12 Tags of 2013- April

Hi ya friends,
Today I'm sharing my tag for this month. I'm so happeeeee that I haven't missed any for this year!
Here's Tim's tag:

Here's mine:

 I was very excited to play with T!m's Distress Paints & his technique for April's tag. Mine didn't marbleize as nicely as his, so I'm going to have to practice some more. I didn't have the stamp set he used so I subbed the dragonfly for the butterflies.

Here's a closer peek:

 OMG! Do you see that?! I actually used tissue tape DECORATIVELY for once!!! Lol! The butterflies were stamped on the clear sheet & then I added some Stickles on top.

Stamps used:
The butterflies came from the Mini-blueprints 2 stamp set
Skyline from City Central Stamp set
Clock from Life's Possibilities Stamp set

I have so much fun getting artsy with the tags each month. It's so freeing to create for the sake of creating. But it's not a smooth process for me- here's how it usually goes...
      I start off stressed out when I see I don't have the particular stamps or embellishments T!m uses. Ugh... Then I look at the technique for the tag & doubt it will come out ok...I tell myself to use what I have & give the technique a try. BE OPEN!!! I completely emerse myself in the process and get artsy! Then I'm usually surprised at how much I like the final result. LOL! Yup, I'm a whackadoodle *Ü*

Thanks for peeking today!
Tootles!

Graduation 2 ways

Hello friends,
I have one more graduation card coming your way today.
Here it is:

 I used my school colors of red, white & blue. It's pretty simple but I wasn't sure about the "2013" so I changed it up to this:

I think I like this better.

I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch: (flipped)

I've got a busy day today so ...
Gotta go!

Blogoversary Winner!

Hi friends,
Thank you all for your comments! The Anna Griffin goodies goes to...

Which is:

1. 
   My Creative TherapyApril 14, 2013 at 4:44 PM

   Karli ~ Congrats on 4 years! I've been following by email for a few years now...I better check if I'm in the follower list! And my fav company would have to be My Favorite Things. The Pure Innocence girl reminds me of my daughter when she was little :) And I love the dies too! Thanks for the opportunity to win some goodies!
   
   Hugs,
   Kathi

   
   

   Kathi, please click on the "email me" button on my sidebar & I'll get your goodies out to ya!
   
   But don't be blue if it wasn't you this time. My blog pal Shelly has some great blog candy she's offering:
   

   

    check it out --->HERE! You've got til' May 3rd!
   
   Thanks a million everyone!

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop- April

Hi friends,
Today I'm participating in PTI's monthly blog hop.
The challenge was to create something TILTED- Design on an angle. I'm game!
Here's my card:

 I recently broke down & ordered this stamp set. I need another flower set like I need...well...ANOTHER flower set! But I just couldn't resist it any longer- it's stunning! I used the largest single rose & 2 of the large clusters & placed them at an angle across the lattice background. You might have noticed I also stamped the sentiment on an angle as well. I heat embossed that in white. I embossed the lattice with the woodgrain plate, but it's hard to tell.

Here's a closer peek:

I added a few sequins (since I had fun with those from the last challenge *Ü* ) and also added a few pearls with my Viva pen.

Here's a peek at the innies:

Thanks so much for peeking today! Don't forget, today is the last day to get in on my blogoversary candy---> I'll be choosing a winner tomorrow! Check it out & leave your comment ---> HERE.
Tootles!


The 411 
Stamps: The Sweet Life- PTI
Ink: Berry Sorbet, Pure Poppy, New Leaf, Simply Chartreuse- PTI, Blushing Bride- SU
Paper: Bazzill cs
Tools: Woodgrain Plate, The Sweet Life dies- PTI, Lattice Frame die- Cheery Lynn, Viva Decor pen, sequins, white embossing powder

Cards for a Cause

Hi friends,
While making my rounds on SplitcoastStampers, I came across "Cards for a Cause." This is how it's described, "So just what is the Splitcoaststampers Cards for a Cause Challenge? It is simply an invitation to create a card and donate it to the "cause of the month." Everyone is invited to play along!"

