Thursday, April 29, 2010

Mom is a Limited Edition

Hi there friends!
Today I have another Mother's Day card for ya I created with the gorgeous Limited Edition Mother's Day Cricut Cartridge. This is such a beautiful cart. It's definitely not just for Mother's Day. For my card, I used this week's Monday Mojo Sketch:

I used the Round choice to make this pretty simple card:
I hope those birdies are keeping it PG under my card! ;) of course they are!

The Deets:
I used the beautiful papers from the Mimosa pack from SEI. I cut the sooooo pretty "Mom" at 1 1/4." One nice feature of this cart is that many of the images also have a coordinating shadow (not usually the case with Solution Carts.) For the flower I used one of the flower images, cut 4 at 3", cut a petal from each layer, curled the ends of each petal, & added Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist to it. It adds a beautiful sheen & shimmer to the paper. I also added it the the white CS base. I punched the leaves & added ribbon.

Here's a closer peek at the flower:

I hope you can see that pretty Glimmer Mist. If you're someone who screams at the sight of glitter, but want a kiss of shimmer- try TA Glimmer Mists. I debated doing more to the flower, but decided to keep it this way.

Remember that you can find The Mimosa Cardstock Pack, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, & Cricut goodies (on sale!) at YMH Store ---> Here.

Thanks so much for peeking today! Don't forget that the blogoversary blog candy ends Friday (tomorrow) so be sure you're in! Good Luck :)

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

You Rock!

Hello friends,
Today I have one of the easiest cards I think I've ever made!
Here it is:
Since the Patterned paper is already embellished I didn't have to do much. All I did was use Stretch Magic jewelry cord for the guitar strings (& yes, I did play with them :), stamp the sentiment, mat it, & add brads in the corners. So easy!

This is for my chemo card angel buddy. I'm sharing his cards because many people have a difficult time with masculine cards (including myself!) So hopefully one of his cards will give you ideas when needing to make boy/masculine cards.

I'm soooo busy this week with school stuff- we're doing State testing :(
Thanks so much for peeking!
Gotta Go!




The 411:
Stamps: Rockstar- Inkadinkado
Paper: The Rockstar Matstack- DCWV, Choc chip CS, Very Vanilla CS- SU!
Ink: Chestnut Roan- Colorbox, Choc chip- SU!
Accessories: Brads, Stretch Magic bead & jewelry cord

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop-April

Hi friends,
It's with great pleasure that I get to participate in this month's Blog Hop with PTI. The challenge this month is to use tissue paper. I took advantage of the opportunity to get started on my Mother's Day cards so today I have 3 cards to share. (I used the tissue that my stamps were wrapped in!) One of which was the Anniversary Set called Round & Round- SOOOO preeeety! Thanks Nichole, it's so beautifully designed. I LOVE IT!!!

Here's my first card:
The Deets:
For this card, I used a border punch to create the tissue layers along the bottom. I also used a flower punch to create the Pom Pom flowers Dawn shared a while back. I found that punching several layers of tissue worked best. I used Kraft CS for the base & a layer of Dotty Biscotti PP with a strip of Lemon Tart CS. The swirl spray of bling is ZVA Crystals. The sentiment comes from the Anniversary Set.

Card #2:
The Deets:
I used the very same papers as my first card. With this card, I added a bit of green Dotty Biscotti PP for the leaves & end accents along the Lemon Tart strip. This big, glorious flower is another Pom Pom flower. I used the Peony Nestability for that (2nd largest die). Don't ask how many layers that is- I didn't count! But it's like 15 :) Only one pass through my Hello Kitty Big Shot and it came out perfectly! :) Finished it off with a Lemon Tart Button. The sentiment comes from the Blooming Button set.
Here's a couple of peeks at the dimension:


Card #3:
The Deets:
For this card, I used some of the stamps from the Anniversary Set. I used 1/2 & 3/4 punches to make these bitty Pom Pom flowers. I heat embossed the images with clear embossing powder. I threaded strips of Dotty Biscotti (I love saying that- so fun!) PP through the button holes. Punched with the same border punch & added more blingies.
The sentiment (along the bottom right edge) comes from the Blooming Buttons set stamped in Fresh Snow ink.

