be working on a card later today so stop by again tomorrow and check it out.... (big surprise, it's gonna be a spring card) LOL

Monday, March 15, 2010

BALANCING BIRDIES...

I just love this new digi image from Designed 2 Delight that was this months freebie. A cute image and absolutely free....ya just can't go wrong with that! :)
I used Almost Amethyst card stock and designer paper from Stampin Up, along with Neenah solar white. Rectangle Nesties were used along with grosgrain ribbon from SU. I decided to paper piece the birdies and add some little pearls to the flower centers and bottom of the card to add that little "final touch". Copics were used for what little coloring had to be done.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

HERE COMES PETER COTTON TAIL...

Here in central new england, we've really had spring fever after a cold winter... well today was an absolutely beautiful day with temps in the mid 50's along with an abundance of sunshine! It's amazing how much more energy we have on days like this.... it's supposed to be in the 40's all week. Could this possibly mean that "spring has sprung"?
This is the card I have to share with you this week. It's another great digital image from Designed 2 Delight. The little Happy Easter stamp is from the "Teeny Tiny Wishes" set by Stampin' UP!

Neenah solar white paper was used along with Taken with Teal and Rose Red card stock by SU. The Easter DP is from Flair Designs. I ran a small strip of the Rose Red through my Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots embossing folder. Various Copics were used for coloring (just love those markers!) Also used was a window punch, Nesties, and a great little flower brad by K&Company. Paper piercing was done to add the final touch! :)

My friend Kimberly suggested using my OTT-LITE when taking pictures of my cards to get a more natural lighting effect. Of course I remembered it AFTER taking these photos! I wish I had tried it tonight as the color here looks more like a turquoise card stock instead of the teal color that was used.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Having two little granddaughters, these adorable little images by Heather Ellis are just perfect! This collection is called "Pure Innocence" and you can check them out here. There's also other collections of mice and little animals that are also too cute!

I used SU's retired collection of DP called "Petals & Paisleys" along with Rose Red and Pretty in Pink. The digi image was printed on Neenah Solar White paper. Various Copics were used for coloring, along with a Copic glitter pen to add some glitter shine to the flowers and vase (not really visible in this photo though). Also used to make the card were oval Nesties, Signo white gel pen, stitched ribbon, and the eyelet border punch by SU. I then added a few cute little paper flowers by American Crafts, adding pearl embellishments for the centers.

Thanks for visiting my blog today. I'm really hoping to be able to post something weekly, so stop by and visit again soon.... :)


Wednesday, February 24, 2010

CHANGITO - A HAPPY HELLO!

I finally had some time to stamp today and couldn't wait to ink up this cute little monkey (Changito) image by Stampendous. The DP is from the "Pool Party" collection retired by Stampin UP, along with some Mellow Moss and Brocade Blue card stock. Neenah Solar White was used along with Memento Tuxedo Black ink for the image. I also added some of Stampin UP's 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, tucking the ends back underneath the image to make 2 small loops for a different look. The image was then mounted on dimensionals to raise it up off the card.