For the month of April, the cause organization is St. Baldrick's Foundation. They award grants for childhood cancer research. Say no more...I'm in!

Here's the card I made:

I used a very old Sizzix die for the cupcake (the big red ones!) I haven't used it in ages & it brought back some fond memories of my early teaching days---> long before electronic die cutting machines. I have all my old Sizzix dies & I won't part with them! never... ever!
Back to the card: I used my newest fav paper Happy Day by MME because it does make me happy *Ü* The background paper is embossed with the CB cupcakes embossing folder, the front panel is partially embossed to leave room for the greeting with the CB Swiss Dots EF. I added a few sprinklings of Viva pen to the icing. 

I used this week's Sweet Stop sketch:

and this inspiration pic

 from a new challenge blog called Creative Claws (I thought it was about kitties *Ü* but it's about nail art inspiration. Luuuv! This will be a fun challenge to play along with and get some inspiration for my own claws *Ü*

Friends, I am blessed that my boys are healthy. Sadly, I have had students, friends, and loved ones who have battled cancer. I can't image what it's like for these parents & children. So if sending some cards will help, I'm in. I am sending a few more cards I've had in my stash along with this one.

You can read all about the SCS Cards for a Cause and ST. Baldrick's Foundation---> HERE. I'll be joining this group each month & hope you can too!

Have a healthy, sweet, creative day!
 

ConGRADulations

Hi ya friends,
I have a graduation card to share today. I don't have a particular person in mind yet, but I do have several grads I need to make cards for, so it will definitely be going to one of them.
Here it is:

 I used MFT's Inspired by Knowledge stamp set (yes... again... sigh) I luv, luv, luv this set & I'm warning you, this may not be the last time you see it! It's so easy to use & it's classy & classic. I heat embossed the cap & books on black cardstock with black embossing powder. Although it may look like it's glittered, it's not. It's just a reflection of the shine.

Here's a closer peek:

 I ran the Picket Fence DI marker to define the pages. The sentiment comes from PI Book in Hand stamp set. That was heat embossed with Silver powder.

Here's a peek at the innies:

I used this week's AWESOME sketch at MFT. (rotated it)

I think I'll be using this one quite a bit!

Thanks so much for peeking today!
 Have a goodie!


The 411
Stamps: IB Knowledge, PI Book in Hand- MFT
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Paper: Black cs, Gray cs, Silver cs, Graduation caps- Sandylion
Tools: Fishtail Banner Dienamics- MFT
Other: Black embossing powder, Recollections alpha Glitter stickers, black floss, DI marker

You are my Sunshine

Hi friends,
 I saw several challenges out in the blogosphere that caught my eye & decided to play along using some of the stamp sets I bought recently and haven't used yet.
Here it is:

 I was sold on the sentiment you see on the card! It's the song "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray..."  I luv the way it says "happeee" *Ü*  Also, it brought back some sweet memories of when I used to sing this song to my boys when they were not feeling well. It was like their "sicky song" kinda like Sheldon (in The Big Bang Theory) has his song "Soft Kitty" *Ü* I stamped the background pattern in several different inks to create that ombre effect.

Here's a closer peek at the tag:

 I created the tag from white cs then used my Distress Inks on it. I stamped the suns (from the same stamp set) fussy cut them, & popped them up for dimension. Then, I sprinkled some little gold sequins for good measure. The strip of white shimmer cs is embossed with the clouds embossing folder. See that stitching detail? Faux...still... haven't taken the plunge to use my sewing machine yet! That thing is scary! Lol! This card is pretty CAS for me.

Here's a peek at the innies:

 Simple.

I used this week's Sweet Stop sketch:

I also want to play along in the following challenges:
Just Us Girls: Ombre
Addicted to Stamps & More: Anything Goes
Crafty Creations: No pattern paper
Top Tip Tuesday: No machine sewing (No problem! HA!)
Tuesday Throwdown: Focus on the Sentiment
Flat Friends: Real or Faux Stitching (Mine happens to be real FAUX ;)
My Craft Spot: Anything Goes
Pile it On: Embossing
Sweet Stamps: Stamp your own background paper

Thanks so much for peeking today. Also, my thoughts & prayers are with friends in Boston.
Try not to let them take your sunshine away...

