Crafting with Class

Our Creative Corner GDT: Sketch Challenge

2012-01-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
Happy Saturday! I'm so tickled to be Our Creative Corner's Guest Designer for this challenge! Yaaay! This week, Lori Rider is the hostess with the mostess & she's got a sketch for ya. My fav kind of challenge :)
Here's the sketch:

Here's my take:

"Look after my heart, I've left it with you- Edward Cullen"
The sentiment comes from the Clearly Sentimental about Romance stamp set from MFT & it's heat embossed. I replaced the word "heart" with a felt one. The hearts are Nesties as is the label. I created the card base on my Gypsy.

Here's a closer peek:

Here are the innies:

There's that sappy Edward peeking from behind the heart. ;) I'm not much of a romantic girly girl. LOL! But I will take Robert Pattinson though :) I think I'll give this card to the hubby---> he's the romantic one!

Thanks again to OCC for inviting me to play along this week! You've got a week, so get your sketchy mojo working!

This is CHA weekend in Anaheim & that's where I'll be. Hopefully I'll be able to ~~stalk~~ admire from close up- my fav designer, Anna Griffin, once again :) I'll bring back some tales & previews of all the new goodies soon.

Thanks so much for peeking today.
Gotta Go!

Paris Chic Baby Armoire

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
I am boring. OK, maybe boring isn't quite the word ;) especially since my hubby says I'm many things, but boring isn't one of them! I'll say... I'm a creature of habit. Why, you may ask? Well, cuz whenever I have a baby card to make, the baby armoire is where my head automatically goes toward. But I can't help it!!! It's just so adorable :)

Here's the latest baby armoire to leave the showroom floor.
Here it is closed:

The armoire doors are held closed by ribbon wrapped around the card & through the ribbon tag.

Here it is opened:

The top drawer pops up! ***Squeal*** It has an Eiffel tower decorative hanging on the left (MFT die) & on the right is a mirror. There's a mini-banner with the baby's name across the center held by two bows (MFT die). The drawer knobs are little clear rhinestones.

Here's the card with the matching pink zebra print envelope.Why zebra print for a baby card? Well, cuz that's the motif of the baby's room. It's BEAUTIFUL!!!! It's every little girl's dream room, including THIS big girl ;) When I saw her room, I think I did hear my jaw hit the floor. There's even a little chandelier in the room! It's total baby chic, let me tell ya! The colors are black, white & dark pink & it's AMAZING! --->Not your everyday little cutesy baby room. This one is so chic & fabulous & will totally grow with her. Can you tell I want to move in!? Tee Hee! In case you're wondering, this card fits an A7 sized envelope, which are a cinch to make on the Martha Score Board.

Here you can see why I was so happy to get T!m's Easel die. It's the perfect thing to add to cards like this:

Here are a couple of pics from the gift bag I made for the gifts I gave her:

Sorry I don't have better pics, but the bag was too big for my photog area. :( ... and the photog needs some serious help ;)

And you know, I love this template so much, I've got one to share with one of you! I will ship it worldwide since it hardly weighs anything at all :) Yaaaay! Just leave a comment with: "What's your go-to gift for a baby shower?" or... "What do you keep making over & over cuz you like it so much?" I'll choose at random after the groundhog comes out of his burrow. That is Friday, Feb. 3rd (in one week). But if you'd like to get one of your own, you can find it HERE.

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

PTI January Blog Hop

2012-01-25T01:27:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
Today, I'm participating in:

The challenge this month is to take a fav project from last year & create a second card inspired by it.
I chose this card:

I painted the little shamrocks with Shimmerz paints after a little touch of Copics, added diamond Stickles to the bottom of the jar, & covered the whole thing with Crystal Lacquer to give it that glass-like appearance. The shimmer is so pretty :) This cute image is called "Wee Bit & Lots o' Luck" from Designed 2 Delight.

I wanted to recreate this card as close as possible, but with different elements.
Here's my version 2 card: Just in time for Valentine's Day

(Sorry for the glare :( I used the Friendship Jar & FJ Spring Fillers for the image. I did the same thing as with the shamrock card except I used different Shimmerz colors: Opal, Pixie Dust, & Bubble gum and achieved the same shimmery & sparkly effect :)
Here's another peek at that:

This was the first time I've inked up this set & it's about time I did! I luuuv all the combinations & possibilities this set offers- definitely need to use it again very soon :)

Here they are together:

Thanks so much for taking a peek. Don't forget all the fun starts on Nichole's blog.
Gotta Go!

The 411

Stamps: Friendship Jar & Friendship Jar Spring Fillers- PTI, Short & sweet- SU
Paper: Rustic White cs, Sweet Blush cs- PTI, Love Me -MME
Ink: Smokey Shadow- PTI, Memento Black, Chestnut Roan
Accs- pins-Maya Rd, ribbon, heart ribbon buckle, Heart punch- MS, Shimmerz paints, Stickles, Copics, Crystal Lacquer, Viva Decor Pen.

First Kiss

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
Hope you had a lovely weekend. After the rain stopped, hubby & I went to catch a flick. It was my turn to pick so which of the following did I choose: (yes, it's a pop quiz!)
A) Beauty & the Beast
B) Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
C) Underworld: Awakenings
D) Joyful Noise

If you picked: A) Beauty & the Beast you would be... the opposite of right. Nah, I saw this movie 100 times in 1991 and I own it on Blue Ray/DVD. Not paying $13 for something I can see at home, for free.

If you picked B) Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close you would be... Incredibly way off. However, I did see my Hubby being Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close while he was watching the 49er game! Yikes!

If you picked C) Underworld: Awakenings you would be... Alert & Awake!!! Yes, you are correct!
I'm a big fan of the Underworld films, so I was very excited to see it :) and hubby even paid the extra $3 to see it in 3D :) There's nothing like seeing Lycans right in your face! Lycans are werewolves, just in case ;)

Don't worry, you will get no spoilers from me this time. I've learned a little somethin' since my spoiler of The Walking Dead, Hee Hee!

Ok, so 'nuf blabber. I actually do have a card to share. I got some new Sarah Kay stamps recently ---> insert squeals of delight here <---- so I had to ink & color :)
Here's my card:

I think this is totally what I looked like for my first kiss! It was 8th grade & I had no clue. All I remember was this boy grabbing me by my hands & planting one right on me!

Here's closer peek:

The stamp is called First Kiss. Isn't it sweet :) They're colored with Copics. I was very attracted to the colors in this paper pack. They're very springy- pinks, lt greens, & baby blues- not your traditional reds & pinks. It's called Love Struck by We R Memory Keepers.

I luv making Valentine cards, but I wouldn't call myself a romantic. My fav part of Valentine's Day is that there's lots of chocolate to be found :) and it's on sale too!

My card will be playing along in the following challenges:
The Sweet Stop: Sketch SSS142
Let's Ink it Up: Anything Goes
Colour Create: Pinks & Greens
Crafty Creations: Valentine Theme
Really Reasonable Ribbon: Valentine's Day
Pretty Little Ribbon: Be My Valentine
Anything Goes: Anything Goes
Penny Black & More: Love & Hearts

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

Laugh, Apologize, & Let go

2012-01-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,
I just recently got a new sentiment set from MFT called Pearls of Wisdom. As the name implies, it's filled with good ol' words o' wisdom someone should have said to me at some point in my life! I love sentiment sets cuz I can always find just what I'm thinking or what I am trying to say so I sound poetic & smart :) :) :)
Here's my card,

Right??!! In case it's hard to read, it states: "Laugh when you can, Apologize when you should, Let go of what you can't change."
The current MFT sketch was the perfect companion to showcase the sentiment in a clean & simple way.

I would love to make some home decor items with the sentiments in this set. I mean if you've got pearls lying around, they might as well be ones of wisdom.
The papers are from the Generations collection by Simple Stories & the blingie swirls are ZVA.

It's a rainy weekend here which means I don't have to water my plants! Yaaay! and I can go another week without having to wash my car :) Not planning on going anywhere, so I hope to have a couple of lovely crafternoons. Hope you do too! :)

Baby CAS

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
It's baby time! No, not for me!!!- we closed down the factory & laid off the workers a while ago! I have one kiddo ready to graduate in June, so I see the light :) A teacher in my department is getting ready for her bundle of joy & we're sending her off with a little baby shower. It's crazy busy time right now with Finals in full swing, so I didn't have a lot of time to spend on her card.
Here's the card:

This is my go-to baby card when I'm in a pinch for time. The onesie was made with the PTI die. Then I embossed the top layer with a CB Once Upon a Princess embossing folder. I added a wee bit of Viva pearl pen to the butterfly bodies, & made little antennas with my Sakura glitter pen.

Here's a closer peek:

Ahhhh, sweetness... girly sigh... :)

This is the gift bag I created for the baby clothes I bought for her.

There's not much to it: Add a bit of pattern paper, a border punch, a butterfly punch, Cricut for the title, & a little more Viva pen :)

Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta wrap it up!

Mini-Album Season Finale

2012-01-16T16:22:00.000-08:00

Hello there friends,
As the title of today's post indicates, I have the last of the mini-albums to share with ya. It's one of the current releases from Paisleys & Polka Dots just in time for Valentine's Day.
Here's the book with all the pages layered together:

Here are the innies:
front:

back:

front:

back:

front:

back:

front:

back:

This is the last page:

It's a pocket page in the shape of an envelope with a pull out letter. As with other Paisley books, it's chock full of yummy details, & bits & pieces and yet, I still need to add my Viva pen to it :) ...and find some pretty ribbon & trim for the rings.

I feel so glad to have completed all these projects. I feel like maybe I'll be more productive in this new year :) It's Final Exams time at school so I'm super busy grading & updating my gradebook.

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

Faith Mini-Album

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
Discovery Channel has "Shark Week" and I've got "Mini-Album Week!". This album is one I've had for a looong time & finally completed. It's from Paisleys and Polka Dots but sadly, it's no longer available. I think the finished book is oh so preeety :) It's definitely one of my fav albums.
Here's the cover:

I am still looking for just the right ribbon for the rings.

Here are the innies:

and the back cover:

The sentiment strips read:
Life is built upon hope, strengthened by faith, and made richer by Love and friendship.
Walk in faith, trust in love.
Take pride in how far you have come, have faith in how far you can go.
Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future.
Faith is the courage to dance to it today.
Believe in a dream that allows you to fly, and the faith to pursue it no matter how high.

It's nice to have a book with sentiments to uplift & encourage :)

Thanks so much for peeking today. I am soooo thankful it's a long weekend cuz I'm plum tuckered out!
Have a great weekend & have some lovely crafternoons!

Family Record Book

2012-01-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
Here's the other book I made at the second Marion Smith class. Like the other album, I had to complete it myself.
Here's the cover:

Here are the innies:

The page on the left has a waterfall element. You pull on the bottom tag & all the pics cascade down :)

This book has top loading & side-loading pockets for tags (as shown)

The page on the right is a pocket page.

This is the back cover:

I added lots of flowers & blingy goodness :) The metal flower embellishments on the cover & middle tag are from Marion's line for Prima & they're really pretty. The flowers are Prima & Recollections. The bling is Prima & ZVA. Even though this book has lots of flowers & bling, I thought it would be great for some family pics---> the rich colors & distressing would go with the pics of my boys & the embellies would still make it a bit girly for me :)

Marion's Vintage Trinket collection can be found at the YMH Store---> HERE
and the bling can be found HERE.

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

Sweet Things Mini Album

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
I took a couple of classes with Marion Smith back in September so I got to make 2 of her mini-albums. I was really excited cuz she is a great designer & I luuuv her work. Without getting into it, let's just say I was pretty disappointed with the classes for various reasons. It wasn't the projects, they were really great, but mainly it was that we spent almost 6 hours in class & came away with a bare-bones book. :( Every time I attempted to work on it, the little crafter in my head would shriek, "You've already spent 6 hours on this!!!" so I would get really frustrated, put it back, and there it sat for months. I decided to pull it out & complete it during winter break cuz I didn't want to go into the new year with incomplete projects :( but in the end I really like how the book turned out & I got to do a lot of my own things to it.
Here's my book:

I want to add a pic here so the post card is just serving as a place holder.

Here are the inside pages:
First page has a side pocket:

All of the pages have a top-loading pocket for pics.

Here, you can see the pink pull tabs & a closer peek at the binding. It's a simple accordion book, but I do like the punched border detail she showed us how to create :)

This pages has Stickles along the blue border

I cut out the umbrella out of the pattern paper & layered it on top for dimension. There's Stickles along the yellowish border along the blue edges.

I created a pocket with the chipboard piece so that tag pulls out.

This is the back page: I'm adding a side pocket to this page too

and this is the back cover

I added a lot of my own embellishments. The flowers & butterflies were from Recollections at Michaels, some of the flowers were from Prima, and the bling was from ZVA. I also added Crystal Stickles throughout & glossy accents to the clock faces. Someone mentioned that Prima makes the Recollections line for Michael's so I think that helped the embellies go together.