Again I used the same papers. Actually, I only needed 1 sheet of yellow Dotty Biscotti PP, 1 sheet of Lemon Tart CS, & 2 sheets of Kraft CS to create all 3 cards :)

Mother's Day is a bittersweet time for me. It's a happy time since I'm a mom, but for myself... not so much. Don't want to be a "Debbie Downer" so I'll leave it at that.  But, I've been so fortunate to have been blessed with lots of "Mothers" along my journey who have guided me with love and support. That's why I've got lots of Mother's Day cards to make and I'm much happier to make many than none at all.

Thanks so much for peeking at my cards today & thanks in advance for your comments. I appreciate them very much! I'm off to join you in the hop.
Thanks for hopping by!

Friday, April 23, 2010

MOJO 135 Pretty Peony

Hi Friends,
 I have a card to share with ya for this week's Monday Mojo sketch challenge.
Here's the sketch:
Here's my card:
View #1:

View #2 (couldn't make up my mind again :(

I used the Peony Nestie to create the pretty flower. It is large & very dimensional. Too bad my camera or my sad photog skills don't capture the beauty of it IRL. :(  I used the Pom Pom Flower technique---> here. So easy!

Thanks so much for peeking today! So glad the weekend is just around the corner. Have a great one!




The 411
Paper: Wild Wasabi CS, Very Vanilla CS- SU!, Chloe's Closet PP- Making Memories
Stamps: Short & Sweet- SU!
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Creamy Brown- Colorbox
Tools: Double Crochet Lace border punch- EK Success, Peony Nestabilities- Spellbinders
Accessories: Ribbon, pearls, button, twine

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Crib Notes

Hi ya friends,
A few friends of mine are just getting started on the baby race so I thought I'd help these new mommies out with a few crib notes.
Here's what I created with the help of my Cricut:

A crib box with notes
side view:
I embossed a piece of tissue paper so it would look like a baby blanket. For the crib bedding (Box) I used a sheet of SEI Bridgeport Cardstock.

Let's peek at the inside:

I've created 8 cards and included 8 envelopes that are tucked inside.
Here are the cards:
The bottom of each card is embossed with one of the Cuttlebug Embossing Borders from the Just My Type Collection. (click on a pic to see a closer peek.) I love those cute little buttons :) These adorable little critters are from the Create a Critter Cricut Cartridge. I LUUUUUUUV this cart!!! They are just adorable! And the best part is that they are super easy to assemble because there are no little pieces. Yaaay! I think this is the best cart in the new release. These are simple cards so I could easily mass-produce (because I'll be making 24.) I think new moms can always use a cute little Thank You card. Babies get lots of gifts :)
ETA: The cards are standard A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").The critters are cut at 3"
Here's the envelope:
Again you see I've used the CB Embossing border along the edge of the flap so that the card & envelope coordinate :)

 I used my Gypsy to find a crib since I did not see one in the New Arrival Cart. How does that cart NOT have a crib??? There are several deets to creating the crib so I'll create a video Tut this weekend. It's not hard, it's just that there are lots of details :)
Quickie Deets: 
To create the crib, you'll need:
3- 7" cribs (Everyday Paper Dolls Cart)
Base Box: 6 1/2" x 11" cardstock (score at 4 1/2" and 6 1/2" along long side)
Attach 2 sides of crib & cut 3rd crib for the sides.

Here's one last peek at it:
You can find all the products for this project at the YMH Store.
Thanks so much for peeking! I'm ready for the weekend. Are you?
Gotta Go!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Gum Ball Fun- Card Angel Program

Hi friends,
I have a card to share with you today I had so much fun playing with. Well, I had fun with the image :)
Here's my card: (2 pics 'cause I didn't know which was better :(
 It was the first inking of this cute stamp set by SU! called Something Sweet. Such a fun & versatile little set. For the gum balls, I decided to use dew drops. I stamped the sentiment directly on the ribbon & tied the ends so it looked like a candy wrapper itself. (Don't know why it's so blurry- not like that IRL???) I added a little highlight with Copic BG10, & added Crystal lacquer to the gum ball stand.

My blog "sister from another Mr." Kathy, shared about being a chemo card angel in this post --->here. I thought it was a brilliant idea & something I definitely wanted to be a part of so I signed up. The goal of the chemo card angel program is to brighten the lives of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with a weekly card of encouragement.

I was paired up with a young boy, so my mission is to make more boy cards for him. So far I've sent these cards:
I had the first 2 in my small stash of cards, so it wasn't hard to get started. I hope he likes them & that they bring a smile to his face :) If you'd like to join us as a chemo card angel, you can find more info---> here.
Thanks for peeking!