The 411 
Stamps: My Sunshine- Darcie's,  Fanfare- Avery Elle
Paper: card stock: Cajun Craze cs, White cs, Shimmer White cs, More mustard cs
Ink: Butter Bar, Soft Apricot- Hero Arts
Barely Banana, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Dusty Durango, Cajun Craze- SU
Wild Honey, Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade- Distress Ink
Tools: Clouds Embossing Folder- Darice, fishtail flag dienamics- MFT
Other: sequins, white gel pen

Have a cupcake!

Hi friends,
 Today I have a birthday card for a friend who's having a birthday this week.
Here it is:

 This is not one of my attempts at CAS as you can see! There are layers galore. Ahhh, comfort zone- I'm baaaaack! *Ü* I used Anna Griffin papers (which is probably why it's all layered up :) The cupcake is not a die ---> gasp! but I made it from scratch ;) I stamped the sentiment (from the Birthday Sentiments from MFT) in Close to Cocoa ink & cut it in the shape of a cupcake liner, then I added the frosting on top. Seriously, this stamp set is a MUST HAVE! Luuuuv it!

Here's a closer peek:

I added score lines with my MS Score Board & rubbed the ink pad over the top to make those ridges pop. Then I added pearls with my viva pen over the frosting.

Here's a peek of the innies:

Yup, that sentiment is from the same set. I added a little strip of pattern paper & then added the cupcake border (that's an EK Success punch- cuteness, right?!) Those little spots where the cherries should be are calling my Viva Pen. I must heed the call to embellish!!!

Here's a quickie tute on how I made the frosting:

I used one of the flowers from the Prima Donna Petals Dienamics (MFT).

Ink up the edges (I used Blushing Bride) and cut them down the middle.

Then layer them as desired:

Easy as pie  cupcake!

I used this week's MFT sketch:

Thanks for sharing a few crafty moments with me today!
Ciao bellas!

The 411 
Stamps: Birthday Sentiments- MFT, Mini Banner Day Alphabet
Ink: Close to Cocoa,  Blushing Bride- SU, Chestnut Roan -Colorbox
Paper: Olivia Collection- Anna Griffin, Regal Rose, Whipped Cream, Pink cardstock
Tools: Prima Donna Petals dies, Mini Banner Day, Fishtail Flags Dienamics- MFT, cupcake border- EK Success, Scalloped Edge Frames, Oval Nesties- Spellbinders
Other: Viva decor pen, button, twine

Studio K- The tour!

Hi ya friends,
Today, I am your hostess and guide of my craft room I call "Studio K."
I did the voice-overs when I was still fighting a cold so during some parts I sound more congested than others! I apologize for that. If you have any questions about anything in particular that you'd like me to explain or focus on a little more, please let me know in the comments section of this post here on my blog, & I will answer them.
Thanks for watching & I hope you enjoy *Ü*

Blogoversary- Year 4!!!

Hello crafty friends,
Today marks a special day around the blog-o... It's my 4th Blogoversary! How the time flies when you're having fun! It's hard to believe I've been sharing my crazy concoctions for 4 years now. I would like to thank each and every one of you who pop in to see what I've got to share, who email me, and those who take the time to leave your sweet comments *Ü* I truly appreciate each and every one of them---> and YOU!
So, are you ready to see what I've got for ya this year? I hope so, because this is going to be a GREAT giveaway! Wait, not just great, but GRIFFIN great! *Ü* (squeal!)

I present the 2013 Crafting with Class Blogoversary Blog Candy:

If you've spent some time around my blog, you'll know that I LUUUUUUV Anna Griffin. She was the FIRST designer that I was introduced to when I started crafting 4 years ago. It was her gorgeous work that inspired and influenced my "more is more" design style. So, I could not let another year go by & not showcase her products as my blogoversary candy.