Marion has directions for making the album---> Here
Although this was not the best experience, I really liked the project & techniques she showed.
I hope to make another of this type of accordian book in the future... so stayed tuned ;)

You Melt My Heart Mini-Album

2012-01-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
During Winter break, I got a chance to work on a few mini-albums that I will be sharing over the next few days :) Today's mini-album is from Polka Dots & Paisleys. It's a very cuuute gatefold style album.
Here's the book all done & stacked together:

Here's a closer peek at each page:

The backs of the mittens:

The red mitten cuffs are glittered not because of design but because I put glue on the wrong side when I was adhering it! Ha! So I tried to fix that by glittering it up. I guess what they say is true---> "There are no mistakes, just opportunities for embellishing :)"

Here are the inside pages that follow:
front:

back:

front:

back:

front:

back:

And here's the last page:

Unlike previous mini-albums I've shared this one is still available. If you're interested, you can find the info HERE.

Jordan has his first basketball game today & I'm very excited for a new season!

Soooo hope you have a great weekend!

Gotta Go!

Apple Pickin'

2012-01-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

Hi there friends,
Before I have zero time to craft :( I decided to get one more card in before I plan for school. My blog pal, Kathy, is on the Tuesday Morning Sketches DT. This week she created the sketch so I had to play along :)
Here's her sketch:

Here's my card:

It's definitely a card to welcome happy days of spring :) The papers are Hometown Summer by Pink Paislee. The sweet image is called Adele Enjoying Fresh Apples by Sarah Kay. I just *adore* all the sweet details in her images. happy sigh...

Here's a closer peek:

She is colored with Copics & under her bare feet is some flower soft. The apple tree behind her is a MFT die called Sheltering Tree. I added little red buttons for the apples :) To finish it, I added a sentiment also from MFT on a Ribbon Tag Trio die from Spellbinders & an apple button to the center of the bow.
I've never been apple picking before (well, except for a few that hang over my side of the wall from my neighbor's yard ;) ---> don't worry I asked... I think it would be fun to go apple picking & then come home & make a fresh apple pie! yum! Maybe I'm just having a Mary Poppins moment, but hey why not ;) Hopefully, it won't turn out the way it did when we went cherry picking.
When I was a little girl, my Grammy took me & my brother cherry picking. We could eat as much as we wanted inside the farm & we just had to pay for what we took home in a bag. So, needless to say, my brother & I GORGED ourselves on cherries!!! About 5 minutes into the ride home, we made Grammy pull over & let's just say the only cherries we took home were the ones in the bag!!! Ugh, I will never forget that! But it did not stop me from loving & eating cherries :)

Ok, I see I'm rambling here as a way to keep me from my school junk, but I need to get to it seeing that I haven't touched a thing during vacation! Ah well...
I'll be playing along with the following challenges:
Tuesday Morning Sketches: Sketch #127
The Pink Elephant: Anything Goes
Tip Top Tuesday: Anything Goes + MY TIP: When using the Viva Pen, start on the corners of your paper & then fill in the rest, that way your corners will always be neat & perfect :)
Cupcake Craftroom: Anything Goes
Stamps R Us: Anything Goes
The Cutie Pie Challenge: Use a Sentiment

Thanks so much for peeking friends,
Gotta Go... to school now----> insert tears here...

New Year Mojo

2012-01-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

Hi ya Friends,
Happy New Year everyone!
I'm starting my crafty new year with a Mojo Monday Sketch :) Yaaaay!
My Grammy asked me to make a Thank You card she wants to give one of her friends.
Here's the fab sketch:

Here's my card:

Right about when I was almost done, Grammy calls me to tell me not to put a big bulky flower on it cuz she has to mail it. Ughhh! Thanks for the heads up Grammy :(
Ok, so I ripped off that beautiful bloom & went with something a little less bulky:
Take Two:

I used a butterfly from the Spellbinders Butterflies 2 set along with a MFT mini rose cut in felt. I added a couple of pearl pins for the antennas, then went along the edges with my Viva pen. The beautiful paper is Sweet Nothings from Kaisercraft. The doily and the sentiment are from PTI (Signature Greetings).

Here's a closer peek at that:

Gosh, Grammy is so high maintenance! I always wondered where I got that from ;) Hee! Hee!

The good life is coming to an end soon as winter break is over :( I know lots of you moms out there are jumping for joy as you're ready to send your kiddos back to school. You remember how you're feeling right now when the teacher wants to talk to you about your little darling ;)---> just sayin' ;)

I'll also be playing along in the following challenges:
Make it Monday: Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp & Show: Something old - (dies) Something New (pattern paper)
Paper Sundaes: Something old - (dies) Something New (pattern paper)
JUGS: Felt
Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes

Thanks so much for peeking in the new year :)
Gotta Go!

Top 10 Cards of 2011

2011-12-30T02:29:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
Last year I participated in a Top 10 cards of the year blog hop which was pretty fun :) My blog pal, Shelly, reminded me of it again having visited her blog. So I'm joining her again in this year's Top 10 cards Blog Hop hosted by Karin at "With an I for Paper"

Here are my Top 10 cards of 2011 (in no particular order):
#1: Image from Sarah Kay

#2: Image from Designed 2 Delight

#3: Image from Digital Delights

#4: Image from Magnolia

#5: Image from Magnolia

#6: Image from Sarah Kay

#7: Pumpkin pop-up card using the Sizzix Ball die

#8: Image from Heartfelt Creations

#9: Dies from MFT

#10: Dies from Heartfelt Creations

It's fun to look back at past creations :) Now it's time to bring on the new & bring on the bubbly!!!
Wishing you lots of lovely crafternoons in the coming year :)

Hugs & as always,
Thanks for peeking!
Happy New Year!!!

Last but not Least

2011-12-28T21:05:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,
Here are the last of my Christmas cards for this year! Yaaaay! I don't want to be a Grinch, but I am Christmased out :( When did it get this exhausting & stressful??? Ah well, maybe next year I won't wait 'til the last minute ;) ummm, yah right! Hope you all had a wonderful time :)

I have three cards to share that I haven't delivered yet as they are going to friends I'll be seeing later this week.
Here's the first:

This is such a sweet Tilda :) She's water-colored with Distress Inks with warmer skin tones. I created a mantle to hang her from. The wreaths on either side of her were made with the Pine Branch punch (MS). I used the T!m Holtz Brick Embossing Folder for the fireplace background. The sentiment is heat embossed on a Spellbinder's Ribbon Banner die (luv that set :)

Here's card #2:

Another sweet Tilda :) She's also colored with Distress Inks in lighter skin tones. (Don't worry, my Copics aren't going anywhere. I just wanted to mix it up a bit!) I luuuv the way Maggies look colored with Distress Inks so I had to give it a go.

Here's a closer peek:

Distress Inks are a little more forgiving than Copics, me thinks :)

And card #3:

This is a Christmas/New Year's card for my friend.

Here's a peek from above so you can see the dimension of those pine cones:

Those are T!m's. Well from his pine cone die as is the weathered clock. The birdhouse is from MFT which got a pass on the woodgrain texture plate (PTI). I added a bit of snow marker to it, the pine cones, and pine branches. I also made some berries with my red Viva pen.

So.... did you get what you wanted for Christmas? Well, I did not get my instant weight loss that I requested, but we did get a Keurig Coffee Maker for Christmas and I luuuuuv it! Where has it been all my life??!! But I think my fav gift was this:

Ahhhhh! It's a rhinestone studded, bring on the bling, Hello Kitty case for my iphone! I luuuv it! It's so sparkly & preeeetty! I guess I'll have to hit the treadmill to give myself the gift of weight loss :( Darn that sweet tooth... and Grammy's super yummy tamales... and McDonald's Sweet Tea... and The Cheesecake Factory---> everything! (Their avocado egg rolls are a little piece of heaven, let me tell ya!)

I'm sending these cards to play along with these challenges:
Make it Monday: Anything Goes
Truly, Madly, Crafty Challenges: Christmas
Christmas Inspirations: New Years card (My card #3)
Magnolia Down Under: Colors- Red, Cream, Gold (Card #2)
Paper Sundaes: Celebrate
Hiding in my Craft Room: Embossing (card #1 dry & heat)
Mark's Finest Papers: Anything Goes
Secret Crafter: Anything Goes
Cooking it up with Katie: Anything Goes
Deconstructed Sketches: Sketch #32 (My Card #2)

Ok friends, that's about it for today.
Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta Go!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi & Hello friends!
Popping in to wish you all a very Merry Christmas & Happiest of Holidays wherever you are in the world! Here's a little greeting card for ya :) & the gorgeous model you see is my brother's cat, Tiger. He enjoys dressing up for the holidays!
Feliz Navidad!

Create a picture slideshow

Card Rush

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
Christmas day is a sleep away & I'm in a mad dash to complete the rest of my cards. I think I'll be ready though :) It's a good thing I hand deliver 99% of my cards! So today, I'm sharing some I got to complete yesterday.

Here's card #1: It's a Joy Fold Card

You pop that top flap open & the lower panel flaps opens showing the sentiment. There's a space under the main image where you write your message.

(I think this card looks sooo much better in person :( don't know why the gold looks so weird.

#2: Tri-Shutter Card
Here it is closed:

& opened:

the 3rd is my CAS (as much as I can do it ;)

I made a few of these since they were pretty easy.
I'm heading back to the craft lab to complete my cards.
Thanks for peeking!
Gotta Go!

Patti's Poinsettias

2011-12-23T02:05:00.000-08:00

Hi again friends,
Hope you are enjoying the holiday season & not letting the mayhem & foolishness stress you out.
Today, I've got a card inspired by my blog pal extraordinaire, Patti Lee. Not too long ago, she posted this BEAUTIFUL poinsettia tri-fold shutter card she created using the SCAL program to cut SVG files. I luuuuv making tri-fold shutter cards & had to make my own version. I also have the SCAL 2 on my computer, but I've never used it! Aaack, I know!!! But it won't be long let me tell ya, cuz Patti is killing me with all the AMAZING projects she's made with the SCAL using SVG files!
Here's my humble version inspired by the super talented Patti.

Here it is closed:

I used the Layered Poinsettias stamp & dies from Heartfelt Creations...again ... for the 547th time ;)... (at least I got my money's worth for once!)

Here it is opened:

The papers are BasicGrey. I also used the Petals-a-Plenty Embossing folder from SU.

Another peek:

I do luuuuv this card style. It looks complicated, but it's easy & it definitely gives a wow factor.

You can find the tute for this card style---> Here.
And if you've never stopped by my friend Patti's blog at Creations by Patti, first grab a super Venti cup of coffee cuz you'll be there for a while! Don't say I didn't warn ya! Hee Hee!

Stop the Madness! I went to Patti's blog to link it to this post & I saw she's referenced me in her project today! Wow! That was totally a coincidence! I guess great minds do think alike ;) Ha! Ha!

Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta Go!

For the Teacher

2011-12-22T03:53:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
Today is my boys' last day of school before winter break. So just in the nick of time, I finished the gift for Jordan's teacher. He was no help in getting her gift going cuz when I asked him what his teacher liked, he said, "I don't know, she goes to Taco Bell a lot." Ugh... Taco Bell does not do anything for my appetite or inspiration :( What to do??? Then I thought of just the thing... A Stationery Box!

Here's the box closed:

and the box open:

I wanted to change some of the things that went in it (according to the tute) to things I would use. (I mean who really uses stamps nowadays? ;)

Here's how I loaded it up:
I started by making a set of 8 personalized cards (CAS).

Here are the cards & envelopes in the box:

Next, I added a matching notebook: For lists or keeping track of all those school passwords.

Then white-out for when it's almost perfect:

Then a few "thumbs-up" paper clips:

Then a doodle/scratch pad & a 2012 Mini-Calendar:

I added a strip of Scor-Tape to the top edge of the pad & the calendar to hold the sheets together.

Then I rubbed a little baby powder to remove the stickiness to the edge.

All that was left was a personalized pen:

One other change I made was to adhere the side flaps down to create a more finished back of the box.
Here's what I did:

If you notice, the left edge of the box has a flap (as instructed in the tute) but I like the way the edge on the right looks. A bit more finished, me thinks :)

Here's the card:

It's made with one of my all-time fav dies- the Sizzix gift card holder die. I luuuuuv this die- it just doesn't get easier :)
Here are the innies:

I've included 2 gift cards: Target & Starbucks.

I hope she likes her goodies :) I sure do appreciate all of her patience & hard work with my kiddo.

You can find the tute to the Stationery Box ---> Here.

You can download the calendar I used if you'd like it too ---> Here
If you're looking for more Teacher Gift Ideas, you can click on the Teacher Appreciation link on my sidebar. Hope you find something to help you show your teacher some luuuuv ;)

Now it's a mad rush to finish more cards!
Gotta Go!

Christmas Center Step Card

2011-12-21T00:20:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
Sorry I have been away from the blogosphere lately :( I had the heinous flu & was in bed for 3 days :( Dang, & I had so many cards to make. Well, today I felt well enough to get up (although not 100% yet), cuz I had to get going on my Christmas cards. I don't know about you, but if I send ANY of my family or friends store bought cards, I get an all-expense paid GUILT trip! And if I send them a card with a simple stamped image & sentiment (one layer) they think I don't love them :( ugh... I just can't win. Anyhoo, I have one card I cranked out today. I mean cranked out because it took me less time to make this one than the CAS (Clean & Simple) card pack I made for my son's teacher. (Well, you'll see her gift once I'm all done with it :)
Here's my card:

Does it look like a hot mess??? Too much? Well, I wanted to try a card type I've never made before so I went with the Center Step card. It's pretty simple & fun to make :)

Here's a side peek:

I used the Book Frame 1 stamp set from Heartfelt Creations along with the coordinating die. The swirls are from the Bella Rose die collection from HC as well as the Layered Poinsettia dies. The sentiment is stamped on Fancy Tags 2 die collection from Spellbinders.