The 411:
Stamps: Something Sweet- SU!
Paper: Quite Contrary- My Mind's Eye, Garden Green CS, Very Vanilla CS- SU!
Ink: Riding Hood Red- SU!, Rich Cocoa- Memento, Creamy Brown Chalk- ColorBox
Accessories: Nesties Labels 8- Spellbinders, Dew Drops, Ribbon, twine, 3D Crystal Lacquer, Copic BG10

Monday, April 19, 2010

CI Appreciation Frame

Hola friends,
Last Saturday, I was invited to attend a special customer appreciation luncheon at my LSS. We had a yummy lunch & made 3 easy projects and this was one of them:
It's a tri-panel frame made with an Accucut die.  We used the new T!m Holtz birdcage die to embellish along with some pretty flowers. There's room for up to 3 pics & is very dimensional. It does shut closed- very cute, huh! My peeps at CI Scraps are the bestest!
Thanks for peeking!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Poppy Power- MOJO134

Hello friends,
I have this card to share with you for this week's Monday Mojo Sketch Challenge.
Here's the sketch:
 Here's my card:

Here's a peek of the glossy sheen on the poppies:

I departed a little from the sketch, but since I usually stick to it, I think I'll be forgiven by the Mojo Makers this week :) I was obsessed with this paper line (what a shocker, right???) so when it was being clearanced out, I hoarded! (yet another shocker ;) It's a very bold color palette- not for the shabby chic-er- but I love it! Now to finish up the innies & away it will go to my good friend.
Thanks for peeking!




The 411
Paper: Pretty Poppies- Autumn Leaves, Pure Poppy CS- PTI, White CS, Black CS
Stamp: True Friendship- Teresa Collins
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, black chalk ink
Tools: Double Crochet Lace border punch- EK Success
Other: Pure Poppy button- PTI, ribbon

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Perfectly Aged Wine Tag

Howdy Friends,
Today I have a simple project to share with you. I made this sweet little wine bottle tag using my Cricut. I'll be taking it as a Hostess gift for a little shindig I'll be going to on Saturday.
Here it is:
I made the tag with the Preserves Cartridge cut at 4". I cut the grapes from the same cartridge & added Grapes & Leaves Dew Drops to create 3D grapes. I'm so tickled with how that looks :) I also used one of the CB Embossing Borders from the Pop Culture Collection to emboss the background. It gave it a basket weave kind of look that I will be recreating for another project- love that! I stamped the sentiment directly on the Pebbles Inc Ribbon (lavender). I added a bit more of that FAB Pebbles Inc Ribbon to the top hole. I tied a piece of twine to attach it to the bottle. So Easy!

Here's a closer peek at the tag:
The Dew Drops & Pebbles Inc Ribbon are on sale at YMH Store---> Here!
Thanks for peeking today :) So glad you did!
Gotta Go!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Cinema Saturday Challenge- Up!

Hi there friends!
Today I'm participating in Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge for the movie:
 I have to admit that when I saw commercials for this movie, it didn't catch my attention. My attitude was "I'll pass on the old guy." One of my friends kept raving about how much he enjoyed it so I ended up taking my little one. Well, here I am 15 minutes into the movie & guess what I was doing? WEEPING!!! I am not a crier, but it was so moving. If you haven't seen this movie I won't spoil it for you, but the final verdict for this movie was that I LOVED it! It was soooooo funny, touching, action-packed, great movie. Not just a great kid's movie. I mean a great movie- period!

Anyhoo, here's my card:
It's a very simple card. My inspiration was one of my fav parts of the movie when Doug (the dog) yells "Squirrel!" as he's so easily distracted (totally reminding me of my boys!). I totally laughed out loud at that scene :) Pixar just does not disappoint. Very creative peeps at that company!

I used the Doodlecharms Cricut Cart to make "Doug" and the balloons came from A Child's Year cart. As you can see, the balloons spell "Squirrel!" I did some faux stitching around the sides to frame it.

Thanks so much for peeking today! Don't forget to check out the 3 blog candies I'm offering for my blogoversary!
Gotta Go!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

1 Year BLOGOVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi friends!
I'm so excited that you are sharing this little bit of your day with me because today is THE day- my 1 year Blogoversary! Yaaaaaaaay!