The deets: You will be getting loads of her beautiful papers, floral stickers, ribbons, journaling tags, titles, floral resin embellishments, decorative corners, tabs, and flocked stickers.
That pic is quite pretty, but I feel like even with all that, there's something missing...hmmm...something should go in that empty space on the top right, don't ya think?!

I know! How about some of her BEAUTIFUL, brand-spankin' new embossing folders!

 You've seen how much I have used mine & i absolutely luv the designs- (as if Anna could do any wrong by me ;) I have chosen my three favs. (2) 5 x 7 folders,  (1) 4 x 6 folder, and (3) border folders.

Here's the whole garden of Griffin goodies:

So what do you need to do to play along? Simple! Leave ONE comment answering the following question:
Who is your favorite designer or stamp company? What do you luv the most about their products or designs?----> you never know... you might see them in future blog candy giveaways...
 and don't worry, spelling doesn't count ;)

Now for the rules:
Booo! Hisss! Keep calm & read on...

1) PLAY NICELY WITH OTHERS! Do I really need to explain this?

2) ONE comment per person. Additional comments will be deleted.  I will be watching with my teacher eyes and you know I have been trained in the ways of cheaters by the BEST, MOST EXPERIENCED people in the country---> High School students! *Ü*

3) U.S. residents only. (sorry friends from a far... shipping costs prohibit :(

As with any other blog candy I've ever offered, you DO NOT need to be a follower.  Follow this blog only if you like the crazy crafty concoctions I share :)  I'd rather you follow because you want to, not because there's blog candy up for grabs. BUT... (yes, there is a but) if you ARE a follower,  I will be adding even MORE Griffin Goodies to your prize pack that will be bursting out of the box!!!
My sincerest gratitude to the nearly 500 followers of my blog. Good googly moogly! Thank you!

Deadline: You have until midnight, Thursday, April 25th (PST)
 As with the previous years, my beautiful assistant: (sadly, not my actual kitty :(

will use random.org to choose a winner. The winner will have until Sunday, April 28th to claim their prize or my beautiful assistant will choose again.

Here's a pic of one of the happiest days ever! Meeting Anna Griffin at CHA:

 

She had her arm around my shoulder & I was hoping she wouldn't feel my heart thumping through my shirt! I am the MOST unphotogenic person ever & was praying that I wouldn't come out looking like a mutant with 4 chins. Well, it turned out good enough for me! She's as lovely in person as her papers & embellishments *Ü*.

 

If you want to see why I luuuv Anna Griffin so much you may want to peek at her Pinterest boards---> HERE.  

Again, THANK YOU for 4 years of bloggy goodness! Thank you & big hugs to my blog pals that I've known since the beginning.

Tootles!

Poppy Sympathy

Hello friends,
I'm back with another sympathy card for a friend who lost her dad.
Here it is:

I used MFT's Pretty Poppies stamp set & Dienamics (luuuuv this set!) The background is embossed using...wait for it... an Anna Griffin folder! Yes, probably my fav so far. It's called Poppies & it's a beauty! I embossed the white cs Fishtail Flag with T!m's Rays folder. I wanted it to look like rays pointing up to heaven. The colors used are Wild Wasabi & Baja Breeze. I luv that color- so I'm sad to see it on the retired list.

Here's a peek at the innies:

The sentiment is from PTI's Blooming Button Bits.

I hope my dear friend finds some comfort in this card & that I won't need to make another sympathy card for a long time.

I used the current sketch at Cardabilities:

Thanks so much for peeking today. Two more sleeps & the weekend will be here! Yay!

Tootles!

With Sympathy

Hi friends,
Today I have a card we card makers don't like to have to make---> a sympathy card.
Here it is:

I stamped the fans on vellum card stock (heat embossed with gold) and then colored them with Copics. These stamps are very detailed & oh so pretty. They're from Graphic 45 & part of the GORGEOUS Bird Song Collection.

Here's a closer peek at them:

Do you see that beautiful embossing on the gold card stock? It's an Anna Griffin folder called Acanthus.

Here's a different peek at that:

I also used my gold Viva pen along the edges & on the fans *Ü*

 Here are the innies:

I used this week's Sweet Stop Sketch:

Thanks for peeking today!
Tootles~