Although there's lots going on, it does close down flat:

This Center Step card is an A2 size... well WAS an A2 size before I swirled it up! Hee Hee! You can find the tute for this card style---> Here.

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Off to craft some more :)

For the Boss

2011-12-17T01:19:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" That song is playing in my head cuz today marks the beginning of winter break! Yaaaaaaaay!!!
Today, I have a card I made for our AP (Assistant Principal). He's new to our school this year & he's responsible for my formal evaluations so I need to be veeeeeery nice to him :)
Here's the card:

Since this was for a man, i had to keep the froo-frooness down to a minimum. I used my Cricut to cut out the wreath (Christmas cart). I stamped the poinsettias in versamark & embossed them in gold. Then I cut them out with the coordinating layered poinsettia dies. The centers are some foil stickers I've had forever. Lastly, the banner is from the banner dies from Spellbinders. I hope he likes it!

So have you finished your holiday shopping? Holiday cards? I can check the "no" boxes on both! Ugh, I will lock myself in my craft room & get working. This is where CAS (Clean & Simple) cards would come in handy. What's the antidote to Kryptonite???

Thanks so much for peeking!
Have loads of lovely crafternoons :)

Simply for Grammy

2011-12-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
Here are the last 3 "simple" cards I made for my Grammy. Besides the flower pot card, the ornament card is pretty easy- so I went with it for the last three.
Here's the first:

This card uses the layered poinsettia & fancy tags dies. The sentiment is Signature Christmas by PTI & the paper is 25 days of Christmas by Simple Stories.

Número 2:

Same ingredients as the first plus add a smidgen of the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder by SU. (i've always thought they made the perfect poinsettias :) I highlighted the pattern paper design by going over it with my Viva pens :) :) :) The sentiment is from the Holiday Greetings set from Amy R.

and number 3:

I used the Anyday Bingo & Crossword stamp set by Emma Aguilar to create the bingo card. (This is a reeeeally fun set!) and peeking from the side is ...

A T!m Holtz ticket from the 100th collection set.

Well, this is my attempt at simple :)
It's my last week at school & I feel like it's the slowest week of my life! Everyone is antsy for winter vacation to start---> especially the teachers! Haha!

Now, one thing I truly miss about teaching elementary is reading aloud to my kiddos. One of my favorite quotes is "Readers are made on the laps of their parents" and I think that's very true. I miss sharing all the wonderful stories with them, but if you're looking for some fun reading with the kiddos, I'd like to recommend these great reads:

1. Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto

Maria tries on her mother's wedding ring while helping make tamales for a Christmas family get-together. Panic ( & fun) ensues when hours later, she realizes the ring is missing.

2. How Santa Got His Job

Oh I luuuv this book! Now if you've ever wondered how Santa became Santa, this book will explain it all in a clever & funny way!

3. The Runaway Latkes by Leslie Kimmelman

This is a take on "The Gingerbread Man" but instead of a gingerbread man, it's a runaway latke :) Younger kids really like the repetition.

4. Olive the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh

When Olive the dog hears the phrase from the popular Christmas tune "all of the other reindeer," she concludes she is "Olive, the other reindeer" and heads to the North Pole to join Santa's team then the doggie adventure begins!

5. Merry Un-Christmas by Mike Reiss

Do your kiddos wish it was Christmas everyday? Well, in Christmas city they welcome one special day of the year- but it may not be what you think ;)

There are loads more books, but these are the ones I remember off the top of my head that my kiddos enjoyed & they may not be ones you might have heard of. Any fav's you'd add to the list??? Let's hear it!

Thanks for peeking today!

Gotta Go!

Potted Poinsettias

2011-12-11T22:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Crafty friends,
It's been a while since my last post :( It's been busy behind the scenes getting the house ready & decorated- yes, barely and the general school crazyness!
My Grammy asked me to make some Christmas cards for her & she needed them in a week to be able to send them out on time. She said just to make some "simple cards". Ummm, has Grammy not taken a look at my cards?! Simple is my Kryptonite... ah well. I was making my rounds about town when I noticed all the potted poinsettias & then it hit me! So off to my craft lab I went to get started on those cards :)

Here's the first:

What's easier than the flower pot card! These were super popular a while back & they were all over the web cuz they're easy & super cute :)

Here's the second:

I used gold cardstock to look like the gold wrap on the real poinsettias I saw. I used the MS embossed zig zag border punch along the edge. The Poinsettias are the Layered Poinsettias dies from Heartfelt Creations.

Here are the inserts:

When sending these type of cards I like to include a stand or easel of some sort. So when I saw an easel die by T!m Holtz that would fit A2 cards, I had to grab it!

Here's the one I use to photograph my cards- you can see the removable adhesive to secure the cards. (But adhesive isn't really necessary.)

I include an easel along with the card in case the recipient would like to stand the card. It is gold cardstock to match the card base.

OK, so this is MY version of simple and you know what?--- these flower pot cards really are simple :)
You can find the tute for this card ---> HERE.

Thanks for peeking!

A Double Dare

2011-12-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
I have 2 cards to share today using this week's Mojo Monday sketch.
Here's the first card:

Our office secretary is moving to a position in the district office and while we're happy for her getting a promotion, we're bummed that she's leaving us. For this card, I used the MFT rolled roses dies cut on felt. I used PTI Wonderful Words stamp set & Wonderful Words die. Then added some pearls with my partner in crime- the Viva Pen.

Here's card #2

This card is going to my son's teacher as she's been staying later at school because of parent/teacher conferences. I was playing with the MFT loopy die to create an apple. I used a scrap piece of green ribbon for the leaf & rolled a scrap piece of brown paper for the stem.
Here's a closer peek at that:

Here's this week's Mojo Monday Sketch:

I couldn't decide which one to do so I did them both :)

I'll be playing along with the following challenges:
Papercrafting Journey: Anything goes
Cooking it Up with Katie: Anything goes
Divas by Design: Anything Goes
Freshly Brewed: Fabric (felt)
Fab 'n' Funky: Anything Goes
Paper Pretties: Thank You card
Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes

Yaaaay! The weekend is here & I'm ready for it!
I hope to have some lovely crafternoons & I hope you do too!
Adios amigos :)

Fall Family Mini-Album

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Howdy friends,
While some people were busy pepper spraying others on Black Friday, I got to complete one more mini-album :). Just like the Christmas one I shared last time, this book is from Paisleys & Polka Dots (and sorry, it is not available either :(. It was a challenge to photograph this book since the pages flip up, and my OTT light was not playing nicely :(
Here it is:

It's a multi-layer or waterfall design full of all those goodies that make these albums such fun!

Here's the first page:

Page 3:

Page: 4

Page 5:

Page 6:

Page 7:

Page 8:

Page 9:

I'll probably retake the pics & post them later this week. It's ready to go with mats for pics & journaling spots. I want to put some Thanksgiving pics in this album.

Thanks so much for peeking today. The weekend will be here in a couple of sleeps & I can't wait!
Have a great rest of the week!
Gotta Go!

Christmas Mini-Album

2011-11-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
First of all, Ah geeez! I want to apologize for spilling the beans about The Walking Dead! OMGoodness what a zombie head I am sometimes! I guess I got caught up in the excitement :) but thanks Emily for letting me know ;) I promise there are no spoilers today! I won't even say anything about Dexter. LOL!

I wanted to share an album I got to complete last week during Thanksgiving break.
Here's the cover:

This is such a beautifully designed album with shaped pages. Wait 'til you see how chock full of yummy details it has :) Yes, that's my Viva Pen all along the edges ;) I had to ;)

These are the first two pages, a star & a stocking:
Each page has mats ready for pics.

Here are the next 2 pages:
In between them, you see 2 double-sided tag inserts.

Here's the other side of the ornament tag & the page behind it, (a gift).

Here are the last 2 pages with one more tag insert.

This album is a little piece of heaven let me tell ya! I picked it up last year from Julie at Paisleys & Polka Dots so it is no longer available :( I luuuuv her kits cuz they are very detail oriented & loaded with embellies! As you can see, we share the same design philosophy of "more is more" :) and yet, I add a little more! Hee! Hee! Even though this particular album is not available, Julie has a new release on the first of December. She also offers coordinating 12 x 12 scrapbook layouts that are just as beautifully detailed.

Thanks so much for peeking today! I will enjoy adding our family pics to complete it :)
Adios for now!

From Our House to Yours

2011-11-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hello there friends,
Do you watch AMC's The Walking Dead? I luuuv that show! I would describe it as "Lost... with zombies" :) Hee Hee :) The mid-season finale yesterday was intense!

SPOILER ALERT!!! (Soooooo Sorry Emily! I wasn't even thinking :( Aaaack!

Poor Sophia was in the barn- soooo didn't see that coming. Now the wait til February to finish the season, ughhh :(

Anyhoo, here's the last of the cards I made with the Homespun Birdhouse set.
Here it is:

I used this paper for my cards last year so I turned to what I had left for this card. I really like the fun, non-traditional winter colors :)
Here's a closer peek of the birdhouses:

I used the glitter liner to make glitter dots along the wings & birdhouse perch and my Viva pen around the rest. The roof & perch were cut out on felt. I added some evergreen springs to the sides.

I've had so much fun playing with this die :) I will definitely be playing with it some more. I'm off to watch "The Talking Dead". If you watch the show you should definitely watch The Talking Dead. I like how they break things down. That would have been super helpful with "Lost".

Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta Go!

If you've got it, stamp it!

2011-11-26T13:05:00.000-08:00

Hola friends,
It's been so great having a few extra days off. I've got to check some things off my to-do list that I've been wanting to do for a while, I've cleaned up the house (and since my two biggest mess-makers are up north) it's stayed clean! and of course I've got a bit of craft time in there :)

Here's a card I made with some new (to me) techniques:

This week, the Make-it-Monday technique at PTI was Layered Backgrounds with Sentiment Stamps. Betsy Veldman is hosting the challenge this week. She makes some amazing, creative cards & after seeing her beautiful card, I was inspired to the try the technique. I think the trick is to stamp the background in a different color from the main image (which I didn't do). I stamped both in black so there isn't as much contrast. Another technique I gave a go was the spotlight technique which is pretty neat. The stamp set is YOF: Sweet Peas from PTI (which is finally seeing some ink, me thinks) colored with Copics. The cs is Melon Berry & Kraft.
I used the current sketch from my friends at Cardabilities:

I'm also playing along at the following challenges:
Card Makin Mamas: Sentiments
Papercraft Star: Anything Goes

Ok, that's it for now. Hope you have some lovely crafternoons this weekend!
Gotta Go!

Miss You

2011-11-25T00:50:00.000-08:00

Hello there friends,
The holiday season is off & running and many people begin by running to the stores at 3 a.m. to get their bargain shopping on. Well, you won't have to knock me over with your cart cuz I don't wake up early unless I have to. I mean HAVE to---> fire, earthquakes, maybe work on most days, but never for shopping!
Anyhoo, I thought I'd share a card I made in thinking of a student whose mom is in the army overseas.
Here it is:

I used the MFT Homespun Birdhouse die & cut it on camouflage paper. I cut the tag on my Cricut & stamped "Miss You" & heat embossed it. I added a little yellow ribbon & my beloved Viva pen.
To me, this little bird is looking out waiting for Mama bird to come home- hope that's very soon.

Thanks so much for peeking! Oh, & thank you for your well wishes. I am on the mend, especially after my grammy made her special ginger hot tea for me. I swear she should bottle that! It's a total miracle cure :)
Enjoy black Friday :)
Gotta Go!

Thankful for You

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
Happy Thanksgiving to those of us here in the states. I luuuv Thanksgiving cuz it's a time to get together with family & friends, eat, drink caramel apple cider, eat, relax, and EAT! Turkey leftovers are the BEST! My grammy makes her world famous pan con pavo (kinda like turkey sandwiches, but a million times better!!!) I make turkey enchiladas & turkey autumn soup. I don't make these any other time of the year so my boys look forward to leftovers too :)

Today, I have a card I'm dedicating to all the sweet people who take a minute to take a peek at my blog---> that would be YOU! I'm thankful for your kind words, for your cyber hugs, for making the blog experience such a treat!
Here's my card for ya:

I used lots of MFT toys here! 5 of their products to be exact! Starting with my newest favorite set called Homespun Birdhouse--- luv! (you'll be seeing a few more cards with this set ;) Then, I also used the woodgrain picket fence die, the mini-rosette die (cut from felt), the mini-banner day set, and the Sheltering tree (for the branch). I wanted my birdcage to hang but I was too lazy to pull out my Cricut to cut out a branch. This worked OK, me thinks :)
Here's a closer peek:

See a touch of the Viva Pen in gold? Bit of Cream along the edges...Happy sigh... :)

Here's a peek of the innies:

I usually decorate the innies of my cards even if just a bit.

Thanks for peeking!
Gobble til you Wobble!