I truly, honestly cannot believe I've been blogging for a year. I started this blog because I said I'd NEVER do it- and so, being the rebel that I am, I had to rebel against myself! :) This blog has been such an AMAZING adventure! I've met so many wonderful friends- some who I truly consider friends even though I probably couldn't pick them out of a line up! (Hee! Hee!) Ok, maybe I could because they would be the ones with inky fingers & glitter on their faces! :) During this amazing ride, I've been published, been part of the YMH Design Team, received awards from blog friends, won some challenges- just oh SO much! One more thing I'm so thankful & grateful for is that everyone who has stopped by my blog & took the time to leave comments has been nothing but positive. Thank you for that. I truly appreciate your kindness and generous praise :) THANK YOU!

So are you ready for the Blog Candy...
Here we go!

You know I love things in threes. Why 3? I like 3. Three is a good number ;) so for my 1 year blogoversary I'm not just offering 1 blog candy, I'm offering... THREE! Yaaay!

THE RULES (Boo! Hiss!)
I know, I know don't like rules, but, we need to have them. In order to be eligible for the blog candy here's what you need to do & should know:

1) You do not have to be a follower or subscribe to my blog to be eligible. While I'm truly humbled & appreciate the 92 followers (OMG!) who have decided to follow my blog, I want you to follow because YOU WANT TO, because YOU LIKE what I share here, not because there's blog candy involved. So if you are not a follower, you may enter into ONE blog candy of your choice.

2) Followers: As a thank you,  you may enter in 1... or 2... or ALL 3 blog candies that you'd like! BUT you may only enter 1 comment for each blog candy. You do not have to post this on your blog, but it's so very kind of you if you do :) You can only win ONCE (if you happen to win more than one.)

3) Entries will be in the form of a comment in the comment section of each post. There will be 3 separate posts- one for each blog candy so be sure to scroll down to each one. Just make sure you haven't left more comments than you're allowed, or no candy for you :(

4) You may leave any message in your comment, but if you have any special requests for tutorials, suggestions, questions or anything else- let's hear it!

5) Anyone who does NOT follow the rules becomes INELIGIBLE for the prizes, and must serve detention. But, seriously PLAY FAIRLY!!! Anyone not adhering to the rules will be disqualified & your entries become null & void. No exceptions, No excuses!!! I will be checking with my TEACHER eyes- very closely for cheaters. I've been in the trenches for 14 years so I'm all over the cheater ways. I will be checking & monitoring closely!

6) The deadline for the blogoversary blog candies is 9:00 P.M. FRIDAY, APRIL 30TH (Pacific Standard Time). The winners will be announced on Sunday, May 2nd (my grammy's birthday :) Hello Kitty's beautiful assistant:
                                 (no, I did not take this pic :)
will use Random.org to choose the 3 winners & will post it on the blog.

7) Winners must reside in the U.S. (sorry to my friends from abroad- shipping would be too costly :( please include your name, city/state, & a way I may reach you if you are a winner (i.e. email). If I don't have a way to contact you or you don't respond, Hello Kitty's beautiful assistant will draw another name through Random.org.

If you have any questions, please leave them on THIS post. I will answer them here. So...
Thank you for celebrating with me and GOOD LUCK!

Blog Candy #1: My Favorite Things- Stampin' Up! Collection

Hi friends,
This is Blog Candy #1: My Favorite Things- Stampin' Up! Collection
Here it is:

The Whole Enchilada:
Like many of you, Stampin' Up! is what created the monster you've come to know on my blog :) So it's only appropriate to chose it for my blogoversary. This collection includes some of my favorite SU! products.

In this Collection, you will receive:
* Stampin' Dimensionals: (luuuuuuuuuv! My favorite foam tape)
* God's Beauty Stamp set- New & Unmounted (One of my all time favorites! Such a beautiful butterfly & all the images are fab!)
* Gift Card Holder I created for my  video tutorial---> Here
* a $25 Shopping Spree at the awesomely amazing Patti Lee's (I misspelled her name on the pic :( grrr.) SU! Online Store. Why Patti Lee? Well, because she was the VERY FIRST person to ever leave a comment on my blog & I think that's AWESOME!!! Yup, I wear that like a badge of honor 'cause I just luuuuv her blog---> Creations by Patti!
* Raffaello - because it's Blog Candy! You can't offer blog candy without any candy, right! That's how I do it ;)

Before your fingers get fiesty, remember to read THE RULES---> HERE. Leave your comment(s) on this post for Blog Candy #1.  Oh, and because no one ever wants to be the first one to leave a comment, Hello Kitty has offered to take one for the team. She's first, then it's all yours :) Good Luck friends!