Spoon & Fork Included

2011-11-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
I'm afraid the flu bug bit me & I've been under the weather & under the covers :( but thankfully I did have a chance to make a few cards before I went down. Today's card uses a couple of things I picked up from Heartfelt Creations. It is the invitation I created for those who are attending Thanksgiving at my house this year.
Here it is:

I only made 2 Hee! Hee! This year, the family is headed up north for Thanksgiving. My oldest son has basketball tournaments so I'm staying behind with him. So our only invitees are my brother & grammy :)

Here's a peek from the side:

Those are appetizer spoons & forks I found a while back at Ralphs (in the aisle where they have plastic ware & plates) & I thought they were so cute!!! I bought them cuz I figured I'd use them for something crafty & it turns out, my hoarding paid off. They're miniature, silver plastic ware- perfect for my card, don't ya think? I used the Open Falling Leaves stamp set (embossed in gold) along with the coordinating dies. The doily is PTI, the pattern papers are MME Lost & Found Sunshine, and glammed it up with my Viva Pen in gold.

Here's a peek of the innies too:
simple...

Thanksgiving = Good eats 'round these parts. Yummy! Can't wait!

I'll be greatfully playing along in the following challenges:
The Pink Elephant: Giving Thanks
Our Creative Corner: Photo Inspiration(the golds & creams- ready to eat!)
There's Magic in the Air: Giving Thanks plus brown, Orange, Yellow
Craft your Passion: Photo Inspiration
Corrosive Challenge: Give Thanks
Card Makin Mamas: Thanks
Inspire Me Fridays: Anything Goes
Our Craft Lounge: Thankful

Thanks so much for peeking!
Here I come Nyquil...

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

2011-11-16T21:11:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,
Yes it's me!!! I know, I can't believe it either, but I told you I got a wee bit of extra craft time last weekend so I have one more card to share.
Here it is:

I used the same paper as the other 2 previous cards- MME Lost & Found Christmas. That beautiful birdcage & birdie is a Spellbinder's die called Bird Sanctuary. I cut it out on some gold cs. I used my fav poinsettia die again, this time cutting it out of felt. The chain is the chain border punch from EK Success. The little sprigs is a MS punch.

Here's a closer peek:

Did you notice my beloved Viva pen??? Little touches here & there on the cage... happy sigh... :)

Here's a peek at the dimension of the birdcage (and a peek of the innies.)

Thanks so much for peeking today friends :) I have a few Christmas cards in my stash and now I've gotta get started on my Thanksgiving stuff- yikes! That's around the corner!

Gotta Go!

Fun with Toys

2011-11-14T21:27:00.000-08:00

Hello friends,
I have another Christmas card to share using one of my new toys :)
Here it is:

I paired the cross stamp from Heartfelt Creations with the Spellbinders Cross Collection. I heat embossed it in gold and trimmed around it.

Here's a closer peek:

The papers are MME Lost & Found Christmas and of course I added some Viva pearls to the swirls. The gold cardstock is from SU and the sentiment is an outline sticker.

I used this week's Sweet Stop Sketch (luuuv their sketches :) turned to the side:

My card will be playing along with the following challenges:
Hooked on Crafts: Die cuts or punches
Make it Monday: Anything Goes
Dutch Dare Card Challenges: Die cuts
Paper Crafting Journey: Embossing
Papertake Weekly: Christmas
the Sweet Stop Sketches: Sketch 134

Thanks for peeking today!
Have a great week :)

Candlelight and Grammy

2011-11-13T12:11:00.000-08:00

Hi ya friends,
I surely enjoyed having Friday off. I did a WHOLE LOT---> of nuthin' !!! ahhh, sometimes you just have to have those days :) but Saturday, I went with my grammy to a Stamp in the Hand Stamp Convention. We had fun & definitely helped boost the economy! Well, I bought stuff & grammy bought me more stuff :) Grammys are the best :) :) :) So many new fun toys!
Today, I have one I made with one of the sets I picked up from Heartfelt Creations.
Here it is:

This is the Holiday Poinsettia Candle set. I think it's really lovely :) I stamped it on Cranberry Crisp cs (yes, I'm finally letting go of my hoarding ways- cuz you SU peeps know how old that cs is!) I heat embossed it on cream cs, cranberry crisp cs, cut them out, & popped up the poinsettia with foam tape.
Here's a closer peek:

To give it that melted candle wax look, I smeared some Viva Pen over it. (See, there's more to do with that little guy than just pearls ;) and the flickering flame was colored with Copics & got a bit of Stickles. The holly leaves also were colored with Copics. The pattern paper is MME Lost& Found Christmas- so luuuv it :)

I'm so happy to get started on my Christmas cards. I know some of you start in July, but I just can't. My mind is on BBQ & watermelon! My blog pal, Kathy C, does 1 Magnolia Christmas cards per month. That would be great for me, but I haven't gotten it together like that. Buuuut, I did get to create this card using Kathy's fab sketch for Tuesday Morning Sketches:

Woo hoo! Great job on the sketch, Kathy! It was great fun to work with :)

I'm also playing along with:
Christmas Card Challenges: Holly or Wreath
Paper Crafting Journey: Embossing
Papertake Weekly: Christmas
Tuesday Morning Sketches: Sketch #119

Thanks for peeking today!
Wishing you lovely crafternoons :)

A Cautionary Tale

2011-11-07T21:54:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
Hope you've been getting used to the changes in the air as we move into winter. We definitely can feel it's Novem-burr here in So Cal! If it drops below 65 degrees, I'm all over my Snuggie! :)
I FINALLY had a bit of time to get some crafting in since (I feel like) it has been forever since I've gotten a chance to craft. So I whipped up a little diddy with this week's Mojo sketch. I have to admit that I really was liking where my card was going until I grabbed the most dangerous tool in my craft arsenal ---> my Viva pen :(
Take a looksie:

Have you seen those shows "When Good Pets Go Bad" or "When Animals Attack"? They should totally do that with paper crafting and call it "When Good Crafts go Bad" See what happens when I am kept away so long from my Viva pen??? I go insano with it :( yes, more than usual ;) ah well... but i do luuuuv that Spellbinders Poinsettia die! be-a-u-ti-ful!!! So let this serve to remind you to play with your toys often, or else... Good Crafts Go Bad!!!!

Here's the fab Mojo sketch

I reeeeeeaaally luv this sketch!

Thanks for Peeking today :)
Hope to be back soon!
Gotta Go!

Batty For You

2011-10-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
I have another Halloween card for ya and like most of my other Halloween cards, there's a pop-up element.
Here's the cover:

This is Spooky Tilda :) (there's nothing Spooky about her---> she's a cutie.) The card is held closed with the help of a binder clip.

Here's what's inside:

This is a bat made from the Sizzix 3D ball die.
Here's a peek at that:

This was super easy to make as i didn't have a lot of crafting time :( I cut out the bat from the wonderful Hello Kitty cart (luuuv) and just adhered it to the ball. Then just added googlie eyes, some sharp, little fangs, and a little banner made with some Emma Aguilar dies.

It does fold down flat. First, you fold up the wings along the creases (the banner tucks in with it).

and then the body ball flattens down.

You know I luv, luv, luv this die! So fun :) and it's easy peasy!

Thanks so much for peeking today. I still have more Halloween crafts to share and I'm not done with the 3D Ball die...bwahahaha!!!
Gotta Go!

Spooky Sibling Squeeze

2011-10-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
I have another Halloween card to share. I love making interactive cards and this is a basic way to create one. Here's the creepy cover:

A simple belly band wraps around the card to hold it closed.

Here's what's inside:

Awww, poor Tilda & Edwin are in a spooky forest in front of a haunted house! Eeeek!

So how are the trees, Tilda & Edwin up?

Here's the trick...

It's your basic tab pop up card style. I started off with black strips & then the ol' brain clicked on & then used clear acetate strips to make the mechanics more "invisible."

Here's a buzzard's view:

The trees were cut on my Cricut using the Happy Hauntings cart (soooo luv this cart!) All the trees are on tabs so when the card is closed the trees lay flat & when you open it, all of the elements pop right up. Gotta love the simplicity :)

Here's one last peek:

"I do believe in spooks, I DO believe in spooks, I do, I do!" No worries, this happens to be the house at 1313 Mocking Bird Lane and Herman & Lily Munster are just your typical American family ;)

That's for peeking!
Gotta go!

A Tilda Halloween

2011-10-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
Whoa, was I away for a spell, but I was busy with grading for progress reports & getting ready for parent conferences. All that is now behind me (for the moment), so I needed some card therapy! I paired up two of my fav things- A Maggie & a Mojo Monday Sketch :)
Here's the sketch:

Here's my card:

This is Princess Tilda. I wanted to give her a Cinderella look so I colored her dress light blue & added Stickles to the white parts of her dress & Glossy Accents to her slippers :) She's colored with Copics, although I need to add some more color to highlight the pleats (not my best coloring :(. I used papers from the Spookville collection from We R Memory Keepers. To finish, I added some Baker's twine & went crazy with the Viva Pen... as usual... ;)
I have quite a bit of Halloween stuff to share this week, since I finally got some craft time in this weekend.

OH! One more bit of news!!! Do you remember my fav book of all time---> The Monster at the End of this Book???

Well, it's available as the FREE download pick of the Week at Starbucks! While you're picking up your yummy PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) grab a little card with the pic of Grover on it. It's got a code on the back. Enter that code on your iTunes account & you're able to download it to your Mac or PC, iPhone, iPod, or iPad for FREE. It's an interactive page turner---> that's AWESOME :) Get it before THIS TUESDAY!!!! if you want it, but can't make it to Starbucks, shoot me an email & maybe... I might be able to hook up a few of you ;)

Here are a few more challenges I'd like to enter:
Magnolia Stamp Lovers: Fall Challenge
Totally Tilda: Halloween Tilda
7 Kids College Fund: Halloween
Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Halloween

Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta Go!

Pumpkin Fun

2011-10-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
It's that most wonderful time of year once again! Yes... PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE IS BACK AT STARBUCKS!!! Yaaaaay! (that's what you were thinking, right???) Ohhhh, I luv me some PSL- so yummy! Well, it's also Halloween time, which is another of my fav times of the year. It's fun, and best of all, there's loads of chocolate to be found :)
So for my first card of the season, I thought I'd start with a bang...er... make that a POP!

Here's the outside:

(The binder clip is just to hold the card closed.) This cutie is a digi stamp called Pumpkin Marcy from La La Land Crafts. The pumpkins beside her are from the set Carved & Candlelit from SU.

Here's a closer peek:

Now for the innies:
POP!!!

It's an XL pumpkin growing in front of that haunted house!

Here's a side peek:

A closer peek:

You might have noticed it's made from one of my fav dies- the 3D ball. I have definitely gotten my money's worth with this die cuz I've made lots of different things with it :) I added flower soft for the soil & the leaves are a Spellbinders border die (that I picked up on clearance ;) The grass was made with the MS grass die.

Yes, it does fold down flat & all the parts lie flat too :) as the beautiful hand model is showing you...

I'll be adding a sign/sentiment later once I figure out who it's going to! My son's teacher? My grammy?? IDK (as my son will text). Hehehe.

I used Carly's sketch for my card:

I'll also be playing along with the following challenges:

Anything Goes: Die cuts or punches or both
City Crafter: We are going 3D
Papertake Weekly: Anything Goes
Crafty Cardmakers: Anything Goes
The Shabby Tea Room: Inspiration Pic- Shabby Autumn
The Pink Elephant: Trick or Treat

That's all for today. Thanks so much for peeking!

World Card Making Day!

2011-10-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hi ya Friends,
Happy World Card-Making Day! In honor of today, I thought I'd join in the festivities by sharing a birthday card I made for a friend.
Here it is:

This beautifully detailed stamp is called "Juliet in the field of Nasturtiums" by Sarah Kay. I absolute love Sarah Kay images- they are full of the tiniest, sweetest details. :) happy sigh... She is colored with Copics. The papers are from the Victoria Gardens Collection by Echo Park.

Here's a closer peek at Juliet:

The middles of the flowers have a sprinkling of Stickles and I added some Flower Soft for the grass. Then I let my Viva Pearl pen do it's crazy thing, a la Sankari ;)

I used this week's Tuesday Morning sketch for my card:

Today also marks my 500th post! Wowzers! That doesn't even seem real! Well, I'll be spending my day in my craft room & hope you're inspired to do some crafting too.

Thanks so much for peeking today.
Gotta Go!

The Return of Spanish Tilda

2011-09-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
Today I have a card to share with you that I made for our newest addition to our Department. Being that we teach Spanish, I had to go with my fav mini-me---> Spanish Tilda. Oh I luuuuv her so!
Here's my card:

I tried to color her like our new teacher- with auburn hair. The papers are from MME Lost & Found Rosy Collection & she's colored with Copics. As you can see, I'm still keeping with my design style of "More is More" ---> More layers, more embellies, more Viva Decor pen, more, more, more :)

Here's a closer peek at this adorable girl :)

I'm slowly getting back to semi-normal so I've found a little extra time to craft :) I've even started working on some Halloween stuff! Yes, I'm just as shocked as you are ;)

I used this week's sketch at The Sweet Stop- (luv their sketches!) but sadly, not in time for the challenge.

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

Bag Topper

2011-09-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

Howdy friends,
I wanted to share a quickie project today. I like embellishing my own bags & adding a bag topper is like icing on the cake.

Here's the bag:
As you can see, it's a plain kraft gift bag with some simple embellishment. I used some scraps left from my Calendar Cube project ;) but what's cool is the bag topper!

It slides right off the handles, so the recipient doesn't have to tear open the bag, but the contents are nicely hidden.

Here's a peek from the top:

Here's a quickie how-to:
First, measure the length of your bag since bags are slightly different. Leave 1/4" extra on each side.

Cut a cardstock piece the length you just measured that when folded in half, will be long enough to punch a decorative border & overhang the front & back.

Then make pencil marks on your cardstock on the OUTSIDE of the handles. You'll want to move your marks 1/8th inch past the handles so that it slides easily over the handles.

I used my word window punch to trim in between those pencil marks. You can also use a craft knife.

Here's what it will look like:

Then you simply slide the handles through the opening & your bag topper is in place :)

We have a new teacher in the Spanish Department who has survived her first month of school so we're adding some goodies in the bag to celebrate!

I have a variation on this so I'll share that next time!
Hope these directions were OK & that you give this a go. I should have thought of making a tute while making it, but alas...
Gotta go!

Copic 101

2011-09-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
I get several questions about Copics. I don't think I'm a Copic expert, but there are a few things I've learned over the past year & a half of using them that will hopefully help those of you getting started, or those who have similar questions. Michael's is starting to carry them, so before you take that expensive plunge, learn from some of my experiences & mistakes.

Q: Copics are expensive. Should I buy them in sets?
A: No. I bought many of mine in sets & if I knew then what I know now, I would not have done that! Sure, it would be great to have all of the colors, but what's the point of the expense when you may not use them all? I have several markers I've never used that are sitting there collecting dust :( ---> waste of money! Why? just because markers are packaged in a set doesn't mean they blend together. Instead, I would recommend you buy them in color bundles. That is to say, about 3-4 color markers that blend well together.
ETA: (thanks for the reminder, Shelly :) One set I do luuuuv & recommend is a past color collection of 0000. It's hard to go light with Copics, but the 0000 collection are lighter pastel colors. This is a great set to add to your stash.

Q: Which colors should I buy?
A: That is up to you. Lots of bloggers list the colors they've used on their creations. If there's a color combo that catches your eye, jot it down. For example, my go-to skin color combo is E000, E00, E11 & R20 for blush. There are several companies who have put some marker colors together to take out some of the guess work. Some have even bundled markers to match their cardstock & ink colors. Flourishes, Papertrey Ink, Susana's Custom Art & Card Design (who carry colors chosen by Suzanne Dean) are just a few. I tend to use PTI colors because I use their cardstock often & I like those colors to match. I personally think if you can only do a few colors, get skin tones first, then hair colors. You can get away with using other markers & coloring mediums that are far less expensive for the rest.

Q: Which is better, Sketch or Ciao?
A: I would not say one is "better" than another. That is personal preference. Some people prefer the oval barrel of the sketch. Some people prefer Ciaos as a more cost effective option. I own both. The main differences between them are that Sketch hold more ink therefore cost more per marker. Sketch have the name & number printed on the end cap, Ciaos don't (but I made my own for the Ciaos & you can download that chart HERE). Ciaos have a safety cap, so if a child or pet swallows one, he/she will be able to breathe. You can use the Ciaos in the airbrush system by adding some foam pads to the chamber.

Q: Should I become "Copic Certified?"
A: That depends on what you're trying to accomplish. Are you trying to learn about the markers because you plan on selling/distributing them, teach others about them? Then yes. Are you wanting to learn what colors will blend, coloring techniques that will improve your coloring skills? Then not so much. If the latter is what you want to accomplish, take a techniques class. Some of the Copic regional instructors offer Copic techniques classes as do some Scrapbook stores. Suzanne Dean has online classes Color Me Creative that will help you on your road to becoming a Colorista. But the single most important thing you can do is PRACTICE!!! yes, just like anything else in life ---> practice is key. But to truly reach the level of Colorista you should: have knowledge of techniques, knowledge of good blending colors, & PRACTICE. Check out loads of You Tube videos for specific coloring tips from crafters everywhere.

SCS has a whole thread about Copic Chatter. You can find that---> Here.
Marianne Walker IS a Copic expert. You can check out her blog---> Here.

Enjoy your Copic adventures!

Desktop Calendar Cube v2

2011-09-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hi again friends,
Today I'm sharing a modification to the Desktop Calendar Cube project I shared last time. One of the ladies from the class I had, Mary, thought about adding a hutch or cover over the cubes and I thought it was a great idea! Plus, it might make it harder for our little darlings to be able to grab & throw them ;) To take it one step further, I thought this would be a good place to add a Day Label :) You decide if you want to add that or keep it as it was originally if you make one yourself. Here's the new version:
This one is for my desk:

This one is a sample for my friend's store:
Here's the original, no cover:

and here's V2 with the cube cover:

The space between the back panel & cube cover allows you to push the cubes forward to easily change them out.

I clipped the months together with a mini clothespin as well as the day labels.

Here's what you need for the cube cover:
CS cut at 11 1/2" x 1 7/8"
Score: 1/2", 2 3/8", 6", 7 7/8"

A) Glue the 1/2" tab under the long flap.
B) To strengthen the top, cut a piece of chipboard at: 1 3/4" x 3 1/2"
C) Cut a piece of pattern paper the same size & adhere to cover the chipboard
D) Glue the chipboard piece to the top of your cube cover.
E) Add strong adhesive to the bottom of your cube cover & glue to the top of the small drawer.
F) Add your mat layer & Day Label to the top of the cube cover

The mat for the day labels: 1 1/2" x 3 1/4"

DOWNLOAD THE UPDATED CUT & SCORING GUIDE SHEET

I also created, by request, some Spanish Month & Day labels if you'd like to make it in Spanish :)

DOWNLOAD MONTH/DAY LABELS IN SPANISH

Oh, the completed kit goes to:

#6 Susan

Please email your deets & I'll send you a custom kit.

Thank you for your comments everyone!

Teacher Gifts- Calendar Cube Tutorial

2011-09-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
Today I am sharing a little project I have had spinning in my brain for a while. I've been wanting a calendar for my desk at school to match the other things I've made. So I decided to get the idea out of my head & make it happen.
Here is what we'll be making today:

This cube features a Kleenex dispenser, 2 pull out drawers, 2 date cubes, and a top organizer.

So, ready to get started? Well, grab a venti-sized cup of joe cuz this is a lengthy tute!

DOWNLOAD the Calendar Cube Project Cut & Scoring Guide

Sm. Drawer:

Cut: 6 1/8" x 6 1/8"

Score: 1" on all sides

Assemble your box.

(If you need directions on how to assemble a basic box, please see this previous tute. Use the box lid ~blue)

Sm Drawer Sleeve

Cut: 4 1/4 x 11"
Score: 1", 5 1/4", 6 1/4", 10 1/2"

Slide your drawer in:

***NOTE
Add a piece of 4" x 4" chipboard to the top of the box to give more support to the cubes.

Add some patterned paper to hide it

Lg Drawer Box:

Cut: 7 5/8" x 8 5/8"
Score: 2 1/4"on all four sides

Lg Drawer Box Sleeve

Cut: 4 3/8" x 12"
Score: 3/4", 3 1/8", 6 3/8", 8 3/4"

Slide your box in the sleeve

Tissue Wrapper:

Cut: 7 1/4" x 4 3/8"
Score: 1/2", 1 1/2", 3 7/8", 4 7/8"

Use punch, die, or craft knife to cut opening for tissue to be pulled out through. I used the SU word window punch.
Assemble your box & slide tissue pack in.

Top Organizer:

Cut: 4" x 12"
Score: 2", 5 3/4", 9 1/2", 10 1/4"
Add adhesive & fold as shown

Adhere to the top of sm. drawer box

Add strong adhesive to the back of the Tissue Wrapper & adhere that to the front side of the Lg drawer box.

Add strong adhesive to the bottom of the sm. drawer box...

Adhere it to the top of the Tissue and Lg. box

Wrap a piece of ribbon around the back part to create a pocket.

Add a bow on top

Calendar Cubes:
Download GYPSY cut file for cubes. You'll need the Tags, Bags, Boxes, & More Cricut cart. For the numbers, you'll need the Hello Kitty cart. :)
Don't have a Cricut? No worries, DOWNLOAD THE TEMPLATE I created for you.

Use a 1 1/2" square punch to punch the layers for the numbers. Adhere them to the cube & assemble.

The numbers should be glued as follows:
Cube one: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Cube two: 0, 1, 2, 6 (which also will serve as a 9), 7, 8

Place the cubes on top of the sm. drawer box.

DOWNLOAD the MONTHS and DAYS LABELS. Cut them apart on the solid lines...

Put a piece of magnet tape to the back of each one.

Put a magnet coin on the mat label:

Add your month label.

Here is the finished front of the box

I've also included a couple of fun countdown labels:

Here's the final product, embellished

The back pocket could be used to hold your month labels or to hold other items like a pad of Stickies.

With the open drawers:

***NOTE: the drawers are "push" drawers. The buttons are decorative, not strong enough to be used as pulls.

Well, that's it! Hope you like this project & you give it a go :) There's a version 2 of this project I'll add later. I have a kit to give away complete with everything you need to create this project, pre-cut & pre-scored. Just leave a comment :) Yup, this is open to everyone :)

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

Teacher Gifts- Calendar Cube

2011-09-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
Today I'm giving you a peek at the project I created to go along with my Teacher Table Trio & Desk Caddy. I call it:
Teacher's Calendar Cube
Here it is:

It has a perpetual calendar to show the date, there are 2 drawers, a back pocket, and a Kleenex dispenser.

Here's the back of the box:

Here are the opened drawers:

My friend asked me if I would teach this project as a class at her scrapbooking store this weekend & I hesitantly agreed. I have no problem standing in front of nearly 200 teenagers a day but put me in front of adults & I've got the butterflies in the belly! Eeek!!! Hopefully, they won't boo me out the craftroom! Hee Hee! So, I'll make the tute available for ya on Monday. It is not hard, & it's a cool & useful little box, me thinks.
Have a great weekend & I'll see ya back here on Monday!
Thanks so much for peeking :)
Gotta Go!

Teacher Gifts- Projects in Review

2011-08-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Helloooooooo Friends!
I'm baaaack :) and it feels soooooooo good to be crafting again!
First of all, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your kind words of encouragement & prayers. I can't begin to express my deep appreciation and how full you've made my heart. It has been a bummer summer, but we're past that last huge bump in the road. This summer knocked the wind outta me, let me tell ya. Unfortunately, there are some more bumps coming this year, but at least I know they're coming & I can prepare for them or at least brace myself! I am grateful for that. It will be a tough, challenging year to come. I know they say "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger" so I suppose after this year I'll be able to bend steel with my pinky toe! Hee Hee! I'm still teaching High School Spanish, just not the same levels as last year :( This year I have the one level I requested NOT to have (Spanish 4 Honors) which prepares students for AP Spanish. Ugh, Good luck to all of us :( Well, 'nuff said.

It's that time again- Back to School! So I know you're here cuz you're the overachiever who wants to start off the year with an A+, and I like that :) so over the next few days, I'll be sharing some ideas & projects to help you make the grade! As with previous years, I'll have instructions, tutorials, templates, and all the goodies you'll need to recreate the projects for yourself.

So for Day 1, we'll take a walk down memory lane and review the projects from the past 2 years. If you're new to my blog, I hope you'll find some projects you'll want to give a go, and if you're a return player, I hope you're reminded of something you'd like to give a go too. So, let's play!!!

Click on the title for each project's post

Teacher's Table Trio

Teacher's Lanyard

Teacher's Pointer

Teacher's Boo Boo Box

Teacher's KISS: Keep It Safe & Secure

Teacher's Table Trio Companion

Teacher's Back Pack

Teacher's Note Holder

Teacher's Student Info Folder

Teacher's Whiteboard Magnets

You can also see more Teacher gift projects by clicking on the "Teacher Appreciation" link on the left sidebar. See you back here for another project!
Gotta Go!

Not Good-Bye, but...

2011-07-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
I want you to know I'm stepping away from the blogging world for a while. Life made other plans with our plans for a great summer, so I need to focus on the next difficult weeks to come. Nothing tragic, just an unfortunate change my family and I were not expecting. Sadly, I have decided to step down from all the Design Teams I'm currently on (and luuuuuv) since I don't feel I could meet deadlines, expectations, and such.

I plan on returning to crafting soon cuz it IS my drug of choice. It is how I unwind and get out of my head---> kwim? As I've told others, it's either crack or craft, and I choose the one with the more positive side effects! I hope to be back in time for my annual "Beginning of the Year Teacher Gifts & Ideas" in August/September sometime, as I know so many of you enjoy that :)

Thanks you for your visits to my blog, your comments that I truly appreciate, and for being my blogging buddies! Have a wonderful summer or whatever season it is in your part of the world!
Hugs,

ABC Blog Hop!

2011-07-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
Today marks a special day at ABC Challenges! It's our birthday and we're celebrating in a BIG way with a birthday blog hop!

If this is your first stop, you may want to head over to the ABC Challenge Blog and get the full scoop about all the events and sponsor prizes up for grabs! If you've arrived from the lovely Angelique's blog, you're right where you should be :)
Here are the highlights:
1) There's a new challenge up that will run for 2 weeks : Y is for yesterday
Go vintage, use an old stamp, or choose an old ABC theme

2) There's a DT call! If you'd like to join us as part of the DT, email us with your info (check the main blog for all the deets)

3) Blog Hop! There's a list of the blog hop participants. Be sure to comment on all blogs to be eligible for the prizes~ and there are loads of prizes up for grabs! Check the main blog for contest rules---> HERE!

So on to my project:
First, here's my card:

My sponsor is our lovely friends at Pollycraft. Who are offering a *special* prize for one lucky winner. I am using Swings & Slides- Cute as a cupcake image on my card. Isn't she a cuuuutie! She's holding a scrumptious cupcake while sitting on a present. My "yesterday" piece is the pattern paper I used which was last year's Quite Contrary collection from My Mind's Eye. I also added pearl detail with my Viva Decor Pearl pens. I used another fab sketch from The Sweet Stop for my card as well.

I have a project to go along with this cuuuutie inspired by her yummy cupcake.
Here it is:

Looks yummy right??!! But, this is no ordinary cupcake....nooooo...... this cupcake is hiding a surprise! Hee! Hee!

When you pull up on the cherry...

higher...

HIGHER....

You'll find a gift card!

Here's the gift card completely out of the cupcake. Just remove it from the binder clip & it's ready to be used & enjoyed!

Here's the way it tucks into the cupcake. shhhh, it's our secret ;)

It took me about 1 1/2 hours to do this & a few fried fingers from the glue gun I hardly ever use! But isn't the final product so unique & a perfect way to give a gift card, don't ya think?

I followed a great tutorial to make this however one of the biggest complaints people had was that it took them several HOURS to make, so I did make a few modifications to be able to make it faster.
To make this cupcake, you'll need a styro foam ball, ribbon, flowers, a cupcake liner, & that dangerous weapon called a hot glue gun---> ouchy!

Thanks for joining us & being part of our birthday bash! Don't forget to check the main blog for all the deets & leave a comment on the DT blogs. I'm sending you off to my uber fab teammie Suzanne T who has an AMAZING creation to share with ya!

Thanks for sharing an ABC birthday with us!
Gotta Go!

Cardabilities DT Reveal Sketch #34

2011-06-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
It's the end of June & the end of my time with Cardabilities :( Today is my last reveal as part of the DT. It's been awesome to work with all the talented designers over the past year & with Cardabilities sketches.
Here's Sketch #34

Here's my card:

This stamp is MFT Pure Innocence Pucker Up- isn't she adorable :) Although she looks like business is slow & she's got lemonade to sell! She's colored with Copics. Her lemonade got a bit of Yellow Stickles to give it some kick.
Here's a closer peek:

I also used the MFT banner die for the banner. Pretty simple card :)

I hope you can join us on Sketch #34 & if you do, you could be in the running for a generous prize pack from our Sponsor ---> Robyn's Fetish!

Be sure you Linky your card creation by the 14th!

Thanks so much for peeking
Gotta Go!

ABC Challenge: X is for...

2011-06-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

Xing (crossing) Ribbons!

Hi again friends,
We've got a brand new challenge for ya at ABC Challenges. This week we want to see you cross ribbons. That could be quite simple or a little more complicated. Guess which one I chose??? ;)
Here's my card:

I crossed ribbons to create the look of a garden trellis. That wasn't hard to do at all. I just added adhesive to the back edges of my cardstock, cut strips of ribbon, lay them across the cs, & secured them in the back. I used one of my all-time fav stamp sets (now retired) called Wild Rose (SU) along with the matching DP. These are way old, but I still luuuv them :) The GORGEOUS die cut of the leaves with flourishes is a Heartfelt Creation die from the Bella Rose collection. (I am in love with this die!) The sentiment is stamped on a Spellbinder's Ribbon Banners Die.
Here's a closer peek:

The rose centers got a bit of Stickles & a pearl. Of course, I added my obligatory Viva pen work all over it :) (Thanks, Sankari- you've created a monster ;) Hee!

Head over to the ABC Blog to check out the creative ways my teamies have crossed ribbons and be sure to Linky your crafty creations by Monday night. Oh, the letter X is brought to you by our friends at One Stop Card Crafts and they're offering this fabbie gift voucher to our lucky winner!

For my card, I used this week's sketch at The Sweetest Thing- SSSC123.

Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta Go!

D2D: Tropical Summer Hibiscus

2011-06-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
I'm here to remind you about the Progressive Challenge at Designed 2 Delight. If you played along last week you got this week's awesome images called Tropical Summer Hibiscus in your mailbox. Here's a little card I created with it:

I printed out 6 Hibiscus flowers, colored them with Copics, & cut them out to create a Lei. I added a few sprinklings of my Viva Decor pen to the middles of the flowers.

You can find all the deets to the progressive challenge at the D2D blog.
Thanks for peeking!
Aloha!

Backpack GYPSY File

2011-06-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
One of the biggest requests I get is for this backpack I created on my GYPSY:

Well, I finally learned how to share GYPSY files so I am making it available for all of you that have requested it! But, not only that... I have TWO versions for ya! The first and original version is of the backpack you see above. It measures 6 1/2" Wide, by 3 1/4" Depth, by 7 1/2" Height.

Version 2 is BIGGER maximizing the space of your 12 x 24 paper- you're using every inch of it! BUT, there is one thing you MUST remember with this version. When you go to score it to assemble, DO NOT fold the bottom edge flap where guided to by the tic marks! You'll need to score it at 1/4" from the edge or a tiny bit less. But that's the only thing you'll need to do, everything else will follow the tic marks.Version 2 measures 7 1/2" Wide, by 3 3/4" Depth, by 7 1/2" Height. It is more of a square shape. The flap & the additional cut pieces are larger to accommodate the increased size.

The Deets:

You'll need:
12 x 24" cutting mat
12 x 24" Paper (only for backpack)
scraps or (2) 12 x 12 sheets of cardstock ( for flap & apples)
You'll also need the following carts:
Once Upon a Princess (backpack)
Home Décor (Flap)
Create a Critter (apple)

The project is on 2 layers. The 1st layer is the backpack and the 2nd layer is the flap & apple.

I would LUUUUV your feedback since this is my first time doing this & I'm not sure if I've done it correctly. So if you download it & give it a go, would you please let me know if it worked for you or if there's a problem, what that is too. Remember this is my FIRST time doing this so I'm learning as I go. Feel free to email me or post a comment with your feedback & suggestions. If this works, I would be happy to share future cut files of projects I create! Yay!

So you've got your homework---> get cuttin'!

Karli's Backpack (original)

Karli's Backpack (Version 2)

You can find the original post of this project ---> Here.

Thanks for peeking and for your requests!

Sandy Smiles Summer Mini Album

2011-06-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
Today I have a summer mini-album to share with ya. Now, I know what you're thinking, Wow! That Karli has it together! She's already created a book for summer pics! Well.... yes and no. I actually got this album kit last spring from Paisleys & Polka Dots and have been working on it on & off all year---> Ha! Ha! Well, I didn't finish it last year in time for last summer's pics, but the timing was perfect for this summer's pics!
So how 'bout I give you a few peeks:

Here's the cover:

The title reads, "Sandy Smiles & Summer Snapshots" The bucket has sand on it :)

Here are the first two pages. There's a mini page tucked in there.

Here's the other side of the mini page:

Here are the next couple of pages:

The next two pages, which also have a mini page tucked in there.

Here's the other side of the mini page:

And the back cover:

You know mini-albums are my most fav ways to scrapbook and even though this is a mini-album, it's not tiny coming in at about an 8" x 8" size. There's room for several pics and journaling as well. I think these books truly reflect my "more is more" design philosophy! I have a few more unfinished projects that I hope to get done this year... in time for next year! :) Hee Hee!
Happy Monday to ya!

Thanks for peeking!

Blog Hop PTI- June

2011-06-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hello there friends,
Today I'm jumpin' in at:

This month the challenge is this inspiration pic:

I initially passed on this, cuz for some reason inspiration pics don't quite inspire me for some reason, but then I received my last PTI order & had to play with the onesie die :) Since I was playing with my new PTI toys, why not join the challenge!
Here's my card:

I love making new moms "thank you" cards set as part of their baby shower gift. I thought this die would make cranking those out much faster. I embossed the onesie with a folder from the Once Upon a Princess CB EF set. I took inspiration from the insect hangers for that. For the wall of colors, I simply used PTI buttons as a trail from one butterfly to the other. I added a bit of twine for antennae. I think this would be a CAS card for me!
Here's a closer peek:

Hope you like my take on the inspiration pic.

My card will be playing along in the following challenges:

Secret Crafter: Embossing
Alphabet Challenge: H- Half Dozen ( 6 of the same thing) ---> buttons
Sew Many Cards: Dry Embossing
Embellish Magazine: Rainbow Color Trend

Thanks so much for stopping by to take a peek!
Gotta Go!

All supplies used are PTI unless otherwise specified.

Baby Onesie Bouquet

2011-06-24T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
I have a baby onesie bouquet to share with you. I saw them on Lauren Meader's blog ages ago & ever since then, anytime I go to a baby shower I have to bring one! They're so cute & super easy!
Here it is:

Inside the paint can are rolled onesies that make up the "roses" and also some travel size baby care products.

Among the onesies I scattered some rolled roses (MFT), & some Prima roses.

These are from the Tim Holtz mini-Rosettes die. They spell out "Baby Girl."

A peek from above

Here's the card that's going with it:

A closer peek:

I created this card using left over papers (Lush- MME) from the bouquet & gift bag I embellished. I used this week's Mojo Sketch for it :) The Damask paper is flocked so it begs to be touched :)

Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta Go!

Blue Mystique Orchids

2011-06-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
I wanted to share some beauties I got for my birthday.
These are Blue Mystique Orchids:

Yes, these are real---> Real gorgeous!!! They are not hybrids, but rather color enhanced to make these beautiful blue ones.

Here are a few closer peeks at it:

I love orchids and for some reason, they love me back cuz they're the only kind of flower I don't kill ;0
Once all the flowers are gone, I will move it outside in front of my kitchen window to join my other pretties.

Just a little something to share :) I have a crafty project for ya tomorrow!
Gotta Go!

Creative Card Crew Challenge: Asian Flair

2011-06-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
Welcome to a brand new challenge at Creative Card Crew! This week we challenge you to create something with an Asian Flair (Patti L, this one's calling your name! Hee! Hee!)
Here's my card:

This is Chinese Tilda. She's colored with Copics. I thought that I would color her Kimono with a black Sakura glaze pen so it would have that look of silky shine. That dark black kinda washed out her hair a bit- so we'll just call her Nai Nai---> grandmother :)

Here's a closer peek at that:

I added some gold accents to her Kimono and parasol. The rest got some touches of my gold & red Viva Decor pen. Finally, I embellished it simply with some gold buttons & some rolled roses. This was one of my absolute fav Tilda collections (Bon Voyage) & I'm so tickled to have gotten to get this girl inked up!
Our sponsor this week is the fab Bunny Zoe's Crafts who carries loads of Magnolias & other fabbie things to tickle your fancy!
Be sure to linky your Asian creation by Monday night to the Creative Card Crew blog & check out the amazing work of the DT.

My card will be playing along in the following challenges:
The Sweet Stop- Sketch SS113
Magnolia Stamp Lovers -buttons
Mark's Finest Papers: Buttons
Just Add Ink: Colouring
Hooked on Crafts -Anything Goes

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

The 411
Stamps: Chinese Tilda- Magnolia
Ink: Memento Black, Colorbox black
Paper: Far East Stck- DCWV, Jovial- BasicGrey, black, red cs- Bazzill
Tools: Cricut Wild Card Cart (card base), Rolled Roses- MFT Dinamics
Other: Viva Decor Paper pens- red, gold, buttons, Stickles, Signo white & gold gel pens

School's out, Picnic's IN!

2011-06-17T01:50:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
Today, I'm sharing the gift my little one will give his teacher for a year's worth, of patience, hard work, patience, dedication, and patience. Did I mention how patient she is??? ;)
I decided that the theme of this gift is that summer vacation is here & one fun thing to do while enjoying those summer activities & events is having a picnic. So I created a picnic basket filled with some picnic necesities.
Here's the basket:

and all the basket goodies:

Inside the basket are 3 gift card holders (made with the Sizzix gift card die---> so luuuv this die!)

And here's what's inside:
A Barnes & Noble Gift card (feel free to read the inscriptions)

A Subway gift card:

And a Starbucks gift card

Here's a peek at the card:

It's very simple cuz I ran out of steam!

The picnic basket is a My Timeless Template from Lauren Meader for PTI. I used the largest size for my basket. I used shimmer cardstock for the base so it's sturdy & shimmery :) The pattern papers are so dreamy. Love the colors! It's from the Lemon Flowers Stack by DCWV. The stamp is PTI as is the embossing plate used on the card front (In Bloom).

Sorry for the crudy pics, but my camera batteries were recharging & I had to use an old one. Plus my OTT light decided to die too :( Ugh :(

Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta Go!

ABC Challenge: W is for...

2011-06-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

WEDDING!

Hi friends,
It's time for a brand new challenge at ABC Challenge! This week we are challenging you to create something with a wedding theme. You know if wedding's the name cake is my game!
Here's the box closed:

Here comes the cake!

I love making these cake boxes using the sizzix pop up cake die! I used real pearls & my viva decor pearl pen all over it. Then I draped it with some Prima roses from YMH. It's ready to receive a gift card or two & a heartfelt sentiment.
Our sponsor this week are our friends at Sugar Nellie who are offering a tasty prize to one lucky player. Please stop by the ABC Challenge blog to peek at the rest of the DT creations. you can find more deets about making cake boxes on a previous post---> Here.

Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta Go!

Cardabilities DT Reveal Sketch #33

2011-06-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hi again friends,
We're midway through the month, which means we've got a new Cardabilities sketch coming your way!
Here's the sketch:

Here's my card:

I used the MFT rolled roses on the seam binding held together with the stick pin. I sprayed the roses with Tattered Angels glimmer mist from YMH in 2 colors so that they would look similar to the roses on the seed packet :)
Here's a closer peek:

You've got till the 28th of the month to upload your card creation to the Cardabilities blog & while you're there check out what the DT has created with this sketch. You're not just playing for fun this week, as we're sponsored by Whimsie Doodles! Don't forget your card creation can be chosen & you can be our next guest designer too! I also want to welcome the new DT members to Cardabilities. I won't be returning since I have come to the end of my term. sniff...sniff

Off to work on school stuff-
Gotta go!

Ok, just 1 more...

2011-06-13T00:41:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends!
Today is my birthday :) I'm 29.99 ---> again ;) in case you're wondering! The boys took me to my fav restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory, to celebrate. Yummy!!! My most fav thing to eat there (besides the cheesecake, of course) is Avocado Eggrolls!!! It's a little piece of heaven, let me tell ya! and if you like avocados, you've got to try them!

Well, today I have one more Graduation card to share I made for my BFF's son. I forgot I had 1 more to share :)
Here's my card:

I cased this card cuz I loved the simple perfection of it. I used his school colors of burgundy & gold. The finished size is A2- 4 1/4 x 5 1/2".

This is my last week of school so I've been SUPER busy, and I know this week will be some kind of crazy, but I see the light! I can't wait to get started on summer vacation!

Thanks so much for peeking today :) Have a goodie!!!

The Last of the Grads

2011-06-09T01:31:00.000-07:00

Hi there friends,
Here is the last of my graduation cards for the year:

I cased this card I saw on SCS & loved the design. I wanted something CAS & as you know that is my Kryptonite, so when I saw this card I found what I was looking for. There were no directions, so I went with it on my own. I used our school colors of red, white, & blue.

Here's a peek of the innies:

All of the stamps are PTI For the Graduate & Wonderful Words Additions with die.

This card will be playing nicely with others at the following challenges:
Papertake Weekly: Anything Goes
One Stitch at a Time: Graduation
Craft Your Passion: Anything Goes
Wee Memories: Anything Goes

Thanks for peeking today!
Until next time :)

Creative Card Crew Challenge: Things with Wings

2011-06-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
Welcome to a new challenge at Creative Card Crew! This week, the challenge is "Things with Wings"
Here's my card:

My winged things are those beautiful butterflies. They're from Amy R's set called "Butterfly" I absolutely LUUUUUV this set. The butterflies are so realistic & diverse. The sentiments are wonderful as well. I stamped the butterflies on the same pattern paper, cut them out, & popped them up with foam tape.
Here's a closer peek:

and from the side so you can see how they look like they're going to fly off the card!

The sentiment reads: "What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly." So beautiful- one of my fav ever :) I thought I would be clever & stamp the sentiment twice to create a shadow---> ah nooooo :( I'll need to redo that :( but I do like how the stamped butterflies look behind it. I also used last week's Mojo Monday sketch (squared) but not in time to enter it.

Our sponsor this week are our friends at Simon Says Stamp and they're offering a fab prize up for grabs. This set is available at Simon Says Stamp if it tickles your fancy---> Here.
Remember you've got til Monday night to Linky your card creation & please stop by the Creative Card Crew & check out the wingy inspiration from the rest of the DT.

Thanks so much for peeking!
Two more weeks & I stick a fork in this school year!!! Yay :)
Bye for now!

The 411

Stamps: Butterfly- Amy R
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel- SU
Paper: Que Sera Sera- K&Company, Bazzill cs
Tools: Butterfly punch- MS
Other: Viva Decor Pearl pen, ribbon

Wishing You the Best

2011-06-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
Happy Friday! Yeah! I live for the weekend :)

Today, I've got a card to share that I made for a friend in my department who is heading to another school. We will definitely miss having her around :(
Here's my card closed...

and here it is...

opened! It's a tri-Shutter card :) I am so in luv with making this card style!
I used 5 pattern papers from the Cottage Garden Collection from K&Company along with the punch-out flowers layered with foam adhesive in between. They are fabulous & they come perfectly colored & beautifully glittered :)

Here's a closer peek at the dimension.

There's a tag that pops out that reads, "Wishing You All the Best". I die cut the letters to spell her name for the middle panel with the Curlie Girlie Sizzix alpha set. I embellished the edge panel with a ZVA pearl flourish. I hope she likes this card. You can find a tut on SCS for this card style if you want to give it a go---> try it, you'll be hooked too!

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Have a great weekend!
Gotta Go!

ABC Challenge: V is for...

2011-06-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

VARIETY... of embellishments!

Hi ya friends,
We've got a new challenge for ya at ABC Challenges. This week, the challenge is for the letter V- for Variety of embellishments. This is your time to load up on those embellies cuz you need to have at least 3 types on your crafty creations.
Here's my card:

Here's a closer peek:

I made this card for my friend who is having a baby girl in a few months :) I used ribbon, pearls, rosettes, & die cuts to embellish my card. The little bear is colored with Copics & her wings got a coat of Stickles. I used this week's sketch at The Sweet Stop.

The letter V is brought to you by our friends at Stamp Fairy who is generously gifting our winner with a gift certificate to their store where you can pick up this cutie called Linda Fairy if it tickles your fancy. Please stop by the ABC blog & check out the amazing creations the rest of the DT has created & Linky your card by next Monday to be in the running for the fab prize!

I can't tell you how super busy I've been, but I've got end of the year teacher ideas to share, soon :)

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Have a great day!

Cardabilities DT Reveal Sketch #32

2011-05-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
Happy Monday to ya! We've come to the end of the month & that means we've got a brand new sketch at Cardabilities!
Here's the sketch:

This is one of my all-time fav sketches- luuuv it! so many options for those circles!

Here's my card:

This was a really easy card to make. I shy away from pre-made embellies cuz they tend to collect dust. I like to make my own :) but I was drawn to these K&Co punch out layering flowers. They're really gorgeous & in seconds you get beautiful, dimensional flowers!

Here's a closer peek:

This card is going to one of my student's parents for so kindly giving me a Starbucks gift card for Teacher Appreciation Day. So nice of them :) just need to add my sentiment.

We would love for you to join us for sketch #32 & possibly be our next guest designer! Be sure to upload your card creation to the Cardabilities/Sketchabilities Gallery & hop by the Cardabilities blog & check out the amazing creations by the rest of the DT.

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop- May

2011-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
Today I'm participating in this month's

Our challenge this month was to show our fav take on flowers. I've got one of my fav ways to incorporate flowers on my card today!

Here's my card:

I used my fav PTI flower set (In Bloom) in place of the "O" in the word LOVE cuz I love this stamp :)

Here's a closer peek at that:

Here you can see how I stamped it 3 times & layered different parts of it for dimension.

I cut out the word on my Cricut using the Mother's Day cart. I added some highlights with my white gel pen & popped it up with foam adhesive.

The fun thing about this is that you can add flowers to replace O's in words like in "YOU" or "SORRY" or "MOM"---> you get the picture! It's such a simple thing to do that adds a touch of whimsy to your card!

Thanks so much for peeking & hopping by!
I'm off to get some fab ideas for flowers, flowers, FLOWERS!!!

The 411

Stamps: In Bloom- PTI
Ink: Fresh Snow- PTI
Paper: Pure Poppy cs, Bitty Dot Basics, white cs
Tools: Heart Lace punches- MS, Cricut & Mother's Day cartridge
Other: Pearls- Kaiser, Viva Decor Pearl Pen, Signo white gel pen

Creative Card Crew

2011-05-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
Welcome to a brand new challenge at Creative Card Crew! This week we are presenting one of your favorite challenges: ANYTHING GOES!
I took the opportunity to create a graduation card for my TA.
Card front:

The "LA" is our school initials cut out with the Varsity Letter Cricut cartridge using our school colors.

The innies:

The graduation cap is a Spring fold card so that it pops out when you open the card.

Here's a closer peek at that:

The paper comes from the foil collection so it's got the shiny look of foil with a textured or linen paper feel. I have 5 cards to make for the Seniors I mentored this year who will be graduating & I will definitely be making this type of card style for the rest of them. It's easy & fun :)

Be sure to Linky your card creation to the Creative Card Crew blog by next Monday & be in the running by the fabbie prizes the wonderful Gry is offering. Remember... anything goes! You can find another great tute on SCS for the Spring Fold Card----> looks complicated, but it's a piece of cheesecake :)
My paper is sized at 5 1/2" x 11" and the card base is 6 x 6 (finished). The size on the tute is a bit smaller.

Thanks so much for peeking!
Have a great day :)

Thank You Teacher

2011-05-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
Today, I have a card I made for my son's teacher. I try to give her little treats every chance I get cuz I know who she's working with---> my little angel Jordan ;) I don't know about you, but my kids are not the picture of educational perfection! Jordan is constantly bouncing off the walls & is a lot to handle which is why I am so thankful for his teacher's patience & hard work.

Jordan's teacher sent us a note that he will be getting an award on Wednesday! Bless her heart she found something to award him for other than bouncing off the walls! Hee! This is the card I will be giving her as a thank you for choosing him.
Here's my card:

I used this week's sketch at MFT. I just luuuv this MFT stamp set called Teacher's Pet. I paper pieced her clothes & colored with pencils & gamsol. Ugh :( me no likey so gotta get practicing :(
Here's a peek at the innies:

I think Jordan's saving grace is that he is a SHARP kid! He's the kid who will score Advanced on state tests & will learn things the first time you show him, but all those great things come at a price! He's lucky his head is attached to his body cuz he loses everything. When God was passing out common sense, he was in line for something else---> NO common sense on that kid :( oy! But all in all, he's a great kid. Really! And now he'll be an award-winning kid :)

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

Enjoy Life

2011-05-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
We made it! Some people prophesied about an apocalypse happening on Saturday. I thought that maybe it might be true since my crafty mojo was nowhere to be found. :( I had ideas in my head, but I just couldn't get anything going. I woke up Sunday morning & we were all still here. That's a good thing, right??? So I headed back to my craft room & decided since this was the first day after the near apocalypse, I would honor it by using a stamp I've had for a long time & did not ink before. I also was going to create a CAS card with a color combo I would probably never have thought to use before. That's a crafting triple threat--->I meant business!!! ;) Hopefully, this will get my mojo back :)
Here's my card:

I used a stamp called Peacock Feather by Stampendous. It's such a simple but beautiful stamp. I stamped it 3 times in Elegant Eggplant, Plum Pudding, & Lavender Moon. Then I wrapped some lavender floss around the card & punched the edge.

Here's a closer peek:

The sentiment reads "Delight in Life" very apropos, don't ya think :) I love how the middle of the feathers look like hearts, which is why I turned them downward. I hope that doesn't mean anything negative. :( When I was in college, my friend had a peacock as a pet & that thing was SOOOO noisy! It was a thing of beauty, but it was a loud bird! I asked him if I could have a few feathers, and he told me it was bad luck to have peacock feathers as decorations in the house. I don't know if it was true or he was just being stingy!

I used this week's color challenge at CR84FN: Light Plum, Plum, Kraft

Well, I hope you take time to enjoy where you are today :)
Gotta Go!

D2D: Summer Days

2011-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
I'm back to share the new image coming to you if you played along on the progressive challenge this week at Designed2Delight.
Here's my card:

This sweet image is called Summer Days. I'm a June baby so summer is my favorite season. The sun is out, time to relax, & as you can see, this girl is enjoying some sunshine :)

For my card, I colored the little summer bear with Copics & then used a washcloth with blender solution to dab over the image to give it that fuzzy look of fur. I used a bit of pointilism for the grass. I had so much fun creating a little quilled sun. I haven't quilled in ages, so I need to do it more often :)
Here's a closer peek:

To finish I added a ribbon banner & buttons.

You can find all the deets to the progressive challenge on the D2D Blog as well as more inspiration from the DT.

This card will be joining the fun at the following challenges:
The Sweet Stop: Sketch 108 (rotated the sketch)
A spoonful of Sugar: Anything Goes
Truly Scrumptious: Anything Goes

Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta Go!

ABC Challenge: U is for...

2011-05-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

UNUSUAL Folds!

Howdy friends,
Welcome to a brand new challenge at ABC Challenges! This week the challenge, should you accept it, is unusual folds. This is a great challenge because now those of us who stick to the basic card form get the chance to step out of our comfort zone & create something different. I chose to go with a card style I've long admired but was very intimidated by---> The Tri-Fold Shutter card.
Here's my card: closed

opened:

I couldn't believe how super simple it was to make. Seriously, I felt like such a fool for being afraid for so long cuz it's an AMAZING card style!
Here are a few more peeks & then come the deets :)

flattened out on the table

stretched out view from the top

What i love about it is even though it stretches out to 12 inches, it closes to A4 size! (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")
This is a wedding card. I used some papers from one of my fav BasicGrey collections---> Cappella. I embellished it simply with some Prima flowers from YMH and my Viva Decor pen.

You will definitely be seeing more of these type of cards from me, let me tell ya! It's so easy, but fabulous! It took longer to cut the layers than to create the card. Is there a particular card style that you've put the brakes on? Join us this week & just do it! Do it afraid like I did & you might surprise yourself ;) You've got til next Monday to Linky your card creation to the ABC Challenge blog & possibly be awarded a spot in the Top 5 or be the winner of the fabbie prize offered by our sponsor:

Whiff of Joy! Woo hoo!

You can find a wonderful tut on the tri-shutter card at SCS---> Here.
Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta go!

Cardabilities DT Reveal Sketch #31

2011-05-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
So with Blogger & my life so wonky lately, I've been away from my craft room. But today, is the reveal of the latest & greatest Cardabilities sketch.
Here's the sketch:

Here's my card:

As you can tell, I rotated the sketch. It's a graduation card for one of my students. I used our school colors of brilliant blue & real red. That is one color I wish SU hadn't retired cuz it's a perfect match to our school colors :( I did hoard of course, so I do have a bit of a stash ;) It's going to a male student so I didn't want to add to many froo-froo embellies. I used the For the Graduate stamp set from PTI & popped up the grad cap then I did a bit of faux stitching.
You've got 2 weeks to upload your card creation to the Cardabilities Gallery & be sure to check out the amazing cards the rest of the DT created with this sketch.

If you are a fan & enjoy the Cardabilities sketches as much as I do how about joining the Design Team! That's right, there's a DT call going out right now. This is my last term since I've been part of the DT for a year :( so it's my time to retire (tear, tear) but now I'll be playing along from the other side of the fence & I'll be eligible for the fab sponsor prizes ---> heh heh heh :) So pop by the Cardabilities blog & check out THIS POST for all the deets.

Thanks so much for peeking today! Have a great week :)

Creative Card Crew Challenge: May Flowers

2011-05-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
Hope you Mommies (and those that nurture like Mommies) out there had a fabulous Mother's Day. My boys made a chocolate cake for me & I got some flowers from the hub. Today, May 10th, happens to be Mother's Day for many Spanish speaking countries so Feliz Dia de las Madres again! :) and yes, I get more treats on this day too :) I accept gifts bilingually! (hee hee!)
Today also marks a new challenge at Creative Card Crew. This week, the challenge is... May flowers.
Here's my card:

It's a gift card holder that holds a tea bag & Starbucks gift card for my son's teacher.

Here's a closer peek:

Isn't this the cutest tea cup? It's called English Tea Cup from our fabulous sponsor this week: Robyn's Fetish! I printed it twice & popped up the roses. They're colored with Copics & then I sprayed them with Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist for a bit of shimmer :) I added a bit of Crackle Accents to the cup to give it the look of a vintage porcelain tea cup.

You can find a video tut I created for this gift card holder (made with just one envelope)---> HERE.
Please stop by the Creative Card Crew blog to take a peek at the flowery creations by the rest of the DT & be sure to Linky your creation by next Monday to be in the running to win the fabby prize pack offered by our friends at Robyn's Fetish.

Thank so much for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

The 411
Copic Recipe: R20, RV32, RV34, YG11, YG13, YG17
Stamps: English Tea Cup- Robyn's Fetish, Teacher's Apple- PTI
Ink: Ripe Avocado, Hibiscus Burst- PTI
Paper: Couture- SEI, Neenah White cs
Tools: Labels 14- Spellbinders
Other: Copics, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, Doily, blink, Crackle Accents- Ranger, Viva Decor Pearl Pen, ribbon

D2D: Pail of Flowers

2011-05-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hola Friends,
Happy Cinco de Mayo! or as some like to call it: Cinco de Drunk-O! Today commemorates the Battle of Puebla where the Mexican Army defeated the much better equipped & larger, French army. Ok, so the French came back & knocked their lights out later, but we celebrate the "David over Goliath" underdog win of the Mexican army. Most people I know spend the day celebrating with Coronas, Tequila, & margaritas! Ah well...

Today, I get to give you a sneak peek at the next image for the progressive challenge at Designed2Delight! Since it's the beginning of the month, this beautiful image will be available FREE for 1 week beginning tomorrow on Faith's blog & the progressive challenge begins!

Here's my card:

This is a truly lovely image. It just begs to be watercolored, but I went the Copic route :) I wanted the soft feel of watercoloring so I used the lightest Copic colors which were last year's new releases. I printed the image 3 times in 3 different sizes! I know I'm a maniac that way ;) but I wanted the flowers in the pail to overflow a bit more so I used a slightly larger size to layer over the base image. (That's the BEAUTY of digi images :) Then the third set, I used to accent around the image. The paper (which oh my gooooodness, is so gorgeous!) matched Faith's image seamlessly... happy sigh...
Here's a closer peek:

and yes, I went crazy with my Viva Decor Pearl pen again ;) (I reeeeally should seek help for my addiction!)
The sentiment is stamped on the satin ribbon with VersaCraft ink. It is *perfect* for stamping on fabrics & it won't smudge & smear. I also paper pieced (a la digi) the sweet little quilt.

You can find all the deets to the progressive challenge on the brand spanking new & redesigned D2D blog---> Here. Grab it tomorrow & play along!

My card is hobnobbing with the following challenges:
The Sweet Stop: Sketch SSS106
Fun For Challenges: Lots of Flowers
Simon Says Stamp: Paper Piecing
Papertake Weekly: Anything Goes
Tip Top Tuesday: Open Challenge (Anything Goes)
Craft Your Passion- Anything Goes
Sparkles Forum Challenges: Anything Goes

Thanks so much for peeking today... and everyday!
Adios!

The 411

Copic Recipe: Flowers:V0000, B0000, R0000, G0000, BG0000, B0000 G20, G24, G40 Pail: C3, C1, C00

Stamps: Pail of Flowers (digi)- Designed2Delight, Delightful Dahlia- PTI
Ink: VersaCraft ink: Real Black
Paper: Couture Collection- SEI, Pink Pirouette- SU, Neenah White CS
Tools: Beaded Ovals- Spellbinders
Other: Copics, Viva Decor Pearl Pen, Pearls- SEI, ribbon

ABC Challenge: T is for...

2011-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

TWO or more images!

Hi ya friends,
Welcome to a brand new challenge at The ABC Challenge! This week is T is for Two or more images (sentiments or text don't count as one). But first, I'd like to apologize for not coming to visit your blogs lately :( It's been crazy busy here with report cards (for nearly 200 students) and planning for the 5 de Mayo activities the Spanish Department has been preparing for. Hopefully things will return back to just crazy normal in a few days! ugh :(
Ok, back to this week's challenge...
Here's my card:

Isn't she just Ahhhhhdorable! I know I say that about all the Maggies ;) My two images are Longing Tilda & Romantic Window. They're colored with Copics. The little roses got a bit of red Spica glitter pen so they're sparkly.
Here's a closer peek:

The letter T is brought to you by: WILD ROSE STUDIO

who is offering this cutie Milton fresh from their newest collection :) sweetness...

Be sure to stop by the ABC Challenge Blog & check out the fabulous cards the rest of the DT has created using 2 or more images. The more the merrier, right?! You've got until Monday night to Linky your card creation.

We are also saying good-bye to out fearless team leader, Heidi :( we sure do appreciate everything she's done to make it such a great DT to be a part of. We'll miss you Heidi!

Thank you so much for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

The 411
ETA Copic Recipe: Flowers: R24, R29, G24, G21, G40 bricks: R20, R22, R24 Window (wood) E25, E31, E53 glass: BG10 Tilda: skin E00, E000, E11, R20 Hair: YR23, E35, Y23 Clothes: BG11, BG13, BG18

Stamps: Longing Tilda, Romantic Window- Magnolia stamps
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: The Thrift Shop- October Afternoon (luuuv), Aqua Mist cs, Vintage Cream cs, Pure Poppy cs- PTI
Tools: Doily Lace Die- PTI, Cricut & Wild Card Cart
Other: Copics, Viva Decor Pearl Pen, Pearls- Kaiser, Ribbon, Stick pins- Maya Road, Stickles, Spica Pen

Blog Candy Winners!!

2011-05-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
Thank you so much for sharing in the fun of my 2nd blogoversary!
3 winners were chosen via Random.org and here they are:

Blog Candy #1 My Luv for Papertrey Ink

lisa808 said...: Matching stamps & dies--it doesn't get any better! I had a Mother Goose book of nursery rhymes that I loved as a child. It was passed along to both of my brothers. April 13, 2011 9:07 AM; YAY Lisa! This is really funny cuz I just won her blogoversary candy! Hee! Hee! There's one for Karma, Lisa :); Blog Candy #2 My Luv for Cardmaking; Congrats goes to...
E.T said...: One lesson I keep on spreading... try to forgive.. the more people you forgive, the more at peace you become. Your candy has been added in the Blog Candies section at Feline Playful!; April 20, 2011 10:19 PM

and Blog Candy #3 My Luv for Tools

Jessica Wekenman said...: Wowza! What a huge and generous blog candy! My favorite tool would have to be my Martha Stewart Score board! I have really wanted to the pink ATG gun! Thank you so much for the chance! April 13, 2011 7:09 AM; Jessica, you are a girl with a gun now!; Ladies, you've got 48 hours to contact me (9pm PST Wednesday) or I take that gun & redraw! click on my little chalkboard on the left & send me your deets.; Now, I've got some more Blog Candy to give away cuz my blog has passed 150,000 hits! Cr---azy! The next blog candy will be open to EVERYONE! Yes, this means my friends from a far can get in on the fun too :) I'll give you the deets soon...; I don't know why all of a sudden everything is in CAPS but Blogger is going wonky! Thank you everyone!

Cardabilities DT Reveal Sketch #30

2011-04-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi there friends,
Here we are at the end of April, yikes! But that means it's time for a brand spankin' new Cardabilities sketch. Here's sketch #30:

I hope I look this good when I'm 30! ;)

Here's my card:

I made this card for my grammy's birthday. The flower cluster is a stamp from Heartfelt Creations colored with Copics. It was stamped twice so the flowers were popped up.

Here's a closer peek at that:

The centers are little pearls (Viva Decor Pearl pen). I love that Stampin Up offers some of their stamp sets in Spanish, especially sentiments cuz they're hard to find. It reads "Something special for Someone special."

The papers are from the Sweet Nectar collection that's included in my Blog Candy giveaway along with 2 Heartfelt Creation stamps & Viva Decor Pens! Today is the last day to enter, so if you haven't, be sure you do!

Time to play with us! Upload your card creation to the Cardabilities Gallery in the members section & stop by the Cardabilities blog to peek at the beautiful cards created by the rest of the DT to sketchspire ya! But wait, there's more! You're not just playing for fun...nooooooo. Our sponsor this week is the fabulous Technique Junkie!!! Yay!!! and don't forget YOU could be our next guest designer too :)

Thanks for peeking today!
Gotta Go!

The 411

Stamps: Posy Bouquet- Heartfelt Creations, Todo lo Mejor- SU
Paper: Pretty in Pink cs-SU, Sweet Nectar- K&Company, Bazzill cs, Neenah cs
Tools: Floral Doily Motifs, Labels 4- Spellbinders, Scor-Pal
Other: Viva Decor Pearl Pen, butterfly accent

Creative Card Crew Challenge: Child's Play

2011-04-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hi ya friends,
Welcome to a new challenge at Creative Card Crew! This week, the theme is Child's Play that could be a card for a child, or a card that reflects that inner child that loves to play!
Here's my card:

It's an easel card drawer box. This sweet image is called Carousel Horse from The Stamping Boutique who is our sponsor this week. I love carousel horses- there's something magical about them :)

Here's a closer peek at all its sparkle:

It's colored with Copics, then I covered every inch of it with Stickles! Cotton Candy, Purple, & Stardust Stickles!!! so preeetty & girly! Around the image are some Pearls from my Viva Decor Pearl pen in Lilac :)

Here's a side peek:

And the opened drawer:

I don't know if I'm going to give this one away ;) I did plan on giving it to my friend's daughter, but I'm finding it hard to part with! Hee! Hee! You've got until next Monday to Linky your kid creation to the Creative Card Crew blog & please check out the fabulous cards created by the rest of the DT.

This creation will be playing along at the following challenges:
The Sweet Stop: Sketch SSS105
Our Creative Corner: Easel card
Wee Memories: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Corrosive Challenges: Use an Animal (Hmm, I hope my horsey counts!)
Paper Sundaes: Toppings Bar~ Sparkle, Pearls, Die Cuts
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge: Flowers
Sparkles Forum Challenges: Anything Goes
A Gem of a Challenge: Pearls

If you'd like to make an easel card, there's a tut at SCS---> Here; and for the drawer box, you can find directions on Vicki's blog---> Here. Both are way easy to make :)
Thanks so much for peeking!

The 411

Stamps: Carousel Horse (digi)- Stamping Boutique, Everyday Button Bits- PTI
Ink: Fresh Snow- PTI, Concord Crush- SU
Paper: Springtime- Echo Park, Pretty i Pink cs- SU, Bazzill cs
Tools: Fancy Tags, Beaded Ovals, Nested Ovals- Spellbinders
Other: Stickles, Viva Decor Pearl Pen, roses- Prima, ribbon